That's a wrap!

Ron and Renee headed out on Friday afternoon with several projects accomplished, some sweeps well-fed and a very thankful HQ staff.

Our thanks to all of the volunteers and donors participating in Sweeps Week 2008.

It's been a busy week, full of laughter and hard work. We hope you can join us for next year's event!

Look for Sweeps Week 2009 info coming soon.

Friday Cleanup

Finished project: Refinished lab floor

Renee wrapping up a week of kitchen duty.

Stain, Stain, Stain...

Caryl Ann and Ron keep up the pace with their fence staining project.

Kevin

Kevin DeLucenay of Old Smokey, Inc. (Indiana) founded Sweeps Week several years ago. Fortunately, he was able to join us for this year's festivities. He and Jim take a moment in the shade.

Jim Baynes' Coin Donation

Some of you may remember Jim Baynes' coin collection challenge from Sweeps Week last year. Here he is presenting his coin donation to our director of finance, Judy Thompson.

Thank you, Jim!

It'll take a bit for us to count those coins... We'll report back!

Danny's Back Too

Danny keeps adding elbow grease on his return trip to the Tech Center.

She's baaaack!

Kristin (pictured), Ken and Caryl Ann returned for more Sweeps Week fun on Thursday. Kristin is an awesome helper!

Campers

Volunteers this year have come from near and far. Our farther volunteers have camped on the lawn OR have enjoyed the comfort of the A/C and air mattresses in the classroom.

Power Washing

Danny of Expert Chimney & Fireplace powerwashing the fence.

Them Bones...

Them bones, them bones... Them rib bones... A HUGE thanks to Marion Schroll of Marsanco (Kansas) for shipping Wednesday's lunch. They were a tasty treat!

More.

Ron Brigman and Tim Smith "upgrade" the chimney fire/reline chimney we use for the National Chimney Sweep Training School.

Wednesday Morning

Projects come and projects go (or don't) during Sweeps Week, but one thing is always consistent... The food is outstanding! Wednesday morning, Renee (background) prepared waffles and fruit salad (strawberries, blueberries and almonds). She even had whipped cream. Seriously, this woman thinks of everything.

Here, the Tech Center's new office manager, Sherri, demonstrates just what can be made of the right ingredients. Yummy!

The Experts Arrive!

Jim Baynes (pictured) and Danny Fletcher of Expert Chimney & Fireplace (Indiana) stopped by on Tuesday afternoon to work on the dumpster surround and touch ups to the Tech Center.

Hoelschers Arrive

Caryl Ann (pictured on right), Ken and Kristin Hoelscher with Abbey Road Chimney Sweep (Ohio) joined us shortly before lunch and immediately got to work. Kristin and Caryl Ann choose the perfect day to stain the patio furniture. Kristin got to hang out with Grandma AND she helped get things done at Sweeps Week!

I See a Gray Floor and I Want To Paint It...

Tim Smith of Chimney Sweeps of America, Ltd (Indiana) dropped by this morning just in time for breakfast! He and Ron (foreground) are continuing the new finish job on the Copperfield/Homesaver Technical Lab floor today.

Before and after.

The Brigman Bike Tour

Before we forget, check out the Brigmans transportation to the Tech Center. The directions taped to the bike say the trip was 565 miles, but they drove many more once they made it into town... Errands, acclimation and finally sweet dreams of Sweeps Week. (They drove all day Sunday - 12 hours!)

Look at this!

Bud had Debbie Cornelius and Ashley Eldridge in stitches as he shared a photo from his cell phone. He had us guess the photo's content and Debbie was right on... It was (a closeup of) a turtle laying eggs!

Back from Lunch

Barry Waninger and Mike and Michael Stiles of Gray Cat Chimney Service (Indiana) arrived this morning to lend a hand. Here's the trio in a moment of supervision before they jumped in to help.

Sweeps Week 2008

I just heard Renee Brigman say that "Lunch is almost ready!" so this first update will be brief.

This morning, Ron and Renee Brigman of Blue Sky Chimney Sweep and Wakefield Brush USA (South Carolina) wheeled in just a few hours before their boxes. Ron got to work in the lab and Renee in the kitchen.

The first project this year is to clean and paint the floor in the Copperfield/Homesaver lab.

Bud Hinchman of Clean Sweep Chimney Service (Indiana) arrived and was quickly sent shopping for painting supplies for the floor in the lab.

Oops... "Soups on!" More in a bit.