The Growing For Tomorrow Building Group met for the first time on October 9, 2012.   The members of the group were selected for their experience, individual expertise, and willingness to commit to this project on behalf of the Congregation.  The concerns of the members and friends of this church have been heard and addressed on many levels by the group, comprised of:  Ron Castor, Jim Dixon, Pete Heberling, Barbara Kavalek, Joseph Kavalek,  Karl Peterson, Carolyn Reynolds, Joyce Vaughn, Terry Wagner and Pastor Jean Pinto.

The Challenge: was to address major concerns of the Congregation regarding renovations, in order of priority, as funds become available. 

Peter Dunham of Dunham design Construction, LLC was selected as the builder and George Fett was later chosen as the Architect.  Both have worked closely with the Town on prior projects and are familiar with our church.

On January 29, 2013 we held our second meeting and the architect brought forth drawings which were very favorably received by the group.  He had addressed the concerns and ideas we expressed to him, and along with the builder came up with a schematic. We chose the renovation of the church entry, stairway in particular because of difficulties people have had and numerous injuries.  In order for us to provide a safe entry into the church, we needed to go to the Town and apply for a variance due to the allocation of parking spaces.  In addition the builder identified structural issues within the narthex, i.e. roof and beam deficiencies, which have to be addressed before proceeding with any renovations.  The estimated cost of the project came in at $326,000 - $350,000 (and included a built-in handicapped ramp).   The funds are not there!

Joe and Karl were asked to go back to the builder and see what could be done with the funds available now.  A list of priorities was established: Entry stairs - to the Narthex, New Front Doors, Asbestos and Lead Removal, Roof Repair including hanging beam, Popcorn Ceiling Replacement, New Flooring in the Narthex, and repair existing handicap ramp.

Mission accomplished:  as of the July 10^th Meeting the total cost for the above work will now be $105,000 - $130,000.  We will be able to pay this and not borrow any money.  All work to date has been paid for. It is our hope that the remaining work could be done as funds become available.

We have recapped for you, where we've been and where we are going in the foreseeable future.  Now that we have a plan of action and an agreed to price we are communicating our progress to you via this media and will shortly send a letter to every member and friend of this Congregation.

In His Service,

Joseph Kavalek, Chairman

Karl Peterson, Co-Chairman

Jean Pinto, Pastor

The Coordinator's of the United Presbyterian Women will meet on Thursday, August 29th at 10:00AM in the Bertolet lounge.

The United Presbyterian Women will meet on Tuesday, September 3rd in the new Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM for their monthly meeting.  This is our first meeting after taking the summer off.  We will have our usual fellowship time, Bible study and business meeting.  This month's Bible study will be "The Widow with the Two Coins" from the book, WOMEN OF THE BIBLE.  At the conclusion of our meeting, those who want to, will be having lunch together at Rosa's Restaurant.  All women are invited.  We look forward to an active, exciting year serving the Lord by studying His word and ministering to those in need.  

Our final 9:30 summer worship service will be next Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013, and I want to express my thanks and gratitude to all who have shared their musical gifts with us during summer worship.  We have had a variety of music, from traditional to contemporary, as well as vocalists and instrumentalist, enriching our summer worship.  A huge thank you to the following summer musicians:  Bob Clendening, Bob Conner, Rhea Mucha, Jean Pinto, Marietta Burnett, Dave Carle, Melissa McAnlis, Women's Choir, Greg Foster, Bill Beitmann, and Bill Darnell.  

Sincerely, Marilyn Machmer