The tree removal this past Saturday July 19 went very well.  The members of the PWG were supported by eight parishioners who came as early as 6 a.m. to help us clear the park for Carroll Tree Service, Inc., who came with a crew of twelve, plus heavy equipment including cranes, chippers, and stump grinders. The residents of the park were respectful and easy to work with and assisted in clearing the park. 15 dead trees were removed, and the remaining trees were cleared of dead branches.  

The cost to remove the trees was about $3,000, about half the price that Carroll normally charges for a project of this size.  Payment is split between the church budget for maintenance of church property, and the PWG fund, which parishioners are supporting.

Park residents reentered the park at 3 p.m., signed in for identification purposes, and were issued one storage bin for personal items.  Pool-type folding chairs were given to those residents who were sleeping on mattresses or the ground.  Rules have been established that personal effects must be limited to the bin provided, no furniture or mattresses are allowed, and of course no illegal activities are permitted. The day ended with a park assembly attended by Fr. Lawrence, who quoted from Ps. 127, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” He reiterated the need for mutual cooperation, and extended an invitation to attend mass with our congregation and join us for coffee, donuts and fellowship on Sunday morning.  The assembly ended with the Lord’s Prayer, and a blessing. The next park residents' assembly is scheduled for Wednesday July 30.

Many thanks to parishioners Kevin Daly, Mike Dunevant, Kevin O'Reilly, Joe Cronyn, Kathy Brown, Mary Packard, John Helie, and Jerome Bird for their work. Also thanks to parishioner-in-PA, Jim Kunz, who made the original contact with the great guys at Carroll Tree Service for us.