LETTERS: HABITAT'S BEGINNINGS

To the editor:

Recently 25 community-minded individuals were recognized for service to our community by being honored as "Hardee's Home Town Heroes." I was one of those fortunate enough to be recognized that day. It was gratifying that, by my selection, Habitat for Humanity was recognized for its community work in building and providing families with affordable houses at no profit or interest.

While I appreciated the honor, the citation accompanying the award was a bit embarrassing. I was cited as having started the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. I would like to set the record straight and give credit to those visionaries who actually made Habitat for Humanity a reality here in Cape Girardeau.

In 1986 the first recorded organizational meeting was attended by Larry Seyer, Ann Drury, Edna Patterson, Connie Lapp, Ellen Seyer, Mike Heston, Gary Burkyett, Bernie Dimberger and Janet Ruopp. The first recorded board directors were Bernie Dirnberger, president; Larry Seyer, Ellen Seyer, Connie Lapp, Ann Drury, Janet Ruopp, Melanie Sherinski, Mike Wandrick and Vivian Rastl. Other early pioneers were Mindy Mueller, John Rastl, Pat Ruopp and Richard Goldstein. I came on the scene in 1989, serving on the board since.

Of these named who were instrumental in establishing the Cape Girardeau affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, Dr. Jane Ruopp remains active on the board to this date, having seen the affiliate through infancy, adolescence and into maturity. Many others have helped by donations, working on houses or serving on the board or its various committees. Habitat is truly a community-based organization. The Cape Girardeau Habitat affiliate now has seven families in Habitat-built or renovated homes with a new home being planned as I write.

Finally, I need to comment on the marvelous support of the local United Way. The inclusion of Habitat for Humanity in the United Way annual campaigns has given the affiliate credibility, financial support, publicity and wise counsel over the years. It has been, and is, much appreciated.

MILES H. WHITE, Pastor

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Cape Girardeau