Ossining One of Two
Westchester Habitat Clubs to Build Home for Firefighter

November 28th, 2005 Chamber President Maureen Redmond was in attendance at the drawing for the Habitat for Humanity Big Bucks 50/50 Raffle at the Ossining Boat and Canoe Club today. The proceeds of the Raffle will go toward building a house for Volunteer Firefighter Matt Scarduzio and his family.

Tom Johnson, one of the leaders of Ossining's Habitat for Humanity club, spoke passionately of the desperate need for affordable housing for Westchester's volunteer first responders. As he pointed out, if we don't provide housing for our volunteers, we will wind up paying more down the road for a paid Fire and Ambulance Corps.

So far, Habitat has raised about $20,000 toward Matt, Jennifer, Cyan and Kacie Scarduzio's house, which the Scarduzios will purchase at a below market price, paying back an interest-free mortgage to Habitat over twenty years. There is still $40,000 more needed, and donations are gladly accepted. Checks should be made out to Habitat for Humanity WC, Ossining Project, and sent to Tom at Wachovia Bank.

Matt's dad, Mike, is also a volunteer firefighter