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Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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Stebbins
Miriam and Hubert Stebbins have been married for 70 years. When this union began they both worked hard to buy a modest, brand new house. As their family grew, each subsequent home was also new. Recently they had the opportunity to move next door to their daughter but this meant purchasing an older home that had been a rental and needed much work to make it livable. Did they want to take on this project in their golden years? Reluctantly, they purchased the house and a wonderful testament to recycling and the power of community began.
The house was sound but needed updating and repairs. The overgrown yard hadn’t been properly tended in years and the fence was falling down. All work needed to be completed in six weeks so that Miriam and Hubert could make an easy transition from the home they sold.
To begin, the neighbors pitched in and the interior of the house was nearly gutted. The old appliances, carpet, and curtains, were offered free via the Internet. Toilets, showers, medicine cabinets, and vanities were donated to rebuilding centers. Fixtures, hardware, and items from the attic were sold at a garage sale, and local non-profit thrift stores accepted anything remaining. Nothing went to waste.
As the house was put back together, a new energy-efficient heat pump and energy-efficient appliances were added. Low-flow toilets, faucets, and showers were installed. Weather striping and insulation was replaced, and compact-fluorescent light bulbs were put in every fixture.
In the yard, flower-bulbs were shared with the neighbors, bushes were dug up and donated to Recycled Gardens and the local park, and fencing was reused. Cuttings were mulched or composted, and weeds were gathered by hand without the use of chemicals.
Ultimately, a new sense of community was sparked; through this work neighbors were given the chance to reacquaint. New bonds were formed, and each household seemed to take renewed interest in their own properties. The neighborhood began to shine. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins for being an inspiration and showing us that the power of one is far reaching.
p.o. box 1771 | hillsboro oregon 97123
503.681.2527