Cornwall Residential KICKstart!

Cornwall NY is beyond excited to be chosen by HGTV to be a featured town for a new show: HGTV Home Town KICKstart Presented by People . The KICKstart is comprised of three projects: refreshing the home of a local hero, upgrading a small Main Street business, and revitalizing a public space. From that starting point, residents, merchants and the Town itself hopes to follow the lead and do their part to make the Town’s Main Street awesome.  

 

During our HGTV journey,  two other residential projects for local heroes  jumped out at us.  See complete story below.  Aided by the volunteer efforts of local contractors  and tradesmen, we are keeping down the cost of the two Kickstart projects.

 

The first is a long-serving volunteer fireman Tom and his wife Denise. Tom and Denise live in an historical home next to the HGTV Bridge project.

 

 

 

Tom worked for the Village for 30+ years but sustained head trauma injuries at both work and in a near-fatal car accident. He was forced to take an early retirement due to his disability.

 

 

 

His home restoration projects have been on hold for several years and our mission is to KICKstart his restoration by installing new heating, plumbing and electrical wiring to the gutted interior to “KICKstart” the renovation of the space. Tom’s Mom will occupy the space. Several local contractors have generously volunteered to donate their services, however we need to raise funds for materials: $20,000.

 

 

 

The second project is for a local military family Erica and Michael and their five lovely daughters. Erica and Michael are known by their friends, families and neighbors as two of the kindest and most selfless people in Cornwall. Active in many aspects of the community ranging from politics to philanthropy, people know that if they ever need an ear, or a pair of strong arms, or a shoulder or a donation, they can always get it from Erica and Michael.

 

 

 

Following a lifetime career in the Army, they began their new life in Cornwall buying an antique farmhouse that had good bones but needed a “few touches.” Michael began working in administration helping young cadets at West Point Military Academy and local residents as a volunteer preacher working towards seminary after retirement. Erica ran for local town government as town clerk, as well as becoming an outspoken advocate against domestic abuse and speaking nationally for healthy housing for military families.

 

 

 

Then, something happened that shifted their priorities. The entire Nichols family suffered a series of devastating health issues. Their two youngest daughters, Lyla and Savannah, were immunocompromised and diagnosed with multiple life threatening conditions. Both girls ( ages 3 and 10) immediately had to begin to prepare for many various surgeries including open heart surgery. Erica herself was also diagnosed as needing complicated surgery at the same time. Michael was hospitalized for and still suffers from a traumatic brain injury.

 

 

 

 

Needing to take care of their family’s health brought a screeching halt to any thought of home renovations. This beautiful couple, who always have their hearts open and home welcome to take care of others, now needs a bit of help, and someone, for once, to help take care of them.

 

 

 

 

Again, through the volunteering of local contractors, the cost of plumbing and electrical repairs was reduced by the volunteer labor. Correcting these KICKstart issues will allow them to move forward with their renovation plans. We are raising $5,000 for materials.

 

Thank you for caring and your concern and donations. Your donations are NOT tax-deductible.

 

Any funds raised beyond the target not utilized in these projects will be returned or with your permission, donated to the People For People Fund People for People Fund in the local community.

 

Here is information on the Cornwall KICKstart for public projects that are being undertaken by the Town and residents. Completion of these projects will create a snowball effect on the projects done by HGTV Home Town Kickstart by People .