Day One
Jessica Shaddawvine
Hello loves :)

OH. MAN. I could not be more excited!!
I head down to SWLA a week from tomorrow.... and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. To those of you joining us for the first time, get ready for the one of the greatest experiences of your life!
I participated in ASB last year for the first time and I had no idea what to expect when I flew down to Louisiana. I immediately met some amazing people, and I still talk regularly with them today. We had some good jokes and some GREAT conversations. I gained skills from the work we did (who knew that I could re-tile a ceiling and it would look decent?).
What else? I also got to meet some of the strongest, most inspiring people in this world. People that were put through a life-changing experience, lost so much, and still have really big hearts.
Does any of this sound good to you? I bet you can't guess why I decided to be a team leader this year :) I'm excited to meet all of you coming down for the week of the 8th, especially those who will be on my team. Start brainstorming some sweet team names now! And for all of my loves from last year...... I can't wait to be reunited!
- Hannah Mac.
P.S. You better get ready to play Scattergories!
It's almost time!!!
I am Katie Nockerts. I was a part of ASB last year in Louisiana, and I will be a Team Leader this year in Mississippi for the week of March 15-22. I go to school at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the current weather report is 10 degrees, but feels like 0 due to wind along with 4 feet of snow. So I can't wait to get out of the cold. I also can't wait to see all the returning ASB'er and all the new ones as well. ASB was definitely the greatest week of my life so far, and I can't wait to get back and top last year.
See you in Mississippi!!
Passion in Action
-Great Team...
-Another Wall....painted...
-another mother's cheer
-A "thank you"
- much love and understanding
- making a difference
- living united
that is TEAM #3.....ASB 313
"Never too Young to make a Difference"
Amal Hassan
FRANKLIN WRIGHT
Leticia N. Horry Lyde
I LOVE DETROIT

Ok... so I am going for blog # 2, but I feel that Detroit deserves it's very own section!!! This week I fell in love all over again!!! I was born in Detroit and raised here in southeastern Michigan. I have traveled to many other cities and some that I even liked, but nothing like Detroit and this week I fell in love with DETROIT all over again. There is so much history, art, diversity, love, great food, entertainment, culture, opportunity, and just overall great people. All that I can say is that I love this place and I am proud to call it home!!!!! For all the people that think differently... I challenge you to come visit and look a little deeper and if you don't know where to start.... Give a call to my girl Jeanette Pierce with INSIDE DETROIT (www.insidedetroit.org) and show will show you what you didn't think was here and how wonderful tis place really is!!!!
So you know the deal... here comes the cheer!!!
Detroit, Detroit......Detroit, Detroit, Detroit!!!!
Leticia N. Horry Lyde
The Girl and Her DRILL

There are so many things that I want to say that I may have to blog all night!!! 1. Who cares that it was only 20 degrees outside today.... give a girl a drill and a box a tissue and I can still get the job done!!! I love my my site!!! The Ray West Memorial Ramp Project has been outstanding!!!! The best family in the world and they deserve this ramp and many other things. They invited us into their family and have loved us from the moment that we stepped foot in the door!! They are Detroiters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is what we do... we love you from the minute that you walk in the door and add you to our family. 2. TEAM FRESH!!!!!!!!!!! You are some ultimate work machines.... Together we get the job done and keep each other going and it shows. The fact that the family children wanted to come out of their homes and help with the project was amazing. I love our TEAM Spirit and that is what working together is all about. WE bring the spirit to everyplace that we go. 3. AS for tomorrow.... I can't wait to pick up my drill!!!!! WE will be able to watch a man come out of his house for his first trip on his new ramp. I am so emotionally filled with a joy that is indescribable!!! Not to mention that they family plans to cook us dinner!!! Another DETROIT thing!!!! I just want to say that I love this project and can't wait till tomorrow.... I almost wish we could have worked through the night!
What Live United Means to Me . . . TAMMY!!!
In the middle of a dusty, dirty, broke-down, sweaty boiler room I took a second to stop sweeping a floor that was buried under rust and chipped paint. While watching my team work flawlessly together I realized that there was absolutely NO other place I would want to spend my spring break. Just in my 10 member team we have poeple from Michigan, Mississippi, Florida, Deleware, and even Canada (I learned the Canadian National Anthem today). We are American, Portirican, Indian, Asian, Arabic, and Afican American. After getting to know my team better I found that we are even diverse in our religions coming from Protestant, non Christian, Morman, Catholic, and others. Even with all of our vast differences our group still manages to have an amazing work dynamic. We have all come to Detroit with the common goal to help the community and share that love that we have of doing for others. This one common interest that we share as a group outways all of our differences combine. The fact that we can set aside our differences, and forget about our own self interest for one week shows me that it is possible for ANYONE to unite when the common good for others is at hand.
It is not something that can be understood by listening to a speaker, or someone who has been there. The true meaning of "Live United" is something that you need to put an effort in, work for, and experience for yourself. "Live United" can only be realized by those who can not only put differences aside for one week, but by those who are able to make it a lifestyle...
"Live United!!"
Tammy Russell
Can You Handle the Unicorns?
Once we repair our wondrous mascot Star we will be complete! (by the way Star is a stuffed Unicorn that was given to Angie by Kira) I kid I kid. Team 2 is so chill and hardworking all in one. I want to introduce my team to you and one fact about each that I've learned throughout the week.
Stacy- Great at leading discussions about random questions and a very dedicated volunteer once she starts a project she finishes it and she wants to one day help people with severe mental illnesses!
Zehra- She was part of the group that helped start the volunteer center here at U of M Dearborn and she is very dedicated to spreading service which is why her brother is part of ASB Detroit!
Tim-Is very (strong and a great jumper) and a quiet soul that motivates other through his hardworking example!
Jackie-Has found her passion which is a combination of working with special needs children and being a part of pageants!
Muhi-A comedian and obviously the class clown but is also a very talented poet that is the SG President at U of M Dearborn!
Angie(My Co-Team Leader) the heart of our team and very well rounded you could ask her anything about anything from motorcycles to how to put in an IV and she could tell you!
In a nutshell I heart<3>
Deuces are WILD!! 2222222222222
~Cassie
Rockstars
I love my team, because it is indeed the dream team! We had the best day ever today! I am so excited to work with everyone. And, even more excited to be given the chance to hang out with the girls. I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone for being so so awesome, you are rockstars!
Tiffany!
Tiffany Beaudry
McLovin
if it weren't for the fact that i'm soo crazy happy, i would probably be crying. today was a really really good day. best day i've ever had on any spring break. the only reason was because this was my team that had the best time. we saw the difference we could make in one day. i can't say much..cuz it's a secret!! i love my team. McLovin
Jessica Shaddawvine
DAY 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~ Love, Heather
p.s. HE GOT MONEY!!!
Heather Wigley
Vista Maria was great as usual. The supervisor Bob gave us a new project since we were working fast. We had to clear out a room and as a bonus we hammered a wooden shelf into small pieces. It was 'John Henry' esque work.
We've already painted the building once. All we need is to put another coat of paint on and finish cleaning the area.
We met the girls after work. Since there are two different sections, our group split up. The girls I met today were fifteen years old, but some of them had big dreams. One of the girl wants to go to Wayne CC and play basketball. She wants to get scouted to a university and eventually move to Australia where she wants to study either medicine or law.
One of the people who went into the room with me, broke down because even though these girls have been through a lot, they still have big dreams. That person said they had the same dreams, but they hadn't faced the same situations as these girls.
I did not cry.
Khurram Imam
March is almost here!

Labels: asb love
Today we're going back, and we'll meet the girls in Vista Maria again, who were very excited to have visitors.
Right now, we have to go watch a video, so I'll blog later.
Khurram Imam
McLovin
Yesterday we spent the day at COTS. A few members spent the day in the kitchen actually serving the public and prepping for the meal given today. A few members went to the education portion and typed of resumes for those who needed assistance with that. I went solo to the Accounting department and man was it quiet in there. I was trying to shake things up with an Icebreaker I've learned this week, but it didn't go over so well. They had a few snacks though. That was the highlight of my morning.
Overall, I adore my team.
Jessica Shaddawvine
team bonding!!
It was my first day ever in my life driving in the snow, although I've been given many tips from my family while watching them drive in the snow, so its not completely foreign. I actually got a few calls from people who were worried about me, but my team complimented me on my driving as a new driver, whichc helped cancel out some of the teasing I was getting. All in good fun though :)
We went to the Ford stadium and got a tour afterwards, and Dewayne White came and talked to us. He was excited to talk to us and was eager to sign autographs for us, which was cool.
Then we ate in Greektown and got the whole 'Opa!' experience with flaming cheese and everything. The gyros were tasty, and it was really fun.
Gloria Bracy
Catch a phrase... Fire!!


Last night, Mr. cory, Katrina, Henda, Racheal, Cardi, Doris, Delean, and me had a fantastic time playing catch a phrase....i played this game before but never had this much FIRE while playing. i am Saying fire of team work, fire of fun, and fire of bonding! we had a wonderful time and thanks to everyone who made this precoius time available .
I am sure they would so play it again tomorrow .....Any one else is down to play?
it is a lot fo Amazing Fun!
man we screamed a lot ...jumped.....racheal slamed into me and i felt 5 feet back .....i had catrina in headlock....me and cory had zillions of high fives.....
Thanks to all of you for all these warm memories!
love you all
Amal :-) "awesome " "kuwl" (this my accent of the word cool)
Posted by Amal at 4:17 AM
Third Day
Then, we went to Ford Field for a tour. We learned a lot of facts about the stadium and then met Dewayne White. He is a very respectable and down-to-Earth man who does community service. I am glad to see him on the Detroit Lions. Young sports fans need more idols such as Dewayne White to model after considering what is going on in the sports industry these days. After that we went to Cyprus to eat some gyros.
Myself and Nick Pedersen are representing Delta Sigma Phi on this Alternative Spring Break 2008 in Detroit!
Cardi DeMonaco Jr
Day 2 of The Unicorns AKA team 2!!
Long day lots of fun!
Beginning
Lots of snow and wood! Our team demolished a huge tangled mangle of branches and logs in these 2 wood chippers in the snow : ) There was lots of silent team work because the wood chippers were so loud we had to wear earplugs. It was amazing and very touching to see everyone just give the look and we would all know to help pull or carry the wood.
Middle
We got to play some fun bonding games while we had our lunch break and we all go to know each other better through charades,word assocation and the human knot!
End
A really neat tour of Ford Field and we got to meet a Detroit Lion Dwayne White! After that we had a delightful dinner at a Cyprus in Greek Town. I tried greek food for the first time and had a great time bonding some more ASBers and I got to see Jess Weaver shes here now!!
IN the words of my team member Stacy I HEART ASB Detroit and everyone in it! : )
Love Cassie <3
Cassie Reid
2.26.2008
:-D
Jacquelyn Tindall
team fresh!
kathryn yaros
My Tour within the spirit
it is really nice to see that team work. we get lost but together we made it for the first day ontime to almost all our events. it was another great team accomplishment.
also, we bonded with our site leaders as they were so great today. eventhough we went through a low moment as we almost get lost but our confessions...made us get closer and understand each other. and the fact that we shared our lowes with each other proved the power of our unity and the great beauty of spirit.
i loved out day of painting....and having fun!!!
i love Team #3! forever!
with love
Amal Hassan
Day 2
~ Love and Peace,
Heather Wigley
Preconceptions
David Hill
First Day of Work

Today, we did some demolishing of a future apartment for Detroit citizens. We also cleaned multiple blocks, removing garbage from yards, streets, and the sidewalk. It was nice seeing what just a couple hours of work can do. The area looked amazing. We also did some cleaning around the Blight Busters sites. Judge Mathis, yes the Judge Mathis on tv is suppose to be stopping by tomorrow to see the things that Mr. George and Blight Busters. He is currently working on a new tv show, and will possibly be documenting some of the work we will be doing with the group. So let's see how tomorrow goes, I'll make sure I keep you guys posted on how it turns out.
Oh, by the way, I would like to just give a big thank you to all of the ASB Sponsors, especially FedEx for the amazing Oscar party we had last night. That is where the picture above was taken. So much work went into it, and we all really appreciated it. And in case you were all wondering, I took third place in the guessing the winners contest. I know, I am pretty gangsta.
Well onto tomorrow. I am excited to see what the day has in store. See you soon.
ASB excitement
Matthew Wrase
ASB excitement
Matthew Wrase
Off to a great start!


Today was the first time we worked at our site which was Motor City Blight Busters. The program leader John George was inspirational to say the least. This guy takes on the toughest task we face in our city everyday. He does it the way it should be done to, one step at a time. His project just shows the work that a few people can do.
I also got to bond with a lot of new people this weekend and Monday just made things so much better. My Team Leaders Jesse and Becka are just great. They are two inspirational young ladies that are beautiful inside and out. Working with my team was awesome especially with our friends from FedEx there. Alex, Damien, and I spent a lot of time having fun as we tore out walls to help start building a loft for artists visiting the community. I also met a great new friend, which just so happens to be my buddy Kathryn :). I heard she was going to be here when one of our mutual friends and I were having a conversation about ASB. She told me how great Kathryn is and she was not over-exagerating. She is a great person and is one of those helping to keep me inspired while I'm here.
The FedEx family has also been a lot of fun. Ben and Alex are great guys who keep us all laughing. Virgil seems to be very inspired by his ramp project and Parul is always smiling. These guys are adding some serious positive energy to the week. All I can say is I hope I get to spend a lot more than just one week with these great new friends. Lets see what tomorrow holds!
Richard Williams
Day Numero Uno (for real!)
Gloria Bracy
Lights, Camera, Action

Cardi DeMonaco Jr
And now a word from our sponsors...
Ben Walters
CPA Day 3

Day 3:
ASB just gets better and better. My team "Team Fresh" is the bestest thing ever. Today was the first day we actually worked on our site. We met this amazing family who were the nicest people ever. We began to construct the ramp at the families' house and their faces lit up. The best feeling is yet to come. When we finish it will be the best thing ever.
P.S
Go "TeaM Fresh"
I Had No Alternative
The first day of actual work at the sites and i'm . . . . . tired, but I really enjoyed the work, cooperation, and all of my team members (even muhi). I definitely want to make sure to say I was blown away by the women in my group showcases their mixture of beauty and muscle as they dragged trees and logs around all day. I have to give a very special mention to Mighty Mouse also known as Zehra, she carried me through the day as I struggled to lift the branches and felt as if I couldn't go on. THANK YOU Zehra for being my motivation today!!!!!
I want to say Thank You to everybody who is participating and doing great things for this city. Taking the time out of their schedules to do something for the city I call home, I personally appreciate all of your hardwork, and will remember everybody I have come into contact with well beyond this week.
Of course I want to give special thanks to my team working at the Habitat for Humanity site, which happens to be in the neighborhood where I spent most of my life. I feel as if I have been granted a golden oppurtunity to make some of my dreams come true. From the days growing up in southeast Detroit watching the area slowly decline and drop into turmoil, I always hoped to be a part of the solution that would bring the area back to the beautiful community that I remembered enjoying as a child. I have always done everything I could to help out, but one person can only do so much and it takes a team to really make change occur. It is definitely a gift to be able to team with people who have the same goals I have, and strive to revitalize a community that many of them have never seen or heard of. I appreciate the commitment and will definitely give every project my best effort so that we all can reach our goals for this week.
Tp Clark
What a Day !!








MY OTHER FIRST BLOG EVER!!!
This is my first internet blog ever!!!! i know ----I am soooo late! My name is DeLean attend UM-D and am from Detroit! My ASB Story started about a year ago. Last year I saw the ASB Lake Charles advertisment after the deadline. So I bugged Randy Dillard and found out that even if I could have participated, it didn't fit in my schedule!!! -I have family in Lake Charles- so i was upset. So I was so ready when I found out that Adam Harris and Randy were working on ASB DETROIT.
FAST FORWARD>>>>>>>>
Today Team 1- my group- went to Vista Maria and Painted the boiler room....yea the boiler room...LOL. IT WAS GREAT! Tomorrow we get the opportunity to meet with some of the girls. FYI- Vista Maria is placement for girls ages 11-18, who are at risk. So today was great!!!!!
DeLean Tolbert
The Most Rewarding Day
At around 3:30 we left lighthouse PATH and attempted to make it to the UWSEM presentation. Due to heavy traffic (which group three has conclusively decided was the reason for our being late and don't let anybody tell you otherwise) we couldn't make it in on time and came at about 6:30. We had to duck down beneath the cameras and I'm pretty sure that that tape is gonna contain a collection of shots of our group's hair and Amal's infamous paint-stained scarf. All I can say is that it's a good thing I shampooed in the morning. By the way, I totally respect the intellect of group three. You guys have priviliged me with some really interesting conversations and I look forward to many more. Now I am here at UMD, typing up my blog and ending it on this note: Making an effective difference is real and I am a fool for only realizing it now.
Vista Maria

Hey everybody
I just came back from Vista Maria. We scrapped the paint and started repainting the boiler room. We thought that we were given the boiler room to paint in jest, but actually Vista Maria needs that room to be up to code and thats why we were given the task.
My groups got some pretty cool people. I'm not naming names, in case I forget anyone, but they all know I think they are a great bunch. I wouldn't pick anyone else over them.
The speeches at the dinner were smooth. If I was a girl, I would have bawled. I'm going to go play basketball or soccer in a few minutes.
See all of you tomorrow
Khurram Imam
With Appreciation, Thank you

My First Day....of SERVICE ended few hours ago and words failed to discribe my feelings or the thoughts that broke into my mind as i painted every wall and made a difference in single mother's life who lack a home. i felt like we gave an opportunity tp understand what i refused to see for years as what service is.
service has no definition, it can be helping a freind through homework, it can be taking your grandma to the doctor, it can building a home, or playing with a child. i may not see the impact of the service i do but it effected me in the strongest way....it made me think...it made me become more of a human. i was no thinkig about our dinner today or our drive through traffic...i was thinking of how i will impact those single women at Light House Path?
every woman passed by smiled at us....thanked us with a cheer. i am sure painting a wall may seem worthless but the fact that we are trying to beautify thier environment....made me feel happy...the fact that they were happy made me happy. when i first knew i was going to Light House Path, i was not that excited as i did not view that as a "great " community Service...as i been doing homes for the past few months. after today, i relazed service is happiness, service is humanity, service is a journey within oneself. it is something beyond words and i can not even think about it now..... Adam said ... "i need time to reflect and obsorbe everything"
so far i am having fun....but it did not hit me how this week is going to impact em for the rest of my life,,,it will change my career, my veiw and my faith...it will make me the Hope that i will follow till the end.
i just loved my first day and i have nothing else to say as words fail to create the depth of my thoughts.
much love,
Amal Hassan
Day 3!!

Glacier of Dirt
My name is Kathryn Yaros and I am currently a freshman at the University of Michigan Dearborn. I am so proud to live in the Metropolitan Detroit area but unfortunetly I do not know a lot about Detroit. Attending school full time and working 30 hours a week I find that I mainly concentrate on my personal needs and desires; I am so thankful that the University of Michigan Dearborn has given me the opportunity to volunteer throughout the city of Detroit so that I might be able to concentrate on the needs of others and help those less fortunate in whatever way I can.
I am part of team five (Team Fresh!) Today was our first day on the work site. I have worked on ramp projects in the past (but not during the winter time). Upon arriving to the work site I was handed a pick axe and a spade. I was instructed to break up the layer of ice that covered the front yard so that we might be able to implant the ramp. I have to admit the work was hard but I loved it! I was given the opportunity to get to know my team mates and the three volunteers who work for the Ray West Memorial Ramp project (Bill, Mike, and Carl). After a few hours of talking to Bill I was truly inspired by his passion to help those who are secluded to their houses due to physical disabilities. He told me numerous stories, including sad stories and inspiring stories. After pounding the glacier of dirt for hours I didn't feel as if I had truly made any progress, but after listening to Bill I began to realize the power I have and the power we all have to change the lives of others through simple charitable acts.
The passion I experienced today and the passion I am sure to experiences throughout the week will continue to guide me to find my own passion in life. I love ASB and I love the people that put this together. Thank you so much!
Kathryn Yaros
Volunteering Day 1!!
~ Peace and Love, Heather
FEDEX gets it done!
Leticia N. Horry Lyde
THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!
FedEx, we really want you to know how much we appreciate you guys and everything you have done for us! You are making this the most memorable spring break! : ) You guys are rock stars!
Tiffany Beaudry
Hello!!!
Tiffany Beaudry
Back to BXMS for year 3.
Coming back for a third year has been so far bittersweet. I know I won't get to see some of my "high maintenance" friends or those who belong in a "circus." I've been coping with the fact that I won't get to see some people who've been a staple in my life for the past two years. However, I'm looking forward to meeting new people and starting new relationships. More so, I'm looking forward to returning to the Mississippi gulf region where this whole crazy program started. I can remember my first year down in the area and it was as much of an eye opening trip as I've ever encountered. Biloxi looked like a ghost town only 5 short months after Katrina had hit. I just remember seeing blue tarps and puddles, not people or cars. Also, being chosen as one out of only 100 participants was a great honor. I can't wait to fly into Biloxi and see what the area looks like now and how our impact was part of the first wave of volunteers in the area. That said, I know my people in Lake Charles will continue a winning tradition and I know we are going to have an awesomely good time in Biloxi and start a new chapter in ASB lore. See you all in a couple of weeks.Eric
ASB, I wish I knew how to quit you!

I can not WAIT for ASB 2008! You'd think three years of spending my spring break getting as dirty as possible and smelling like a man for 7 days would get tiring, but I spend most of the left over 358 days out of the year counting down until I get to do it allll over again.
I can't wait to meet my new team and see old faces. Kevin and Maddie, you're making the alums so proud with all your hard work with UWA! I love you guys and will see you all soon! :)
~Mandi (Athens, GA)
Former "Quackerjack" TL
Recovering "Team Fantastics!" alumna
Peace.
Labels: ASB is that fire
Wall Climbing
I'm also hungover from the Oscar Party. I've already taken a few tylenols.
My team gets to go paint at Vista Maria today. I'm guessing it's going to turn out pretty alright from what I can see. ASB has been the most organized and professional event that I've been part of. It's impressive how that many different orgs came together to make this happen. I gtg to vista maria
bye
khurram imam
Day One...looking forward!
I Love TARGET
Leticia N. Horry Lyde
Watch Me Grow
So if you think of your experience sorta like the following: When people see a large old oak tree, they often wonder how old it is when they see it's great size. They know that that old tree has grown and outlasted many storms and generations throughout its existence. That old tree is a representation of great strength and togetherness. People wish to come to enjoy the shade the tree gives, the leaves each fall, and the many possible other moments at the site of the tree. What people may not think about is the seed that planted the tree. This week here in Detroit, we are the seeds. The seeds that are being planted to grow long after we have completed this week, and seeds to take and plant in other places we may visit along life's path. So I just want to say even if you don't see every project this week, just know that you were apart of the 1st ASB Detroit and you are the first seeds that will plant hope for the future back in this community! I hope that everyone has an awesome 1st day of service!!
Leticia
Team Fresh
Leticia N. Horry Lyde