Dave Schlemmer was our neighbor, "back-in-the-day." Dave could repair, rebuild and construct anything and everything. I learned from Dave and think of him when I too encounter a project.  Dave also appreciated and complimented the tenacity of the Amish and their religious and work disciplines.  Many utilized the expertise of the Amish in performing construction assignments. With that noted, in the 18th and 19th centuries a barn was the first, largest and most costly structure needed for the family and a “barn raising” was an event that brought neighbors together to assemble the barn. The Amish still embrace this effort and eight years ago, the Home Energy Efficient Team borrowed the barn raising idea to gather neighbors to weather proof local houses. The Boston Globe noted that local residents joined construction experts to insulate pipes, install weather stripping and weatherize homes for the winter season.  Homeowners still pay for the necessary materials as well as refreshments for the “barn raising event” parties.  HEET organizers have been successful in improving the energy efficiency of homes and in educating residents to maintain an environmentally healthy home.