FELIX'S HOME GETS A FACELIFT!

On June 9th, members of the Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale welcomed Mary Gannaway, of Sanford, when she provided them with a full accounting of a project near and dear to her heart.  Mary, a former music teacher in the Sanford School system, met a gentleman from the community, who had fallen on hard times and asked for her help.  His name is Felix and he lives not too far from downtown Sanford.

Felix told Mary of how his house needed a new roof, some trimming of shrubs and a good paint job.  Mary visited Felix at his home, and realized that this project was nearly overfacing and that she would not be able to "go it alone".  She went home and consulted with her husband, who urged Mary to move forward with lending a helping hand to Felix and somehow, it would all come together.

Mary, a devout Roman Catholic, prayed about this and many answers came to her.  She enlisted the assistance and support of the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. She also created a GO-FUND-ME page on Facebook, sought help from Partners Bank and contacted a few members of the Rotary Club.

From "trimming" bushes and shrubs that had almost engulfed Felix's home with branches and vines, to a total yard clean-up, to scraping chipping paint, to replacing rotted boards, to removal of the roof shingles and replacing them with new shingles, the local community answered Mary's requests and came to the rescue. 

Mary had a number of stories to share. "One man came to the house and began painting.  I did not know the man, but his painting skills were those of a professional.  I asked if he were a professional painter, and he told me he was just an attorney."  She continued, "A Rotarian volunteered to purchase all of the paint products needed to cover the house and the trim."  Others, both members of the Knights of Columbus and the Rotary Club and their families, "just showed up, brought ladders, saws, hammers, paint brushes" and eventually Felix was able to be proud of his home which had a new look.

In recognition of Mary's devotion and dedication to the community, Elias Thomas, past District Governor and incoming president of the Rotary Club presented Mary with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition.  Thomas said, "It is the unsung heroes, like Mary Gannaway, who make it an honor and pleasure to recognize their contributions to our communities."