tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54964359973982694222011-04-21T16:03:35.131-07:00Sharma Howard, Norwich Bulletin feature writer, is following "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in Eastern Connecticut.harrypotter!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09357609245096679621noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496435997398269422.post-55093969832041763872008-12-03T14:07:00.001-08:002008-12-03T14:09:25.438-08:00Five families in Eastern Connecticut are hoping for a knock on their door Dec. 4 by Ty Pennington, star of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” But only one will receive the home makeover that entails demolishing their existing home and building a new one — all in a 106-hour tour de force of hammering, sawing and painting. <br />Recipients of extreme makeovers are families that have undergone hardship, and this year, they are honing in on a particular kind of family: one with heroes, said executive producer Conrad Ricketts.<br />“We are looking for heroes who are making a difference,” he said Thursday during a presentation at Foxwoods Resort Casino. “We are looking for families that are indeed in great need, and we’re looking for families that will indeed pay it forward and give back.” <br />Many of the skilled hands they would need — carpenters, painters, landscapers, electricians and plumbers — were in attendance.<br />On Oct. 23, “Extreme Makeover” selected Bruce Hayn of Colchester, owner of Home Designs by Bruno, to make the home energy efficient. <br />“We don’t want to build a home someone can’t afford,” Hayn said.<br />The typical scenario for manpower, Ricketts said, is 800 to 1,200 tradespeople, and as many as 3,000 volunteers.<br />Tears of joy<br />When families enter their new home, tears of joy and disbelief are typical reactions. In a video shown, one owner, amazed at the beauty and warmth, said, “You can feel the love surround you in the house.” <br />Families who receive the attentions of “Extreme Makeover” undergo a vetting process Ricketts described as vigorous.<br />“I know more about their finances than they probably do,” he joked.<br />And the help from “Extreme Makeover” doesn’t end with the home: funds are raised to pay the increase in property tax, and the family is assigned a financial planner. Of all the 130 homes Ricketts has been involved in building, only one has been sold, because the homeowner moved for a job opportunity.<br />For sponsorship opportunities or information about volunteering, visit www.extremehomebybruno.com. Donations may be made to Colchester Rotary, c/o Extreme 615, P.O. Box 775, Colchester, CT 06415.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5496435997398269422-5509396983204176387?l=sharmaonsite.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>harrypotter!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09357609245096679621noreply@blogger.com2