Several people observed throughout the course of the day that Mary Ann Chasen must be looking out for them. Chasen was the long-time executive director of Christmas in April St. Mary’s County who passed away last year. Indeed the day couldn’t have been more perfect, with sunny skies, 70 degree temperatures and more than a thousand volunteers who renovated 18 homes without a hitch.
At a home in Mill Point Shores in Chaptico, the homeowner, Lawrence Hooper, stood with his back to the Wicomico River admiring the work being d0one on his house. Thank God, Thank God,” he said. Hooper, who moved to the area from New York City for the peace and quiet was willing for at least one day to have that quiet punctuated with hammers and nails and the sounds of volunteers bring his house back to life. Hooper, who is disabled, said he has been unable to keep up the work with his infirmity.
Hooper’s house was somewhat special among the 18. The house was renovated with monies raised in Chasen’s name. Her husband Steve and son Paul were on hand to help renovate the house.
Rep. Steny Hoyer was an early morning visitor at the home of Mary and Francis Berry in Mechanicsville. He talked to the elderly couple and volunteers working on the house. Also on hand was Matt de Ferranti, senior director of Government relations for Rebuilding Together, the parent organization of the nationwide renovation blitz on the last Saturday in April. He said he had heard about the volunteer effort in St. Mary’s County and wanted to see for himself.
After a day of hard work, volunteers assembled at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds for a bounteous dinner donated by a number of event sponsors.
On display at the dinner were sports memorabilia items for a silent auction being conducted by the Christmas in April Relay for Life team. Up for auction are items autographed by RGIII, Ray Lewis and Manny Machado. The auction will run through May and bids can be made by stopping by Dyson Lumber Company in Great Mills.
