So, what do John Edward Blaisdell, Richard T Jones and Nellie Parry Ward have in common?  They were all early settlers in the Valley and some of their descendants shoveled rock on Service Day 2024 together at the Co-op Triangle.  It was a beautiful autumn morning when volunteers all over the valley gathered at various sites to do some good and remind us that working together is what makes a community great.

We started with lots of energy and enthusiasm which quickly waned as our bodies let us know that we are, well, grandparents.  However, a few youngsters and strong guys joined our forces and as the morning wore on the mound of rock diminished and the landscaping around the trees and flower beds started looking like our answer to Tivoli Gardens.  

After an hour or so, we were more than happy to stop for Roxanne Waffle Cookies, cold water, and a chance to visit.  That’s when we decided to name the trees.  The Welsh name their homes so this seemed the right thing to do.  By default, which means we were doing the work, so we got to do the christenings and the mayor just happened to be with us, the two trees along the west wall and behind the Outhouse were named Henry Peck and Lucretia Peck.  They being the first to put down roots in the valley.  

Next, we started on the five trees dividing Pig Alley from the Triangle.  The tree closest to the Co-op is, of course, Winnifred (Gwen) Lloyd Roberts Evans, mother of the first D.L. Evans.  That made perfect sense since she brought the Evans bunch to the valley, and they did some very good work while they were here.  The remaining four trees had descendants shoveling rock, which just goes to show there is something good involved if you just show up.  Standing tall by Winnifred is John Edward Blaisdell, thanks to Dan and Kris.  Next, comes Nellie Parry Ward, grandmother of Mayor Joan and Helen Ravsten.  Right by Nellie is Richard T Jones, who entered the Valley in 1865 and is Ed and my great-great-grandfather.  The tree that takes Pig Alley to Bannock is Colen H. Sweeten.  He is the poet’s dad and Paula Hannah’s grandfather.  Each tree a reminder of strong, upstanding folk who helped to get things started in our area.  

So, in a few years when the shade from J.E., Richard T, Nellie P. and the other deciduous trees offer protection to your vehicles parked in the Triangle, take a minute and be grateful not only for the shade, but also the pioneers whose names they bear.  It might also be a good idea to wander out in your own yard and name a tree or two.  Life is Good when the ancestors are standing guard!