Have you ever heard of a story that better fit the category: Good News for People Who Love Good News?
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the television show known for its dramatic reveals and its tear-jerking finales, has brought its most recent project to Salem.
And this time, the recipients of ABC’s largess aren’t the owners of a dilapidated and outmoded single-family home, but the School for the Deaf, whose Lindstrom Hall (site of the popular Halloween Haunted House) is being remodeled and renovated to accommodate a new dormitory.
Gotta say I always get more than a little excited when the national media pick up on a Salem story. Usually, it’s urban chickens or the housing market (even better if it’s Solarize Salem!), but this one can’t be beat.
You probably know someone who is working on the project as a volunteer.
Even if you don’t watch a ton of TV, are a little shocked at the media fracas around this, and are generally skeptical about anything touting superficial changes as a means to personal transformation (include me in this group), it is impossible not to get behind this particular makeover…
I am loving the Statesman Journal’s play-by-play of the process. A feeling I’m not hooked on? Reading the S-J comments of people who are concerned about the price of the haunted house going up.
Here’s some more coverage of the build, which, taken as a whole, might make those TV /Makeover haters and skeptics warm to the idea:
- Students being sent to Starkey Foundation Headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minn. to learn about the organization’s mission to send hearing aids around the world.
- Local builder Rich Duncan Construction’s kick-ass Halloween-themed site on the build, including lists of what the project needs in terms of volunteers
- The Oregonian’s great reporting on why this construction is necessary
- KATU’s coverage of the Kickoff
- The Salem Business Journal’s coverage
- A message board on AllDeaf.com, which explains the hopes among some deaf members that this project will be a window into deaf culture and not just a makeover show
- Here is Rethink Monthly’s interview with builder Rich Duncan (just click on the podcast play button below the blog post). Amazingly, Duncan got the call about three weeks ago about the project
Personally, I think it’s great to see an important local facility getting updated and modernized, instead of torn down.
You’re loving the Stateman’s play-by-play? Cause I think it’s a little over the top. When did the Statesman become the EMHE Newsletter? It’s becoming annoying. I have to listen to my friends on facebook: “went over to snoop out the site today.. ran into Ty and the whole crew… no big deal… blah blah blah..” And then the giant banner across the Statesman’s website like it’s now an ABC subsidiary. Is this really the best or only thing happening in Salem right now?
I read something recently, just a comment from someone with Habitat for Humanity who said “we could do SO much with what they spend on one build.” I do tend to agree that the way the show does things a little…. extreme. For lack of a better word.
Dear Statesman Journal,
Let’s talk about something else.
Love, Sophie.
Come to think of it, this is one of those questions of media saturation, isn’t it? How much is too much? How does ABC get all of these people to do their buzz-building for free and how can we do the same? I guess that’s what happens when the limelight shines ever-so-briefly in a place where it’s usually raining…
I do think the Statesman is doing a great job of highlighting just how scripted a reality show really is — the arrival of the bus took three takes! — okay, act surprised!
The Habitat for Humanity comment is illuminating.
I still think it’s an awesome project, though. My enthusiasm would be tempered more if it were a lame project…
That’s true… I knew there was some secret story behind the family reveal (they’re always home, always fully dressed early in the morning for the surprise, etc) so the behind-the-scenes stuff is pretty interesting. I’m sure it’s not as glamorous as it looks.
It also seems like the community involvement is really…. real. People are donating their time, services and money. That’s really impressive. I just hope the motive behind it all is true generosity and kindness, not just trying to get on TV. But.. if that were the true motive, wouldn’t we see large-scale acts of generosity more often in our community?…. The entire town coming together to help a family or organization in need? Where is Loretta and Salem Cinema’s free vacation while her community solves all her financial problems? Why weren’t we designing new themed rooms for the people who survived that apartment fire last week in South Salem and are without their homes? Will we not do something for nothing unless it will get our business free advertising on a popular national TV show?
I’m overthinking it.
What I like about this build is the fact that this will help the school for years to come with their income from the Haunted House. That is fantastic. That is the gift that keeps on givin.
Emily, you’re the only person in the media who even noticed the painful fact that the School for the Blind was annihilated a year before the School for the Deaf had this windfall.
Certainly nobody begrudges the School for the Deaf their very-much-needed makeover, but it was hurtful for OSB alumni and supporters that their loss, in contrast, has been so completely forgotten.
Until your blog post, that is! So, bless you for noticing and remembering.
I was thinking about OSB a lot lately, actually.