‘Power Crew’ Helps Neighbors in Albany

A band of brothers called the Monticello Power Crew answered the call for help from our neighbors in the Albany area recently.

They are composed of men and women from the Monticello Presbyterian Church, Lighthouse Mennonite Church, Hopewell Presbyterian Church of Carnesville, Ga, and Faith Presbyterian Church of Blue Ridge, Ga. They gathered a treasure trove of chainsaws and a sturdy bobcat to remove fallen trees and debris.

On touring the area the group saw first-hand just how widespread and significant the damage is. Almost every home has a blue tarp covering all or part of the roof. Many pine trees are down looking like life sized pick-up sticks game pieces. Pecan trees have not fared better, lying with their huge roots sticking up into the air in gnarly knots.

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On this first trip the Crew was there a day and a half. They were assigned to clean up the yard of Grace Adkins, a well-known teacher in El Model, GA.

Ms. Adkins is 89 years old and began teaching when Harry Truman was President. She still rides her stationary bike 10 miles a day with the instructions that she is to slow down a bit and stop racing! She has been a pioneer in successfully teaching students with learning challenges and continues to teach even now.

She says her motto is, “Every child is a winner and my mission is to help every child be a winner.”

Members of the Monticello Power Crew include: Paul Campbell, Walt Harrell, Jim McBath, Sam McCowan, Dr. Jamie Mitchell, Adam and Mary McGinnis, Pastor Kathi Parchem, Jim Reich, Ken Sanvidge, Ron Smith, Anthony Strite, and Paul White. Greg and Shawn Holder provided food support.

The Monticello Power Crew plans to return to help others and next time with many more members.