
Divesh Valanju from Naples, foreground, and David Coyle clean up debris.
I was surprised how deftly the humungous claw was handled by the man sitting in the operator’s chair and how helpful his partner was. Not only did he inspect the piles to determine whether they were all appropriate horticulture, he pointed out wires that could interfere with the long arm of the claw, consolidated errant branches for easier pickup and helped to rake up the smaller particles, like leaves, that were impossible for the claw to snag. In fact, the claw operator jumped down and raked along with him and also cleaned up the street. He explained to me that anything in bags will not be picked up by them, by law. (I suppose there could be anything in those bags, first of all, and second, who’d want to open them and see what jumped out! Recall my article about Ratty?)

The “Before;” Sandy Bressler stands in front of the “biggest pile seen yet,” the crew announces.

After 6 PM, David Coyle from Arizona operates the big claw from his perch on top of the truck. Photos by Jory Westberry
There are so many remarkable people amongst us on Isles of Capri, Marco Island and beyond that go quietly about helping others with no expectation of reward or recognition; really, it brings tears to your eyes. Some of them have already been recognized in previous articles written by others, but I want to recognize the kindness of these people, generous souls, that went above and beyond their own challenges and to assist others with theirs.

Bob Cox, Lucia Jenkins, Bill Zwicker, Scott Schnappauf, and Jess Tucker helped remove outside debris and inside damage and “heave ho” it onto the growing pile of dump-destined refuse.
Lunch, dinners and TLC emissaries included Katie Maya, Molly Skudnig, Dan Dupuis, Debbie Cooper and Pelican Bend, Jeanne Nealon, Nancy Brisson, Jill and Tom Dizio, Lisa Braren, John and Nancy Kramer, Sue and Larry Barcellino, Karen and John Driscoll, Linda Hauerwas, and Jan and Ron Tarrantino.
Thanks to Wayne Price, the Kramers, Claudia Bruni, Sue and Dennis Clark, Dan Dupuis, George and Renee Wilson, Jerry and Julie Nelson, Sandy and Sam Bressler, Diane Duffy, Beth Keyes and Helen McCullough for your offers of places to stay, short or long term, or making storage challenges possible.
When you’re a “deer in the headlights” after your house is condemned, advice and inquiries about your status are appreciated (so don’t think you’re meddling). Thank you for your calls and emails; Tom and Lori Wagor, Nancy Shea, Diane Mayberry-Hatt, Robin Pecolar, Linda Sandlin, Pat Rutledge, BJ Henning, Austin Bell, Rosemary Langawal, Jerry and Julie Nelson, Kathleen Lawler, Nerina Martinez, Mabel Pena, Dave Rush, Architect Donald Smith in Santa Barbara, Donna Condee, Adys McDuffie, MaryBeth Schneller, Gary Bates, Nadine O’Donnell, Joanne and Bill Hammond and many more. Donations and cards assisted us mightily, thanks to Karen and John Driscoll, Ruth and Gary Neely, Sharon and Plato Karafelis for their generosity.
And that’s what love has to do with it.
Jory Westberry has been a dedicated educator for over 40 years, the last 14 as Principal of Tommie Barfield Elementary, where she left her heart. Life is rich with things to learn, ponder and enjoy so let’s get on with the journey together!
Leave a Reply