Wayland to Waveland’s
‘Mission to Mississippi’
Displays Live Video Feeds
from 3 Sites
Construction To Start Oct. 15 – First Trucks Roll with Tools and Supplies
OCT. 09, 2007 – WAYLAND, MA – This is reality TV – live video feeds from the “Mission to Mississippi” security cameras at three construction sites in Waveland, Mississippi can be viewed 24-hours-a-day right here from now thru February 2008.
Right now you can see all eight lots on three sites in Waveland that are ready for the builders to sweep in and start construction. The lots on Combel, Maple and Taranato Streets all have been cleared, leveled and set with foundation piers.
Each day there is something going on at the sites in preparation for the builders to arrive next week. Supplies and materials and tools are coming by the truckload.
“The video feeds will allow everyone, especially those people who have given money and materials, and companies that have volunteered their skilled workers, to see the results as it’s happening from now thru February,” said Ken Vona, the lead builder of eight who are cooperating on the project to help rebuild lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that was demolished by Hurricane Katrina.
This screen capture shows live images from two of the three cameras in use in Waveland MS that can be seen through the group’s Web site, waylandtowaveland.org. Click on the link on the home page to get to the page with the three streaming video displays.
As Wayland to Waveland readies to launch its building phase next week to build eight new homes, it’s introducing the live video so everyone can see the progress of ‘Americans Helping Americans’ as it says on the new project banner (see image below).
A new project logo and sign has been created that reflects the broader contributions from all over the Greater Boston area by builders, subcontractors, volunteers and suppliers. While the group from Wayland, MA is still at the center of things working with the builders, the City of Waveland and other groups to identify properties and families to receive the home… the project clearly goes well beyond Wayland with volunteers and contributors from all over the state and region. Interest has also come from many communities throughout the US!
Of course, Vona said, he hopes that seeing progress will prompt more people to donate money and/or volunteer on the project.
Construction begins Tuesday, the 16th of October as framers get to work on the four houses on Combel Street. Vona reports that the first trucks with tools and materials arrived on Monday (photo). The workers start arriving over the weekend and will set to work next Tuesday.
Trucks are loaded at Ken Vona Construction in Waltham with supplies and tools to be used in Waveland, MS.
The fundraising campaign continues to reach $1.6 million in cash needed to complete the project. Vona and the Wayland to Waveland committee has been reaching out to towns and groups throughout the Boston area – particularly from areas where the eight builders and the many skilled workers are located. This includes most of eastern Massachusetts.
Similarly, volunteers are needed to help during the 16-week effort that will run through February next year.
Contributions (which are tax deductible) can be made both online through the group’s Web site (www.waylandtowaveland.org) or mailed to the Wayland to Waveland Hurricane Relief Fund, c/o Town of Wayland, Town Building, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA 01778.