From EOD: June 19, 2020

Our Capital Campaign Improvements are moving forward. This has been an exciting week at UCE with so much being done to improve our facility while we are closed. At this moment the drain sewers are being replaced. Drilling and removal started on Monday with work continuing through the week. Photos have been assembled into a slide show so you can follow along on this significant work, including a shot of the 6 ft hole where sand has eroded over many years. At the end of this operations update, there are slideshows of UCE’s in-progress construction.

Window sills in the lobby and wing were replaced last week. This week our new lobby floor is being installed as well. The floors of the wing hallway, room 2 and 3 will be replaced in the next few weeks. Solar shades will be hung on the windows of the office, and room 2 and 3 the next two weeks. So the juggle to accommodate workers continues. It is all very exciting. See the slideshow below.

On the financial front, we are entering the final stretch of our fiscal year ending on June 30. If your pledge payment for this year is not complete, please send that to us as soon as possible. Vickie Doebele will be sending statements early next week.

I have completed and submitted to the Integrated Stewardship Council and Board, an updated financial projection for 2019/2020. For the first time in 10 years we will experience a deficit. However, the good news is that due to generous contributions by the congregation and reduced expenses during closure we estimate the projected deficit of $26,000 is now closer to $12,000. Thank you to all for supporting us with your gifts during these challenging times.

We are still continuing to pay all employees and are complying with PPP guidelines for loan forgiveness. All staff, with the exception of lobby staff, childcare and kitchen staff are very busy working from home. Liz and Steven go into the church each day to check on the building, clean and allow contractors to enter the building.

As part of our efforts to recoup fundraising losses Susan Comstock and I have formed a UCE Fundraising Team to work on options for creating a virtual auction and some form of Rummage Sale. A meeting was held by zoom this week and the wheels are turning toward making these events happen. More detail will follow, but please hold onto your best items that you have gathered from your home during shelter-in-place.

Finally, on June 23 & 24 I will join virtually with other Executive Directors and Administrators at AUUA Days. This is part of the UUA General Assembly gatherings that happens each year in June. I will attend workshops, including “Dismantling White Supremacy” led by Andrew Zallar. The Association of UU Administrators is an excellent group who share issues and opportunities with fellow colleagues. I receive their regular email group communications and participate in AUUA Days whenever possible. A few years ago, I shared the stage as a guest speaker with our former Intern David Pyle.