Good people make the world go round and Don Melnick and Gary Proctor both have done a lot to help the Green Team (GT) become the success it has been. 

Back in 2007 Don was on the Resident Council when I requested that the newly formed GT come under their auspices. Don asked if we could use his talents as a facilitator for the meetings.  Since that moment he became an indispensable aid to the organization. He later became co-chair with me and was the primary writer of a white paper on toxic pesticides that we presented to management.  He was always there with ideas and help on whatever writing task we were undertaking. Don has arranged for expert speakers on many topics, including waste reduction and recycling, water issues in Thurston County, and urban stream bed restoration.

   

And then in 2012, I noticed a nice couple looking at the house next door and immediately became friends with my new neighbors, the Proctors.  They had an interest in environmental issues so it was inevitable that Gary got drafted and soon made himself an integral part of the GT.  He took over responsibility for Recycling and was instrumental in getting the Chinook center started. Later he took over the positions of Treasurer and Green Team Chair. Gary has always been there to participate in our Broom and Berry Busting projects and in our trail clean-ups.

   

Both Gary and Don were part of Green Team Leadership and contributed time and effort towards programs, interactions with Management and much more.  We are grateful for the many hours they expended and frustrations they endured on behalf of planetary health.  Thank you, Gary and Don.
—Sally Vogel

Two trees will be planted on Panorama grounds in honor of Gary and Don. Details will be provided later.

This article is an expanded version of an article appearing in the December 2022 Panorama News.