From EOD: July 8, 2022
My heart is heavy as I write this newsletter article remembering again and again the tragic event of July 4th. Throughout my life this has been an amazing day filled with joy and feelings of patriotism as I celebrated my birthday. It will never be the same. Forever etched on my heart and mind will be the horror that turned celebrating into death, trauma and shattered lives. For 7.5 years I led the Highland Park Parade as the Chamber of Commerce Director, and it was a day filled with happiness and pride. I feel a deep connection to the Highland Park community. I grieve with them and for them as they strive to rebuild their community and heal to the extent possible.
Staffing news: Our beloved Jessica Meis is taking on a new opportunity and will leave us at the end of the month. She has been taking master program classes and planned to stay with us a bit longer, but as life would have it her great skills and personality have led her in a new direction. When Rev. Eileen Wiviott returns from vacation, we will continue to develop our staffing plan for the next year and beyond. Job postings are in progress and we will begin interviewing as soon as possible.
Our beautiful playscape is developing day by day. Flowers are blooming, grasses are growing. Staff who were onsite yesterday enjoyed a lovely lunch together at our new tables. We have moved the two tables together as they were designed so that groups such as the retired women’s group can gather and eat outside. We are about to lay another layer of playground chips in the children’s area between the ramp and the wing and install jumping logs. Sandra Danforth and I continue to search for an appropriate solar fountain. Karen Underwood and Susan Frances will be working with our youth to learn about and walk the labyrinth. May our children and our adults continue to make use of the beauty beyond our walls.
The Sanctuary Hearing Loop is installed, but we are awaiting a part that will upgrade the system and provide even better sound quality. If all goes as planned the final calibration will take place next week and we hope to launch the loop on Sunday, July 17. We will keep you posted.
Over the past few weeks several roofers were contacted to assess the sanctuary roof and provide quotes. Buildings and Grounds Co-Lead Robb Geiger and I met with Carol Nielsen of B & G to review the proposals. We selected Tecta America who was recommended by our neighbors Beth Emet. We found their proposal to be thorough, professionally presented, fairly priced, and several good photos were provided to show the work that needs to be done. They hope to begin work on the 11th of July.
Summer is the usual time when we do repairs around the buildings and grounds. Recently, a repair was done to the roof of the outdoor storage shed where a squirrel had chewed through it. Contents were removed, the floor was cleaned, and contents returned. The Garden Team will use the shed to store equipment and tools. Our gate to the garbage area next to the shed was repaired as well with a broken board replaced and painted.
Rentals have been going well. PedalHeads continue through August. A memorial is scheduled for this Saturday. MOMS of multiples return in September, North Shore Choral Society plan to do a concert in November and we are scheduling a rehearsal for Evanston Symphony Orchestra in July. Our long time renter Udumbara remains with us.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend a Howard Levy concert at UCE on Sunday, October 23. Details will follow in the months ahead.
The Board of Trustees, ISC and Staff appreciate your support. We are poised to meet our projections for fiscal year end, which was June 30, 2022. Your contributions of treasure and time are valued. Please email at any time with ideas, comments, or concerns at srobinson@ucevanston.org.
Sandra Robinson,
Executive Operations Director