Large crowd erupts as the Terpenning family views new house for the first time

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By Hannah Bealer and Amanda Liles, Staff Writers 1:07 AM Friday, August 7, 2009

BEAVERCREEK — “We’ve done a lot of these, and this is the biggest crowd we’ve seen in a while,” Brady Connell, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” show executive producer, said Thursday, Aug. 6, to gathered spectators before the Terpenning family arrived in a limo to see their new home.

“You’ve reminded us that, even in these tough economic times, when it’s time to help someone else out, Ohio says, ‘Sure!’ ” he said.

Connell also acknowledged how much the ABC-TV reality show asks of the community and was impressed by everyone who stepped up.

Before the limo ferrying the family pulled up behind a bus, the show’s cast and crew huddled together and shouted “bring ’em home!”

Some spectators and volunteers cheered and cried along with the Terpenning family as they saw their new home revealed for the first time.

“The real beauty of this is the community,” said retired Air Force Col. Sue Busler, who helped nominate the Terpenning family. She added that the project also brought neighbors together and helped people become more interested in volunteer work.

James Terpenning, who has used a wheelchair since a childhood bout with polio, volunteers his time to mentor disabled Iraqi vets and others who are in wheelchairs.

“Hospitality is their middle name,” Busler said, explaining that James Terpenning often opened the family’s door to friends, neighbors and the people he mentors.

James and Shannon Terpenning were surprised by a knock on the front door from the show July 30. The family was whisked away for a paid vacation to Disney World while about 1,500 volunteers, Beavercreek home builder Coventry Fine Homes and the show’s team worked around the clock for nearly a week to build them a new house at 548 Carthage Drive.

The family has four children: Josselyn, 6; twins Justin and Jacob, 2; and Joshua, 1. James’ adopted brother Joseph, who has cerebral palsy, also lives with the family.

James is a civilian computer specialist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Throughout the project, neighbors didn’t hesitate to offer a hand.

Ed and Faye Ferguson, who live across the street from the Terpennings, let the show use their front yard for Kellie Pickler’s concert Wednesday and for the VIP tent, which was set up all week.

“Its been a great experience,” Ed Ferguson said. “Why wouldn’t I do something like that for someone? Now I’m just going to be bored all summer. I’m going to miss it.”

Those who didn’t volunteer came out to support the family with signs and cheers.

“It’s something that you don’t see all the time,” said Cliff McNeill, who waited in his car since 10:30 p.m. Wednesday to catch a shuttle from a nearby parking lot to the home site.

Amber Wendling, Shelby Barnes and Greg and Amy Wadham were third in line for the shuttle by 4 a.m. Thursday, and were excited to get a glimpse of one of the cast members.

Lt. Gen. Jack Hudson, commander of the Aerospace Systems Center at Wright-Patterson, expressed his amazement at the turnout for the unveiling of the new house.

“This family was especially deserving,” he said. “James never complains about anything despite all the obstacles and challenges he faces.”

Busler, who began filling out the 19-page nomination application in October, can’t believe it’s all over.

“I feel like it’s one of those things that will sink in in two weeks. It’s very surreal right now. I’m so excited for them.”

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