Hammering Out the Details

Saturday, November 7th

proved to be an eventful day indeed

for P&H's Michele Sommers

and yours truly, Anne Scott-Brown.

The two of us volunteered with

Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach County

at their Women Build Day.

Habitat's noble mission is to provide simple,

decent, affordable housing for those in need,

working in partnership with them

to make it all possible.

Dozens of ladies reported for duty at the residential construction site in Boynton Beach.

When we weren't busy dodging the airborne sand and sawdust from the gloriously windy day, we assisted in building the support system that would eventually sustain the second floor trusses for the new house.

With hammers and nails, measuring tapes and circular saws, we performed our tasks with little skill but boundless energy.

We must make note of the tremendous patience and expertise displayed by our supervisors (George and Patrick), because without them to lead the way, this enormous undertaking would never have been possible!

They maintained their professionalism during every challenging phase, and managed to keep their cool when everything didn't go just exactly as planned (hey ... we women can't be perfect at absolutely everything now, can we?!?).

For those of us who participated in the May 2009 Women Build, it was great to see some familiar faces again this time around.

I can't wait to attend the dedication of the home that we helped to construct!

The dedication ceremony is always beautiful,

and it's very heartwarming to see

the homeowner receive the keys to the home

they assisted in building

with their own two hands ... literally!

THE STARS AMONG US

Last week, one of our very own was honored

by the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce

at their Wake Up Breakfast.

Myrna Puello, our assistant controller since 2001,

was presented with a Stars Among Us certificate

in recognition of her tireless efforts

as our representative in our local Chamber.

In addition to working for P&H Interiors full time,

Myrna belongs to the Ambassador Committee

of the Coral Springs Chamber. Members of the

Ambassador Committee are responsible for

welcoming new members and introducing them

to the other representatives.

Myrna also participates in the Chamber's Gala Committee

(please refer to our 5/1/09 blog entitled "The Roaring 20's")

who most recently presented deserving students

with coveted scholarships.

When Myrna isn't busy raising her young family,

working in our office, or attending Chamber meetings,

she is up at 4am every Saturday to meet with

the Team in Training for the Miami Marathon.

Team in Training is raising donations for the

Leukemia/Lymphoma Society through their race for a cure.

The walk/run is scheduled for January 2010,

and will cover 13.1 miles.

She's already up to 10 miles in those

early-Saturday-morning training sessions,

so we have every confidence in Myrna

that she will finish with flying colors!

And if all of this doesn't sound like enough...

on Nov.5th, Myrna starts Leadership Coral Springs,

whose goal is to enhance our City and its

business environment by improving leadership skills

through individual and group activities.

Members will identify and improve their shortcomings,

honor diversity and build on differences,

develop problem-solving skills through conflict resolution,

and use teamwork to develop synergy.

Myrna is definitely a shining star among our P&H group,

and her selfless efforts to improve the community

and to help those around her is to be commended!

To assist Myrna in her quest to receive funding

for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, please visit:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sfl/miami10/mpuello.

It's certainly for a good cause, and will make you a shining star too!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

May started off with a BANG … literally!
With hammers and nail guns in hand, two of the
P&H officers (Pam Dortch & Anne Scott-Brown)
participated in National Women’s Build Day
on Saturday, May 2nd.

Working in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity,
Pam and Anne were assigned to a
team with other women,
providing the interior trim for a home
in Delray Beach, FL.

Whether it was removing old trim,
installing an interior door,
or measuring and nailing baseboards in place,
the teams of unskilled female laborers
(supervised by the knowledgeable
and very patient project foremen)
completed the interior trim installation.

What we lacked in skill, we made up for in enthusiasm!
If we found that the hallway was
too crowded to walk through,
then a nearby window worked just as well!

The large group of volunteers worked side-by-side
with members of the very worthy family
as well as veterans from the Habitat headquarters.

The knowledge and friendships that were gained
made for a truly enriching experience.

The Roaring 20's

The Roaring Twenties was the theme for the
Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce Gala
held on April 24th.

P&H’s Assistant Controller Myrna Puello
was an integral part of the planning committee
for this noteworthy event that
presented scholarships to
outstanding high school students
who received the Bridge to Leadership Award.

These individuals demonstrated their
leadership qualities outside of the classroom,
while at the same time excelling
in their academic curriculum.

Held at the Heron Bay Marriott Hotel,
amidst zoot suits, flappers, and even an antique auto,
additional awards were also presented
to business leaders in our community
who have exhibited distinction
in their chosen professions.

Attendees included members of the City Council,
as well as our own Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook.

It was a roaring good time for all,
and no one left singin’ the blues!

National City

When National City Bank opens a new branch,
they really do it up right!

Last week, two P&H staff members
(Myrna Puello and Anna Eiseman)
were lucky enough to attend the grand
ribbon cutting event, coordinated through
the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Donations were provided to local charities,
including the Coral Springs Medical Center’s Pediatric wing.

Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook
was present to express his congratulatory speech
to the new branch, which will now be called PNC.

Following a dramatic drumroll provided by the talented
drumline of the Ramblewood Middle School band,
VP and Branch Manager Mark FitzGerald
performed the historical ribbon cutting for the eager onlookers.

Inside the new branch, the excitement was palpable
as guests reveled in the culinary offerings
provided by Marola’s Restaurant while they enjoyed
the soft jazz music from additional members of
the gifted middle school band.
Goody bags were also provided for all attendees.

We wish much success to our new neighbors at PNC,
and we hope they think of us again
… the next time they throw a party!

Perfect Party

Sunday, October 19th marked the first
“Perfect Party-Perfect Home Showcase”
held at Temple Beth Orr in Coral Springs.
The focus of the event was to provide,
under one roof, all of the necessities
for taking the worry out of the planning process
for a child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

The lively affair was buzzing with energy,
from DJ’s and entertainment needs,
to catering services and even floral suppliers.
The Perfect Party Showcase joined all of the professionals
needed to take the anxiety
out of getting ready for any special occasion.

As anyone knows who has ever hosted
such a big event for their child,
getting your home presentable and beautiful
for out of town guests can be very time-consuming
and overwhelming. This unique setting allowed
our interior design firm the great opportunity
to get out and network with other like-minded businesses.
In addition, there was lots of mouth-watering food and fun
while bringing together the best ideas
for party planning and home improvements.

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER

As a further update to our prior blogs
regarding the Habitat for Humanity
2008 Builders Blitz, and our desire to
“give back” to the community in honor of
our 20th Anniversary, P&H Interiors
was also lucky enough to make the acquaintance
of house-recipient Yajaira Correa
and her two children.
After helping Habitat build houses for
other families over the years,
Yajaira arrived at the Delray Beach homes’ site
on Sunday to receive the keys to her own new house.

She was aware that the house on the corner,
built by K. Hovnanian Homes,
would be the family’s new home.

What she didn’t know was that
P&H Interiors’ staff and associate volunteers
worked all day on Saturday to provide them
with a fully furnished house,
complete down to the custom murals and
artwork hung on the walls!
Once she turned the key in the lock,
followed closely behind by the builder
and P&H’s president Susan Connor,
her scream of surprise at the completed interior
was confirmation to all of us
that no one had let the cat out of the bag!

Many tears and tissues later, she and her family
walked through each room,
marveling at each new surprise.
“It’s my dream come true,” said Yajaira.
“I’ve always dreamed of owning my own house
and here it is. I still can’t believe it.”
We wish to let both families know
how genuinely happy we are for them,
and that we are so pleased to have been a part
of making their dreams come true.
This is certainly an affair we will always remember!

NOT JUST A GOOD DEED

… This is Life Changing. These words are the slogan
for this year’s 2008 Builders Blitz …
the nationwide effort by Habitat for Humanity
and their multitude of volunteers
to change the lives of families
by providing them with the opportunity
of homeownership.
In an effort to give back to our community
for allowing us to celebrate our 20-year anniversary,
P&H corporate president Susan Connor
made a phone call earlier this year,
asking Habitat for Humanity if we could participate
in some way through their charitable organization.
Susan met with Sarina Bland, one of the
Habitat volunteers chosen this year
to receive her very own house built by Current Builders
through the Habitat for Humanity 2008 blitz.
Sarina and her lovely family had no idea
that P&H had the biggest surprise of all
planned for the unveiling ceremony held on Sunday, 6/8.
Unbeknownst to them, P&H Interiors’ staff
and generous volunteer associates
gathered at the site on Saturday (6/7)
to install the house with full furnishings, bedding, towels,
custom murals for the children’s bedrooms,
and even artwork and accessories.

Sarina wasn't the only one shedding tears of joy!

To be able to provide the two families with the
transformation of making their new house a home,
we at P&H are so proud and honored
to have had the ability to impact their lives
like never before.

This experience was truly life-changing, for all of us!

Helping Hands

Despite the slowdown
in the nationwide real estate market,
Habitat for Humanity International
is estimating that more than 250 homes
will be completed in 34 states
as part of the Builders Blitz 2008.

South Florida is joining in,
with two homes to be built in Delray Beach
for two deserving families
during the Blitz scheduled for May 31 through June 7th.

P&H Interiors is just one of the sponsors
to lend a helping hand,
donating time and materials to make it all happen.
P&H president Susan Connor has met
with the two families
to clearly define their individual needs
so that their new homes
will be personalized for each family.
In addition to donating the tile flooring for each house,
P&H will be supplying additional necessary items,
and will be providing some extra hands
at the installation.

Helping members of our community
to realize the dream of homeownership
is such a wonderful feeling.
Simply by doing what we do best,
we are eternally impacting the lives
of these two families.
We are so grateful for this opportunity!

In The Pink

In an effort to join the race

for a cure to breast cancer,

P&H representative Traci Torino

will be attending an early detection fundraiser

on Saturday, October 13th,

to be held at the Crown on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.

For those of you who regularly follow our Blog entries,

you may remember that P&H actually

completed the renovations

to the Crown’s 1st and 2nd floor lobbies

earlier this year!

The theme colors for all attendees

have been designated as Pink & White ensembles,

in honor of the charitable event.

We are tickled pink to be part of this noteworthy extravaganza!