Rotarians at Work: Noah Homes
Posted by Peggy Davis
on Jul 30, 2014
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La Mesa Sunrise Rotarians of La Mesa, CA, gathered early Saturday morning to plant a fruit orchard at Noah Homes, a home for developmentally disabled adults. Over 30 LMSR members showed up in their work gear and ready to go. We planted 41 fruit trees, enough to provide a variety of fresh fruit for the over 70 residents at Noah Homes. There were over 40 volunteers that came to participate in this event. We had Sue Creveling, a horticulture specialist from Cuyamaca College, Derek, the salesman from the Rancho Vallhalla Nursery who sold us most of our trees and compost, some perspective members of our club, and some residents of Noah homes. All were eager to work and shared in the vision of making Noah homes a more self-sufficient community. For our members who were not able to move big trees and do heavy work, we had flowers to plant in planters for each of the residents homes. Everyone had something they could do to their capacity and know they were contributing to the day. Breakfast, drinks and lunch were provided by LMSR.
The planning began in January of 2014 where Peggy Davis, Community Service Director for LMSR, met with the CEO of Noah Homes, Molly Nocon. Molly is also a member of La Mesa Sunrise Rotary. The vision was set into motion and an area designated for the project. From February to April, the ground was cleared and water systems placed. Several meetings, planning the design of the orchard were held. Trees were purchased in advance and delivered the day before the project. This signature project will have wheelchair access, benches to sit and enjoy the trees and lighting for the orchard. These finishing touches were donated by a benefactor who, upon seeing our project, offered to donate these finishing touches. Signs, identifying each tree will be made and placed. Pictures of each fruit will allow residents who cannot read to enjoy what each tree will bear.