Photos from Stanton Homes - Penny Hull: Raleigh Area Custom Home Builder
Wynston Ridge is at the corner of Cary Parkway and Holly Springs Rd/Walnut St.Located in: Wynston Ridge (Cary, NC)
Veterans History Project
"I don't have much to talk about. All I did was forecast the weather," said Frederick Adams of Cary, NC when asked if he wanted to talk about his time in the military.
But as he began to talk about his experience, it quickly became evident that what he had done was far more important than let people know whether or not they should carry an umbrella.
The weather Adams was forecasting was for the atomic bomb testing.
Those two years - 1946 to 1948 - that he'd been stationed at the Kwajalein Islands were an important part of history, and the Navy veteran didn't even realize how crucial his part had been until he began to retell the story.
Gathering history.
The day-to-day existence and experiences of veterans - however seemingly small their individual parts - has had a tremendous impact on our nation's success.
"There's a tremendous amount of interest in WWII in today's society," said Dave Milidonis, founder of the Veterans History Institute (NVHAI). "There's even a course on remembering WWII at NC State, for students aged 50 and older. And what we're gathering is an incredibly valuable part of all that history and more - one story at a time - the real-life experiences of our veterans, no matter where they served."
A network of volunteers across the country conduct interviews designed to help veterans tell their stories, as keepsakes for their families, as well as documented war-time entries for the National Archives in Washington D.C.
This year, 564 interviews have resulted in stories from every major conflict, and the times in between.
Thirty-four percent of interviews were from WWII, 22% from Vietnam, 14% were stories from those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, 13% from the Cold War, 9% from the Korean War, and 2% of interviewees served in the Persian Gulf War. The balance served in Grenada, Panama, or "other", which may mean they served during a period without a major conflict.
"We're really pleased to be a part of the volunteer network offering a comfortable place to talk about experiences," said Stan Williams, CEO of Stanton Homes. "We're proud of what our veterans have accomplished, and we look forward to hearing their stories."
In addition to gathering interviews, the NVHAI has gathered thousands of documents to replace those lost in a devastating government warehouse fire in the 1970s - which particularly affects WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans.
The names of thousands of veterans have been submitted to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, MS, returning these Americans to their rightful place in history. Without this service, these veterans would not have proof of their service, be able to receive medical care, or have burials with the military honors they deserve.
"The veterans always have something meaningful to impart," said Lara Travars, an area communications executive who volunteered at a recent event. "And it's really enlightening to hear the viewpoint of their families, who had to 'hold down the fort back home' while the military member served their country."
Marine Colonel James Wagner served in the first Pacific WWII battle, and talked about how he was shipped to Australia to recuperate. He met his future wife on a blind date. They got married just before he was shipped out, didn't see each other again until the end of the war, and today they've been married for 60 years. They were interviewed together at Pine Knoll Shores.
"There's a lot of history, there," said Williams. "It's heartwarming to hear how people get through those kinds of times, stay strong in their relationships, and believe so much in what they're doing."
"There are hundreds of stories like this," said Milidonis. "Each one is unique, and they're all awe inspiring."
For many sons, daughters and spouses, it's the first time they've heard these stories. Others have heard the same topic a hundred times. But when they come to have the interviews conducted, they all have one thing in common - they want to make sure the stories are told.
Stanton Homes is hosting an interview opportunity this weekend, Saturday, November 22nd, from noon to 4 pm, where veterans and their families are encouraged to come and talk.
Interviews will be held in the model home at Cattail Creek, just northwest of Pittsboro. For driving directions, use 1199 White Smith Rd, Pittsboro, NC. Travel 1.5 miles further north on White Smith Rd. Cattail Creek is on the right, enter through the second entrance. Model home is third home on the left, look for signs.
"That's what the Veterans History Institute and these volunteers are here for," said Williams. "Come on down to Pittsboro this weekend and sit a while. We'd love to hear your story."
For more information, call Dave Milidonis of the NVHAI at 919-449-5440 or Penny Hull of Stanton Homes at 919-278-8070 to reserve an interview time, or get directions to this drop-in event.
Green Builders Raleigh NC
Why Should I Buy a Green Home?
There are many different reasons to purchase a green home.
- Lower energy bills
- Less carbon footprint
- Healthier indoor air
- Reduced warranty claims
- Improved durability and less maintanence
- Better resale
A Certified Green Home is "graded" across 7 categories, to ensure standards are met and environmental impact is limited. Today we'll talk about Section 2.
Green design principles for resource efficiency might include using fewer materials, using more durable materials, reducing waste, resusing materials, using recycled or renewable materials, or recycling waste materials.
Remember, there are three different levels of Green Home Certification using the third party certification programs in the Raleigh/Triangle area: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
For Bronze Level green home certification, you may see features like these:
- Non traditional framing methods include ladder blocking, eliminating headers in non-load bearing walls, and two-stud corner framing.
- Materials are very carefully ordered to eliminate waste, and an onsite list of cut lengths is used to "cut down" on incorrect lengths.
- Windows are vinyl or other material that does not require paint or stain on site.
- Floor or roof framing packages are truss systems, ie premanufactured at another site and brought to jobsite for completion.
- Providing a covered entry keeps sunlight and water from touching the door, reducing requirements for repainting and resealing around doors.
- A perimeter drain around the crawlspace or basement can reduce water leakage.
- Space will be dedicated to sorting waste materials for recycling. Cardboard and many other waste materials can be recycled.
At this and other levels of Green Building you may also see:
Clay brick, fiberglass insulation, carpeting, and other materials can have recycled content.
Carefully check manufacturer claims. Bamboo is renewable, but shouldn't have glues or finishes that don't meet environmental requirements.
In the Raleigh area, varieties of hardwood and softwood are harvested within 300 miles. This can be a great local material.
How does Green Home Certification work?
In order for this new home to be "certified green" through the Green Home Builders of the Triangle third party certification program, a total of 257 points must be earned across 7 categories. Bronze level certification requires 12 points in the Lot Design, Preparation, and Development category.
The points earned may vary, depending on the site conditions, location, and desires of the homeowner. There are over 40 ways to earn points in this category alone.
Silver and Gold certification requires additional points.
Find out more about green home certification in the Raleigh NC area:
Green Building - What's In a Green Home?
Guiding Principles of Green Building - What Makes a Green Home Different?
Green Building - How Do I Know I'm Getting a Green Home?
Interested in Finding out More About Building a Green Home?
With hundreds of "green" options available across seven different categories, you can design and build a green home that incorporates everything most important to you. Almost any floor plan CAN be built in a certifiably green manner, though there are some floor plans that are more conducive to green building than others.
For more information, Contact us, or call 919-278-8070.
Stanton Homes for Heroes Military Discount
Looking for more information? Here are some top topics: Saving Water, Saving Energy, Accessible Homes, Mother-in-Law Suites, Building On Your Lot, and Upcoming Informational Events.
Raleigh Relocation Package - Kids Activities
The cold weather has moved in and that means it's harder for the kids to play outside to burn their extra energy after school and on the weekends.
If you are looking for something to do to keep the kids entertained while staying warm and dry, here are some fun indoor play places that kids of all ages can enjoy.
Jumpin' Beans218 Nottingham Drive, Cary, NC 27511, 919-469-5997
With a location in Cary and Wake Forest, Jumpin' Beans offers inflatable play areas for kids ages 1-7, kids up to age 10 are allowed if you book a private party. Parents are able to keep a close eye on the kids while relaxing in the café.
If you are looking for a quiet night out without the kids, Jumpin' Beans offers Parents Night Out every Saturday from 6-10pm for kids ages 2-10. For $25 the kids get jump time, dinner, games, and movie time. General Admission is $5 for ages 1-2 and $7 for ages 3-7 for the entire day. Parents are free. Please click here for hours and other general information.
Monkey Joe's1747 Walnut Street, Cary, NC 27511, 919-461-7171
Jumping, sliding, crawling and lots of exercise is what you'll get at Monkey Joe's. Located in Cary with a location coming soon in Raleigh, Monkey Joe's offers fun for kids of all ages. Admission is $5.00 for kids age 2 and under and $8.49-$9.49 for kids age 3 and up, parents are free. With slides, bounce zones and mazes for the older kids, there is also a tot play area for kids age 3 and under.
Parents are able to kick back and relax in the TV/internet area while the kids play away - and kids aren't allowed to leave the building without being matched back up to their parent's armband! You can book a birthday party or just drop-in for hours of fun. There is a snack bar with pizza, drinks, hot dogs and other yummy snacks. For more information and hours, please click here.
250 Premier Drive, Holly Springs, NC 27540, 919-249-7320
Jump Zone offers slides, jump zones, themed inflatable toys, and obstacle courses and more for kids ages 2-12. General admission starts at $6.00 per child and varies by day/event, parents and kids under age 2 are free.
Birthday party packages are offered as well as Thursday Night Family Night which includes admission for two children, pizza and drinks for $25, please call ahead for reservations. There is a play first, eat last rule, so make sure the kids are really done before ordering snacks or drinks. For special discounts, daily hours and rates, please click here.
1500 Town Side Drive, Apex, NC 27502, 919-363-3109
Jumping in the bounce houses, climbing, sliding, basketball and rock climbing are just a few of the things you can do at The Hopper House in Apex. Geared towards kid's age 1-12, admission is $7.50, babies and parents are free for all day play.
Friday Night Fun is for kids age 2 and up for supervised play while mom and dad take a break. Play time, dinner, games and movie time is included for $30 each and you must book in advance. Hoppers House also offers drop-in child care starting at $8.00 an hour, half day programs and more. For additional information and hours, click here.
And the end result - some great nap times!
Now that you know where to go, pack the kids, grab some socks (required) and get ready for a fun, energy burning day!
Whether you're looking at relocating to Raleigh to start your career, to find a friendly place to raise a family, or retiring in a terrific climate, Raleigh and the Research Park Triangle has something to offer you. Great schools, Forbes rated #1 in 2007 for Businesses and Careers, lots of lakes and golf courses, top-rated cultural centers, universities, and hospitals - and all only two hours to the ocean and three hours to the mountains - it's no wonder that Raleigh is a "Best Place to Live"!
Chatham County Relocation Package - July 2008 - Moving Near Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Jordan Lake, Apex, or Pittsboro?
Raleigh Relocation Package 10/2008 - What's it Like to Live in the Triangle, NC?
Top Family Friendly Companies in the Raleigh/Triangle Area - And What To Do To Get Hired
"It wasn't all that exciting."
That's what a lot of veterans say when their families ask them to tell their stories.
"I couldn't possibly talk for more than ten minutes."
Time and again, the veterans insist there isn't much to tell.
But it never takes ten minutes.
It often goes on for hours.
Because once veterans start talking, they remember so many interesting things. The people they met. The places they went. What they saw. What they thought. What they did. What it felt like.
Providing a venue where veterans tell their stories, so that their families - and the rest of the world - can understand what it was like, what it meant, and what it stands for.
Like an army finance officer who served in Tehran in WWII. He had never talked about it to his two daughters.
"They were spell-bound," said Dave Milidonis, founder of the Cary, NC based Veterans History Institute. "Every veteran has a fascinating story to tell. Oftentimes, the less they think, at first, they have to talk about, the more interesting their story turns out to be."
What is the Veterans History Institute?The Veterans History Institute is dedicated to preserving the historical heritage U.S. veterans, hailing from all branches of the service; the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force AND the nation's oldest branch, the U.S. Merchant Marines. For over 230 years, these brave souls have taught generation after generation of a free people that Freedom is not Free and we have a responsibility never to forget that lesson.
The NVHAI is a dedicated group of volunteers, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to collect, preserve and present the history of our veterans, from both war and peace.
The organization conducted an amazing 564 interviews in the first 10 months of 2008, all using a network of local and not-so-local volunteers.
From a nurse who went from ship to ship, never landing anywhere and never actually helping anyone who was hurt, to a navy officer who served in every major theatre between WWII and Korea, every story adds depth to the history of America.
Some veterans come to the NVHAI on their own. They want their story to go down in history, as an important part of American culture. But many times, it's the families who bring in their veterans. Families recognize the value of a story that needs to be told. They may have heard it a hundred times. It may be totally new. But they want it to be heard.
Families Hear Stories for the First Time"We love it when families come in with the veterans," said Milidonis. "We want to hear their stories, too. It's a part of history that's often overlooked - what the folks back home were going through, when their loved one was serving their country."
As the veterans and their families tell their stories, they often remember things long since forgotten. Some of it sounds dangerous. Some seems miraculous. Some is romantic. And there are even things they laugh about.
"It's so fascinating to see hear these stories coming back," said Milidonis. "A veteran may think what he or she did isn't all that important. He may see himself as only one of thousands. But in fact, what he sees as a small experience can give new meaning to huge events."
Storytelling like this provides insight into military activities all over the world.
It's Not Just World War IIOf the 564 stories collected so far, 34% were from WWII, 22% from Vietnam, 14% were stories from those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, 13% from the Cold War, 9% from the Korean War, and 2% of interviewees served in the Persian Gulf War. The balance served in Grenada, Panama, or "other", which may mean they served during a period without a major conflict.
Volunteers across the country, including local businesses, help the NVHAI collect these important stories.
"These personal accounts are fascinating," said Stan Williams, CEO of Stanton Homes, a custom home builder in Raleigh, NC that opens its model home to veterans and the NVHAI, for Veterans History Interview events. "We are very pleased to be able to offer a comfortable place to relax and bring out these historical perspectives. It's a real eye-opener about the kind of history textbooks don't usually bring out. Being able to help real people relate real events like this is awe inspiring."
If you or someone you know has a story to tell, Stanton Homes is hosting a Veterans History Interview Open House on Saturday, November 22nd, in the Pittsboro, NC area. Call Dave Milidonis of the NVHAI at 919-449-5440 or Penny Hull of Stanton Homes at 919-278-8070 to reserve an interview time, or get directions to this drop-in event.
Volunteers will be on hand to videotape stories and make digital copies of any records. Veterans are encouraged to bring letters, service records, commendations, or any other historical documents with them.
Green Builders Raleigh NC
There are many different reasons to purchase a green home.
- Lower energy bills
- Less carbon footprint
- Healthier indoor air
- Reduced warranty claims
- Improved durability and less maintanence
- Better resale
A Certified Green Home is "graded" across 7 categories, to ensure standards are met and environmental impact is limited. Today we'll talk about Section 1.
Resource-efficient site design and development practices help reduce environmental impacts. Green design principles might include saving trees, constructing onsite storm water retention/infiltration features, and orienting the home for maximum passive solar heating and cooling.
Remember, there are three different levels of Green Home Certification using the third party certification programs in the Raleigh/Triangle area: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
Certified Green Training
- the builder team has been carefully trained to uphold green principles throughout the building process.
Protected Home Sites
- Limits of clearing and grading carefully marked on site plan
- Areas to be cleared and graded in preparation for building home are clearly marked on site with flags, etc.
Natural Vegetation
- Turf grass and other vegetation are selected that are native or regionally appropriate (such as drought-resistant species in the Raleigh area)
Hydrozoning
- Plants with similar watering needs are grouped together
Control Erosion
- Install and maintain sediment and erosion controls
Limit Impact on Land
- Stabilize disturbed areas within 14 day period
Share Driveways or Parking
- A shared driveway for two homes can minimize impact on both homeowner's land.
Optimize Solar Resources
- Site the home and other built features to optimize solar resources by placing the long side of the home within 30 degrees of due South.
In order for this new home to be "certified green" through the Green Home Builders of the Triangle third party certification program, a total of 257 points must be earned across 7 categories. Bronze level certification requires 12 points in the Lot Design, Preparation, and Development category.
The points earned may vary, depending on the site conditions, location, and desires of the homeowner. There are over 40 ways to earn points in this category alone.
Silver and Gold certification requires additional points.
Find out more about green home certification in the Raleigh NC area:
Green Building - What's In a Green Home?
Guiding Principles of Green Building - What Makes a Green Home Different?
Green Building - How Do I Know I'm Getting a Green Home?
With hundreds of "green" options available across seven different categories, you can design and build a green home that incorporates everything most important to you. Almost any floor plan CAN be built in a certifiably green manner, though there are some floor plans that are more conducive to green building than others.
For more information, Contact us, or call 919-278-8070.
Stanton Homes for Heroes Military Discount
Looking for more information? Here are some top topics: Saving Water, Saving Energy, Accessible Homes, Mother-in-Law Suites, Building On Your Lot, and Upcoming Informational Events.
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Stanton Homes is a renowned new custom homes builder in the Raleigh/Triangle area - with extras in every home like our signature archways and unique trey ceilings. Free building cost estimates.
My name is Penny Hull, and I'd love to share some information about the local home builder I feel privileged to work for!
Stanton Homes is a renowned new custom homes builder in the Raleigh/Triangle area.
Come see our model home in Cattail Creek and check out the kinds of "extras" that come standard in a Stanton Home - like signature archways and unique trey ceilings.
Stanton Homes cares about what we build, where we build, and who we're building for.
We believe in helping people understand the building process from planning stage to finishing touches - and we back up our commitment to education with free building seminars, meet-the-builder events, and community involvement in programs such as the Veteran's History Project.
Click here for schedule of events.
A conservation-wise builder, Stanton Homes thinks green - with a variety of energy saving options like sealed and insulated crawlspaces, solar water heaters, Icynene insulation, and rainwater harvesting systems. We'll work with the natural feel of the land when we build your new custom home on your lot or ours.
Plus, we're one of only a few builders, nationwide, willing and able to adapt your home plans to suit your needs, often without a revision fee - including things like kitchens that suit your exact needs, bigger closets, wheelchair accessible homes, ADA compliance and other custom touches - often at a surprisingly small cost for basic construction changes.
Stanton Homes builds custom homes in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill North Carolina region. Some of the cities a custom Stanton Home is available in include: the cities of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, Sanford, Garner, Clayton, Wendell, Creedmoor, Wake Forest, Fort Bragg area and much more.
Whether you're looking for a stunning two story home, a modern floor plan with a main floor master bedroom, or a well-planned one story home, you'll find it at Stanton Homes.
We offer our own library of favorite home plans - including ten spectacular contemporary one story homes designed by Frank Betz, or bring us a floor plan from any online guide, such as www.Houseplans.com, for a free building cost estimate.
If you're looking for a new, modern bungalow or ranch style home with sweeping rooflines, check out these single story home designs. Like many of our most popular two and three-story homes, these one story homes feature vaulted ceilings, signature archways, and exquisite master suites.
In addition to building on your lot, we offer homes in select developments including Cattail Creek. Cattail Creek features new custom homes on heavily wooded acreage northeast of Siler City and about 10 minutes from Pittsboro, in Chatham County. These beautiful custom homes are within easy commuting distance of Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Du
rham, and the Triangle area.
With all home sites of least 1.4 heavily wooded acres, and homes priced in the $250s to $360s, these homes are a great example of the exquisite features Stanton Homes is renowned for, in beautiful Silk Hope countryside. You'll be amazed at the value packed into these homes - check out these features below.
For more details and photos of some featured homes nearing completion, click here.
Stanton Homes... Building exceptional living experiences.
And if you've ever served in the military, ask about our "Stanton Homes for Heroes" program.
Customized standard amenities other builders call "extra upgrades" includ
ing:
...and take a look at these examples:
We delight in creating unique looks like these.
Our signature elliptical and radius archways are a conversation point in every home.
You won't find many barrel vaulted, layered foyers like this anywhere else, especially in these price points.
Check out these arched windows, wrought iron balisters and built-in, trimmed plant shelves - plus plenty of gorgeous two-piece crown molding.
At Stanton Homes, we focus on homes with "extras" like master suites with private sitting rooms and gorgeous vaulted master baths which include:
Relaxing soaking tubs with detailed tile surrounds
Separate custom tile showers with glass enclosures
Expansive, detailed custom tile floors
Cultured Marble Countertops with Integrated Sinks
with designs and special effects that vary by home, including recessed trey ceilings that can be lined with soft lighting - especially engaging in a master suite or dining room. .
Distinctive trey ceilings
But the architectural features don't stop at trey ceilings. 
If you're looking for a custom home with arched doorways, built in shelves and cubbies, rounded corners, and much more, ask for more information about Stanton Homes.
We build homes that stand out, and we stand behind our higher-than-industry-standard 18 month comprehensive warranty.
Educational seminars Our special events are updated frequently. Coming up: Click here for more information and directions. Want to learn more about the building process, but don't have time to attend an event? Check out our library of hot industry articles, with topics such as: What To Look For in My New Home Buying a Lot - Tips from a Custom Home Builder Builder offers and incentives:
Energy Star Homes - What's the Difference, and How Do They Save Money (and the Enviroment)?
Stanton Homes... Building exceptional living experiences.
I love working for Stanton Homes, because every home with our name on it is one I can brag about. I love the colors, the trey ceilings, the way the trim work adds depth and dimension to every room in the home. I love the homes on acreage we're featuring near Pittsboro - everything from the country road gorgeous with fall colors to the pines waving in the breeze as I walk with buyers and we plan out gardens and back yards. Especially those homes - helping people reach their dreams of having their own land, and more to see out the window than a row of rooflines. And every home has so many extras compared to what I see when I go into other homes in the area. The builder does such a terrific job with tile, and there are always cool surprises like extra large closets and window seats. No matter where you are - Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill - it's worth asking to see a Stanton Home.
-Penny
"I've never seen a home with this many cool features. I love the built in display area in the breakfast nook - it's perfect for my teapot collection! Thank you too, for working with me to expand the master closet and to add the wrap around his and hers feature - it's absolutely perfect! As soon as my son is ready to buy, I'm taking him straight to you...." - Sheila H.
"The customer service is incredible and the builder is extremely knowledgable. He answered every one of my questions patiently and fully - even the ones I know I asked more than once! The 18 month warranty is great too - longer than I've had in any other home. I would recommend this builder to anyone." - James Q.
"I had almost given up on finding a custom home on land of my own that I could afford. When I heard about Stanton Homes and their homes on acreage, I immediately went to see their homes - and I'm so glad I did. Their custom home had all the things I've always wanted, like an extended dining room, lots and lots of decorative trim, and a wrap around front porch, and I was able to have a very private lot on one and a half acres like I've always wanted - and it was all still in my price range. I'm so glad I found them!" - Cori S.
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