Habitat recognizes Local 219 Electrical Volunteers
Habitat for Humanity Menominee River would like to recognize the electrical volunteers from Iron and Dickinson County. “Without these men, we would not be able to keep the home costs down and our future homeowners would not obtain the affordable mortgages we can offer”, claims Executive Director, Nancy Pellegrini.
Our Iron County electrician is Brian Vanoss. He works for Enbridge Energy and has been the lead electrical volunteer in Iron County. He has helped wire our first two homes in Iron River. Brian takes care of the electrical related tasks for the home but, most importantly keeping the carpenters in a good mood. Brian enjoys sharing his time and talent with a family who needs a helping hand. Recently, he applied for a grant program within Enbridge Energy called the VIP (Volunteer in Partnership) and received a $500.00 donation for HFHMR. Brian and his family live in Channing.
Our Dickinson County electricians are Butch Pfeiffer and Tom Grenfell. Butch has been a member of IBEW 219 for 40 years and was an MJ Electric employee for 15 years. Butch has been volunteering with HFHMR since 2002. He has assisted in wiring all of the HFHMR homes and helped set up temporary service for over 25 homes in our area. He is our ‘line of communication’ for this effort which is authorized by the IBEW local 219 and in conjunction with MJ Electric, who provides the permits and inspections. Warren Brule, retired CEO of MJ Electric, was instrumental in originating this ‘union’ between MJ and HFHMR since our local affiliate began in 1993.
“I like volunteering at HFHMR because it is a Christian based organization and I look at it as my way of giving back to the community for all blessings in my life”. Butch has been married to Beverly for 48 years. They have four children and nine grandchildren. They reside in Quinnesec.
Tom Grenfell has been a member of the IBEW 219 for 43 years and worked for Van Ert Electrical for 10 years. Tom has been volunteering with HFHMR for approx. 6 years and has helped wire 14 homes in our area. “It’s a good reason to get up in the morning. I enjoy the camaraderie with the other HFHMR volunteers. We put in hours when ever we’re needed; mornings, afternoons even Saturdays”, claims Tom. “My dad and Butch’s dad were Charter members of IBEW local 219 in Iron Mountain. We enjoy volunteering for HFHMR and have worked as a “Team” wiring homes for over 6 years”, boasts Tom. Tom and his wife, Kay, have been married for 20 years; have three children, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They reside in Kingsford.
November 2011 Volunteer Recognition
U.P. Service Nominee
Ellen Gendron was nominated for the U. P. Service Award for Habitat for Humanity Menominee River. This award is given to volunteers that go above and beyond in serving others. Ellen has been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for a year and a half and puts in approximately 80 hours a month at Habitat’s ReStore.
Ellen moved here from Florida in 1958 to be with her sweetheart Pat Gendron. They were married on June 13, 1959 and have been happily married for 52 years. They have two children and five grandchildren.
As an ordained Minister, she greatly enjoys working with people. Ellen and Pat opened their home to foster children for ten years. She loves to help people in any way possible.
If you would like to meet this inspirational person, stop by the ReStore. She always has plenty of cookies and candy for the children.
“The rewards for volunteering are enormous” ~ Ellen Gendron
Certificate of Appreciation
Wes and Mary Vanderpool were nominated for the Certificate of Appreciation from Roger Christian, Iron County Construction Manager, and Bill Pfeiffer for their countless hours volunteering on the Hamel family home in Iron County. The nomination was unanimously approved by the Iron County Lead Team.
Wes and Mary moved to the Crystal Falls area a years and half ago from warm Southern California. They have adjusted well to our weather. Whatever they volunteer at they're the first ones there and one of the last ones to leave. Never afraid to help out in any capacity needed. Most often you will see them behind the scenes supporting everyone else.
Wes is never afraid to share a prayer when asked. Wes and Mary certainly have been a blessing working on the Hamel family home in Iron River and on the Fund Development and Construction committees.
They have two sons; Jeff and Steven and just became first time grandparents in September to little Sophia. They love the outdoors, snowshoeing, walks, and feeding all the furry friends.
