Volunteers of the month for July – Our Grounds Crew

Our Grounds Crew: Bobby Freeman, Andy and Valerie Turner, Eric Cooks, Debe Crocker, and Ron Buta
If a tree falls in the woods…
Suppose the UUCT grass were cut, but no one came; would it still look good? Or the parking lot islands trimmed and cleaned up; would passersby notice? Or the azaleas pruned….
We owe special thanks to several folks who have been keeping our grounds in shape. Even though we haven’t been there to ooh and aah on Sunday mornings, our spies have been oohing and aahing on our behalf.
The crew chief is Bobby Freeman. You know, Isabella’s granddad. Bobby is a quiet, solid presence in our midst. His steady hand as grounds leader is paired with his talent for all things green. Sharon Freeman says “Anything at our house that is growing is because of him! He has a green thumb having been raised on a farm.”
Bobby has also been joined by other troopers, Andy and Valerie Turner, Eric Cooks, Deb Crocker, and Ron Buta—mowing, pruning, cleaning up, etc.
Andy and Valerie are new to Tuscaloosa. They moved here to be close to their daughter’s family (Holly, Joe, and Henry). Retirement has been fun. Valerie enjoys making beaded necklaces to sell at the Farmer’s Market, puzzling, word searches, and baking. Andy likes to putter around the yard, tend the community garden he shares with Holly, hike and fish. They both enjoy Alabama Football games and Gymnastics meets (when available), day trips to see new places, and working on house projects.
Eric’s contributions have been many over time. Communications, Ministry, Stewardship, to name a few. As a busy doctoral student just now finishing, he nevertheless makes time for UUCT and has a soothing presence, for which we all are grateful. Oh yes, he’s Isabella’s dad.
Deb and Ron have been UUCT mainstays for a long time. Deb is a perennial leader, and Ron frequently shares his love of the skies with us. These are multi-talented folks who always pitch in. But for now, we recognize their put-on-your-gloves, get-down-in-the-flowerbeds contributions.
Thanks to all of you.