April 24, 2014

Meeting House Storm Windows

Thanks to Kevin Lee and crew for getting the storms down a couple of weekends ago.

Bulletin Boards in the Community House

They still look sad and lonely in the Community House.  M&C has indicated that they are interested in taking up this bit of outreach.

Health Department Inspection

Ray Belanger did his annual inspection with me today (4/24).  We did not pass.  I have to get thermometers in both refrigerators and freezers and test strips for the ratio of sanitizer tablets and then call for a re-inspection.  We talked plainly about food service certificates.  He does not feel that we have to get a Safe Food Service certificate for the use of the building nor for the book sale, but I am thinking that I should probably go through the training for my retreat coordinator work with NEYM.  If I do this, we can use the certificate at the Community House.

Use of the Buildings by Others

2 Birthday parties have been held over Spring Break.  It was a pleasure to work with both families.

Ed Swidey and Summer on Stage will be returning this summer for a 5 week camp.  I’m looking forward to working with them again.

Mary Derbyshire, the exercise class teacher who uses the community house several mornings a week, has continued to have difficulties getting enough students to attend her classes.  She gave me notice that she is cutting back from 3 days a week to 2 days beginning next week.  This is unfortunate.

We have 3 youth and young adult retreats happening at Westport in the month of May plus the Westport River Garden Club’s annual sale Memorial Day weekend…..and a private baptism/reception.  It’s going to be a busy time!.

This is great because I haven’t had many requests for additional uses of the building beyond May.

Misc. Repairs and Upgrades

Windows:  Property Committee is working with a contractor on a replacement window estimate for the Community House.

Outside painting:  Property Committee is also negotiating an estimate for painting the trim on the exterior of the Community House.  This estimate differs by almost half depending on whether the windows have to be repaired and painted or not.

Painting bathrooms:  Property Committee is seeking input from Friends on a paint color.  Please tell us what you think!

Meeting House Carpet:  Morency Carpet will be coming out to repair the seam.

Cracked bench:  Thanks to Meeting attenders Branden Sylvia and Clyde Cottingham for repairing this!

Several doors:  Again – thanks to Branden and Clyde for repairing these.  It is so exciting that both inner doors in the Meeting House will close and the side door will no longer SQUEEK when opened in certain weather conditions.  They are planning on re-hanging the side door in the Community House by the stage this week, which should take care of the significant draft there.

Tile floors in the Community House:  Still working on this.  If you have a suggestion on a contractor for this job please be in touch with me.

Parking Lot:  Still working to connect with Skip Potter on this.

Weather Seal Ramps and Decks:  I will be looking to get a volunteer crew together to do this at the end of the summer.

Furnace in the Meeting House:  A unit on the burner needed replaced.  In order to figure this out, we had to install a new thermostat as well.  It’s all working fine again.

Peace Garden

I purchased some necessary garden tools.  They are in the garden shed.  Cynthia Brenner has graciously offered to oversee this ongoing ministry this season.  If you’d like to help out, please be in touch with me or Cynthia.  Thanks!

Spring Clean Up

Various Friends will be overseeing jobs at times that are convenient for the crew of volunteers signed up.  Please keep your ear to the ground for these announcements and say “yes” to helping out when you can.

Gretchen Baker-Smith, Westport Meeting Property Coordinator