Tom Marko said:
> Regarding parking at the cemetery, not only did some birders walk 
> across the graves but there were tire tracks over the grass.  

Tom, you're absolutely right. And I'm guilty of leaving tire tracks on the field by the road.

Feeling really bad about it, I called the church pastor to apologize. She was very gracious, and suggested the following:

Weekdays: 
A few parking spaces are available in front of the church. Opposite the church is the parrish hall that has additional parking. 

It is OK to park on the narrow cemetery lanes but YOU MUST STAY ON THE PAVEMENT -- if a car needs to leave, all cars will have to move to let it out. If you see a canopy set up, stay away since it means a funeral will be held. 


Weekends:
The church & parrish parking lots are taken up on Sunday mornings. During the weekend afternoons, there may be events at the parrish hall. In addition, those spaces will definitely not be available on Palm Sunday and Easter. 

Therefore, for weekend parking (except Palm Sunday/Easter), please email the pastor to ask about events. PLEASE POST HER RESPONSE ON THIS AND OTHER BIRDING LISTS so she does not get inundated with emails. If it's an urgent request, I don't think she will mind one or two phone calls, but please don't swamp her! And be sure to post her response on the lists for others. 


I asked her if there was any damage done by birders at the cemetery, but she didn't know since she hadn't been there yet. If there are any problems, she'll contact me about it -- we birders can then figure out how to take responsibility for it. 

She was glad to get all this information because if it came up at a town council meeting (and I'm sure it will), she would be prepared to give the church's response to our activities. 

I'd also like to collect donations for her church. You can send me a check. I'm not sure who it should be addressed to, perhaps you could make it out to "St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church or Pastor Joan Copeland". You could send me cash via paypal,  (and please send me email in case there's a problem with paypal). Or you can send a donation on your own, or organize your own donation pool. 

PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE TO OTHER BIRDING LISTS THAT DISCUSS THE LAPWING. (I'll send it to the Delaware list.)


Contact Info:

Pastor Joan Copeland
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church
8619 Blacks Mill Rd.
Thurmont, MD 21788 
Phone: 301-266-1059
email: 
website: http://emmitsburg.net/sjlc/index.htm (email link on home page does not work)

Shireen Gonzaga
125-C Dumbarton Road
Baltimore, MD 21212
tel(w): 410-338-4412
tel(h): 410-377-2619
email: 


--
Shireen Gonzaga/Baltimore, MD