Care Force Chronicle- Richmond, VA

Volunteers built and stained
five picnic tables

By Phillip St. Clair

Partner: CSX
Volunteers: 107 volunteers
Service Partner: The City of Richmond
When: September 21-25, 2010

TCF: Emily Kean, Aundrea Dean, Dylan Morrill, Phillip St. Clair

There are events that happen on every trip that make them unique and special. But for me, Phillip St. Clair, this trip to Richmond ,VA, was one of the greats. From the very start, I could see our three days of prep were going to be interesting. We were going to be planting a lot of trees, which we had done on trips before, but this time we were working with a local arborist and Bobcat drivers. As soon as we set foot in Gillies Creek Park, the service site, I was approached by a very energetic arborist who immediately handed me a map and started telling me where each tree should go. This would have been fine, except I realized that he should have been giving the information to our project manager, Huw McDonald, and I did not have the heart to stop him as he spoke. He continued on and on until Huw came to the rescue and joined the conversation. With information now passing to the right person, we were able to figure out where each tree should be planted.

CSX Volunteers worked
together  to plant a total
of 80 trees around
Gillies Creek Park.

Richmond had been experiencing a long drought, however, making it extremely difficult to dig the holes into the dry, rock hard ground. Fortunately, we had two Bobcat tractors to help us pre-dig the holes and even move the 50+ pound trees. Aundrea Dean quickly saw an opportunity she could not pass up. Exhibiting an unheard of level of confidence and determination, she walked right up to the driver and said, “Umm, excuse me, but that guy over there told me I could drive the Bobcat.” There was no hint of joking in her voice or her body language and the driver simply got up out of his seat and let her take over the reins, no questions asked. After a few moments, Huw joined us, wondering why we seemed so enthralled with the Bobcat. He did a quick count of the group and almost hit the floor as he slowly realized our very own Aundrea Dean was rumbling down the field in a Bobcat. She had a great time, moved some trees and can now add “operates heavy machinery” to her resume.

After work, we were lucky enough to have some free time in Richmond to explore the city. A friend of mine even took the team out swimming in the James River, which runs right through the heart of Richmond. We were able to relax, take in the scenic beauty and the pleasure of good company. 

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Program Manager
Ken Wakwe
alongside his team of
CSX employees.

Event day we arrived bright and early on Saturday and set up for the approaching service. Opening ceremony ran smoothly and after transporting several groups of volunteers to different projects around the park, we got to work. CSX employees worked alongside community members and everyone worked hard throughout the day. The group of volunteers I worked with truly connected with improving the welcome signs and planting trees to give the park some continuity. The day flew by and the trees were planted without any problems, thanks to the Bobcat and our enthusiastic volunteers. After an eventful prep week and a great service day, I can safely say the team and I had an amazing time in Richmond. I am fully committed to going back to visit my friends and will be sure to swing by Gillies Creek Park.