The Re-Mod Squad, otherwise known as the Buildings & Grounds Subcommittee (we have to have some fun!), is moving along in addressing maintenance and repair issues on our UCG campus. Erick Smith led a great group of volunteers for a work day in November to tackle the overgrowth in the east parking lot and on the north side of the Sanctuary. There is now greater visibility of the parking lot from 5th Avenue through the greenery, creating a safer environment for people using the facilities, especially after dark. There is still more work to be done and the next work day will be Saturday, January 21, from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM. Watch the Weekly Events for more info.

Glenn Mans, along with volunteer Sally Simonis, are tackling refurbishing the benches and picnic tables in the courtyard, Sally busy sanding them down, Glenn brushing on some penetrating wood finish. They’re looking good! These multi-talented people . . .

Carol Barron has rectified some malfunctioning door levers and improved the operation of some doors by replacing hinges. We are holding her down while she is recovering from back surgery!

Now that the roof is complete over Reimer Hall, we are moving ahead with getting estimates to eradicate vermin and close off their entry points, replace ductwork, insulation, and ceiling tiles in Reimer Hall and hopefully accumulate enough funds to replace the three HVAC units servicing Reimer Hall and West Wing. We are guesstimating ~$50,000 for the entire project. We SO appreciate the donations that are being made to the Building Improvements and are pooling available financial resources in order to be able to take on this project. The Board of Endowment has given us $6,500 that we may apply to this project.

Glenn Acomb, along with other committee members, continues to work on monitoring and addressing drainage issues in the courtyard as well as trip hazards with the sidewalks and brickwork around the fountain, and is seeking input from various consultants about how best to address these issues. We hope to have some listening sessions with the congregation after the first of the year as we know many of us have a great fondness for that space.

We have had to say goodbye to our chair, Candice King, as she has too many irons in the fire. We appreciate her leadership in getting us organized and off the ground. Until someone steps up to fill her shoes, Liz Harvey will act as interim chair. Please let us know if you are aware of any needed repairs or maintenance on the campus. We need everyone’s eyes on this sacred space.