The newest homeowners in Emerald Hollow: Jessica Allen and her daughter, Lillian, settled on their home February 20th; Kelly Lewis and her daughter, Ivonna, settled on their home February 28th; Brian and Melissa Staats (pictured at right) also settled on their home February 28th.

While Stefanie Clark is on maternity leave, Susan Vincent is filling in as Family Program Assistant. Susan has been a volunteer on the Family Selection and Support committees. She has graciously agreed to step into this part-time position while continuing to serve on the committees.

We celebrate the Andrew, Allen (pictured at left), Dorn, Staats, Lewis and Gicuki-Thiga families, who received keys to their new homes at the dedication ceremony March 13th. Habitat supporters and residents of Emerald Hollow turned out to welcome them to the neighborhood.

Speaking of that fabulous home dedication, special thanks to:

• Pastor Robert Mitman of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Perkasie who officiated the ceremony.
• Key presenters; Brian Haigh, Pat Petersman, and Susan Vincent of the of the Family Support Committee, Collegiate Challenge volunteers from Avon Old Farms School and Miss Porter's School, Sandi Stachelek representing Buffini & Company, and Jim Walker and Tom Ritter from Lowe's in Warrington and Quakertown.
• The Faith Relations Committee, Ed Neff, Buckingham Friends School, the Upper Bucks County Thrivent Chapter and Carol's Scents n Soaps for providing welcome gifts.
• Berean Christian Store for homeowner Bibles. 
  
• Jill Sonlin for a beautifully appointed and tasty refreshments spread.
  

Spring break usually brings to mind sun, surf, and a tropical location, but for 20 Connecticut students from Miss Porter's School and Avon Old Farms School, spring break meant hard work building homes at Emerald Hollow. As part of Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge program, the students traveled the week of March 10th and spent three days framing a new cluster of townhomes. Many organizations in the community lent a hand to make this year's event successful: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville and Quakertown United Methodist Church provided lodging during the build week; the Upper Bucks County YMCA allowed the students use of their shower facilities; Christ's United Church of Christ provided their facilities for a closing dinner; and lunches were provided by students at Kutz Elementary School in Doylestown. The Kutz kids also received the Collegiate Challenge volunteers when they traveled to Doylestown for lunch and recess one day! 2008 marks the fifth year that Miss Porter's School has build with Habitat Bucks, and Avon Old Farms School volunteered for the third time. In addition to their hard work and energy, the students made a financial contribution to the affiliate. Thanks to everyone involved for making this program a continued success!

Tohickon Valley Elementary School hosted a Build a House Build a Dream competition. Students participating in the afterschool Technology and Science Association created 28 entries for the competition. Jennifer Christmas, the club co-coordinator said this was the largest number of homes designed since they began this event four years ago. Beth Adams, Outreach Director for Habitat for Humanity, and Katherine King, a member of the Faith Relations committee, served as judges for this event. We were simply overwhelmed by the creativity, the careful thought in materials and design, and the issues addressed from energy conservation to total construction costs.

> From Youth Involvement

It is that time of year!  What better way to give thanks to your moms and teachers than with a gift that gives back?  When you purchase Pins by Lucinda through us, we receive a portion of the sale. 
Read pins (pictured at left) are the perfect choice to show support for literacy councils, libraries, schools and other educational programs.

The special moms in your life won't be able to resist a pretty flower pin (pictured at right). 

And remember, you can always make a donation in your favorite teacher's and mom's honor.  For your contribution, we'll send a personalized note for you to sign, a "golden hammer" pin and Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County window sticker to share.  Show the specail people in your life how much you care with these unique and meaningful gifts.  Contact Beth Adams at 215-348-2204x 305 or b.adams@habitatbucks.org to get your order in today!

It's your last chance! Be one of only 500 to buy a chance to cruise the Caribbean on the Maiden Voyage of the Ruby Princess. This trip includes a seven-day cruise for two to Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Caymans and CozumelMexico, air fair, on-board meals and activities, and $500 spending money! Raffle tickets are on sale now for $25; the winner will be drawn in May or once all tickets are sold out. All proceed benefit Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County. Don't be left out! Buy your chance to win, and start dreaming of Cruising for Habitat!  Contact Kelly Wenhold at 215.956.9176 or kelly@bucksrealtor.com to get your ticket.

We're moving! Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County will move its offices to Chalfont in a few months. The new facility provides new office space, a much-needed warehouse space and the room to open our very own ReStore operation. Based on our successful ReSale events, the ReStore will be open to the public and sell donated, new and gently used construction materials and home furnishings. Stay tuned!