April 2011 ReBuild Newsletter

Whether you are retired, a stay-at-home spouse, or someone temporarily unemployed and looking for ways to meet new friends and a constructive outlet for giving back to the community, you may want to explore several part-time positions ReBuild offers that might fit your needs. We are interviewing for a Workshop Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Media/Outreach Coordinator. If you think you might be interested in any of these positions, contact Amy at 703/280-1719 for details.

Assistant ReBuild Webmaster

ReBuild is still accepting applications for an Assistant Webmaster. ReBuild is upgrading its website to make it more interactive and informative. We are seeking grant funds to support a part-time person for up to 8 hours per week. If you have web design skills and are looking to accumulate a portfolio of successful jobs, plus be responsible for ongoing updating and maintenance, this could be a great resume-building opportunity. Also, if you are an experienced web designer but would just like to contribute your knowledge and expertise to a deserving nonprofit organization, ReBuild could use your services. Either way, if you are interested, fax (703/280-8919) or email (amyh1@cox.net) us your resume and time availability and we will contact you to discuss this opportunity.

Volunteers Needed

volunteers

ReBuild Needs YOU!!

Help ReBuild stretch our limited budget, and ReBuild can help you stretch your budget on your next project!! Did you know that ReBuild volunteers earn $5.00 in store credit for every hour you volunteer which even includes the one-hour orientation session? These can accumulate for up to two years. Hours credit do NOT necessarily have to be incurred working in the warehouse. Assistance in data entry, making phone calls, assistance with ReBuild workshops and fundraising events all count .

Do you have a few hours a month you would like to spend helping ReBuild? Besides the warehouse, volunteers are needed to staff ReBuild's exhibits at community events, writing articles for ReBuild's newsletter as well as their civic association newsletter, and weekly community newspapers. ReBuild is constantly seeking opportunities as a guest speaker at civic association meetings. Is your civic group looking for a speaker for an upcoming event?

We also need advice in marketing ReBuild's services and in community relations from persons who might be willing to review our plans? Do you know of someone who might be interested? Does your company encourage their employees to volunteer time with a nonprofit organization?

These are only a few of the many ways you can become involved with ReBuild. You may have some other ideas. We'd love to hear them. Just call Paul at 703/280-1719.

Also, if you can't volunteer but would like to make a donation to help us, you can do so by using PayPal or mailing your check payable to ReBuild to 8929 Colesbury Pl., Fairfax, VA 22031.

ReBuild Hours

Hours for ReBuild : Open at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and close at 6 P.M. Weekend hours remain the same.

We're Still Making Coldframes for Spring Planting

Built to order from reclaimed wood and window frames

Sample sizes and prices

33" x 23" $45.00
43" x 28" $70.00

Our coldframes are made from our own reclaimed lumber and vinyl windows. They make great "mini-greenhouses"!! We're still having a hard time keeping up with the orders. If you would like to volunteer your time to help the staff to fill our orders, just call and let us know when you can help. We'd welcome your help!! Also, remember, when you volunteer, you also earn store credit at a rate of $5.00 per hour!! Stop by and place your order.

Amazing Response to Raised Bed Construction (soil not included)

daryl's raised bed

The response to our constructed raised beds has been phenomenal!! We can't seem to build them fast enough!! ReBuild uses its own reclaimed lumber (2x6's) to build wooden raised bed gardens available in difference sizes and for incredibly low prices. We offer two sizes (see below) unassembled with all the accessories or assembled, but can also tailor them if you have a specific size you would rather have. Drop by and see for yourself. And, again, if you are at all "handy", we welcome your help in constructing them as you earn store credit.

Dimensions: 4' W x 8' L x 2' H 4'W x 4L x 2'H

Unassembled $125 $50

Assembled $145 $75

Delivery fee (NOVA) $65

Next Up, Backyard Compost Bins!

On Saturday, April 9, we will begin taking orders for two types of backyard compost bins: a 4-ft x 4-ft wooden bin with one side with slates for easy access and another three-bin wooden unit to allow you to move your compost from bin-to-bin to hasten the process. Enjoy the thrill of making nice rich soil for your vegetable and flower gardens while saving landfill space. They will sell from $125-$250.

Upcoming ReBuild Workshops & Events

Inexpensive Ways to Reduce Your Energy Costs (winter and summer)

When: Saturday, April 23, 9:30-10:30 am (not the usual 11 am start time)

Where: The ReBuild Warehouse, 6625 Iron Place, Springfield, VA 22151

Description: Judy Kosovich (a chemical engineer/attorney) with ReBuild Partner Capital Sun Group (a local solar installer) will talk about various ways you can reduce energy costs. She will review the basics and then discuss things she has tried in her home, including "fiber decor," 3 mini-split air-conditioner/heat pumps, a pellet stove fireplace insert, In'Flector reversible window treatments, solar hot water, a grid-tied photovoltaic system, an off-the-grid refrigerator, reflective paint, and the no-cost gap-stuffer, plastic bags. She will also give some tips on saving energy in the kitchen. She will also discuss the downsides of Smart Meters and compact fluorescent lighting, and the mysteries of selling your RECs. After the presentation, you can purchase discounted In'Flector pieces to try in your home. Please bring plenty of questions.

2^nd Locally-Owned Restaurant Dine-Out Event

(10% of all sales from 5-10 pm donated to ReBuild!)

When: April 28, 5-10 pm

Where: Food Matters, 4906 Brenman Park Dr., Alexandria, VA 22304 (map)

Description: Food Matters was started by two chefs, two long time Alexandria residents, and a group of people who believed in them. The basic goal was to create an environment where people could come for food, wine, and a sense of community. The restaurant strives to connect people to the source of their sustenance by sharing the stories behind its products and offering the Food Matters Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) which provides produce, herbs, flowers, and eggs from local producers to its members from February to November each year. Food Matters and its owners have strong ties to the community and believe that it is just as important to give back to the community as it is to be successful. For that reason they have chosen charities that focus on both Alexandrians in need as well as the overwhelming issue of daily hunger in our world.

Sustainable Landscaping

When: Saturday, May 14, 11 am-Noon

Where: The ReBuild Warehouse, 6625 Iron Place, Springfield, VA 22151

Description: John McGlone, Community Forester, with the Virginia Department of Forestry will discuss ways to beautify your business and residential landscape using native plants requiring less water, providing a buffer from winter winds and summer sun, more resistant to local diseases and critters, and capturing more stormwater runoff on your property reducing flooding and further reducing your water bill. More details in May newsletter.

Free ReBuild Truck Advertising

We are our a little over half way towards reaching our funding goal of $4,400 to create a mobile "billboard" on the sides and rear of our 14-ft box truck. We are seeking a "wrap" with ReBuild's name, logo, website, and telephone number to advertise ReBuild's services. Until we are able to get this advertisement on our truck, ReBuild cannot take advantage of our "rolling billboard" as it travels about the metro area. If we can reach our goal in April, we could have our truck painted and on the street yet this spring and throughout the busy summer and fall months. This will contribute to ReBuild's maximizing its sales during the active months before the slow winter period is upon us again. Matching grant opportunities exist along with individual and family donations. If you would like to help us, click here.

Become a ReBuild Partner

One of the tenets of environmental sustainability is diversity -- both in the natural environment and in the kind of economy we all are engaged in creating. This means reducing our dependency (or "addiction") on large Big Box and franchise business headquartered outside the region which siphons profits to distant corporate offices. By encouraging and strengthening a locally-base, diversified economy of businesses and nonprofit organizations of varying sizes, we bolster businesses grounded in our community and operated by people who are responsible to their neighbors and who are not likely to demand government subsidies to come or stay in the community. Moreover, they are not apt to abandon the community for distant locations with less stringent environmental regulations and worker rights. With a diversified local economic base of small businesses, our community is less vulnerable to national and international disruptions, we are able to realize an economic multiplier effect of 3-4 times non-locally based companies for each dollar spent locally. We promote these partnering organizations through our website, display of their business cards in ReBuild's Community Corner, inviting their participation in ReBuild open houses and exhibits, and reminding you of them in our newsletter. Please join us in patronizing these businesses whenever possible. Buy Local, Buy Sustainable!!

ReBuild in the Community

Help us spread the word about sustainability and Rebuild! We will be exhibiting at a number of Earth Day and community events throughout April and May. We're looking for volunteers to help Amy and Paul explain ReBuild's work. Volunteer to help at one or more of these exciting events and earn store credit at a rate of $5 per hour. Just email Amy here for details.

4^th Annual Arlington Home Show and Expo

When: Sat, April 9, 10 am - 4 pm

Where: Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16th St. S., Arlington, 22204 (map)

Description: The Home Show features exhibits and technical advice from Master Gardeners and Tree Stewards, local home improvement experts offering dozens of free classes on the latest in home remodeling trends and ideas., attend FREE classes at the 4th Annual Arlington Home Sponsor: the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization

Fairfax County's Clean Fairfax Earth Day

When: Sat, April 16, 9 am - 2 pm

Where: The Fairfax County Government Center (map)

2011 Arlington Earth Week Community Fair

When: Sat, April 16, 11 am-3 pm

Where: Street, Plaza at Founders Hall, Arlington's George Mason University Campus (map)

Description: The fair will highlight a diversity of businesses, non-profit organizations, research centers, and student groups that promote environmentally responsible policies and practices. In addition to the exhibits, it will incorporate interactive displays, food, and other activities for the whole family. For more information, contact Tiffany Thacker, Event Coordinator at George Mason University's Arlington campus at tthacker@gmu.edu or 606.794.3749.

City of Alexandria Earth Day

When: Sat, April 30, 10 am - 2 pm

Where: Brenmar Park, Alexandria (map)

Description: Sponsored by the City of Alexandria, this annual Earth Day Event features scores of environmentally-oriented public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies displaying their products and services for the betterment of the environment. Family-oriented with plenty of fun things for adults and children of all ages.

Potomac Overlook Regional Park's Annual Open House

When: Sun, May 1, 1-4 pm

Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 North Marcey Rd, Arlington, VA Description: This is the park's 26^th annual open house with a broad array of booths and exhibits focused on the natural environment, sustainability, and man's need to live in harmony with nature. For more information, check out the park's website at www.nvrpa.org/park/potomacoverlook or contact the park staff at 703/528-5406.

Hunter Mill District Earthfest

When: Sat, May 21, 1 pm - 4 pm

Where: Frying Pan Farm Park

Description: Frying Pan Farm Park is sponsoring an Earthfest celebration complete with earth conservation, earth-friendly businesses and nonprofits, and plenty of fun and rides for the kids. Nestled in the middle of modern suburbia, the park seeks to preserve and interpret the 1920's through 1950's era farm, agricultural process, rural community life, and landscape for the educational, cultural, and recreational enrichment of citizen and visitors to Fairfax County. For more information about the event, contact the Park Manager, Tawney Hammond (703/437-9101).

Nominations for 2011 Solar Home/Building Tour

Remember, entries are being sought for the 2011 Solar Home Tour scheduled for late summer or early fall. If you are not familiar with our regional tour, please see http://solartour.org to check out our tour from 2010. This year a diverse assembly of homes and buildings with a variety of features, photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind, passive solar design, energy efficient, green, and creative solutions to using less energy and generating power renewably. Entries are due by May 20, 2011. For more information, contact Jeanie Osburn [brewbub@verizon.net]. Nominated owners should contact Jeanie directly so she can make you aware of your tour responsibilities if you decide to participate.

ReBuild's Partnerships with Local Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations, and Government Agencies

Most of our regular customers know that ReBuild tries to promote local businesses and organizations whenever possible as a way of keeping more of your purchasing power within the community, sustaining vital local businesses, and building a more diversified and sustainable local economy. We promote these partnering organizations through our website, offering space in our Community Corner of the warehouse, inviting them to ReBuild open houses and exhibits, and reminding you of them in our newsletter. Please join us in patronizing these businesses whenever possible. Buy Local, Buy Sustainable!!

^{Amicus Green Building Center}

^{www.amicusgreen.com}

^{Encompass Design Build, LLC}

^{www.encompassdb.com}

^{Potomac Overlook Regional Park}

^{www.nvrpa.org/park/potomac_overlook}

^{Aqua Barrel LLC}

^{www.aquabarrel.com}

^{Energy Resource Management Construction Co. (ERM)}

^{www.ermcc.com}

^{Potomac West Interiors & Antique Gallery}

^{www.potomacwestantiques.com}