Published Wednesday, January 15, 2003
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of The Herald's yearlong series of stories following three families displaced by the Nov. 10 tornado in Clark and South Pymatuning Township.
By Larissa Theodore
Herald Staff Writer
Tim Reeher and Rebecca Campbell are in high spirits these days.
The couple has good reason to be. In 10 weeks they get to move into a newly built home.
On Nov. 10, a tornado destroyed portions of their six-year-old home on Wynnwood Drive in South Pymatuning Township, which resulted in a total loss for the family.
Reeher, who is confined to a wheelchair, recalled his experience. He remembers looking outside and seeing leaves blowing back and forth. He warned Ms. Campbell not to go outside to get the newspaper. He said he could feel what was coming.
"It sounded like the proverbial freight train. I had one second to turn around. That's when the roof went off, the debris fell in and the rain came," Reeher said.
The roof was torn off over the kitchen area, where most of their belongings were destroyed, Reeher said. Some furniture from the old house was salvageable. However, the kitchenware and appliances still have to be replaced. Other items, such as computers and clothes, have already been replaced, Reeher said.
The family, which includes two sons, 23-year-old Nick and 15-year-old Alex, who attends Sharpsville High School, is living on Winner Road in Hermitage until their new house is ready.
Ms. Campbell, who works at Carini's Restaurant in Reynolds, said she'll be thrilled when that day comes.
"I've been decorating it in my mind," she said.
Monday evening, Reeher and his extended family gathered at Chiccarino's in Hermitage to celebrate his parents' -- Mary Jean and Don Seelbaugh -- 25th anniversary. Tuesday was their anniversary and today is Seelbaugh's birthday.
Over dinner, Reeher talked about plans for the new home, which is being purchased from Warner's Homes and Improvements of Mercer.
The family will put a down payment on the house this week, he said. At that point it should be about 10 weeks before they can actually settle in. It takes four weeks to build the home.
After the basement is complete, the house will be moved over it. A 2è-car garage to accommodate Reeher's van and lift will complete their new residence.
Said Alex, "All I know is there's a wet bar, and my bedroom is going to be downstairs in the basement."
"I saw it before we knew what we were going to buy. It's pretty nice," he said, adding that the house will also feature a large game room.
Reeher said, "Everybody has been so nice and wonderful, but it's time to go home."
Reeher is president of the Model Club and an occasional race track announcer.
You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Larissa Theodore at ltheodore@sharonherald.com