Sawdust and diesel – at times blood, sweat, and tears of Gravatt.

As Director of Facilities and Environmental Stewardship I get to see it all. I am grateful to work with Jason Hadden who serves as Assistant Director of Facilities.

As caretakers of Gravatt, we must be a “Jack of all trades.” We often work behind the scenes. You may see us cruising by in a pickup truck or tractor, or on the grounds with a trusty shovel in hand.

In conversations we use words like dual check valve, carburetor, or multi meter and always have a screwdriver and tape measure close by.  Please excuse our muddy boots or sweaty hats.

We see all the beauty of Gravatt. We feel the seasons change – the hot sun, the pouring rain, the breeze, the leaves changing, and once we are pretty sure we might have seen something that looked like a snowflake.

A day spent with us could include splitting firewood, or a prescribed fire, landscaping, changing light bulbs, managing our water systems, or carpentry work, changing the oil in tractor, and (too often) taking apart the old Hobart at camp.

There is always excitement for new projects and building for Gravatt’s future.

At times we are presented with challenges that, at first glance, seem nearly impossible, but we have found that the learning process and overcoming these obstacles provides some excitement and motivates us daily to “attempt the impossible” (Dr. Noid).

We take great pride in knowing that all of our work, while at times can be hot, dirty, and with bad smells, has a direct impact on the guests who visit Gravatt. It is an honor to serve as caretakers of this place, to follow in the footsteps of Roy Stewart, to carry on the tradition of serving Gravatt by caring for this place.

All in a day’s work.

Shalom,
Thomas Coleman