RTS Energizer: All 15 volunteers, Wells Fargo Rebuilding Day

On Saturday, June 8th, 15 volunteers helped disabled homeowner, Marilynn, with critical repairs at her home. Originally, there were supposed to be around 30 volunteers to do the work that day but only 15 were able to make it in the end.  Despite this, the volunteers were determined to uphold their commitment to Marilynn so they worked twice as hard to get the all of the work scope items done in time.  As a result, the Project Leaders want to recognize the entire team as the RTS Energizer!

About the Wells Fargo volunteers:

"The leaders said the entire team because with the guidance of Richard, Morgan and Andrea they accomplished a job that should have been for 35-40 people with 15. So they are all energizer bunnies for working together and seeing it through to the finish." (written by Volunteer Coordinator, Kristi Bruketta).

RTS Energizer: Mike Breysse and Jon Baker, Assumption Parish (SRD 2013)

This Spring Rebuilding Day, volunteers from Assumption Parish did some amazing work at Pesha's house. They demolished an unsafe carport and garage, completed many electrical repairs, installed a new fridge and much more. There were so many great volunteers that Project Leader, Tim Lane, couldn't select just one Energizer, so he chose Mike Breysse and Jon Baker. "These two guys were pivotal in the success of this year’s RTS project," says Tim.

About Mike:

"Mike participated in all three Saturday’s of home repairs; he couldn’t get enough! He not only procured a lot of materials (all of the heavy stuff) but also became familiar with Puget Sound Home Depot stores as he finally located the elusive high-rise toilet after searching through three Home Depot stores and getting lots of bum tips as to its whereabouts. Mike was also our safety expert and kept all the volunteers safe after a day of demolition with a backhoe. Thanks Mike, you made the job a lot easier!" (written by Project Manager,Tim Lane)

About Jon: 

"Jon has been helping Rebuilding Together for years and of course, once again he was ready willing and able! A licensed electrician, he came in awfully handy when the main electrical meter to the house was ready to fall off the house and cut power to the whole house (I think that’s called a power drop). Anyway, Jon secured the electrical permit, performed the repairs, and worked with the inspector for the buyoff – all requiring multiple visits to the house. Jon you are pure gold – thank you!" (written byTim Lane)

Great work Jon and Mike!

RTS Energizer: Kevin Buzitis, Swinerton (SRD 2013)

On Spring Rebuilding Day 2013, volunteers from Swinerton did some much-needed repairs at a group home in Shoreline. The Project Leader and Volunteer Coordinator selected Swinerton Superintendent, Kevin Buzitis, as the RTS Energizer recipient.

Kevin hard at work on the deck

About Kevin:

"[We] wanted to send Kudos to Kevin Buzitis, Superintendent for Swinerton who did all the planning and material procurement for this project. This project could have never been completed without the help of ALL who participated at the Parkview Rebuild, but Kevin took that extra step in making sure that we had all our materials, necessary tools, and the schedule planned out for our project." (Written by Volunteer Coordinator, Melinda Dumadag)

Great work, Kevin!

RTS Energizer: Gabriel Richter Hardaker, O'Dea High School (SRD 2013)

 

On Spring Rebuilding Day 2013, students from O'Dea High School (and some parents and teachers) worked hard painting Theresa's house. They also completed yard work and secured her front deck for safety. The project leaders selected, Gabriel Richter Hardaker, as the recipient of the Energizer Award.

Gabe painting the house

 

About Gabe: 

"The Energizer Award goes to Gabriel Richter Hardaker.  I chose Gabriel for the award because he was the first to arrive at O'Dea and the last to leave.  He took his painting tasks seriously and entertained his teachers and peers with his interesting conversations.  His energy never waivered throughout the project." (written by Volunteer Coordinator, David Olinger)

 

Gabe (wearing the RTS shirt) with Theresa and other volunteers

Awesome job, Gabe!

RTS Energizer: Mike Bailey, ASCE (SRD 2013)

Volunteers from ASCE helped visually impaired homeowner, Leyah, with critical safety repairs at her home. Project Manager, Ross French, chose Mike Bailey as the RTS Energizer!

Mike (yellow hat) was working so hard that ASCE wasn't able to snap a better photo!

About Mike:

"Mike Bailey was our RTS Energizer. Mike helped by visiting Leyah’s house multiple times beforehand, helping create a materials and tools list, shopping for materials, and serving as the deck construction leader during Spring Rebuilding Day. He was in constant contact with the project manager, and made everything run more smoothly on Saturday." (written by Project Manager, Ross French)

Thanks, Mike!

RTS Energizer: Matt Sims, Emmanuel Episcopal Church (SRD 2013)

On Spring Rebuilding Day 2013, volunteers from Emmanuel Episcopal Church helped Ron, Linda, and their granddaughter living in Columbia City. Project Leaders chose Matt Sims as the standout RTS Energizer!

About Matt:

"On Saturday, Emmanuel parishioner and recent WSU grad, Matt was everywhere helping with everything: Bringing the topsoil, helping get it in the yard, hauling debris out of the property AND hauling it away (at least two trips!). On Sunday Matt returned, this time with his dad as a new recruit, and helped How finish the project (oh, and of course, there was one more trip to the dump :- ). His dad says 'We are at our best when helping others' an adage Matt certainly personifies!" (written by Project Leader, Anna)

Matt (left) with his mom Anne, another parishioner Nile Clarke, and Matt's girlfriend Kelsey

 

Great work, Matt!

RTS Energizer: BLynn Bly, Pemco Insurance (SRD 2013)

This Spring Rebuilding Day, volunteers from Pemco Insurance helped out a family of four living in Rainier Beach.  All of the volunteers did a wonderful job making the home safer and more livable for the family.  Project Leaders Rhonda Vanderford and Susan Walters selected BLynn Bly as the RTS Energizer for the day.

BLynn (right)

About BLynn:

"BLynn has volunteered for our projects the past few years. She’s always willing to help. This year she made sure we had received all the volunteer waivers, she picked up coffee for the project, and she help direct other volunteers with the yard work all the while working hard herself with a great attitude and smile on her face. Thanks BLynn!" (written by Project Manager, Rhonda Vanderford)

BLynn (right)

Great work, BLynn!

RTS Energizer: Anne Ducey, Seattle City Light (SRD 2013)

This Spring Rebuilding Day, volunteers from Seattle City Light helped disabled homeowner, Victoria, and her family with critical home repairs. Project Managers, Danielle Bricker and John Gustafson, chose Anne Ducey as the RTS Energizer!



Anne (center) with the entire yard crew!

"Anne Ducey is our "Energizer" on this years RTS Project! This is Anne's second year as a Team Leader on the yard crew. She is such an enthusiastic Team member, her smile and energy are contagious. Even after her official 'retirement' from City Light this past year- Anne came back to RTS to make a difference in the life of Victoria and her family. She tackles these tough projects with valuable insight, as one of her favorite past times is working in her own yard at home and is a member of Master Gardner's Association.

This year Anne tackled mountains of blackberries vines, piles of debris, mounds of bricks and loads of soil to create lovely flower beds and a useable outdoor living space for the family, as well as made the surroundings of the home a safer, cleaner place for children to grow up.

Cheers to you, Anne Ducey! And thank you for being the 'Energizer" for our Rebuilding Together Seattle team this year!" (written by Project Manager, Danielle Bricker)

Anne showing Victoria the backyard during the big reveal at the end of the day

 

Thank you, Anne!

RTS Energizer: Matthew Weeks, Young Professionals Society (SRD 2013)

This year the RTS Young Professionals Society (YPS) took on their first Spring Rebuilding Day house project! Volunteers helped elderly homeowner, Antonia, in North Beacon Hill. Everyone contributed a lot that day but Project Leaders, Richard Petrone and Michelle Holst, chose Matthew Weeks to receive the RTS Energizer award!

Matthew (left) working hard!

About Matthew:

"Richard and I think Matthew Weeks deserves the Energizer title - He attacked the ivy in the front yard and dominated it. He never complained and kept morale high with his jokes and dedication to the task at hand. Such a hard worker!" (written by Project Leader and YPS President, Michelle Holst)

Great work, Matthew!



RTS Energizer: Carl Ueland, Gonzaga (SRD 2013)

This year volunteers from the Gonzaga Alumni Association helped disabled homeowner, Diane, in Loyal Heights. Arnie Mondloch and Brooke Sullivan (Project Leaders and RTS Board Members) chose Carl Ueland as the RTS Energizer!



Carl hard at work, as always!

About Carl:

"Carl is a dedicated volunteer to RTS and the Gonzaga project, as he has not only participated in the annual SRD projects Gonzaga sponsors, he also is an RTS Safe At Home volunteer. For this year’s project, Carl took point for all of the handy-man tasks, including installing new interior and exterior light fixtures and a kitchen fan, among other tasks. As usual with these types of tasks, finding parts that fit the location was a challenge – and even required Carl to spend time researching, finding and ordering a part online! However, Carl really stepped up when it became clear that the wheelchair ramp would not be able to be completed on SRD Saturday. Without hesitation, Carl volunteered to return to the site the following day and even recruited a friend to come help. While significant progress was made, the ramp was still not completed as the sun set Sunday, so Carl volunteered again to return to the site the following Saturday and with Carl’s energetic push, the ramp was completed." (written by Project Manager, Arnie Mondloch) 

Fantastic job, Carl!

RTS Energizer: Linda Brown, Van Ness Feldman GordonDerr (SRD 2013)

Top sponsor group, Van Ness Feldman GordonDerr, helped Albert and his 8 year old grandson in the Central District. Volunteer Coordinator, Julie Brandsness, chose Linda Brown as the RTS Energizer!

Linda attacking the wallpaper!

About Linda:

"I would like to nominate Linda Brown as the Van Ness Feldman GordonDerr Energizer. While it’s difficult to single out one person (as we had so many team members who worked hard and were instrumental in providing Albert with a new sense of resolve), Linda took on the challenging project of removing the “fuzzy” wallpaper from the front room. This wallpaper had been on the walls for so long that it had to be hand removed one scrape at a time. Linda had identified ahead of time that she wanted to work on the wallpaper removal project, not knowing how difficult the task was going to be. It took a lot of determination and muscle power to wrestle that paper off the walls. Linda worked extremely hard and stuck with it for the entire day. She was covered in wallpaper dust from head to toe by the end, but was extremely proud of accomplishing this task that Albert had wanted done for so many years. Way to go Linda Brown of Van Ness Feldman GordonDerr!" (written by Volunteer Coordinator, Julie Brandsness)

Great work, Linda!



RTS Energizer: Ryan Hunter, WSGR (SRD 2013)

 

This Spring Rebuilding Day, WSGR completed many repairs for residents living in a group home in Greenwood. Project Leader Patti Lane nominated Ryan Hunter as this year's Energizer.

Ryan (left) spent most of the day putting in the new walk-in shower

 

About Ryan:

 

"Ryan took an active role early in the project by working with Rosen Plumbing Supply to secure a donated ADA shower and trim. In addition, Ryan worked prior to the rebuild day on determining a plan for the fencing. When it came to the rebuild day, Ryan was one of the first to arrive and the last to leave. His work in helping Kelly with the shower project was instrumental in increasing the usability of the facility for the house residents. The plumbing project included demolition and removal of a 350# cast iron tub, demolition of the existing wall finishes, alterations to the drain assembly for adaptation to the ADA walk in shower, installation of new water feeds and assembly of new fiberfab shower surround. When the plumbing was on hold for a parts run, Ryan jumped in on the fence project and dug up and removed galvanized steel posts buried in the earth with a significant amount of concrete on the bases. Ryan helped set a tone for the rebuild day with his relentless work ethic and positive attitude. Thanks Ryan." (written by Project Leader, Patti Lane)

Way to go, Ryan!

RTS Energizer: Perkins Coie (SRD 2013)

Typically, we ask our Project Managers to nominate a volunteer who went above and beyond the call of duty on a project day to feature as the "RTS Energizer!" The Project Leads, John Edwards and Lisa Miner of Perkins Coie, simply could not choose just one person. Instead of featuring an RTS Energizer, they wanted to recognize the whole group of Perkins Coie volunteers.

Volunteers with homeowner, Bernice (right)

 

 

About the Perkins Coie team:

 

"Everyone who gives their time to volunteer is going above and beyond. They all demonstrated great team spirit on that cold Saturday." (written by Volunteer Coordinator, John Edwards)

 

Thanks for all your hard work, volunteers!

 

RTS Energizer: Tracy Atkinson, Foster Pepper / Goodman Real Estate (SRD 2013)

This Spring Rebuilding Day, volunteers from Foster Pepper and Goodman Real Estate teamed up for the first time to help Tamara living in Bryn Mawr. The multiple project leaders collectively chose Tracy Atkinson (Goodman Real Estate) as this year's RTS Energizer.

Tracy (left) after removing bamboo in front of the home

Tracy (left) with Tamara (homeowner) and Austin

 

About Tracy:

 

"From the initial planning meeting to day-of the event, Tracy was excited, energetic and collaborative. I have never worked with a more resourceful and organized partner – she was able to get an incredible amount of donations, not least of which was a $500 gift card to Target for Tamara. Day of, Tracy was one of the first to come, and one of the last to leave – her commitment and excitement over the transformation happening to Tamara’s home was inspirational. This project reflects Goodman’s mission of giving back to the community in a meaningful way through safe and beautiful housing in Seattle, and Tracy was an incredible ambassador from her company to that end. I truly hope to have the opportunity to work with Tracy on another RTS project in 2014." (written by Project Leader, Joanna Boisen)

Tracy with the Project Leaders (L to R: Joanna, Greg, Tracy, Dave)

 

 

Thanks for everything, Tracy!

RTS Energizer: Mike Grove, Honeywell (SRD 2013)

On Spring Rebuilding Day 2013, volunteers from Honeywell helped residents at a group home by doing some much needed repairs. Project Manager and RTS Board President, Russ Schultz, nominated Mike Grove as the recipient of the RTS Energizer Award.

 

Mike (wearing the tan hat)

 About Mike:

"Mike worked tirelessly from 8:00am to 8:15pm leading up the kitchen improvement project. As part of this project he led the team to put in a new dishwasher, new sink base cabinet, new sink & faucet as well as all new counters. Not only did he accomplish all of this in one very long day but he did a very high quality job and made it a fun environment for the team. Mike’s talent and demeanor all contributed to a job well done. For this reason Mike is very deserving of receiving the RTS Energizer Award. (It was not easy to find a good shot of Mike as he was always deeply engrossed working on something)." (written by Project Manager, Russ Schultz)

The fruits of Mike's labor:

 

Before

After

Well done, Mike!

RTS Energizer: Arnie Marcus, Center for Spiritual Living (SRD 2013)

As part of Spring Rebuilding Day 2013, one of our top sponsors, Center for Spiritual Living, completed two projects with over 80 volunteers. Project Manager, Tim Brincefield, chose Ms. Arnie Marcus as their RTS Energizer!

About Arnie:
 
"The Center for Spiritual Living’s 2013 Energizer is Ms. Arnie Marcus, a joy and inspiration who’s been fueling our participation for 17 years with her boundless love, energy and enthusiasm.  Arnie ALWAYS has a smile on her face and is a source of joy, love, and inspiration to us all, whether she’s driving a 5 ton dump truck, wielding a pickaxe to clear dirt and sod and otherwise helping build a new driveway, all of which she did this year.  Wise in years but young at heart, Arnie brought the truck we needed at 7:30 am and didn’t leave in it until everything was done and the last of our CSL team left the 2^nd of our two Parkview Services adult group home job sites at 6:30 pm Saturday evening.  Here’s to marvelous Arnie Marcus, our Energizer on Spring Rebuilding Day and every day!" (written by Project Manager, Tim Brincefield)

Arnie (right)

Great work, Arnie!

RTS Energizers: Joel and Jose, YPS Rebuilding Day

On Dec 8th, the RTS Young Professional Society worked on the home of a family living in Mountlake Terrace (with help from a Lowe's grant). Project Leader, Anne Timmermans, had a tough time choosing an RTS Energizer among all the great volunteers that day, especially considering the weather.  Anne's initial response to choosing an Energizer was "Besides everyone who stayed out in the rain????"

In the end, Anne decided that the award should go to a pair of new volunteers- Joel and Jose! According to Anne, "they were willing to do whatever and jumped right in during the rainstorm. They also had GREAT attitudes!" Plus, YPS needed a truck to pick up a stove for the family the following week and Joel graciously offered up his truck for the service. We hope they'll continue volunteering with us in the future!!

Joel (far left) and Jose (far right)

Congrats, Joel and Jose! 

Thanks for a great first project.

RTS Energizer: Bob Bynum, GLY Foreman

 
On Nov 30th, Rebuilding Together Seattle partnered with Lowe's, GLY Construction, and NAIOP to repair Lynda's home. The winner of the RTS Energzier Award goes to Bob Bynum of GLY Construction!

About Bob:

"A carpenter’s carpenter, Bob has a passion for building and is unrelenting in his pursuit of always doing things the right way (you can say he’s a little old school in that regard). Fueled by a quick wit and a steady infusion of Dr. Pepper, Bob is an invaluable member of the GLY team and always keeps things interesting. A complicated project is no match for Bob’s tireless work ethic and attention to detail." (written by Brad Kilcup, Project Leader)

Bob working hard at Lynda's house

Thanks, Bob!

Amazing help from Wing Luke Elementary's Custodian, Peter!

In August of this year, RTS partnered with Lowe's and Carter's Kids to help 5 homeowners in South Beacon Hill and build a new playground.  There were over 100 volunteers that helped make such an amazing event possible!

The playground was built outside of the Tiny Tots at Wing Luke Elementary School.  The custodian from Wing Luke, Peter Pham, went above and beyond for RTS Staff every single day (from event preparation to execution).  Peter definitely deserves to be recognized as a RTS Energizer.  Besides being very friendly and welcoming, he was always willing to help us with whatever we needed and he was so excited that the kids would be able to play on a nice, new playground!  Peter arrived early and stayed late to make sure everything was going smoothly.  Whenever there was a delivery that needed to be made, Peter was there to unlock the doors of the school and help unload the truck.

We cannot say enough about Peter and how much he helped out with this project!

Peter showing off his new RTS t-shirt!

Thank you, Peter! We couldn't have done it without you!

One of many great volunteers from Carter's Kids Project in August!

In August of this year, RTS partnered with Lowe's and Carter's Kids to help 5 homeowners in South Beacon Hill and build a new playground.  There were over 100 volunteers that helped make such an amazing event possible!

One volunteer that really stood out to Project Manager, Debbie Yates, was Aly Mayer, a volunteer from Lowe's.

Aly hard at work

Debbie said, "Aly is the poster child for the Energizer Award, she always has a smile and shares it with everyone. Her work ethic is amazing and she's quick to lend a hand when needed. Aly is a constant reminder that WE can accomplish anything when we support each other!"

Great job, Aly! Thanks for all your hard work!