February 8th

Si Amick introduces Hank Chardos. Hank spoke to us about the history and current projects of Homeworks.

Last Week
Feb 8, 2006
Reporter: Blount Shepard

President Carey called the meeting to order and reminded everyone to sign up for the District 7770 Conference scheduled for March 23 - 26.

INTRODUCTIONS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sgt. at Arms, John Hanson introduced the visiting Rotarians and guests and started the CART fund coins for Alzheimer’s research. “Beetle” Bailey reported on the scheduled Spring Golf Tournament at Wood Creek Country Club. The tournament will take place March 20th. Get your sponsors, players and prizes to Beetle as soon as possible. Chuck Larsen informed the club of the Chamber luncheon where the speaker is to be Satch Krantz of the Riverbanks Zoo.

Joel Collins made an appeal to the club regarding membership and attendance. We are members of a great organization and our club has potential to support many others in our community who share the values of Rotary International. Let’s actively recruit others we come in contact with that support the Rotary objectives of world peace and understanding and service above self. Also, be conscience of your own attendance record so the directors do not have to make an uncomfortable phone call.

IN OTHER ACTION: Lyman Whitehead told us how to “break the curse” during Health and Happiness. He only needed to know the exact wording of the curse. In response someone said, “I now pronounce you man and wife”! President Carey thanked all members and Interact members that supported Blount Shepard in his efforts to coordinate Adopt-A-Hwy cleanup last Saturday. Blount also thanked those responding to the call and let everyone know that 20 bags were delivered to the landfill amounting to approximately 300 lbs. Not mentioned was the superbowl theme at the cleanup breakfast. Grits were served in a Steelers helmet and Lynn Campbell gumbo w/ venison sausage was served in a Seahawks helmet. Happy Dollars for Lyn Richard’s sale of her business; Safe travels by Ervin returning from Arkansas and for Joel and Rhonda headed to Florida; and Skee still can’t get over that his “little girl” is out on her own making her own money.

GUEST SPEAKER: Hank Chardos – Founder and Director of Homeworks†.
Alumni speaker Hank Chardos was welcomed back and he informed the club about the current projects being done by Homeworks†. He addressed their effort as follows:

Next One Day Blitz in the greater Columbia Area: Saturday April 29, 2006.
They have made improvements to over 800 houses in the last 10 years.
Churches, Building Departments and homeowners contact Homeworks† for help.
Homeworks† Emphasis:
Care and concern of volunteers for the client (homeowner).
Start with prayer. Live out the gospel message to care for one another.
Safety specific and general
Requirements for clients: Must own their home (no rentals); financial need.
They need more adult volunteers. They could be doing more if they had more adults.
There are more young adult girls volunteering than boys.
They have a new warehouse space, but are in a search for an office for 3 people.

Hank closed thankful for the upcoming 1st meeting of the Homeworks† Advisory Board on March 30th which will launch Homeworks† into a much larger playing field.