Eagle Scout Projects and Volunteers

As promised, the Jimster and I helped a bit with bagging up seedlings in preparation for the Children's Activity Day scheduled for today at the Museum. With the emphasis on "a bit" since the folks were nearly done by the time we arrived. There were way more volunteers than I had expected. Dottie Mann (that is her on the left in a yellow sweater) did a super job mobilizing folks to come out and support the community. Dottie is the Clarksville City Tree Board Chairman. She and her husband, Jim, perform ALOT of community work and we all benefit from their efforts.

Pictured to the right of Dottie is Ginger. Ginger is a faithful reader and commenter on this blog. My commenters will be pleased to finally get a picture of her. Ginger is another very dedicated volunteer and gives tremendously to our community. She works with the Humane Society in helping to save pets. What a great job and service all these folks do for the community and our world. We truly need more caring people like her. Ginger is originally from California near the ocean;which she misses so much! Clarksville is a small world. Ginger and my best friend Gerianne know one another, as Geri fosters dogs for the Humane Society. Ginger told me she never would've known Geri was such a big gardener, which Geri agreed with since she thinks her garden is not established. Geri is very modest, her garden is beautiful but you really have to go into the backyard to get the full effect of her efforts. I was glad to meet Ginger and surprised we had a common friend already.

In keeping with the volunteer tradition, let's talk about some very helpful young men. Pictured in the second picture are: Nick, Zavier, and Matt. I had the pleasure of meeting these young men last year when I helped T.C. Loughery, Montgomery County Extension Agent, with the Tree 4-H club. These guys competed in a tree competition (along with other motivated students-and let's not forget the dedicated parents) at the state level. Both the junior and senior groups placed well and Clarksville should be proud of them.

I did not know this, but Matt, working in conjunction with the Tree Board, Dottie, Tracey Jackson, and Mrs. Kennedy (Principal at Barkers Mill Elementary School) designed a tree planting plan for Barkers Elementary. The plan is a project to help Matt on his way to achieving the prestigious "Eagle Scout" rank in the Boy Scouts. I know his mom is proud. Matt and Nick are brothers. The trees he chose will be planted according to his design at the March 15th Arbor Day Festivities in Clarksville. I know there will be an article in the paper about the event, but just had to mention the event here as well.

Finally, I had to conclude this post with a picture of an adorable little girl. Madison is the five year old daughter of Amy. Amy is currently attending the Tree Steward Classes offered by the Extension office. I met Amy at this past Tuesday night's class when I had the pleasure of teaching there. She told me about the soil at her home and how it has taken her 10 years to finally get it to a good spot-with earthworms and all! With her can do attitude and motivation, it is a sure bet Madison will follow in her footsteps and work to protect the environment and our community.

It is unfortunate, but the children's Arbor Day activities scheduled for today have been cancelled due to the weather. I am sure there will be a make up day or at a least a seedling give a way at some point. Everyone please stay safe.

in the garden....enjoying the lovely snow.