Come visit "The Free Shelf"

Hey members,

Check out our new "Free Shelf" where we are constantly shelving old and surplus materials, supplies, and tools that the TLL can't hold onto.  I'll be updating the status of the shelf every now and then via these lovely kodak moments!

Hizah! The phones work again!

Hey members

The phones are alive!  Our system is back up and running so feel free to give us a call at 504-483-7041 Ext. 105.  Sorry for any inconvenience this dilemma may have caused and we plan to respond to all voice messages within the day.

Cheers,
Marc

Phones out at the TLL

Hey Members and Friends,

The phones are out at the Tool Lending Library!  Sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.  Our internet is still working so feel free to email requests at: tools@handsonneworleans.org

Cheers and I hope to have good news about the phones soon,
Marc

HandsOn News Letter Update: Spring 2010

This Spring, the HandsOn Tool Lending Library is embarking on its second year running. Community leaders and non-profits are spreading the word with great results! We are constantly improving the program and expanding our impact as a community resource.

By utilizing the Tool Lending Library (TLL), New Orleanians are saving over $10,000 a month on average and our stock of tools are seeing more action across the city. Since January of 2010, membership has increased by over 33%. Although small policy changes occur, members still have the opportunity to borrow tools a week at a time for $10/month.

Your are welcome you to look through our blog where we include frequent updates on our program activities as well as those of our members. We also offer construction plans with instructions for free and welcome anyone to take advantage. You can find archived newsletters following this link here.

Thank You Voters: We Won!

Hello TLL Friends,

We are one of the top three winners in the Crescent Fund! Nearly 900 ballots were cast so the competetion wasn't an easy one. Thanks for all your help!

Over the course of the next week, we will be refining our shopping list for the DIY Energy Auditing Kit. We hope to provide members with a user-friendly kit that will make energy savings a 1-2-3 process. No kit would be complete without some instruction and hopefully some coordination with fellow green-minded non-profits in the area.

Stay tuned for more development on our DIY Energy Audit Kit as well as tabling events at your local New Orleans Farmers Markets!

Cheers,
Marc

Vote for us in the Crescent Fund!

Hello Members!

Help vote for us here as we push forward with an opportunity to develop a DIY Energy Auditing Kit.

The shoppers of the Crescent City Farmer's Market graces three lucky organizations with the chance to gain up to $500 in funding for a program in return for time, talent, or treasure. This is made possible through there Crescent Fund which you can learn about by clicking here.

The DIY Energy Auditing Kit Proposal

Our Tool Lending Library has proposed to develop a simple, user friendly, Do-It-Yourself Energy Auditing Kit. Included in the kit will be simple tools that your everyday homeowner or renter can use to save energy and money. With the help of some local, experienced organizations, we would provide step-by-step instruction both in print and online.

View some of the proposed tools the kit will include here:

...In Return

The Crescent Fund is a "cash infusion", meaning that the Tool Lending Library must return the fund through time, talent, or treasure. In return for receiving the fund, the HandsOn New Orleans Tool Lending Library promises to give back 5 one-year memberships at 50% off the normal cost, 4-5 picnic tables and/or benches totalling at a $250 value, and a free workshop at the Tuesday Market on one of the following tasks:

• constructing a backed bench
• constructing a picnic table
• erecting a compost bin
• building a chicken coop
• or building a garden box

Thanks everyone, and don't forget to tell your friends to vote here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FHPLTYJ

Cheers,
Marc

Building Plans: Simple Wood Construction Projects

I just found a large cache of building plans used on many of HandsOn New Orleans' projects across the city. Here's are links to the files you can download and use yourselves. Let us know how they turn out!

Planter Boxes

• 4'x8' Planter Box- Simple design
• Landscape Timber Planter Box- Heavier style
• Mid-City Garden Boxes- Same garden box design used in the Mid-City Community Gardens
• Planter Box/Bench Combo- Immobile planter that you can enjoy sitting on and planting in

Benches

• Backed Bench- Sturdy bench that easily sits 3
• Backless Bench- Good for 2 people, easily movable
• Tree Bench- Also, see the visual instructions here

Tables

• Picnic Table- For a nice outdoor lunch, complete with benches
• Square Work Table- Simple/ functional use
• 2'x8' Work Table- Just to mix it up

Miscellaneous

• Trash Can Holder- Dress up that plastic trash can
• Bulletin Board- For murals or bulletin announcements