Does a wart harvest sound gross to you?

That was the phrase that caught my eye in the invitation to the Thomas-Garrett Commemoration Party.  Remember this photo I posted before my vacation?

Well, TG is still standing, albeit shrouded in plastic, surrounded by caution tape and neon orange cones, and stripped of anything even remotely reusable.  It's currently scheduled to go boom (or, more likely, kerplop) on August 1.  Although I don't know many folks who harbor nostalgic feelings for the building itself -- the only big regret is the Shakespeare performance space, although that was a major design consideration of the new building -- there is nonetheless a goodbye party scheduled on July 30, where, yes, you can harvest your own wart.  I kid you not.  To quote the invitation:

What about the warts?

This is perhaps the most-asked question with regard to the demolition of Thomas-Garrett. All the warts on the building will be harvested; many will be saved for use as replacement warts on other campus buildings. However, a limited quantity of 500 of these warts is available to our HMC community and friends.

Those who choose to make a gift to HMC on or before July 30, and who also attend the event above, will be able to remove their own wart from the building (hard hats, safety goggles and power tools will be provided). Those who do not attend the celebration event or who wish to make the gift after July 30 will receive their wart by mail.

Pick your own strawberries -- been there, done that (Emma, anyone?  Anyone?).  Pick your own wart?  With power tools?  Zowie!  Although, come to think of it, receiving a concrete block in the mail would also have its own level of awesomeness.  Does it come with a commemorative plaque?

The Colleen Smith Fund for the Acquisition of Warts is now accepting donations . . .