Mary Ann Peters, Executive Director, and Mike Cox, both representatives of Williams County Habitat For Humanity, were guest speakers at the regular meeting Monday, Nov. 14th of CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary. They were the guests of Auxiliary President Armeda Sawmiller, who opened the meeting welcoming 19 attendees and she lead the auxiliary opening prayer.
Habitat For Humanity’s mission is to “work in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends”. The organization was founded by Linda and Millard Fuller, a wealthy Georgia contractor, and greatly supported by President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalyn.
This non-profit organization, funded entirely by grants, payments from families and donations, currently is celebrating its 40th anniversary internationally and the Williams County HFH is marking its 25th year in existence. Executive Director Peters and Mr. Cox, public relations director, presented a pictorial video review of volunteers constructing new homes in the area, including the most recent Vasko home in Pioneer. Groundbreaking was in March and the home was completed in September, making this the 30th Williams County home.
Mary Ann added Habitat For Humanity is “seeking to put God’s love into action”. Mike praised all the volunteers—individuals, organizations, and local companies, coming forward to donate their time, talents and financial assistance with materials and construction expertise, without whose help the project would not be possible.
The next “build” is scheduled to begin in March for a home in Bryan. Applications for a family to benefit from HFH are based on need, ability to pay and willingness to partner. Applicants are expected to contribute 250 hours per adult of “sweat equity”, which includes helping to build other homes before theirs,, attending required homeowner education classes and involvement in other volunteer services.
Guidelines include household income from 30-60% of the county’s median family income for Williams county residents of at least one year.
Williams County Habitat For Humanity receives monthly payments directly from the homeowner. Partner families have a mortgage based on the cost of the home. If circumstances occur where a family cannot continue to pay for the home, the house will be offered at a sheriff’s auction and a different qualified family may be placed in the home.
More information regarding applications or volunteers willing to serve is available by contacting Williams County Habitat For Humanity, PO Box 366, Bryan, OH 43506, or by email: williamscountyhabitat@gmail.com or ph: 419-636-9093.
Following the presentation, Auxiliary President Armeda continued the meeting with roll call—“Where do you enjoy spending Thanksgiving and who cooks?”. Thought for the day was “There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home” by Rosalyn Carter. After various committee reports, volunteers were thanked for helping with the annual Montpelier Hospital Gift Shop Open House Nov. 4th.
The auxiliary will host a Book & Gift Fair Tuesday, Nov. 29th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the hospital conference room and volunteers in pink smocks were requested to assist during 90-minute shifts. Connie Dunseth is in charge of patient favors this month.
President Armeda reported the auxiliary participated with a display and door prize at the annual Rainbow of Wellness program held Thursday, Oct. 13th at the Williams County Veterans Memorial Building. Veterans were thanked for their service during the meeting and members were asked to join in a card shower for Mary June Trott’s 92nd birthday Nov. 28th. Cards may be sent to Evergreen Manor in Montpelier. She is a life member of the auxiliary and served many years as manager of the hospital gift shop.
The public is invited to the annual “Lighting the Way to Christmas” memorial program on Sunday, Dec. 4th at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Montpelier. This program is sponsored by the Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary and dedicated to the memory of loved ones who have passed away. Bill Priest will serve as master of ceremonies with Rev. Dee Custar giving the invocation and benediction, Rev. David Tilly offering the message, and special music by Kelly Michael, soloist and organist. Serving as greeters will be Marty & Jim Brace, Connie Dunseth, Gloria Poorman and Joyce Schelling. Light refreshments will be served following the program. Auxiliary members attending are asked to wear their pink auxiliary smocks if possible.
Families wishing to have their deceased loved ones included in the program roster should contact Auxiliary Treasurer Barb Dietsch, ph: 419-485-3229. She is in charge of the memorial angels and luminaries for the program. Luminaries will be lighted and displayed during December at the front entrance of the Montpelier Hospital.
Auxiliary members are asked to make reservations by Dec. 5th with Treasurer Barb Dietsch for the annual Christmas luncheon Monday, Dec.12th at First Presbyterian Church, Montpelier, at 12 noon. Amy Eriksen, RPh, will be guest speaker on medications. Roll call will be “Share a Christmas wish for someone else”. Luncheon menu includes chicken, au gratin potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls, and pie. Please bring a Christmas card for the holiday hospital card shower and paper products, personal hygiene items and/or canned goods for the local food pantries. Guests are always welcome at hospital auxiliary functions.
INFORMATION PROVIDED