Pinch-hitting for our vacationing club president, Pod #2 representative Terry Kotwa welcomed 16 Lincoln Rotarians & 4 guests - Habitat for Humanity representatives, Sarah Pritula & Jennifer Berry; Dale's friend & former Rotarian Neil Andrews from Penetang; future Rotarian Justin Ziegers.
Terry followed with the LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT, INVOCATION & TOAST. For his POINT OF PRIDE, he built on Lindsay's POP from our previous meeting by sharing his excitement about the Lamplighter Tour. He explained that a Production Team has now been established with members from both Rotary and the community in anticipation of the debut of a new Lamplighter production in Spring 2026.
50/50- Andy won the ticket draw but missed pulling the Ace of Spades & so the pot grows...
HAPPY BUCKS
Featured were several mentions of the success of the District Conference held at Club Italia in Niagara Falls over the past weekend; the end of hockey season for many grandchildren; good fortune that Niagara missed the brunt of the recent ice storm
In addition...
Rob & Sue - extended visit from their daughter & her family whose home in Bobcageon was without power for more than a week because of the ice storm
Dale - saved by his generator when a vehicle took out a hydro pole on Ontario Street last Saturday evening
Neil Andrews - gracious hospitality of Valerie & Dale Hatch over the past few days
Jennifer Berry - recent move to Beamsville
Mat - his daughter's last class marking the end of her first year at Carleton U
Maria - her son is in England where spring is blooming
Terry - excitement in the neighbourhood because of a political sign on Bob & Kay's lawn; looking forward to attending Jennifer's Peninsula Players (PP) production next weekend
Jennifer T - standing ovations for every one of her PP productions over the past two weekends
Alice - opening her pool next weekend
CLUB BUSINESS
Rob Foster shared information about Lincoln Rotary's 2025-26 District Grant Project Proposal:
West Niagara Secondary School (WNSS) Theatre Technology Project
To aid with performances & keep overall stage costs low, the theatre will be equipped with a short throw project, which is capable of showing a 100” image from less than 9 feet or 3 meters. It is to be installed at the back of the theatre stage.
To help people when entering the theatre, monitors will be installed at the two main entrance doors. The monitors will inform people of theatre events in progress, promote upcoming events, etc. They will provide Bluetooth connectivity and sharp quality for video display.
Value: Approximately $3,200 USD of which the grant will cover 50%
MOTION:
That the WNSS Theatre Technology Project be endorsed as presented
Sarah Pritula, Philanthropy & Major Gifts Director
Jennifer Berry, Manager Grimsby ReStore
Established locally in 1993, Habitat for Humanity Niagara has built 79 homes in Niagara, served 86 families & created stable and secure housing for more than 290 children.
Habitat for Humanity Niagara proudly owns & operates three local ReStores in Fonthill, Grimsby & St. Catharines. Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a social enterprise retailer that accepts and resells donations of new & used furniture, appliances, décor, home improvement items and building materials. All proceeds from operations fund Habitat for Humanity Niagara and help build homes in the community for those in need of a safe place to call home.
What we do (our mission)
We bring our community together to help families build strength, stability and independence through safe and affordable homeownership.
Why we do it (our global vision)
A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
2024 was a landmark year for Habitat for Humanity Niagara with the construction of seven homes, with three families moving in during 2024 and four more in early 2025. The community came together to build two homes for families on Taylor Street in Thorold and through “Women Build” where over 100 women united to build a home in Port Colborne. With a record-breaking donation from Centennial Homes, who along with their network of 30 subtrades and suppliers, built four townhouses in Thorold at no cost. Independent mothers with children are the beneficiaries of these townhouses.
Groundbreaking for Habitat for Humanity Niagara Build in Thorold - 2024
In 2025, Habitat Niagara builds are underway in Welland (6 townhouses) & Niagara Falls with a proposed build in Grimsby on hold. Land acquisitions for builds are varied - e.g. by donation; by minimal (as negotiated) or market value purchases
Homeownership Program
All Habitat homeowners go through an application process to determine their level of housing need, their ability to repay Habitat’s affordable mortgage, and their willingness to partner with Habitat, which includes 500 hours of volunteering.
Anyone can apply to become a Habitat homeowner. Eligible criteria for qualified Habitat homebuyers are:
In need of better housing: Potential homebuyers may be dealing with poorly maintained, unhealthy or overcrowded housing, unaffordable rent, or inaccessible housing for people living with disabilities.
Willing to partner with Habitat: Habitat homebuyers must be willing to complete 500 volunteer hours with Habitat Niagara. This typically involves helping build their own home or the homes of others in the program, volunteering in their local Habitat ReStore, and taking classes in personal finance, home maintenance and other homeownership topics.
Able to make affordable mortgage payments: Habitat homeowners buy their home for the fair market value. Mortgage payments are made affordable because they do not exceed approximately 30 percent of the gross household income and income is evaluated on a yearly basis.
Joining our construction crew building Habitat homes - Build days involving 6-8 volunteers will be available in Welland August - November 2025
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