University of North Alabama - Diorama Yearbook (Florence, AL)

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7ZaLsinq the 7Zccfi UNA ' s campus chapter of Habitat for Hu- manity allows students, faculty, and commu- nity leaders hands-on involvement in a chari- table cause — helping the recipient family to build its own home. Janice Glor, faculty advisor, notes that Habitat for Humanity is an international or- ganization, which has a legislative structure. Of the campus chapter, she says, The UNA chapter got started in the spring of 1995 and we built our first house the following fall. Interest and par- ticipation have picked up each year. Each house has been co-sponsored with community groups under the umbrella of the local Shoals Habitat affiliate, which now has 27 houses to its credit. The UNA chapter, however, also has its sights set on a long-term goal, which is to be able to sponsor a house on its own one day. UNA Habitat built its first house in the fall of 1995 on Park Street. House Number one became the home of the Percy Russell family. A gift of a place to live, in a time when it is not available, for most families is the greatest gift of all, said Glor. A pattern emerged from that point on and a house is now built every fall. In Habitat ' s second year, the Debborah Thomas family was the recipi- ent, and a house was built for the Connie Ingram family this year. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit or- ganization, and the local chapter depends for its operating expenses on fund-raisers, in- cluding an auction held yearly, which brings in an average of SI. 000, and a yard sale, which this year brought in S 1 ,500. Mrs. Glor appreciates the help of everyone who par- tc Uoc, In a time token It Is net aoa ' d- gifo cfo all. - Janice tflo , aboisc? 6q }ebcl (Ztebilli ticipated in these two activities, and would like to encourage more involvement. She feels that the money raised goes to a great cause. The cost of building a home is esti- mated at between twenty- six and thirty thou- sand dollars. Mrs. Glor and other participants report that the four thousand dollars raised by the various fund- raisers is used in its entirety. She believes that Habitat helps to pull together people who might not other- wise be meeting each other on a day-to- day basis. Members of the fac- ulty and stafff come out to offer their help in painting, carpen- try, wiring, and the other skills that go into the construction of a home, under the expert eyes of local (mostly retired) vol- unteers. All skill lev- els are welcomed, Mrs. Glor said. A stepping stone to complete campus participation was the involvement of fraternities in the projects of this year. which chapter President Stephanie Logan de- scribed as an encouragement. Participation in the weekly meetings on the part of frater - nity members has been both encouraging and helpful. Further encouragement came to the lo- cal chapter in the form of an anonymous donation of $75 and an anonymous dona- tion of $100, which were considered a gift from the heart. Mrs. Glor shares her gratitude for all the help by saying that she appreciates all the people for their support of Habitat for Hu- manity. She feels good in saving that such a community project can unite people for the common goal of working to help eliminate substandard housing. 25

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Habitat fa Hmmmhi IF I HAD A HAMMER. Milton Glor volunteers his time at the Habitat House. Photo by Chris- topher Rohllng. FORTIFYING FLO- RENCE. Jennifer Wesley helps former Habitat House recipient Henry Jackson hit the nail on the head. Photo by Chris- topher Rohling.

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Imagine canoeing down Bear Creek through spectacular scenery, past cliffs and bluffs on a bright spring day. Imagine an overnight stay with a bearskin rug by the fireplace and talking to wonderful people. Imagine exploring caves, hiking on trails and climbing a rope course. Imagine if all these de- lights were available to UNA stu- dents. Well, they are! Each spring and fall. Dr. Clark Mueller and Dr. George Makowski venture forth on an exploration and canoe outing. In the spring, these two guides to nature lead students through Bear Creek and the surround- ing area. This trip usually takes place in April. On the first day out, the ad- venturers canoe about nine miles down Bear Creek, passing through white water, cliffs, bluffs and other beautiful scenery. Af- terward, they stay at the Bear Creek Environmental Education Center for a relaxing night of conversation by the fireplace. On the second day. they ex- plore caves, take to hiking trails, and lesi themselves on a rope course. The trip. Including three meals, lodging, transportation and equipment, costs only $ 1 5. The fall trip consists of a one- day adventure down the Buffalo River in Tennessee. One meal, transportation and equipment is included for a modest fee of $5. Although Dr. Makowski en- joys the company of students on these trips, he is excited about bringing a new friend along on the next one. I can finally take Chester canoeing. he said of his faithful canine companion. Dr. Mueller and Dr. Makowski should be applauded for their enthusiasm. Their good- will efforts in coordinating these trips enhance the quality of cam- pus life. All UNA students and faculty are eligible to participate. And. Dr. Makowski hopes Chester will become a regidar participant. HAPPY CANOER. A student is all smiles on the trip. Photo courtesj oi Dr. Mueller UMM GOOD. Dr. George Makowski enjoys a sack lunch while propping on a riverside rock. Photo by Christopher Rohling. 26