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A Note from Rich Poole
Dear Trinity Family,
A long overdue thank you to you all present and past… My time at Trinity as a parent of 3 graduates, a member on various boards and committees and especially as your Food Service Manager spanned 20+ years. My first memory at Trinity of Tony and Carmen Ramiz smiling… welcoming parents as Mary and I introduced Trey to his 4th grade class and ending with the dear sweet CDC students singing to me in chapel… memories of worship services led by Pastor Moore, Pastor Zender, Pastor Martin and Pastor Doug… Fellowship board and donut hours, BBQ Cookoffs, Wingfest, Oktoberfests, Touch-a-Truck and by far - my favorite.. Thanksgiving meals. Lifelong friendships made and absolutely cherished. The end of my time at Trinity was a whirlwind. Very little time to thank so many people for making a difference in my and my family’s lives. You all supported me through our food program and I pray my ministry was warm and welcoming. Without you all and the hand of God I would not be where I am today equally loving my ministry in a new place... I absolutely love my job and Mary and my new chapter! Because my job is considered essential the culinary team at App State is required to work during “bad” days but we have endured many God moments these past 6 months . After living in Florida nearly my entire life when Hurricane Helene set its sights on the NC mountains my thoughts were lots of rain, and some wind… hopefully minimal damage… “I’m 800 or 900 miles from the shores of the gulf. How bad could it be?” I was so wrong the devastation was beyond anything I’d ever seen… roads and bridges gone… mudslides covering many more, no power no water. The homes and communities and businesses that were just washed away… myself and teammates that could drive on roads that were still there, spent the next weeks working 16 - 18 hour days preparing meals for the students and the community. At one report it was published we served over 80,000 meals. In the middle of all of this I received a text of encouragement from Jenn Blackwood - simply stating “can’t imagine what you’re going through… but all I know is God’s timing and your gifts ♥️”. It made my long days seem like 4 hour shifts in the kitchen. All of your notes and texts and prayers were extremely thoughtful and loving. Word of the funds raised from Trinity’s CDC friends and parents for hurricane relief made its way to the chancellor’s office. A truly heartfelt thank you… the area is still recovering in areas but the love and community here is just remarkable in helping each other - it will take a while but will make it back. Having what I am being told the Now I am being told coldest/snowiest winter in decades! Learning to drive on snowy roads is a new challenge! Looking forward to spring!
Be well and take care of each other!
Miss you my Trinity Family!
Rich
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