Barbara Ives, wife of Pax River Commanding Officer Capt. Glen Ives, prunes away at a bush partially blocking a backyard walkway at a home in Valley Lee.
Recently more than 1,800 volunteers from the community and Naval Air Station Patuxent River grabbed hammers, paint brushes, wrenches, saws, putty knives, other sundry tools and yard implements and joined in the 18th annual National Rebuilding Day throughout St. Mary's County, Md. More that 22 air station activities were represented, including the command and staff, public works and air operations, as well as Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).
With only one day of work, 12 roofs were repaired or replaced. In addition, six wheelchair ramps and three walkways were constructed. More than 50 windows and doors were replaced, and electrical service was upgraded in two homes. Major heating repairs were completed in another.
Making home improvements and repairing homes for the elderly and disabled is the overall goal for rebuilding day, but improving safety in their homes is a top priority, according to Mary Ann Chasen, executive director for Christmas in April in St. Mary’s County. Handicap commodes, new door handles, deadbolts and locks on windows as well as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors were installed in several homes.
Chasen said the volunteers used more than 300 gallons of paint to give several homes a fresh look. Landscaping and beautification projects were also included on the ‘‘fix up” agenda for the volunteers, she added.
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