Women In Community Service Inc.

February 2001 Neighbors Team Up and Get Busy

Mar 13, 2001

Gerald and Dora Swan, along with their daughters Mary and Jeri would like to thank all those neighbors who helped make their new porch
possible. BUT, WE WANT TO SAY ... THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU, GERALD, DORA, MARY AND JERI FOR LETTING US BE OF SERVICE TO YOU!
The Swan family has been wanting to build a place where they can sit outside with their father who is disabled, and enjoy the coming good weather. After purchasing all the material, the only thing they needed was the crew with the tools, and the time and expertise to complete the job.
Jimmy Ames and Bobby Knight started early on a cool Saturday morning, measuring and marking off the dimensions for the 8?’x16?’ porch which would sport a rail, two step-downs and a ramp to
accommodate Gerald?’s buggy. David McCormick, his grandson David and soon after, Tony Quartapella, quickly got to work placing and leveling the
foundation blocks. James Dee and Kendell arrived and by that time the jackets were coming off and the porch was beginning to take shape.
Mary Swan and Ruthie Ames put on their gloves and started bringing out more building materials and lumber (and of course, making sure that the men were doing it right). The saw screamed as it ripped through the 2?”x4?”s and the
compressor spit and hissed as the nails and screws drew up the boards and made a sturdy platform. Dora Swan was a wonderful hostess,
making sure that we had everything we needed, from coffee to gloves. Ruby Knight, a longtime family friend of the Swans, visited inside with the family as Jim and Mary Bullard arrived, followed by Joyce Noorine who brought a gallon of
weatherproofing and paintbrushes.
As noon approached, the aroma of a big, juicy turkey baking in the Swan kitchen, began making it?’s way outside and thoughts of a great meal soon took everyone?’s mind off the porch and on to their stomachs. Dora had prepared what she called a ?‘Thanksgiving Meal?’, in appreciation for the love and concern that had prompted her neighbors to strap on their tool belts and get her porch built. We ate, and ate ... there was mouth watering turkey, plenty of gravy to pour all over the dressing and mashed potatoes. Greenbeans and green salad were the perfect sides to this feast, and to top it all off - pineapple upside down cake! We washed it down with a cold glass of Ruby Knight?’s special tea, and shared some good conversation while getting to know each other just a little bit better.
As the porch began to take it?’s final form, Tony started pouring the concrete landing at the end of the ramp. We moved a few things around, set some stepping stones and re-set the porch steps. It was almost done. Kendell Dee took on the
job of picking up the drops of wood and before you know it - it was done!
What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday! Thank you again to the Swan family for letting us be a part of your family. :-) WICS/RA