PORT HADLOCK — When Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office personnel assign a work crew from the Jefferson County jail to help a community group, they don’t expect anything in return.
“It’s a constructive way for inmates to serve their time,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Tony Hernandez. “It uses them in a positive manner and is a good program.
“But today, we saw an example of the sheriff’s office helping out the community, and the community coming back to help out the sheriff’s office.”
What Hernandez saw was three rhododendrons planted next to the Jefferson County jail.
In a stretch of dirt that was mostly covered with rocks and dead grass, four members of the Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society dug holes and planted a “thank you” message to the agency.
“In this case they helped to beautify the grounds,” Hernandez said. “That is a real nice gift.”
Show gratitude
Paul Anderson, president of the chapter of Rhododendron enthusiasts, said the plants were the easiest way to show how grateful they are for the help they receive from inmates in the heavy lifting and moving required to put on the rhododendron display at the annual Rhododendron Festival.
“Every year, we put on the big show in the chapel at Fort Worden,” Anderson said.
“There is a lot to move up from the basement and into that location, and without the help of the inmates, we call them trustees, it really wouldn’t get done.
“We are very thankful they help us every year.”
Work all year
The work groups contribute all year, Hernandez said.
“They are out there all the time, working in the community. They work in county parks, cleaning up the roadways, working at local nonprofits like the food bank or at animal services.
“There are a number of community projects that they help with.”
Hernandez said the work groups are voluntary, and inmates must fall into specific categories to be eligible.
“Obviously no violent offenders,” Hernandez said. “These are people who have committed non-violent crimes and want to do something outside the jail while they serve their time.”
Hernandez said he hopes to see more crews developed to maintain the county’s parks.
Still, he said he realizes he probably won’t get any rhododendrons from the county.
Gwinn Dunham, a chapter member who helped with the planting on Thursday morning, said the gift actually served two goals.
“It’s a thank-you, of course, but it also helps spread rhododendrons around the community,” he said. “It’s a chance to plant these beautiful plants and spread the interest in our state flower.”
The rhododendrons that are now in the ground are two hybrid species — which will bloom in unknown colors — and a variety called Christmas Cheer, which Anderson said will bloom just before Christmas.
For more information about the rhododendron society, phone Cindy Cook at 360-379-0603.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com,
