Early in the week the forecast was for serious "pineapple express" rains on Saturday, the day of our Association's Annual Tree Sale in St. Helens. As the weekend approached the prediction was dire but somewhat promising. Considering what could have been, the weather cooperated again, and only a few light showers fell during the hours of the sale. However, later in the day after clean-up, the rain came down with authority!

Once again, over 40 volunteers appeared at about 6:30 in the morning to help with the displays, canopies, tables, and seedlings. The volunteers are remarkably experienced and energetic so very little direction is necessary throughout the set up. What other organization has such loyal and supportive volunteers, one could ask? Not many, if any, of course!

One of our customers who read that part of the proceeds would be used to fund the CCSWA Fifth Grade Educational Program, donated $49.00. Such a generous contribution is always welcome and appreciated.

The sale produced revenues well above the nine year average and more than 220 customer orders were processed; although, some buyers returned later in the day to purchase additional seedlings. Port Orford cedar and American yellowwood were among the first to disappear and then eucalyptus and Nordman fir. For the first time, Chinese dogwood remained at the end.

The faithful volunteers included: Fred and Ted Bergerson, Steve Wikert, Jim and Kathy Rinck, Scott and Sue Russell, Dan Kloppman, Marty and Nancy Clark, William Crist, Steve Thomas, Lyle Wiscarson, Jeff Van Natta, Bruce and David Wallace, Bill and Lydia Stennick, John Richardson, Dennis Nelson, John Scott, Bob Rauch, Rod, Sandy, Todd, and Christine Nastrom, Lynn Nichols, Paul, Judy, and Kyle Nys, Don Reynolds, Roy Jobin, Andy Riggs, Chal Landgren, Alan Johnston, Alan Bozarth, Eric Bauder, Victor Schiro, Ray Biggs, Doug Anderson, Amanda Hanson, and Jeanne Runyon. (Sorry if we missed anyone!) THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU