Excess furniture awaiting donation to local Thrift Store We completed moving items from the church property and had time to start on the parsonage while we still had a team of 7 volunteers. By month-end, that number was reduced to 4, and Dave had lined up another crew to continue the work. We had some time to do some work on other church projects as well. And we used our smoker quite a bit as well to share the results with our fellow volunteers.
Dave and Neal struggle close container door Containing it all
With the arrival of another container, we were able to collect the remaining items from the church and store them in it. But first we had to level it. After our best attempt at leveling, we had to struggle to close the left door. Once it was shut, we didn’t open it again.
With the arrival of another container, we were able to collect the remaining items from the church and store them in it. But first we had to level it. After our best attempt at leveling, we had to struggle to close the left door. Once it was shut, we didn’t open it again.
The crew celebrates briefly in clearing the garage. Our next stop was to empty the garage at the parsonage, which we were able to do before our extra help left. Knowing we wouldn’t be able to finish the house with the small crew that remained, Dave worked with Beyond 90 to continue the packing and moving. This was a win-win, since it gave some of their recent arrivals their first opportunity to work after just having been given working papers.
Meanwhile back at the church, we continued to sort and distribute excess equipment. What the church didn’t need was donated or recycled. We took 2 truckloads to the Public Library friends group. Medical equipment (walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, shower chairs, etc.) were taken to an organization that cleans and refurbishes them for redistribution. Outdated electronics were picked up by an organization that recycles them and uses the proceeds to support local charities. And more items were taken to metal recycling, the local foodbank, and Habitat Re-store. Beyond 90’s new responsibilities for newly-arrived refugees (under their First 90 organization), required the furnishing of apartments, so many items were donated to them as well.
Joe and Neal rescue the tractor One of the most challenging items that was retrieved was a golf cart and non-working tractor, abandoned to the elements several years ago. While the golf cart was dismantled and recycled, the tractor had residual value. It took a chain saw, pick axe, some shovels and a 2nd tractor to haul it out, but Joe and Neal were up to the task and managed to recover it.
Fred's handiwork made a more secure mount for the livestream camera And then there was the occasional drain repair, computer issue, trip to the DMV to get the church’s trailer re-titled and a wireless mike exchange. Fred also managed to build a nice mount for the livestream camera lifting it several feet higher to make a less-obstructed view of the sanctuary.
So the move continues at the parsonage, but we are feeling good about all that has been accomplished so far.
So the move continues at the parsonage, but we are feeling good about all that has been accomplished so far.
Joe and Carolina ready to head out Parting Ways
By month-end, Joe and Neal and Sue were scheduled to head out. We spent the week before they left smoking ribs, sausages, and brisket to serve at a goodbye dinner for them. Pastor Mike and his wife joined us for the send-off and we had a great meal together to celebrate the month’s accomplishments.
By month-end, Joe and Neal and Sue were scheduled to head out. We spent the week before they left smoking ribs, sausages, and brisket to serve at a goodbye dinner for them. Pastor Mike and his wife joined us for the send-off and we had a great meal together to celebrate the month’s accomplishments.
Smoked brisket for the farewell dinner
