Hollywood, MD: Day 2 Reflection by Kirk Jackson
Day 2 on Whiskey Creek Road in Hollywood, MD was more of the same – cut, clear, sharpen, repeat. TR members were able to help clear two more driveways and remove another five compromised trees that neighbors had labeled as “precarious”, a word that seemed to be used often to describe the situation in our two days there.As the morning turned into afternoon, it was apparent that we had bridged the gap. Neighbors, content on the progressed condition of their property, were now walking down the street to help others. It was about time for us to hit the road for the long drive ahead, but not before setting up a saw chain sharpening station. As we made our way up the street to begin organizing and loading our gear, we told everyone we saw to bring by their chains for a good sharpening. The offer was accepted as TR volunteer Thomas Hudson parked himself on top of the generator and sharpened upwards of 15 chains as they were dropped off. It is only fair to note that a few beers were dropped off as well, a gesture that TR members are always highly appreciative of at the end of a hot day. One final driveway belonging to a young man named Ben still needed clearing. We had worked on it the previous day, and with half of the 30 large trees still blocking his long driveway, it pained us to have to leave. But no sooner had we dropped in when neighbors like Jimmy and Glenn, whom we had come to know over the last two days, walked up with sharpened chainsaws in hand. Other neighbors and family members trickled into the driveway to help out or watch the community effort as the sun began to lower behind the lucky surviving trees. We thanked the residents of Whiskey Creek Road for the opportunity to help, then loaded up and drove off to the beautiful sounds of a “chainsaw symphony” in what truly felt like a Hollywood ending.Swell music.
Roll credits.
Roll credits.
UPDATE: Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley paid a visit to the residents of Whiskey Creek Road this morning to survey the damage. According to TheBaynet.com a coordinated cleanup effort is in the works in addition to funds from the county’s reserve to aid in the costs.
Your team rocks.
Looks like they need some Chain Saw Safety Training.
Your team does rock. I cannot thank you for all the work you did on our street. It is a little street and who would of thought that these wonderful people would come to our street to help us. You came to us with no media, no fanfare, just chain saws and helping hands. You gave people who were still stunned and shocked from something that had happened that was beyond their control a new sense of hope and the strength to go on. Way to go. We love Team Rubicon here on Whiskey Creek Road in Hollywood, MD.
Oops that was me that left the comment above.