Black Bear Hunt

Black Bear Hunting, One of Our Biggest Events at House in the Woods!

The annual, three weeks of Black Bear Hunting is a busy, adventurous and fun time for all associated with House in the Woods! The group of veterans and active military who join us always enjoy themselves, whether or not they harvest a bear.

This year Black Bear Hunting with House in the Woods was August 26th-September 2nd, September 2nd-September 9th, and September 9th-September 16th, 2017.

We were honored to have 40 guests this year!

Hunting with other veterans provides the connection often sought but difficult to find in the circle of civilian friends.

Hunting with a Maine Master Guide, having meals with vets and guides and enjoying all that Nature provides in beautiful Maine brings a true sense of a breath of fresh air for these men and women who deserve the best we can provide for them.

After the second or third day many are able to talk about things only another combat vet understands: PTSD and physical injuries, family life and attempts to readjust to all when returning from duty. Friendships develop and a definite healing process takes place.

Truly a different aspect of rehabilitation for our combat warriors.

Hunting With a Hero

Some attendees arrive with very special friends in our network of nonprofit veterans groups; Hunting With a Hero and Combat Marine Outdoors, both of which are amazing veteran organizations, like House in the Woods. Both are also dedicated to getting our vets outdoors, hunting, fishing, kayaking or relaxing on the water in a canoe. Helping them to relax and just breathe!

Combat Marine Outdoors

Combat Marine Outdoors shares: Thank you to House in the Woods. Paul, Dee, the volunteers and the guides were outstanding. The stories, friendships and times we shared will surely last a lifetime.

Maine Bear hunting has been something we look forward to every year. Keep up the good work and look forward to next year. Thank You and God Bless!!…..

The House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat’s Mission is to create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for our nation’s U.S. armed forces and their families, using outdoor wilderness activities in Maine and natural habitats to help participants share common challenges related to their service and sacrifice in protecting our nation’s freedom and democratic ideals.

Meet One of Our Guides

~Why I Guide for House in the Woods~

I first met Paul and Dee House in 2013. I had just retired from the Marine Corps after 21 years of service, moved back to Maine, and started my second career as the director of a private family foundation. A member of one of the foundation’s committees, Stu Jacobs, contacted me and said I needed to go to Lee and talk to Paul and Dee House about what they were doing. Like a good Marine, I did what I was told. I set up a meeting and headed for Lee.

I arrived at their home and was greeted like an old friend. Paul, Dee, and I sat at their table and they told me their story… And this is where I was moved, but not like most people who are moved by their experience.

Let me provide some back story. One of my last duty stations was Miami, Florida. While in Miami, a collateral duty of mine was to be the Casualty Notification Officer for the south Florida region. In my time there I notified twelve families that their love one had died. I was the ultimate bearer of bad news. The emotions ran the spectrum from absolute hysteria, to very little care at all. One thing that never happened, as far as I know, was that any of the families went on to create an organization with a mission to serve veterans and Gold Star families. They mourned, they healed, and they eventually moved on. When I heard what the House’s and the Emery’s were trying to do I went home and told my wife I have to do something.

Why did I have to do something? Because I believe that there is actually healing power in the Maine woods, and because I believed Paul and Dee. I’ve come across a lot of organizations that say they “help veterans,” and I’m sure they do, but none as honest and straight forward as House in the Woods. I had to do something because I honestly believe that as a combat veteran, who has lost brothers, I must lead a life worthy of their sacrifice. Paul asked me on several occasions to come on fishing trips, or hunts with them but I always turned him down, I’m a pretty good woodsman with plenty of opportunity, I did not want to take someone’s spot. So one day I thought I should get my Registered Maine Guides License and help. It was the best decision I could have made.

The first person I called after I passed the test was Paul. I said, “I’m taking a week of vacation from work and guiding the first week of the bear season,” and that is what I did. It was an experience beyond my expectations. When I departed after my week guiding I sent Paul a text, it read; Paul I just wanted to say thanks for letting me guide this week, it was everything I thought it would be. If I could figure out how to do it all the time I would. The guys are great; you have some real dedicated people there, thanks.”

I didn’t mention the killing of bears, it’s not important. What is important is the comradery that occurs. What’s important is once again having a mission, a focus, and a drive to complete a challenge and to work as a team to do it. That’s what House in the Woods is. It’s a return to what we veterans see as normal. It’s everyone involved from the kitchen staff, guides, volunteers, and even the dog! pouring every ounce of effort into the hunter having a real healing experience. It’s about everyone living a life worthy of their sacrifice. I already look forward to my next chance to guide for House in the Woods.

Learn more about the services Jim offers as a Registered Maine Guide.

Jim Neville Outdoors

Lobster Lunch is Served

Each week we begin the hunt with a welcome feast of a lobster boil cooked, prepared and served by our awesome troop of volunteers!

Serving up lobsters fresh from the pot!

Great meal to start the week!

Lovin’ lobsters!!

Attendees are asked if they would like to choose their lobster for lunch.

Nothing like fresh Maine lobster for our veterans!

Giving his lobster a proper “thank you” prior to it going in the pot to boil!

Lobster’s ready!!

These great Maine lobster meals are provided through the generosity of local lobster men and retailers along with all the corn and side dishes that are donated by so many of our fabulous local residents! AND…scrumptious desserts. These generous people know many veterans and active military whom they choose to honor in any way possible. Maine has the best people!!!

Lunch with the Best of the Best!

The Force Behind the Meals

Jessica Cloukey shares: I want to truly thank each and every volunteer who helped me over the past 3 weeks for House in the Woods. With things at the lodge this year I had to rely on all of you to help me pull this off successfully. We were 110% successful! Things went as smooth as they did because of each of you. THANK YOU! I couldn’t have done it without you. Below are just a few of the generous volunteers! I forgot to take pictures most days I was there!!!

Daily: 30 people, 3 times per day for 3 weeks. That’s 90 meals a day times 21 days which is almost 1900 meals. Extra people join in on Sundays for which House in the Woods safely plans for a total of 2000 meals!

Best of the Best!!

No task too much for this crew!

One of the many successful bear bait sites prepared at over 200,000 acres of hunting trails.

Total Number of Attendees for 2017 Black Bear Hunt: 40!!!

Tom Gardella and Guide Jim Neville

Tom Gardella, US Army MP, Retired shares: Sometimes things just hit you. Sitting in the airport I think back over the past week. Instead of worrying about what things, I am reminded how fortunate I have been. Janet said to go enjoy my hunting trip, Steven invited me on the hunt, William and Cyle Dallis became my friends and great allies in helping Veterans. Paul House reminded me what it is to be selfless. Big Al and Jim Neville showed me how to never give up. Turbo (dog) displayed how your size doesn’t dictate what you can accomplish. Ron and Sherry displayed how to really care. I was fortunate enough to meet new friends and reconnect with Rob, Jared and Tony. Despite some bumps in the road, I have to say that I have it pretty darn good! Thanks to all for making this such a great trip and memorable experience.….~Tom Gardella, US Army, MP, Retired~

Pictured here L.-R: Paul House, Rob Stitham, Army and his Guide Big Al.

Rob shares: I had 90 seconds left of legal shooting light. I heard the truck driving down the dirt road to come and pick me up. I am getting ready to pack up my bag and something told me to take one last look. I look left…. i look right and she was 12 feet in front from me!!! She walked straight to the bait and it was so dark I lost her in my scope. 18 yard shot, she was gone!!! I zoomed in on my scope to 15 and i saw her. Couldn’t even see my cross-hairs it was that dark and BOOOOMMM!!!! On the 5th and final day of the hunt…in the last 90 seconds of legal shooting light…. It was meant to be. My first hunt in my home state of Maine. SUCCESS!!!

Thank you to Paul House for your vision and friendship. I will remember you and Mrs. House for the rest of my life Sir.

Thanks to my guides Jim Neville and Big Al. Both of your knowledge and determination to get me on a bear was second to none. I won’t forget how hard you both worked this week.

William James Dallis & Ron Gooding, thank you for making this possible. You guys have NO IDEA how much it meant to be able to come home to my home state and harvest a Bear. YOU GUY’S Rock!!!

And last but certainly not least, to my Big Bro Steven Holden, thanks for making this happen and getting my name to Ron and Bill down in South Carolina. Without you this would not have been possible.

Paul House, you have no idea how awesome this week has been to me! Coming back to my home state and harvesting a Bear was always a dream. Thanks for all you do for my brothers and sisters in arms. You and Mrs. Are AMAZING!!! Hope to see you guys soon...~Rob Stitham, US Army~

Mike on left with Big Al the Guide.

Dale with his harvest!

Jared Feldman and Guide Dan.

Steven Holden, Army Medic, Retired with Maine Guide Dan

Steve won week-one Big Bear Trophy for largest bear harvest.

Steve shares: Best hunt ever!! Thank you so much Paul. Your hospitality is amazing. You have the best people working around the clock to make things happen!! This is truly a piece of heaven on earth. AMAZING TIME!!!…. Steven Holden, US Army, Medic, Retired

Sherry Gooding

Thank you Paul House, House in the Woods and Hunting with a Hero for a fantastic bear hunt. My guides, Jerry and Richard, were the best! Of course they were – I got a bear!

The real heroes are the soldiers and retired military I am honored to be here with! They are the ones who have made this truly a hunt of a lifetime!

House in the Woods, (a nonprofit) operated by Paul and Dee House, is a hunting lodge for soldiers and veterans and their families in appreciation for their service to our country. I am blown away by the number of volunteers who so selflessly come to serve the guests. They don’t allow us to do anything but eat, fellowship with other guests, eat, hunt, eat!! Sunday was lobster fest with all the Maine lobster you can eat. If you are a vet, check this place out!

It was an awesome time! Yes, I got my bear but the friends we made was the highlight of the trip! Thank you Jessica Young Cloukey for all your efforts organizing the volunteers and food. Thanks to you, I gained 4 pounds!! You did your job well! ~Sherry Gooding, South Carolina

Sherry received the first place trophy for the largest bear harvested during the second week of black bear hunting.

First bear of week 3 was harvested by Keith who was up for the hunt with Warriors@45North from NH.

Warriors@45 North

Paul Woodman and his Guide Dean had a great hunt!

Paul shares: To House in the Woods and all the wonderful people who donate their precious time in making the veterans feel so welcome. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being there.This past week was more than just taking a bear,it was the meeting of new family and making memories that will last a lifetime.Once again thank you all……Paul Woodman, Army

In Between the Hunting

Left to right: Tom Orf, Guide with Matt Merritt, TJ Riddick, Paul House, Executive Director of House in the Woods, Turbo the dog bear tracker, and Mike Gould.

Matt shares: What an honor this week has been! Richard Wade Jones and myself joined a group of American heroes for a bear hunt in Lee, Maine at House in the Woods. It was a week of healing and decompression for most of the Veterans. As I sit in this airport on my way to Rochester, NY I can’t help but think about all the stories they told, of some of the things they did to protect and serve us. I am also thinking of the volunteers at House in the Woods and how their service to the Veterans helped them heal. If you know of a veteran that needs a break or just wanna donate money or goods to this great organization their website is www.houseinthewoods.org even sharing this post will help.

When we first arrived everyone kinda kept to themselves. Four days later, everyone has opened up and it’s a pretty special scene! God bless all of our troops! “Never above you, Never below you, always beside you.”….Matt Merritt, Professional Rodeo and Bull Riding Entertainer.

A lot of really cool things have been given to me over the years but, this is special. Here in Maine the people are as genuine as you could imagine. These are hats given to me by Paul House who operates “House in the Woods”. It is a hunting and outdoor retreat for veterans of our country in honor of their son Joel who gave his life for us. Just want everyone to know how humbling this life can be. May god bless all the veterans of our country and their families!!! …..Matt Merritt

Cooking breakfast for our veterans and guides before the hunt begins! Those folks have a BIG appetite!

Some Well-Deserved R&R

Think this will get done this week??

Getting there!!!

We Are Putting the Pieces Together at House in the Woods

Cards in the Great Room at the lodge.

I will keep my rifle clean and ready….

Marines, Drew Robeson & Tommy Wallin prepping for the hunt.

Drew shares: I just returned from a great week of hunting with House in the Woods. A big thank you to Paul House and all of his volunteers who cooked cleaned and guided us through this whole week. Debi Gould, it was so nice meeting you. Matt and Rich, you guys are great Americans and were a riot. I made life long friends through this week. Semper Fi…….Drew Robeson, Marine Corps

A little friendly competition to work off that lobster lunch!

Bob Cobb, 91 yrs old, served in Italy during WWII. He delivered syrup he made 30 years ago to be put on the bear bait sites.

A Gift of Appreciation

Deanna House, Administrative Director of House in the Woods shares: It’s always fun to meet a new group of veterans but so sad when it’s time to say goodbye. Many of our hunters had to leave early because of either Harvey or Irma.

The Combat Marine Outdoors group presented us with a beautiful cutting board for the kitchen and an oar and a double bit ax trimmed with parachord.

We had fun playing cards in the evening. None of this would have been possible without the outpouring of support through volunteers for kitchen, guiding, cleaning, and office work. I get choked up when I think about how much our community has reached out to support our veterans. Thank you from the bottom of my heart….

Combat Marine Outdoors Presents Gifts to Paul House

Paul House, Executive Director of House in the Woods shares: My wife and I would like to thank the Heritage Flag Company out of North Carolina for this incredible piece of craftsmanship made from barrels in memory of our son Sgt. Joel House. Thank you Rob Stitham one of our vets on the bear hunt for making this happen. This is truly amazing!!!

Debi Gould and Sherry Gooding

Debi Gould shares: Well now, getting back to life after my amazing week spent at House In The Woods, I have had time to sit back and reflect on how incredible it really was.

I learned that real cowboys love golf, and enjoyed sitting, chatting, sharing thoughts and admire your insight, that respect for each other should be given to everyone, even those we don’t agree with. Thank you Richard Wade Jones

I also learned that there are still just good kind-hearted people in this world that will put others before themselves and have an amazing gift to bring smiles and happiness to people they have just met. Thank you Matt Merritt

I have been reminded of the amazing people we call our Veterans. Their willingness to go above and beyond, to include everyone, always put others before themselves and their unspoken pride that they carry so well. To see such strong, brave men that then turn to mush when showing you pictures of their little girl starting her first day of pre k. Thank you Drew Roberson for sharing.

Then of course some things that I will never understand but am in absolute amazement, to look into the eyes of a parent and see the sorrow of someone who has lost the single most important thing in their life but also still see the spark of happiness by doing for others. Can never thank you enough Paul House for what you have done and are continuing to do.

I also want to make sure I give a shout out to these mega companies that still take the time to recognize and say “Thank you” to our Veterans and the amazing people at House In The Woods: PBR Velocity Tour, Wrangler, Cooper Tire, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, BEX Sunglasses and our own local Maine-ly Tactical & Uniform, thanks Rod.

When I think about my time spent at House in the Woods and what it means to me I tear up. Not because of one feeling of being happy or sad but because you leave with so many emotions all hitting you at once! Things like sorrow, pride, respect, happiness, thankfulness, friendship and blessings. Thank you to everyone for sharing an amazing week with me, I was honored and truly touched.

Thanks to your generosity, we are able to provide FREE outdoor retreats to our service members and their families. Your contribution and support may change, or save, a veteran’s life. Get involved today.

If you would like to sponsor an event for a veteran who may not be able to afford it, simply visit House in the Woods at link below.

House in the Woods

Sponsoring a vet for such an event is a gift they will cherish for a lifetime.

We honor, respect and love each and every veteran who has served, and the active combat warriors who are currently serving our country. Because of your dedication, all citizens of these great United States enjoy the freedom and liberties your service has granted us.

~God bless each and every one of you~

We offer outdoor retreats for active duty military, veterans, and their family members, in the great wilderness of Maine. Activities include hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, nature tours, campfires, swimming, and wildlife identification and spotting.

~THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT~

August Newsletter

There’s Plenty of Time Left to Enjoy Summer!!

You know those “lazy days of summer”??? Well, they don’t exist in Maine!! There’s always, always something to do at House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat in Lee, Maine.

But of course, we do have our relaxing moments on the water or or at the lodge at day’s end.

One of the guest suites at House in the Woods lodge where your day will end listening to the sounds of Nature outside your window. This particular room is family size!! Bring your spouse and kids. They will enjoy it. Private bathrooms for each suite and all rooms are ADA compliant. We also have an elevator for wheelchair access.

Our lodge is a perfect way to end the day after a long day of hunting or fishing. Share a fabulous meal, with all attendees and guides, right from our huge commercial kitchen! Sit around a campfire outside and just relax enjoying the Maine sky in the evening! It seems there are far more stars hanging over Maine! Perhaps it’s just the beautiful, clean air???

If You Are New to Our Lodge, This is Who We Are

House in the Woods is a nonprofit organization offering outdoor programs to bring together small groups of active military, veterans, and their family members to relax, share, bond, and deal with the stress, loss, grief, and other emotions which can haunt the grieving soul.

We offer canoeing, kayaking, hiking, hunting, fishing, nature tours, campfires, swimming, wildlife identification and spotting, and other natural Eastern Maine resource “treasures” God has given our beautiful state to enjoy. As participants face the outdoor challenges presented by Mother Nature herself, they will have the opportunity to share laughter, memories, sorrow, service, and pride, among many other common bonds.

Come Join Us at House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat

At House in the Woods we know how to make the most of all four seasons of New England. We offer veterans and active military to join in events that many combat wounded thought were no longer available to them due to their injuries. Never say never!!

One of our most popular and large-group attendance is Black Bear Hunting.

At last years black bear hunt our combat wounded had a fabulous week of hunting. Nothing stopping these men! Don’t hesitate to give it a try!! Nearly all participants went home with their own harvest of black bear.

House in the Woods already has a record-breaking 47 guests who have reserved a spot.

There is still room for more! Just connect with House in the Woods if we have peaked your interest. House in the Woods

Or contact Deanna House at: Dee House

Following are dates for bear hunts:

Week 1: August 26th-September 2nd

Week 2: September 2nd-September 9th

Week 3: September 9th-September 16th

This week our Maine Guides have been placing bear bait at over 40 sites on 200,000 acres of Maine wood. Ask anyone who has hunted bear in Maine and they will tell you….there are plenty of hungry bear out there! We have the secret!!!!

Last year’s lobster boil lunch for those attending bear hunt week. This is served each week for bear hunting. All meals are donated by local residents and businesses. This is at no cost to any of the veterans or active military and families attending our events.

FEEDING THE TROOPS!

During Black Bear Hunting events Jessica Cloukey does an amazing job each year of coordinating our large network of volunteers to provide all the necessary and absolutely scrumptious meals for the black bear hunt. Her organization and logistics skills are outstanding, and she knows down to the last pound of bacon what is needed. None of this would be possible without the numerous local volunteers who always seem to jump at the chance to help with many of the events.

Here are the meal statistics to give you an idea of how this has to all fall into place in a precise manner:

Daily: 30 people, 3 times per day for 3 weeks. That’s 90 meals a day times 21 days which is almost 1900 meals. Extra people join in on Sundays for which House in the Woods safely plans for a total of 2000 meals!

Now that the lodge is complete with a beautiful commercial size kitchen and large great room/dining room, the Cloukey family can have their home back! Their generosity goes beyond most.

You see, in the past, the meals were served in their beautiful large yard hosting lobster boil and barbecuing paraphernalia. Their garage was converted to a dining room for all attendees for a sit-down meal, guides and volunteers.

Currently all major goods, for all meals, for all weeks of the bear hunt have been met by outstanding citizens and business owners of Lee, Lincoln and surrounding towns. That fact alone is outstanding! It took less than a week to get the inventory filled by generous folks of Maine who love and honor our veterans!

BUT…there is an ongoing need for the following: Attention bakers!

House in the Woods needs your expertise. We need:
* 4 loaves of homemade bread each week
* 2 dozen muffins each week
* 3 or 4 people each week to make a sweet treat of your choice Sundays and Thursdays for the weeks of August 26th-Sept 16th.

But if you are in Washington, DC, Sacramento, CA or New Mexico or any other location and would love to support this great event for our veterans you can send checks made out to House in the Woods. In the memo indicate Bear Hunt. Mail to Machias Savings Bank attn: Jessica Cloukey, Branch Manager, P.O. Box 7, Lincoln ME 04457.

NOTE:

There are many, many volunteers who serve House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat. It is our goal to present more of them in upcoming editions of our monthly newsletters. We thought this would be a good place to start with the black bear hunt. We have some absolutely amazing unsung heroes for our nonprofit veterans and active military retreat.

Jessica is like many working mothers and wives of her generation. Busy doing everyday tasks and then some!! Both she Justin volunteer locally for many causes.

Jessica and Justin organized a parade across Lincoln in 2014 where participants carried memorial stones for The Summit Project.

The Summit Project

Justin Cloukey is an ER Nurse who is also studying for his Masters while being a great Dad to two awesome kids and and great supportive husband. He, like his wife, volunteers in the area and is a very supportive community member.

This picture is when the Cloukeys organized The Lynx Rush. An obstacle course race they designed and ran for 2 years in Lincoln.

Bangor Daily News

They were able to raise $16,000 with this fundraiser for Lincoln to finish the local walking trails!

It’s a pleasure to have such committed young folks working with us at House in the Woods.

Justin representing House in the Woods in the 2017 Lincoln Homecoming Parade.

Hiking Mt. Katahdin in their “spare time”!

The Cloukey’s combined energy and love for their community is commendable! Always ready to help.

Look What We’ve Been Up To!!!

June 22nd~25th: U.S. Veteran’s Rowing & Kayaking of Connecticut and six visually impaired veterans were guests of House in the Woods.

We had a fantastic time spent on the rivers and ponds in Lee and the surrounding area.

U.S. Veteran’s Rowing & Kayaking Program is a non-profit volunteer organization based in Connecticut and serves all military veterans in the East Coast region that suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other health related issues. A great organization for those who are visually impaired and would otherwise not be learning to navigate a kayak or canoe over the waters.

Paul and Dee house with super dog Turbo kayaking with veterans.

This group is the Spaghetti Supper fundraiser we held for U.S. Veterans Rowing & Kayaking. It’s a mixture of event participants, volunteers, and community guests. We helped raise over $600 to help defray their cost of transporting guests and gear to this event.

Kennebec River Striper Fishing Trip

July 24th, Bath, Maine

We had an amazing day fishing for striped bass…better known as striper with Maine Saltwater Outfitters owned by Capt. Forrest Faulkingham and two other boats.

Fly By Night SV1 bass boat.

Six veterans were able to join in this event with House in the Woods.

Capt. Forrest has been guiding the Kennebec River for nearly 20 years, thus he knows where the “good catch’ is! He is well-known for his incredible fly-tying. His technique has been in many books and magazines nationwide.

Early morning cup of coffee while awaiting boat.

The guide in one of the other boats was Capt. Mike Faulkingham, son of Capt. Forrest. Mike has been trolling the waters of Chesuncook Lake with his father since he was young. Both are avid saltwater fly fishermen. The third boat was Capt. Jay.

We caught many stripers but regulation states they must be over 28 inches to keep. Thus many were released for another time of fishing when they mature. But a couple of the vets caught over reg size and we all were happy fishermen and women!!

One of the veterans had a battle with a seal over a striper…but the seal won! Sadly no pictures of that!!

This is our shortest event; come Sunday and fish Monday morning. Ideal for veterans with jobs and those who cannot be away from home for a longer period of time.

Turbo, the infamous dog, was taking a cruise with us on the Kennebec.

Now, if I sign this, you say I get to keep all the fish I catch?? (Just joking but it’s the first thing that came to mind as a writer!!)

Dinner is served!

Ahhh…..dessert! Is that wild Maine blueberries in that pie with ice cream???

A wonderful local pastor and his wife served a delicious lobster meal to all of us. People of Maine are so honored to say “pull up a chair and eat” to any veteran. We cannot thank you enough!

A great big thank you to Hampton Inn of Bath for providing four rooms for this event!

GENEROUS GIFTS FOR TWO VETERANS CAUSES

The Maine Troop Greeters and House In The Woods were the guests of honor for dinner at Sunbury Village Retirement Community on July 26th.

Sunbury Village Veterans presented both organizations funds raised from our 4th Annual Classic Car Show and BBQ held on Memorial Day.

A total of $1,600 was raised with the support of local Classic Car Groups, Bangor Businesses and of course the Residents and Staff of Sunbury Village. Each nonprofit received $750.

The Katahdin Area Red Hatters came by to visit us at HITW. We always welcome visitors. Drop by if you are in the area!

August 19th Rocky Knoll Country Club Golf Tournament

The House in the Woods Golf Tournament is at Rocky Knoll on August 19th. There is a $15,000 hole in one sponsored by Advanced Auto Parts Bangor. We need hole sponsors for $100 a hole, door prizes, and most of all golfers.

$60 a person includes 18 holes of golf ,cart, meal and door prizes, come one come all, this is an awesome cause! Remember these people gave it up for our freedom and safety!!! (posting from Rocky Knoll FB page)

$15,000 Hole in One Contest sponsored by Bangor Area Advanced Auto Parts

If you are interested in an awesome day of golfing or would like to attend to simply support House in the Woods, please contact Dee House, Administrative Director at HITW: Dee House

Or call House in the Woods: 207~738~4421

We are also looking for hole and tournament sponsors.

It’s not too late to step up to support and honor our veterans! Are you an avid golfer who wants to step up to sponsor? Are you a business that often takes clients for “golf meetings”? We know many deals are sealed “on the green”!!

Perhaps you can seal this deal of sponsoring a portion of the tournament.

This 18-hole golf course offers beautiful views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep Rocky Knoll, difficult yet friendly, laid out over more than 140 scenic acres in Orrington, Maine.

August 19th Millinocket American Legion Riders Post #80 Motorcycle Ride

Check with House in the Woods‘ Administrative Director, Deanna House for more information regarding this fundraiser ride.

Dee’s email: Dee House

Or call House in the Woods: 207~738~4421

The Honorable Michael Michaud, former U.S. Senator presenting a special award at HITW Open House to recognize and thank Millinocket American Legion Riders Post #80 for their outstanding and continued generous support of House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat.

Awesome, awesome group of men and ladies who know what it truly means to be a veteran.

American Legion Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children’s hospitals, schools, veterans homes, severely wounded service members and scholarships.

SPONSOR A VETERAN

Give a veteran the opportunity to relax in the company of other veterans who have similar experiences and can listen, empathize, and care, by sponsoring a hunting, fishing, or recreational trip.

SHOP AT AMAZON

When you make us your charity and shop at Amazon Smile, we receive 0.5% of all your qualifying totals.

HOLD A FUNDRAISER

Your family, business, or organization can hold a fundraiser. It’s a great way to get together with people you know and serve vets at the same time.

DONATE

You can help House in the Woods build a solid foundation. Your investment in HITW future will help to ensure that our programs remain vital and serve our future generations. Please help us to provide help, hope, and healing to veterans and their families.

“HOME” FOR HITW PROJECT

For our new “Home” at HITW. Your support could help us meet the future demands of our facility, which will help us better serve our nation’s veterans.

VOLUNTEER

We have many volunteer opportunities available. Make an impact by donating your time to HITW. Contact us for more information.

Dee’s email: Dee House

Or call House in the Woods: 207~738~4421

We Would Love To Have You Join Us

Please take the time to visit our website to understand how we are honoring our veterans who paid for our freedom with their lives and those who are combat wounded, as well as all active military.

House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat

~NEVER FORGET~

We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us. ~Winston Churchill~

Celebration at House in the Woods!

Open House July 8, 2017

House in the Woods

Military & Family Retreat

On a perfect, sun shining summer day, with not a cloud in the sky, over 600 visitors walked through these doors to enter House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat, located in Lee, Maine .

Young and old, grandparents and grandchildren, veterans of many wars and some active military. Dignitaries, local neighbors and those from far and wide enjoyed a tour of the beautiful lodge and meeting the House and Emery families whose dream to build became a reality.

IF YOU BUILD IT,

THEY WILL COME……

Pass through two eagle statues….

Fabulous metal eagles at the entrance of House in the Woods. These magnificent birds were crafted at a wood and metal shop in The Villages of Florida. Such generous gifts honoring our veterans and active military have been received from many Americans who just want to “do something” to show their appreciation!!!

Folk lore states that this stately regal bird, with its keen eyes ,symbolizes ready insight, courage, strength and immortality.

Welcoming Guests

Signing the Guest Book

Hundreds of names are in our guest book!

To all who attended our Open House, thank you for joining us. Please drop in again soon to see the lodge in action with our combat warriors and and meet our great crew!

Representatives from Warriors @45 North. A great nonprofit, also free for veterans, located in Pittsburg, NH.

Two young guests admiring veteran and Maine Guide, Lawrence McManus’ guide dog. Lawrence served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He knows the residuals of PTSD and credits HITW with saving him and wants to do the same for other vets.”They helped me through a hard time in my life and it’s still helping me by helping others.”

Lawrence volunteers as a guide for hunting events at HITW .

HOUSE IN THE WOODS

This is where the wounded souls and bodies of combat warriors can feel “at home”.

This is where our active military can come, while on leave, before returning to base or before being deployed overseas.

This is where veterans of all wars are honored in the most respectful and caring manner that is so deserving of their years of service.

This is where we continue to honor our brave warriors who paid, with their lives, for our freedom and liberties we enjoy each day. Those who are among the bravest of warriors from long ago and from just last week.

This is where many of the volunteers and supporters give of their time and financial support to be a part of honoring our military men and women from all 50 states.

~This is where, together we heal ~

~ Please remember all lodging and meals are free to all veterans and active military~

House in the Woods has the most amazing volunteers!The following is just a sample of the many who selflessly give of their time:

Richard Harriman, Vietnam Veteran who is deserving of the award Volunteer of the Year for House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat. Richard has been right here with us since digging of the foundation. His generosity of his time and effort is priceless!

Richard was also awarded his Vietnam service medal which had never been presented to him.

Jessica and Justin Cloukey great volunteer husband and wife team! They are always lending a hand throughout the year.

Dean Smith, another hands-on volunteer and a Vietnam veteran.

Our volunteers interact with the veterans and their families attending the events . A great number of volunteers for House in the Woods are veterans themselves.

It takes a veteran to truly understand another veteran!

Since the inception of House in the Woods so many people have come forward as volunteers. Those who have that understanding of the military life, of our veterans and what they sacrificed, of our families who have found themselves with the title of Gold Star Families. We are so blessed to have such a great, dependable and committed group of volunteers who all understand and believe in our mission.

The House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat Mission:

To create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for our nation’s U.S. armed forces and their families, using outdoor wilderness activities in Maine and natural habitats to help participants share common challenges related to their service and sacrifice in protecting our nation’s freedom and democratic ideals.

Team of outstanding women who kept the table well-stocked with fresh fruit and other delicious appetizers for the continuous flow of visitors.

LET’S EAT!!

So Many Choices

YUMMMM

Big Smiles From All

Finger Desserts

Good food, good friends, great conversations!

Dining options: out in nature or inside beautiful lodge.

The Foyer

Sharing stories from the past and hopes for the future…..

The younger generation learned a bit more about veterans, their sacrifices and how we honor them.

Admiring pictures of soldiers from many years ago!

Immediate right: Doug Sukeforth, an integral supporter and friends.

Maine Dignitaries

Elizabeth Schenider~MacTaggert was a Maine state senator when the conception of House in the Woods was just a dream. She worked diligently to advocate for us. Elizabeth continues to support our efforts. We cannot thank her enough!

The Honorable Michael Michaud, former U.S. Senator.

Far left: U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin presenting to Richard and Nancy Larkin for their generosity of support to HITW.

Beth Turner, Maine State Representative and Stacey Guerin of Flaggs Restarurant Equipment admiring the many quilts hand stitched for each bed in the lodge.

Michael Noyes, Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Barbara Hayslett, Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Angus King, Jr., volunteer Nancy Small and Honorable Michael Michaud, former U.S. Senator. Nancy and her Bangor-based Bear Paw Quilt Guild made many of the quilts found throughout the lodge. Nancy also made all curtains in the rooms.

Michael Carpenter, Maine State Senator and Dee House presenting Nancy Lothrop, a former Navy wife, with certificate of appreciation for volunteering.

A PEAK AT SOME OF OUR SIX

GUEST SUITES

Perfect place to lay your head at day’s end!

Rooms with views of nothing but Maine wood. Peace and quiet abound in the midst of Nature.

~All accommodations are ADA approved and accessible. We have an elevator for those who are unable to use the stairs.~

~ Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while…. Mark6:31 ~

~Each suite has its own large private bathroom.~

Comfy guest room large enough for a family!

ONE OF TWO GUIDES’ BUNK ROOMS

We caught one of our guides testing out his new bunk where he will be hanging his hat during hunting and fishing events with our guests.

~Large private bathrooms with each bunk room.~

Tom Orfe, another Vietnam veteran and Maine Guide whom you will find at many of the events volunteering.

Don Hessline and Mike Cox two volunteer guides for House in the Woods.

Dee and Paul House

~ In memory of SSgt. Joel House ~

Paul House, Daughter Joy and Grandson Eddie

Bill Emery and Luke House

Bill and Quie Emery

~ In memory of SSgt. Blair Emery~

~ In Memory of SSgt. Michael Leslie Severance ~

A resident of Lee, Maine, Mike Severance was a member of the 317th Airlift Maintenance Squadron as a flight crew chief, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mike was stationed at Dyess AF Base Abilene, TX when in 2005 he was tragically killed. As with Joel and Blair, Mike served with honor and dedication to our country.

In a town as small as Lee, everyone knows everyone and the three combat warriors were friends. Mike’s older brother Frank is married to Blair Emery’s sister Betsy.

Mike Severance, His Father, Les Severance and Mike’s Son, Shane in 2004.

On The Lower Level

Archery Room

To help our veterans practice their skills of bow hunting, we have an indoor archery range. Soon to be filled with archery gear. Regulation size range for future competition events!

Rowing Room

Rowing machines loaned to HITW by U.S. Veteran’s Rowing & Kayaking of Connecticut for great cardio and upper body workout! The veterans organization was visiting the lodge in June. Pictures and editorial of their trip to House in the Woods will be included in the regular newsletter to follow within a couple of weeks.

Future plans for indoor rowing competition as a fundraiser! That should be a great time and an excellent workout!!

Additional physical equipment will be added in this large room for our guests’ use to get those endorphins pumping for the day’s events.

Row, row, row!!! Put your back into it boy!!

~ To Honor All Our Fallen Warriors ~

U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin presenting the American Flag to memorialize Joel House, Blair Emery and Michael Severance and all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This flag has flown over our nation’s Capitol. Representative Poliquin stated; Freedom is not free. We do not have a country without Joel and all these other heroes who have fallen.

~ Gift for House in the Woods ~

Neokraft Signs Inc. of Lewiston, Maine

Phil Bolduc, President of Neokraft Signs had an all-hands field trip to Lee to present donated signs to House in the Woods . Additionally Neokraft presented an ATV named aptly named Recovery I, to Paul and Dee House.

Installation of House in the Woods sign.

Lettering at the Ready to Be Installed

Job Complete

House in the Woods Logo Sign on Lodge

Awesome Crew of Neocraft Signs

ATV Recovery I will certainly be put to great use by guests and guides of House in the Woods.

Surprising Paul House with Recovery I.

Interior Signage

Also gifted by Neokraft Signs, each room throughout the lodge is numbered and named with lodge decor signs which are also lettered in braille for the sight impaired.

Just amazing!

Perfect Finishing Touch

House in the Woods has been so blessed to have amazing donations from local and nationwide companies and individuals. There is no way to tell you how deeply appreciative we are of each and every gift.

Our veterans and families as well as our active military and their families, as guests to the lodge, will be enjoying their stay in such beautiful, new and comfortable accommodations at no charge to them. And, our directors and volunteers have superb office space. We also have an amazing commercial kitchen and beautiful great room for all to gather for meals, presentations or meetings.

We invite you to read our previous newsletters found on this website under Military & Veterans tab. There you will find the amazing generosity of many of the wonderful gifts donated to the completion of our lodge and many of the annual recreational events that take place.

The following link will take you to House in the Woods web site where you can easily donate on line or contact Deanna House, Director of Administrative Services.

HITW Get Involved

In appreciation to Jean Hanington for sharing many of the photographs posted in this special, celebration newsletter. She captured such special moments!!Sheldon and Jean Hanington

Brenda Everson~Shaw

Brenda Everson~Shaw and Granddaughter Marissa

We ask the you always remember those who have given their lives since the American Revolution and support our young men and women who currently serve our country.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Happy Fathers’ Day

Happy Fathers’ Day!

June 18th 2017

Happy Father’s Day to our Military Dads

Fathers who are serving our military far from home have a mission to accomplish every day. All too often uncertainty fills their days, but they have done their best to prepare their children (of all ages) that the entire family is on a mission. Dads know that it’s not just them who is serving our country…it is his wife, his children and grandchildren alike.

It takes a special family and those of us at House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat thank each and every family who serves! We are proud of your Dads who are far away!

~ A young man’s letter to his soldier Dad ~

Hi Dad,

Miss you Dad! You may not be here every day like I wish you could be. But you taught me to be strong, to love God and country, to be respectful and always stand for our flag. You taught me that a man gives a strong and grateful handshake.You taught me that is was okay for a man to cry. I hope you remembered that when I cried when you hugged me goodbye before leaving this time!

You taught me how to put that worm on the hook, how to skip stones across the pond, how to love Nature, how to tie my boots and to be respectful to others. You taught me to always hold the door for ladies, veterans and the elderly.

You asked me not to worry and to take care of Mom and my little sister. You asked me to rake the yard and make sure all the doors are locked at night. You asked me to be loyal to friends and family and you asked me to pray for you and your troops every night. You asked me to work hard in school and to have a lot of fun with friends.

Sometimes I wish you just had a regular job like Bob’s father, but Bob’s father doesn’t wear dog tags and combat boots.

I’m telling you that I love you Dad. I’m telling you that you really are the best man in the world. I’m telling you that you can depend on me, but I’m telling you to come home safe to us as soon as you can. I’m telling you that I want to be just like you when I grow up!

I love you and miss you Dad……Happy Fathers’ Day……Love, Matt

Happy Father’s Day to our Military Dads

We thank every Dad who is away from his children, not just on Fathers’ Day, but every day. Thank you for your sacrifice and your service to our country.

I’ll be back soon…I promise!

We pray for all our troop and their families each and every day.

We can never thank you enough for your service, but please let us try by visiting us at House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat. All lodging and meals are free to all military personnel and veterans alike!

~A little tip for Dad’s who getting ready for deployment~

I read of an idea for a soldier dad to leave his child when he is deployed: fill a container full of Hershey’s Kisses that equal the number of days you are deployed. Your child takes one Kiss out of the container each day while you are gone as a small token of your love for him or her….A Kiss From Daddy…

Without the support of our community and friends from far and wide, none of this would be possible!! Thank you for supporting House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat and all our combat wounded, our active military and their families and our veterans.

~Together We Heal~

House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat

House in the Woods

The motorcycle group, Widows Sons Masonic Riders, Wayfarers Chapter members and friends Motorcycle Ride-In on May 28th brought them to Lee to tour House in the Woods and present us with a gift of financial support.

Widows Sons presented a gift to Paul and Deanna House for House in the Woods.

Sunbury Village, a beautiful independent lifestyle in a hospitable community located in Bangor, Maine held their 4th Annual Memorial Day Fundraiser benefiting House in the Woods and Maine Troop Greeters. This is a community that loves and supports our veterans and military families.

Beautiful antique cars, classic cars, awesome items for raffle tables and a scrumptious barbecue filled the day with some great friends, new and old, and wonderful residents of beautiful Sunbury Village.

We thank you for seeing the value in our therapeutic, recreational and educational retreat for our combat wounded, their families and veterans of all wars. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

Paul and Deanna House, Nancy and Tom Small. Unwavering supporters of our military!

They don’t make them like they used to!!

Darlings Auto Mall

Per Jay Darling, president of Darling’s Auto; In memory and support of all of our nation’s veterans and active duty military personnel, we will be donating $100 for every vehicle sold at all Darling’s locations between May 20th to May 31st $100 per car sold. to one of these local nonprofit organization that serves our nations heroes:

House in the Woods, Maine Troop Greeters, Maine Veterans Project, The Travis Mills Foundation, and The Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope.

Upon purchase of an automobile Darlings Auto asks the customer to choose the nonprofit to whom they would like the donation to be given. This has been a huge success for each of these nonprofits. In May of 2016 the same promotion raised $26,000 for Maine veterans-related charities.

House in the Woods is proud to be a $5,0000 Community Matters More winner.

On behalf of those we serve, we thank you for your vote.

~ Lake Ontario Fishing Adventure~

June 5-8th sixteen veterans ventured with House in the Woods to Oswego, NY for some fabulous fishing with Hat Trick Charters.

What a great bunch of guys. From dinners to ice cream to 9 hours on the road, and of course, to the 2 days of fishing on Lake Ontario. Everyone had fun, laughed, and made new friends. Thanks to all who support House in the Woods who helped us make this trip possible. This year we were joined by Warriors@45North, our partner agency from NH.

Fishing is never better than with friends!

But, ice cream with friends comes in second place!!

June 22nd~25th: U.S. Veteran’s Rowing & Kayaking of Connecticut will be accompanying six visually impaired veterans as guests of House in the Woods.

They will spend their days traversing the rivers and ponds in Lee and the surrounding area.

U.S. Veteran’s Rowing & Kayaking Program is a non-profit volunteer organization based in Connecticut and serves all military veterans in the East Coast region that suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other health related issues. A great organization for those who are visually impaired and would otherwise not be learning to navigate a kayak or canoe.

June 22nd: House in the Woods is holding a spaghetti dinner at the new lodge, House in the Woods, for U.S. Veteran’s Rowing & Kayaking Program to help defray their cost of transporting guests and gear to this event.

Public welcome!! Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. Come join us and see who’s doing the cooking!!!

June 24th: Band Together for Veterans

Join us for a concert fundraiser at Mt. Jefferson ski area in Lee, Maine to Benefit the House in the Woods! This event is a Multi-Band concert featuring Maine Headliners:

Magic Bus ~ A WHO Tribute band, Piranha Brothers, Bandwich, Say What?, Jamie Barton and more!

Special guests, Karen and Morrill Worcester from Wreaths Across America and local dignitaries will be in attendance.

Matrix Music Productions has graciously donated the Mt. Jefferson Ski Area as a venue to hold this event. Buy your tickets and come enjoy some great music, a beautiful location and support a tremendous cause..House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat!!! Purchase Tickets

We hope you will join us to make this a tremendously successful day!

June 26th~29: Maine Registered Guide School

To be rescheduled. We will broadcast new date.

Instructor, Carol Ware joins Paul House. Students are are instructed and readied for the Hunting, Fishing and/or Recreation guides license examination.

Carol Ware (left), Registered Maine Guide Instructor.

This course builds top notch map and compass proficiency, and equips students to react quickly and efficiently during stressful situations, such as a lost client or medical emergency. Students will also become better woodsman. They will gain knowledge on a variety of subjects from map reading, navigation, boating, hunting, species identification and countless other topics. Participants will also be given a wealth of information on starting and running a guiding business which we have gained through two decades of experience.

July 1 from 12 – 4 pm:

Sgt. Joel A. House Beach and Barbecue Day.

Joel was buried on July 3, 2007. This is the 10th anniversary. Deanna & Paul House host a FREE barbecue fundraiser at the public beach on Silver Lake in Lee, ME. We have a 20 plus prize raffle that includes an Old Town canoe and a muzzle loader. Proceeds go to the Sgt. Joel A. House Summer Camp Scholarship Fund. Sgt. Joel A. House Summer Camp

We also host a Pie-in-the-Face auction that can be hilarious. Join our Facebook page at http://facebook.com/ sgtjoelhouse to see photos from previous years.

Hey Dad, One good turn (pie) deserves another!

SPECIAL EVENT

We are so excited!!

The day has arrived….

to invite you to join us in celebrating the Open House for the lodge and offices of House in The Woods Military & Family Retreat!!

~July 8th, 2017 OPEN HOUSE~

For details please click over to the tab Military & Veterans, click on Newsletters where you will find Open House Invitation. You will find lots of additional information. Plus take a moment to read the other newsletters created for House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat.

We hope you can join us to see the beautiful lodge built to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Meet the people who brought House in the Woods to fruition, meet the many tradesmen who built the lodge, meet the volunteers who jump in at a moment’s notice, and meet some of the donors and sponsors who have made this possible. Perhaps, as a combat wounded warrior, veteran or active military, you will be our guest as one of our upcoming events.

We are a community from all walks of life who honor and love our veterans and active military.

Drop in July 8th between the hours of 10:00 a.m.~8:00 p.m.

217 Skunk Hill Road, Lee, Maine 04455

Email: Deanna House, Director of Administrative Services

deanna.house@houseinthewoods.org

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up…….Galatians 6:9

You can help House in the Woods. Volunteering is a great way to support our lodge. One day, one week or a month. We have a great force of volunteers with a wide-range of skills, but we are always grateful for more help. Perhaps you are kicking around some ideas for summer vacation. Maine is fabulous in the summer!! If you have some free time and want to teach your children about honoring those who serve, join us for a day or a few hours by volunteering your time. Everyone has a useful skill that can be of service.

Contact Deanna House, Director of Administrative Services

deanna.house@houseinthewoods.org

207-738-4421

Open House Invitation

House in the Woods Military and Family Retreat

July 8th, 2017

10:00 a.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.

217 Skunk Hill Road

Lee, Maine 04455

Tel: 207~738~4421

The dream has become a reality!

We are so excited!!

The day has arrived….

to invite you to join us in celebrating the Open House for the lodge and offices.

From a “hole in the ground” to…….

A beautiful lodge…….

where our weary warriors and their families can rest and commune with their comrades from all branches of the Armed Forces.

Lodge

Here they can relax, breathe in the fresh Maine air and smell the pines while enjoying hunting, fishing, and therapeutic recreational programs throughout the year.

This is truly build it and they will come!

This is how the House and Emery families are honoring their sons.

This is where the wounded souls and bodies of combat warriors can feel “at home”.

This is where our active military can come, while on leave, before returning to base or before being deployed overseas.

This is where veterans of all wars are honored in the most respectful and caring manner that is so deserving of their years of service.

This is where many of the volunteers and supporters give of their time and financial support to be a part of honoring our military men and women from all 50 states.

~This is where, TOGETHER WE HEAL~

~ In an instant everything changed: and it was never the same again……..~

For those readers who are new to postings of House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat the following will acquaint you with how it all began.

Two hometown boys who loved the wood of Maine and loved living in the small town of Lee.

Two families from Lee, Maine became Gold Star Families in 2007.

Paul and Dee House founded House in the Woods after their son, Sgt. Joel A. House, was killed by a roadside bomb while serving in the Army in Iraq in June 23, 2007.

They dreamed of creating a program using Maine’s outdoor resources that would help military families support one another.

Sgt. Joel A. House

Bill and Quie Emery are the parents of Sgt. Blair Emery who made the ultimate sacrifice on November 30, 2007 in Iraq.

The Emerys learned first hand the power of being comforted by other Gold Star Family members when Blair was memorialized just five months after Joel.

Sgt. Blair Emery

Please, come join us! We look forward to seeing each of you on July 8th between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Lee may be a small town but we are on the map and GPS.

Call us with any questions: 207~738~4421.

House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat

217 Skunk Hill Road

Lee, Maine 04455

45.3601° N, 68.2864° W

Mothers’ Day, Memorial Day

May 14th is Mother’s Day! House in the Woods Military and Family Retreat would like to wish each Mom and Grandmother….a very, very happy Mother’s Day.

You are the boo-boo fixer, the referee between siblings, the one who knows how to cook their favorite meal just the way they love it. The nurturer, the shoulder to cry on and the first to cheer on and encourage your child’s choices. The Mom who gives the best hugs and is often the only one who “really gets it”.

You mend broken hearts, advise on career choices and lovingly tell the child when he or she “may want to change” the outfit they have on before going out in public!!

You can pick out their voice or laughter with 30 classmates all talking at once and you know by the tone of each cry what their immediate needs are. You are the one your child seeks when she comes running through the door and yells, “Mom where are you?” The love between a mother and child cannot be replaced…ever!!

You are among the blessed to have the title of Mother.!

Woman, Soldier, Mom

A Military Mom simply wants to hold her child on Mother’s Day…and every day! It takes a special woman to remain steadfast as she leaves for deployment while serving her country. One who has made this choice for a career knowing she’s doing this for her children and for her country.

Those of us who have never lived through that “one last hug” before leaving cannot honestly know what it is like. What possibly goes through her mind as she has played all potential scenarios over and over in her head? A woman who stepped up to serve her country and prays for Skype and Facetime or texting to have a few precious moments with her little one.

If you are able to spend the day with your mother please take a few moments to remember the young mothers who are Military Moms, especially the moms who are on deployment away from their toddlers, teens and adult kids.

Think of the sacrifices these women make and the degree of commitment they have in serving our country. Keep them in your prayers. Too often we civilians forget about our country’s men and women who serve if we do not live near a military base, running into military personnel in uniform at the supermarket or a school event for your child. Please keep in mind the women who make this noble choice, do so on a volunteer basis. They have made that life-altering decision to become a defender of our country. Their lives are completely different than those of civilians mothers, yet they still love being a mother. Instead of judging them, as some often do, I ask that you try to put yourself in their boots for one day. Respect and honor all the sacrifices they have made for you and your children.

Today we sincerely want to thank all the military mothers who serve our country both here and abroad. Leaving for a faraway land must be so difficult , but the homecoming has got to be the best moment you experience. That one second when you first spot your child and realize you can finally hold him or her again. Most civilians don’t understand what you endure, but we definitely want to thank you as you truly are a Special Mom. We pray for you and your family daily~

Proud of all our Navy, Army, Marine, and Coast Guard women.

Happy Mother’s Day to each armed services Mom!!

Thank you for your service and your sacrifices.

During World War I, military families started a tradition of hanging a small banner in the windows of their homes. The banner had a white background, a red border and one blue star for each family member in the military. If a family member died in service, a gold star replaced the blue. That gold star has become a simple, cherished symbol of a loved one lost in combat, a parent’s way to hold tight a child’s memory.

Gold Star Mothers is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country. This is a Veterans Service Organization, established in 1928 and chartered by the United States Congress in 1984. American Gold Star Mothers continue to honor their sons and daughters through service — service to veterans and patriotic events.

It is with the most honorable and highest respect with which we hold the Gold Star Mothers. Throughout history many of us have come to know of or are related to a woman who has lost a son or daughter to combat. With each Mother’s Day that passes, their loss tugs even stronger at the heart of the mother. We ask that you continue to pray for these mothers whose son or daughter made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, for it is these women who can no longer hold their child, laugh with him/her or take a quiet stroll on the beach with them.

Is the Gold Star Mother that friend or relative working endlessly to support our troops? Is she the one who volunteers to send packages to our troops on deployment or write letters of gratitude and encouragement to the young men and women serving our country? Is this woman the one standing next to you at the Memorial Day Parade, waving her small American flag with tears in her eyes?

You can be supportive of this very special mother by asking how you can help her with her mission. Give her a warm hug and tell her how sorry you are for her loss. It will give you the opportunity to get to know her and respect all that she has endured. You will certainly bring a smile to her face when you say “can I help you with that?”

A Gold Star Mother Shares

Deanna House, Mother of a Fallen Hero and Director of Administrative Services at House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat, lost her son Sgt.Joel A. House, KIA Iraq June 23, 2007. Joel was 22 years old and Dee was 47 on that fateful day…the day of her birthday.

Dee is a quiet woman when first you are in her presence. But under that soft, gracious demeanor lies an extremely intelligent, well-educated individual with a loving fierceness when it comes to family, our combat wounded, active military and all veterans.

Dee is a Gold Star Mother who is on a mission to help other veterans. She is here is to honor Joel and she does this every day of her life. The following is penned by Joel’s Mom….Deanna House:

Portrait of Sgt. Joel A. House by Michael Reagan

Michael Reagan was a young man in the 1960’s, old enough to go to Vietnam. He had graduated from a Seattle, Washington High School in 1965 and enlisted in the U.S. Marines. At 19-years old a fellow Marine bled to death in his arms.

“He just looked me in the face and said, Mike, I just wanna go home,“ Michael says.

“And he looked at me, closed his eyes and died. Then we covered him with a tarp. I’ve seen that face for 48 years every day.”

After returning from the War, “people spat on me; no one seemed to understand what I’d been through. I felt as if I had dug a hole and buried part of myself in Vietnam”.

After returning home and holding some unfulfilling jobs, Michael went to art school. Afterwards he was hired as a computer programming for his school district. Seattle was quickly becoming an actors’ refuge from Hollywood. Before long he was meeting celebrities. He offered to draw them two portraits, one for themselves and the other to come back to him autographed. For years he practiced, getting better and better. He drew actors, presidents, athletes, etc.

Then the war in Iraq started and casualties began arriving at Dover Air Force Base, Maryland. In 2003 a widow of a fallen corpsman asked Michael to draw a portrait of her husband. The words of the man who had died in his arms hit him, “Bring me home.”

When the widow opened the drawing of her husband, tears filled her eyes. She said;

“I was able to reconnect to him instantly. We talked about things that we hadn’t finished talking about when he died. I ended my conversation with him telling him I loved him.” She said, “I felt him say he loved me back. And for the first time in a year, I’ve slept all night.’”

When Michael hung up the phone, he turned to his wife and said, “Now we need to do them all,” he told her. “Our whole life’s about to change.”

Vincent Santaniello, the young Marine who bled to death in Reagan’s arms, is listed on the Vietnam Memorial. His parents had passed on when Reagan tracked down Vincent’s nephew Ralph to finally fulfill his friend’s last request.

Vincent Santaniello, 46 years after that request, had finally arrived home. Ralph, overcome by the mixture of grief and pride, realized that his uncle had not died in vain. Because of his death, a generation of fallen heroes would live on forever.

Deanne House: “I didn’t know that story until my art history assignment pushed me to find an art object and relate it to me personally, as well as describe how it fit into the 20th century timeline.

I have a Michael Reagan portrait of my son, Sgt. Joel A. House who was killed on my 47th birthday, June 23, 2007. Believe me when I say, no mother wants to own a Michael Reagan portrait, and yet, we can’t describe the blessing it is each day to see our sons and daughters picture hanging there, so real looking, with eyes that bite into our hearts, accompanying us through our fields of stolen dreams.

Joel was 22-years old, the youngest of my 3 children. He was on his second tour of duty with the 2-8 Cavalry. The 2nd tour was a duty he did not want. He had been forced to remain in the Army due to the Stop-Loss program. Like the soldier who died in Reagan’s arms, all Joel wanted was to come home to Lee, Maine and live the rest of his life close to his family, the woods and waterways, and the Maine way of life.

Our Michael Reagan portrait arrived within a year of Joel’s death. “It was so real,” says my husband. “it was like Joel came alive.” I only saw this photo through a text message at first.

My dreams were coming true for me, and just before Joel was killed, I was hired to teach at a prestigious American school in Monterrey, Mexico. I was going to be only 5 hours from Ft. Hood, TX and planned to drive there to meet him in January of 2008 when he returned to American soil.

Now I was closing up shop on my dream to learn the Spanish language and Mexican culture, a goal that would help me become a better qualified Spanish teacher. I was returning to Lee to help my husband with our memorial scholarship program and with his new mission, to create an outdoor retreat program that would help veterans from all generations come together, relax and share their stories, and maybe leave with a new hunting or fishing story of their own.

We selected the photo of this drawing to represent his memorial scholarship, The Sgt. Joel A. House Summer Camp Fund. Each summer we help over 50 Maine kids reach for their dreams by helping them to attend an academic, sports, visual/performing arts, conservation, or Bible camp of their choice. Our hope is that Joel’s ultimate sacrifice will challenge young people to explore the imaginative possibilities of their potential. Sgt. Joel A. House Summer Camp Fund

During the first few years of the scholarship program, I used to see that image every day as I’d read scholarship applications and as I uploaded changes to the website or Face Book page. Summer camp just happened to coincide with the anniversary of Joel’s death.

Seeing Joel’s picture so lifelike, with his mouth expression posed just like he had done in real life, with his eyes that followed me around the room, would set off a quiet crying “jag”, a pity party of one.

My emotions were all represented in that facial expression: anger at death, jealousy of those who had not died, who were living their lives, bitterness at life. Yet Reagan’s ability to capture the essence of Joel was comforting. Joel’s patient eyes under his tank helmet could leap from the frame and assure me that he was still with me; he’d never left me.

This image of my boy who would never turn 23 had a way of straightening my spine. “Do the work, Ma,” he would say. After a few years, the image changed my sorrow over losing Joel to contentment that I was able to help so many kids. His mouth can change ever so subtly from “Mom, it’s gonna be OK” to “Mom, what are you thinking?”……….

~Deanna House, Mother of a Fallen Hero~

Dee has asked me to share the link to her journal about losing Joel: Tribute to My Son

You will find this a very moving, honest journey written by a Mom who only wanted time to turn back a few years!

Deanna House has become that voice in my ear.

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, the American Soldier and Jesus Christ. One died for your soul, and the other died for your freedom……..

As you spend your holiday with friends and family, remember that Memorial Day represents the sacrifices of thousands of those young men and women who stepped up for your freedom!

Many continue to serve, many troops preparing for a new deployment, many families relocating or waiting here at home for the return of their loved one. As you attend your baseball games and cookouts, please keep in mind these are men and women who volunteer for this life of service to our Country. Our country no longer has the draft system used in previous wars. It is a conscious decision to serve. They serve for your freedom of your liberties.

On the battlefield we leave no soldier behind. As a nation let it be our pledge that when they return we leave no veteran behind.

~Saluting and honoring all who made the ultimate sacrifice.~

To those who courageously gave their lives ….we thank you and we honor you, we pray for your loved ones.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

York Beach Firefighters donates $1,700 to House in the Woods

Jenna and Cathy Gavin and York Beach Firefighters present Luke House and son Joel with a donation to House in the Woods.

The York Beach Fire Department of York Beach, Maine received a gift from the family of the late Army Sgt. Kyle Gavin. In turn, the firefighters decided to present this wonderful gift to Luke House (brother of Sgt. Joel House) and Luke’s son Joel for the nonprofit retreat House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat.

Per Sea Coast Online News: The idea was sparked by Gavin’s boss at Shoreline Construction and York Beach Fire Department Capt. Gary Woods, and friend Anthony DiElsi, a firefighter in the department. Gavin, who died at age 29 in March 2016, was “a good friend of a lot of people” at the station, said Woods.

Pleae read the entire Sea Coast article at this link Sea Coast Online News

Katie Neal Boston Marathon Runner

During this year’s Battle of the Badges Paul House received a wonderful gift.

Paul House states: It was such an honor to meet Katie Neal from Enfield who is running in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 17 in honor of my son Sgt. Joel A. House, killed in action 6/23/2007 in Iraq. She raised over $3,000 to support House in the Woods mission to serve veterans through free outdoor therapeutic, educational, and recreational programs.

This year’s Battle of the Badges was great fun!! All of us associated with House in the Woods love getting together with these guys and gals for a day of some good competition.

The black & blue teams…no I mean color shirts!!

These men mean business!!

~ACTION SHOTS~

Must be a new position for a team player!

Wait, is that a foul??

Let’s hope that one went in!!

Chad Smith shared: I had a couple great days turkey hunting with my father courtesy of “House in the Woods.” Thank you Paul House and everyone involved. You are all doing special things for our Veterans. Thanks to my guide Christopher Labonte. We had a great time, met some great people and made great memories. I was lucky to be in the blind with my father when he bagged his first Maine turkey.

All attendees enjoyed a fabulous turkey supper on Sunday’s arrival. Evidently someone bagged a turkey pre-event!! And, a gut-filling spaghetti feed was devoured by all upon departure Wednesday. Great time had by everyone!!

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway in the North Wood of Maine

May 8-11th: Trout fishing at Nugent’s Camps on Chamberlain Lake in Maine’s Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Open water fishing for togue (lake trout), brook trout with some brookies, 5 lbs. or better, and whitefish on Chamberlain Lake of Maine.

May 14 at 11:00 a.m. is the rebroadcast of the HITW episode, Growing Home. At this time it’s only available in the Maine market on NBC affiliates. The web Growing Home TV.

First Annual House in the Woods Golf Fundraising Scramble

May 22nd: The Premiere HITW Golf Scramble at Martindale Country Club in Auburn. All the money raised from this Fund Raiser will go to House in the Woods and all involved are not paid to help in this event. Lunch and dinner will be served.

At House in the Woods we are working hard in this growth time to be able to bring more Active Duty and Vets plus their families to outdoor therapeutic,educational and recreational programs. This day of golfing will help support our efforts for all who come to our new lodge at House in the Woods. A great respite for those who are dealing with combat wounds, both physical and PTSD.

We need more donations for this awesome Golf Scramble plus we need more teams! Please contact Mike Albert at 207-333-1053 or e-mail aalob@live.com

May 28th: the Widows’ Sons Riders will motorcycle to Lee. We always enjoy hearing the bikes come up the road.

Memorial Weekend: The Summit Project climbs Katahdin carrying rocks of fallen. Join The Patriot Riders of America-Maine Chapter #1, Patriot Riders of America-Maine Chapter Two, and Patriot Riders of America – Maine Chapter 3 for the third annual The Summit Project, honoring Maine’s heroes and their families. While the Patriot Riders will be transporting the stones the support of everyone would be awesome so we ask that you join the convoy.

More details are available at The Summit Project Face Book page:The Summit Project-Face Book Page

May 31: Application deadline for the Sgt. Joel A. House Summer Camp Fund scholarship.

HELPING MAINE KIDS REACH THEIR DREAMS!

This scholarship assists Maine children to attend an academic, sports, visual/performing arts, conservation, or Bible camp of their choice. Applications are available at http://sgtjoelhouse.com

June 1 – 8: Lake Ontario Fishing Trip to Oswego, NY. Make sure you contact Paul House soon if you are interested in joining us for this trip. Call HITW: 207-738-4421.

Target trophy Brown Trout are awaiting you! This time of the year the larger adult Brown trout are in 60 ft of water or less. Let’s see who brings home the “big one”!!

All who are connected with House in the Woods Military and Family Retreat want to wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day and an honorable Memorial Day.

Please remember the Mom who serves our country while apart from her children. Remember to keep them in your prayers.

Pray for the souls of the soldiers whom we remember this Memorial Day.

Each who made the ultimate sacrifice did so for each of us…..the combat warrior fought and gave his life for all who are citizens of our great United States!

We shall continue to pray for your safety and for the loved ones who await you at your home……..

House in the Woods Military and Family Retreat

217 Skunk Hill Road

Lee, Maine o4455

Phone: 207-738-4421

Fax: 207-738-4420

Email: Deanna House, Director of Administrative Services

deanna.house@houseinthewoods.org

April, Month of The Military Child

~The Dandelion~

She will blow and blow
But will never know
Where the little dandelion will go
Where the little dandelion will grow.
The wind takes it high
The wind takes it low
But still she will never know
Where the little dandelion will go
Where the little dandelion will grow.
~Chelsea~

“Children of the world, blown to all corners of the world, we bloom anywhere!”

~Diane Townsend Davis~

The Unsung Heroes

In 1986 Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger designated April as the Month of the Military Child to recognize and honor the service of our youngest heroes, our military kids…often called Military Brat.

Dad or Mom gets deployed which potentially means another move for the whole family. These kids are leaving best buddies, their Little League team, their favorite soccer field, and a house they “really liked” and enroll in another new school. They are proud of their parent who is serving, but they miss them every day. Their military parent is gone months and, sometimes, off and on, years.

Dad is not there for dinner, not there to help with the science project or to attend the ball practice or school play, not sitting with the family in church. Instead, Dad is in Iraq or Afghanistan….or some other weird named country too far away. But these kids can tell you how many months, weeks, days, hours and seconds until Dad’s plane lands at the base or his ship docks.

These are some of the most adaptable and resilient kids around! They have to be. Every year or two they might be asked to start over in a new city, a new state and, sometimes, even a new country.

If you know of a military family who has relocated to your town or neighborhood, please make it a point to welcome them and show them the sincere respect they deserve. When a military parent is serving the kids are serving too. Their whole life is a sacrifice for our freedom!!

Take a moment to look at the following informational booklet:Everyone Serves.

If you are a civilian who has never endured the military separation from a family member, I highly recommend you still read this handbook. It will give you a tremendous amount of insight into the deployment cycle. You may also gain some valuable tips as to how you can extend a hand to our military families.

An excerpt from the book: Your dad is heading out for yet another deployment, which means he won’t be around for your basketball games or for your sister’s soccer games. Plus, you’ll have more chores and more responsibilities. You’re struggling with a range of emotions: dread, pride, sadness, and maybe even a little resentment. Welcome to the emotional roller coaster called the deployment cycle.

From the CEO of Blue Star Families: No matter if this is your first, third or seventh time, deployment is an intense and unusual part of our lives. I urge you to spend time with this great resource, and take care of yourself.
— Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO, Blue Star Families

Acknowledge the kids…the Unsung Heroes, the Military Brat and attempt to understand what it must be like to have your Mom or Dad away in some foreign country while you and your family are moving into another new neighborhood. If you have children in your family I ask that you encourage them to welcome the military children. They have some excellent…and some sad…adventures they can share with your kids. Just as your kids can share the local “awesome places” to go fishing or skate boarding. The kids of military parents may have lived in another country or on the “coolest Marine base” around!! Their Dad may fly awesome fighter jets or Mom might be in Intelligence unit or control drones. First and foremost; pray for these families!

Chances are someone in your friends & family network was raised as a Military Brat. Some in my family were.Take a moment to ask them what it really was like for them.

There is a nonprofit organization called Blue Star Families. Their mission: strengthening military families and connecting America to its’ military. Take a moment to visit their website. They can also be found on Face Book.

I was introduced to this organization by a member of my extended family who is a Regional Director of Blue Star Families. Her husband is Navy, their three young unsung heroes have been military forever!

Most civilians have no idea of this organization and I want to make you, the reader and supporter of our military, aware of this great group who help military families acclimate and assimilate!

If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a nation to support its’ military.

~ Support Our Military…Loud and Proud ~

House in the Woods Military and Family Retreat often has attendees who bring their spouses and their kids to share in the events. We are steadfast supporters of these families. We fully comprehend their lifestyle and their losses. We honor them and are here to help them.

Our events provide the families a time to spend together with other veterans and active duty military in an outdoor adventure. A relaxed atmosphere and often educational time in nature that they will never forget. We always make these kids aware of how proud we are of them and thank them for their service as our Unsung Heroes.

Time with family in the great outdoors through House in the Woods events!!

I’m sorry, but cleaning is never fun, but one of life’s necessities!

Yet, this is one of those times we are happy to be doing our first “spring cleaning” of our new lodge, House in the Woods. The task began this week. Clearing out the sawdust from construction, at 15 foot (plus) high ceilings, was a challenge, but we are getting very close to opening the doors to our guests. Thanks to all the volunteers who answered the call for help!! We want it spotless!!

Ask and you shall receive….when Paul House put the message out, volunteers showed up at the lodge to help with the task of cleaning! We have the Best of the Best in Maine!!

Jeremy, Rachel, Andrew, Lydia, and David. (Not shown Carol and Rick.)

But did Paul work them too hard?? No…everyone needs a break. Take five where you are!!

All of these great volunteers actually DID work. Touch-up painting, vacuuming and dusting…all over the lodge!! Paul just stole their shoes to make sure they didn’t leave!!

With each day we are closer to holding our first events at our beautiful lodge for our combat wounded, all veterans and active military. We will soon be broadcasting the actual open house date soon. But first there is the…..

The Infamous PUNCH LIST!!

As with any construction, residential or commercial, the inevitable punch list is handed over. We have some great contractors attacking it. Soon folks….soon, the occupancy permit will be in hand!!! We certainly have learned a lot and the Lord has been generous in sending us so many supporters, donors of construction materials, labor and financial support.

Where together, we heal!

House in the Woods

We cannot wait to welcome our all our veterans of all wars and active military to our lodge where each will find rest, recreation and educational activities in the outdoor wilderness of Maine.

Our lodge and all our outdoor events are ADA compliant for the needs of our combat wounded. You will traverse the trails and waters with ease. At the lodge your nights will be peaceful in our suites. Days spent in the Maine fresh air will be all you will need to drop off to sleep!

After a great dinner at day’s end and a campfire in the evening, you will be telling yourself and your family that you must return again. Perhaps for the August thru September black bear hunt or a moose hunt.

REMEMBER: You are NOT required to be a Maine resident. ALL are invited from ALL 50 United States. All accommodations and meals are at NO COST for our event participants.

HOUSE IN THE WOODS MILITARY & FAMILY RETREAT

217 Skunk Hill Rd, Lee, ME 04455

From Conception….

To completion…….

Lots of bright sunshine and fresh Maine air will be coming through these windows. Beautiful wood flooring!

Ceiling of the Great Room where our guests will gather. Gorgeous wood walls!

NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT OUR STEADFAST SUPPORTERS AND A COMMUNITY WHO STANDS BEHIND OUR MISSION.

Paul House and Turbo (Super Tracker). Dee House and Mike Mathieu.

March 17th was a great morning on local radio with Mike Mathieu and Phil Bolduc from Neocraft Signs, talking with Matt and Bonnie from W105.5FM radio to update the radio station’s listeners of the progress made at the lodge. Mike Albert from A & A Hardware and Sue Donovan from Donavan’s Auto also joined us. Click to listen goo.gl/XuxSfi

Thank you everyone for letting us share the great work being done for our veterans. Radio coverage in Maine helps us get the word out more often regarding our military and family retreat.

We are excited that Neocraft is donating the front sign for our building and the braille signage for interior of the lodge.

Neokraft Signs put this HUGE banner of House in the Woods on the side of their building. We thank Neokraft for supporting House in the Woods!!

Sue Donovan and Mike Albert are spearheading an awesome golf tournament to benefit House in the Woods at to be held Monday, May 22, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at Martindale Country Club in Auburn, Maine. Come join us for an excellent day of golf and to help support our veterans retreat lodge.

A wonderful donation from Macy’s Bangor store: queen size beds for our guest suites at the lodge! Sadly, the Bangor location is closing its’ doors, but we are so grateful for their generous donation of beds for the guest suites at the lodge.

More In-kind Donations for House in the Woods!!

During the construction of our military and family retreat we have had many in-kind donations. The following is another example of the amazing people and organizations who have stepped up and shouted, count me in!!!

Randall Liberty, Warden of Maine State Prison since 2015 had a project for some of the inmates in the Woodworking Shop: create dressers and nightstands for each of the suites at House in the Woods.

Perfect style for a lodge in the woods!! How great is this!!

Warden Liberty has been working with veteran causes after his discharge from active duty. At the Maine Prison he created a veterans block for those who served in our country’s military and, through some hard times, became incarcerated.

Randy served 21 years between the Army and Army National Guard. He has traveled throughout out country as an advocate for veterans dealing with PTSD. Randy created a documentary, A Matter of Duty which you can find at this link: A Matter of Duty

Liberty’s last assignment was in 2004 as the Command Sergeant Major of a Military Transition Team, Team Bulldog, embedded with 772 Iraqi Infantryman in the City of Fallujah.

TEAM BULLDOG. Front row L to R, second soldier is Command Sergeant Major Randall A. Liberty

You lose guys. It changes you forever….. ~ Randall Liberty ~

As a citizen of the United States, where we enjoy a fantastic amount of freedom, you may not agree about sending our men and women off to war, but is it not our moral duty to support these brave souls when they reintegrate? These are the individuals who step up to assure our freedom continues while we go day-to-day worrying about how to get that next raise at work, how to get a day off with pay and how to get our kids to baseball practice on time. These are the men and women in the Armed Forces who are often on their second or third deployment. They are the ones leaving their Unsung Heroes (their military kids) behind.

Handcrafted From Nature

Thank you to Mike Thurlow for this beautiful, rustic birch burl seat. When you stop in at the lodge, to visit us at House in the Woods, you can get the full story of this fabulous handcrafted sculptured chair. A generous, unique piece of decorative art created by Mike.

Bangor Bear Paws Quilters Present Beautiful Quilts to House in the Woods

**These gorgeous quilts for House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat were lovingly crafted by Maine’s Bangor Bear Paws Quilters. Each quilt represents a branch of our armed forces. What a perfect gift for the new beds for the guest suites at the lodge!**

Thank you so very much for your beautiful artwork and long hours of stitching.

Let Us Introduce You to A Great Friend of House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat……

~ The Summit Project ~

The Summit Project (TSP), is a Maine based, volunteer run and supported nonprofit service organization started in 2013. Unlike any project in America, it collects stories and stones that uniquely represent the country’s fallen heroes and allows the communities they died for to honor them through action. The Summit Project

Major David J. Cote

Major David J. Cote is a Marine Corps officer, an Iraq war veteran and a proud native Mainer. Over Memorial Day 2013, he officially created The Summit Project. He launched the website and visited Maine to publicly share a vision for a unique project to honor and sustain the memories of Maine’s newest war casualties and the faithful spirit of all Mainers — of whom 1 in 7 are veterans, among the highest concentrations in the nation.

The Summit Project, a nationally recognized, Maine based, 501(c)3 service organization, is a living memorial that pays tribute to the fallen service members from Maine who have died in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.

Volunteers learn about a fallen hero from Maine and then elect to carry his or her memorial stones in ongoing tribute treks across the world. Already the memorial stones and memories of our fallen have traversed America and even summited the peaks of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

One of the most important parts about TSP is that volunteers make an effort to learn about the fallen hero whose stone they carry. They then commit to writing a letter to the family of the fallen as a reflection of their experience. TSP volunteers have told us that carrying these stones has helped them understand what it was like to serve, what it means to serve and what it means to sacrifice for something greater.

As many of our regular readers of this monthly newsletter know, House in the Woods was conceived by Paul and Deanna House after losing their son Joel in Iraq. Blair Emery, a friend of Joel was also killed in Iraq a few months later. The following are just a few statements from some of the people who have carried their stones. At House in the Woods we honor all of the brave warriors who lost their lives in battle. When you visit The Summit Project website The Summit Project you will (sadly) see the long list of our military men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Sgt. Joel A. House

I feel honored to have carried Joel’s stone. I felt very proud to know that this brave hero was in my hands. We climbed Table Rock Mountain, and even though it was hard, Joel brought me right back up every time I got tired. He gave me a mission. This non-profit program is the best part of all! You are giving Joel a second chance at life., Thank you very much!…… ~ Love, Abby

It was an honor to carry Joel up the mountain. I know he would have done this hike as well, if he could. I think he was a very special man with a kind heart. Your family is amazing doing this non-profit program. I couldn’t imagine having a relative pass away and getting over it. You are all very strong and I hope you know that you’re doing a good thing by him with this stone. I will always carry his legacy…. ~ Love, Morgan

It was a great honor to carry the stone of Joel House. It was also a learning experience. As a young child my Dad went to Iraq and it never really clicked that he might not come back. Thankfully my Dad came home, but I am sorry that Joel did not. I cannot even begin to understand your pain and loss and the struggles that you go through but I would still like to offer my small words of apology for the loss of such a great young man. I wish you all the best………~ Sincerely, Richard

Sgt. Blair Emery

Christine Starkey and I, Patriot Riders both, were honored to care for the memory of SGT Blair W. Emery, via an engraved stone, selected by his family, from Portland to Millinocket, during The Summit Project’s initial event. Arriving by motorcycle at our destination, we transferred that stone to his Dad. As a Dad, I cannot fathom the grief that Mr. Emery endures. As a Veteran, I know all too well the sacrifices our servicemen and women, and their families, make in service to America. AGS, SGA.
Rest in God’s arms, SGT. We’ve got it from here…~ Dennis Murphy

It was a great honor to carry Army Sgt. Blair W. Emery’s stone to the summit of Cadillac Mountain on October 4th 2014. Before the hike I was able to learn a little bit about this great man and who he was. After meeting his parents, Quie and Bill Emery I learned even more about him and feel we would have been great friends. We shared a lot of the same interests and were both the babies in our families, each having two older sisters.
A friend comes to the side of those in need and joins you in many adventures throughout life. This hike was an adventure I will never forget and Blair’s stone represented a good friend. When the rain and wind came pouring down I had him on my mind and in my heart and that enabled me to continue on……….When we reached the summit I was proud to tell his story to the others who had made this journey and was proud to know that it may have affected them even in some small way. He seemed like a wonderful man that could make anyone laugh. Listening to his stories brought a smile to my face as it did to the others I told…….

It is hard to explain in words the emotions and pride that I felt by participating in this event. I met so many wonderful people who all gathered to celebrate and honor the noble deeds that these men and women did for their country. I will forever remember this experience and the people I met along the way. The love, generosity and strength were abundant among all. “I never knew how strong I was, until being strong was the only option.” God bless all our troops and their families….. ~ Lindsay Richards

I was so honored to carry Army Sgt. Blair W. Emery’s stone up Borestone Mountain going into the climb that i had made before, but doing it in the winter with snow shoes was a lot harder then before. Going up I was thinking about Sgt. Blair and what I had read about him he seemed like a very nice man who was loved by his family and friends. Once I reached the top we were asked to talk about the solider we had picked and when it came my turn to talk it was hard for me to put into words who Sgt. Blair was mostly because words can’t describe how great or kind a man really is. He loved baseball and almost was loved by everyone he came in contact with. It was cool to also read about how he found the stone when he was 5 years old, and after using it as a door stop for most of the stones life the entire family decided to use it has his stone. Doing this hike was really challenging but I was honored to do it. Thank you so much friends and family for letting me take Sgt. Blair”s stone up the mountain and I would gladly do it again……….. ~ Andrew Torbett ~

The act of solidarity and the alignment of the efforts toward the summits in Maine and other mountains across the world will reinforce the values that all Mainers hold dear – at TSP they look after one another, they remember one another, they take care of one another, they are faithful and they lift each other to higher places – literally and figuratively.

WE CARRY THEIR STONE FOR THE HIKE….WE CARRY THEIR STORY FOR A LIFETIME……

Please visit the website where many of Maine’s fallen are listed and where you can see stories of those who carried the stone for the heroes: The Summit Project

A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers. ~ President John F. Kennedy ~

Eight at Eight!!! Or is it Five on Five??

April 8, 2017 @ 8 a.m.

As seen in our March newsletter…this is a reminder. It’s not too late to plan to join us for Battle of the Badges Basketball Tournament at the Skehan Rec Center, located at 1 Main Rd N, Hampden, ME . Organized by the Maine Public Safety Community. The battle of the badges basketball tournament will be held on Saturday April 8th at the Skehan Rec Center in Hampden, ME. The entry fee for the tournament will be $12.00 per team member. All proceeds go directly to the House in the Woods Foundation.

This is always a fun for all. It can get rather competitive!! Come join the fun or to cheer your favorites on ! It will be a great time.

April 28 ~ 30, 2017

Paul House, Director of House in the Woods and his tracking dog, Turbo will be attending United Blood Trackers Trackfest in Beren, NY this month where they will participate in tracking trials and learn new tracking skills.

United Blood Trackers states: we are dedicated to promoting resource conservation through the use of trained tracking dogs in the ethical recovery of big game. We support recovery efforts afield, the education of hunters, the training and testing of dog handlers and their dogs, and legislative efforts to promote blood tracking.

Turbo after the storm…but no tracking here!

Many of the participants of hunting and fishing events at House in the Woods, as well as those sitting around a good old campfire, are familiar Turbo who is always at Paul’s side. He even graces Dee House with his presence at times! Turbo is a certified blood tracking dog who works along side Paul, a Maine Guide, tracking wildlife in the wood of Maine.

Blood tracking dogs are used for recovering wounded game. With training and experience a dog can learn to distinguish and track an specific wounded animal by other scents also rather than just its blood. We are confident Turbo will pass with flying colors in his tracking trials and as he learns his new skills.

April 30~May 3, 2017

Join House in the Woods for a three day turkey hunt! You could bag your Thanksgiving Day foul early or…have enjoy a Spring turkey dinner! When isn’t a turkey dinner enjoyable??

This has always been a fun springtime event for those who have joined the veterans and active military in a few days of great hunting. Some attendees return each year. The Maine air is crisp and there is still some snow in the wood.

For details, Contact Deanna House (a Gold Star Mother and a Military Brat) at House in the Woods House in the Woods

207-738-4421

Deanna.House@houseinthewoods.org

At House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat we create a therapeutic, recreational and educational retreat for our U.S. Armed Forces and their families using outdoor wilderness activities in Maine and other natural habitats to help participants share common challenges related to their service and sacrifice in protecting our nation’s freedom and democratic ideals.

Visit our website House in the Woods.

Determine for yourself: do you think a few days in the wood of Maine would be something you would like to experience? You will connect with other veterans. As you have learned, it truly takes a veteran to understand another veteran. You will gain insight into things you thought were haunting only you…when in reality your brothers~in~arms have been there.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS. Our combat wounded, our Vietnam vets and soldiers still serving are the MOST supportive you will find! Plus, you deserve some great R&R in the fresh air, hike the trails, smell the pine, relax on the ponds in a canoe or kayak. Throw the line out for a catch…join us for a bear hunt or deer hunt…….open water fishing!

All events are created with the combat wounded in mind. Nothing to stop you when you are a participant in any of the events at House in the Woods!!!! We have all terrain vehicles and our new lodge has an elevator. Every aspect of the lodge is ADA compliant.

~ TOGETHER WE HEAL ~

If you have been wondering how you can help House in the Woods, stepping up to volunteer is a great way to support our lodge. One day, one week or a month. We have a great force of volunteers with a wide-range of skills, but we are always grateful for more help. Perhaps you are kicking around some ideas for summer vacation. Maine is fabulous in the summer!!

Have you been thinking you would like to introduce your children to the gift of volunteering….to teach them first-hand about the brave warriors who have stepped up and become defenders of our freedom and our liberty?? Your kids may even be able to volunteer with some of their own age who are the Unsung Heroes…the Military Brat of today.

Contact Deanna House, Director of Administrative Services. Send her an email to see how you can help: Deanna House

As this newsletter began I made you aware of the Unsung Heroes, the Military Brat and the fact that April was officially dedicated to these kids who live the military life. As author of this newsletter I personally have loved ones currently serving in the Armed Forces.

I have seen my own kids and grandkids step up and serve my beloved country. My family has paid the ultimate sacrifice from the Korean War through the Iraq War. But I realized that all too often the kids who live the life of relocations, saying good-bye to Dad or Mom as deployment time rolls around, these kids are rarely praised as kids who also serve their country.

I am certain many readers of this newsletter were not aware until today that there April is the Month of the Military Child. It is my hope that in some small way I have opened your heart and mind to doing something to help support the military family. You only need ask a local church, veterans’ organization or the woman sitting next to you at work whose husband is in Iraq…ask how you can help them! They are serving for you…………………..

~ Brenda Everson~Shaw ~

He is risen….

As you gather with loved ones to celebrate Easter in the manner which you choose, my personal message to my readers is………..

He is risen….

March Newsletter

The March wind roars, like a lion in the sky,
And makes us shiver, as he passes by.
When winds are soft and the days are warm and clear,
Just like a gentle lamb, then spring is here.

~ Author Unknown

For our freedom…….

That old, well-known phrase In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb, can be descriptive of our combat warriors: entering their mission like a lion; fierce and ready to take on the world… get the mission done and get out of there!

The lion and the lamb coexist in our men and women who have bravely and unselfishly served our country.

For their freedom…….

Often they come home like the lamb; quiet, and at times, withdrawn, appearing ever-so-gentle on the outside, wondering, on the inside, what to do next. There is no forgetting. There is only “adjusting”.

Armor of steel that no one can penetrate?

This is my son, your brother, your husband. This is my daughter, wife, sister or best friend. We owe them each, all the love and support we can give.

~ Come to House in the Woods where, together we heal. ~

We invite each of our combat wounded to join us for peace, comfort, fun times, great exercise and fresh air at House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat in the wood of Lee, Maine. We know once you do, you will come back often. The food, accommodations and those on staff are the best!

“Whether participants are sitting under the countless stars on a cloudless summer night or reflecting on their own reflections in the glass-like stillness of a Maine pond during a 4:00 a.m. summer sunrise, there is a therapy in realizing one’s enduring place in eternity. As participants face the outdoor challenges presented by Mother Nature herself, they will derive a sense of accomplishment, find, through exercise, a release of stress, and have the opportunity to talk and share with one another the laughter, memories, sorrow, service, and pride, among many other common bonds.”

~ Deanna House, Director of Administrative Services,

House in the Woods, Lee, Maine ~

And We Hunt Because……

One veteran who shared with me: With 12 yrs. services SSgt. Travis Reichert retired after IED blasts and taking a shot to his helmet.

“I have been to House in the Woods. I don’t really do the hunt for the kill or the meat, although it is always nice to get the animal you are going after. Every year since coming home it gets harder and harder for me to harvest an animal, this year I spent countless hours in a tree stand and had hundreds of opportunities to harvest animals and passed every time. I do most of these hunts or retreats to meet people and talk. Not about the past but about what they are doing now to continue to go forward everyday. I have met life long friends on these hunts and continue to socialize with them.

I don’t go out in public gatherings, i.e bars or big groups of people. I only go on retreats that I can bring my wife for the most part and spend time with her as she loves to hunt also. I have been gone for so much of our 14 years of marriage so I like to spend time with her and now we have a baby so it’s going to be even more special to introduce him to the wonderful people we meet on these gatherings.

Don’t get me wrong at all, we love the meat, the antlers and displays and I love guns and hunting. I just have more compassion for the animals I choose to harvest and if everything isn’t perfect I pass. I have seen too many things to know anything will suffer longer then I have control over.

After our trip to Maine at HITW we talked about moving there because of the people there. Also we love the outdoors.”

~Staff Sargent Travis Reichert, Army, Medically Retired ~

The Gift of Warmth and Comfort From Kentucky!!

Beth Burcham Branstetter and her dog Daisy enjoying Nature at her best!

Recently retired as a pharmacist in Kentucky, Beth decided she wanted to reach out to House in the Woods and present them a gift of her fabulous quilts for the lodge in Lee, Maine.

The handsome specimen seen so often by those who hunt and hike the trails in Maine.

The eagle. The symbol for great strength, leadership and vision

These Lovely Gifts Are Perfect at the Lodge Keeping Many Visitors Warm

Some of the quilts are lap quilts for sitting by the fire in the lodge some cool evening and others are queen size for the beds. A sample of two of the quilts are below. Beth told me, “This is my first year of retirement and I want to support these brave veterans. I truly enjoy stitching and sharing and I have never known of a better cause than House in the Woods“. Old college friends of Beth, who live in Maine, shared with her the project of House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat.

The news is spreading throughout our great nation! People are coming forward with wonderful gifts and donations. Beth visits Maine as often as she can to escape the heat and humidity of her beloved Kentucky, and is very anxious to see the finished building project in Lee.

Beth is an avid fan of University of Kentucky basketball. According to Beth; “we bleed blue for our Kentucky Wildcats”!!

Machias Savings Bank Donates A Full Compliment of Office Suite for House in the Woods

The crew from Machias Savings Bank dropped in February 15th to deliver a full suite of office furniture for Paul & Dee House’s office. Left to right:Jessica Cloukey, Jason Appleby and Jonathan Alley of Machias Bank and Paul House, Executive Director of House in the Woods.This is yet another example of community reaching out to support the great work done at the veterans retreat.

The veterans retreat lodge now has two desks, a small conference table, chairs, bookshelves and filing cabinets!

The strong backs and gracious hearts of the Lincoln, Maine Branch of Machias Savings Bank unload the truck with the much-needed furniture to help the offices become a reality.

Two men and a dolly can get anything done!!

The construction and furnishing of this fabulous retreat for our Armed Forces is nearly complete. Maine folks “walk-the-talk“. They step up when a need arises without hesitation. It seems to me, (a non-Mainer who wishes she were a Maine resident) that a great lesson in life in helping thy neighbor is evident. Remember how your coach always told you “there is no (letter) I in team“???? I sense it originated in this area of Maine!

And They Come From Near & Far

Rhode Island brokers Lisa Foster~Pacheco, a Military Relocation Specialist at Re/Max Rivers Edge Bristol and Rhonda DelSignore~Mulligan of Province Mortgage Associates make a generous offer of support:

Many from throughout the United States have become supporters of House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat!! Word of mouth, a television broadcast, social network posting, or a visit to Maine, many are hearing of this haven in the wood….we all admire and honor the project that has been growing in the wood of Lee, Maine. Some of us hail from a military family, have lost loved ones to the a war or have a loved one who is currently deployed. Or it’s simply a friend or a friend who is connected to the Armed Forces in some aspect.

Team~Work: (noun) cooperative or combined effort of a group of persons working together as a team for a common cause.

~A single act of kindness can cause ripples of healing~

Look What’s Ahead!!!!

VETERANS: June 26-29, 2017, Monday-Thursday, you too can become a Maine Guide!! House in the Woods is hosting a Maine guide training program presented by Fins and Furs Adventures.

Any veterans interested please contact Fins and Furs Adventures at 207-474-5430 for details.

Throughout history, Maine Guides have been revered as as some of the most knowledgeable and proficient woodsman in North America. This tradition began in the late 1890’s when the Maine legislature required all hunting guides to be registered with the state. It is a symbol with an honorable history. Wear it proudly!

Fins and Furs Adventures will be at the Eastern Maine Sportsman Show on March 10, 11, and 12. Stop by and say hello.

78th Eastern Maine Sportsmen’s Show March 11–13

The Penobscot County Conservation Association (PCCA) of Brewer, Maine will be sponsoring its 78th Eastern Maine Sportsmen’s Show March 11–13 at the Memorial Gym and Field House. The show will include over 120 exhibitors of canoes, fishing and fly-tying equipment, hunting dogs, taxidermy, boat and marine supplies, outdoor wear, archery, camping, backpacking, ATV’s and other outdoor recreational equipment. There will also be a variety of interactive demonstrations and outdoor-related presentations.

Paul House will be at the House in the Woods booth. Drop in to pick up some great attire with the proceeds going to support our veterans’ retreat!

Proceeds from the show help support a variety of conservation activities including investments in scholarships for students majoring in wildlife ecology at UMaine and in wildlife biology at Unity College.

The total amount of scholarship and other support for students majoring in wildlife-related disciplines has totaled more than than $1.3 million, helping attract and retain hundreds of students interested in pursuing careers in wildlife management and conservation.

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW!!!!

Paul must be dreaming of the coming Spring when he can get back to the wood of Maine with our veterans and active military for a good hunt! Or, fishing on the lakes and open water! Anything out of doors except shoveling snow!!!

Poor Turbo could not find Paul who was atop the roof clearing off the never-ending snow!!

~ But This Too Shall Pass ~

Don’t Forget!!!

March 12th, 2017 is the day we set the clocks ahead one hour. Let there be light….longer days and warmer days are just around the corner.

The season we all cannot wait to arrive!! Snow is melting, bulbs are poking through the warming earth and winter jackets are hung up, but kept close for cool nights. Rebirth, new life and the forest comes alive with great smells and creatures of the human and animal species are coming out of winter’s hibernation.

It’s time to make plans to get outside and experience all that Nature has to offer. When you are driving around the area or are a first-time visitor, be sure to stop in to visit us at House in the Woods Military &Family Retreat, located at 217 Skunk Hill Road in Lee, Maine.

Come see what we are all about. Ask what our mission is…you will then understand why those of us connected to this cause for our veterans feel so passionately about what we do. Guaranteed you will walk away understanding, and hopefully, wanting to help in some way to honor all of our Armed Forces.

Be sure to visit the website to see the scheduled events for 2017. If you have any questions regarding space available for the events, simply call Dee or Paul House or email them. All contact information is posted on the website: House in the Woods

SPONSOR A VETERAN

Give a veteran the opportunity to relax in the company of other veterans who have similar experiences and can listen, empathize, and care, by sponsoring a hunting, fishing, or recreational trip.

Click on the following link to see how you can sponsor: House in the Woods

House in the Woods offers various hunting, fishing, and recreational programs throughout the year for active military, veterans, and their family members, in the great wilderness of Maine. All food and lodging is provided at NO COST to our participants. Contact us for more information.

Sgt. Blair Emery

Sgt. Joel House

~ Bow the head and bend the knee to pray for our troops and their families. ~

For all the brave warriors who fought the valiant battle, we promise to keep you in our thoughts and prayers always. We are here to honor each of them who said their “good-bye” to us when last we hugged them and watched them walk toward that flight at the airport, to that journey, that would eventually take them to eternal rest.

We thank each of these men and women who stepped up and did their duty for our freedom and wonderful liberties of living in these great United States of America.

~We promise you…..we will never forget our true heroes ~

Up The Road A Piece

“A soldier doesn’t fight because he hates what is in front of him. A soldier fights because he loves what he left behind.” – Author unknown

We at House in the Woods love our Veterans, love our Military and, who doesn’t love Valentine’s Day? We want to take a moment to also express our love and gratitude to those, here, back in the “land of the free and home of the brave”, who are helping our veterans and our military to adjust, commune with other brothers and sisters, and simply take a deep breath and relax at a very special place up the road a piece in Maine.

~UP THE ROAD A PIECE~

Up the road a piece you will come across Lee, Maine where folks gather to help one another. A place where the community reaches out in time of need and gathers for the fun times of skiing, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling or taking a simple stroll in the wood.

This is where you find the hardworking, generous people who love our land, know how to honor nature and all that she offers to those who live here, and those who visit Maine.

MISSION STATEMENT

The House in the Woods Family & Military Retreat’s mission is to create a therapeutic, recreational and educational retreat for our nation’s U.S. Armed Forces and their families, using outdoor wilderness activities in Maine and natural habitats to help participants share common challenges related to their service and sacrifice in protecting our nation’s freedom and democratic ideals.

~ UP THE ROAD A PIECE ~

Up the road a piece, tucked in the wood of Lee, Maine you will find something of a surprise…...House in the Woods Military and Family Retreat.

~ Those Who Share ~

Most recently, Joseph and Stacey Guerin of R.M. Flagg Food Service and Equipment saw the vision of House in the Woods. In January they donated and delivered a full-size commercial kitchen valued at $50,000.

Stacey Guerin stated, “House in the Woods is an amazing place designed to be a place of peace and healing for our military men and women and their families. We thank them for their service and their sacrifice. We were humbled that the Lord allowed us to have the opportunity to deliver our donation of a $50,000 commercial kitchen to them today.”

Visit R.M. Flagg : R.M. Flagg

A Gift From The Heart

Two of the wonderful gifts included in the commercial size appliances are a double door refrigerator and commercial size range.

~ Dinner Will Be Served ~

A commercial size mixer that will be creating some fabulous pancakes, mashed potatoes, perhaps some homemade bread dough and many other mouth-watering surprises. And, a full-size commercial dishwasher which will make clean-up a breeze, as well as a huge ice making machine!

Plus stainless commercial sinks and prep tables, deep fryers, microwave, commercial toaster, stainless shelving … EVERYTHING a large kitchen requires when serving many guest!

Just as in many homes, we believe this kitchen, up the road a piece in Lee, Maine, will be a gathering spot for all to sit, grab a coffee and simply relax, sharing the day’s adventures and making plans for the following day. Fabulous meals for hungry hunters and fishermen, trail blazers and kayak paddlers, the guides and the guests families. Hearty breakfasts and great evening feasts….and new friends made, that is what we will experience from this fabulous kitchen!

Writer’s prerogative: I am taking the liberty, as author of this newsletter, to share with you the following as I believe it lends itself to the mission:

Being presented with the honor of working with Paul & Dee House, to assist in creating increased awareness of the House in the Woods, has been an amazing journey for me. The dedication and life- altering decision of Paul and Dee has given the local communities yet another reason to come together for such an honorable purpose.

These are two of the most dedicated and hard-working individuals I am honored to call friends.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding.

A husband and wife whose faith in our Lord has provided them the fortitude to forge ahead when others thought they were “crazy” to take on the huge construction project of a lodge….. up the road a piece in this little town of Lee, Maine. Yet their unwavering faith told them that this would be possible and completed to honor their son Joel and his friend Blair, as well as all warriors who lost their lives in battles fought in all wars. Joe and Blair stepped up to serve their country, were deployed to Iraq where they paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Please remember, House in the Woods offers all of the following: events, meals and accommodations completely free to all combat wounded, active military and any veteran from any town in the United States of America who has served or is serving to protect the freedom and liberties of our Country.

~ Pre~Valentine Treat ~

You don’t want to miss a fabulous 30 minute broadcast about House in the Woods which is scheduled to air on television February 12th. Episode 5 on the Growing Home show . At this juncture Growing Home is only shown on Maine stations. We hope to soon hear that it will become a national show available to all. So, if you are a “Mainer” be sure to tune in and let us know what you think!!

Take a peek at the trailer found at this link: Growing Home, House in the Woods

To our beloved Veterans, our heroes, who served so gallantly, on lands so far away, serving for the freedom of all United States citizens here at home, we thank you! Happy Valentines Day!!

All of us associated with House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat have diligently been calling to the attention of many, how essential it is that we honor those who gave there all and did not return.

We are on a mission to honor those who gave so much, left so much behind and came home to, often, relive it all over again: our combat wounded and those silently suffering with PTSD.

We honor all our combat wounded, all our warriors, all our heroes!

~UP THE ROAD A PIECE~

We invite you to visit the House in the Woods website where you will see, under the tab Building, a list of companies who have donated time and materials to the construction of the retreat lodge. Take a moment to see businesses large and small, next door as is Lincoln, Maine and up the road a piece…….plus some from across the nation, who have shown their generosity and support.

Also, take a moment to look at the events, under Programs, offered year-round to veterans, military and their families. These hunting, fishing and trailblazing events are lead by licensed Maine Guides and assisted by unselfish and, excellent volunteers whom, without, these adventures would be nearly impossible.

On our website under Supporters you will find the various ways you too can be a supporter of this retreat, up the road a piece, sitting in the middle of the quiet wood where you can smell the pine and hear the “sound of silence”.

House in the Woods

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed; it’s the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead ~

Doug and Rita Sukeforth who have been staunch supporters of House in the Woods throughout the construction of the lodge.

We thank you!!

Steve St. Louis, lead carpenter and Gordon Boyington, project manager who have been at the construction site from 2014 to present.

All of the contractors, their skilled teams of tireless men and women who have spent hours upon hours helping to build this retreat for all veterans who come for a stay……we say “THANK YOU ALL!”

Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, Working together is success! ~ Henry Ford ~

~UP THE ROAD A PIECE

WHERE WE HAVE WINTER FUN~

~ GREAT POND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTER HOSTS THE 7TH ANNUAL ICE FISHING DERBY ~

On January 21, 2017 over THREE HUNDRED hearty ice fishing enthusiasts from near and far started to hit the ice from 6:00 a.m. thru 3:30 p.m for the 7th Annual Ice Fishing Derby to benefit House in the Woods!

Through the generosity of the attendees attending Great Pond Outdoor Adventure Center, over $10,000 was donated to this fabulous 501(c) 3 nonprofit for our veterans, active military and their families.

Prizes for the longest fish were:
Brown Trout: Jiffy Propane Ice Auger
Small mouth bass: Muzzleloader
Pickerel: 3 Heritage fishing traps, a pack basket and an aerator

The entry fee for the derby was $5.00 which also entered attendees for a chance to win our fantastic prizes. And there was the 50/50 raffle.

Breakfast sandwiches bacon or ham sold like hotcakes!! Lunch time we had homemade beef stew, chili, hot dogs, chili dogs, yeast rolls, lots of sweets …keeping warm and fueling up for more ice fishing in the afternoon!!

~ FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY ~

New England folks believe it’s never too early to get the kids on the ice! Be it ice fishing, skating, snowmobiling on the thick ice or just exploring nature, we are a hearty bunch who don’t let a little cold and snow stop us!!

Of course Maine has its’ rather large population of moose. It seems Maynard the Moose heard there was something awesome happening at Great Pond!! With over 300 people attending it was a fun and fabulous day for all!!

~ JOIN US ON THE BASKETBALL COURT ~

Join us in April for Battle of the Badges Basketball Tournament at the Skehan Rec Center, located at 1 Main Rd N, Hampden, ME . Organized by the Maine Public Safety Community. Visit our website for date and time: House in the Woods

This is always a fun time for all. It can get rather competitive!! Come join the fun or to cheer your favorites on ! It will be a great time.

MAINE RESIDENTS

Community Matters More Giving Back to Maine Communities.

The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation believes in giving back to our community. And we believe that by focusing on the needs that matter most to our neighbors and friends—from developing housing for our poor to direct charitable contributions—we matter more in the daily lives of our fellow Mainers.

We Need Your Help
In April, the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation will give more than $100,000 to 40 local non-profit organizations. We are looking to you, our community, to assist us by deciding how to best distribute these funds. We want to hear from as many Maine residents as possible, so please invite your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to participate as well.

Please visit the following link where you will be instructed how to add House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat as your favorite nonprofit. Cast your Vote Today

Maine residents, including children under 18 years of age, can begin voting February 1st. Voting ends Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 11:59pm.

NOTE FROM DEE HOUSE

HELP US GET A $5,000 Bangor Savings Bank Community Matters More grant:
VOTE ONLINE: From Feb. 1 to Feb 28 in up to 3 districts.
This is the coolest campaign ever. There are 8 Maine districts. Each voter may select up to 3 charities from different districts. All charities will receive a grant. Because this is Bangor Savings’ 10th year anniversary for this campaign, this year they are awarding $5,000 to the TOP 2 charities in EACH district.
MAINE RESIDENTS: You must be a Maine resident but children under 18 may vote.
SPREAD THE WORD: Please help us get the vote out by sharing online or with your friends, family, and co-workers.
PAPER BALLOTS: If you know people who aren’t online, they can still vote by paper ballot. This is also a cool way to spread the word at work, church, or where ever there are Maine residents. You can go into a Bangor Savings branch near you or contact me. Photocopies are acceptable.

This is the year to win this grant. We need to finish furnishing the lodge and still put on some great programs.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP
Dee

We are finally and joyfully at the stage where we can begin to furnish the interior of House in the Woods!!! We are shooting for an April Open House.

We have a concept of what we think would be the perfect theme for our lodge where our military and veterans can relax and enjoy themselves as guests during the many events to be held at the lodge.

Below are a few ideas we are considering. Tell us what you think:

If you would like to contribute to the funding of the furnishings for the rooms please contact Dee House at Dee’s Email

Or give Dee a call at 207.738.4421

A most welcoming atmosphere where any guest can hang their hat, come in for a few days or a week and join with other Armed Forces Brothers and Sisters. Our goal is to create a retreat for our nation’s U.S. Armed Forces and their families, to help participants share common challenges related to their sacrifice in protecting our nation’s freedom and democratic ideals.

We feel certain this is the place where that will happen!

There is also need to furnish our offices with desks, chairs and all the necessities that make an office run! Please keep this in mind when you are considering supporting House in the Woods. When you donate you can specify where you would like the funds to be applied. For example; building fund, furnishings, general fund or supplies for hunting gear….I think you get the idea!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Lima. Oscar. Victor. Echo.

and

Tango. Yankee.

We want to send our love and deepest gratitude….

to all our military both here and abroad who defend our country

train relentlessly and are separated from family and loved ones for far too long

all to keep our nation free and remaining a democratic nation

May no soldier go unloved,

May no soldier walk alone,

May no soldier be forgotten,

May no soldier be left behind,

When they return home…..

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

Happy New Year!

~Happy, Healthy New Year to All~

Paul House, Dee House and Daniel Aiken

Daniel Aiken, owner and president of Gateway Title, with six locations throughout Maine, recently presented Paul & Dee House with a check for House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat! Daniel has committed to donating $50.00 per real estate transaction. This check is for the transactions of November 2016. Gateway Title is awesome!!! Thanks to all who work with Daniel as we know it takes a team effort to have a successful business.

To my regular visitors of my website and those who have visited House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat, Paul & Dee House and I would like to wish each of you a wonderful, happy, exciting, prosperous and healthy New Year.

This is our thank you to all who have given from the heart…and their pocket….to support House in the Woods. Grab a coffee, find a comfy chair as this is lengthy, but 2016 was so good to us that we simply wanted to share with you some of the events.

May you be blessed each day you begin your journey through this upcoming year.

~Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.~ Galatians 6:9

House in the Woods wants to thank so many people and organizations who have held fundraisers, donated to support us, and worked to make the project of building a special place, become a reality, for our combat wounded, all veterans and active military as well as their families, who will have a place to hang their hat when attending one of our events.

We love your generosity, your uplifting admiration of our heroes and your remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Those of you who have stepped up to support our efforts to create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for our nation’s U.S. armed forces and their families….thank you! We are using outdoor wilderness activities in Maine and natural habitats to help participants share common challenges related to their service.

House in the Woods

Tom Colucci, Korey Fox and friends with jolly Old St. Nick!!

Fundraisers are being held for House in the Woods in places far from Lee, Maine!

Tom Colucci, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Relocation Director, and Korey Fox USAA’s (United Services Automobile Association) representative, who each are located in Denver, Colorado were collecting donations for House in the Woods!!

We (Coldwell Banker & USAA) decided to support House in the Woods because of their incredible support to the military community. After learning about their programs and the impact they’ve made in the lives of our veterans, we decided this was the perfect cause for us to partner with….Tom Colucci, Relocation Director, Coldwell Banker.

As a recipient of this newsletter, you too can help spread the word through your network of social and professional contacts. There are many who would like to help, but don’t know where to begin. Simply contact House in the Woods at their website http://houseinthewoods.org

This very large, beautiful gingerbread house was created by Jackie Powers and Bernadette Hashi of Maine to raise money by raffling it. The winner has donated it to House in the Woods!! This “architecture” is representative of the perfect place you would find in the wood of Maine. This is certainly too pretty to eat, but oh so tempting!!!

Gifts from the heart!

The owner of Neokraft Signs put this HUGE Banner of House in the Woods on the side of their building. We thank Phil, Patrick, Shawn and all at Neokraft for supporting House in the Woods!!

On November 30th Giving Tuesday was celebrated. We want to thank every one of you who posted during #YouAreMyHero campaign. Your heart-felt words generated a $1,000 gift to House in the Woods where we create a therapeutic and recreational retreat for our nations’ armed forces and their families. Thank you for joining Machias Savings Bank in Lincoln, ME to provide hope and healing for our veterans.

~Freedom lies in being bold~…. Robert Frost

Growing Home Show, This 30 minute weekly program highlights U.S. Veterans who like to get their hands dirty, doing what they love ~ working with the land. Full 30 minute episodes, will Premiere on NBC, starting Sunday, January 8th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. where you will see Paul & Dee House tell their story of the concept of House in the Woods!

Currently (and sadly) the show is only broadcast in Maine, but there have been so many requests from other states that Growing Home is working on getting it aired nationwide.

Bangor Grange #372 held a turkey dinner on November 12th with all the fixin’s and famous grange pies and a concert that followed. All proceeds went to House in the Woods. We all had a grand time and cannot thank the Grange enough for their continued support with local events!! You are the best folks!!!

There are so many generous people out there who love our veterans. Thank you all!!

~Two roads diverged in a wood and I. I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.~ Robert Frost

U-Maine Black Bears Military Appreciation game against Bryant College on October 1st. Thank you so much for recognizing our military and remembering those we have lost.

Instill in them, when they are young men and women, to appreciate and respect what the Armed Forces truly means to the United States of America!….Brenda Everson~Shaw

Wells High School football team presented Luke House a check for House in the Woods on September 9th Friday Night Under the Lights!!!

Jill Buck from Go Green Radio and Tom Carney, National Sales Director at Fujitsu, talk about House in the Woods in a recent national/international broadcast that is heard in 140 countries worldwide. Fast-forward to the commercial around 45 minutes and they start talking afterwards. Go Green Talk Radio with Tom Carney

Let’s Ride!!!

Deanna House, Mother of Sgt. Joel House, Administrative Director, House in the Woods with the American Legion Riders Post 80, September 25th, the House in the Woods Ride started in Millinocket. All proceeds benefited House in the Woods. Great time by all!!!!

Paul House, Director of House in the Woods and Maine Master Guide, Father of Sgt. Joel House.

Bill Emery, father of Sgt. Blair Emery.

House in the Woods has been built in memory of two young men who grew up together in the small town of Lee, Maine and hundreds of others who stepped up and shipped out to fight for my freedom, your freedom and that of your children and their children.

Sgt. Blair Emery

Sgt. Joel House

We thank each and every Vietnam soldier. Come join us…many of your brothers have been to our events. Come for a day or a week..Just call or write us.. Many of us still hold in the highest regard those who did not return many years ago. Some working with House in the Woods are Vietnam vets. We will never forget all you sacrificed, just as the young ones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you have a loved one who has paid the ultimate price for our freedom, we thank you and continue to pray for families of those lost to the battles of war. Some of us who work, volunteer or are friends with the staff at House in the Woods have experienced this loss firsthand. We sincerely DO know the pain of your loss. We do not want any son or daughter to be forgotten, thus House in the Woods has been formed, organized and building near completion to remember and honor those excellent men and women who passed while serving our Country. To honor those who are combat wounded and those currently serving to come visit our retreat……THIS IS FOR YOU….a place to relax and commune with fellow brothers in arms.

It is very easy to contact House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat.

Website link: House in the Woods Telephone: 207.738.4421

Email: Deanna.House@houseinthewoods.org

Postal Address:

House in the Woods, 217 Skunk Hill Road,Lee, Maine 04455

Email, call, send us a letter. Just be sure to reach out!!

From kayaking to ice fishing…you can enjoy it all at House in the Woods. Hunting, trail exploration, open water fishing, and campfire coffee…come join us!!

If you would like to support House in the Woods we welcome any amount. If you would like to hold a fundraiser, reach out to Dee House at House in the Woods. She can provide you with all the materials and help you in any way possible.

There have been so many generous and loving supporters of House in the Woods. So many, that I could not list them all here, but I thank each one of you who ran a marathon, held fundraisers, volunteered at various events and functions, prepared meals for our attendees of events, and simply welcomed each veteran and armed forces person as they were your own sons, daughters, brothers & sisters!

A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.
~Steve Maraboli

If you are not comfortable donating funds on our website, simply send a check or call us directly. Every donation matters, be it $10 or $10,000.

We have been so tremendously blessed with many, many businesses and individuals who have donated of their time, materials and money to bring this vision to reality..”thank you” seems so simple, but know it comes from the heart..

When our country needed them, generations of brave men and women answered the call of duty to serve in our nation’s military. They sacrificed their family time, health, safety, and even their lives to protect ours. But with the return home, these soldiers bring with them life altering wounds and heartache which only their fellow brothers-in-arms can ever begin to understand.

Thank you all for your time in reading this newsletter for House in the Woods.

Thank you all for your honor of our combat warriors and their families.

Brenda Everson~ Shaw

We want all veterans and active military and their families to know the door is open to all of you at House in the Woods.You do not have to be a Maine resident. We want ALL active military and veterans from all of the 50 United States to join us!

Black Bear Hunting, One of Our Biggest Events at House in the Woods!

Meet One of Our Guides

Lobster Lunch is Served

The Force Behind the Meals

Total Number of Attendees for 2017 Black Bear Hunt: 40!!!

In Between the Hunting

Some Well-Deserved R&R

We Are Putting the Pieces Together at House in the Woods

A Gift of Appreciation

~God bless each and every one of you~

~THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT~

There’s Plenty of Time Left to Enjoy Summer!!

If You Are New to Our Lodge, This is Who We Are

Come Join Us at House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat

FEEDING THE TROOPS!

Look What We’ve Been Up To!!!

Kennebec River Striper Fishing Trip

GENEROUS GIFTS FOR TWO VETERANS CAUSES

August 19th Rocky Knoll Country Club Golf Tournament

August 19th Millinocket American Legion Riders Post #80 Motorcycle Ride

SPONSOR A VETERAN

SHOP AT AMAZON

HOLD A FUNDRAISER

DONATE

“HOME” FOR HITW PROJECT

VOLUNTEER

We Would Love To Have You Join Us

~NEVER FORGET~

We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us. ~Winston Churchill~

House in the Woods

~ To Honor All Our Fallen Warriors ~

The day has arrived….

~July 8th, 2017 OPEN HOUSE~

July 8th, 2017

10:00 a.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.

217 Skunk Hill Road

Lee, Maine 04455

Tel: 207~738~4421

The day has arrived….

This is truly build it and they will come!

~This is where, TOGETHER WE HEAL~

~ In an instant everything changed: and it was never the same again……..~

Woman, Soldier, Mom

A Gold Star Mother Shares

Deanna House has become that voice in my ear.

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, the American Soldier and Jesus Christ. One died for your soul, and the other died for your freedom……..

~Saluting and honoring all who made the ultimate sacrifice.~

York Beach Firefighters donates $1,700 to House in the Woods

Katie Neal Boston Marathon Runner

~ACTION SHOTS~

First Annual House in the Woods Golf Fundraising Scramble

~The Dandelion~

She will blow and blow But will never know Where the little dandelion will go Where the little dandelion will grow. The wind takes it high The wind takes it low But still she will never know Where the little dandelion will go Where the little dandelion will grow. ~Chelsea~

The Unsung Heroes

~ Support Our Military…Loud and Proud ~

The Infamous PUNCH LIST!!

Where together, we heal!

REMEMBER: You are NOT required to be a Maine resident. ALL are invited from ALL 50 United States. All accommodations and meals are at NO COST for our event participants.

HOUSE IN THE WOODS MILITARY & FAMILY RETREAT

From Conception….

To completion…….

NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT OUR STEADFAST SUPPORTERS AND A COMMUNITY WHO STANDS BEHIND OUR MISSION.

More In-kind Donations for House in the Woods!!

Handcrafted From Nature

Bangor Bear Paws Quilters Present Beautiful Quilts to House in the Woods

These gorgeous quilts for House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat were lovingly crafted by Maine’s Bangor Bear Paws Quilters. Each quilt represents a branch of our armed forces. What a perfect gift for the new beds for the guest suites at the lodge!

Let Us Introduce You to A Great Friend of House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat……

~ The Summit Project ~

Sgt. Joel A. House

Sgt. Blair Emery

Eight at Eight!!! Or is it Five on Five??

April 28 ~ 30, 2017

April 30~May 3, 2017

~ TOGETHER WE HEAL ~

As this newsletter began I made you aware of the Unsung Heroes, the Military Brat and the fact that April was officially dedicated to these kids who live the military life. As author of this newsletter I personally have loved ones currently serving in the Armed Forces.

He is risen….

He is risen….

For our freedom…….

For their freedom…….

~ Come to House in the Woods where, together we heal. ~

She will blow and blow
But will never know
Where the little dandelion will go
Where the little dandelion will grow.
The wind takes it high
The wind takes it low
But still she will never know
Where the little dandelion will go
Where the little dandelion will grow.
~Chelsea~

**These gorgeous quilts for House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat were lovingly crafted by Maine’s Bangor Bear Paws Quilters. Each quilt represents a branch of our armed forces. What a perfect gift for the new beds for the guest suites at the lodge!**