Classes will help prepare Habitat Women Build volunteers with carpentry basics

Lowe's of Aiken is helping the local chapter of Habitat For Humanity prepare for its next Women Build construction project.

The next Women Build project is set to break ground in the Warren Ridge subdivision in mid- to late-September, according to Women Build committee member Linda Purdy. An orientation meeting for volunteers will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at South Aiken Presbyterian Church on Whiskey Road.

In preparation, Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's are offering a series of classes to teach Women Build volunteers the basics of carpentry and construction. Classes will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays outside Lowe's on Whiskey Road, starting on Sept. 11 with a session on "How to Safely Use Hand and Power Tools."

"This will be my fourth year teaching these classes. I enjoy it; I love teaching," said Lowe's customer service associate Gary Leach. "We do basic carpentry skills, framing, painting, siding, drywall, insulation and more. We welcome all different skill levels and different experiences. I've been doing carpentry work for more than 30 years, and some of the best carpenters I've worked with all through those have been women."

The series continues with "How to Frame for Walls and Roofs" on Sept. 18; "How to Install Exterior Siding" on Sept. 25; "How to Install Roofing Shingles" on Oct. 2; "How to Install Insulation and Drywall" on Oct. 9; and "How to Finish Interior with Paint and Trim" on Oct. 16.

"We've just started advertising these classes, but I know a lot of repeat Women Builders who will be doing the classes again, to refresh their skills before doing the build," Purdy said.

Lowe's customer service associate Robin Ford has taken part in Women Build projects for the past five years.

"A Women Build house has more nails in it than any other, because we're so conscientious. We sign blessings and Bible verses and dedications into the insides of the wall before we insulate, so those good wishes are always there. It's the tiredest you'll ever be, but also the most rewarded you'll ever be," she said.

Lowe's is a national partner of Habitat For Humanity, according to store manager Jason Sessoms.

"This year Lowe's, as a company, pledged over $20 million over the next five years to Habitat For Humanity," he said. "Lowe's is in the business of helping people improve and maintain their homes and we get to do that through Habitat for Humanity."

Advance signups are required for the classes, according to Purdy. For more information about the orientation session or to sign up for the classes, call Aiken County Habitat for Humanity at 642-9492, ext. 105.

Contact Suzanne Stone at sstone@aikenstandard.com.