‘Mission to Mississippi’ Wraps Up
Plans Key-Tranfer Ceremony Jan. 23;
Coin Drive on Feb. 2
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JAN. 14, 2008 – WAYLAND, MA – Wayland to Waveland’s “Mission to Mississippi” is wrapping up work this week and preparing to announce the house assignments to the families. A press conference is set for Wednesday, January 23rd at 10 am to formally mark the project’s completion with a ceremonial passing of keys.
“We’re actually ahead of schedule,” said lead builder Ken Vona of Kenneth Vona Construction of Waltham. “Originally we planned for 16 weeks, which would have gone into February. Every crew we’ve sent down there did their job faster and better than we expected. All our equipment and supplies arrived on time, and we had favorable weather conditions,” he added.
The more than 400 skilled tradesmen who worked on the project came from the eight building companies and more than 60 subcontracting companies. Most of these companies donated their workers’ time, helping lower the dollar amount that had to be raised through donations. 
More than 100 volunteers also helped, each paying their own transportation, lodging and meals.
The eight builders participating in the project are the Kenneth Vona Construction of Waltham, Mitchell Construction Group of Medfield; Twin Peaks Construction, LLC of Norwood; Thoughtforms Corporation Builders of West Acton; Gallagher Home Builders, Inc. of Maynard; Whitla Brothers Builders of Medfield; CMG Builders of Rowley; and Custom Designs, Inc. of Wayland. Custom Designs owner Peter Bachman led the first building effort in October 2006 to rebuild three homes in Waveland.
Total cost of the project is $1.6 million, and about $1.4 million already has been raised. To help raise the 
remaining $225,000, Wayland to Waveland is holding a Coin Drive Blitz on Saturday, Feb. 2nd at multiple locations in Wayland. Waylanders and others are urged to donate their collections of change (e.g., piggy banks, jars, cars, dressers). Collection barrels will be at the Wayland Town Landfill, St. Zepherin’s Church, the Public Safety Building from 7 am to 4 pm.
The houses are almost complete. Last week hardwood floors, appliances, and bath fixtures were installed, and electricity and water were turned on. Also, landscaping was completed and the work trailers were removed. The work this week will focus on all the “punch list” items and final trim work. A lot of small touches are left to be done such as installing electrical outlets and switches, touching up paint, and hanging light fixtures.
Once the builders complete this work, the house assignments will be made and the families will begin the process with the banks to officially take ownership. Each family has completed a qualification process, and has been approved for the required mortgages on the properties.
Wayland to Waveland will contine to work with the families as they move in and outfit their new homes.
Wayland to Waveland is working with WAYCAM to broadcast the key-passing ceremony on January 23rd. Please visit the Web site: www.missiontomississippi.org to watch this exciting event.