A beautiful May Morning, exquisite with brilliant sunshine, warm temperatures, and trees exploding with buds...this was our gift today, as we gathered for our first Noon Meeting of the new month. Greeting each of us warmly was Jack, with hugs, handshakes, and a cheery "Hello", as we came into The Redwood. 

John was our "substitute teacher" today, as President Liz was away, and could not be back in time for the Meeting. After joining John in saying The Pledge, Jack led us in singing The Star-Spangled Banner. Rose chose to share The Prayer of St. Francis, for her Invocation, and those words truly encapsulate our Rotary Motto of "Service Above Self". There was a light turnout of Members today, (18 of us), and there was no one on Zoom. We did, however, welcome Guest, Gareth Evans, who was today's Speaker. His Program would be about Habitat for Humanity. John provided The Rotary Moment.

There were a few Announcements that preceded today's Program:

* Rose was first, as she shared some news about the BVT 2024 Summer Season. There are going to be three Plays, each with a duration of 10 days, throughout the Summer. If interested, one can provide housing for the actors. Rose noted that, although the pay is minimal, the experience gleaned from getting to know these actors on a personal level is so worthwhile! On June 9th, there will be an Art Sale Promotion to help fund the BVT. All those who have even a hint of artistic ability, (kids included), are encouraged to participate! All items will be $20 each, with nothing larger than 8 by 10. Hors d'oeuvres will be available with wine and beer from Arbor Hill. Get your tickets by May 24th!

* John noted that today (May 6th) the Pop-Up Pantry would be available from Open Cupboard. It will be located on Tobey Street, and the distribution of food would begin at 3PM.

* John went over the Club Calendar, as he mentioned that the Rose Ridge Clean Up would start at 10 AM on Monday, May 13th. Also, at the Evening Meeting later that day, we'll induct Greg Bendzlowicz, as our Newest Member!

"Home is where the heart is.", as the age-old saying suggests, and today, our Presenter, Gareth Evans proved that adage to be so true, as he talked about the Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity. The three Counties of Ontario, Monroe, and Wayne have merged to provide site locations for these homes. "This is not a handout", Gareth noted. "It is an opportunity to build and improve places that people call home." Many will remember that Former President, Jimmy Carter was very involved with this outreach for many years. Gareth was pleased to note the number of homes that have been and will be built between 2024 and 2025. In 2024, 12 homes are planned, while in 2025, the number will be 22 in the combined Counties of Ontario, Monroe, and Wayne.

There is a procedure to be followed when preparing to build one of these homes. First, the land has to be secured, the application accepted, the home built with the involvement of the homeowner(s), the dedication, and the moving in. The applications outweigh the numbers, and families need to qualify for a home. A Homeward Bound Program works with families who don't qualify, and that could be for various reasons. Families who "graduate" from the Program prove themselves worthy.

Here are some interesting facts about the HFH homes. Each house costs an average of $280,000 to build, and this is accomplished through the work of volunteers. Families purchase a mortgage, based within their means, and HFH stays with the family for 30 years. Typically, a home will have 3 to 5 bedrooms, and kitchen appliances are provided. Each family can help with interior decor to make the home their own.

We viewed a short video of RIT Students working collectively to build a house frame. Gareth told us that this joint effort was known as a "Framing Frenzy", and that no prior skills were necessary! "Women Build" is another endeavor where women from the three counties are working together to raise funds. 

At this juncture, Gareth said that it was in this capacity that Rotary could help. Volunteers are always needed at the "Restore" and help at the building site is appreciated as well. An Orientation Packet is provided to give volunteers some direction.

Under the List of Events in the Club Runner, Gareth's Program was entitled "Homes for Hope". Truly, this attempt to bring families safety, shelter, and dignity is a very tangible way of "Creating Hope in the World"! We thank Gareth for being with us today, and for answering so many of our questions with clarity and patience!

Today's Rotary Moment was twofold! John expressed his thanks to all the Rotarians who were involved in the activities of this past weekend, (The Great Grape Race and Monte Carlo Night). He had a nice update on Jane, who at 90 years, is doing well!

Jo said that the Ace of Hearts Kitty was at $234! Gareth drew Karen's Ticket, # 2352, and Karen came close! She drew the King of Hearts!

Here are a couple more items to keep in mind. Rotary Lite is this Wednesday, May 8th, at the VFW, from 6-8 PM. "Burger Night at Brew and Brats" will be May 16th to benefit Hospeace House. Jack suggested that some 4 by 4's could be brought along this coming Monday, for the Clean-Up at Rose Ridge.

Here are some reasons that the Happy Bills came in today. People enjoyed the weekend events. We appreciated Gareth's Program about Habitat for Humanity. Charlie has his first year at Clarkson under his belt. Frank won the 50-50 at the Great Grape Derby. Bo and Pat have a new baby granddaughter!

John rounded out the Meeting as he had us recite The Four-Way Test "Plus One". (Added to the four bullets was the question, "Will it be  fun?" This was the prompt we were given at the District Assembly!) As per the District Assembly, we were also reminded that "We're better together!"

PS Many thanks to Cindy for having done such an excellent job with The Grapevine last week!