Peter Woodbury School Builds Big!

The Boston Big Dig has nothin’ on Peter Woodbury School. After months of fundraising, planning, and planning some more, it was ready. The two donated pallets of cement, the cement mixer, the excavation, even after the sketchy offloading of the equipment itself, we were ready! Rain, wind, nor scorching sun would deter the schoolyard big build. So, in spite of a torrential down pour and water up to their knees on Friday, the team donned their slickers and waded out onto the bark mulch to size-up the area where the new equipment was to be installed. “Okay. Where is the project binder?” the contracted installation supervisor asked. “Binder? Who knew there was a binder?” we replied. So, back out to look for the instruction manual buried, of course, in the middle of the oversized equipment crate. It was a harrowing rescue! Mrs. Beltramo precariously teetered on the edge of the crate….reaching down as far as she could….Mrs. Daley holding onto her dangling feet for dear life…Success! One wet, soggy, project binder rescued. Now, the project was about to begin.

Saturday the sun came out and we were joined by the “dream team” from Lowe’s Bedford. These four local heroes arrived like the cavalry, pulling up in their pickups at 8:00 am. By noon, the first deck was cemented in and a swing set in position. The weekend assembly crew worked diligently through scorching sun stopping briefly for a lovely lunch provided by Amato’s. Curious onlookers would occasionally drive up to view the construction. Some walked the newly installed perimeter path.

All gave their nods of approval. It was beginning to take shape. By the end of the day, the second swing set had been assembled and multiple decks attached to the structure.

Sunday brought a respite from the sun with a much needed cloud cover. Again, the Lowe’s crew joined us, muscling on the twisty slide, setting 13’ posts, adding gates, trapeze rings and the like. The second swing set was cemented in and the second hex deck started! A stone ring was built to encircle the dedication tree. The teeter totter was installed. A delicious lunch from Karen’s Kitchen gave the needed energy to sustain the afternoon. Then, all too soon, the day was over. And……. we were not yet finished!!! Sadly, Friday’s rain prevented the big equipment completion. We would ask your cooperation in staying off the equipment until the “all clear” is given.

This weekend (Aug 8-9) brings sunny cool days (hopefully) and much to do. The Lowe’s local heroes will join us again to work on the gardens and finish up the big equipment. This is our Horticultural Garden Marathon Weekend. All hands, rakes and shovels will be needed. In addition to building the 25 raised beds and filling them with loam donated by JGE, Enterprises, we will have a crew building the Garden Cottage under the direction of Greg Rehm of Liberty Hill Construction in Bedford. Large trees, delivered Friday, will be planted on Saturday by David DeJohn, a professional landscaper and designer of the asymmetrical Garden Cottage. These trees, from Millican’s Nurseries, will be a foundation for the plantings to come. Our aspirations for the weekend include digging and placing the fence posts for the garden fence and installing the lattice on the bottom of the gazebo.

We appreciate any adults and/or teenagers who might lend a hand this coming weekend. Due to power tools, holes and large equipment, it is not yet a safe zone for the kids. Even if just for an hour or two, your help will provide needed relief for those who have been working these last two weekends. The day starts at 7:30 am and runs until we just can’t do it anymore.

Save the date: PWS Shrub-a-thon will be September 20, 2009.
The PWS Community School Yard will be ready to be “decorated” with beautiful shrubs and trees. This day is all about COMMUNITY. Join us for our shrub-a-thon and sponsor a shrub for the planting. By choosing a plant category, you can reserve your tree or shrub for planting on September 20. The vegetation that will be available for purchase has been carefully selected to encourage wildlife, be sustainable, and is native to NH. By joining in this fun day of shrubbing, you and your family will leave a living legacy that beautifies the school yard, provides wildlife habitat and engages all us in our natural world. More information will be coming soon.