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Habitat for Humanity
On a refreshing
late October morning, WPTLA Secretary Stephen Moschetta, member
Greg Unatin, and Administrator Laurie Lacher, rolled up their
sleeves, grabbed shovels, and helped put the finishing touches on
construction of a new home in Arnold, PA. The trio joined forces to
benefit the Allegheny Valley affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, an
international organization known for building affordable homes for
low income families.
After
motivation in the form of coffee and donuts, the group took to its
first task: transforming a pile of rocks and bricks into a space for
a garden. Over the course of the next four hours the volunteers
helped construct the drainage system, spread gravel for a concrete
path, build a porch railing and clean the basement. By noon, the
home was nearly ready for its dedication and the hungry crew was
ready for lunch.
As is
customary for Habitat projects, the volunteers worked side by side
with the new homeowners, here a couple who recently moved to
Pennsylvania from Washington State. Members of the University of
Pittsburgh chapter for Habitat for Humanity also provided their
cheap labor. Together, the able crew was led by Habitat’s dedicated
supervisor/contractor, Dave Pakulski, and Chef for the Day/Executive
Director Diane Belitskus, who prepared a delicious crock-pot
creation enjoyed by the entire group.
The now
complete three-bedroom house stands at the former site of a home
that a generous citizen donated to Habitat for Humanity. The new
owners are among over 1 million people worldwide who have benefited
from the work of Habitat for Humanity.
Above, WPTLA Secretary Stephen P. Moschetta helps to fill in a
drainage ditch, while member Gregory R. Unatin cleans out the
basement.
No More Victims
As
you recall in April 2004, 7 year old Abdul Hakim Ismael sustained
severe facial and jaw injuries while sleeping in his home in
Fallujah, Iraq which it was struck by mortars fired by U.S. Forces.
The Organization known as “No More Victims” solicited donations to
bring Hakim to the United States and, specifically, Pittsburgh to
have surgeries to repair his injured face. We solicited donations
from our membership to contribute to this worthwhile cause. That
money was presented to No More Victims to defray the travel costs,
living expenses and medical care of Hakim while in the United
States. With great anticipation, Hakim arrived in the United States
in February where he stayed with local Islamic families. The Board
got to meet Hakim at its meeting in March 2006 and Hakim also
attended the judiciary dinner in May. It is with great pleasure
that we are able to announce that, through the contributions of our
members and friends of our members, we were able to raise and donate
to No More Victims the sum of $10, 051.00 on behalf of Hakim.
Hakim was able to return to Fallujah with his father
in late July 2006. Hakim endured three surgeries over a five month
period of time. His father, Ismael, was here the entire time with
him but Abdul Hakim was anxious to return to see his mother. In
March, Dr. Frederic Deleyiannis repaired the angle of Hakim’s mouth
at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. In April, Acularist William
Tillman hand painted a prosthetic that fits like a large contact
lens over the false eyeball to give Hakim a matching eye. Finally
in May, Dr. Deleyiannis inserted a balloon-like tissue expander in
Hakim’s cheek that was removed two weeks before he left to go home.
Hakim was grateful for all the hospitality he received and will be
returning to the United States in the future for checkups. Pictures
of Hakim prior to his arrival to his departure in July were truly
remarkable. Once again, the members of the Western Pennsylvania
Trial Lawyers stepped up. Thank you all.
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