Every time the winds blow here, enough damage is done to ensure that the landscape business gets a good shot in the arm. Not that I?EUR??,,????'?????<

Aside from the obvious ethical and legal requirements to not gouge those in need, this is a great chance to bond with the community, gather as an association of professionals and provide some pro bono assistance. To work ?EUR??,,????'?????<

To lend a hand doesn?EUR??,,????'?????<

And while recognition is really not the goal, it will be a result . . . a result that will carry more weight in your community than any ton of grandeur your landscapes can produce.

Speaking of recognition . . . if you do do some kind of gratis work now or anytime in the future, be sure to take a few photos and please send them to LCN. We are always looking for the good in the profession and we want to hear from you. There is more information for publishing your work ?EUR??,,????'?????<

And speaking of Ivan, et.al. you may notice a piece on page 11 talking about when Ivan hits the mainland . . . Thus is the business of deadlines and publishing a monthly trade magazine . . . While we wrote of Ivan?EUR??,,????'?????<

And speaking of being a bit off the mark . . . I am currently redeveloping our house and landscape and thus went ?EUR??,,????'?????<

The bids ranged from $18,000 to just over $50,000 . . . all for the same work!?! Being the smart consumer that I am . . . (quiet clearing of the throat) . . . I choose the one with the best reputation who happened to be in the upper middle range . . . But no wonder the poor consumer has a less than magnificent feeling for the landscape construction industry . . .

I truly hope the recently merged ALCA/PLCAA spends a great deal of its initial efforts strengthening the reputation of the profession. Standardization isn?EUR??,,????'?????<

Anyways . . . See you all at the upcoming SCTC, GIE and IA shows (go to landscapearchitect.com for dates and more information) and, of course . . . God Bless!