Kudos for an Association Level Walker

In a letter to the editor of the Foggy Bottom Current, Dave Mallof, a member of the Dupont Circle Citizens Association and the Federation of Citizens Associations of D.C., had high praise for John Barnett, one of the C&O Canal Association’s Level Walkers and Volunteers-in-the-Park (VIPs).  He happened to see John working by himself cleaning out the Tidewater Lock chamber next to Thompson’s Boathouse.  (See related article)  Below are excerpts from the letter:

“… I noticed a lone individual standing in the muck at the lock’s bottom hoisting the very large driftwood flotsam collected there.  Most of the weathered, water-soaked logs were quite large.  The man hurled them up 5 feet and out of the lock on to the grass forming a neat row --- many pieces seemed too heavy for one individual to handle.  He just kept going: hoisting and piling and hoisting some more.  …

I finally introduced myself, curious as to whether he was a volunteer or employee.  Either way, the man deserved a thanks!  He said he is an NPS volunteer and decided to get a jump on the cleaning that would occur to remove the smaller trash in the lock.

 …Well folks, my hat is off to Mr. Barnett in the name of total civic stewardship.  We all should be honored to have this tireless, selfless neighbor fostering the well being of the historic C&O Canal.  Thank You!”

To read the complete letter, see p. 18 of the Foggy Bottom Current for September 23, 2009.

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