Despite seven inches of snow on the mountain, Pohickians prevailed at the Shrine Mont Work Weekend, held March 16 - 18. There were many brave hearts in attendance that navigated the rain, snow, and sleet to accomplish God’s work. A very large “THANKS” is in order. Although 105 had signed up from around Virginia, only 65 actually showed up to work. The 22 volunteers from Pohick made up 33% of the total volunteers from Virginia.

The snow was beautiful on Friday evening and early Saturday morning. Twenty Virginians worked on landscaping projects, which included cleaning the Orkney Springs Pond, clearing ditches, and planting spring annuals. The largest project was construction of a 200 foot suspension bridge across swamp land leading to some of the camp sites. This project was led by the Lafoon family from Richmond, and was completed by 10 folks in 1½ days. John Pasour and the Bland boys were on the all volunteer crew. Tommy Franks, Terry Mullins, and Shawn Hartig checked the smoke detectors, and replaced worn out hardware on the doors in every building. Alan Mayberry participated on the Survey Crew to mark the Shrine Mont property line, which was a relatively dangerous undertaking with all the snow. Tom Mayberry worked on a crew that constructed 18 new Adirondack chairs. Judy Schmid, Pia Mullins, Debbie Pasour, and Karen Franks worked on setting up the new bookstore in the Commonwealth Room underneath the Hotel Dining Hall. New ceiling fans were installed in most houses, which will be appreciated at the Pohick retreat in June.

The food was first class, and fortunately, the dining room is still controlled by the Moomaw family with Kevin assuming control. Thelma was still fully visible in the kitchen preparing her homemade doughnuts. The Saturday night barbeque chicken dinner was with the Orkney Springs Fire Department.

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