Rotarians were much in evidence at NeighborWorks "Dream Street" event last week, celebration the completion of 10 owner-built on 39th Avenue NE. There were many reasons for that.
Rotarian Sherrie Arey, as the Executive Director of NeighborWorks, emceed the event. Rotarian Sheila Rice, Sherrie's predecessor, was also on hand for the celebration. Rotarian Bob Holter, whose "Rotary trees" project has resulted in the planting of a tree along the boulevard in front of every home in the project, was on hand to celebrate that part of the project.
And because the evening meeting and the end-of-the-month Rotary social also centered on the event, another dozen or so Rotarians were on hand to celebrate with the proud owners the completion of homes they built themselves, with the help and support of NeighborWorks.
Remember the thrill of owning your first home? You could see the excitement in the new homeowners at the event and join in their delight as their children cartwheel across the lawn - their lawn in their new neighborhood.
As Rotarians gathered for the ceremonial planting of the Rotary trees on a scorching hot late afternoon in August, it was pleasant to think of the shade and breezes these trees will generate in future summers. It may be true, as Shakespeare said, that the good men do is oft interred with their bones. But not if the good deed is the planting of a tree. These trees add little to the neighborhood now, but think of how beautiful they will be long after all of us are gone!
Service above self.