Project Manager

Merv joind our team in 1999.  Merv has been gracing GDR’s clients with his sense of precision, resourcefulness, and pleasantness in the carpentry work he does.  A NARI Certified Lead Carpenter, Merv is heading up GDR’s volunteer outreach efforts in building the Outdoor Education Center at Spruce Lake Retreat in Canadensis, PA.  His interest in the ministry, as well as in green building and living, made him the ideal candidate to oversee the job.  Merv also had prior experience in ministry construction as he took a 7-month sabbatical to help build a new place of worship, Perkiomenville Mennonite Church, his home congregation.       

Merv is a graduate of Christopher Dock High School, Eastern Mennonite University with a BA in Natural Science, and holds a Masters from Temple University in Middle School Education.  Previously he was a teacher at Indian Valley Middle School for 27 years.  Retiring from teaching has only helped Merv reinforce his eco-friendly values in his own life.  He is an avid recycler, composter, and organic gardener.  “Going green” to Merv means going to others with the message of preservation, conservation, and appreciation for the Earth we live on.

Merv has been married for 46 years and is a father to four grown children.  He is a member of Perkiomenville Mennonite Church where he is an Elder and Sunday school teacher.  He loves birding, gardening, and landscaping, as well as singing tenor with the Franconia/Lancaster Chorus.

Certifications:
CLC = NARI Certified Lead Carpenter
Master Shingle Applicator