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‘Extreme Makeover’ has to be seen to be believed

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By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer Updated 1:35 PM Monday, August 3, 2009

BEAVERCREEK— You really have to see it to believe it.

“Extreme” is definitely the word that best describes what’s going on these days in Beavercreek.

The frenzy that’s overtaken the community since the arrival of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” extends for miles.

It’s the hottest topic of conversation for both employees and customers at spots like Tim Hortons on North Fairfield Road that’s not far from the construction site on Carthage Drive.

On Sunday morning, Aug. 2, the flashing sign at St. Andrew United Methodist Church called out: “Welcome Extreme Makeover: Home Edition!” Worship Here, Sunday Services!”

It’s hard to find a parking spot at Fairbrook Elementary School or the old Eastgate Ford where shuttles are constantly taking volunteers, media reps, and VIPs back and forth to the neighborhood where James Terpenning and his family reside.

Volunteer Bonnie Guess of Kettering found a parking spot at the school, signed photo releases (in case she ended up on camera), and was waiting for a new box of blue T-shirts to arrive before boarding the van Sunday morning, Aug. 2.

“We watch the show every Sunday night and we would just love to help,” she said. “I love the energy of the show, that camaraderie, and watching so many people come together.”

The “so many people” you see on TV, however, provide just an inkling of the actual scene – a surreal cross between a Hollywood movie set and a circus backlot. It’s all amazingly well orchestrated, with everyone going about their business and everyone “extremely” excited to be part of it all.

Angel Camden and members of her church – Church of the Nazarene – are running all of the shuttles for the volunteers. They’re doing four-hour shifts, 24 hours a day.

“Keep your eyes open, Ty is here today!” she tells one of her groups, referring to show host Ty Pennington.

Camden says it’s great getting to meet and talk to all of the nice people she transports.

“Everyone is here for the right reasons,” she says.

Spectators line up along the street behind barricades in front of the Terpenning home, hoping to catch a glimpse of a TV personality and watching the construction move along. Neighbors – and their friends and families who’ve arrived from other towns – sit on their front porches in lawn chairs, chatting and enjoying the action.

“I came to see what really goes on behind the scenes,” said Lisa Reisenauer of West Chester, standing behind a barricade across the street from the building site. “We’ve seen Ty Pennington come out a lot of times. We’re just amazed how much of this whole neighborhood it all takes up!”

You wouldn’t know from watching the TV show how many people are circulating throughout the area day and night, or how many huge vehicles – from school buses to tractor-trailers – are constantly entering and leaving the premises.

It’s hard to believe you’re in someone’s backyard when you’re sitting at the catering tent where volunteers are serving up complete meals and snacks 24 hours a day, or visiting the production area where all of the Hollywood folks hang out between takes or build custom furniture.

Said one security guard: “This just shows you what can be done if you aren’t selfish and don’t only think of “Me, Me, Me!”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or MMoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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