Now
Fair
81.0°
High
84°
Low
66°
Full Forecast

Coupon

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > Local
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

DiMeo: 'Makeover' wanted a love story, not a sob story

Comments 24 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

BY JEFF KORBELIK / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 - 04:19:40 pm CST

So why did “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” pick Lincoln couple Kenneth Machacek and Teresa Fullerton? It’s simple, Extreme carpenter Paul DiMeo said.

“We wanted to tell a love story, and Machacek and Fullerton were a perfect fit for what we were looking for,” he said.

Machacek and Fullerton will unite their families Friday — “Brady Bunch”-style — in their new house in Havelock, thanks to “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” local businesses and hundreds of volunteers.

Story Photo
"Extreme Makeover" carpenter Paul DiMeo grins as he throws chunks of construction debris from the house the show is building at a member of the show's film crew Thursday morning. (Eric Gregory)

Related Link(s):


Special section: Extreme Makeover: Lincoln Edition

No air date for the show has been set, but DiMeo said the story would be a natural for Valentine’s Day.

Taking a break from construction Thursday morning, the carpenter admitted he’s heard grumbling about the show’s choice of Machacek and Fullerton.

Critics want to know what the sad story is, noting other families facing financial or medical hardships deserve a new home.

DiMeo said the popular ABC reality show “can’t do a cancer story or the disabled child story each week” because of the emotional toll it would take on the staff and crew.

“We’re not going to do that,” he said. “I can’t do that week in and week out.”

Home Edition fans know how teary-eyed DiMeo can get. He’s traditionally the first to cry on the show.

“I’m great for funerals and weddings,” he joked.

With host Ty Pennington gone for part of the week, DiMeo — known as the carpenter with attitude — has been Home Edition’s most visible celebrity presence at the Lincoln location.

Since he’s been here, he’s been great about signing autographs, posing for pictures and shaking hands with volunteers and spectators.

Originally from Media, Pa., DiMeo now lives in Los Angeles after 17 years in New York City, where he was an actor and carpenter.

He built a reputation in New York for pioneering the “Loft Living” project, renovating lofts and brownstones, including the Landmark Brownstone of Aaron Burr.

In L.A., he’s renovated homes and businesses for Hollywood’s elite. His client list includes the Beverly Hills Ralph Lauren Polo store, the William Morris Agency, Glenn Close and George Hamilton.

DiMeo said construction of the Lincoln house has progressed smoothly, with weather as the main obstacle. Cold temperatures have hindered stone work on the two-story, 4,000 square-foot house.

He noted the project has been different from others because the home is not being built for a family with special needs.

“It’s not better; it’s not worst,” he said. “It’s different.”

DiMeo said he’s enjoyed his time in Lincoln, from working with builders and volunteers to eating prime rib at Misty’s.

“(Misty’s) has a Caesar salad with anchovies,” he said. “Anchovies are a must for a Caesar. Without them would be like serving a Philly steak sandwich without the cheese.”

Like most of Lincoln, he’s eager for Friday's “reveal,” the moment the family sees and tours its new home.

“I love this story,” he said. “It’s Romeo and Juliet without the poison dart in the end.”

Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Local > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Diane wrote on November 2, 2006 4:29 pm:
" Well This should some a lot of confusion that every one has had about this Family and why they picked them YEY!!!!!!! So now we can say the family is worthy of this really really Nice home. I Drove by it this morning and great job all the builders and volunteers. "
Joe wrote on November 2, 2006 4:56 pm:
" I agree with you Diane maybe this article will be enough to make all the whiners keep quiet! "
Satisfied wrote on November 2, 2006 4:58 pm:
" So maybe now everyone can stop complaining and be happy for this family. For those who wanted to know how they were chosen, here is your answer. For those who complained that they weren't married - well, they are now. Maybe you can now use all of your good hearted ideals about helping others and get involved in Habitat for Humanity or another worthwhile organization. Charity is not just for the cameras you know! "
Too Bad... wrote on November 2, 2006 5:16 pm:
" It's unfortunate that people don't show up to help like this all of the time - they wait until it is something with high visibility. There are a lot of great non-profit groups in Lincoln that work with little-to-no recognition that would love the kind of support that this show has received. I can only hope that the families that are given the house give back to the community with some major volunteer hours. Actually, I really hope that's part of the application process - that if you're chosen, you are committed to helping your community... "
Julie wrote on November 2, 2006 5:22 pm:
" I KNEW they would have get married in Paris. How could you not? I'm so excited to see how it turns out for TV! "
Tara wrote on November 2, 2006 5:47 pm:
" Im giving props to Extreme Makeover for their choice in this family. This family may not have disabilities or may be in financial ruins but that doesnt mean that this family doesnt deserve this wonderful gift. YAY for the team and volunteers who are pulling together to make this all happen!! "
fathead Neuman wrote on November 2, 2006 5:55 pm:
" actually, ABC can pick anyone. It's not about the family, it's about the show. Yes, they are doing a great thing here for a family with a good story, but they are making a show folks. The story draws people in, creating an audience that ABC then sells to advertisers for $$$. "
Lincolnite wrote on November 2, 2006 6:09 pm:
" As a transplanted Californian, I was expecting the whiners to come out in force. I was expecting those who are jealous, judgemental, critical, and/or envious to get those tongues a wagging.....Nebraska style. What I know about the culture here, proved itself again (the good vs the bad). Extreme Makeover is huge for Lincoln. I can tell you, every time I go home...to OC, there are far too many people who haven't a clue about NE except IF they've happened to hear about football, and they only know how it is revered here as a rule. Other than that, it is basically an unknown state. NOW, the country can learn about Lincoln BECAUSE of this show. Tommy Lee didn't give it the greatest exposure. I for certain will be letting all my friends on the coast know about this. I hope when they tune in, check the web etc...they aren't exposed to this self seeking pettiness. Extreme Makeover will go on, with or without Nebraska. I for one, am glad they came. Just Maybe, I won't be called a "hick" anymore when I go home! LOL Just maybe the rest of the country can learn about the good things that are here. Figure it out. The volunteers, they have volunteered their time, expertise and labor to help our state and citizens be shown in a positive light across the nation. This COULD possibly influence others, including businesses and industries to consider Nebraska. I believe that would be great! Too bad for you too bad....look at the positive, not the negative. "
One of Todays Teens wrote on November 2, 2006 7:06 pm:
" I personally would like to say that this family diserves this house. I know two of the kids personally, and I dont understand the real fuss over them getting a house. I understand what the show is about weekly, and that this is a change, but people should not be questioning if they should get the home or not. What done is done, and God gave them this opportinuity. Much love towards the family. =] "
Curious wrote on November 2, 2006 7:47 pm:
" That is great that they got married in Paris. I am wondering if it will be recognized in the US as legal? "
Ricky wrote on November 2, 2006 7:50 pm:
" I'm glad this is there reason. This show was good at first and then it just became a paroady of itself in trying to top the previous weeks hard luck case. I remember reading a leaked memo about how they were deperately trying to find people with certain illnesses since they would make the most drama. To me, the "jump the shark" moment was when this Paul guy sat on a mountain and blew his harmonica. I'm all for helping the poor and the sick, but I'd also be inclined to give this show another chance if they would just do things to be nice to average people. "
Jodi wrote on November 2, 2006 7:50 pm:
" Not to ask an odd question, but I've seen it referenced a couple times in blogs--did the two get married, or was it just the engagement? I hadn't heard of the marriage. "
dj wrote on November 2, 2006 8:17 pm:
" Maybe the family could have a public walk through before moving in. They could charge a buck or two or a can of food and donate to the needy. "
DP wrote on November 2, 2006 8:36 pm:
" Thank you ABC, Thank you to the volunteers, for those who are keeping a positive attitude THE BIGGEST THANK YOU!! Sickening to hear so much negavtivity about a positive situation. I think it's a wonderful event to happen to this family. What a great bit of excitement for them and best of luck in a long and happy future together living as one happy family. God BLess "
PM wrote on November 2, 2006 9:39 pm:
" They were married in Paris in front of the Eifel Tower. There is a picture and a family blog on Heartland Homes web site. "
Susana wrote on November 2, 2006 10:30 pm:
" I'm very happy for this family. Those of you who wish ABC had chosen someone else, roll up your sleeves and get involved. Habitat for Humanity isn't going anywhere. Lots of good organizations have good people doing good work every day. Give them a hand! "
naysayer wrote on November 2, 2006 10:38 pm:
" Add me to the "boo" side of the arguement. Love story or not, I still don't like the situation. If EHM really wanted to do some good why didn't they find a "love story" from someone at the city mission? There's lots of families there that need help. There's people that really NEED a place to live-these people just WANTED a new place. Oh well, I guess I'll just protest by not watching the program the night this airs. "
dj wrote on November 2, 2006 10:41 pm:
" They did get married. Go to hartlandhomes.com and see the wedding dress. "
Nancy wrote on November 2, 2006 10:45 pm:
" Jodi, there is a family blog on www.hartlandhomes.com web site. They have a wedding picture and the story. What fun! "
christine wrote on November 2, 2006 10:54 pm:
" what i am interested in is why all the negativity. just be happy for the family. the ones who have complained are obviosly the ones who feel that they have a sense of entitlement and that thier neighbors owe them something. just be happy for the family and make your lives the best you can. lincoln is a great city and we need to welcome the family home with class and send the designers off with heartfelt thank you's and thank you for showing our city to the rest of the country. I totally believe we all have enjoyed seeing these stars in our town. "
Barbara wrote on November 2, 2006 11:00 pm:
" This is to "Too Bad" post, November 2, 2006 at 5:16pm. You need to move to another country! We here in the USA don't expect to be repaid for helping out other people, nor are these people COMMITTED to repay anyone for doing this wonderful thing for them ! For you to say that it should be Extreme Makeovers Home application process that these people should be COMMITTED to helping the community in anyway is so outrageous and shows just how stupid some people are in the USA ! Hush up and you go do your volunteer work and hopefully do it well without wanting reconition! This whole process of getting this done in a weeks time, is AMAZING to me and I thank Extreme Makeovers Home, Hartland, all the volunteers, everyone who made this dream for this family become a reality so quickly! God bless the family and all who had anything to do with this wonderful thing ! And a special hug to DiMeo for wanting a love story ! :-) "
yawn wrote on November 2, 2006 11:09 pm:
" Is this over yet? "
Barbara wrote on November 2, 2006 11:12 pm:
" We here in the USA don't expect to be repaid for helping out other people, just a simple thank you and maybe a hug or two is all worth it! Nor are these people COMMITTED to repay anyone for doing this wonderful thing for them ! To say that it should be Extreme Makeovers Home application process that these people should be COMMITTED to helping the community in anyway is not right at all. People do volunteer work to help others and hopefully do it well without wanting reconition. These families don't need to repay anyone for anything ever. This whole process of getting this done in a weeks time, is AMAZING to me and I thank Extreme Makeovers Home, Hartland, all the volunteers, everyone who made this dream for this family become a reality so quickly! God bless the family and all who had anything to do with this wonderful thing ! And a special hug to DiMeo for wanting a love story ! :-) "
ERic wrote on November 3, 2006 7:35 pm:
" Barbara - people who disagree with you should just leave the country, huh? I think you have an issue. "

Ads by Yahoo!