Industrial News

The pond sprung a leak. Now the couple's pet fish are threatened.

"We were very moved to hear of the plight of the Danville couple." said Dave Jones, Executive Director of IPPCA (International Professional Pond Contractors Association), based in Woodstock, Georgia (www.IPPCA.com). To repair the improperly installed pond, the couple hired local contractor Gary Sackett of Springwater Water Features, an IPPCA member contractor.

In a related spate of misfortune, contractor Sackett suffered an on-the-job injury and underwent a double cervical fusion operation. Sackett is currently recovering from surgery of 8 weeks ago. He may be able to complete the job in a few months - if fully recovered. To add to the Danville couple's trials and tribulations, their 19 year old son just suffered a baseball injury to his face and needs hospital attention.

IPPCA put out the word for help. "I was amazed at how quickly our members e-mailed back with pledges of supplies, equipment and volunteer labor," said Dave Jones.

Next weekend, July 12, 13 and 14, an influx of construction material and pond contractors from all over the U.S.A. will descend on the Danville couple's backyard as part of "Ponditat for Humanity" (www.PonditatForHumanity.com), an annual event sponsored by IPPCA, where members of the pond and watergarden industry pool their resources to gift some distressed and worthy pond lover with an extreme pond make over.

The event is slated to transform Tony & Linda Jones' modest 6' x 8' leaky water feature into a water wonder with about 10 times the area for fish and plants. Included will be 2 waterfalls each with 10 and 20 foot streams plus new aquatic plants and landscaping. Because Tony is a model train enthusiast, a custom miniature rail route with a tunnel and functioning waterwheel will be added to the new installation.

Dow Chemical will be donating the T-shirts for the volunteers in addition to donating waterfall construction material. Other pump, plant and pond supply companies are contributing to the estimated $50,000.00 valued project, including Comfort Inns of Danville.

Tony Jones served 27 years with the Danville Police Department and has been a volunteer with the Bismarck Fire Department. He suffered a heart attack in 1994 and stroke in 1996, which left him with walking and balance difficulties. Linda Jones is a physical therapist who recently underwent back surgery and will need to retire. The watergarden makeover will incorporate features that will assist the physically challenged to move around the installation more easily.

"Tony and Linda have done so much for their communities." said Dave Jones of IPPCA. "We can't mend broken bones, but we can bring a little happiness into the lives of people who share our love of watergardens."

IPPCA will also be presenting a check for $11,500.00 on behalf of the Joneses to Gary Sackett, the disabled contractor, to cover the work that he had hoped to complete.

For further information see: www.PonditatForHumanity.com, www.IPPCA.com