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

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!