The Grapevine - The Latest News from His Branches

Where did we go?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 13:02:00 +0000

Feeling stupid because you haven't heard from us lately? It's not because we're not listening to you but because we're reorganizing around here. Please bear with us during this time of transition. A lot is changing since we last posted, but underneath our commitment to you and the community we serve has gotten even stronger. We're completely updating our websites and have now moved our Grapevine newsletter and integrated it within our main website at www.hisbranches.org. Check us out, then visit our new Grapevine (link is under the "Home" tab) and sign up to get regular email notices when we post. Thanks for being patient with us!

K-Love/EO Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 03:05:00 +0000

A full half-hour radio interview with Diane Braun, Webster Center Director, spotlighting Embracing Options aired this past Sunday evening Jan. 26 at 8:30 pm on both 88.1 and 104.9 K-Love and was not only very informative but a great success! Click here to tune in to Diane's interview with Peter Kratz, Regional Public Affairs Manager for K-Love.

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 02:09:00 +0000

Glory to God in the Highest!

Thanks for all your amazing support this year!
We're looking forward to sharing 2014 with you.

Dr. Bill & Susan Morehouse

Click here to read our Christmas letter.

Caroling in the Park

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 18:01:00 +0000

Last night we had a wonderful time of Christmas Caroling in the Arnett Bird & Butterfly Garden, led by a delightful quartet of Dickensonian singers from the Eastman School of Music called the Park and Hark Carolers.

Special thanks go out to the Arnett community members who braved the snowy weather to join us in an old-fashioned Christmas celebration! Despite the look of the weather, we were actually kept rather toasty thanks to a roasting fire, hot chocolate and warm hearts. Merry Christmas to you all!

Ray Dutcher. 1958-2013

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 20:54:00 +0000

In Memory of
Raymond E. Dutcher, Jr.

Our beloved brother, Ray Dutcher, passed away this Tuesday, November 26, 2013 surrounded by family and close friends, after a valiant struggle with cancer. He was a valued and faithful member of the Embracing Options Advisory Committee for years and also served as Lay Leader at UMC of Webster and had also been actively involved with Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, and Stephen Ministry. Ray leaves his wife, Laurie; children, Raymond III, Jeremy and Caitlin Dutcher; parents, Raymond and Barbara Dutcher; sister, Rhonda (Alan) Dole; brothers, Roger (Sandra) and Robert (Julie) Dutcher; and several nieces and nephews. An anointed funeral service and celebration of Ray's life was held today at the United Methodist Church of Webster.

Dutcher, Raymond E., Jr.

Webster: Tues., Nov. 26, 2013, age 55. He leaves his wife, Laurie; children, Raymond III, Jeremy and Caitlin Dutcher; parents, Raymond and Barbara Dutcher; sister, Rhonda (Alan) Dole; brothers, Roger (Sandra) and Robert (Julie) Dutcher; nieces and nephews; father- and mother-in-law, Larry and Norma Leisten. Ray had served as Lay Leader at UMC of Webster and had also been actively involved with Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, Embracing Options and Stephen Ministry.

Friends may call 2-4, 6-8 Fri. at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Ave., Webster. Funeral 11:00 AM Sat. at United Methodist Church of Webster, - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/democratandchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=raymond-e-dutcher&pid=168210540&fhid=13401#sthash.gYBBDMnd.dpuf

Open-Air Drug Market

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 20:40:00 +0000

Shootings and homicides are often just the fruit of the tree called crime. The roots are usually in drugs. Dr. William Morehouse has been helping people for 35 years at Grace Family Medicine on Arnett Boulevard. But how he and his wife Susan need help to save their neighborhood from the drug dealers right outside their front door.

"Is there a real safety issue here," I asked him.

"The patients certainly think that there is. They're very worried when they get out of their car and they see people like that and they have to walk past them or through them," Morehouse answered. "You battle it and you fight it and you say no not here. We've got patients coming in, we've got little kids; and they go away and then they come back," Susan said.

Empty bags of marijuana litter the sidewalk in front of the clinic. We showed them to Rochester Police Officer Ben Caruso.

"Why this quantity? Is is so they can't get into trouble," I asked him.

"Well the folks out here are dealing in the hand-to-hand stuff. It's a difficult arrest," Caruso answered. "As fast as they're arrested on this charge, they'll be released on it just as quickly."

So how can a small inner-city medical clinic fight back against drug dealers? What is at stake if they lose?

Kevin Doran for WHEC-TV, Channel 8 News, Rochester, NY, November 12, 2013

RYO Indiefest 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 21:11:00 +0000

Rochester Youth Outreach hosted its first collaborative TWISY (The World Is Still Young) all-ages music event at the Vineyard Community Space on South Clinton Avenue this past Saturday, October 25th, as part of the city-wide Indiefest. Our youth lined up and showcased 6 different young bands, including 2 of their own, and entertained over 85 participants through the evening. From organizing, to setting up, to performing and taking down, the whole event was a great success!

Blue Choice Option

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 22:04:00 +0000

“It could force us out of business.” That's what some doctors are now saying about the fact that Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield may soon drop certain Medicaid patients. A week ago, Excellus announced, beginning in January, that it will no longer offer certain Medicaid plans. That includes 85,000 people in the Rochester area. It's all because Excellus is already looking at $100 million in losses for 2013 and says it can't afford that.

Local doctors say this is bad news for them. Patients who currently use the Blue Choice option for Medicaid will have to find another health care plan. Doctors say, under those new plans, they will not be reimbursed as much for their services. News10NBC spoke to a doctor who says about 20 percent of his patients have Medicaid through Excellus.

Dr. William Morehouse said, “If our patient transfer over to any of the other plans currently in town, our overall practice could stand to lose between five and ten of its income on an annual basis which is a substantial loss when you are an inner city practice that is already having a hard time making ends meet.”

Other doctors in the area have a much higher percent of Blue Choice Medicaid patients, some as high as 60 percent. It's those patients who could feel the brunt of this. News10NBC sat down with Nancy Adams with the Monroe County Medical Society. She says doctors are worried about the people they care for. The first problem they see is with the transition. Patients may have less access to care because their current specialists may not be on their new healthcare plan's network.

Doctors are also worried about the trickle down effect. Less reimbursement means less income. Some say they will have to close up shop all together. Others say they won't be accepting new Medicaid patients. Nancy Adams, Monroe County Medical Society, said, “We're already in short supply of adult primary care physicians and then when you throw into the mix that not all physicians may except these other health plans then it would make it even more difficult to find a physician.”

According to the Monroe County Medical Society, there is still a chance Excellus could work something out with New York State and continue to carry these plans. News10NBC will continue to follow this story and update you on any developments.

Gun Buyback a Great Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 20:02:00 +0000

We thought you all would like to hear the results of the Gun Buyback last Saturday. We brought in 243 guns - more than 1/2 were hand guns and of those 150 only 10 were legally registered, in other words 140 illegal handguns! Also one assault rifle was brought in with its magazines of ammo. At least two young men bringing in their guns that were definitely coming from off the streets. One young man said he was making some changes in his life and didn't want to be involved with guns anymore. Wow! It was an amazing day for us all. The Rochester Police Department says this is the biggest single gun buyback ever in Rochester. Thank you to those who brought in food for the officers and people who brought in guns. It was much appreciated!

Click here to read the full article in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

Gun Buyback Prayer Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 03:06:00 +0000

Community prayer walk promotes peace

By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com (Click here for video version)

Enough is enough. That's what the Rochester community is saying after a week of violence in the city. Residents took their mission to the streets Saturday morning in hopes of reaching Rochester's youth.

Six people have been shot, two of them killed, and it's only the seventh day in September. This recent spike in violence began last Sunday when a man was shot on Resolute Street. On Wednesday two people were shot on Pullman Avenue. One of them died. The very next day there was another double shooting near Saratoga Avenue and Lyell Avenue. One person was wounded, the other killed. Friday night a man was shot in the back on Chili Avenue and Hobart Street.

Some local residents are demanding an end to the violence. They took to the streets Saturday morning to promote peace and change. The walk was not only to promote peace, but it was to help get guns out of the wrong hands. Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard says this is what he's been hoping for, getting the community together to help.

“Everything helps. Every little bit helps. The Rochester Police Department can't do it alone and it's obvious we can't do it alone. Anyone who wants to help us, we're going to embrace their support. We're going to work with anyone who wants to work with us. At the end of the day we're going to get this done. I have tremendous faith,” said Chief Sheppard.

Chief Sheppard joined members of the community, including members of local churches, walking through neighborhoods and praying together, hoping for a better future. The Chief says it has been a rough few months and he's hoping this initiative will make teenagers think twice about going down the wrong path.

Supporters also promoted the city's gun buyback program. They are hoping the push will get guns off of the streets. One of the supporters knows firsthand about the recent violence His brother was the victim in Friday night's shooting on Chili Avenue. He says no family should go through what his family is going through.

“It touched home. With my neighborhood, it's been in my neighborhood, but now it's at my back door. So it's very important for me to get out here and spread the word that these young kids need to give these guns up because these kids don't know what they're doing. They have no idea the damage and destruction they are causing,” said Ray Bradley.

The next gun buyback will be at the end of this month. The Rochester Police Department is taking all guns in exchange for debit and gift cards, no questions asked. They are also collecting all ammunition. For more information on the buyback program, click here.

EO Volunteer Men Bless HBI

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 21:27:00 +0000

Saturday morning at 8 am a crew of 7 gifted and talented men gathered at His Branches for prayer, followed by a very structured work day - they were there to install 30 new custom insulated windows in our 3 upstairs offices suites to replace the original, leaky, rattling, wooden windows we've been living with for years. Old and drafty in the winter, hot in the summer, but at least they kept the birds out...

Our experienced crew chief had estimated that the job could be done in one full Saturday, but others were doubtful and thought it would take at least two full days. Well, this gang pulled together in such a remarkably efficient way that all 30 windows were installed, rubbish cleaned up, and old windows hauled away before 3 pm! Is that a praise report, or what? Our faithful staff and clients will be offering their own thanks as the years go by when they're warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Special thanks go out to all who made this project such a success.

TWISY Event Rocks!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 21:14:00 +0000

RYO hosted another wonderfully successful youth-led and run all-ages TWISY music Event this Friday night at their space on Warwick Ave. The weather was perfect and all the preparations were in place when the first guests started arriving at 4. By suppertime, the space was packed with people, young and old, enjoying the live music, refreshments, and wholesome social atmosphere. By 8 pm as the sun was going down, it all wrapped up. Thanks to all who poured themselves into creating such a great evening for all of us! Let's hope and pray that this is just the start of what will prove to be a very encouraging year ahead. Yes, TWISY - The World Is Still Young!

RYO Indiegogo Event!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 21:58:00 +0000

Hello friends!

There are only 3 days left in the RYO Indiegogo Campaign! Check out the video here to find out what we’re about, and then please help if you can. Any money we raise will go a long way towards our mission of empowering Rochester's young people through music and the arts. Thank you to all those who have invested so far!

For our Rochester friends, be sure to check out our next event, No Clouds Included, this Friday, August 23rd, at 265 Warwick Ave from 4pm - 8pm. Come enjoy music from BC Likes You, The Tarrants, and Disharmony. Our youth leaders have been hard at work preparing and it should be a great community gathering!

Remember to check out out Indiegogo site before the weekend, and join us this Friday night!

Thanks!
Dr. Bill and the RYO Team

Best Block Party Yet!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 01:04:00 +0000

Our 7th annual (!!!) Arnett Block Party last Saturday was a wonderful success, thanks to the generous participation of so many amazing volunteers and contributors.

Click here to see a full size slide show

We've already been having a very hot and sometimes wet summer, but the weatherman was predicting rain in the morning and scattered afternoon thunderstorms for our Block Party so we were a little concerned. What did we get instead? Balmy sunshine and puffy clouds all day long! And by 3 pm when the party was in full swing we had already gone through 500 free hotdogs and bags of chips!

Here's an unsolicited report from a neighbor who came, helped, and stayed the whole day:

Dear Susan,

The Arnett Block Party that you and Rora and the others have put together (at your monthly planning meetings all year, which I never attend!) was simply amazing, and I'm sure it will lodge in the memories of the neighborhood children. I was there yesterday, and it was simply fabulous. There was SO much happening, so much for families to do, and all free. Everyone LOVES getting those free raffle tickets, and listening every 15 minutes to see if they get lucky and maybe their number will be called! I don't know where you found that magician, or how much he cost, but he seemed to have a good audience, and I liked what I could overhear.

Then there were the ponies, the Zoomobile, the basketball, the bike repair, the kids trying out Rural/Metro's stretcher. Wow!

The clown was making some really spectacular balloon creations, which were in great demand, as kids were queued up the entire afternoon. And I saw some fabulous painted faces on kids who had visited that tent.

The neighborhood library had a big presence, with Bruce and Debbie giving out free books and doing readings.

When the police officer arrived with Ian, his dog from the K-9 corps, and answered questions, that was a big draw. A great chance for the kids to have a positive interaction with the police. Also, Officer Kristin Runyon was offering a service of checking car seats to make sure they were properly installed. Wow!

I hope people took advantage of the free blood pressure and blood sugar checks. What a great service that was.

The Mt. Olivet Choir did themselves proud. I could see that the rapper had talent, and it was a great opportunity for him to further hone his talents.

Dana Miller gave a shout-out to the sponsors, Tops and Wegmans and others, and we definitely appreciate them being such good corporate citizens, contributing all that food to this worthy cause. Speaking of Dana Miller, he dedicated his entire afternoon, and did a great job at the microphone, not too intrusive, not too loud, and keeping people aware of the goings-on.

I'm quite sure that some of the services were not donated. I'm sure whatever funds we had, if any, did not completely cover the Zoomobile, the ponies, the magician, and probably several other things. If a person wanted to contribute towards those costs, to whom would they write the check?

As you have said, it is a joy to see so many people from our neighborhood working toward this good end. Thanks again for everything you do. And Bill was right there by your side the entire afternoon, so welcoming to everyone, and so upbeat, as always.

When I attend the Southwest Common Council Meeting, I will be sure to report about this event.

Mary Dan

Mount Olivet Mass Choir

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 01:00:00 +0000

As our Block Party was reaching a climax Saturday afternoon, the Mount Olivet Mass Choir showed up in force with keyboards, backup musicians, choir leader, and their pastor singing along with them.

What a wonderful way to close out a community celebration of God's goodness, promises, hope, and provision for the future.

RYO Garage Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:40:00 +0000

Rochester Youth Outreach will be participating in a community garage sale at the Public Market (280 N. Union St.) on Sunday, June 30th from 8 am to 2 pm. All profits made from sales will go toward supporting RYO programming. We are in need of donations of any goods which could be sold including clothes, books, appliances, furniture, etc. Please bring any of these items to His Branches by June 29th, and the RYO youth and adult team will transport and sell them at the Market. Thanks!

Click here for a printable PDF flyer.

19th Ward Square Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Tue, 28 May 2013 20:06:00 +0000

19th Ward Community Association

Square Fair
***

Saturday, June 1st

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Aberdeen Square - Aberdeen and Post Ave
***

Come Have Breakfast with your Neighbors

8 am -10 am

***
Parade begins at 216 Thurston Rd at 12:30 pm

***
Let the Children's Games Begin

Pull a Wagon in the Parade

Watch the Silver Sneakers Strut their Stuff!!

Vendor Booths, Music
***

Entertainment

Steve Grills and the Roadmasters

Joe Beard

Is Gosnell Case Unique?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:32:00 +0000

RPD Citizen of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:53:00 +0000

Our own Susan Morehouse, head of the Arnett Block Association, was chosen by the Rochester Police Department as the 2012 "Citizen of the Year" for her work in the community. Last night she was given an award by Chief Sheppard at the RPD annual recognition banquet at the Riverside Convention Center in downtown Rochester.

Spring Bike Clinic!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 05 May 2013 00:29:00 +0000

R Community Bikes (RBC) and the Arnett Block Association held a neighborhood Bike Clinic in our parking lot at 350 Arnett Blvd today, May 4th, from 1-4 pm. RBC's expert volunteer crew of bike mechanics, including some new neighborhood helpers, was on site with parts and tools to repair all the broken bikes that showed up. We had a great turnout of over 40 kids, many with their parents, and not only repaired flat tires, broken chains, and other damage to the bikes that they brought but gave away 16 reconditioned bikes in a free raffle to kids without bikes of their own who came in eager anticipation. Certificates to get a bike at the RCB warehouse were also available for winners who didn't match the sizes of free bikes available and some sad losers.
R Community Bikes a non-profit organization that recycles bikes in Rochester. RCB gives away over 1000 bikes to the Rochester community every year. Thanks to a grant, they have a trailer for bringing bikes, tools, and parts to off-site events. Their shop/warehouse is at 226 Hudson Avenue, and volunteers are welcome!

Our next community event will be on Saturday, August 4th, from noon until 4 pm when we're hoping that RCB will be able join us again for our annual Block Party. Be sure to come and bring your neighbors and friends!

RYO Hosts TWISY Event!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sat, 04 May 2013 17:52:00 +0000

Last night our own Rochester Youth Outreach (RYO) team hosted their first major event, TWISY. What on earth is TWISY? Well, it's a reminder that The World Is Still Young, a celebration of young talent in the arts, music, and good planning and teamwork, a testimony that creative youth with good hearts and a little encouragement can go a long way. The future is brighter because you all care!

Over 50 people of all ages came, including classmates at Wilson High School, friends, visitors from out of town, parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, volunteers and staff. A tasty grilled dinner and salad prepared by the youth was available as part of the entrance fee, along with lots of music, spoken word, and wholesome entertainment. There were even homemade cupcakes and TWISY tee shirts for sale at a modest price to raise funds for RYO. Watch the video below for to catch an impromptu drum circle.

Banquet Report 4/25/13

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:58:00 +0000

We had a wonderful evening at our Banquet of Blessing last Thursday! The atmosphere was alive with 270 guests filling our warmly decorated hall at the RIT Inn & Conference Center. From Karen Webster's greeting music, through a delicious dinner and time of fellowship, to engaging ministry reports, gifted music, and an anointed message given by our guest speaker, Melinda Delahoyde (see bio below with player link to hear her message), the evening was covered with prayer and blessing. Special thanks go out to all who have served and supported His Branches over the past year!

For a taste of the evening, click on John Allison's arrow above to start a sample of the music John and his band shared with us. Then, while the music is playing, click on the slideshow arrow to see an overview of our ministries. You can let the inner geek in you show by making it full screen and then, if you have a very fast Internet connection, going to the gear in the bottom margin and selecting an even better screen resolution. Enjoy!

Speaker Melinda Delahoyde

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +0000

A lifelong leader in the pregnancy center movement, Melinda Delahoyde was appointed President of Care Net in 2008. Melinda has worked with Care Net from its inception, serving in various roles both on staff and on the Board of Directors. She previously represented Care Net as Board Chair Emeritus after serving as Chairman of the Board from 2003-2006.

Melinda has been strategically involved in a host of non-profit organizations focused on life and bioethics issues. Before coming to Care Net, Melinda led the educational outreach for Americans United for Life. She originally joined Care Net to serve as the director of special projects before becoming a member of the Board of Directors.

Click the arrow in the player below to hear the message Melinda brought to our Banquet:

An accomplished writer, Melinda is author of Fighting for Life (Crossway Books, 1984), co-editor of Infanticide and the Handicapped Newborn (Brigham Young University Press, 1982), and contributing author to three additional books, including one with Christian philosopher Francis A. Schaeffer and another with top publisher Thomas Nelson. Her writings on life and bioethics have been published in a variety of publications and websites, including Christianity Today, Religion and Society Report, Moody Monthly, Christian Life, Outcomes, and WorldNetDaily.

Melinda is a sought-after spokesperson in the media on pregnancy centers and the emerging culture of life. She has been quoted widely by Associated Press, Christianity Today, TIME, WORLD, Gannett News, National Catholic Register, and Baptist Press and has appeared on CBN’s “700 Club,” Moody Radio’s “In the Market with Janet Parshall,” Salem Radio News, and Family News in Focus. She also was a featured panelist on the Annenberg Media Channel in a series on “Ethics in America.”

From her wealth of experience as a leader in the pro-life, non-profit arena, Melinda is well-respected among the broader faith-based community of organizations. In 2010, she was elected to the Board of Directors of Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

Melinda graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and received a Masters of Arts in Philosophy of Religion from Trinity Divinity School. Melinda and her husband are from Raleigh, North Carolina and have four children.

Police Appreciation Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:47:00 +0000

Nine Rochester Police Department officers assigned to the Westside were able to join us this morning for a Police Appreciation Breakfast hosted by the Arnett Block Association. Not only was the food varied and tasty, but the whole event was filled with gratitude for the men and women who serve our community so faithfully. After a time of feasting and sharing, several officers were dispatched to a call while the others were able to linger long enough to visit the Rochester Youth Outreach mural project down the hall. God bless you all!

Spring Grapevine

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:57:00 +0000

A Time of Growth

Our 4 branch ministries - Arnett Block Association, Embracing Options, His Branches Health Services, and Rochester Youth outreach - have been actively touching lives, thanks to the generous support of so many of you. From patient care to much needed activity for neighborhood youth and critical counseling in the area of life decisions, the staff and volunteers of HBI have been pouring their God-given passions into the work they do for their community. For a full report click here to read our Spring Newsletter, being sent to our local mailing list in print form this week.

ROC the Day on 12/12/12, doubled by our generous matching partners, has enabled us to completely update our aging computer network. Now we're looking forward to building our youth program, renovating out facility, partnering with others to make our neighborhood a safer place to live, and providing more medical and counseling services to people in need. Please consider supporting our upcoming Banquet of Blessing on April 25th at the RIT Inn and Conference Center. See post below for more information.