Old trees

Early evening, at 6pm, we had a meeting of the Garden Committee in our small Jackhammer park. The Rainwater Catchment Committee was also meeting on the other side of the little park.

The main reason I attended the Garden committee was addressing the exposed tree roots. There are two elm trees causing trip hazards. I, personally, avoid the park because it is difficult, at best, to navigate with a rolling walker. This is what I learned:

There are two types of elm here. One variety has a life span of 40-50 years. The other can live to 100. No one knew which type these were. There are three entrances to the park. The worst tree offender with roots is at the middle entrance. Options were discussed. The consensus was to close off the middle entrance and upgrade the other two with a durable gravel and clay mixture, new gates and posts. From there, the proposal goes to the Facilities committee, then to the Board of Directors. Depending on the choice and cost, it may then go to a Building ballot. Democracy is slow moving. What might expedite the process is Fall Open Studios. One performance group is planning to stage part of their show in Jackhammer park. This is open to the public and raises liability concerns. As well it should.

One of the ‘Rainwater’ people drifted over to the ‘Garden’ side. Claudia is a filmmaker and with a small collective is producing a documentary about the residents of Artaud. She asked me directly if I would be willing to be profiled for the project. I had some questions. When would they be shooting? Would it be scripted? The answer was Fall, October. And there would be a list of questions. So, I agreed. I also hoped that once they are organized, they give me prep time before their cameras roll. What I didn’t ask was among the residents, who else would be profiled? There are certainly many interesting people here. The filmmakers have lots to work with.

My ‘To-Do’ list: Send Connie the “Smart Ass” book by Margaret Winslow. Make an outline of what I’ve done, performance-wise since I’ve lived here for the October interview.