Volunteer Meghan Shackford helps build a grassy knoll, construction of a new depot and temporary workshop; rock-crusher in operation.
When we are between large seismic reconstruction projects, we have the opportunity to work on smaller "beautification projects.” Our most recent endeavor is a raised flower bed and eventually a grass covered knoll for the playground area. The knoll will be a nice addition to the already "happy" space on campus. Kids like to go up and down. I predict that the enticing elevation will be much visited by the children in the early development program.
The brick wall of the flower bed conceals the burying of non-recyclables, such as broken glasses, and the planter itself allows for large use of compost. It will also be a beautiful aesthetic once it is planted. We can’t wait for that! It is always wonderful when we are able to bring together and support several of our ongoing environmental efforts at once.
Pictured with the team working on the project is our newest Volunteer, Meghan Shackford. Meghan is the daughter of Steve and Ellen Shackford who have been strong supporters of THP in recent years. I first met Dr. Shackford when he came as part of a medical team shortly after the earthquake. I met Ellen when the family hosted me on a preaching weekend at their parish. With a Biology and Spanish background, Meghan is providing Spanish conversation classes as well as working with the students who translate for the Chilean doctors to improve their Spanish medical terminology. She is also offering additional support to the work hour and soccer programs.
The Rock-Crusher serves both as a rubble reducer and a "you will have arms like Lebron James" exercise machine. We like to put the basketball team on this machine whenever possible. On a more serious note, we are very proud that we are reclaiming all of the material from the seismic reconstruction process. Rubble is an environmental nuisance – or worse – when dumped randomly on the ground. We are fortunate to have the energy and commitment of our students to do the right thing with our debris.
We are also preparing for the next big seismic renovation. This will include replacing walls which are part of the current maintenance workshop. To be able to move the tools and also to solve a logistic issue created by a classroom backing up to a boys' bathroom [I will take the blame for that mistake!], we are creating a new "depot" by inserting a wall in the auditorium space. Nobody liked being inside for play performances anyway.
