May Extreme Endeavors: Make a Significant Impact

Extreme Community Makeover Newsletter  May Extreme Endeavors May 2014

In This Issue ECM Needs a Truck Westwood's Big Day of Serving Recap Denver Days Be In the Spotlight April Volunteers Quick Links About ECM  Contact ECM           Donate  Help ECM build stronger communities in Denver through your financial support.     Checks can be made to:   Extreme Community Makeover    and sent to:    Extreme Community Makeover PO Box 102586 Denver, CO 80250-2586 ECM is definitely off to a strong start for the year!  With nearly 500 volunteers in the month of April, we are demonstrating that we can make a significant impact in the lives of our neighbors and in the City of Denver.  If you would like to get involved, click here for more info.  I hope to see you at an upcoming Work Day very soon!   Angela Bomgaars, Executive Director  ECM Work Days ECM Work Days are in full swing.  Click here to view the schedule.  To register a group, click here.  To register an individual, click here.                  Saturday, May 17 @ 9:00 am (West Colfax)    Confluence Ministries - 1400 Quitman Street,    Denver, 80204        Saturday, May 31 @ 9:00 am (Barnum)    Barnum Recreation Center - 360 Hooker Street,    Denver, 80219   To get involved, please RSVP to Angela and follow the links below to fill out the appropriate liability form.

ECM Needs a Truck Later this month, ECM will be launching a crowdfunding campaign through Neighborhood Catalyst to raise $7,500 to purchase a truck.  This truck will be a huge asset to ECM and our volunteers so we can transport tools and supplies to project sites and haul debris to the dumpster. Essentially, the truck will help us do the projects we do most effectively.  To learn more about the project and to "Like" our page, click here.  We will let you know when the campaign has launched so you can be part of helping ECM get a truck! Westwood's Big Day of Serving Recap This year's annual Big Day of Serving event in Westwood turned out to be another great day with over 225 participants, including a strong showing of residents from Westwood!  Volunteers cleaned alleys, planted a garden and trees, and removed graffiti, filling up 6 dumpsters with trash and debris strewn throughout the neighborhood.     Thank you to Councilman Paul Lopez's Office, Crossroads of the Rockies, Westwood Resident's Association, and Westwood Unidos for taking a lead role in planning the event.  We were honored to have Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock attend the kick-off.  And a special thanks to CenterPlate for donating box lunches; Frank's, MGM, Panaderia Contreras, and Tacos Y Salsas for donating food for the block party; and the Colorado Rockies for donating tickets to the baseball game that night so everyone could celebrate their hard work by cheering the Rockies on to a victory!  To see photos from the day, click here. Denver Days There is no better time than the summer to get out and enjoy our world-class city!  That's why Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock launched "Denver Days," a new citywide summer tradition aimed at creating stronger neighborhoods by fostering community service projects and neighborhood gatherings annually during the month of August.      The second annual "Denver Days" will be this summer from August 2-10.  During this week, Denver residents will be asked to work with their neighbors to organize a community service project or work together to host a fun, festive neighborhood gathering.  From community clean ups to backyard potlucks and block parties, "Denver Days" will provide a unique opportunity to connect neighbors and neighborhoods.   Start organizing your "Denver Days" neighborhood event today.  Click here or call 720.865.9082 for more information.  Be In the Spotlight During a recent ECM project, we partnered with a gentleman who works for a media company that casts actors for videos.  He thought some of the ECM volunteers might make a good addition to an upcoming video.  Here are the details if you are interested. NOW CASTING FOR DOCUMENTARY VIDEO   NEEDED:  Non-union actors; Men and women over 21; All races and languages strongly encouraged; Must be able to perform in simulated high-pressure, tense situations; Must sign a non-disclosure agreement; Should be able to work up to a 12 hour day    COMPENSATION: $150/day   WHEN:  Auditions - Mon May 12 from 12-6 pm at St. Luke C.M.E. Church (3444 Madison Street, Denver, 80205) Rehearsals/Briefing - Tues May 27-Wed May 28 - you need to be available for an hour on one rehearsal day Filming - Thur May 29 - in a central Denver location  April Volunteers Thank you to the 500 volunteers who served with ECM in April!     AmeriCorps NCCC Auraria Means Business Chaparral High School Lacrosse Team Cherry Hills Christian Middle School Concerned Citizens for Barnum Front Range Christian School J-Serve Colorado University of Colorado Denver Counseling Students

Thank you for partnering with ECM to make a difference in Denver neighborhoods!       Sincerely,   Extreme Community Makeover

5.3.14 ECM Work Day in Elyria

AmeriCorps NCCC

Duke Colorado Alums

Individuals

 Summary of 5.3.14 ECM Work Day:

• Volunteers Participated - 35
• Projects Completed - 4
• Volunteer Hours - 175

Radio Interview

Angela Bomgaars, Executive Director of Extreme Community Makeover, was interviewed on the Corner Cafe Coffee Break on AM 810 KLVZ. Corner Cafe host, Rachel Mains, asked her some in-depth questions.  

1) How did ECM get started?

ECM was started as a practical way to demonstrate how to be a good neighbor and to simply have a way to “show up” and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.

2) What is ECM's vision?

ECM’s vision is to meet practical home needs, while connecting neighbors, forming relationships, and building stronger communities “one block at a time."

3) Where do you see ECM in 3 years?

Hopefully ECM will be working in more neighborhoods around Denver and eventually be a model that can replicated in other cities as well.

4) After spending one day on a work day, what do you expect a volunteer to gain?

A sense of what life looks like in another part of Denver from the perspective of a neighbor they haven’t met before or probably wouldn’t have connected with outside of their Work Day experience with ECM.

5) If you were to pick one value that is the most important to ECM, what is it?

Relationships and community!

6) Changing the community one block at a time: How have you seen this practically change the lives of the individuals who live in the communities you serve?

The biggest change happens through the relationships that are built. Weeds will come back, paint will chip, and projects will continue to need to be done, but if we can connect neighbors to each other, help facilitate building relationships between them, and encourage them to work together on these projects moving forward...that means we’ve been successful.

7) How did you select the communities EMC currently helps?

Multiple factors – neighborhoods that are lower income, have older homes that can use some TLC, synergy with other things happening in those neighborhoods, willingness of residents to participate and be involved, and neighborhoods were a lot of people don’t know their neighbors – all lead to great opportunities to do the work ECM does.

8) Why is volunteering so valuable?

Volunteering makes such an impact because one person can’t do everything alone, but when multiple people choose to give even one day of their time to something outside of their own life, they contribute to something greater.  That’s why volunteers through ECM have made such a significant impact in Denver.

9) How has the city of Denver been transformed by ECM?

I believe ECM has brought people together who otherwise would not have connected, the physical environment is cleaner and safer, and we’ve built an expectation for why it’s important to get involved in your local community.

There are 3 significant ways to get involved with Extreme Community Makeover.

• Work Day: Your Bible study, school group, youth group, office team, etc. can participate in a work day. This is a great way to build relationships amongst your team members, encourage community and a create a sense of accomplishment by helping others. 

• Extreme Teams: There are a number of options to get more involved with ECM. Pick your area of interest!

• Neighbor to Neighbor Club: Your donation is a huge help to ECM. Your financial support helps keep the ball rolling one block at a time. 

For more information about Extreme Community Makeover or getting involved, please contact Angela Bomgaars. To listen to the Corner Cafe Coffee Break, click here.

Phone Number: 720.235.8847.
E-mail: angela@extremecommunitymakeover.org

Painting the Exterior of Your Home

There's nothing like new paint to brighten up your house's curb appeal. And, this is the season to do it! Also, paint helps your house to defend against the elements of rain, snow and ice.

As soon as you notice the paint starting to blister, peel and crack, you know it's time for a new fresh coat of paint. A proper paint should last for about 15 years if you to it correctly and if you use good quality materials.

Paint Options

 

Type

The two basic types of exterior paint are:

• Water-Based Latex: Cleans up with soap and water, dries quickly, has low odor and stays flexible longer.
• Oil-Based Alkyd: Requires paint thinner for cleanup, is durable, stain-resistant, flows very smoothly and dries with fewer brush marks

Price

One thing to note, the more expensive paints have more pigments so they last longer and have a more thicker, protective coating than the inexpensive paints.

Read the Label

Most of us overlook the label on the paint can. However, this can be a mistake because the label has important instructions about prepping the surface and outdoor air temperature.

 

Prep the Surface

 

Clean

In order for the paint to apply properly, you'll need to prep the surface and make sure it's clean. A power sprayer or hose is helpful, but you can also use a bucket, a scrub brush, soap and water. Of course, you'll want to allow for the outside of the house to dry before you start painting.

 

Caulking

You may need to apply caulking around the windows, doors and trim. If so, make sure the caulking is paintable.

 

Old Paint

You'll need to sand and scrape the old paint down where it has blistered or flaked off. Bare spots should be primed before painting. For nails, you can get a metal primer to prevent rust from bleeding into the paint. Also, if the house was built before 1978, you should check to see if the old paint has lead in it. If so, you'll need to take extra precautions.

Brush or Roller?

The answer is both! The most effective way to paint is with using both a brush and a roller. Use the roller to paint the big surface. Then, use the brush to get in those small, hard-to-reach areas.

Paint in the Shade

Painting in direct sunlight will cause the paint to dry too fast, resulting in the paint not adhering properly. This will start premature blistering and flaking. So, paint on the shady side of the house first. Or, you can paint on an overcast day.

Cover Up the Windows 

Make sure and cover up the windows with plastic and masking tape in order to avoid getting paint on the them.

Protect the Plants

 

You can put down a tarp covering to protect the plants that are near the house. Watch this video for some good tips on taking care of your garden and plants while painting.

Start From the Top Down

Start from the top of your house and work your way down. Paint to the bottom edge of the siding first. Then, paint to the broad surfaces. Try to brush from one wet surface onto another wet surface to avoid lap marks.

Seal It Up

After you are done painting, put plastic wrap on the top of the open paint container. Spray cooking oil over the plastic and tightly secure the lid.

For more in-depth information on painting the exterior of your home, check out this video series.

The Great Denver Cleanup Day

Photo by Darek Jensen

This is the season to do some spring cleaning. And, the city of Denver is providing a great opportunity for Denver residents to get rid of their unwanted household items and yard waste on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keep Denver Beautiful and Solid Waste Management is sponsoring this annual cleanup.

Please note that this is event is for Denver residents only (bring proof of Denver residency). So, if you live in Denver, take advantage of this incredible opportunity to get rid of your unwanted junk and keep Denver a thriving, beautiful city. 


Accepted Items (Disposable, Recyclable & Reusable):

• Mattresses
• Books 
• Clothing & Shoes 
• Sports Equipment 
• Jewelry 
• Linens 
• Lawn Mowers
• Carpet
• Bikes
• Small Appliances (without freon)
• BBQ Grills (no ashes)
• Toys
• Housewares
• Swing Sets & Slides
• Household & Outdoor Furniture
• Scrap Metal
• Yard Debris/Waste
• Computers & Electronics (no TVs) 
• Large Plastics

 Items Not Accepted: 

• Tree stumps
• Televisions 
• Railroad Ties
• Tires & Auto Parts  
• Appliances with Freon (freezers, refrigerators, etc.) 
• Rocks & Concrete
• Soil or Sod
• Demolition Debris & Auto Parts (including tires)
• Electronics (computers, monitors, TV’s)
• Branches (over four feet in length or four inches in diameter)
• Fireplace & BBQ Ashes
• Construction or Building Materials
• Commercial, Industrial or Household Hazardous Waste (oil, paint, batteries, etc.)  

 10 Free Drop Sites:  

• Colorado Driver's License Office (W. Mississippi & S. Raritan St.)
• Cherry Creek Transfer Station (S. Quebec St. & East Jewel Ave.) 
• East High School (16th & Josephine St.)
• Evie Dennis Campus (4800 Telluride St.)
• Focus Points Denver (48th & Columbine St.)
• Greenlee Elementary School (12th & Kalamath St.)
• Lincoln School (S. Federal & Illiff Ave.)
• Fred Thomas Park (26th & Quebec St.)
• North High School (W. 32nd & Clay St.)
  *Accepted at North High School:
  
  • Reusable Building Materials 
  • Cabinetry
  • Electrical & Lightening 
  • Windows & Doors 
• South High School (E. Louisiana & S. Gilpin St.)

For more information, contact Keep Denver Beautiful by visiting www.denvergov.org/kdb or call 311 (720-913-1311).

Spring Yard Cleanup

Spring is in the air! Now is the time to get some basic spring yard maintenance done. Here are some simple tips to help prepare you for a beautiful yard and lush garden this summer.

1. Prune 

Pruning is one of the best things you can do for plants in your yard. Due to the cold and snow, tree and shrub branches can get damaged. You'll get thicker foliage, more flowers and healthier plants by pruning. So, start removing those dead, diseased, and damaged stems. Oftentimes, scissors work best for removing dead leaves and stalks from perennials and ornamental grasses. While you are pruning, you can also look for any early weeds that need to be pulled up.


2. Rake Your Yard 

Dead leaves and fallen foliage can smother plants and foster disease. It's important to rake up the fallen debris that is around your yard and covering your plants. Pull out by hand those areas (like flowerbeds) that you can't reach with a rake. Be careful if the ground is wet when you are raking. Vigorous raking can uproot the grass plants and be harmful. Raking will also help control thatch build-up as well. Remember, you can save the the debris you rake up to create mulch.


3. Lawn Care

Remove turf damaged by salt, plows, or disease to prepare for the seeding that should follow in a few weeks. Winter can alter soil pH, compact the soil, and create conditions friendly to weeds and disease. Also, check your grass for matted patches that could signal the development of snow mold. It's crucial that you properly clean, fertilize and mow your yard early in the season in order to have a healthy lawn all summer long.

4. Patios & Decks 

Sweep and water-off your patios, decks and outside furniture. Due to the harsh winter season, you may need to put another layer of lacquer on your outdoor abode once the temperature warms up. For wood decks, look for worn-out wood that’s splitting, twisting or rotting. Sand splintered areas and hammer in any popped-up nails. Concrete, stone, brick and tile patios should be searched for any sign of cracks or crumbling areas.

5. Fences & Gates 

Remove badly rotted or damaged pickets, boards, or lattice, then scrub wood structures clean with water and liquid soap mixed together. Scrape off old paint and sand wood to smooth. When the temperature is warmer, you can repaint or re-coat with lacquer.

6. Clean Your Gutters 

Find a good scooper to clean out the gutters. You can make one from an empty milk or juice jug by cutting off the bottom of the jug and using the handled part of the jug as your scooper. For those hard-to-reach areas, use the garden hose. When using your ladder, place a rubber mat under it to prevent sliding or sinking into the ground. 

Now, you are on your way to a successful summer by implementing these simple spring yard cleanup tips. Plus, getting out into the fresh spring air and being physically active in your yard will invigorate and revitalize you. 

4.5.14 ECM Work Day in Barnum

AmeriCorps NCCC

Auraria Means Business

Chaparral High School Lacrosse Team

Concerned Citizens for Barnum

University of Colorado Denver Counseling Students

Summary of 4.5.14 ECM Work Day:

• Volunteers Participated - 120
• Projects Completed - 18
• Volunteer Hours - 525