Update from Pearlington Project Coordinator, Tom Dalessandri

Greetings Pearlington Fans

This is day four back in Pearlington. As usual, there is just not enough time to get done all that I need to do while I'm here. The latest is as follows:

Thur. - Met with the Dawsey's, their cousin Jesse Woods is doing their electrical and he is doing a great job. Johnny, Evelyn and Holly are helping out pulling wire (as is JL). They finished the porch we were working on from the last trip and it looks great. Johnny's hand is healing, although he can't move a couple fingers (skill saw accident). We purchase some additional building materials and they are doing well. With plumbing help, the sheetrock will be ready to go up anytime. Thur. nite, I attended the bi-weekly recovery meeting in the mess tent. Laurie, Larry R. Glen Locklin, Joe Keyes, and several other group representatives were present updating everyone on their progress and communicating cooperative information. It was a good meeting and things are progressing.

Fri. - I met with the Salvation Army as I previously applied for an equipment grant and was approved. We now have some power tools and building supplies to help us carry out our job more efficently. As always they are great folks. They also informed me that they approved the Everett Cook grant for building materials.

Sat. - I attended the memorial service for Raymond Diaz. The turnout was very good and Tim Goodnow came down from Atlanta as well as Jennifer Johnson. Tim spoke of Raymond with great heart and the service was up beat as everyone spoke of Raymond's open heart and spirit. Laurie and I met to further discuss the developments for Denise Swanson, Everett Cook and the Earle family. Work has already begun on the foundation for Denise Swanson thanks to Laurie and Larry.

After the service Tim Goodnow and I met to coordinate our teams on continued work. We hope to continue our work together sharing resources and teams.

I met with Sandra Merle to further our discussion on her home. My utmost priority is to get Sandra's house framed up by the end of the March trip. In order to do this, we will need help and coordination. We are way behind on her home and I'm feeling very anxious to get back on track. She remains upbeat and positive in her belief in me/us that we can make this happen...and we can!

Sun - Laurie and I visited Sandra again and on Monday, Laurie and I will review all of Sandra's previous documentation in hopes of getting her a building permit. Laurie feels pretty good about this, as do I.

Tim asked me to visit Russell Barnhardt regarding a tree that needs to come down. We will need another team of tree cutters for a growing number of standing dead and dangerous trees. Ron and I have already briefly discussed this and we will see how this will work in the not too distant future.

I leave for home early Wed. morning. Things are progressing and hope is high as we move toward spring.

Thanks again for everyone's support.

Tom