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In spite of administrative changes, Laurelbrook has been working to improve its facilities and programs. A new farm manager, David Brummell, has been steadily working on the new greenhouses near Laurelbrook Elementary School. The wood heating system has been installed. Much of the greenhouse flooring has been finished and raised beds constructed in part of one greenhouse. The next step is putting the plastic over the greenhouse frames, which unfortunately has been delayed due to bad weather, including windy conditions. In addition to the greenhouse work, fields near the garden have been plowed, and tractors and other equipment are being repaired. 
 

Several months ago Laurelbrook switched from its previous trash collection and disposal system to using standard dumpsters provided by a local trash company. Earl Fisher, a former Laurelbrook staff member, has been scrapping out the metal scrap at the former Laurelbrook trash transfer station, bringing in new funds to help pay for construction and maintenance projects.

Laurelbrook's marketing director, Lynn Hecht, has been vigorously promoting Laurelbrook’s program by placing ads in various Adventist publications, visiting nearby Adventist elementary schools, manning an exhibit at various conventions, and attempting to restart Laurelbrook’s news letter (for a sample, click here). A number of alumni have helped by working on ads targeting young people. 

Ron Oxentenko, an alumnus and current Laurelbrook president, has been pushing to make sure that students get a well-rounded vocational training experience instead of experience concentrated on indoor medical work. Currently, he is leading a group who have done construction work and put on programs in the area around Cancun, Mexico.

All this takes money, time, and more students. If you know of a young person who would benefit from Laurelbrook’s educational program, please contact Lois Davis, the academy registrar, at 423-775-3339 or send her an email at voctrain22@gmail.com. Tours of the campus can be arranged by contacting Lois Davis. If you know a person or family who could fill Laurelbrook’s personnel needs, contact Roger Westfall, vice-president for personnel, at 423-775-3338. If you wish to contribute to a worthy project, contact Ron Oxentenko at 423-775-5687 or the business office at 423-775-3336. For any or all of these contributions, you may send an email to the email address mentioned above or fill out the contact form on this web site.