scc highlights - july 2012
DESCRIPTION
SCC Highlights - July 2012TRANSCRIPT
A monthly publication of the Somers Congregational Church, UCC July, 2012 Gathered in Somers, Connecticut, March 15, AD 1727 Volume 285 Number 7
The Reverend Dr. Barry Cass, Pastor
Church Email Addresses:
Barry Cass - [email protected] Carly Sanborn - [email protected] Jacqueline Nappi - [email protected] Liz Scanlon - [email protected]
Barbara Anderson - [email protected]
Website:
www.somerscongregational.org
The First Sunday of each month is
Name Badge Sunday!
Be known! Wear your Name Badge.
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
BACKPACKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
(Note: Backpacks are needed for students grades K-12) 3 RING BINDERS – 1 inch and 2 inch
LOOSE-LEAF NOTEBOOK PAPER COMPOSITION NOTEBOOKS
PADS FOR BINDERS DIVIDER, POCKETS, INSERTS FOR BINDERS
ZIPPERED POUCHES FOR NOTEBOOKS GLUE STICKS
PENS/PENCILS/RETRACTABLE PENCILS ERASERS RULERS
STICKY NOTE PADS RULED INDEX CARDS
SAFETY SCISSORS BASIC CALCULATORS
BOOK COVERS
ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF . . . .
* FOR SOMERS KIDS IN NEED
AND COVENANT TO CARE KIDS * Please drop the supplies you bring in the bin labeled
“Back Packs” at JMH Educational Center by August 12th
As I write this I have just come from the first day of
2012 Vacation Bible School. The Bugbee Center was filled
with lively sounds, creative and educational activities and a
very large amount of caring! Our CED Liz Scanlon has done
an incredible job getting this organized, rounding up and
supporting the volunteers and making sure everything was in
its place for today’s opening. Six months after the fire it is
great to see the kids having a good time and using the Bugbee
Center once again.
VBS is only one of the positive and encouraging things going on. I am finding that some of our
regular activities have taken on more meaning because I am not taking things so much for granted.
Using Bugbee for VBS used to be something we did without thinking about it, but this year it is a
special blessing to be in that building. There is so much going on in terms of the Meeting House, it is a
good thing to find some regular normal activities. As the weekly updates related to the Meeting House
have been saying, there are many things being done by many people to keep the church operating and
reaching out.
The fact that worship continues to take place twice on each Sunday is also a positive thing. I am
certainly aware that it is not easy for the Deacons to arrive early, get everything out of the closets and
in place in time for the 8:15 service. Jackie is doing a great job using the key board, and the work she
and the choir has done has helped keep all of us focused in the importance of worshiping together.
It is also a blessing that so many of you, the members of the church, have committed yourselves
to being present in worship while we are out of the building. We are very fortunate to have use of the
JMH Community Education Building and are glad that it is so well suited for our needs. But it goes
without saying that we will be glad when we can worship in our new sanctuary. Those of you who
make the trek up the hill every Sunday are certainly making it clear that the church is not the building
but the people. You are also showing your understanding that your church is counting on your presence
now more than ever as we work through this challenging time together. Each of you worshiping on
Sunday makes me feel happy to be your pastor and to be working with you.
The summer is always a challenging time to keep up church attendance, and being dislocated
will add to the challenge. It really is good to know that the outpouring of support we experienced in
January is being carried by so many of you into the summer and beyond. To be the church in this
difficult time takes the added commitment you have shown. As we have grown aware that so many
people have counted on the church to be there for them in the good and bad times of their lives, so now
it is good to see we can count on members and friends to be present as the church moves through a bad
time.
Facing the challenges together means finding the strength of God’s Spirit in our midst and
moving into the future with a fuller understanding of the blessings we have received.
Peace –
Barry
Tuesday July 10 - 7 P.M. – In the Bugbee Center
July’s book is The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn
nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose
Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads,
moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains.
Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his
children’s imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all,
how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and
couldn’t stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an “excitement addict.”
Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a
painting that might last forever. Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life
faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town—and the family—Rex Walls had
done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for
days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for
themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents’ betrayals and, finally, found the
resources and will to leave home.
What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and
intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity.
Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a
family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on
her own terms.
From the Church Historian . . . .
Pilgrim Hall Our beautiful Pilgrim Hall, while not completely burned by the fire that destroyed our meeting house, was very badly damaged. The Chapel or Pilgrim Hall was built in 1858 across the street from the meeting house on land owned by our church and where our Town Hall now stands. We have correspondence dated July 1947 between the Selectmen (Oliver C. Pease, First Selectman) and the Prudential Committee of the Somers Congregational Church (Margaret. B. Pease, clerk) stating that the Selectmen offered and the church accepted the offer to move the chapel onto a foundation provided by the church in consideration of a deed to the Town of Somers for the land on which the chapel stands. For several years Pilgrim Hall was used for church school classes and as a meeting room for Girl Scouts and Brownies. The basement was divided into two rooms, a kitchen and a meeting room used by Women’s fellowship and probably as a classroom. Later the two rooms were joined to form a larger kitchen. In the 1980’s, the Girl Scouts moved their meetings to the Bugbee Center and Pilgrim Hall was renovated to form the beautiful reception and meeting room that we knew. The 14 foot ceiling was lowered by a new sheetrock ceiling with recessed lighting. Walls were painted, wainscoting was added and a new carpet installed. Eight foot double paned windows replaced the five original windows of the building. A kitchenette was added which was used for receptions as well as preparation of communion. At that time there was a small lavatory which was removed when the new addition was added. Almost all the work was done by church members including the 8 foot bookcase at the north end that was designed and built by volunteers. Pilgrim Hall became our church parlor with Hitchcock furniture donated by church members. Some of the furniture was saved. Six pieces of Hitchcock furniture are being restored by the Hitchcock company. The bookcase was not destroyed so books and artifacts from there were saved. One of the things thoughtfully saved by our firefighters was the sign in the accompanying picture. After the death of his daughter Kristin, Rev. Randy Hammond, asked Judith Shaver, a high school classmate of Kristin, to paint the sign. Judith continued on to major in studio art. Judith is the daughter of Fran Shaver. When our new meeting house is complete we will have a church parlor but we will continue to fondly remember our old one and the events held there.
Ailene Henry
Church Historian
Altar Flowers for the Month of July July 1 Altar Flowers this morning are given by George and Shirley Warner in honor of all those who have served and are serving our country
July 8 OPEN July 15 Altar Flowers this morning are given by Dick and Anne Larson in loving memory of their parents July 22 OPEN July 29 OPEN
It is our custom that altar flowers are donated in memory of or in honor of loved ones. Arrangements can be bought or hand-done. An individual or a group of individuals can donate them.
There can be more than one bouquet on any given Sunday. If you would like to give flowers for the altar in July, please call Claudette Colby (860-749-3570)
Worship at Blair Manor On the Second Tuesday of each month our church is responsible for a worship
service at Blair Manor. Led by our pastor, worship begins at 10:30 A.M. and lasts
about a half hour. We are fortunate that Anne Larson accompanies the group in
singing two hymns most months. Other members and friends of the church are more
than welcome to join us, to be a part of the service and to add voices to the singing.
If you have any questions, talk to Barry.
The next Blair Manor worship service will be Tuesday, July 10 at 10:30 A.M.
www.somerscongregational.org The church website will have weekly updates on the progress of the Meeting House. They can
be viewed by going to www.somerscongregational.org/restoration. You can also like us on
Facebook to be notified when the updates are posted.
Field of Flags The Field of Flags with 6,469 is currently at the
Asbury United Methodist Church in Forestville
(Bristol), CT.
Weekly Scripture Readings for July 2012
* passage that will be Church School's prime focus for the week
**passage that will be Church School's secondary focus for the week
July 1 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Communion Sunday)
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 Psalm 130 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43
July 8 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
2 Samuel 5:1-5 Psalm 48 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Mark 6:1-13
July 15 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 Psalm 24 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29
July 22 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
2 Samuel 7:1-14a Psalm 89:20-37 Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
July 29 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
2 Samuel 11:1-15 Psalm 14 Ephesians 3:14-21 John 6:1-21
Somers Congregational United Church of Christ
599 Main Street, Somers, CT 860-763-4021
Free Community Supper Sunday, July 15 5 to 6:30 P.M.
In the BUGBEE CENTER at the Church
Hosted by the Membership Board EVERYONE is invited to share this free Community Supper and to enjoy the fellowship and
good time. Bring your family and friends.
Let us know you are coming by signing up at church, or calling or e-mailing the church office.
If you are interested in hosting a Community Supper, please call the Church office.
Have a SAFE AND HAPPY 4th of JULY
CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
Because of everyone’s efforts, Children’s day and the picnic made for
a wonderful day of fellowship.
Thank you to everyone who helped move tables and chairs back and
forth to Bugbee, and to all who helped move chairs (many times) on
Barry’s lawn. Thank you for sharing your amazing foods and desserts.
Thank you to the Christian Education Board: Sharon, Jen, Jill, Mark,
Andrea and Karen. All their help with planning, setting up, shopping
for food, making sure tables were replenished, and their support was
invaluable in making the event a success.
A big thank you to Andy and Mark for manning the grill that day, and keeping up with the demand.
The children performed an interactive Noah’s Ark skit that was enjoyed by all. They worked so hard and should
be proud.
A special thanks to all the Sunday School teachers and substitutes who gave their time and dedicated
themselves each week.
Thank you to Barry for opening up his house for fellowship and fun. It truly was a wonderful day!
Liz Scanlon, Christian Education Director
For Summer Sunday School in July, we will continue to work on the 10
Commandments.
Look for details in the August Highlights for Fall Sunday School registration and
Homecoming Sunday.
We had over 95 children signed up for our 2012 VBS !!!!
A special thanks to Liz Scanlon, our Christian Education Director, and all our VBS
volunteers for their efforts and time. We also would like to thank all those
who donated the food items. VBS was a great success due to the contributions of everyone involved and we appreciate all that was done
to make it happen.
Special Thank You....... Silk City Chorus for the wonderful benefit concert held at
Somers High School, raising over $4000.00 for the Building
Fund
Cedar Knob Golf Course and Cedar Castle Restaurant for
hosting a benefit for the Building Fund which raised $1000.00
Sonny’s Place/Somers Golf Center for hosting our 3rd
Annual
Mini-Golf Tournament
Thanks…
To all of you who, in the past month have share with
me congratulations on the birth of my wonderful
grandson, Weston Thomas Cass. Your thoughts and
prayers have added to the family’s joy. Thank you
also to those who extended condolences following the
death of my dad on June 3 and of his sister, my aunt
Bernice, on June 10.
Again, it has meant a lot to me and my family to know that we are held in your thoughts and prayers. Barry
Thank you to all who took note of my 80th birthday. All
the cards and messages touched our hearts and made us
feel closer to our friends in Somers.
George Lelievre
I feel sorry for any of you who missed the Children’s Day festivities and service in Barry’s cool backyard.
After 47 years of children’s performances, this was our favorite. Noah’s Ark was simple, short, and so child
done. They performed and they made the scenery & costumes without too much adult interference. Noah
and the Ark were colorfully told. Those participating children may well remember this forever and think
fondly of that day.
Fun games for the children had been planned and the food was
excellent. Many a hot dog and hamburg were cooked.
Odes to Liz Scanlon and the CE Board for creating this experience
for the children.
~Dee and John Moak
Council Corner June 19, 2012 Inventory update. The inventory list put together by committees and the
list put together by the public adjuster have been sent electronically to the
Board/Committee Chairs for review. Each Chair has been asked to have
committee members review both lists to see if anything is missing (not just
the list the committee submitted). One member of each committee should
be designated to do a list of missing items so it can be sent electronically.
We need to make sure that any items that have been purchased as replacements are listed on an
inventory list. We hope to have the lists completed by the next Church Council meeting on July 17.
Items in Storage. The list of items that were removed from the building and put in storage are listed in
a notebook in the church trailer. These items will be delivered back to the church during the week of
July 2nd. We will need help sorting the items and deciding what is truly usable.
Restoration Committee update. Work on the Church Office Building should begin soon. The 3 bids for
the fire alarm system have been submitted to the Insurance Committee. Once we get approval we can
begin. The Fire alarm system must be installed before any sheetrock. (See article/photos of what needs
to be done).
Building Committee update. The Building Committee continues to meet weekly with the architects. (see
article by Mark Marshall).
Organ Committee update. The contract for the organ builder is being reviewed and should be finalized
very soon so our organ builders. can begin work.
Appointments. No appointments were made in June. All committees are filled. Community Supper. July
15th supper will be sponsored by the Membership Board. August is open. September will be sponsored by
the Mission Board. Any board or committee, group of friends, neighborhoods or families can host a
community supper. Just call the church office to reserve a month. Donations from the previous month
cover the expenses for the next month.
Building Fund. The Church Council approved up to $65,000.00 from the Building Fund which includes
$43,104.65 for the invoice from the estimator. The estimator was hired by the church council in
February to do a cost estimate to rebuild the church. The other seven items include money to move the
stairs in the memorial garden due to the new corner footprint of Pilgrim Hall which will be flush with the
side of the new church. Other items are “new” rather than replacement such as a special door for the
additional technology equipment, an additional window in the church office, glass in the door of the
adjoining workroom and needed framing for the new double doors that will go from the church office
building to the new church on both floors.
Questions or Comments about the new church? If you have any questions or comments about the new
building (sanctuary, chancel, narthex, Pilgrim Hall, church kitchen) the Building Committee still wants to
hear from you as decisions are not yet final. Please send comments to: [email protected]
You can also leave written questions/comments in the building committee mailbox in the office trailer.
Anne Kirkpatrick ([email protected])
Strawberry Lunch Takes Place On Schedule!
In January we announced the annual strawberry lunch would still
take place the second Tuesday in June. We didn’t quite know how we
would do it without a kitchen, but we knew we would come up with a “Plan
B”. With the efforts of many people pitching in, the strawberry lunch
took place on schedule! Members and friends donated most of the
mayonnaise, tuna, sugar and bisquick that was needed.
We rented a walk-in refrigerator from Polar Leasing. Larry Urban helped to cut our
rental costs by driving to Millfield, MA to pick it up on Friday and return the 8’ by 12’ trailer on
Tuesday. The 60 flats of strawberries were all washed on Saturday and stored in our new gray
bins in the walk-in. Lois Lindell headed up the advertising, mailing and was the hulling “Captain”
for the Sunday afternoon annual event with 60 flats of strawberries to hull and slice.
Women’s Fellowship made arrangements with the Methodist Church in Stafford and
cooked 1,200 biscuits on Monday and then transported all of them back to the church to store
on the racks overnight. At the same time on Monday morning Laurie Gorski did her masterful
matching of the boxes to all the orders as they were sorted by time and then geographically for
deliveries. Monday afternoon Tom and Judy Mehl arrived for their annual sandwich filling mixing
for the fillings for more than 800 sandwiches.
The sandwich crew headed by Anne Larson arrived early Tuesday morning to begin the
assembly line process of making all of the sandwiches. Women’s Fellowship and friends had their
assembly line going making over 1,000 shortcakes. Jill Conley, Lisa Gay and JoAnn Hornyak
started the packing process as Dee Moak and Shirley Warner handled the money as people came
to pick up their orders and our delivery helpers started doing their routes.
It all came together, once again, even though nothing was the same……no kitchen,
different rooms, different layout, different pickup area, very small kitchen for cleanup and yet,
once again, we did it and we made about $30.00 more money than the previous year with
additional expenses of $600.00. Thank you everyone for pitching in once again to help keep
things going normally in an abnormal year.
Anne K.
Work To Begin on Church Office Building
The Church Office Building suffered extensive damage due to the amount of water that was
pumped into the building in order to save it. We were very fortunate that the firewall
prevented the building from burning, but the moisture in the walls and insulation meant that the
sheetrock and insulation had to be removed from the floor to four feet up in some areas and
completely removed in other areas. The suspended ceiling and the ceiling grid on the first floor
was removed as well as all the plumbing and electrical fixtures. Furniture in the offices had to
be discarded because of the moisture damage. On the second floor the sheetrock ceilings had
to be removed, much of the sheetrock on the walls and again, all of the plumbing and electrical
fixtures. The tile on the four bathroom walls had to be removed. Some of the doors were
damaged and will be replaced. Others can be saved and will need to be re-painted. After several
cleanings the porcelain tile on the first floor has been saved, including our special dove in the
center.
One of the biggest problems to solve has been how to get temporary heat into the 2-story
building. The heat was controlled by the boiler in the church basement which is gone. Several
possibilities have been reviewed to see which is the most cost effective and covered by our
insurance. The project that must be completed before sheetrock can begin is a new fire alarm
system that is required by code for this building and for the Bugbee Center.
Bids have been submitted to the insurance company. The Restoration Committee has been
meeting to make the decisions on paint colors, carpet, light fixtures etc. Green Construction has
the contract for the restoration of the building. Some parts of this project will be paid for
from our Building Fund donations if they are “new” rather than restored i.e. replacing the one
door to the hallway to the “new” sanctuary with two center doors or an extra window in the
church office. The Memorial Garden stairs will need to be moved because the new Pilgrim Hall
and church kitchen will be flush with the outside line of the sanctuary. There is much to be
done. We hope to have the Church Office Building re-opened by September so our staff can
“return home” soon.
Were you ever . . . …. in a garage band? Did you play a mean bass, lead the group as a vocalist, keep everyone
on track with your strong drum beat? Well, since we had the chance to take part in
the benefit worship/concert led by the Worship Group from the United Methodist Church
of Simsbury, some of us have been thinking that there may be some hidden talent in our
pews. If there is, we would like to explore the possibility of using that garage
band talent - - and even some more traditional musical talent like brass and
woodwinds – to offer some alternative music for worship and celebration.
THIS IS AN EXPLORATION, but if you would be interested in being in on the ground
floor of this, thinking together about what the possibilities might be, talk to Barry. There is no
minimum and no maximum age for this – just an interest in seeing what we might be able to do together.
PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW THIS FALL
The Music and Arts Committee is sponsoring a Photography Show this
fall: "Somers Seen" will feature photographs of Somers and
environs. Anyone is welcome to enter up to four photos. Submissions will
be displayed in the refurbished church office building in the fall, exact dates
to be determined. Requirements and time for submissions will be available
soon on the church website, at the church office, and at Sunday services at
the hospital, but you can start now taking photos of our town and its
beautiful natural surroundings, or you can look through past photos for your
submissions.
Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism on June 24:
Grayson Ryll was born on August 30, 2011 in Manchester, CT. His parents are
Erik and Shannan Ryll. His godparents are Eric Marcoux and Nicole DeRealu.
Needed items:
PEANUT BUTTER
JELLY
PASTA
We gratefully accept monetary donations as they go a
long way at Foodshare.
Somers Congregational Church
Building Committee – July 2012 Highlights
Building Committee Members: Jim Jewell, Pat Jones, John Jones, Diane Joseph (secretary),
Tom Mehl, Sara Mulvihill, Mark Marschall (Chair), Barry Cass ex-officio, Anne Kirkpatrick
ex-officio. Donna Hanks will work with us as Treasurer of the Insurance Committee.
The project continues on a Fast Track schedule under the guidance of our architects, Clohessy
Harris & Kaiser, LLC (www.chkarch.com) and our Construction Manager, Petra Construction
Corp. (www.petraconstruction.com) that the Building Committee selected on May 22nd
. Petra
Construction began work for us the next day. They worked closely with the CHK Architects
design team to come up to speed very quickly. The team continues with the later stages of
Phase C, Design Development, and with Petra on board, their estimators were able to work with
CHK Architects and their consultants to develop the first construction estimate to present to the
insurance company. This is a significant accomplishment in a very short period of time.
Here are the highlights of what has been accomplished or is planned to be complete by the end
of June.
o On May 22nd
, the Building Committee listened to the on-site interview presentations of the
four Construction Manager finalists and selected Petra Construction Corp. to be the
Construction Manager for our project. The Building Committee achieved its goal to have
the CM on board right away to work with CHK Architects to develop a detailed
construction estimate to build our church. We are close to the end of Design Development
and we need to provide our Insurance Committee with this construction estimate so they can
present it to the insurance company. Petra committed to having this estimate to the
Insurance Committee by mid-June and it was delivered on June 15th.
o On May 29th
, John Sousa, CHK Architects’ kitchen design consultant, met with the
Building Committee and kitchen “experts” who could attend to review the kitchen design
with the improvements that were identified on May 1st. The meeting resulted in a final
design which CHK will incorporate into their overall design. John Sousa provided a final
set of cut sheets with itemized costs that could be used by Petra Construction for their
construction estimate. CHK Architects will continue work on design details for the kitchen
including a review of code requirements.
o Discussions on the design of the Narthex/Sanctuary/Chancel/Balcony continued during the
past month beginning with the Deacon’s meeting on May 16th. After that meeting, the
Building Committee discussed the option of a single pulpit on the right (east) side of the
Chancel with a location for the baptismal font and a lectern on the left (west). This option
was drawn up and a mock-up of this option was put in the Bugbee Center Chapel for the
Building Committee and Deacons to review.
o On June 3rd
, a Design Development table top presentation was made by CHK Architects and
Petra Construction at JMMC after the 10:00 am service. Petra Construction Corp. was
introduced to the congregation for the first time. Guido Petra, President of Petra
Construction and his wife Diane who is a member of their Business Development team
participated in the event. The congregation also welcomed back Hugh Schweitzer
(Associate & Project Architect) and Jackie Smith (Lead Interior Designer) from CHK
Architects. It was pointed out that these four individuals represent a team of professionals
at their companies who are working with the Building Committee and other committees to
build our new church. The presentation was a table top exhibit in the large room at the end
of the hall. There was a Design Table where members could meet Hugh and view and ask
questions about the design of the building, a Finishes Table where they could meet Jackie
and see samples and color charts of interior finishes for each of the spaces, and a Petra
Construction table where they could meet Guido and Diane and learn about their company
and the expertise they are bringing to the project team. The presentation was well attended
and a lot of good information exchanged between members of the congregation and the
project team.
o On June 5th, Ralph Richards of Richards Fowkes & Company who will build our new organ
traveled to Somers to meet with the project team. The previous week, the Building
Committee assisted our architects in the review of four acoustical consultants that provided
detailed proposals to become part of the design team. We recommended that our architects
acquire the services of Dan Clayton of the Clayton Acoustics Group to join their team as
their acoustical consultant. CHK Architects agreed with our recommendation and acquired
their services. Dan Clayton was also able to attend the acoustical design meeting on that
day. Members of our Organ Committee stayed for the afternoon session to meet the team
and watch them kick off their first design meeting together. Hugh Schweitzer of CHK
Architects led the meeting and there was a good flow of design ideas being shared by the
organ builder and the acoustical consultant to enhance the sound of the A/V equipment and
the organ. The challenge now is to show the enhancements in the design drawings and
understand the implications on construction costs. Hugh will continue to work with Dan to
identify and prioritize the acoustical enhancement design options and present them to the
Building Committee for review.
o A geotechnical engineering firm, Clarence Welti Associates, took a series of test borings on
site on May 31st and issued a geotechnical report to our architects so they can work with
their structural engineer to design the foundation and building structure. To summarize
their findings, the soils analysis shows we have an excellent base to support the building of
our church.
o The Building Committee is working with Attorney Mark Maniscalco of Somers, CT to
review the contract documents received from Richards Fowkes & Co., our organ builder,
and Petra Construction Corporation, our Construction Manager. Both companies have
begun work while their contracts are being reviewed. We are hopeful we can have signed
agreements by the end of June.
o Hugh Schweitzer and Noel Petra continue to keep the Somers Building Official informed of
their progress on the design of the church. Meetings are becoming more routine now as the
design is nearing the end of the Design Development phase.
o On June 19th
, the Artifacts Committee and the Building Committee met with two bell
manufacturers to hear their presentations on capabilities and costs to build and help install a
new bell for our church. A representative from Church Specialties and one from Verdin
traveled to Somers to make their presentations. Both companies are excellent bell
manufacturing companies and could certainly make a bell to ring from our new church’s
steeple. At the end of the day, the Artifacts Committee recommended we work with Verdin
to specify a bell for our new church. The Building Committee also felt Verdin was the
vendor of choice that best fit our needs. Both manufacturers were notified of our selection
and the Building Committee will work with Verdin to finalize plans regarding structural
details and the specifications for the bell in the coming weeks.
o Petra Construction issued a construction schedule on June 19th
that showed a construction
duration of 220 days to build our church. They show a starting date of September 19th and a
completion date of July 25th
of next year. We are entertaining an idea of having the
groundbreaking scheduled for Homecoming Sunday on September 9th
. We will work with
Petra to see if this would be possible. The committee would like to have construction begin
right after our groundbreaking event. More information will be issued when the
groundbreaking date is determined.
Communication and liaison with other committees: The Building Committee continues to
interface with the various committees that have been formed to cover all the responsibilities
associated with rebuilding our church. Communication continues to be helpful and key to giving
the Building Committee and the architects the information required to develop the designs. The
committee’s e-mail address: [email protected] will remain active for members of
the congregation to communicate with us. When e-mails are sent to this address, the message is
received by every member of the Building Committee. As the end of the Design Development
phase approaches, the design will be set as it is turned over to the Construction Manager to build.
Our construction estimate will be based on this design and will be shared with the insurance
company to compare with their estimate and the estimate received from World Claim, the estimator
hired by the church. Ultimately, Petra Construction will work with the insurance company’s
adjuster to determine the level of insurance coverage. Petra Construction and CHK Architects will
work with the Building Committee to define what will be built. Design efforts and effective
communications have been key thus far to avoid change orders in the future that will cost dollars
that we do not have. We thank everyone for their inputs and feedback to the design which have
helped the Building Committee make decisions along the way for our new Meeting House. More
decisions will need to be made as our Construction Manager works with our insurance company in
the coming months.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Marschall
Proud To Be An American The Mission Board is sponsoring a “Red White and Blue
Collection” beginning on July 4th
and ending on Labor Day.
The goal of the drive is to collect items for members of the
military stationed in Afghanistan. The Mission Board’s
contact is Janice Morton’s cousin whose unit will be deployed
to Afghanistan this summer. Janice’s cousin is First Sergeant
Dawn Adams who, along with Capt. Tew, is in command of
the 287 members of the 2nd
Marine Logistics Group – Combat Logistics Battalion 2. Their unit is currently
stationed in Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and this is their second deployment to Afghanistan.
If you are interested in reading bios of Captain Tew and First Sergeant Adams, please see the link below:
http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmlg/clb2/Pages/leadership/TSCo.aspx
Below is a list of items that you can donate in the box for the Marines in Afghanistan:
Hygiene Items: Bar Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Mouthwash, Sunblock, Shaving Cream,
Disposable Razors, Shampoo, Hand Lotion, Chapstick, Foot Powder. Note: Hand Sanitizer is not allowed
Comfort Items: New Magazines, Puzzle or Sudoku Books, Handmade Items (i.e. small pillow, blanket, prayer
shawl, etc.), journals, books with inspirational quotes…be creative!
The Missions Board would like to thank you in advance for your participation in this important drive.
Deadline for Next Highlights is July 18, 2012.
U.S. Postage Paid
Non-Profit Org. Permit Number
334 Enfield, CT 06082
Somers Congregational Church
599 Main Street, PO Box 295 Somers, CT 06071
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Sunday Worship: 8:15 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Office Hours (M-Th.): 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Telephone: (860) 763-4021 Fax: (860) 763-5146 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.somerscongregational.org
Senior Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Barry Cass Administrative Secretary: Carly Sanborn Organist/Music Director: Jacqueline Nappi CE Director: Liz Scanlon Care Room: Barbara Anderson