Fowell Avenue Dedication
The dedication ceremony for the latest Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity (GNHFH) house was held at its location on Fowell Avenue in Nashua on September 27, 2003. This was the culmination of activities that started in late 2000 when Zach and Pauline Mandravelis generously donated the undeveloped lot that they had owned for many years. From that point, work started on planning the development project, getting necessary approvals from the City of Nashua, and selecting a family to purchase the house. Groundbreaking occurred in the spring of 2002, and Dori Duchesne and sons moved in after the closing on the new house, June 24, 2003.
The Mandravelises were presented with a golden shovel plaque by the site selection committee chairperson Rick Ruo in appreciation for their generous donation. Without donations like theirs, Habitat for Humanity will not be able to fulfill on its mission to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world. (Read about our need for property to start the next house.) Zach Mandravelis wished Dori many happy years of living the new house.
Prior to the start of the official ceremonies, Dori’s three sons Allen, Aaron, and Richie planted two ornamental trees donated by Morin’s Landscaping of Hollis. Father Gerard Desmarais, of St. Joseph’s Parish in Nashua and a member of the GNHFH Board of Directors, offered a blessing for Dori, her family, and new home. Jim Allard, president of GNHFH Board of Directors, was the keynote speaker and thanked the community, volunteers, businesses, and everyone for making the project possible.
A representative of Keyspan was presented a certificate of appreciation for their donation of the furnace in the house. Other significant contributions of materials, items, and services were presented a certificate in absentia: Duane Smith, plumber; Steve D’Ramo, roofer; Robert Shepard, lawyer; Ernest Jette, lawyer; Tom Nauss, cabinets and countertops; Harvey Industries, siding; Bernie & Phyl’s, new furniture; Jensen Inc.; Belletetes Inc.; Morin’s Landscaping, trees; and Granite Bank, mortgage servicing.
Following the formal part of the ceremony, Dori gave tours of the house. A house warming plant was delivered to Dori. The family selection committee gave a tool box to help with those minor home repairs. She also received a bible from the entire GNHFH affiliate. The ceremony concluded with the sharing of a cake, snacks, and friendly conversation.
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