September has started out with a blast and certainly with a heavy gong on our gonger delivered by President Stacie. Of course, our own Rabbi Brother Dave has got us not only closer to the Lord, but certainly thankful for the respite from dry and hot temps. The song leading by Cara has been exceptional too, especially with DoReMi last Thursday following “My Favorite Things” on Sept. 7. I’m just not sure what key Lance was singing that in though.
We’ve been busy this first part of September too. Flags for Patriot Day, Texhoma Gives, PP Noel invited us to meet the new President of MSU Texas, and Walter talked about InterFaith Outreach, and Cara reminded us of the importance of participating at the Boys & Girls Club with the upcoming interviews. It was great seeing PP Arnold back in the groove again.
Treston Teague gave us a biographical sketch last Thursday, and it was interesting. He was born in California, moved to Dallas for 5 years and then he had an opportunity in Wichita Falls with Crossvine Financial. He has 2 children 9 and 7 so you can imagine his day is full. He also participates with Big Brothers & Big Sisters. He came into Rotary last year and has made a hand! As a matter of fact, Treston was the program on the 7th when he and Abigail Craig, also from Crossvine, came and talked about the advantages of planning your charitable contributions to take full advantage of possible deductions from income tax. That program on the 7th was excellent and I hope you took notes even though they both reported a Forbes Survey indicated that only 59% of you knuckleheads plan intentionally with a “Mission Statement.”
Then last Thursday, Josh introduced still another Rotary member, Will Goodner, who gave us an excellent report on Habitat For Humanity. Two members giving great and useful information brought to us by Josh Phillips, and if you think arranging programs is so easy volunteer for the job next year and find out for yourself. Anyway, you talk about challenging, Will went through his daily chores and reminded us that this has not been an easy last 3 years. Usually only one family per year up until now with 10 families looking to own their new home this year. It’s a challenge every day to qualify deserving families, process the paperwork, find the property, follow up with their “sweat equity,” arrange for down payment, find material, and especially find the workmen qualified to build the homes as directed by Will himself along with the family involved. One item caught my attention was 4 years ago the average cost to build was $46M and now the average 4 years later is $89M. There are opportunities for two or three bedroom homes depending on the size of the family, and Will did a wonderful job explaining the psychological reasons for the homes. He also encouraged all of us at Rotary to come out and help drive nails, besides he added there is a construction manager on site that runs the show. Congratulations to Treston, Abigail, Will and especially Josh for getting started on the right path in September and showcasing the great members that we break bread with every Thursday. Speaking of the bread the meals have been outstanding for September as well.
Pres Stacie closed us both Thursdays with the Four Way Test, brought to us by Rotarian Herbert Taylor in 1932. This information was provided by Glenn Tole Jr., who voted for Brother Taylor for President of Rotary International in 1943.