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'Extreme Makeover' taking region by storm Posted: Tuesday, Nov 15, 2005 - 08:27:03 am PST By DAVID KEYES Staff writer
SANDPOINT -- Extreme Makeover Sandpoint Edition has taken this region by storm. Between caravans of supplies winding their way here, legions of blue-shirted volunteers and a dose of great weather, the 106-hour home makeover marathon started Monday afternoon.Volunteers began arriving at the abandoned Riley Creek mill site Monday as early as 5 a.m. Mike Gagnon was excited to volunteer as a parking lot attendant but was ecstatic at the change to help out a family in need. "This is a good thing," said the local Century 21 Realtor. "I can't imagine not helping."
Most people are moved when they learn the story about how Montana bachelor Eric Hebert came to the rescue of his twin niece and nephew last year after their mom died of a heart attack. The eight year olds would have entered the state foster care system if Hebert didn't rise to the occasion. When he arrived here, he discovered the family was living in a rundown trailer. He purchased a "berm house" that was damp and infested with ants, bees and spiders. Hebert was nominated for Home Makeover and the family was notified Saturday that they had been selected. They are now in the Bahamas. Monday was a hurry up and wait day as demolition of the home took center stage. A crowd of about 150 people did have their patience tested. The Extreme Makeover Home Edition producers had a plan to fall a huge pine tree through the Hebert's home as a kickoff to demolishing the home. As the show's star, Ty Pennington, and others from Bestway Tree Service cut off branches while a camera crew in a boom filmed their every move, an event that was scheduled to take a half-hour, stretched to three hours. "Gentlemen, move that tree!" an audience member shouted. That line was a take off of the famous "Move that bus" statement that is part of the show.When the tree finally did fall through the house, it fit nicely between the joists and put a small hole through the center of the home."That wasn't quite what we had in mind," said one of the producers. The crew did place some cameras in the home in hopes of catching some of the planned destruction. As the morning wore on, more people came out to the site on Baldy Road to see the activities. They weren't disappointed. "This is great!" exclaimed Tamara Skrimser after Ty Pennington autographed her blue Home Makeover shirt. She and a handful of friends volunteered to be "extras" and were part of the opening scene where a crowd descends on the house that is about to be demolished. About 50 builders and volunteers screamed for the camera as Sullivan Homes owner, Todd Sullivan, addressed the crowd and the TV stars in what is called the "Braveheart speech." "This is for a special man who is a hero," Sullivan shouted. "You are all heroes for helping him. So, let's build this family a house!" Within minutes, excavators moved in to dig out the new foundation as the house was torn apart. It was great weather all day, so Sullivan moved quickly to get as much dirt work done as possible. If all goes as planned , the foundation for this three-bedroom home will be poured and framing could have started at about 1 a.m. on Tuesday. It will take 60 yards of concrete to construct the foundation More than 300 contractors at a time will be working on the house during the next five days. Several thousand volunteers have been tabbed to help. Some arrived early Monday from as far away as Elk, Wash. There will be more than 60 framers at the home tomorrow. As much of the home as possible has been prefabricated. On the road leading to the home, complete staircases and doorways were evident. Sullivan Homes invites the public to see the construction. Free busses, donated by Schweitzer Mountain Resort, are scheduled to shuttle the public to and from the home from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. all week. There are also some volunteer opportunities available. If you are interested, please stop by the tent at the Riley Creek mill site on Boyer to inquire. If you are interested in donating to a scholarship fund for the Hebert twins, there is an account at Panhandle State Bank. Michele G wrote on Nov 20, 2006 9:33 AM: " It is amazing to me how ungreatful people are. I think Mr. Hebert's act of kindness is something all of us would have done. But Mr. Hebert, himself, is a very selfish man. A very elderly couple wanted to drive by the beautiful home that was built for Mr. Hebert and wanted to congratulate him on his gift. They were met with a very mean and angry Mr. Hebert who berated this beautiful couple. Scared, the couple tried to turn around and Mr. Hebert stood in the path of their car, yelling obscenities and shouting at this couple. They couldn't turn around and finally after beating on their hood, he let them pass. The couple is so shaken they returned to their little home in tears. The wife, who wanted to enjoy the beautiful gift that this man received, died a few days later. I pray this man will understand the meaning behind this gift and not just take for granted the treasures that have been bestowed upon him. I feel so sorry that he has such a hardened, angry heart. It is too bad that Extreme Makeover doesn't do a better job at picking TRULY greatful families. Shame on Mr. Hebert!! " POST YOUR OPINION
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Bonner County Daily Bee
P.O. Box 159 / Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 / 208-263-9534
Bonner County Daily Bee Online is updated at 10am PST.
Hebert Family Friend wrote on Feb 16, 2007 7:05 PM: