from the Archives

CNHS Educational Series: Planting a Vegetable Garden

On Tuesday, March 22, Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS) begins the 2011 Educational Series with a segment on vegetable gardening.  Presented by Derrick Bender, AGNR Educator and Master Gardener Coordinator, the class will cover tips for planting a vegetable garden: choosing vegetables to plant, selecting the best site, preparing the soil and caring for a garden.  Employed by the University of Maryland Extension, Mr. Bender serves as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator for both Allegany and Garrett County.  Through phone, email, office visits and classes, he works to educate residents about gardening and its associated challenges.  The class will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the CNHS office, located at 400 North Mechanic Street.

“More families are discovering the benefits of growing their own vegetables,” noted Rich Parsons, Executive Director of CNHS.  “Not only can you realize significant savings in food budgets, but fresh vegetables keep families healthier.  This class will help ensure successful outcomes with gardening and provide an opportunity to discuss challenges people encounter in their gardening efforts.”

The DIY Series is free and open to the public. For more information on upcoming CNHS classes, programs and events call 301-722-6958 or click here.

 

Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services Hosts Class on Electric Tips and Ideas

Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS) recently hosted a do-it-yourself class on basic electric techniques as part of their ongoing DIY Educational Series. The presenter was Betsy Delozier, owner of Big D Electric. The primary focus of the class was renewable energy and the many energy saving options available today.

The DIY Series is intended for people who would like to learn basic home improvement and repair skills. They are free and open to the public.

 

Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services Hosts Class on Basic Plumbing Techniques

Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS) recently hosted a do-it-yourself class on basic plumbing techniques as part of their ongoing DIY Educational Series.  The presenter for this class was Jon Schadt of Schadt Plumbing and Heating.  Jon and his brother Nat are the third generation to run their family business.  Started by their grandfather, Louis and great-uncle Edward, Nat and Jon learned the trade from their father Homer.  Jon Schadt has been a Master Plumber since 1988. 

Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services partners with First Peoples Federal Credit Union to offer new loan program

Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (CNHS) is pleased to announce a new mortgage loan program offered through First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union.  The program will be available for the purchase of residential property that falls within the boundaries of the 400-700 blocks of North Centre and North Mechanic Streets.  First Peoples will fund the mortgages below market rate.  In addition, CNHS is offering a program that allows the homebuyer to borrow renovation funds, in conjunction with the mortgage program, to make desired improvements to the home.

“First Peoples is happy to offer an attractive mortgage program for homeowners who choose to live in the Wills Creek Neighborhood - one of our great downtown Cumberland neighborhoods.” States Will Brodie, Vice President of Lending for First Peoples Federal Credit Union.  “Supporting the development and expansion of the communities we serve is at the heart of our mission.”

The program is open to borrowers who intend to occupy the property as their primary residence.   

“This is an exciting time for homebuyers to choose a home in the Wills Creek Neighborhood.”  Said Rich Parsons, Executive Director of CNHS.  “We are grateful for the generosity of First Peoples and appreciate their support in offering this loan program.” 

There are limited funds for the renovation loan program and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis for these funds.  All applications are subject to credit approval and available funds.  For more information on both loan programs, contact CNHS at 301-722-6958 Monday through Friday.  To learn more click here »

 

Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services
Spring Clean-Up Day

Volunteers, board members and staff of Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services take a break during the recent Clean-Up Day in the Wills Creek Neighborhood.  In addition to planting trees and clean up at the North Centre Street Playground, the volunteers planted eight trees and picked up trash throughout the neighborhood.   A group of the volunteers are shown at one of the trees planted at the playground. Front row kneeling: Al Reed, Emily Cerda, Megan Geil.  Standing left to right: Butch Folk, George Reynolds, Colby Geil, Gerry Geil, Spencer Kemmet, Ed Kemmet, Janet Kemmet, Gary Taylor, Sr., Sam Robinette, Sally Robinette and John DiFonzo.  Also participating (not shown): Pete Elliott, Rich Parsons, Monna Johnson and Judy Spencer.

 

Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services Hosts
First Do It Yourself Class for 2010

Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS) recently held the first program in their 2010 Do It Yourself (DIY) series.   The topic covered was Landscaping and Gardening and the guest presenter was Paul Ericksson, Natural Resource Specialist for the city of Cumberland.  The program covered yard landscaping and planting various types of annuals and perennials for the local climate and soil conditions.  In addition, Mr. Ericksson provided a maintenance and care schedule to follow when planting new trees.  “We are pleased with the interest our residents have shown in the DIY series that CNHS is offering,” states Rich Parsons, Executive Director of CNHS.  “With the participation of presenters like Paul, we are able to offer information to homeowners that allows them to complete simple home improvement tasks and save money at the same time.” 

Heather Coates and Louise Elliott were the two door prize winners, receiving a gift card from Lowe’s and a gift card from Southern States, respectively.  The next DIY Class will be held on Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m.  The class will cover plumbing tips and the guest presenter will be John Schadt of Schadt Plumbing and Heating, LLC.  All DIY classes are free and open to the public.  They are held at the CNHS office located at 400 North Mechanic, Cumberland.  For more information about classes or other programs offered through CNHS, click here or call 301-722-6958.

 

Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services
Hosts Clean-Up Day

On Saturday, October 31st a group of volunteers, board members and staff of Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS) participated in a Clean-Up Day in the Wills Creek Neighborhood.  After meeting at the CNHS office, the group proceeded to pick up trash, clean out tree pits on Centre and Mechanic Streets, and paint and spruce up the Centre Street Playground.  In addition to these tasks, four trees were planted in the neighborhood.

“We are pleased and appreciative of the participation and efforts of the volunteers,” stated Rich Parsons, Executive Director of CNHS.  “Their dedication and hard work helps promote healthy and strong neighborhoods.”

View more photos from this event »

 

Cumberland, Md. Community Leader is presented National Award for Contributions to Affordable Housing

NeighborWorks® America Honors Floyd “ Pete” Elliott  with Community Service Award

Floyd “Pete” Elliott of Cumberland, MD. has been chosen by NeighborWorks® America to  receive a  certificate of appreciation for outstanding service to the community development field. 

Pete Elliott was a founding member of the Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS) in 1982. He has been President of the Board of Directors, a position he had held for over 26 years. Always a champion of the neighborhoods the organization serves, he has been an ever-present supporter for the many services and programs NHS offers.

As a City Councilman for over 20 years, Pete has been instrumental in developing the strong partnership between the City of Cumberland and CNHS. He has served on a city council that has driven the revitalization efforts of the downtown area. Pete has always been the loudest voice for revitalization efforts in city neighborhoods.

“Urban neighborhoods have so much to offer and are worthy of preservation as they create mini-communities that are diverse and rich with culture. You have great mom & pop restaurants, street festivals, art and music in the parks and so many things to enjoy. That is why I live here,” said award recipient Pete Elliott.

“Through his volunteerism and demonstrated commitment to sustainable homeownership opportunities and quality affordable housing, Pete Elliott has made significant contributions that have strengthened the neighborhoods of Cumberland,” said Richard Parsons, executive director of CNHS, Inc.” 

With retirement, Pete spends his time playing golf, a sport he loves and at 83 years of age he shows no sign of slowing down. He has been the best role model for all of the people he has touched over his remarkable length of service to the community.