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HABBITAT FOR HUMANITY OF UTAH COUNTY

June 2014

EDGE HOMES JOINS HABITAT FOR HUMAITY OF UTAH COUNTY IN NATIONAL BUILDING EFFORT Edge Homes is partnering with Habitat for Human-ity of Utah County to raise walls on a new three bedroom home in partnership with a low-income family seeking decent and affordable housing in Saratoga Springs, as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz 2014.

During this year’s event, the nationwide project seeks to build and renovate nearly 260 homes, thanks to the skilled labor provided by local professional homebuilders and construction firms.

Home Builders Blitz 2014 is a partnership between Habitat for Hu-manity and the building industry to build homes across the nation. Builders and Habitat affiliates work closely to organize all aspects of building, including securing subcontractors and suppliers, fund-raising, and seeking donations of materials. Builders participating in the program this year will work with more than 80 Habitat affili-ates.

“Many of Habitat’s most prolific supporters have come from the building community whose members un-derstand the importance of creating strong communities,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We are incredibly grateful that so many home builders choose to give of their time, talent and resources to help build hope in the lives of families in need of decent shelter.”

Locally, Edge Homes generously donated the Saratoga Springs property, has gathered subcontractors and suppliers to obtain materials and professional labor for the build and will be heading up the build in partnership with the local Habitat affiliate.

The Home Builders Blitz 2014 home will be located at 257 West 3580 South, Saratoga Springs, will be sold to Heather McAllister and her family, and will begin with a groundbreak-ing ceremony this coming Monday, June 9th, at 9:00 a.m. at the home site. A ribbon cutting will be held on June 23rd at 9:00 a.m. with an open house to follow from 10-2. All inter-ested community members are invited to attend.

HABITAT TO SPONSOR HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS TRAINING

As part of the affiliate’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, Habitat for Humanity of Utah County will be sponsoring a special Healthy Neighborhoods Training on Thursday, June 5, 2014, for all Provo Neighbor-hood Chairs and other interested neighborhood residents. The training will begin with dinner at 6:00 p.m. at the South Franklin Community Center in Provo.

The facilitated training will give leaders ideas for improving their neighborhoods and help them take the first step in accessing available community resources for their areas. Habitat for Humanity of Utah County expanded its mission three years ago to include neighborhood revitalization activities including purchase rehabilitation and restoration and critical home repair and beautification projects. Habitat cur-rently provides critical home repair and beautification grants and no-interest loans to low-income home-owners, seniors and Veterans living in Utah County and works with professional labor and volunteers to complete the needed repairs and projects. The organization was also recently selected to administer Provo City’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program and is working with local neighborhood leaders to en-gage and train residents and assist with exterior painting, planting and other beautification activities.

For more information about the training and/or the other neighborhood revitalization program, contact Ashley Larson at (801) 344-8527 or ashley@habitatuc.org.

News

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What’s

• Another Photo Blog by Kristi! Check out this wonderful photo blog by Kristi Burton about a fantastic Habi-tat for Humanity partner homeowner family living in Orem, Utah. http://www.kristiburtonphotography.com/2014/05/happy-yellow-house-project-habitat/

• Shop at one or both of the Utah Valley ReStore Home Improvement Outlets and save big on new and used building material, appliances and furniture! New inventory daily! Details and locations at www.habitatuc.org/restore.htm.

• Go grocery shopping and help provide safe and affordable housing for families in need in our community! Sign up for Smith’s Community Rewards Program at www.smithscommunityrewards.com, link your ac-count/card with Habitat for Humanity of Utah County (#48773) and then go shopping at your local Smith’s Grocery Store. Smith’s will then provide a financial contribution to the local Habitat affiliate.

• Fun fact: Cars today are about 98% recyclable. Consider donating your recycle-ready car to Habitat and we’ll help recycle it, funding future homebuilding. Learn how: www.habitatuc.org/habitat_car_donations.html.

• Help the environment and a family in need in our community at the same time! Recycle aluminum cans and scrap metal and help the Habitat for Humanity provide safe and affordable housing opportunities in our community! Drop off locations listed at www.habitatuc.org/donate/gogreen.html.

• Check out Habitat’s FUNSAVER Site! Habitat for Humanity has partnered with VP Deals to get all the lat-est bargains on local products/venues. Check out this week’s FUNSAVER specials at www.habitatucdeals.info. A portion of your “fun” purchases will help Habitat further its housing mission in the community.

• Have you tested your home for radon yet? – Habitat is working with the Utah Cancer Action Network, Utah County Health Department, and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality to encourage community members to test their homes for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, causing an esti-mated 22,000 deaths of year in the United States. Habitat offers test kits at the Orem and Spanish Fork ReStores or online for just $6.00! Learn more at www.habitatuc.org/radon_awareness.html.

• Need tools for your upcoming summer projects? Stop by Habitat for Humanity of Utah County’s tool lend-ing library and “check out” needed tools and lawn care items for free. New tools have been added recently. The lending library, located inside the Habitat ReStore at 340 South Orem Blvd., Orem, is open Monday through Saturday from 10-6. An application and proof of residency are required. Look online at www.habitatuc.org for more information. If you live in Provo and need tools for a neighborhood project, Habitat’s Mobile Tool Library might be your answer. Contact Laura at (801) 344-8527 or laura@habitatuc.org.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PARTNERING WITH COMMUNITY ACTION ON TYRAY GARDEN

Habitat for Humanity of Utah County is working with Community Action Services and Food Bank to create a com-munity garden in its TyRay Homes Project at 1020 North 950 West, Provo. The TyRay Community Garden, named in memory of longtime Habitat supporters, Ray and Tye Noorda, is one of a number of gardens that Com-munity Action is starting in Provo and will include raised beds where community members can plant a garden for a small fee. An unveiling ceremony will be held later in the month. Details to follow.

“Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer’s year — it brings

to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul.” ~Author Unknown

Benefits of Homeownership –

“In addition to tangible financial benefits, research has shown that homeownership brings substantial social benefits for fami-lies, communities, and the country as a whole.”

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The Power of Women – Habitat for Humanity of Utah County held its annual National Women Build Week event May 3rd through May 9th at the George Taylor, Jr. renovation and restoration project in Provo. Various women throughout the community helped to work on the historic home during the annual week. First Lady of the State of Utah, Jeanette Herbert, kicked off the week with some inspirational remarks. She also stayed to help work on the home with Lowe employ-ees and community volunteers. Paige Hol-land, wife of UVU President Matt Holland, joined in the fun during the week as well. The week was culminated with a big pizza party! Special thanks to our major sponsor, Lowe’s, and all those that helped to make the week a huge success.

WESTERN METALS GIVES ANNUAL EARTH DAY DONATION - Western Metals Recycling presented a check to Habitat for Humanity of Utah County ReStore Director, Rick McBride, recently at their recycling site in Provo. The generous donation was determined based on the amount of scrap steel and non-ferrous metal that was recycled at company's Ironton location during April's Earth Day week. We appreciate Western Metals annual donation and their continued support of Habitat's local recy-

TIMBER! - Habitat for Humanity of Utah County’s Washburn Reams Estates project finally got underway the last part of May. Habitat Board member, Kenny Seng, and his employees took the large trees down at the project site in preparation for property improvements. The Washburn Reams Estates project will be a three home subdivision at 525 North 1060 West in Orem and is named in memory of Mayor Jerry Washburn and City Manager Jim Reams. Home construction will begin in Sep-tember.

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JUNE BUILD DAYS

Volunteers are currently being sought to help with construction, renovation, critical home repair, and beautification projects. Build days are now held Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Sign up online at www.habitatuc.org/volunteer.

Volunteer Opportunities JUNE VOLUNTEER

OPPORTUNITIES

CREW LEADERS AND SITE HOSTS

NEEDED TO HELP GUIDE CONSTRUCTION

Volunteers with construction experience or those wanting to improve their construction skills are being sought to participate in the affiliate's Crew Leader and Site Host Programs. Orientations are monthly. The next orientation will be on at the Habitat office in Orem on Saturday, June 21, 2014. For informa-tion, contact LeAnn at the number or email below.

Be a Hospitality Host during the Home Builders Blitz 2014 – June 9th through June 20th in Saratoga Springs

Provide meals and snacks for Home Builder Blitz volun-teers and subcontractors

Adopt a Room in the Home Builders Blitz home

Help with Orem Summerfest’s Kid’s Art Yard – June 13th and 14th

Work at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore:

• Set your own shift anytime the ReStore is open, Monday – Saturday from 10-6

• Wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket

• Orem or Spanish Fork locations

Assist with Habitat Recycling efforts.

Help with Freedom Festival Day at the Beach – July 3rd, 4th, and 5th

For more information, look online at www.habitatuc.org

or contact LeAnn at (801) 368-2250 or

leann@habitatuc.org. You can also sign up online at

www.habitat.org/volunteer.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO SERVE

ON COMMITTEES

Volunteers are needed to serve on all of Habitat’s local committees. Monthly meetings, limited time commitment, no experience necessary, varying interests and skills. For more information, contact LeAnn Hillam at (801) 368-2250 or leann@habitatuc.org.

Check out Habitat & Community Action’s Free Home Maintenance Course. The next class will be Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. The topics are: Basic Plumbing Repairs. Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and are held at the Habitat office at 340 South Orem Blvd., Orem.

At HOME DEPOT – Registration is necessary. Call store or register online. Look online for the June clinic schedule at www.homedepot.com.

At LOWE'S - you must sign up for How-To Clinics by calling 229-1485 or stopping by their store at 140 West University Parkway in Orem. Look online for June clinic schedule at www.lowes.com.

At CENTRAL UTAH GARDENS – Registration is necessary. Look online for upcoming classes at www.centralutahgardens.org/classes_events_concerts.aspx

Sanitizing Sponges

I kind of get grossed out by sponges. Do you? I just feel like they are perfect for harboring millions of germs. I do like the sponges with the rough side for scrubbing out hard-to-clean pots and pans, but end up throwing them out before their life cy-cle is over. What a waste! Instead, put them in the microwave for a couple of min-utes and watch as the microbes sizzle away.

Home Maintenance Classes

(www.listotic.com) Household H

int

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Home Maintenance Tips (www.today.com)

Keep it green: Tips to save your summer lawn

According to Audubon.org, the average homeowner spends roughly 40 hours mowing their lawn each year, and we Americans spend $8.5 billion on lawn care products and equipment. Lawns are a major part of the gardening scene, with millions of acres in this country alone.

Keeping a lawn in tip-top shape can be a big job, but my approach to it is a little more relaxed than others. For example, here's my approach to lawn fertilizing:

Fertilizing your lawn

I only fertilize my lawn a couple of times a year, once in the spring and then again in midsummer with a food spe-cially blended for lawns. You'll find these blends higher in nitrogen than other elements (the first number in a series of numbers on the fertilizer bag). Nitrogen is what stimulates vigorous growth and deep green color.

I feed only a couple of times a year because I discovered that fertilizing more often meant too much growth — I was working myself to death trying to keep it mowed and watered. So, by reducing the amount of fertilizer, I've saved myself time and energy. Also, by allowing my grass to grow longer, just by an inch or so more in summer, I've reduced my watering a bit more. The taller blades of grass cut down on water evaporation from the soil.

Fertilizing can be confusing because there are so many different blends out there to choose from. For instance, there are some that actually have pre-emergent herbicide mixed with the fertilizer to keep weed seeds from germi-nating. Turf growers have told me that if you are going to use pre-emergents, it's better not to use the blends be-cause they're not as effective as applying pre-emergents separately from the fertilizer.

Fertilizer spreader

It's always best to fertilize your lawn after mowing and when the grass is dry. If the grass is wet, the fertilizer will stick to the blades and burn the lawn.

I prefer using a spreader because it ensures equal distribution of the fertilizer across the lawn, and I always load the spreader on a sidewalk or a drive just in case I spill some, which I usually do.

To get even distribution, I set the gauge at a low setting and go over the area several times, making sure that each pass of the spreader overlaps the last. This will give the lawn a nice even color without dark streaks from over-fertilized areas. After I have fed it, I just water it in.

Lawnmower tips

The lawn mower can be one of the most neglected tools in the garden, and that's pretty ironic when you consider it's also one of the most expensive.

To keep your mower in tip-top shape, start by disengaging the spark plug. This should be done anytime you are working on your mower. Next, drain the gasoline and oil from your lawn mower. Any gasoline that stays in the tank for over a year can gum up your carburetor. You can handle these jobs by using just a few things from around the house.

A turkey baster is great for extracting the gasoline from the tank. It works better and easier than turning the mower upside down. For collecting the oil, try using a disposable aluminum roasting pan. After you've collected it, you'll want to dispose of it responsibly. You'll find many automobile maintenance businesses take used motor oil for re-cycling, and this is the most environmentally safe way to discard it.

Next, you should replace the spark plug. It's the spark plug that ignites the engine. If it's worn or corroded, you'll have difficulty starting your mower. Spark plugs are inexpensive and easy to replace.

When preparing your lawnmower for spring you should also clean the air filter and remove any old grass or debris clogging the fins of the engine cover.

And one last tip, take your mower in and have the blade sharpened and balanced. This will keep the engine work-ing more efficiently and you will get a smoother cut on your grass.

Watering

It's best to water in early morning, very early, like 5 a.m. This gives the lawn an opportunity to dry before nightfall, a time when many types of fungus are most active. This is also usually a non-peak time for most communities' wa-ter supply. It's also much better to water early only a couple of times a week than to water lightly more often. Deep soaking encourages deep root growth, whereas light watering encourages the roots to stay close to the surface of the soil, making your lawn more susceptible to heat and drought.

7 7 Another thing to keep in mind is that an actively growing lawn this time of year will require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This of course will depend on your soil type. Lawns can be a source of pride — just don't let the summer heat get the most of it, and you.

Brown spot repair

According to several Web sources, more than 60 million Americans own dogs and that means that many of these pet owners are facing the challenge of brown spots on their lawns.

What causes the brown spot? It's just like over-fertilizing! There is a high nitrogen content in pet urine, which causes the urine to burn the grass. The number one thing pet owners can do to avoid brown spots is to water the area well within eight hours to dilute the high nitrogen level. When these spots go untreated you'll need to reach for the repair kit to green the grass back up. Grass repair kits are sold commercially or you can make your own by mixing sand, seed and slow-release fertilizer

Savings Strategies (The Simple Dollar)

“The whole inspiration of our life as a nation flows out from “The whole inspiration of our life as a nation flows out from “The whole inspiration of our life as a nation flows out from “The whole inspiration of our life as a nation flows out from

the waving folds of this banner.”the waving folds of this banner.”the waving folds of this banner.”the waving folds of this banner.” ~Author Unknown ~Author Unknown ~Author Unknown ~Author Unknown

Use a Digital Camera Effectively

Whenever I’m about to travel, my digital camera is the first thing I pack. It’s an incredibly cost-efficient way to create a record of my travels. There are many obvious ways to utilize a digital camera while traveling.

One, you don’t need to make prints (unless you want to). I almost never make prints unless I have a specific need for a physical copy of the photo. Instead, I just keep all of the digital images on my computer and use them with my computer monitor as an effective digital picture frame.

Two, it’s very easy to filter the images and get rid of the ones you don’t want or need. All you have to do is hit the delete button instead of keeping that out-of-focus shot.

A digital camera means no need for film and little or no need for postcards.

Beyond that, though, digital cameras offer other possibilities. Did you take a great shot of a particular location while traveling? Turn that shot into a print, put it in a tasteful frame, and you have a great home decoration or even a potential gift for someone. There’s even the possibility of selling the image or selling prints of the image if you’re willing to go that route. (Generally, these options only come about with a high-end camera, though).

A digital camera is a very effective tool for saving money beyond mere travel, too.

For one, you can use it to take apartment pictures before moving in. This way, if there’s anything that’s worn or slightly damaged when you move in, you have proof that the wear or damage preceded you, which can help with getting your deposit back after the rental.

Another use is for insurance claims. Taking digital photos of your damage and getting those images to your in-surance agent quickly can get you the cash you need to fix things up right away.

I often use my digital camera for memory enhancement. I’ll take pictures of things I want to remember or things I want to research later. Then, all I have to do is flip through my pictures later on and I’ll see those things that I wanted to recall.

The best option for most people in terms of digital photography is a low-end digital camera or a higher-end cell phone. These options can take high-quality digital photographs by the thousands, and the startup cost is quite low.

I consider a digital camera to be a very effective frugal purchase for those who do not have one, though I don’t see the need to regularly upgrade such a camera. I’m still using my second digital camera (purchased in 2007, after my first one from 2002) without any problems and I’ve taken literally tens of thousands of pictures. The value of those pictures, from helping me to remember things to storing family and vacation images, is well worth what I’ve put into those cameras.

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Savings Tips (financialplan.about.com)

5 Money Saving Tips for Summer

You can save money throughout the year, but the warm temperatures of summer provide a few additional tips that can help you save even more money. Here are some things to try during those warm months.

• Turn off the air conditioning. This doesn’t mean you have to suffer through sweltering heat, but you should be aware of the weather so that you can maximize efficiency and save money by using it only when needed. For example, if it is going to be a cool night, turn off the air before heading to bed and open a few windows.

• Cook outside. Using the stove or baking in the oven can create a lot of excess heat that has nowhere to go except in your house. Consider taking meal plans to the barbecue grill outside so that you can keep your cool inside.

• Let your laundry dry outside. If you have the ability to hang up laundry outside, let the sun and warm summer breeze do the drying for you. Even if you can’t hang up clothes outside, try using your dryer on a lower heat setting or only partially drying your shirts and letting them air dry the rest of the way.

• Replace your air conditioner filters. This can be easy to overlook, but a dirty filter can increase cooling costs. Dirty filters restrict the airflow and the efficiency of the air conditioner, which translates into more run time and higher cooling costs. Filters are cheap, so replace them regularly.

• Plan ahead for future home and garden projects. As summer begins to wind down, it is a perfect time to be on the lookout for season ending sales. Landscape plants, tools, and other outdoor project materials tend to go on sale as people begin to look toward autumn and spending less time outside.

BE CAREFUL (www.utahfireinfo.gov)

Fire Safety Tips

• Crush cigarette butts out.

• Do not use fireworks in wildland urban interface areas.

• Store hazard materials in a cool, dry place.

• Obey fire restrictions regarding camp fires, outdoor cooking, and target shooting. Re-strictions change seasonally; check with local fire department before activity.

• When using equipment that may produce sparks, work before 10:00 a.m. and avoid windy conditions.

• Be sure spark arresters are installed and working properly on all portable equipment including mowers, chainsaw, weed-eaters, tractors and harvesters.

• Don’t drive vehicles – including dirt bikes – on dry grass or brush. Remember that hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can ignite dry vegetation.

• Check with local fire department and obtain permits before burning debris or fields.

• Dowse BBQ charcoal with water before disposing.

9 BE GOOD TO YOUR HEALTH (SelectHealth Total Fitness)

Your Teeth Give Clues to Overall

Health

What your dentist sees in your mouth amounts to more than just the health of your gums and teeth.

There is a strong relationship between the health of your mouth and your general health according to the American Dental Association.

Regular trips to your dentist can be an important part of preventing, diagnosing, and treating serious health conditions.

Poor oral health is associated with many health prob-lems, such as these:

• Tooth decay (cavities), which can cause pain and absence from school and work.

• Periodontal (gum) disease, caused by an in-fection under the gums. It can cause teeth to become loose, making chewing difficult. Periodontal disease can be related to heart disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia.

• Dry mouth or lack of saliva, caused by age, disease or medications. Dry mouth raises the risk of tooth decay.

Oral health can also be affected by poor nutrition and tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use.

Practice good daily oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth, and get regular checkups.

RESOURCES

Community Action Services offers Home Buyer Edu-cation Classes on a monthly basis. Classes in June will be held June 4 and 5, 2014 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and June 21, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To reg-ister, please call (801) 691-5200 or go online to www.communityactionuc.org.

People Helping People helps to strengthen families through successful employment. Program overviews are held every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. For more in-formation, call (801) 583-5300 or contact Kari at kari@phputah.org.

The South Franklin Community Center in Provo is offering a summer camp for kids ages 5-12 beginning June 17th. Sign up by June 13th. For more information, look online at www.southfranklincc.org or call Kirsten at (801) 691-5331.

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Megan Lloyd Morinda Bioactives Mountainland Applied Technology Center Nancy Mickiewicz National Women Build Week Committee Orem City Board of Adjustment Orem Lowe’s Paige Holland Pam Hansen Peggy Pasin Pepsi Peter Hill Plaid Response Marketing Group Running with Angels Sam’s Club Shelley Olsen Stacy Croninger State of Utah First Lady Jeanette Herbert Surefire Pizza US Synthetic Utah County Association of Realtors Utah Trading Co. Utah Valley Home Builders Association Utah Valley Ministerial Association UVU Women’s Success Center Valpak Wells Fargo Wendy’s Western Metals Recycling Xactware Xyron

Alara Robinson Apple Spice Junction Ashley Larson Bountiful Baskets Brenda Hiatt Brown Brothers Catering Cascade Shadows Celeste Kennard CenturyLink Corporate Alliance Costco Craig Karren Creating Keepsakes Daily Herald Dana and Ken Mathews Dave Stroud Diamond Rental Die Cuts With A View Five Star BBQ Company Hannah Hillam Heidi Price Intermountain Health Care John Fillmore Kenny Seng Construction Kevin Tippetts Kristi Burton Kyla Allen Laura Ives LeAnn Hillam Lip Notes Lonny Woolbright Marvellous Catering May Arts

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Lowe’s, Corporate Alliance, Utah Valley Home Builders Association, Utah County

Association of Realtors,

& Jeanette Herbert

Thank You

Health Neighborhoods Training June 5th 6:00 p.m. South Franklin Community Ctr.

Home Builders Blitz 2014 June 9th – June 20th 257 West 3580 South, Saratoga Springs

Home Builder Blitz Kickoff June 9th 9:00 a.m.

Building Committee June 10th 2:00 p.m. Central Bank

Orem Summerfest June 13th and 14th

Executive Committee June 13th 7:30 a.m. Orem Office

Flag Day June 14th

Father’s Day June 15th

NRI Committee June 16th 3:00 p.m. Orem Office

Development Services June 19th Noon Orem Office

Home Builder Blitz Ribbon Cutting June 23rd 9:00 a.m.

Home Builder Blitz Open House June 23rd 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Primary Elections June 24th

Home Maintenance June 25th 6:30 p.m. Orem Office

11 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5--Health Neighborhoods Training

6 7

8 9—Home

Builder Blitz Kickoff

10—Building

Committee 11 12 13—Orem

Summerfest —Executive Committee

14—Orem

Summerfest

—Flag Day

15Father’s Day

16—NRI

Committee 17 18 19D—-

Development Services

20 21

22 23—Home

Builder Blitz Ribbon Cutting Home Builder Blitz Open

House

24—Primary

Elections

—Home Main-tenance

25 26 27 28

29 30

Of Utah County

Home Builders Blitz 2014 9—20