Messages from Gumby to help document this project
| Date/Time |
Text of Message |
| 11/07/08 |
Well I thought it might be a quiet day, but I was wrong as usual. Matt was here first thing this morning from Rochelle doing some work. Also, painters (Steve Dimicelli) are here doing the touch up painting and staining the hand rails. So there is progress, not always as quick as we might like, but I am learning to let go of some expectations because it is just too frustrating to hold onto them. Have not heard back from Rochelle on the status of the elevator. I will contact them again next week. On a side note Ambiance is coming back to tweek the new audio system. I believe we are getting a wireless microphone to use during announcements. Thanks to Russ who will be able to meet them later this afternoon. Never a dull moment.
For those of you who like movies, there is a great movie Parenthood. Towards the end of the movie there is comparison about life being like a roller coaster. Grandma says she likes the roller coaster because it is exciting with all the ups and downs and turns. This project is much like a roller coaster (which I must mention that I am deathly afraid of), I have been sitting in the front seat of that coaster. Sometimes scared to death, sometimes laughing! All I know is that when it ends, I think it will have been one heck of a ride. |
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| 11/06/08 |
No activity. |
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| 11/05/08 |
Sandy from S&R Mechanical is back this morning taking measurements in the upper level of the parish hall for the heating and air conditioning. So there is some activity on Phase II work. S&R Mechanical expects to return the week of Nov. 17th to begin installing the duct work. Very exciting to move forward! |
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| 11/04/08 |
Lloyd Grub dropped off the permit for the plumbing rough-in for the 2nd Floor of the Parish Hall. Sandy from S&R Mechanical was here with an electrician to look at work required for the upper floor heating and air condition unit. Electrician will email a price to Linda Murray. |
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| 11/03/08 |
No activity.
Email was sent to Rochelle about the delivery and installation of the elevator. Waiting on a response. |
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| 10/31/08 |
This week saw some progress (not always highly visible). Matt was here from Rochelle and did some additional work on the elevator shaft and was to install the elevator hoist. Steve Dimicelli (painter) was here to look at the areas that need paint touch up.
When I left on Friday I saw that the wall on Moore Street (where the depressed curb was installed) was repaired. So we are slowly getting through the many items on the punchlist.
We should be expecting delivery of the elevator in the near future. There are still a good bit of work that needs to be done in the elevator pump room before the elevator can be installed.
On a positive note, St. James' got the go ahead to begin Phase II of the construction project from the Zoning Officer. So we will begin to complete permits and hopefully get started on that work. The Phase II HVAC Unit has been ordered through S&R Mechanical.
Additionally, St. James' completed alot of work on Saturday during the Maintenance Morning. Check out the newly painted/stained steps and porch of the Mitcham House. The bulletin boards in the Parish Hall, cabinets and rack in Sacristy, etc. You know the old saying "if you want something done do it yourself". Well we did!
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| 09/22/08 |
So far in September we have seen virtually no work at the construction site. The punchlist was completed and sent to Rochelle the end of August. However, as of 9/22/08 no work has begun on that punchlist.
St. James' does still continue to move forward with plans for Phase II. Getting estimates and selecting materials.
However, there is rarely nothing going on here at St. James'. If you have been to church or the rummage sale you would of seen the wonderful improvements made to the front lawn of the Mitcham House. The beautiful new walkway, the patio and the plants.
Today the sod is going in! This has all be donated to the church by the Mushman Family. It is gorgeous and generosity of Kathy & John is appreciated more than words could ever convey! Take time to let the Mushmans know how very grateful we are! |
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| 09/05/08 |
I know these last couple of weeks nothing apparent has been happening with the construction site. However, looks can be deceiving. St. James' is working hard towards getting the construction punchlist completed, working with the Architect with some billing issues, and trying to plan for Phase II. Doesn't sound like much (and certaintly doesn't look like much), but I assure you it is a lot of work! |
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| 08/29/08 |
Linda Murray met with the Architect to go over the final Punchlist for Rochelle Contracting. This will be sent to Rochelle and they will be given 30 days to complete all items on the list. |
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| 08/27/08 |
The Punchlist for Rochelle (minor construction items that still need attention in Phase I) was consolidated between the Rector, Wardens & Architect. Wednesday evening the Rector and Sr. Warden met with an electrician to get a written estimate for electrical work in Phase II of construction. |
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| 08/22/08 |
On Thursday, August 14th the Rector and Wardens did a walk through of the new construction. They updated the punchlist that was being kept. On Friday, August 22nd - Linda met with Fred Wawra/Architect. They met for an hour and a half reviewing the punchlist. Fred will prepare a final punch list, which will be sent to St. James' for review and then forwarded onto Rochelle Contracting for completion. Rochelle will have no more than 30 days to complete the items on the list at which time the final payments for construction will be made and the escrow being held can be paid. From a planning standpoint, I would like to see Phase II construction start mid October (which means St. James' should start lining up constractors now) and be completed by Christmas. Wouldn't that be a great Christmas present? |
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| 08/15/08 |
Quiet today! |
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| 08/14/08 |
We have our CO for Phase I of Construction. Major milestone!!!!! So coffee hour in the lobby of the building on Sunday, August 17th. |
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| 08/13/08 |
Contractor is here by 7 AM this morning. They are removing some sidewalk and depressed curb on Moore Street and also some sidewalk by the sacristy between the Mitcham House and church. The letter that Paul Sterbenz requested has already been dropped off at the town. Just like "The Little Engine That Could", St. James' is the little church that could. |
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| 08/12/08 |
"Just what makes that little old ant think he can move a rubber tree plant - he's got high hopes!" St. James' has high hopes to use the new parish hall this Sunday, August 17th. Time for some firm conversations and expectations. Cathy Deats, Paul Sterbenz and Pete Rochelle are back at the construction site Tuesday morning (joined by Linda Murray) reviewing the punch list and items still in need of completion/correction. The depressed curb needs to come out and be re-installed. It hurts just to type those words because it was a battle to get the curb. However, Paul Sterbenz explains that the sidewalk and depressed curb do not meet town code so Pete Rochelle agrees to have this work redone. Some side walk by the sacristy also needs to be redone to correct tripping hazard. The no parking sign will be reset. St. James' needs to send a letter to the town. All of the above items should be completed by Wednesday and Paul Sterbenz will be back on Thursday to re-inspect and give his approval for the TCO. |
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| 08/11/08 |
If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again! That is our new motto here with regards to the Temporary Certificate of Occupany. There was a flurry of activity again on Monday. Paul Sterbenz was here and met with Russ Worthington to review the punch list items that needed to be completed before issuing our TCO. We are getting closer, but not all items met with the Town Engineer's approval. However, St. James' was not about to let two denials for a TCO stop them. Landscaper is here working on area behind the fence (installing stepping stones and pacasandra). |
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| 08/08/08 |
Rochelle Contracting is here bright and early this morning. I see what was accomplished yesterday. Nothing like a little "depression" to cheer you up! We have our depressed curb on Moore Street. Sounds like a simple thing, but for those of you closely involved in the day to day progress of the project you will appreciate the persistence that went into making the "depressed curb" a reality. Who would of thought it would be so hard?? Rochelle is working on completing the landscaping work and this should complete the town engineer's punchlist. Keep your fingers cross and pray that Paul Sterbenz can visit the construction site on Monday (or Tuesday) of next week and St. James' will get itsTCO.
If it seems to you that this project has taken longer than you thought it would, well it has. From where I sit, I see the challenges, changes, delays, persistance, and sometimes strong demands that turn what is on a site plan into what you see today. It is far more than you can imagine, and I know that I have not personally experience all that needed to be done to make this "happen". Everytime I go into the new building, I am amazed! There are several options for getting into the new building, and for travelling from floor to floor. Maybe that is what it is all about in the Episcopal Church, a faith that allows each of us to choose what door we will travel through, and how we get from level to level of a building, or in our lives. Hopefully in the end everyone finds themselves together in the "great hall". Doesn't matter how you get there, or how long it takes you to arrive, just so long as you find your way! |
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| 08/07/08 |
Bright and early this morning, Pete Rochelle and crew arrive to start working on the punchlist that must be completed to obtain the TCO. They are removing sidewalk, working on the fencing, etc. Rochelle is also addressing landscaping and stepping stones. When the punchlist is completed, Paul Sterbenz will review and advise the town that the TCO can be released. I personally was very relieved to see these last items being accomplished with no visits from the local police or OSHA! |
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| 08/06/08 |
The Case of the Vanishing TCO - Now you see it! Now you don't! It was just an illusion. Good thing I read Nancy Drew novels when I was young so that I could help solve the mystery!
There has been some confusion over whether St. James' actually has a temporary certificate of occupany. After various conversations with the contractor, architect, town engineer and construction office, the decision is that we DO NOT have a TCO. Rochelle has been advised by Paul Sterbenz that items that still need to be completed in order to satisfy the guidelines for the temporary certificate of occupancy. |
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| 07/28/08 |
St. James' passed the construction inspection and now has a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the lobby, accessible bathroom, hallway, vesting room and entrance to church by sacristy.
Sigh! This is good news! |
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| 07/25/08 |
I returned from vacation to find that the baseboards had been installed, railings installed (and stained) and the lobby bathroom has a sink and toilet. I saw the flooring contractor this morning and he will be installing the carpeting on the steps to Cathy office. Renee Rochelle was here and the additional fixtures for the bathroom should arrive today and hopefully will be installed by Matt this afternoon. If the bathroom fixtures can be installed this afternoon, the building inspector should be able to come tomorrow (7/22) and hopefully we can get our TCO (Temporary Certificate of Occupany). Let's hope that the new building will be accessible by this Sunday's service!!!!
St. James' passed the electrical, plumbing and fire inspections. An additional exit light was installed in the hallway, glass was installed in some of the doors and a mirror was installed in the accessible bathroom. |
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| 07/21/08 |
Gumby's Log, by Pokey, sitting in for the vacationing Gumby
In the past two weeks, several jobs have been slowly coming to completion. The railings have been installed by a very meticulous carpenter. The stain has been applied (for the most part) to those railings. Carpeting has been extended to the staircases and sacristy; we are still awaiting carpet at the church entry and one staircase. The baseboard has been installed and the fixtures are in the bathroom. Our own Isabelle Simon did the honor of the ceremonial first flush!
Unfortunately, the closer we get to the end the farther away it seems. We have been greatly assisted by our field architect, Fred Wawra. He is so good at explaining the construction process in language we can understand. The talents of our design architect (Art Johnsen) are evident in the details which make the buildings come together as one.
This week we should have the first visit by the construction official to begin the Certificate of Occupancy process. I am so glad that Gumby will be back at her post on Monday!
Pokey |
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| 07/03/08 |
No activity. |
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| 07/02/08 |
No activity. |
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| 07/01/08 |
Saw Renee Rochelle. She came to check out the chapel which we had previously advised her about not being repaired/painted after water damage during construction. Renee will talk to the painter.
Renee picked up the sample color for the tread for the steps. This information was given to the contractor previously, but apparently the flooring contractor ordered the wrong color and the materials will need to be returned and new materials ordered. This will delay that work for about a week. Renee also commented that it will be another week before the railings are completed. So it doesn't look like much will be happening this week. |
| 06/30/08 |
No activity. |
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| 06/27/08 |
No activity.
Might have to take back my previous comment at the light at the end of the tunnel! |
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| 06/25/08 |
Flooring contractor arrived and started to install carpeting in hallway (beginning after elevator) up to the sacristy area. Sacristy should also be carpeted. A decision has been made to not install flooring in the lobby of the new building until after the elevator has been installed. They had to move the safe from the vesting room so that they can carpet that area. The contractor used our dolly to move the safe which is extremely heavy. I am actually starting to believe there is a light at the end of the Phase I tunnel. Phase II should be a piece of cake compared to Phase I. |
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| 06/24/08 |
Well no one has arrived by 12:30 PM from the flooring contractor. I guess I will find out in the morning if anyone came. |
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| 06/23/08 |
Matt was here from Rochelle with another worker and they were cleaning the floors in preparation of the new flooring to be installed. Flooring should be installed on Tuesday, June 24th. |
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| 06/20/08 |
No activity in the morning, but Matt showed up in the afternoon to complete the hardware for the new doors installed in the new construction and sacristy. Flooring could be installed next week! |
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| 06/19/08 |
No activity. As I was getting ready to leave a technician from Graybar Electric arrived to look at the electrical work that needs to be done on the upper level of the new building and give us a price quote. |
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| 06/18/08 |
No activity. |
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| 06/17/08 |
No activity at the construction site. St. James' did receive samples from the Architect to select the exterior and interior surfaces for the elevator. |
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| 06/16/08 |
Painters were here to finish up some painting. A sample of the handrail and railing were left for approval by the contractor. Contractor was given the go ahead with the sample provided. |
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| 06/13/08 |
The painters are once again here bright and early (before 7:30 AM). Looks like today they are working on the stringers/risers of the steps which are being painted to match the treads that will be installed later. Again, I was commenting to Cathy how cool it is to talk from one building to another. So many options of where to go and how to get there. It is a sense of being part of something bigger than you were before or being "better connected".
So as Phase I of the construction project shortly comes to completion, I hope the members of the congregation will also feel like they are better connected, with more options, and part of something bigger and better. |
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| 06/12/08 |
Painters are back bright and early this morning. Painting in the parish hall, in Cathy's office, the MH kitchen, sacristy, chapel and my office. I am thrilled to see the painting getting done. Alot of stuff had to get moved around in my office and it kind of looks like a bomb went off. Now I understand what Cathy went through when her office was disrupted. They are suppose to finish painting my office this afternoon after I leave. So a brief flurry of activity that I hope will continue.
Also, had a call from the elevator company. They were sending out a technician to take some measurements.
Hey, check out my new addition on my desk. Someone from my congregation sent be a Gumby! I have covered his eyes so he can't see the mess. Each week I plan on changing his pose at least once (maybe more) a week to remind me to be flexible. |
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| 06/11/08 |
7:30 AM meeting with Pete Rochelle (Contractor), Paul Sterbenz (Town Engineer), Fred Wawra (Architect), and Cathy Deats to review the placement of a depressed curb as close as possible to the Moore Street doors of the parish hall. Looks like we will get a depressed curb. Cathy told Pete Rochelle that she would like to have our Temporary Certificate of Occupany by June 30th. Lo and bold unto to me the painters showed up later that afternoon. |
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| 06/10/08 |
More nothing! |
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| 06/09/08 |
Nothing happening! |
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| 06/06/08 |
Still no activity at the work site. However, Pete Rochelle and the painter stopped by to go over the painting that still needs to be completed. Hopefully the painting will be done next week and then the flooring and carpeting can be installed.
Wednesday, June 11th, there will be a meeting to discuss where a depressed curb can be located near the front entrance of the new building.
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| 06/05/08 |
Silence! |
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| 06/04/08 |
Nada! |
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| 06/03/08 |
Zip! |
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| 06/02/08 |
Work is completed on the church roof. Nothing happening at the construction site. However, some very nice people came over the weekend and did some gardening on the front lawn of the Mitcham House. Looks great! |
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| 05/30/08 |
Painters still have not returned. I suspect they will not be back until the next time it rains. They are probably getting as much outdoor work done in the good weather as they can and come to do our indoor painting when it rains. Looks like the roofers will finish today. Unfortunately we will not know until cold weather if the church will be warmer and the heating bills lower. |
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| 05/29/08 |
Roofers returned today to continue putting the new roof on the church. The decking of the roof is in really poor condition (with large holes in it). The painters have not returned the last couple of days. |
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| 05/28/08 |
Wednesday morning saw the the arrival of the roofer back to complete the work on the church roof. Shortly after the roofer arrived, OSHA arrived. I was alerted to OSHA being on the site by a secret agent of the parish (whose identity cannot be divulged!). I introduced myself to the OSHA Agent and asked if I could help in any way. He replied, "only if you happen to have safety harnesses". I said, "let me check my handbag - I might have a couple". No not really! I think it is more likely that I will be struck by a car trying to cross Grand Avenue to get to the post office, then it is that one of those roofers is going to fall from the roof. Anyway, the roofer had to leave the site and get harnesses and will most likely be fined.
What can I tell you - just another day at the office! |
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| 05/27/08 |
Painters were here to start painting the Parish Hall, and the sacristy and chapel which had some minor damage during construction. Painting went smoothly and most of the walls were completed by day's end. The paint is a very soft and relaxing color. |
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| 05/22/08 |
The completion of the church roof replacement has been delayed by the rain this week. I think so far the weather has called for rain everyday and at some point during the day it has rained. On a positive note everything is so green.
There was a meeting this week with the Architect and General Contractor to discuss the elevator planned to be installed at some point in the future in the Parish Hall, and the implication of upcoming code changes for elevators. We reviewed some other concerns, such as moisture and the depressed curb planned for Moore Street. Matt has been at the construction site all week taking care of punch list items (you know those little things that need to be done towards the of construction). He workmanship and attention to detail is very apparent. Really nice guy, we should try to recruit him as a parishioner of St. James. After watching him work, I asked if he might like to join St. James when they go to Appalachia this summer. He didn't say yes, but then again he didn't say no!
In addition, the painter also stopped by to ask some questions about the trim color for the parish hall.
So as I always say, even when work is not obvious there is always work and decisions going on behind the scenes. |
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| 05/16/08 |
Well it is a rainy Friday, but work is buzzing at the construction site. There are lights now working in the sacristy. The ceiling is completed in Phase I of the construction. They are trying to fix the ceiling in the Mitcham House kitchen which connects to the new building. Joining old to new is now always an easy feat. I can hear comments like, "what are we going to do with this? this is not square! this shouldn't fall down on anyone! I think that will work!"
The new church roof has been completed on the Moore Street side of the church. I assume the other side will be done next week. The rain today keeps the roofers away. The new carpeting is installed in the choir loft and I was just up there and bell choir tables are already set up.
I know sometimes it seems like everything takes forever to get done, but so much as happened here at St. James' over the last five years. |
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| 05/14/08 |
Well these last few days have seen some increased activity at the site. Pete Rochelle was here yesterday morning and this morning Renee Rochelle was here. I have realized I actually don't have to go outside to get to the church any longer. Actually there are several routes to take to get over to the church. Which has turned out to be very convenient when it is raining. Just another aspect of these project that I have seen on paper, but am now actually experiencing.
Yesterday saw the beginning of the church roof replacement. So now the Parish Hall and church will have identical roofing products and serve to even further define that our buildings are now a single structure (in many ways). Oh, I just had this realization that this Sunday is Trinity Sunday and now our three buildings with be one. Maybe there is a sermon in there for Cathy.
So work progresses! There is also something going on here! |
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| 05/08/08 |
Well we did not see alot of activity this week. I was out of the office on Monday, but did return to find the entire Parish Hall exterior has been painted. If you look closely, you will see that the paint color is extremely close to the color of the church. The detail given to the base of the building matching the base of the church is really remarkable. The further along we get with the new building I continue to be so very impressed with the building that Art Johnsen designed for St. James'. I think Joe Wnuck would be proud!
Also, this week we saw many of the doors added to the interior of the building. They all meet fire code and help to define each space and how this large space can be broken into smaller rooms for different sizes groups and purposes. Most of the new doors don't have doorknobs yet, but I am sure we will eventually have them. The only door that appears to not of been installed is Cathy's - don't know what that means. I will admit that I will not miss the blue plastic tarp that has acting as a door between the Mitcham House kitchen and parish hall.
The doors remind me of the "Open Doors" Capital Campaign. Now although it was called "Open Doors" we never intended to not have any doors or to have doors open at all times. So I go to my trusty dictionary (like my father always said "look it up"), and I find "open door" and the definition is "freedom of access". Yes we have doors that open and close, but this new building will always have open doors! "Freedom of access to all". |
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| 04/25/08 |
This week saw the painting begin on the exterior of the new parish hall. They continued to work on the sacristy door. A "doobie" was added to the parish hall roof. Well Cathy calls it s doobie, but it is actually an architectural feature to cover the part of the elevator shaft that rises about the roof line. It has been covered with the same board and batten as the exterior of the building and really serves to blend the elevator shaft to the rest of the building. So take a look at the "doobie" if you get a chance. We have been watering the sod on the front lawn of the Mitcham House and it looks great. We have a new game where we dart back and forth between the sprinkler and try not to get wet if we have to use the front walk or go over to the church. Kind of reminds me of double-dutch when you stand there watching the rope waiting for the precise moment to jump it (only we are doing it with water). I will admit that I was not very good at double dutch.
Pete Rochelle called and said the doors will be here next Thursday and once the doors are installed, the flooring can go down.
On a unrelated note, the columbarium was installed this Wednesday and the organ is scheduled to be moved next Thursday, May 1st and then the new carpeting can be installed in the choir loft.
Always something going on here! Good thing I am flexible! |
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| 04/18/08 09:30am |
I was out of the office Monday to Wednesday of this week - so I cannot report on what happened those days. Today I was over in the new building and saw that they have begun to put in the ceiling in the foyer and hallway. Both sinks are installed in the sacristy. The exterior wall of the sacristy (which is now in the hallway of the new building) has been drywalled. Matt was dismantling the exterior door of the sacristy (which is now inside the new building) to prepare for the installation of a fire door into the church. Things are coming along! |
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| 04/10/08 11:03am |
This morning when I arrived I saw a dormer like canopy over the door that accesses the Sacristy area from between the Mitcham House and Church. It gives alot more architectural interest to that area. (Yes I am learning about architectural interest from design shows on TV, working here and since my younger daughter is going to study Architecture) Right now it looks a little off center to me, but I am sure when it is all completed it will look fine. Unfortunately, what I didn't find was the sacristy sink hooked back up. Maybe some magic will take place between now and Sunday!
Rochelle is in the process of trying to find paint for the Parish Hall that will match the church. A plumber just came in and said he has to shut off the hot water for about 15 minutes (which will probably will end up being at least 30 to 45 minutes). However, we don't need hot water for anything here today. Anyway he was wearing a hat and I am wondering if I have been wrong about it being Matt being the one who always shuts off the water, maybe it has something to do with those workers who wear hats! |
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| 04/08/08 08:31am |
Work continues at the construction site. They continue working in the sacristy and the kitchen of the Mitcham House. They have framed out the door from the kitchen into the new parish hall and constructed two steps from the kitchen into the new building. The floor under the old sink was quite flimsy and I have visions of someone falling through to the basement (possibly me!).
In addition to the construction site, next week we will see new carpeting being installed in the choir loft and the organ being relocated. The week of the 21st will see the installation of the Columbarium in the Lady's Chapel. Soon we should also begin replacing the church roof.
I am contemplating getting a mural for the wall office in my office where the windows were removed. Something to make me feel like I am in a garden or possibly on an tropical island. Maybe we should have a contest and vote on what sort of mural I should get.
Week to week you never know what will show up in the Mithcam House front parlor. Each Monday I arrive and see something new. This week all sort of things are showing up on the front porch and front parlor, as we prepare for the the rummage sale on Saturday. You could say that the walls are closing in on me. All I ask is that you leave a path from my office to the front door so I can get in and out! |
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| 04/04/08 12:28pm |
Things are a little crazy these last couple of days! Sacristy is under construction, kitchen of Mitcham House under construction, my office under construction. May not be simple to find what you might be looking for in one of these areas, but hopefully work will be completed in the near future. Right now there is no sink in the sacristy, no sink in the Mitcham House kitchen. There is only a sink in the Powder room and upstairs bathroom. There is always the bathtub if someone really needs alot of space to wash something. At least there are no files in the bathtub any more. We really are coming down to the home stretch with regards to Phase I of construction. You just have to laugh at each week's adventure or you just might go plum crazy! |
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| 04/03/08 12:47pm |
This morning they continue to work in the Sacristy - Matt is back with his working partner. The drywall contractor is back putting another layer of spackle on the wall seams. Some of the outlets in the MH kitchen are not working this morning. Found that out when I decided to have a cup of tea. I went down to find the tripped circuit, but the light down by the electric panel is not working and I couldn't see a thing, plus the flashlight we have is dead. So I had to get Matt to go down and he fixed the outlets for me.
Matt just came and is going to start working on moving the sink in the Mitcham House. So that means he has to shut the water off. I told him you know when you are here the water gets shut off an awful lot. Luckily, I was just getting reading to leave for the day. |
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| 04/02/08 1:19pm |
Activity at the construction site seems to have increased this week. Drywall continues with taping and spackling of seams.
The sod on the front lawn is getting greener compliments of mother nature's rain a couple of days. Cathy found the purple ball. I was so happy to see it back. It is in the kitchen of the Mitcham House. I plan to give the ball a bath. Maybe I will even rub it three times and make a wish!
Today they began work on the Sacristy and had much of the room torn out when I arrived. Hopefully that work will be completed by the end of the week so that altar guild can get back in the Sacristy.
Pete Rochelle and Matt (without his hat) were here in the Mitcham House discussing the door for the kitchen, dyrwalling the kitchen wall and also the wall in my office. Additionally, there was some discussion on where they would move the kitchen sink (as that is where the door will go).
Materials and color selections have been made for carpeting, ceramic tile, vinyl tile, paint color, etc. I think it is safe to say we are in the final stretch of Phase I of the construction! Yipee!
On another positive note, plans to replace the church roof should be happening soon. The Historic Commission has signed off on our roof replacement and hopefully we can get the roofer started in the near future! |
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| 03/28/08 11:02am |
Well as I predicted last week, the sod for the front parlor showed up on Friday. I was actually coming home from a exercise class and saw them installing it and just had to stop. What a difference! Looks really great. This week saw the installation of the fence around the new parish hall. It is a beautiful fence with a gate. I drove by it yesterday when I was leaving work and had to come back last night and took a stroll through the area. I thought wow this could be a little secret garden to go and meditate! (Not that I meditate much!). Or possibly hide! Next week will see the construction work in the Sacristy and may prove to be a challenge for the altar guild. Hopefully that work will be completed without too much inteference with Sunday services. Remember flexibility is the key! |
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| 03/18/08 12:18pm |
They shut off the power for about an hour and a half this morning to hook up the permanent electric service for the new building. So being without a computer I was forced to take care of some things that had been putting aside for more important work. Maybe that is a good thing! However, Holy Week is not he best time to be messing around with our electricity. Probably our busiest week of the year! The bathroom is really dark with no lights and so is the kitchen. I would like requisition night vision goggles for possible future use! Outside there were about 6 or 7 trucks (some from JCP&L, some from Rochelle Contracting, and some from Townsend Electric). I am waiting for our new front lawn to arrive, but it already looks much better than it did. Looks like some top soil was delivered on Moore Street. |
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| 03/17/08 12:34pm |
Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone. This morning Renee Rochelle dropped off many samples for the selection of materails for the handicap bathroom, foyer and hallway to sacristy entrance. So that will need to be selected. There is an exacator here working on the front lawn of the Mitcham House and we could possibly have a lawn out front by Easter.
On a separate topic, the remainder of the railing for the chapel entrance on Moore has been installed by Lodi Welding. It looks great! |
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| 03/14/08 11:58am |
Today sounds like there are several workers out there hammering away. Could be doing drywall - I haven't been out to look what is going on. |
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| 03/13/08 11:58am |
This morning the electricians are back and I know this because as I was typying this on the computer the computer and half the lights in my office went out. They are doing some work which they explained to me, but hey I am no electrician and I just nod approvingly! They were extremely polite and every apologetic, but it could happen again! Oh no, the power just went out again but thankfully I didn't loose this entire email this time! Better end before it goes out again! |
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| 03/10/08 11:58am |
The electricians have been here a good part of the week. I had no idea how long electrical work would be. The work in the sacristy that was suppose to begin this week did not begin. I am glad we didn't make the altar guild crazy on Sunday and make them start pulling everything out of the sacristy. I am sure Altar Guild had enough to think about with Holy Week almost upon us. |
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| 02/26/08 08:53am |
Electricians and Rochelle are on site working. The Mitcham House furance is being cleaned, and the Bishop is here holding Clergy Conversation for District 1. I had an email from Renee Rochelle that electrical inspection with be this week and the framing inspection to follow shortly. So it looks as though work is picking up. |
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| 02/25/08 08:53am |
There was no one working on the site. However, at one point I heard snow sliding off the roof. I am not sure if it was the Mitcham House, or Parish Hall. I thought to myself, oh no avalanche, now that is something that I haven't experienced yet at St. James'. I was able to dig myself out from underneath the snow (na - just kidding). |
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| 02/22/08 08:53am |
I was not in work due to the snow. So I do not know if anyone was working. |
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| 02/21/08 08:53am |
First I will apologize because I have not been very good lately at writing construction updates. We had a slow period for a week or so and I feared that I might have to get my whip out to get things back on track.
However, last Thursday (2/21) there were Rochelle workers, electricians, mechanical contractors all at work at one time. I also just happened to go outside when they came to pump the port-a-potty. It was reassuring to know that the port-a-potty is being taken care of. It was a rather quiet day - with almost no phone calls - or emails. It wasn't until almost the end of work that I realized that half of my office had no electricity. Electricians must of tripped something when they were working. Asked them to take a look at the problem and they took care of it. |
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| 02/19/08 08:26am |
I hear noise coming from the new building. Looks like maybe work has begun again. Good thing because I was seriously considering having Gumby call the Incredible Hulk to get things moving! |
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| 02/18/08 08:26am |
No one at construction site in the morning. |
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| 02/15/08 08:26am |
No work at the construction site. |
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| 02/14/08 08:26am |
I walked through the construction site early this morning when I arrived. It looks like maybe some dry wall was delivered and I can see the duct work throughout the building. However, doesn't look as though much noticeable progress has been made in the last couple of weeks. |
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| 02/13/08 08:26am |
I never would of guessed that workers would show up today in this miserable weather. However, I hear people on the site working. |
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| 02/12/08 08:26am |
The construction site was quiet - no one working |
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| 02/11/08 08:26am |
The construction site was quiet - no one working. |
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| 02/08/08 12:36pm |
Construction this week has been sporadic. Workers are not arriving first thing in the morning, and they are not staying for the entire day. I spoke with Pete Rochelle this week and he said they are waiting for the electrician to finish his work and then have the town inspect. Once the town has inspected the electrical work, the sheet rock will begin to be installed. I can't wait to see some real walls in the building.
Now having said all of this - This is the 2nd time I have typed this update. I just typed it and as I went to hit send, the power in the building went for all of maybe 1 second. However, it was just long enough to wipe out my message and I had to restart the computer. So I am going to assume that the electrician is at the construction site. Hopefully this power outage is not any indication of the quality of the work he does. Gumby |
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| 02/07/08 12:36pm |
Construction this week has been sporadic. Workers are not arriving first thing in the morning, and they are not staying for the entire day. I spoke with Pete Rochelle this week and he said they are waiting for the electrician to finish his work and then have the town inspect. Once the town has inspected the electrical work, the sheet rock will begin to be installed. I can't wait to see some real walls in the building.
Now having said all of this - This is the 2nd time I have typed this update. I just typed it and as I went to hit send, the power in the building went for all of maybe 1 second. However, it was just long enough to wipe out my message and I had to restart the computer. So I am going to assume that the electrician is at the construction site. Hopefully this power outage is not any indication of the quality of the work he does. Gumby |
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| 02/01/08 11:57am |
Well the majority of the work at the construction site this week consisted of electrical work. Townsend Electricians were here from Monday to Thursday. There is no work on the site today (2/1/08). If you go into the building now you will see wires being run through out the building. Looks like the permanent electric box has bee installed on the side of the church and I am not sure if they have taken down the temporary electric pole. Progress on the construction seems slow these last couple of months. Maybe I am just anxious for it to be finished, or maybe what they are doing doesn't really have a great impact visually, or maybe progress is slow! |
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01/25/08 12:19pm |
The workers were here this morning. I was over in the church and I could hear them working on areas of the church roof where it connects with the new building. When I first walked into the church I heard this loud sound from above me. I thought maybe God was trying to tell me something, but then I realized that it must be the workers. Gumby! |
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| 01/24/07 12:17pm |
Yesterday before I left work I took a walk through the new construction. I had an opportunity to see the wishes that parishioners wrote on the walls of the new building during the Annual Meeting last Sunday. I used the stairs to walk through the building and had much better sense of what the finished building will be like. The kitchen is going to be considerably larger!
When I arrived this morning the door had been installed between the Mitcham House and Sacristy. It is the same type of door as the front entrance (only a single door rather than double doors). The workers are cleaning some items out of the Mitcham House basement left from construction today. Gumby |
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| 01/22/08 08:16am |
I can't remember the last time I wrote a blog for construction. With the Christmas Season, taking a some time off, and then the Annual Meeting, I have been very busy.
Construction has continued daily. The siding is almost 100% completed. The front doors are on and there are steps (without railings) in the building. No more climbing ladders. The exterior of the building has really taken shape and it is beautiful. The architectural details make this building blend seemlessly into the church. It is apparent that it is larger than our old Parish Hall, and yet the resemblance to the former hall is striking.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I have been looking at those blueprints for years and never was able to visualize what is now present. The architects really did a wonderful job designing this building and how the roof lines would come together. Yes we are behind schedule, planning to have been completed in December.
Yes, it can get a little chilly in the Mitcham House. There have been frustrations and disappointments. Nothing ever goes as quickly as you would like.
When you are told that something will be done in a couple of days, make that a couple of weeks. When you hear a couple of months - just times that by three and you will have a realistic expectation. Be patient, be flexible and sometimes be pushy!
Like I have said before, "everything I ever really needed to know in life I have learned as a Parish Administrator". Gumby! |
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| 01/08/08 1:47pm |
On January 7th I had an opportunity to go outside with Cathy and see the exterior work that has begun. It looks really wonderful. The new building truly has some really nice architectural details and it will blend well with the church. For those of you who miss the old parish hall, there really are alot of similarities in appearance between the old and new building.
Today, January 8th the workers seemed to be in rare form. The radio was on with country music (at one point Johnny Cash). They were all singing and I really wanted to go out and sing along with them. John Snyder (who is doing the plumbing work) stopped by this morning to look at the sink in the kitchen of the Mitcham House and the sink in the sacristy (which is also being moved). He asked if there was a basement beneath the sacristy. (Good luck with that job!). Gumby! |
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| 01/04/08 11:41am |
Construction continued while the church office was closed from December 24th to January 1st. I returned to find Moore Street re-opened, the curbing replaced on Moore Street and new walkway to the Sacristy/parish hall entrance on the side of the Mitcham House. I understand that the HVAC sub-contractor was also here to do some duct work. One of the heating/air conditioning units was to be delivered and installed on the parish hall roof this week. Additionally, Rochelle continues to do interior work in the Parish Hall. Gumby |
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| 12/11/07 08:02am |
When I arrived this morning I saw that work has continued when I left yesterday and they are now beginning to dig a ditch down the opposite end of the building. I believe a line will run from the rear of the new parish hall down the side of our property and tie into the retention pond. Looks like that line will actually run under the front walk of the Mitcham House. When I was leaving it looked like they had completed the installation of the drain line. The workers were joking and saying you couldn't even tell they had been here. I will let you be the judge of that! Gumby |
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| 12/10/07 08:02am |
Workers are outside hammering away. Some insulation was added to the exposed temporary wall in the kitchen. The high point of today's work was Cathy' back window was removed to begin work on installing a door from Cathy's office into the new building. |
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| 12/07/07 12:12pm |
December 7th - work continues. Another problem to deal with and guess what it is? If you guessed water, you would be right. Just like all the other little hurdles along the way I am sure this too will be solved. It's been a long week! |
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| 12/06/07 12:12pm |
December 6th was a very challenging day. Gumby was really pushed to the limits of her flexibility, but survived and actually returned to work on Friday. Don't ask her about that day as Gumby has opted to have the memory erased from her mind. |
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| 12/05/07 12:12pm |
Today, December 5th I was met at the front steps of the Mitcham House by the bucket of the excavator digging out the front lawn and swinging across the front walk. Pete Rochelle was already hard at work at 7:45 AM. I made sure that Pete saw me before I began up those steps. I thought I should maybe use another entrance, but there is no other entrance at this time. |
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| 12/04/07 12:12pm |
December 4th was such a very hectic day. The construction workers were preparing to remove the Mitcham House kitchen window & sink. Plans were being made for removing the back window in Cathy's office for installation of a door into the new building. We ran out of oil and Skylands Energy had to be called to provide us with a small amount of oil until a delivery could be made the next day. The Town Engineer and Town Zoning Officer were on site taking some measurements and reviewing the progress of the project. |
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| 12/03/07 1:16pm |
Construction continues on this very chilly Monday. Highlight of the day was the meter reader wanting to read the meter on the Mitcham House. It is very difficult to get to, but we did finally figure it out. However, I thought that meter was no longer working. I don't know the electric company is crazy! The second highlight was when someone called to see if I could give them Sal's phone number. The mason who did the foundation work. I know alot of things, but I don't know Sal's phone number. He seemed rather amazed that I wouldn't have his number. Gumby |
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| 11/29/07 1:03pm |
What is big, yellow and sitting on the front lawn of the Mitcham House. Why that would be our new lawn ornament! Actually it is a small excavator that is being used to dig a water retention pond under the front lawn. This will handle water that will be directed off the roof of the new parish hall. I am thinking that I should see if Barbara White wants to take advantage of this feature and maybe offer to take individuals pictures in the excavator for a $10/fee. This would be a lovely keepsake item and a great memento of the construction project. For an extra $2/we could supply you with a hard hat, safety glasses and headset to wear in the photo. Anyone interested? Gumby |
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| 11/28/07 11:07am |
Well it looks as though the new parish hall roof is completed and it is really a beautiful roof. Yeah I know that may sound funny, but a dimensional roof (color: Williamsburg slate) was chosen, which probably tells you nothing. However, there is more character to this roof than a typical house roof and the color and style is made to look more like a slate roof. 50 yr. shingles were used, which means St. James' won't need to worry about a new roof for a long time. In conjunction with that, a new roof in identical materials will also be put on the church.
Also, the gothic shaped windows for the front of the building, the entry foyer and side entrance between the Mitcham House and church are being installed. They are quite nice, maintenance free and actually have a cross like grid in them. Take a look the next time you are here!
Gumby is happy! |
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| 11/27/07 11:45am |
I have been advised that Rochelle expects to have the roof of the new parish hall completed very soon (maybe even today). Marcus put some insulation in my office (where the windows use to be). I thought they were putting insulation in the kitchen also, but I just checked and there was no insulation installed there (so the kitchen will remain chilly). My office should be warmer though. Gumby |
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| 11/21/07 11:40am |
Construction this week has seen progress with windows being installed on the side of the building facing the Haberkern's property and the back of the building facing Holder's property. These windows are frosted to help diffuse light onto our neighbor's property. Today they are working on the roof of the new parish hall. This work has been delayed a few days due to snow and rain. Hopefully next week the building will have all its windows and roof on. For this I am thankful! |
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| 11/16/07 |
Bang bang bang bang bang! Yes the familiar sound of hammers. They are using one that sounds like a machine gun. They continue to work on the parish hall roof, and the area right outside of Cathy's office back window, which will ultimately be a door to the Parish Hall and Church. A good look out area now is the nursery (in the Mitcham House) side window. The kitchen, my office and the upstairs bathroom are no longer viable observation points. I wonder what next week with bring? |
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| 11/13/07 11:35pm |
They continue working on the new building. I understand they hope to start roofing tomorrow. I have learned though that tomorrow doesn't always mean tomorrow, it means sometime in the near future. They should start constructing the permanent wall in the kitchen and repairing the wall in the kitchen and my office where the windows have been removed. It can get a little chilly in here sometimes. Have encountered a water leak in the Sacristy while under construction. Hopefully we can get that rectified soon. Didn't even blink an eye when I saw the water - it's like oh well I guess we better get that fixed! You know I am flexible! |
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| 11/12/07 1:02pm |
Today they continued to work at the site. It is probably the coldest day so far. The highlight of the morning was when they knocked on the door to tell me that they were taking out the kitchen window that faces the new parish hall. Just what we need one less window. So the kitchen now has a temporary wall and plywood where the window use to be. It just seems to keep getting darker and colder in the Mitcham House. |
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| 11/08/07 12:40pm |
They continue to work on the part of the building that will connect to the Mitcham House and Church. Each day brings me one step closer to being able to visualize the new building. Those blue prints just don't do it for me. They have not broken through to Cathy's office yet, but it shouldn't be much longer now. I really enjoy seeing the project develop. |
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| 11/06/07 1:09pm |
I can't believe it is already November and the construction started in April. No one was here this morning due to rain, but as soon as the rain let us they arrived. They are installing the decking on the new section of roof that they constructed which attached to the back of the sacristy and church and the side of the Mitcham House and sacristy. I hope when they break through to Cathy's office she is here. I would like someone to share with me the experience of having part of their office ripped out while they are working. The wonderful fairy dust that falls so gently upon your office, hair and yes sometimes even up her nose! |
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| 11/05/07 11:53am |
Today they are building the framing to connect to the rear and side of the sacristy and it looks like they are also working on the framing that will connect to Cathy's office. I will not be surprised if they will be breaking through to Cathy's office sometime soon. Not terribly noisey, but there is hammering and sawing happening. I hope they can works towards having the wall in my office and the kitchen finalized before it gets too cold. Rochelle is trying to get in touch with the HVAC contractor to obtain the placement and size of any heating/ac pipes that all pass through the new building's roof. |
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| 11/02/07 12:34pm |
Today construction continued with a small crew from Rochelle. They are still working on the roof section of the new building that will connect with the back of the sacristy/church. The weather is starting to get cooler and they are working towards getting the new building enclosed. The workers sound a little rowdy today, maybe because there is no alot of equipment running (or maybe just because it is Friday). I know that Gumby is glad that it is Friday! |
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| 11/01/07 12:10pm |
Construction has been moving forward each day. St. James' has been asked to select a roofing shingle and that decision will be made in the near future. This morning as I sit at my desk I could swear they are using a leaf blower in the construction site and all the debris is getting blown up against the plywood that was once windows in my office. I get up to check and see what is going on and in fact they are using leaf blower to clean out the leaves and such that have accumulated in the new building. I am assuming this is included in our contract. I wonder if I could get them to remove the leaves from the entire property? I always like when things are clean! They are building the framing from the new building over to and connecting with the back of the sacristy. This area I still don't quite get, but I am sure I will in the end. Cathy came back from her clergy conference yesterday, went into the construction site (without me knowing) and then thought it would be amusing to tap on the Mitcham House kitchen window. So, of course, I am sitting at my desk wondering where the tapping is coming from. I get up and there is Cathy staring in at me from the new building. And she says, "I wondered if you would come if I tapped on the window." Like I'm not crazy enough already! |
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| 10/29/07 12:25pm |
Construction continued today. The concrete for the final portion of the foundation of the new construction which runs across the back of the church and up the side of the Mitcham House to the sacristy door was completed this morning. They brought the concrete in by wheelbarrels. They continue to saw, and hammer. |
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| 10/24/07 1:25pm |
Well they didn't pour the concrete yesterday because of the forecast for rain. Guess what? It didn't rain yesterday, but it is raining today. So I am guessing the concrete will not be poured today either. Based on the weather currently I don't expect any work to take place. Oh wait I hear voices! Wrong again! They are here working, but I can't see what they are doing. Work continues. Maybe they will pour the concrete tomorrow. |
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| 10/23/07 2:09pm |
What a difference a day makes! No excavation, no rug cleaning, no loud noises. They are here working today, but I just can't see them from any of my vantage points. I even went up in the attic, but I still couldn't see them. It sounds like they are working at the front of the construction site on Moore Street. They are ready to pour the remaining foundation for the area between the Mitcham House kitchen, Cathy's office and to the side of the sacristy and back of the church. They delayed pouring the concrete today because of the threat of rain, so looks like that will be done tomorrow. Work is moving along! |
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| 10/22/07 12:33pm |
The mini-excavator had returned and excavating had already begun when I arrived at 7:45 AM. There are men out there digging and there is already a pile of dirt and rocks on the front lawn of the Mitcham House. Yes the chaos of construction has now travelled to the front lawn. Pete Rochelle is operating the equipment. They are working just the other side of the temporary wall in the kitchen so I almost sounds like they are in the building with you. On top of excavation, rug cleaning company is here today to clean the carpets in the Mitcham House. They usually come in through the back door (not any more). So they have come in through the front, past the pile of dirt on the lawn. On top of that for some reason their machine tripped the circuit and my computer went out. So we went down stairs and reset the circuit but had to climb over various construction materials to do that. Matt in the Hat just came in to get my key to the sacristy door. They need to get into the area for some reason. I always get nervous when Matt is here because he usually shuts off the water and we have no bathrooms. Okay, now Diana has shown up from the Bereavement Center to see a client. She can't go upstairs to the office becuse the rugs are being cleaned - so she is using Cathy's office. However, I don't know how she can hear herself think between the rug cleaner,saws and excavating. It is pretty crazy right now. I am not kidding I can't even answer the phone because I can't hear what the person is saying on the other end.
Saw Pete on the front lawn and he said they will be bringing in a larger excavator to dig the hole on the Mitcham House front lawn. I asked didn he have to drive it over the sidewalk. And he said yes! I said wouldn't that break the sidewalk and he said yes!
One day when I am retired I may write a book about "My Adventures as a Parish Administrator" or "Everything I ever really needed to know I learned as a Parish Administrator". |
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| 10/19/07 8:13am |
When I first arrived at work there was no one here from the construction crew. Soon some people started to arrive. The crew is a little larger today with some new faces. They are carrying sheets of plywood from Moore Street to the back of the constrution site. You can hear the boom of the wood as it is dropped to the floor. There is also of hammering going on as they install the deck of the roof. Yes a roof! |
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| 10/18/07 1:19pm |
There is alot of sawing, banging and nailing today. It sounds like they are outside of my window, but I can't see them from the kitchen window. From the bathroom window I can see a worker on a ladder attaching planks of plywood to the peak of the building closest to the back of the Mitcham House. Soon there will be limited view even from the upstairs bathroom. The workers are rather chatty this morning. |
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