Extreme Makeover

By John O’Connell
joconnell@journalnet.com

POCATELLO — Thousands of people packed the yards opposite the new Marshall-Spreier home, cordoned like cattle within metal barricades on a cloudless Tuesday afternoon.
A volunteer used a pressure washer to cool the masses along Eighth Avenue while other helpers tossed bottled water toward outstretched hands.
For hours on end, the crowd waited while workers wiped dust from the facade of a new home with three floors and more than 6,000 square feet, preparing it for the unveiling — the climax of the ABC reality television program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
Throughout the wait, the television crew filmed scenes of the cheering crowd, and producers had the throngs repeatedly practice shouting the program’s trademark phrase: “Move that bus!” At long last, a show official announced at about 4 p.m., “All right Pocatello! Let’s do it for real!”
The crowd went into a frenzy as the limousine bearing Jane Marshall-Spreier and eight of her nine children approached. They returned to a new home from a vacation to the Florida Keys arranged by the show.
Amid a mob of well-wishers, the single mother emerged from the vehicle. Spectators caught glimpses of her short and silver hair through the innumerable raised cameras as Jane jumped up and down with excitement. Her voice couldn’t be heard over the background noise as she spoke of her feelings to the program’s charismatic and wildly popular host, Ty Pennington.
And then the chant commenced, and the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” bus rumbled away, revealing a stunning blue and white home built by more than 3,000 local volunteers under the lead of Rockwell Homes.
The new home wasn’t the only surprise. Idaho State University President Art Vailas announced the university intends to grant eight full tuition scholarships to the Marshall-Spreier children.
Unable to see the scene unfolding from the ground, Katarina Bannister stood atop a barricade and gave her mother a play-by-play.
“She’s in tears,” Bannister reported about Jane. “This guy in the suit, he’s giving her a hug. Ty is crying. Ty is still talking to them.”
Another spectator told her friends, “I can see Ty’s hair! I can see the back of his head!”
Several hours of waiting were rewarded with a clear visual when Jane and her children posed on their new front porch. The children hugged. Jane alternated between waving to the crowd and covering her mouth with her hands, overcome by emotion.
Last year at about this time, the family’s home was damaged by fire. On Thursday, the demolition of her old home was filmed for a national viewing audience. By early the next morning, the foundation was already set and the rapid assembly of the new was underway. In addition to building the home free of charge, Rockwell has agreed to pay the family’s property taxes for the next 20 years.
Even Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad got involved in the building effort. Blad estimates he personally invested 45 hours of work in the Marshall-Spreier home. He helped pour the footings, cut lumber and install trusses. The mayor admits his family is fond of the show, but he’s also pleased by the show’s estimate that filming an episode typically has at least a $2 million economic impact on a community.
“It’s been an awesome project,” Blad said, noting the contributions to the effort by city staff including road workers, police and firefighters.
The crowd started forming at 11 p.m. on Monday night. Lynette Barfuss and her 19-year-old niece, Heidi, were the first in line, and attending meant Barfuss had to blow off her first day of classes at ISU.
Barfuss also worked a shift as a volunteer on Thursday, when she helped carry cabinet materials into the home and assisted with installing siding.
The two women bundled in coats and blankets during a cold night outside — except for a time when a neighbor let them inside to warm up. They passed the time discussing the show with the others who spent the night for a position at the front of the crowd, trading guesses as to the identity of the guest celebrity. While the family toured their new home, a flat-bed truck with sound equipment pulled in front of the home for a special performance by pop star Kylie Minogue.
“It’s just a wonderful opportunity to see how happy “Extreme Home Makeover” can make somebody,” Barfuss said.
Others in the crowd demonstrated their “Extreme Makeover” fanaticism with their pocket books. The winning bid for a pass to tour the home — and possibly meet some of the designers — sold for $500. Another spectator paid $250, with all proceeds going toward the project, for four shady chairs offered up by the next door neighbor.
Clearly, Pocatello made a strong impression on the show’s staff.
One of the show’s directors, Glenn “GT” Taylor, announced to the crowd, “We’ve been all over this country building homes, and I have to say Pocatello, you’re incredible. We wish we could stay here all summer.”

Doug Lindley/Journal photo Jane Marshall-Spreier, left, points out a friend in the crowd to some of her children Tuesday.

Doug Lindley/Journal photo Jane Marshall-Spreier hugs a Rockwell official after the unveiling of her family's new home on S. 8th Avenue during the reality show "Extreme Makeover: Home Addition Tuesday afternoon.

Doug Lindley/Journal photo The Extreme Home Makeover show with the crowd and volunteers watching the Marshall-Speier family react to their new home Tuesday afternoon.

move that bus

A new home wasn’t the only surprise Jane Marshall-Spreier and her children received when they arrived back to their new home.  Idaho State University President Arthur C. Vailas announced that the University would provide scholarship support to the eight Spreier children.

In making the announcement Dr. Vailas said, “Many of those volunteering this week are your friends, neighbors, students, faculty and staff from Idaho State University.  And your neighbors at Idaho State University are pleased to inform you that we will provide eight scholarships which will cover the full amount of base tuition for your children.”

Home project auction draws overflow crowd
By Sean Ellis
sellis@journalnet.com
POCATELLO — It was absolute pandemonium in the Stephens Performing Arts Center Monday night as local residents stepped up to help raise tens of thousands of dollars for the Pocatello family whose home is being rebuilt by the ABC reality show, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
The arts center at Idaho State University was filled way past capacity for the auction event, which literally was put together with a day’s notice. At least 500 people had to be turned away after people began spilling out the doors.
“This place is more than packed,” event organizer Jim Johnston said in a complete understatement. “It was incredible. I saw people crying who didn’t get in.”

Johnston said the goal was to raise $60,000 to help the Marshall-Spreier family pay medical and other expenses. The family’s home is being remade by the Home Makeover crew.
Johnston, a local Realtor who is also acting as the lead volunteer coordinator for the ABC event, said he was blown away by the turnout for Monday’s auction, which came together largely by word of mouth.
“This is a phenomenal community,” said Johnston, who gave up his seat so one more person could be snuck into the auditorium. “People here want to give and give and give and tonight was an opportunity for us to give even more.”
Items associated with the building of the Marshall-Spreier home were auctioned off Monday, as well as tours of the home when it is completed and a bus tour with Ty Pennington, the popular host of the Home Makeover show.
When members of the Extreme Makeover crew took the stage, along with secret guest Jillian Harris of Bachelorette (2009 season) fame, the crowd started screaming and ear-piercing shouts filled the Stephens center each time they spoke.
The crew showed highlights from Extreme Makeover’s last seven seasons to get the crowd in the mood. The footage included people shaking with joy, falling to the ground crying, and launching themselves into the arms of surprised producers.
“I’ve been dreaming for a long time,” one tearful woman told producers.
“Thank you for giving us our lives back,” said another.
Very early into Monday’s fundraising event, the money was being racked up quickly. A hard hat worn by Harris during an episode of Bachelorette sold for $350, and earrings she wore during another episode sold for $600.
“This money is much more important to the family than these earrings are for me to hold on to any longer,” Harris said.
Johnston said 3,500 volunteers from this community have been scheduled to work on the Marshall-Spreier home. Too many businesses and individuals around the community to name have stepped up to donate items as well, he added.
“It’s just one thing after another,” he said. “Everyone is stepping forward. This community is just great.”

The L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center in Pocatello was packed to capacity Monday evening for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" fundraising event. Sean Ellis/Idaho State Journal

By Vanessa Grieve
vgrieve@journalnet.com

POCATELLO — A group of special needs individuals, called the Purple Crew, delivered 500 bags of popcorn to spectators at the site of the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project Saturday.
Dawn Christensen, the group’s coordinator, said she was inspired by her late daughter, Janiel Wolfley, to gather the Purple Crew to deliver the treats.
While the group couldn’t perform physical labor to help the project, it wanted to contribute in some other way.
Janiel’s favorite color was purple, so the group of 10 all wore purple shirts and toted purple balloons.
Pocatello’s Christensen, 62, said she was encouraged after watching the movie “The Color Purple,” to press through the struggles of raising her autistic son, Tracy Petersen.
“You get knocked down … you get back up again,” Christensen said.
Christensen said she loves her handicapped friends and believes they can teach us something about the world.
“They are important and sent by God to teach us a lesson,” Christensen said.
Sarah Hille-Ward said they call Christensen “grandma” because she is like a grandmother to them.
“My philosophy is to look at the example of the handicapped. Every walk of life is important on this Earth,” Christensen said.

Bill Schaefer/Idaho State Journal Amber House, of Pocatello, and fellow members of the "Purple Crew" pass out popcorn to "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" spectators on South 8th Street Saturday afternoon.

Local ‘Extreme Makeover’ project is taking shape fast

By Sean Ellis
sellis@journalnet.com

POCATELLO — Just like many other people who have witnessed the rapid construction of a new home in Pocatello this week for a TV reality show, the eldest daughter of Jane Marshall-Spreier, the woman who is having her home rebuilt by ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” is astonished at how fast it’s all happening.
“I think it’s just amazing it happened so fast,” Adriane Atha, 26, Marshall-Spreier’s daughter, said Sunday while watching the home go up. “I’m just in awe at how smoothly this has gone.
“It’s been a miracle to witness.”
Atha and her husband, Michael, who live in Logan, Utah, are also shocked that so many volunteers would pitch in to build a stranger a new home.
While Jane and her other eight kids are vacationing in Florida, the “Extreme Makeover” crew is coordinating with Rockwell Homes and the roughly 3,000 local volunteers who are building the family a new home at 243 S. Eighth Ave.
The old fire-damaged home was demolished Thursday and a new one will be built in its place in less than a week.
“It’s a good feeling to know that … there are this many volunteers out here wanting to help one family; it’s just amazing,” Adriane said.
“We’re really appreciative of all the work everyone is doing for Jane and her kids,” Michael said. “We count it as a miracle. Thank you to ABC, thank you to Rockwell Homes and thank you to all the incredible volunteers. It’s really just amazing to see.”
Michael had a gut feeling all throughout the year-long application process that Jane would be chosen, even when the family went two months without hearing anything from ABC.
Jane, a single mother of nine, underwent a battle with breast cancer two years ago. During that time, Adriane quit her job in Logan and moved to Pocatello for three months to care for her mother.
While Jane was recovering, a faulty dryer vent caused a fire that ravaged her home. Since then, the family has had to seek out alternative living arrangements, including a tent and a one-room cottage.
A few days after the fire destroyed the family’s home, Jane’s father had a stroke.
Despite their ill fate, the family chose to find ways to give back to the community anonymously.
“Ever since the application process began, every step of the way, I knew she was going to get it,” Michael said. “I think we all knew and hoped deep down that she would get it, and she did.”
“She’s always looking out for neighbors and friends and is a very giving person,” Adriane said. “Even though she doesn’t have much, she likes to give what she can and she deserves this house. How could they not choose her?”
Michael said he sighed in relief when it became official that Jane had been chosen by ABC to have her home remade.
“She just hasn’t had an opportunity to breathe for almost two years,” he said. “She really hasn’t had a break since then and it’s been one thing after another. I think it’s going to be a big relief for her and the kids to have a place that they can feel comfortable and safe and at home again.”
Adriane was at the Pocatello Fire Station on Whitman Avenue Wednesday when her mother and siblings were surprised with the news that they had been chosen by ABC.
“I didn’t actually get to see their faces, but they were excited,” she said. “I think it was all very surreal for them. They had a hard time believing it was actually happening. They were very overwhelmed and they were excited.”
At ABC’s request, Adriane has had no contact with her family since the network sent them on vacation to Key West. “They want this to be a surprise,” she said.

Photo by Jordon Hofman Adriane Atha, oldest daughter of Jane Marshall, and her husband Micheal Atha, get a tour of the Extreme Makeover Home from Greg Hansen, general manager of Rockwell Homes

Adriane Atha and her husband, Michael Atha, right, talk with "Extreme Makeover" producer Ed Sanders in Pocatello Sunday. Sean Ellis/Idaho State Journal

‘Home Edition’ host draws local crowds
By Vanessa Grieve
vgrieve@journalnet.com

POCATELLO — Day three of construction on the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project brought spectators to the site Saturday in hopes of seeing not only progress on the home, but perhaps celebrities.
The onlookers, kept back by a barricade across the street from the construction site at 243 S. Eighth Ave., whipped out their cameras to take pictures of members of the design team.
At times, the crowd would hoot and holler just to get a wave from one of the designers. Spectators captured snapshots on their cell phone or camera as workers made progress.
Masonry work and blue siding made its way up the sides of the home in the afternoon heat.
Several of the visitors said it was a rare event for Idaho. They were hoping to get a glimpse of show host Ty Pennington.
Designer Paul DiMeo, who took a brief break in the VIP tent, said the weather has been very cooperative.
“This home has been going real smoothly,” DiMeo said. “Rockwell has been phenomenal in making us feel at home.”
Pocatello’s Jude Jones lent her yard for the VIP tent and media section. The yellow house is located on the corner of Bonneville Street and eighth Avenue. It may have been a sacrifice, but she said the cause is well worth it, not to mention providing a good opportunity to see a television icon.
“I got some hot pictures,” Jones said. “I have (Ty) on my camera. He was right there on the road.”
Jones pointed to the location where the celebrity stood, although she said she was more thrilled that her friend, Jane Marshall-Spreier received a new home.
“The highlight was to see Jane and her kids and how happy they were,” Jones said.
She was so thrilled the Marshall-Spreier family was chosen, that when they came off the bus, tears came to her eyes.
“We really like Ty, of course, and Paul,” said neighbor Shirley Hawk. “Ty seems like such a genuine person. He’s so open and has such an upbeat personality. He’s always willing to help beyond the actual building.”
Hawk said what she enjoys most about the show are the families that are selected.
“They go out of their way to find families that are deserving,” Hawk said. “Like in this neighborhood, all the neighbors would love to build her a new home, but there was no way.”
Amy Herker from Rexburg came with her sister, Nicole, and brother, Jon, and friend, Tava Hodgson.
“I thought it would be cool to see Ty,” Amy said. “He’s so funny.”
She said coming to see the house being erected was truly different from watching the house being built on television.
Blackfoot’s Pete Furman said he is a big fan of Pennington and the show.
Furman’s friend, Blackfoot’s Cameron Metz, said they anticipated the project would be exciting to see in person.
“I wanted to see how (the house) is coming along, see what it looked like,” Metz said. “Maybe (I came) in hopes of seeing Ty or one of the celebrities around here.”
Greg Hansen, the general manger of Rockwell Homes, said the workers were back on track after falling three-and-a-half hours behind.
“We’ve got great spirits with all the workers,” he said. “They are dedicated. We want to work and work and work until we get this project finished.”
Hansen said during the framing portion of the project there were 75 framers on-site. In addition to all the contract and volunteer support, he said the project still needs funding to make up shortfalls.
“They’ll either go to pay off health bills or house expenses, we’ll see what the needs are as we get to the end of this,” Hansen said.
Persons interesting in making a contribution can go to www.GoRockwellHomes.com and click on the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition logo.”

Joe Kline/Idaho State Journal Host Ty Pennington, right, and designers go over a scene during filming for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" on Thursday.

Joe Kline/Idaho State Journal "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" host Ty Pennington talks with production crew members from the show while filming outside the Marshall-Spreirs home on Thursday in Pocatello.

By Vanessa Grieve
vgreive@journalnet.com

POCATELLO — The Idaho State Civic Symphony performed in the backyard and hundreds of volunteers in blue T-shirts and white hard hats cheered Thursday afternoon as the metal claws of two excavators scooped into the walls of the Marshall-Spreiers home.
A cloud of dust momentarily enveloped the home, located at 243 S. 8th Ave., before Pocatello firefighters knocked it down with their fire hoses.
The Thursday demolition of the fire-damaged house commenced a building project that will span less than a week as part of the ABC reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The occupants of the home, Jane Marshall-Spreiers and eight of her nine children, will return from a Key West, Fla., vacation financed by the show to a new and fully decorated home.
Eighth Avenue was blocked off from Center Street to Whitman, and neighbors watched from atop their roofs or from their yards as cameras rolled from every angle. Several women in the crowd — young and old alike — swooned over the show’s rugged host, Ty Pennington.

In addition to the neighborhood, the hit show has also temporarily taken Caldwell Park as a base of operations. Food vendors set up their grills and provided meals to the many of the 3,500 volunteers and contractors slated to help build the home. Food drop-off boxes were set up for the Idaho Foodbank, and the American Red Cross set up a blood drive sign-up station.
RVs for production staff filled most of East Lewis Street between S. 8th and S. 9th avenues, and heavy construction equipment and building materials blocked Bonneville Street from S. 7th to S. 8th avenues.
Standing in a neighbor’s yard, Camille Ashcroft explained she grew up in the neighborhood and moved back a month ago. She has known Jane Marshall-Spreiers for 10 years.
“This has been so exciting,” Ashcroft said. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of it.”
Ashcroft, who lives on Bonneville Street, doesn’t mind the spectacle that has moved into her neighborhood.
“It’s an inconvenience, but a totally worthwhile inconvenience,” Ashcroft said.
Brent Johnson, owner of Rockwell Homes, the lead contractor on the project, said hazardous material was removed from the home last night.
Asbestos and black mold were removed, along with salvageable materials such as doors.
Pocatello volunteers Judy Elder and her husband, Glen, say they’re both hooked on the show. As soon as they heard it was coming to Pocatello, they found a way to get involved.
“I don’t know the family, but it sounded like a worthy cause,” Judy said.
Tony Henley, of Pocatello, and his team were looking forward to the 12 hours they have on Saturday to hang drywall and mud and tape the home.
“It’s a privilege and an honor,” Henley said. “When we found out it was coming to Pocatello we were basically on our hands doing flips.”
Henley, owner of TC Drywall, and Brian Morgan of Morgan Mudworks Inc., said that with their team of 40 to 50 workers they should have little trouble completing the job in such a short time frame.
“There’s no competition,” Henley said. “Everybody is just pulling together to finish the project.”
Henley and the crew plan to use hot mud, which will dry faster than regular joint compound.
Spectators will have the opportunity to see the work at the construction site by riding a shuttle bus from the Old Fred Meyer parking lot. Shuttles will run Friday through next Tuesday from 8 a.m. to
8 p.m.
Greg Hansen, the general manager of Rockwell Homes, said with a pool of 3,500 volunteers already signed on, the project doesn’t need any additional volunteer help.
“We’re very grateful for their generosity. Not everyone will be selected,” Hansen said.
He suggested that people interested in helping should now purchase blue wristbands for $5 each or three for $10. All of the money will go toward building the house and helping the family. Direct monetary donations will also be accepted.
Rockwell Homes hopes to have enough donations to provide some scholarships for the children.
“We want to leave a check for the family to pay medical bills and future house bills,” Hansen said.
Blue wristbands can be purchased at Walmart, Holt Arena and the website www.GoRockwellHomes.com.

August 19, 2010 —In conjunction with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition there is a food drive being held to benefit the Idaho Food Bank, Friday August 20th through Tuesday August 24th, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. There are three separate locations where you can drop off canned food. At the old Fred Meyer building on Yellowstone Avenue, the volunteer sign-in tent at Holt Arena and across from Caldwell Park on the public access to view the house. If you wish to donate by cash or check please donate at the Caldwell Park Site. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Rockwell Homes can only help one family. We need your help to feed many other deserving families.

ABC’s Emmy-winning hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is building a home for a deserving family to be featured on it’s award winning show that helps change the lives of families and inspires remarkable community support. Each week, the show renovates the entire home of a deserving family, traveling across the country.

For more information add to get for up the minute information visit Rockwell’s website at HYPERLINK “http://www.GoRockwellHomes.com” www.GoRockwellHomes.com and click on the Rockwell Extreme Logo. Information and sign up forms on volunteering and donating can be found there.

The Emmy award winning reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” now entering its 8th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It’s executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.
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To donate toward the Build Fund, volunteer or help with the items listed above, please visit www.GoRockwellHomes.com

Volunteer & Donation Information
Rockwell Homes is seeking volunteers for the build. All individuals interested in participating or donating can visit the build’s website at HYPERLINK “http://www.GoRockwellhomes.com” www.GoRockwellhomes.com for more information.