A Gift for Gerry

Many of you know Gerry.  He is a 98 year old neighbour and a friend of the students in our class. He created the garden just north of the school. About 15 years ago he began by ripping out invasive blackberry bushes, ivy, etc. in a small patch and replacing these with pretty flowers. Over time his garden patch grew (in size and beauty), and people in the community became involved by donating plants, soil, tools, and labour.  The garden continues to grow and is now enjoyed by dog walkers, bicyclists, and even horseback riders.  Gerry continues to work in the garden when his health allows.  He is loved by the community.

Each year the students of Brooksbank create ornaments to hang on one of the lovely pines in the garden.  For the last few years, Gerry has asked me if it could be possible to have lights on the tree.  The problem - no outside electric outlet to plug them into.  Last year, with Mr. Kelly's approval, a work order was submitted.  We were told, "No," it was impossible to have an outside electric outlet.  Valid reasons were given.

So this year, I asked the students to help and they did!  Besides providing ingenious ideas involving solar power and projection from the classroom, they wrote heartfelt persuasive letters to the mayors of both the district and city of North Vancouver, to BC Hydro executives, and to Luke Smeaton, Manager of Sustainability, Energy & Environmental Planning and to James Bell, the head of electrical maintenance for the North Vancouver School District.  The students also measured the distance to the Loutet Farm because the farmers there said we could plug in a power chord to their outside outlet.  Unfortunately, we learned this would not meet electric code requirements.  

The response was encouraging!  We received an email from the District of North Vancouver, a letter from the mayor of North Vancouver City, and return phone calls from BC Hydro.  All were touched by the students' thoughtful letters and their compassion for Gerry.  All organizations wanted  to help but noted the difficulties involved.  It is unclear who has jurisdiction due to the location of the garden (parts are on school property, in the city, in the district, and on BC Hydro right of way).  And of course there are safety, electrical code, and liability considerations.  Luke Smeaton and James Bell were determined to help, and they found a way.  On Friday, an outdoor electric outlet was installed above our classroom door by Trevor Hostyn, a NVSD electrician.  

Gerry is thrilled with his gift and there are festive lights in the garden!