Rutherford Weekly

Page 14 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, June 14-June 20, 2018 Continued from cover Meet Lynn Blanton, and Meet Lynn Blanton, and her daughter, Caroline her daughter, Caroline Blanton Scruggs Blanton Scruggs Lynn Blanton and her husband, John, live in Rutherfordton and have two daughters. "I started roofing about a year after they started. I started roofing when my daughter, Caroline, was in middle school. She wanted to roof. I wasn't comfortable sending her by herself so went along with her and I am still roofing. Caroline roofs now with the group in Durham, Women Roofers Too. This is how I got started but why I do it - I actually enjoy roofing and the fellowship on the roof! Also, I think everyone deserves a dry house. My greatest joy is seeing the joy of homeowners. They are so appreciative and excited." Lynn's advice? "Roofing is not for everyone. Find what you enjoying doing and go from there. If you think you might like roofing, come join us!!" Meet Hazel Meet Hazel Thompson Crook Thompson Crook "I live in Spindale with my husband, Gene Booth. I have adult children - a son, Nick, a bonus son, Josh, and a daughter, Lara." Lara and her husband, Josh Wrightson are celebrating the birth of their new daughter, Kate, who is Hazel's first grandchild. "Kate was born during the February filming for Return the Favor and is the reason I am not in the 'All the Shingle Ladies' video, said Hazel. "I was not one of the original Women Roofers but was intrigued by what they were doing and started a couple of years later. I had seen a feature article in the local newspaper about the Women Roofers - I already knew several of the ladies: Lori, Suzie, Lynn and recognized Nell's name from her work as a journalist. I have been a member of Women Roofers since Spring 2004 -my first roof was a Habitat house on Grose Street in Spindale. For several years I had been a Habitat volunteer on several committees and a Board Member; that is how I learned they were roofing that particular Saturday. I do not believe God put us here to just take up space, but to do what we can for those in need or the less fortunate'." Her greatest joy? "I would be hard pressed to identify a single 'Greatest Joy' -there have been so many. Probably the greatest is realizing I'm part of a group that can do something significant for someone who has no other alternative for a major home repair. Plus, I work with the most awesome group of women, and we're proud that we do good quality work." On missing out on the big reveal, "I did not know of the Mike Rowe special until late that evening since I couldn't work those two days. My husband had been at the filming at the barn (as part of the crowd inside) and he called me at my daughters' after he got home to share the wonderful news with me. When he told me that the filming wasn't just a documentary like we all had thought, but Mike Rowe, (we had watched him for years on Dirty Jobs and I had seen links to Return the Favor but hadn't watched any) and his group had gifted the Women Roofers with such an abundance of riches for our little rag-tag dirty jeans/overalls group. I was speechless and could not believe it! I kept saying 'you're kidding, right?!' but, he wasn't kidding and it was very real. The $15,000 credit at Henson Building Products was HUGE and I couldn't believe it when he told me we also had a $40,000 donation from GAF for shingles and roof supplies which is a LOT of roofs! What wonderful and generous gifts -Then the fabulous vacation just iced the cake. I was so pumped I couldn't sleep that night!" Hazel added, "Anyone who is considering doing something similar should just 'Do it!' Skill, or lack of, shouldn't be a deterrent; none of us had previous construction experience. By looking at us you can tell age also isn't an issue. I cannot carry a whole pack of shingles, or do roof 'valley's' and some other things, but I can nail shingles and love being a part of Women Roofers. My life is fuller and more complete because of the work we're able to do together." Meet Janet Jolley Meet Janet Jolley "I am a Woman Roofer that moved to the ground. Some of my best friends were roofers before I retired from teaching children with special needs. My plan was to finish up that career and volunteer some and that was one area, so in 2007, I got on my first roof and sort of got my roofing legs. I probably was on maybe 3 other roofs when I really saw what was happening: after hours on a hot roof these ladies got down off the roof and picked up all the shingles, felt paper, nails, roofing tacks and any bad or broken wood that did not make it to the dump truck or a dumpster. It was apparent that there needed to be someone working on the ground. It did not hurt that my last house needed a lot of new wood at the edges, and it freaked me out to think that I had to step around the ladder and over the holes in order to get on the roof. Pretty much after that, any time I was available, I was the ground person. I do not always hear the things said on the roof, but I can almost hear the sigh of relief when I drive up and no roofer has to go to the ground to pick up the nails." Janet and her husband Richard have 2 adult daughters and son-in- laws who have gifted them six grandchildren, all under the age of 10. "When my friends told me about roofing their first houses, I thought it sort of fit into my view of what part of my retirement would be like. I wanted to volunteer where I would be active, maybe outdoors, get some exercise, stretch my skills while doing good for someone I am sure we all would say helping a home owner be in a safe, dry home is our main desire. Besides Nell, who spends a while interviewing the homeowner, when I am the ground person, I probably have more opportunity to speak with the homeowner. I enjoy hearing their stories about the house, like who built it and when, hearing about their life and their love of their family and their home. I enjoy knowing that when I leave a job, I have done everything I can to have left no trace that there were roofers at their home, but a well done roof." Unfortunately, Janet was sick when the 'Return the Favor' video was filmed. "The day after the taping of the show, Susie and Lori asked me to join them for lunch and refused to tell me what happened until we met. As they told me about what happened, I was shocked and kept asking questions about every bit of their day. Their excitement was contagious so, I could not wait to see how the video unfolded. I kept forgetting the name of the show, so I was no threat to keeping the event a surprise to Rutherford County. I think the realization of all that money for materials really surpassed the vacation gift." Janet was, however, available for the live feed, 'Returning the Favor Effect' and added this, "The crew was thorough, professional, respectful, and not condescending. They made us feel that we were truly deserving of their time to help us discuss with others what we do, so others might grab the idea and start their own volunteer roofers organization." Meet Jane Williams Meet Jane Williams Jane and her husband, Roger Kalthoff live in Durham, North Carolina, and have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Jane has been roofing for 7 years. "I work with the Women Roofers because I believe that everyone has the right to have a decent, affordable place to call home including a roof that does not leak. I strongly believe in the example of Jesus who encouraged us to help our neighbor and our neighbor is anyone in need. I love the sense of companionship that is abundant in this group and, even though I live elsewhere, I always feel welcome and part of the sisterhood." Her greatest joy has been, "Having the Women Roofers come to Durham for a weekend to help start a new group-Women Roofers Too." When asked how she felt about being the recipient of those donations and the trip, Jane replied, "To be honest, I guess that I felt a little self-conscious. When you are helping others, there are no expectations for something in return although the fun of being with the group and the feeling of accomplishment are rewards within themselves." Her advice? "Stretch yourself! Try something really different! The joy of companionship, the sense of accomplishment, the thought of helping someone else, and the sheer thrill of being high off the ground are all wonderful rewards of this work." Meet Nell Perry Meet Nell Perry Bovender Bovender Nell is the executive director of Rutherford Housing Partnership and coordinator of the Women Roofers. She, and her husband, Tim, live in the Gilkey Community and have two children. "Our daughter Ali just graduated from Western Carolina. She roofs with us as often as she can. We have a son who is a school psychologist in suburban D.C." said Nell. "No one could have ever convinced me that I would spend the opening years of my 50s volunteering to roof houses. I'm not athletic. I'm too heavy. Heck, I'm not really that fond of heights. But I appear before you today, at 57, confident in my skills at roofing houses –too many to count, actually, but including three in Katrina-ravaged Mississippi. I can also tell you I live my life buoyed by the strongest friendships I have experienced in my life –thanks to roofing. In 2002, my new job as coordinator, and sole employee, of Rutherford Housing Partnership involved matching volunteers to needed repair jobs for low-income homeowners. I convinced my Sunday school class to help during that fall's Week of Caring. Their project? Under the direction of a veteran roofing repair volunteer (the mentor we now refer to as Bossman Billy) they would repair the leaky roof of a house." Nell was entangled with Mike Rowe during the filming of 'Returning The Favor' as the ruse played itself out. She spent a good bit of time with Mike as she drove him to meet the homeowners that had benefited from previous repairs. Her experience was different from the other ladies. While watching the video, it's beyond entertaining to witness their interactions, and the ultimate surprise. She describes Mike Rowe as exactly what you would expect; down to earth and genuine. "I have come through this whole event feeling overwhelmed by the gift, by the kindness and respect shared by all the film crew and Mike, but also by all the excitement and pride expressed by friends and other residents of Rutherford County who see this as recognition for us all. It's clear they are proud of what the Women Roofers do for low-income residents of Rutherford County and are glad to see us be recognized for our work." Meet Teri Whisnant Meet Teri Whisnant Teri Carlton Whisnant is married to Kim Whisnant. They have 3 children, Marty Silvers, Gayla Silvers and Chelsea Rush. "I worked on the original house and roofed for approximately one year then life kinda got in the way. I retired 3 years ago as an office manager of a local orthodontic office and started back with the WR. I started back because I wanted to give back to our community. They are a lot of great mission trips available across the world but you don't have to look far in Rutherford County to see someone that needs a helping hand. I believe in helping in your own back yard. The greatest joy is having that home owner, with tears in their eyes, to hug you and say thank you. Don't get me wrong it is hard work but the feeling of accomplishment that you did something good for someone who truly appreciates is indescribable." On the big surprise, Teri said, "We truly did not have a clue what was going on that day. We consider ourselves reasonably intelligent women but were truly surprised. When we saw and heard of the donations of shingles and supplies from GF and the account set up at Henson's we were overwhelmed at that. We thought THAT was a great gift. To say the surprise of an all expense paid vacation was beyond belief, things like that just don't happen in Rutherford County." Teri also shared some comments about her experiences being a Woman Roofer, "This is a wonderful group of women and I am privileged to be part of them. This group would not be possible without the wonderful, patient, guidance and knowledge of Boss Man Billy. He taught us all we know. I would like to say to all the women out there you can do anything you put your mind to even something that is perceived as man's work. We do need younger volunteers to pass this trade down to and to carry this ministry forward for years to come." On Mike Rowe and his crew, Teri concluded, "Mike Rowe was just as wonderful in person as he is on TV/ FB. He and his team were super even if they are the biggest and best liars I have had the privilege to meet. A big shout out to all the hard work Henson and their employees did to make this wonderful special day for the Women Roofers... Aka 'All the Shingle Ladies, Aka BadAss Women." Meet Laura Smith Meet Laura Smith Hodge Hodge Laura is a pharmacist and owner of Medicine Box of Rutherfordton. She and her husband, Todd Hodge, live in Shingle Hollow and have two children; one daughter, Grier Hodge, (who has roofed a few times) and one son, Boone Hodge. Laura has been an active member of the Women Roofers the entire time. "I was on the first roof." she said. "I roof because one of God's greatest commandments is to 'love thy neighbor as thyself'. To me, that means we should help those in need. The roof is my mission field. The roofers have become dear friends and I would be dishonest if I said I don't truly enjoy the fun that we have on the roof." On why she does it and how she reacted to the gifts, Laura tells us, "It is a great joy to see the looks on people's faces when they have a new roof that will no longer leak. It is also a great feeling to see the finished project that has been completed by a group of women (and Bossman Billy); a project that has always been considered a 'man's job'. The gifting from Mike Rowe is amazing. After each national news programs which we have been featured in, we have received gifts from various companies. Those gifts have always been products to help us work. This is the first time that we have been given something just for us, a thank-you just for us. Mike Rowe's show, Returning the Favor, is a very inspirational program. I am honored that we were considered for his show." Laura added, "I would tell others to grab a hammer and come on up. We have so much fun. If you are scared of heights, that's ok, too. There is plenty to do on the ground. For those who absolutely don't want to roof, I would say to find something or someway to help others. Find your passion." Meet Elizabeth Stover Meet Elizabeth Stover Beth Stover. and her husband Dean Baughn, reside in Greenhill township. She is a part-time instructor at ICC. "I've been a roofer for at least 12 years. I've not kept track of how many roofs we've done although I've participated in most of them." said Beth. "My Christian faith makes me do it; this is my way of giving back and being grateful for everything that God provides. Perhaps, it may inspire others to do likewise when they realize the good that it does for the community. My greatest joy as a woman roofer is the spiritual satisfaction in knowing that somehow somebody's burden might have gotten lighter as a result of my contribution." On being gifted, Beth said, "The 'Returning the Favor' surprise is humbling and wonderful and greatly appreciated!" If anyone were considering doing something similar, Beth adds, "I believe the commitment factor would really be important. The Women Roofers as a group has been blessed with minds and hearts that work toward a common goal. We work hard while having fun and fellowship during the process. The one person for whom we are truly grateful is our mentor, the Reverend Billy Honeycutt. We would not have learned what we know without his patient and diligent instruction and leadership. We are also grateful for our donors; their financial support allows us to continue our work." Meet Jane Alexander Meet Jane Alexander Bell Bell Jane and her husband, Donald live on the Broad River in Rutherford County. They have four children and enjoy nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Jane has been with women roofers about 11 years and has helped complete about 75 roofs. "I do it because I have lived a life of volunteering and I wanted to do something physical and work with this amazing group of women." said Mrs. Bell. "My greatest joy has been knowing that recipients don't have to worry anymore when it rains and that it was a labor of love." Jane was also surprised when she learned who had showed up that day. "I was totally flabbergasted with the entire experience of 'Returning The Favor'. Before that, I had never heard of Mike Rowe, so didn't connect him with anything. The favors were overwhelming. I still can't wrap my mind around it!" If you are considering doing something similar, Jane advises, "Never say never. I never thought I would ever get on a roof and now I'm one year shy of 70 and still going strong!" Her thoughts on the whole ordeal are consistent with the other Women Roofers. "Everyone connected with this entire experience is awesome and words cannot express our gratitude!" Meet Donna Meet Donna Ohmstead Ohmstead Donna lives in Forest City and has five adult children, Crisi Cooney, DaLea Beane, Erik Ohmstead, Chad Ohmstead and Lori Altamura. She enjoys one amazing granddaughter and seven, also amazing, grandsons ages 3-18 years old. "I have been a woman roofer for about 10 years. I don't know how many roofs I have worked on but I usually work when there is that opportunity. I work on 'most' of them... I just don't keep track of that." When asked why she does it, Donna replied, "Bottom line - it is nice to be needed, to be a part of this group/tribe of people who practice their faith, who work to improve some one else's life, to love making a small difference in this big world. We also get to see the area from a higher, beautiful perspective. Once we saw a triple rainbow. We have roofed in very hot weather and in the rain and snow because it needed to be done at that point and we can. The joy of this roofing work is seeing the appreciation of the home owners, seeing the beautiful functional finished roof, knowing what we did with Billy, friendship, dedication, learned skills, perseverance and faith. It is good." On being gifted, "Honestly the first thing I thought, as I wiped my eyes, was, 'Wahoo, now we can repair more roofs'. The number of roofs we do is based on supplies. There is no problem finding leaking roofs. The rest was icing on the cake. A tropical vacation is over the moon. We will go, we will play, we are so grateful." Her advice? "I repeatedly invite women to join us on the roof. I say to them, I thought it looked cool. Didn't know if I could be a roofer. I tried it. Turned out I could safely climb a ladder, stand on a roof and usually hit a nail. I loved it and I continue to learn from the very special others, plus they help me recycle everything possible."

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