From Sandra Robinson

Greetings from your Executive Operations Director

This has been a full month as we wind down the fiscal year. Please check your email as Vickie Doebele has sent end of the 2022/23 fiscal year statements. Our hope is that all or most of the outstanding pledge payments can be made prior to June 30. Thank you for your financial support and the gifts that you bring to UCE through your time, talent and treasure.

This past weekend Peter Mayer performed to an intimate audience. While the crowd was not 100 as we had worked for and hoped for, it was nothing less than warm and engaging. Peter played with such feeling and connected to the audience. Thank you for Marcy Hicks and Dave Schroeder, my dependable concert volunteers who checks attendees in and sold tickets at the door. A special thanks to Renee Hoff and Paul Alfassa for purchasing items for the café, set up and selling. I could not have done this concert without them.

Please note the “Hats Off” to our dedicated team of rummage sale volunteers who led us to a financial gain, grossing more than $10,000 over our budgeted $15,000 income goal. Our follow-up for improving the experience for all involved continues.

The lower level bathrooms are complete, with the exception of a cabinet to go along the west wall of the west bathroom. Because it is an old bathroom, several old pipes had to be cut off leaving unsightly pieces protruding from the wall. We will place a cabinet there to provide storage and create a more visibly pleasing space. New partitions were installed in both bathrooms that provide privacy as they go 6” above the floor. A handicap button was installed for easy access if one is in a wheelchair or on a walker. The east bathroom has a new countertop and beautiful deep porcelain sinks. Do check out the addition of accessible and inclusive bathrooms in our lower level.

The lawns are blossoming and creating joy as the summer approaches. You will notice a new bench by the tree on the west lawn that was donated in memory of Raissa Landor and her mother by Raissa’s daughters. This week, we added a bench at the front of the garden near the parking lot. The pathway from Greenwood and a bench in that location was a dream that John LaPlante had for many years, but did not quite live to see it happen. Once Rev. Wiviott returns we will have a dedication ceremony to name the bench in honor of John. In the Intergenerational Playscape, a birdbath is being added. Robb Geiger is installing the birdbath. A small solar disc will go into the center of the water to create a small spray of water. This will be a visual and auditory addition to our garden as well as a source of water for our many birds.

Robb Geiger, Greg Grabowski and I are meeting with a structural engineer next week to review a spalling and seepage issue we have been dealing with. I sent several photographs and electronic drawings that we hope will be helpful in identifying and repairing the problem. After July 1st,

Adam Gough will work with Robb to hire a firm to clean out the drain sewers and skim coat the parking lot. These are essential to prevent flooding, to protect the sewers and the surface of the lot which was done about three years ago now.

Rentals have been a challenge this year post-covid. Many organizations are not hosting large events. We have continued to host memorials, one wedding and music events, as well as our monthly Udumbara and Weavers Guild of the North Shore. Changes have been made to the website to bring more visibility to what we offer and I have sent marketing information to organizations and music groups. Rental income in this year’s budget was reduced by $50,000 to reflect the reality of the situation. I will continue to work hard as I have been to market our space and create value.