fallen or dangerously leaning trees being cut and removed throughout the conference center grounds. In addition, a branch driven by the fierce gusts pierced the roof of Convocation Hall in Assembly Inn. Downed power lines cut electricity, forcing a decision by management to close the conference center on May 12.
“At this point, we estimate the cost of tree removal at around $6,000 and repairs to structural damage at another $1,000 or so,” said Mike Morse, vice president for hospitality at the conference center.
Merri Bass, vice president for program development and marketing pointed out that the damaged occurred when no conferences were in session. “If this had happened a couple of weeks from now, as our summer season begins, that tree at Anderson Auditorium would have fallen on a parking lot filled with people and cars for a conference or summer worship, and the damage could have been so much worse,” she pointed out.
