Date: Fri 23-May-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Rotary-DATAHR-project

Full Text:

with photos: Rotary Digs Into Hands-On Service

Members of the Newtown Rotary Club converged on the DATAHR Rehabilitation

Institute group home on Old Hawleyville Road Monday afternoon in their

gardening clothes to cultivate some good will.

The local club has always been willing to assist the community financially,

but has recently challenged itself to become more involved in hands-on

projects.

DATAHR program manager Lisa Parill said the yard around the house looks better

than ever.

"Normally, we do it, but nothing has ever been done to that caliber. I figured

they'd plant a few annuals, but they literally dug up and roto-tilled and made

a whole flower bed. They brought perennials from their own yards. They made

lily patches, brought their own mulch and supplies, and even brought pizza for

a pizza party afterwards," she said.

Most important of all, Ms Parill said the six residents of the group home can

take pride in taking care of the new plantings.

"They were already out there watering the flowers yesterday," she said

Wednesday.

New Rotarian Brian Connolly headed the project. Rotarians Mike Snyder and

Donald Studley are both on the DATAHR board of directors, while Gary Fetzer is

DATAHR's communications director.