PARTNERS & SPONSORS

Tour De Greene

The Third Annual Tour de Greene, sponsored by the Spring Hill Baptist Church and organized by the Greene County Chamber of Commerce was held Saturday, May 29th. The event was hailed by Jonathan Hensley, Chairman of Habitat for Humanity Greene County chapter, as a resounding success. "This is a wonderful demonstration of what can happen when a community pulls together to host an event that draws upon the natural beauty of our area and the cycling enthusiast clubs that love the challenges our terrain has to offer Ð not to mention riding for a great cause. We are so grateful to Dan Carlton, pastor of Spring Hill Baptist Church and all of the other local ministries that are actively supporting this event with food, water and volunteers to make today a success." All of the proceeds from the event were generously donated by the sponsoring groups to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.

The ride drew 127 participants most of whom were repeat riders in the event. First timer, Frank Ortiz, was told by his friends in the Charlottesville Bicycle Club that this was a "not-to-be missed race." "The Tour de Greene is a preferred ride on the Club's annual schedule," said Ortiz, "I had to be here." Many local riding clubs and teams were present as evidenced by the colorful team shirts and pre-ride camaraderie. A standout in his black jersey emblazoned with the United Stated Marine Corps seal was Robert Smith. "I am wearing this jersey in honor of my son, Michael, who is stationed in Japan right now" said Smith who has been an annual participant since the Tour de Greene began.

Marianne Shepard, the event organizer for the Greene County Chamber of Commerce and an avid rider herself, greeted riders with her usual unbridled enthusiasm at the registration point. Riders could pre-register on-line however many signed up the day of the ride. All were welcomed warmly and provided with a goodie-bag containing a water bottle, course map and information about the many things to do and see in Greene County. Marianne counseled the riders to be safe and have a great time as she kicked off the ride promptly at 8 AM.

With three routes to choose from, the event is popular with riders of all cycling skill levels. A 25 mile, 41 mile and 60 mile course were offered with most of the cyclists electing the 60 mile ride. Safety, being a key concern for organizers, had volunteer organizations manning rest stops along the route making sure riders had no mishaps. Tracking the progress and safety of the riders was again supported by the Albemarle Amateur Radio Club. Vic Vickery and 12 AARC members were the eyes and ears of event sponsors providing updates via their HAM radios.

New to the Tour de Greene this year was a very generous donation by Andy Yost of Best of VA Bike Tours of a deluxe tour package valued at $1200. Organizers of the event were delighted to be able to offer this premium which was awarded to the winner by way of a random drawing from amongst all the participants. Jerry Besanson, Director of the Greene County chapter of Habitat for Humanity and Marianne Shepard were at the finish line to applaud riders as they came in from their chosen ride and were positively beaming at the comments offered by riders of "nice ride! Well marked! Well supported" and perhaps best of all "all of your volunteers had great, welcoming smiles."

Well, as those of us who live here know: isn't that what Greene County is all about?.

Land Needed

Do you have land you'd like to donate to Habitat or do you know someone who might? We're now looking ahead to our next project, but we first need to find the land to build on. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we can enable you to legally deduct the fair market value of your land donation to us. Here's an IRS document that explains how. At some point, we may end up having to purchase land ourselves at the going rate which just means we'll have to pass those additional costs onto the home owner. Land that is donated or sold to us at a reduced price makes it easier for us to do what we're here for.

We're Looking to grow!

We have a new opening on our steering committee for the site selection coordinator. If you're interested in this or an any of the vacancies on our subcommittees that need to be filled, please email us and we'll send you all the details.

Records Coordinator
Steering Committee Vice Chair
Resource Development Chair
Volunteer & Event Subcommittee
Faith Relations Subcommittee
Resource Development Subcommittee
Building Subcommittee

Adopt A Highway

We now have an all-new way to support our community. We've adopted a portion of Rt 33 in Ruckersville to keep the litter picked up. As part of VDOT's Adopt A Highway program, we'll go out four times a year to help keep Greene County clean.
Click Here for more details.

The Greene Habitat 5K

On April 10th, Greene Habitat kicked off a brand-new annual event by running our very own 5k Run. Set on the stunningly beautiful Blue Ridge School campus, the race was open to all ages and prizes were awarded in number of categories. We had 63 runners and absolutely gorgeous weather and we raised over $1200 which will go to our fourth house. For race standings, Click Here

September Meeting

Our next monthly meeting will be Monday, September 13th at 6:30pm. Our meetings are usually on the first Monday, but we had to delay due to Labor Day. Our meeting location is at the Four Seasons Recreation Center (Map) If you need help finding it, please email us and we'll send you detailed directions. Come join us on the first Monday of each month to find out what we're up to and how you can help.