From The Executive Operations Director
Our grounds are more beautiful than ever as the hush of autumn is upon us. The color of the leaves range from yellow to red to orange. This week trees were trimmed away from the building and off of the roof. We can now see our south lawn from the wing and sanctuary.
This week Bartco Construction began replacement of our wing roof. This project was well researched. The Buildings and Grounds leaders hired a consultant to help us navigate the complicated world of roof materials, processes and best practices for installing a new roof that will protect us from leaks and last well into the future.
We required administrative approval from the City of Evanston Preservation Council which was issued today and is now visible on the window at the main entrance.
The automatic doors for the main west entrance permits from the City and Preservation were let in early October. Julia Takarada revised the doors order to meet the preservation request. I signed the revised contract and the doors are now ordered. Corrigan & Frese are working together to schedule the electrical work.
The feasibility study for the proposed Capital Campaign has been completed. A report was given to the Capital Campaign Planning Team as well as the Board of Trustees.
Next week the team will meet to review the projects planning spreadsheet. These documents will be shared with the congregation and more information will be provided. Congregants were invited to fill out a survey or participate in a personal interview with the consultant Steven Pratapas. There are many significant projects included in this list, which include repair of the drains and repaving of the parking lot, among other improvements to our aging annex. If you would like more information feel free to email me at srobinson@ucevanston.org. Ann Peterson is chair of the CC Planning Team and you could contact her as well.
Several rental contracts were negotiated and completed this week. $9,000 in deposit income resulted from these new contracts. Our rental program remains strong and contributes significantly to our operating budget. On Saturday, October 13th Curt’s Café held their annual fundraiser in our sanctuary. They were pleased with all of their interactions with our church from beginning to end. It was gratifying to witness the jaws dropping when we walked into our sanctuary before discussing a contract. They knew on the spot that this was where they wanted their event to take place. Liz Kennedy and Steven Eason set up the event. Food for Thought (family of Curt’s Café) catered. Liz was present as lobby staff and helped in many ways to make all go well. I attended and had the pleasure of hearing how much Curt’s Café appreciates the Unitarian Church of Evanston, and I returned the gratitude for being in relationship with this valuable organization. Thank you to all of you who support Curt’s, to our social justice teams, to the individuals who meet for coffee both south and north. You support does not go unnoticed.
Last Sunday the Democratic Party of Evanston held their annual dinner in our sanctuary.
On Sunday evening Filam Music will present a concert. More information is available in this newsletter as well as a flyer in the lobby.