By: Rich Bergeron
The Dead Wood Society grew out of a concept to take nature's bounty and turn it into a profitable enterprise that could sustain the operation and also benefit those in dire need of heat. New Hampshire winters can be unforgiving, and the best seasoned wood is getting more expensive and hard to find. As economic times in our country become more troubling, people need more help, and we were happy to lend a hand this year.
Our first trip to deliver free wood took us from Bethlehem to Albany in one of the worst snow storms the state experienced so far this season. No, we didn't go to Israel and New York. Those are actual northern New Hampshire towns, though we don't usually deliver wood that far for paying customers. We took the trip during the week of Thanksgiving, reaching half our goal of delivering two free cords worth of hardwood between Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2012.
Nick (below in green shirt) and I first took a full load of seasoned hard wood to Bethlehem in the driving snow for a small family there. The storm brought the first serious snowfall of the year, and towing a full trailer so many miles up the highway in that mess was no fun. Thankfully, the weather would later clear and give us a sunny and warm delivery day.
We cut up and split another dead tree for the first family we delivered to. Elliot (not pictured) and Melissa (far left) are parents to two wonderful daughters Brooklyn (left) and Samantha (right). Both parents juggle tough jobs in the area with raising their children and keeping up with all the expenses. They will all definitely be nice and warm this holiday season.
Next we took the scenic route to Albany with our remaining half a cord of hard wood. There we met Leon (at left below) at his small trailer where he lives with his 17-year-old son and an American Bulldog (middle below). Leon's heating assistance payment doesn't kick in until January 1st, and he is on Social Security Disability. He's been dealing with some major health issues, and this wood was crucial for him to get through a cold and wet November and December. That's me on the far right.
Since our first trip north we distributed the rest of our donations closer to home. One half cord went to Sandy, a struggling grandmother from Northfield. Another went to Dale and his wife Cindy from Franklin, who couldn't afford to get wood for their winter heating needs this year. Two hard working general contractors who commute to New Hampshire from Maine received the final half cord that actually put us a little over our goal of two total cords donated this year.
The Dead Wood Society is hoping to double this year's donations in 2013, but we need help to accomplish that. If anyone has any logging equipment or an ATV with a cart to donate please contact Rich at 617-209-4325. We've been in business for just over a year so far, and the company that started on an idea and a catchy name is really starting to take shape. We're always looking for logging lots, ideas on how to benefit from wood that is normally thrown away or left to rot, and tree service customers in the Lakes Region who want trees on their land taken down. We can also process wood right off your own land with our current crew and equipment for far less than you'd pay for the wood to be delivered.
Email me, Rich, at rich.bergeron@gmail.com for more information or any inquiries about our business. Happy Holidays and please don't forget to find a way to do some of your own giving at this time of year. Even the smallest good deed can go a long way in helping someone in need cope with these tough times.
