Deaf ESL Students - Gallaudet University

PHOTO: FRANK TURK
elevated loft with access ladders,
wooden pegs for hanging backpacks
or airing clothes, and a wooden cabinet
with a carved sunset that houses
the trail log for visitors. Outside the
shelter, the volunteers built a sturdy
stone campfire pit, a stone retaining
wall with a seat at one end, a sheltered
bench along one outside wall, a
picnic table, and—perhaps best of
all—a brand new privy a short distance
down the hill.
At the ceremony, volunteers stood
in front of the new shelter and shared
their enthusiasm for what they created
together. Graf praised the work of the
volunteers and Turk’s leadership.
“Frank’s enthusiasm was infectious,” he
said. “You can tell he’s in love with
what he’s doing. Hikers will appreciate
this shelter for a long time to come.”
“Our son would have been proud of
what you have created here,” said
Cowall. The shelter now bears a wooden
plaque with his son’s name on it. ●
Trail Angels
As the project took shape, many donors contributed essential
materials or services. In addition to over 200 volunteers who gave
their time, talent, and energy, the following “trail angels” made the
shelter possible:
• The Cowall Family donated construction funds.
• The Appalachian Trail Conference awarded two outreach grants
to MSSD.
• Volunteers from the Sierra Club, the Deaf Education Unit at
Western Maryland College, and the Potomac Appalachian Trail
Chapter worked long and hard.
• Wallace Johnson, a southern Maryland logger and son of deaf
parents, donated and transported a truckload of loblolly pines to
build the shelter.
• The Potomac Appalachian Trail Chapter provided tools.
• K.W. Miller moved the structure to its current location, bringing
in heavy earth-moving equipment and a work crew of seven men
to help lay a temporary road to the site.
• Bob Orndoff loaned his tractor.
• Charlie Graf offered endless advice about the trail and technical
aspects of building and loaned tools from home.
• Bruce Clendaniel ordered and delivered metal roofing materials.
• Boy Scout Troop #1249, led by Eagle Scout aspirant Daniel Turk,
built and assembled the privy.
• Gallaudet University’s Physical Plant Department loaned a
cement mixer and 50-gallon water tanks.
• Steven Doleac and MSSD students made the iron scribe and log
dogs.
• The Appalachian Trail Conference’s Grants-In-Outreach provided
transportation to the sites for the students from grant money.
• Reggie King and MSSD students silk-screened T-shirts for all the
volunteers.
ABOVE: MSSD graduate Ethan Artis removes
a tree stump to prepare for the shelter’s
foundation.
44 Spring 2000