We are planning for the installation of a new elebatore (LIFT) to replace the old one, which has been out of service for just about 2 years. This new elevator would allow, once again, easy access into the church for our handicapped parishioners and visitors.
Construction of the handicapped bathroom is completed! We are continuing with som wall repair and touch-up painting in the hallway. We are currently building a new storage closet to accomodate the overflow of items from the new storage closet. This new closet is at the north stairway exiting the church hall. We have relocated the library to the old conference room A.
The handicapped bathroom is almost finished, at which point we can apply for the final inspection. An additional upgrade included the installation of new flooring (to match the new bathroom floor) in the hallway en route to the family prayer room, as well as the landing leading into the church. As this construction forced the elimination of the candle room, we are reviewing options to accomodate that loss of space.
The construction of the handicapped bathroom continues, having passed all initial inspections. Both the ceiling and floor tiles have been installed. Upon receipt of the fixtures and entry door, they will be installed. We will continue to keep you abreast of all activity, which gets us closer and closer to the completion of this long overdue project Thank you for your patience and support.
As you know, we are currently transforming the Candle Room (located outside the Family Prayer Room) into a much-needed handicapped bathroom. As anyone familiar with construction will know, delays are 'par for the course,' and St. Mary is not exempt from this truth. Due to the fact that each aspect of the job needs to be inspected, we have experienced minor delays, which has pushed the expected completion date out 2 weeks, taking us to March 9th or so. But again, delays being part of the process, this too will most probably change. We will keep you in the loop of further progress.
In our annual preparation of the Christmas Season, we will be washing and applying 2 new coasts of wax this week to the parish hall floor. We clean and maintain the floors as much as possible as we know the heavy use this floor endures.
As the cold weather approaches, we now look to the work needed inside our buildings...
WE ARE INCHING TOWARDS THE GRAND OPENING OF THE BUILDING, as we continue to complete the "small" things...
In the new Parish Center...
In the new Parish Center...
In the new Parish Center...
In the new Parish Center...
In the new Parish Center...
In the new Parish Center...
This past Monday, at the new Parish Center, we have some final inspections. The first was on the new sprinkler system, and the second was on the fire alarm system. These were done by independent contractors that were not hired by thebuilding contractor or the town inspectors. Overall, everything was installed and operating correctly; however there are a few things that were missed in the preliminary inspection that need attention. We are in the process of contacting the General Contractor to get these taken care of before the final building inspection scheduled for June. Secondly, the new floor at the second floor level had some deficiencies that were attended to, however there were some areas that are still not up the standard that we require. The contractor has been contacted to have this taken care of. Lastly, we are awaiting construction and delivery of the stained glass chapel windows, which Dan Heider will install to the Pastors' direction and requirements.
WE'RE ALMOST THERE! Int the new Parish Center...
The new building is nearing completion. We are currently working on a punch list that should finish up most of the 'little things.' Unfortunately, we discovered a problem with the 'bubbling up' of some of the tiles in the second floor meeting rooms in the new section of the building. As this is a cause for concern regarding the longevity of the tiles, they will be replaced. This past week, the old tiles were removed, and next week, the new tiles will be installed. Upon replacement, a new coat of wax will be applied. We have been issued a temporary occupancy permit (expires June 1st) allowing us to move furniture into the building once the construction is complete. The plan is to complete the list of items required by the building department this spring. Once the exterior and landscaping work is complete, the building will be open for use!
**PARISH CENTER FUNDRAISING UPDATE** The new Parish Center construction is continuing on schedule and looks terrific. We are awaiting some inspections and addressing some touch-up items. Also, outside work will be completed in the spring when the weather allows. Since Fr. Brian's letter sent to all parishioners back in early July, we have raised an additional $139,116 towards this project. As mentioned in the letter, the Archdiocese gave us a loan of $1,600,000 to help complete this project. We still have a long way to go in order to avoid having to use this full loan, or sell parish-owned property.