Leaders and members before us provided our sanctuary in the woods. Now is the time for all of us to step forward to save and revitalize it. As I write, many dedicated, hardworking and creative committee members (led by President-Elect Eleanor Johnson and subcommittee chairs Linda Gregory, Linda Hanson, and Judy Lowe) are planning the SOS (Save Our Sanctuary) capital campaign that begins during worship on August 29th. Please say yes when you are asked to participate in this effort to save the building we all love.
A Brief History
For the last several years the Property Maintenance (PM) Committee, the board, and all of us have known that we needed to stop the leaks, repair the water and raccoon damage, and secure the building. In the spring of 2009, our insurance carrier informed the board and PM Committee that without repairs we would lose our coverage. The board established a committee to evaluate the damage, consider options, and make a recommendation to the board.
Beginning in the summer of 2009, the Ad Hoc committee (Bruce Craig, Judy Craig, Ginny Nilles, Michael O’Hara, Eleanor Trawick, Howard Schroeder, Lynn Sousa, and Greg Graham) met many times to plan the work, write the job specifications, and decide what kind of shingle material would be economical, environmentally sound, and provide an animal-tight building. Environmental sustainability and financial issues preclude replacing the 1968 siding with the same cedar shakes. After much research and study, the committee selected heavy plastic shakes that nearly match the present color of the shingles.
In May 2010, the congregation authorized the board to repair the building, open a line of credit, and initiate a capital campaign to pay for the repairs and updates. In late May, the Ad Hoc repair committee finalized the specifications for repair and invited bids for mansard roof replacement. Greg Graham, whose expertise is crucial, agreed to be architect of the project, and the board named Bruce Craig the Owner’s Representative. Step one, (replacement of themansard roof to waterproof the building) will be completed by McGuff Roofing, Inc. from whom we received the lowest, best bid of about $51, 000 (there will be additional costs for plywood, studs, and labor based on the level of damage revealed during repair). This work may begin as soon as July 26th.
When roof repair is complete and the building is tight, we will complete the absolutely required steps two, three, and four: repair the soffits, repair the inside woodwork, and replace non-functional air-conditioning and heatboosting systems in the office. Additional worthy projects such as upgrading of sanctuary sound and lighting, enhancing drainage, and other improvements will be possible if enough funds are raised. So…
Please say yes to our SOS!
Lynn Sousa, President
