Mother Nature’s Moment - January/February 2022
by: Lesley Bruce Smith, ISA Certified Arborist

It has been a while since we have published our newsletter and I thought since we have undergone some staff changes it would be a good time to make some introductions. 

Corrine Laarveld, is our office support staff and customer service queen who has been with us for 7 years. The cheery and competent voice you often hear when you call the office is that of Cori. When she isn’t at work she is caring for her children, going to their sporting events, working on her new home or creating some new crochet or knitted masterpiece. When I asked her what is her favorite productivity hack, she was quick to respond that her Google Calendar is what keeps her organized and “mostly on time”. We are grateful for her upbeat attitude and detail oriented mastery of our customer management software. Her perfect day includes sunshine and happiness.

After many years of the competent and caring efforts of our office manager, Laurie Estes, we sadly bid her farewell last month as she has taken a position that allows her to better care for her family. Before she left she helped us find Alex Grela, office manager and tech genie. Alex is our new “right hand guy” who is doing his best to “modernize" our office and bring us into the 21st century.  SO far he is doing wonders and we hope you will see the results of some of his changes very soon! We are always open to your questions, comments and feedback. Alex is bi-lingual speaking both Polish and English. He enjoys hiking, skiing and creating in his kitchen. When I asked him what his favorite productivity hack was he told me  implementing the Eisenhower Matrix, which I had to ask him to explain. The diagram for it is in the illustration shown here. I LOVE it.  His perfect day is spent in nature meditating, breathing and getting lost in his thoughts. 

We are excited to be looking forward to the spring season with a new level of productivity and customer service. We are very grateful for your loyalty to caring for your trees on your corner of the earth.  

Last June we said tearful goodbyes to our sweet dog, Linden. She was a special friend as she was the one who accompanied me on my journey through my bicycle accident, and cancer diagnosis and treatment. She died the day before her 11th birthday of an aggressive form of breast cancer. Very sad.

Being the type of family that does better with a doggy in it we searched hard to find our newest family member.  Meet Rowan, my new sidekick, a Welsh Springer Spaniel. He is 8 months old now and we have survived the worst of the puppy stages.  You will most likely meet him as we do our rounds and especially if you ask to meet him. His name, Rowan, is the Welsh common name for the Mountain Ash Tree which is believed to be a harbinger of light and have powers to ward off evil and darkness. Looking at him here makes you think he is all sweetness, but all puppies are a challenge and this one was especially so. BUT he has won our hearts as he will yours if you ever get introduced.

Backyard Wisdom - What is Killing my Trees?

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