Six homeowners in five towns had their homes and lives transformed when Big Fix volunteers performed repairs and landscaping projects. This year’s Big Fixes took place between June and October in Falmouth, Pocasset, West Dennis, Centerville, Harwich and Hyannis.
“We are making a difference one person at a time, and we are doing it together,” Lin Rohr, HAC’s director of community engagement and donor stewardship, told one group of volunteers.
Tasks that were completed this year included landscaping, replacing a rotted fence, installing a new gutter, replacing rotted window trim, exterior painting, repairing of a handicap-access ramp and replacing exterior stairs that were rotted out.
“It restored my faith in people when they showed up,” Jean Tracey of West Dennis. “It was like the best Christmas I ever had.”
“I’m overwhelmed. This is mind-blowing,” said Grace Filliman of Harwich. “It was a surprise to see so many people working so hard. How can you say thank you to all these people?”
Helen Malina, Dave Hegner and Tim Regan volunteered at every Big Fix this year. “You see the homeowner look around, and they say, holy smokes, you did a nice job,” said Hegner.
“We need to take care of each other,” said volunteer Susan Brinckerhoff, 81. “That’s what life’s all about.”
Volunteer groups from the Community Outreach Team of the Unitarian Church of Barnstable and the Osterville Men’s Club pitched in this year.
Our heartfelt appreciation to the companies and builders who donated their time and/or materials: Cape Associates, Graham Construction, Lourenco Brothers, SVS Masonry & Construction, Nauset Disposal, JR Carpentry, Liam Hogg and Mark Mathison.
