News from the Home Team... Richard Grzywinski, Chair

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; CBlacklist has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_blacklist.php on line 6

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; CBannedWords has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_blacklist.php on line 34

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; Sidebar has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/Sidebar.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; Archives has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/Archives/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; AuthoringMenu has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/AuthoringMenu/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; Avatar has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/Avatar/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; Calendar has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/Calendar/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; Categories has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/Categories/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; CounterTotals has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/CounterTotals/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; Links has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/Links/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; RecentComments has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/RecentComments/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; RecentEntries has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/RecentEntries/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; RecentTrackbacks has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/RecentTrackbacks/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; Preferences has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/Preferences/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; RandomEntry has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/RandomEntry/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; Search has a deprecated constructor in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/plugins/sidebar/Search/plugin.php on line 8

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_blacklist.php:6) in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_feed.php on line 159
News from the Home Team... Richard Grzywinski, Chair http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
First [tax-exempt qualifying] Service in our UU Center!
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080930-191105
The program:

People arriving. Rev Newberry gives Chris Holaday a hearty thumbs-up.

Rev Newberry claps hands to gather everyone to their seats so we can begin (like herding cats, that is).

Our Dance of Celebration!

Greetings of gratitude, where everyone greeted everyone else. Hugs all around!

We left by the evening light.

Hey! We need a bigger parking lot already!

Too bad we didn't yet have the barrels in place before the heavy rain we got the weekend of September 27-28.

We now have our address on our sign!

A rainy wet dismal weekend shows off the beauty of our interior lights � and the interior colors chosen certainly enhance this effect!

The entrance is laid with pavers. Which we ran out of. Anybody know where we can get a few more Oldcastle Colony pavers?

One of the last major things to go in was the bamboo flooring.
But first, the subfloor had to be sanded to make it perfectly level. This task fell to Chris.

We chose the darker color for the sanctuary floor, and the lighter color for the library.

Right now it is almost entirely covered with cardboard to protect it from other construction debris.

The chairs arrived, in shrinkwrap!

For his piece de resistance, TJ and his dad tiled the foyer in a beautiful running bond pattern.

The high ceiling and celestory windows provide a soaring feeling.

Also the fancy 36-inch commercial range.

More cabinets installed around the range. These are beautiful birch (no formaldehyde laminate).

The suspended ceiling seemed to take a long time to get done (due to complicated electrical and HVAC "guts")... holding up our final coat of paint.

Jersey Door provided the lovely wood doors.

Some doors (closet, bathrooms, etc) are solid:

Doors for the RE classrooms have windows:

Double doors for the library:

The cement is poured and the hand-made bollards are installed.
(What is a bollard?)

One of the major jobs undertaken was spreading topsoil so we could get the bare areas seeded. Also, mulch was applied around the planted areas. This was hard, hot labor using wheelbarrows.

Our rear deck is taking shape.

Chris and TJ relax after a very hard day's work.

Aren't these carriage lights charming?

Tiling continues.

TJ's dad lends his expert hand in the upstairs ladies room.

The kitchen has brick red tiles with gray grout.

The wood trim on the portico is stained and assembled.

What a beautiful place for our new home!]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
Elevator parts, and painting (yummy colors)
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080913-220444

While we wait for the electric to connected, everything (tools, lights) has to be run off this generator:

Painting continues apace!
The yellow chosen for the sanctuary varies by quality of light and time of day:

Sometimes it is a yummy buttery yellow and other times a lemony yellow:

The children's RE rooms are painted in three colors (the name of the green is "Lettuce Alone!")

The nursery will have a mural conceived and executed by member Kim Trotto.

Classrooms now are almost ready to paint.

Did you ever wonder how drywallers get the "mud" (spackle) up onto the higher parts of the walls? Stilts!

Chris took wetvac in hand to clean up the bottom of the elevator pit in preparation for its installation later this week. Call him a muckraker!

Saturday, September 6, Tropical Storm Hanna made a visit and we had to do some quick trenching and berming to direct the heavy rains away from the building and down into the retention basin where they belong.

A very wet Saturday. But now we know what a retention basin is for.

Looking towards the back of the sanctuary.
The kitchen pass-through is on the right side. Also visible on the right is the door to the stairwell down to the classrooms, where the children will exit to their classes.

The foyer is now sheetrocked. On the left, looking towards the sanctuary; on the right, looking towards the front doors.

View of the front entrance. Note the decorative criss-cross pieces (which will be stained a dark cedar color). Isn't it delightful how they reflect in the glass above the doors?

And the foyer gets special foil-backed insulation.

Jesse relaxes after a particularly difficult color-picking meeting!
Then it's off to make more decisions.

The front doors are similar in style, but cranberry red.

Volunteer work galore, especially in the outdoor areas. Spreading mulch.

That pile of scraps, to be sorted and carted by volunteers.

The red metal roof accent is carried through to the other end of the building as well.

Work by volunteers begins on the deck construction.

This is not wood, but a recycled plastic material called Trex.

A few days later, the deck is partly done; next will be the railings.

We can see the red wrapped wire of the security system, wired throughout the building...

... including the kitchen, which now has a door!

Who could imagine how much electricity goes into a building like this?

The conduit arrived on big spools.

The red portico provides a nice touch!

[more][more][more][more]]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
Door frames!
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080816-193134

and in the sanctuary leading to the deck...

More electrical work on the exterior of the building:

Blowers that are hiding in the attic surrounding the foyer will deliver warmed or cooled air, mixed with some fresh air, into the sanctuary:

As part of the planning for the outdoor area, Jesse and her team mark out what will be the labyrinth area, here marked by scraps of lumber and pieces of tree trunks:

Richard and Chris consult plans daily in their "command central" headquartered in what will be the Library:

So many details to keep track of every day.

The lower level has foam installation (blue), and will have suspended ceilings to enclose the ductwork.

The beginning of electrical panels ...

... which, a few weeks later, had more stuff stuffed into them:

Several weeks later, it grew more complicated with the addition of connections to six heat pumps.

Wahhh. All that grass we planted for erosion control got trampled away by big ole trucks.

Jesse and Heidi consult on colors and furnishings for the classrooms.

and downstairs:

The electrical wiring begins.
It is done with metal-shielded product that minimizes the risk and damage in case of fire.

We have some more new signs out front, for the ductwork and geothermal.

Three wells are drilled for the geothermal.
The water coming out from 100 feet below is an even 55 degrees.
The pile of sand here is what lies below us, making up the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer, one of the Pinelands Region�s most treasured assets.

The Classroom level framing:

and two weeks later, the ceiling is up:

An update from Captain Richard (as of July 24):

� The electrician started today, so if you visit you will already see a maze of cabling running throughout the building. So far, his costs are within our budget with a little to spare. Next week, he will begin bringing power underground from the pole on Pomona Road to our building. His name is John Perone of Perone Electric, Seaville, NJ.
� The plumbing is moving rapidly and on Tuesday we passed another Township plumbing inspection. This allows us to begin installing the Meeting Level ceiling that will cover that work. We are now putting in the Sanctuary Level plumbing in the kitchen and restrooms. The insta-hot water heater (propane fired) is being considered for location in several areas. A decision will be made Monday. No fixtures until September. Plumbing by Broadley�s from Marmora, NJ.
� The Meeting Level ceiling is a complicated issue, and work begins this Friday by Pete Perez. We are screwing and gluing (using low-VOC glue, of course) a layer of sheetrock to the bottom of the joists, then steel �hat channels�, then two more layers of screwed-and-glued sheetrock. This gives us a two-hour fire-rated ceiling. Any penetrations through that ceiling must have fire-dampers which will close from heat, or a metal tube stuffed with fire resistant material. Getting heating, plumbing and electrical from one floor to the next takes great care to avoid a fire permit problem. You won�t even see that ceiling because we are installing suspended ceiling below that. Between the two ceilings will run heating/cooling ductwork and electrical wiring for the Meeting Level.
� The Sanctuary ceiling ductwork is all installed. Good Job! What a sight! Broadley�s is doing our heating/cooling also. It is interesting to see how they had to snake the duct through the walls to get it from our geothermal system location to the ceiling. If you visit, you will see the duct insulated with reflective material.
� The elevator manufacturer (Schindler) stopped by and had only a few minor changes to what we�ve done so far. They are necessarily very particular about how things must be done because of safety issues. The delivery is scheduled for September 5, and the install will take 5 to 7 working days.
� The roof work continues although our vendor �forgot� the last two hundred square feet. The truck is reportedly �on the road�. We have only one day�s work left to finish it. It looks great. Many thanks to Chris Holaday and his hard-working crew who persevered through the heat wave up on that roof.
� We are installing metal roofing over our portico entrance and over the two rear doors to the deck. After a few snags, they now report that delivery will probably be by Tuesday of next week. It will be installed by Barry Davis, maybe next week also.
� The geothermal wells are being installed, and as of 2 pm today (7/24) the two extraction wells were completed. It was interesting to put my hand in the clear 55-degree water drawn up from over 100 feet below the ground and know that this water will heat and cool our building. The two injection wells are next.
� Vineland Glass will be taking final measurements for the two doors to the deck, the door between the Hall and Sanctuary, and the front door so they can begin actual fabrication of the aluminum framing.
� Next week the plumbing, heating and electrical will continue, and Chris Holaday�s crew will be working on final framing in the sanctuary, final work on the elevator shaft, building the meeting rooms, installing the columns under the front portico and the small deck by the kitchen, and installing the soffits under the roof cornices. If weather and schedules permit, they will begin installing the final (late-arriving) roofing and the cement-board siding.

Still striving for October 1 - Ten Weeks.
Is it OK for UUs to pray for miracles?
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
Ductwork
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080718-182933

Ductwork delivered and piled waiting for installation:

First the duct outflows are installed:

Then the ductwork with insulating wrappers are put into the ceiling:

Chris Holaday and his able team apply the fancy-schmancy eco-friendly roof tiles.

Designed to mimic slate, they are actually made of recycled plastic.

An update from Captain Richard (as of July 15):

� The roof was delivered yesterday and about 10% has been installed. It looks great! If you want to see, it�s on the far side of the building.
� The siding and clapboard is on site. After the roof, that and the cement board soffits (under the eaves) will be installed.
� Most of the white outside building trim has been installed. When you look at the building you�ll see the bright white outline
� The heating and air conditioning system is being installed. The ductwork is stored in the sanctuary ready to be assembled and lifted into the ceiling. Our contractors �ductwork guy� seems great and I think we�ll get a good job. I�m waiting to hear on a delivery date for the six heat pumps and two energy recovery units.
� We received the permit for the geothermal wells Monday and I�m waiting to hear when they�ll be installed.
� We received the last (hooray!) Galloway Building permit, for the security system.
� We selected the electrical contractor. He�s worked with Chris before and his pricing was excellent. He�ll be starting next week.
� The plumbing piping (water, sewage, LP gas) is rapidly nearing completion and is almost ready for township inspection. When we finish the walls and floors, the fixtures (toilets, sinks) will be set in place.
� We met the LP gas contractor today to determine where the 27� diameter, 4-foot high tank will go. We�re putting it in the corner near the stairwell (Stair No. 2) on the far side of the building
� The elevator shaft is constructed and is ready for the elevator.
� All the windows are installed. They are high quality and environ-mentally the best.
� The doors are on order.
� We�ll probably start the basement exterior wall insulation in the next 10 days.
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
Summer Solstice service - June 22, 2008
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080624-073408

The construction of the new UU Center has been proceeding very strongly. As of June 18, the entire shell of the building has been constructed, framing of the rooms at the sanctuary level is complete, and framing of the classroom level rooms is underway. Under-floor plumbing in the basement has been installed including the all-important sewage ejection system that will convey waste to our septic system. A water line has been installed to the building that is currently being used for irrigation.

Framing has begun downstairs.

We have railings!

The roof has been coated with its first level of weather protection and will very soon be followed by our �slate-look� roofing made of 100% recycled material. The exterior of the building is about to undergo the same treatment with a similar first level of weather protection followed by a durable cement-based finish of �heathered moss� siding and �woodland cream� panels. All windows and doors have been contracted and are in fabrication, and delivery is imminent. The burglar and fire alarm system has been contracted and the design approved by Galloway Township.

The contract has been signed for our geothermal heating and cooling system, and the four required wells are being installed this month. Bids for electrical work are being considered at this time. The site work is stabilized and our water retention and infiltration pond is blooming with new grass planted and nurtured by our volunteers.

Barring any difficulties with contractor performance, permits or government inspections, completion may be as early as October 15.

Some interesting statistics:

No. of design drawings��52
No. of contracts issued to date (excluding architects and engineers)��30
No. of contracts remaining��about 19
No. of doors purchased��32, five of which are double doors
No. of windows��38, five of which were donated
Square feet of roofing��5,300
Square foot of the building��7,100 (3,600 per floor)
No. of light fixtures��138
No. of elevators��1
No. of steps from floor to floor in each of two stair towers��21
Pounds or gallons of fossil fuels to heat or cool the building��0
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
The sad saga of the sod
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080603-180928

There was some erosion occurring due to recent heavy rains, and several gullies were forming. We were advised to put sod down to stabilize the slope, since it would be a while before the seeded grass would be able to do the job effectively. A dedicated crew put this sod down during the week of May 26, in two beleaguered areas --

the main swale south of the building:

and the area receiving runoff from the road and driveway:

Alas and alack! After a work party spent hours on the morning of Saturday May 31 seeding and spreading straw over some new areas to the south and east of the building, a heavy rain played a nasty joke on us that afternoon.

Runoff from not just the land but also funneled off the entire roof of the building (no gutters yet!) created a river around the building:

which displaced the sod, sending it slip-sliding-away, into the retention basin!

the other sodded area fared a little better:

There's our portico roof over the main entrance!

Looking straight through to the east end of the Sanctuary...

A few days later, we can see what "Betsy's window" will look like!

Thanks Chris!

P.S. Compare the grass in the picture above, taken May 10, with the one in the previous posting
(just below), taken May 3.
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
Roof trusses up
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080503-144800

The additional trusses for the foyer part of the building can be seen propped against the left front of the building waiting to be installed.

Rather cathedralesque view here, eh?

This was a two or three-person job. Each blanket was 75 feet long had to be pinned down at intervals to keep it in place.

Since our only water tap is inside the lower level of the building, we had to run a series of hoses with individual shutoffs in order to water the extensive area we had seeded. The hoses were so long and the water pressure such that only two sprinklers could be run at any one time. Attached to the hoses is an instruction sheet explaining the process to our "Water Wizards" team of about a dozen people, who took turns spending two hours or more per day watering.

April 30. It took about 2 weeks for the seeds to germinate, but soon a fine green peachfuzz was visible all around the retention basin.

Here you can see the seedlings poking through the blue-green netting that binds the straw blankets together. Grow little grasses, grow!

Prim and Marci set up the simple chalice table -- hoping it won't blow away.

John Searight and Jon Luoma are pressed into service as traffic control.

Who woulda thunk a bullhorn belonged at a Sunday service?

Remarks from Richard and Tull, builders extraordinaire.

Imagine that. Even teenage boys enjoyed the day.

We conclude the service with the forming of a circle. Dogs allowed.

What's all the hubbub behind the elevator pit?

We're voting on new names. South Jersey UU's, anyone?

Chris Holaday and his crew starts installing the joists and floor.

Better hurry up, because in two days, we're having our FIRST Sunday service inside the building,
on this floor! Chris hammers madly.

With the floor in, it's starting to look like an upstairs/downstairs now.

The steel (by New Jersey Iron Co.) is starting to be erected and you can see now how tall the building will be.

The septic has been completed. It is 40 feet by 40 feet by 15 feet deep. There was a successful inspection by the County on March 12.

A big job that is looming is the stabilization and seeding of the bare soil areas of the site. This is required to be done soon after the replacing of the topsoil that was scraped off the original area, so that this precious topsoil is not lost by erosion (just one good long hard rain!). We will be depending on our congregation members who like to get dirty to do this work (and thus save us thousands of dollars), so be prepared to jump to it when Jesse and Mariann ask for your assistance. It's a big area, as you can see below.

I'm guessing Chris has little fear of heights, as he is standing on the top of the wall --
about 16 feet up.

The first week in March, the waterproofing was applied to the bottom half of the walls.
The area will then be backfilled.

Below you will see the footings up close. In the foreground are the footings for the exterior stair tower. Sticking up from the concrete you'll see reinforcing steel -- the orange squares on top are safety devices so no one will be impaled if they should fall onto the work. These steel "spikes" around the perimeter will be extended up to about 12 foot higher than the poured footings and horizontal steel will be added. They will then be encased in 10-inch thick concrete walls that will form the outside walls of the basement and support for the main floor.

In the next picture you'll see the smaller square wooden forms built for the footings for the steel columns that will support the main floor.

The last picture shows the footings for these steel column foundations. You can see four bolts sticking out of each of the six concrete areas - these will hold down the steel columns. The square excavated area on the right side is the pit for the elevator, where there will be one more steel column in the corner of the pit. In addition, there are two more columns to be mounted on the back wall of the building which have not been poured yet. Thus, there are 9 steel columns that will be holding up the main floor of the building. On these 22 steel beams will be installed. The main steel beam holding up the larger roof will be 27 inches high and 49 feet long.

-- information provided by Richard Grzywinski, photos by Mariann Maene]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
Excavation and site work
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080120-132055 The earthmovers are here!

The top soil has been moved into large piles:

They're digging out the retention basin (it's huge!):

And are grading the area (below, to the left is where the actual building will be). The crushed stone driveway (temporary) is to prevent dirt and mud from being tracked onto Liebig Avenue.

Dr. Speck gave the last speech, which eloquently stated what the values and the presence of the Unitarian Universalist faith will mean to the community. After the rousing closing song of �Come and Go With Me to That Land,� we ended with sampling a �gift from the vineyard.� Lots of us then took a shovel and broke a little ground, providing lots of photo ops.

After the last folks had gone and were in their cars, the light drizzle turned to heavy rain.

Both Jim Gentile and Mariann Maene were our photographers, but many more cameras were on the scene. Steve Fiedler offered the services of his brother, Martin, who is a professional videographer, to film both the 10:00 service, and the groundbreaking. So, those who missed will have a chance to see it all.

Another aspect of this ceremony was the number of people who were involved in the details, and how smoothly everything went. Debbi Dagavarian had arranged for Stockton Police to assist us in crossing busy Pomona Road from the Stockton parking lot. TJ Jannsch and Helene Gentile made sure that folks knew where they could park. Peg and Bob Felix handed out the programs, Pam Hendrick directed us to standing in the right places, and Jack Miller made sure those who needed chairs got them. We could hear very well, thanks to Michael Cluff�s expert setup of the sound equipment at the site. Through Ronda Cluff�s efforts, a Press reporter and photographer were there. The Groundbreaking Planning Committee, consisting of Ronda Cluff, Mariann Maene, Barbara Miller, Paul Utts, and Betsy Searight, had planned well.

The ten o�clock Service preceding the groundbreaking ceremony is also an important part of our history. Eight five people attended. Of this number, four were from the Wilmington Growth Committee (Karel Toll, Joan Priest, Dave Sheppard, and Nancy Pinson), a group that helped to start and sustain us. We also had Frank and June MacArtor, supporters from the UU Society of Mill Creek, Delaware. Jean Wiant, and her husband Fred, were very welcome visitors. Jean was key in the actual starting of our congregation, and our first RE Director. Colby Tippins provided home hospitality, and Marsha Hannah hosted a dinner on Saturday evening for Jean and those who knew her from the early years.

Rev. Dr. Richard Speck in his message advised us that there would be mistakes made in the plans and construction of the building, and to be forgiving of those mistakes. We would have differences of opinion arising from the use of the building. But the ability to compromise and demonstrate right relationships with each other will demonstrate the essence of us as a community.

A luncheon, coordinated by Evelyn Benton and others from the FUUN committee, and well supplied by the congregation, was much appreciated.

-- submitted by Betsy Searight

]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
Groundbreaking!
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry071023-191730 groundbreaking will be on Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 1:00 pm.

Earlier that morning, we are honored to have Richard Speck, District Executive for the Joseph Priestley District of the UUA, speak to us at our morning service at 10:00 am. After the service, we will have a potluck luncheon. We hope many of our members and friends will be on hand for this momentous occasion!]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
Updated Floor Plans
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry071020-184626 First floor plans.

This includes the entry hall, kitchen, sanctuary, and bathrooms.

Ground floor plans.

This includes the classrooms, nursery, and office space.

The south faces Pomona Road:

The east end of the building has double doors exiting from the sanctuary onto a deck with stairs:

The north side includes a covered outside stairwell from the top floor to the bottom floor:

]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
July 9 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070709-081045 December 3 now rather than November 12 � only a three-week delay. Before then, we will be completing several applications and seeking a host of approvals, including those related to Pinelands, the Health Department, and Soil Conservation. As important, we also need to complete a design, and select contractors.

We�ll soon be submitting an application for water service. Because we aren�t in a designated growth area, we have to pay an application fee of nearly $3,000. The same will go for gas service if we need it. I have a request in to New Jersey American Water for reconsideration as a non-profit.

By the way, if you drive by our property today, you may see some equipment moving around, doing geotechnical drilling. (Read more about geotechnical engineering here at Wikipedia.)

-- Richard Grzywinski]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
Certificate of Filing obtained!
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070706-175526 Certificate of Filing. This is a major hurdle in what is required from the Pinelands Commssion.

More details, courtesy of Jon Luoma:

Some of you have already heard, but for all who didn�t, the congregation received word from the Pinelands Commission that we had received our �Certificate of Filing.� While this COF level of is never the final Pinelands approval, it allows us to now proceed to get township and county approvals. When we have those, we go back to Pinelands for the final sign-off.

The COF did arrive with what seemed to be a potentially unpleasant surprise. It was labeled an �inconsistent� certificate, noting that our engineers had proposed deed restricting � thus leaving it in untouched forest cover � 380 feet back from an adjacent lot, rather than the 400 feet they had asked for. They made it clear that the COF still was sufficient to obtain our local approvals in any case. Moving the line to 400 feet was a problem because it intruded into an area near the building that had to be graded to meet drainage regulations. Aside from the costly option of �moving the building� on the site plan and redoing the entire grading plan (expensive) the letter did not make clear what we could do to be �consistent.�

Richard and I met with our planner and attorney yesterday afternoon and they believe this can be solved. They plan meet in a couple of weeks with Pinelands staff to solve what appears to be a pretty minor glitch.

So its basically very good news. We will have more hurdles to clear, though.

We remain pretty close to on-track to the schedule Richard laid out at the annual meeting. Parts of the township submission, which comes next, are already prepared and that complex application should be submitted as early as the end of next week. That puts us potentially on track to go up for township approval as early as late August or early September, the next big hurdle.

No promises, because Murphy lives, but we could still be on track to break ground by the end of this year.
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
Projected groundbreaking date
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070610-212654

Projected date for groundbreaking:
maybe November 2007, if all permitting goes as planned.
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
May 2007 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070502-213756
Last fall, Pinelands had rejected a suggestion that we simply protect a large parcel of potential habitat by deed-restricting the forested northeastern portion of the site. This patch, which we had intended to leave in forest cover anyway, represents well over half of the site, and other portions of the site will be tree-covered as well. After reconsidering data from our consultants, including the results of the no-snakes fall study, the Commission changed its mind. The suggested deed-restriction language they sent along even seems somewhat user friendly. It clearly states that if in the future, we (or future owners) want the restriction lifted, Pinelands will support that move as long as all relevant endangered species studies are completed at that time. The Home Team will soon be moving on to getting necessary Township and County approvals. Aside from the dollars saved by not having to complete the spring survey, this speeds up the entire process by several months!

-- submitted by Jon Luoma
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
March 2007 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070301-213852
As we�ve reported in the past, progress on all the needed local permits for our future building has been delayed by a requirement that we conduct a two season (last fall, and a coming spring-summer period) drift net trapping survey to determine if any northern pine snakes, a threatened species in New Jersey, use our land. Under state law, Galloway Township cannot even consider our site plan and building application until we have a first stage approval from the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, called a Certificate of Filing, so the pine snake studies have been a major roadblock. Our wildlife consultants have consistently stated in reports to Pinelands that our land is simply not critical habitat for the snakes, and none were trapped in the autumn fall drift net study, but until recently Pinelands has persisted in its demands that we continue this labor intensive, costly and project-delaying study.

Although we can be only cautiously optimistic, a few days ago the pendulum seems to have swung in the direction of common sense and credible science.

In January, we appealed directly to the executive director of the Commission. In a letter we received February 16, 2007, he acknowledged that our investigation of state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) records was accurate and that a Pinelands staff claim of a recent DEP sighting of a pine snake near our property was, in fact, �a mistake.� The agency continues to contend that it has in its possession an older record -- albeit one that Pinelands staff reviewing our project has admitted may be as much as a quarter century or more old. However, Pinelands director John Stokes stated that his agency was willing to reconsider the need for the spring-summer study on our land. Yay.

Six days later, on February 22, we received an additional letter from Pinelands staff affirming they would revisit the notion that we had to conduct the second phase of the study. We had already forwarded a December 2006 letter from consultant Clay Sutton, an eminent naturalist/biologist and retired vice-president of the highly regarded consulting firm Herpetological Associates (HA), stating that, based on both his survey of our land and on the autumn data, no further study was needed in his professional opinion. After we contacted them early in the week, staff at HA, which was conducting our snake trapping study, reported to us on Friday, February 23 that they were about to mail the autumn data, showing no evidence of pine snakes, to Pinelands accompanied by a professional opinion that our land is not suitable pine snake habitat and that no further work should be required.
We hope common sense will prevail at last, and that we will be able to report in the next newsletter that we can proceed with obtaining our local building approvals.

-- submitted by Jon Luoma
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
January 2007 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070101-214353 adding about 800 square feet to each floor. This is likely going to increase up-front costs, but there will be some chances to save. For example, in the basement, space we don�t anticipate using in the near term we�d simply leave unfinished. Our architects, Steve Fenwick and Associates, are now adjusting their drawings.

Meanwhile, Home Team member and builder/engineer (and M.B.A. to boot) Richard Gryzwinski has developed a detailed spreadsheet which we are using to try to come up with tighter estimates of what it will cost us to build this expanded new home. Additionally, our engineering firm has tweaked the site and grading plan, and in late December submitted a full set of plans and a list of other requested items to the New Jersey Pinelands Commission for approval. Pinelands regulatory staff often respond with additional questions, but we hope to be done with almost all but one aspect of this complex application within the first quarter of the New Year.

That final aspect is the pine snake study. Herpetological Associates completed the fall portion of a drift fence trapping study, and no snakes were found. Normally, an additional spring-summer study period is required. However, we are requesting that the spring-summer study be waived. Our lead consultant on the pine snake issue, the naturalist-biologist Clay Sutton (now retired, but once a Herpetological Associates consultant), in December wrote a detailed letter arguing his reasons why he believes the totality of data, including the fall trapping study and Sutton�s own previous habitat assessment, show that this is not suitable habitat for pine snakes. Under a New Jersey Open Record Act request, we have also recently received a response from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, indicating that NJDEP has no records of pine snakes in the vicinity of our property and that its own habitat assessment deems our land not to be suitable habitat. We are forwarding this information to Pinelands Commission staff with a request that the issue of the pine snake be closed so that we can proceed with construction.

Timeline: if the snake studies are deemed to be complete, our engineers say we should anticipate about five months after Pinelands initial approval to gain all the needed township and county construction approvals and then the required final Pinelands approval. Optimistically, we could begin construction as soon as fall 2007. If we must conduct another season of snake surveys, construction would be delayed for another five or six months.

In the meantime, we are proceeding with a wide range of other items. Our architects should soon be providing completed detailed construction drawings and schematics for the up-sized building, and Home Team member Dr. Lynn Stiles is beginning to develop a design for a highly energy-efficient but also highly cost-effective heating, cooling, and ventilation system. For our green building project, we�re looking further into what environmentally sustainable and healthy materials will be suitable and cost effective for our building.

We�ve appointed two small, focused action teams, a Construction Committee of three led by Richard Gryzwinski and including Jonathan Shambare (an architect in our midst, who manages facilities development at Stockton) and, tentatively Lynn Stiles. (Lynn would be happy to step aside and concentrate on heating and cooling issues if a congregation member or friend with extensive construction management experience steps forward.) Builder Chris Holaday continues to serve as our key intermediary with architects and engineers and has generously offered to serve as construction manager for the project; we are recommending that the Board take him up on this generous offer. Chris has also offered to provide one of his framing-carpentry crews to us at his hourly cost. The Construction Committee will manage accounts payable, assess the subcontractor bids Chris brings in, and will see that all subcontractors are properly insured and the congregation suitably indemnified. Jesse Connor will be heading up another group of three that will focus on interior finishes and fittings. We�ve also put landscape design in Jesse�s experienced and capable hands -- if you�ve seen the new garden at the Cape May County Zoo, that�s Jesse�s work.

Building is a daunting prospect in many ways. But we�ve been astonished at some of the professional expertise that has emerged from volunteers within our own congregation. And we promise, all of those who have offered to chip in with �sweat equity� once construction is underway � whether painting, hammering nails, or planting shrubs � will be given that chance to sweat.

-- submitted by Jon Luoma
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
November 2006 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061101-215304
Meanwhile, Home Team members, at the urging of the Board of Trustees, are using the time-lull to revisit the issue of how large our building needs to be. The dramatic growth in our membership in the past two years suggests that we may need to allow for more seating in the main meeting room. This, of course, would entail more construction costs. But it also might ultimately be more cost-effective than building a too-small building now, and having to add an addition shortly afterwards. Stay tuned for the committee�s recommendation on expanding sooner rather than later.

-- submitted by Jon Luoma
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
October 2006 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061001-215458 Phil Skipwith has been surveying the snake traps on our property for Herpetological Associates, as part of our response to the Pinelands Commission decision that we needed to perform a full drift fence survey for the northern pine snake. Phil is a junior biology major and an avid herpetologist. The fence is comprised of several hundred feet of reinforced black plastic that is anchored by stakes. Snakes and other animals encounter the fence and are then led into box traps as they try to find a way around. Phil checks the traps every other day, so that any trapped animal is not left there long. Anything caught in the trap is recorded and released. The temperature, wind speed, and weather conditions are also recorded for each visit.

So far, he�s had no finds of any snakes of any species. Our upland oak/pine forest is not considered prime snake habitat.

The UUCSJS is indebted to Phil for agreeing to volunteer his services to Herpetological Associates. We are saving a great deal of money by not having to pay for HA to have a staff person come to our property to do the drift fence checks every other day. In appreciation of his willingness to help out, and consideration of adjustments he has to make to his own schedule, we are gathering a basket of gift certificates and goodies for this hard-working college junior. We are hoping to present him with the basket on October 15 when we visit the site after service.

-- submitted by Jon Luoma
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
September 2006 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060901-131026
Moving through the Pinelands approval process, however, has not proved to be easy or quick, despite some truly outstanding help we've received. The very good news: as our environmental consultants, Jack Connor and Steve Whitford completed a detailed series of surveys that determined that our site is not habitat for any of the three threatened or endangered birds Pinelands demanded we check for: Barred owl, Red-headed woodpecker, and Coopers hawk.

The more problematic news: Pinelands notified us in August that it intends to require us to conduct time-consuming trapping studies for the Northern pine snake, largely based on a Pinelands record of such a pine snake having been spotted somewhere near our property in the past. We have a meeting scheduled with Pinelands staff in early September to ask for clarification on this matter, to discuss options and negotiate the issue in more detail. We hope to have an update available on this in the next newsletter.

-- Jon Luoma]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
May 2006 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060501-131651 You may think there�s not much going on with our new church home. But it's been an extremely busy (and exciting, even amazing) month for your Home Team (building committee). We've met with Marathon, our site engineering firm, to develop an initial draft of a siting plan, Chris Holaday and Jon Luoma have had meetings with architects Steve and Dortje Fenwick (it's pronounced DOR�sha, and she's Steve's wife) and their construction manager. And on Wednesday, April 27, Marathon Engineering's chief planner Rob Reid spearheaded an �informal� meeting at township hall with Home Team reps Chris Holaday and Jon Luoma, Steve Fenwick, and four members of the Galloway Township Planning Board. Although we can't submit our plan to the township formally until we have Pinelands approval of our site plan, in the form of a �Certificate of Filing,� the purpose of the informal consultation was to satisfy ourselves that our plan is on the right track as far as the township is concerned. Otherwise, we might find ourselves with that Certificate in hand, only to have the township object to the plan, forcing us to send a major revision all the way back through the long Pinelands regulatory process.

At the meeting, Fenwick also presented a first working draft of both floor plans and exterior views of our future home. Although this draft will be changing, it served to give township officials a better sense of our plans. A label on the roof for "solar panels" also helped a certain magic to happen. Many of you are aware that the township limits development in our �rural development zone� to five percent impermeable surface (parking lot, sidewalks, plus roof). Yet they also require us to pave one parking spot for each four seats, and, as loony as it sounds, are adamant that they will count as �paved� any formal parking surface we propose: stone, open pavers, open grids. This has really constrained us. While officials at the meeting concurred that we could allow for abundant unpaved �overflow� parking in the plan, Marathon's Rob Reid made it clear that, in order to put up our modest sized building and 25 paved parking spaces the township will require, the five percent constraint really put us up against the wall in terms of future growth. I asked how difficult it would be to get a variance to cover future growth.

Hemming and hawing ensued. The basic response seemed to be �well, you can try.� And then Chris simply said: �And you should know we're planning a green building,� meaning an environmentally progressive building.

The atmosphere in the room changed palpably. Everyone seemed to sit up in their chairs. Although the meeting was about siting, not really about the particulars of the building, suddenly there were questions. Fenwick showed them the space, clearly labeled, for solar panels on the roof. One planning board member asked if we would be eligible for the huge state subsidy available for solar. Answer: yes. We explained that we are planning a super-insulated structure, which includes aspects of both passive heating and passive cooling. Another asked if we were thinking about geothermal heating and cooling. Answer: very likely, but we are focusing on doing green in a way that pays for itself. We want to serve as a model of cost-effective green building for the community � we've called it �The Greenest Building in Galloway.�

�Well,� said the township planner, �I can't see any good reason to deny you an extra two percent.� Nodding ensued. We will still need formal approval, but it looks good. Pinelands the very next morning agreed that if we get this variance, they will not require us to buy expensive �development credits� to exercise this right. Within hours, the township planner told Reid we could likely go to 7.5 percent, based on a revised plan Reid had prepared. We will now have 35 paved parking spaces, instead of 25, enough for a future addition to expand our meeting room to seat 140, from the presently planned 100. (Clarification: the stage one space will be large enough to seat 100 at tables.) Space for the future addition will appear on the plan. We can build a patio there for now if we want, or just spread out some crushed seashell. Our parking lot will be far better, with a full turn-around, at the township planner's request (easier to get an ambulance and fire trucks in, should there be an emergency). We will have informal on-grass parking for many more cars. So instead of being jammed into 5 percent, we are now jammed into exactly 7.5 percent.

More good news: our endangered species surveys are going well, and so far, so good. No barred owls. The search schedule for other species continues.

The Home Team and a few Board members will be meeting on May 1 to review the site plan and take a preliminary look at the draft building design. Soon the site plan will be submitted to the Pinelands Commission.

We're focusing on the stated desires of the congregation in planning for a building we can truly live in. Not just for circumscribed visits on Sunday mornings for fire, brimstone, coffee, and cookies. And not just for board and committee meets. But eventually for choir practices, evening and weekend get-togethers, evening adult and teenage RE (with interminable showers and learners permits will come deep-sleep-Sunday mornings that often won't jibe with morning services). And many are hoping for increased interaction with the Stockton students just across the road, with an active campus ministry and perhaps a home for student groups that develop along the lines of the current very active campus Fair Trade student group, or the Darfur student group.

Stay tuned for another update on what�s happening, at our Annual Meeting on May 21.

-- Jon Luoma
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
April 2006 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060401-132347 Marathon Engineering & Environmental Services, a firm based in Absecon. We were highly impressed with Marathon's get-it-done competency and substantial experience, particularly with both Pinelands and Galloway Township. Their lead planner turns out to be the former Galloway township planner, and the firm has recently done the site planning and engineering for the newly approved Catholic church on Pitney Road as well as work on another church within the Pinelands in Galloway, along with numerous other Pinelands/Galloway projects. In a move that probably saved us a full year of delays, Marathon had advised us to move quickly in determining if springtime surveys for rare or endangered species might be required. Site engineering firms do not do this work themselves, instead either sub-contracting the work or (better, because of no overhead charges) allowing the congregation to contract out this work itself. Marathon itself suggested that to save costs we contract the work out ourselves and provided a recommendation of a local firm that could help us.

That's when it got interesting. We immediately sent a letter to Pinelands requesting clarification on the endangered species question. Although surveys for such species had not been included in Pinelands' initial response during our �due diligence� period before we bought the land in 2003, there were signs that circumstances had changed. As noted in the last newsletter, barred owls had been located in the general vicinity, and we had learned that a developer with a large block of property adjacent to ours had recently been asked to conduct assessments for several other species. Our response from Pinelands, received in mid-March, indicated that, indeed, we would be required to conduct surveys for three bird species (Barred owls, Coopers hawks, and Red-headed woodpeckers) as well as the northern Pine Snake.

The bad news: some checking with the local firm recommended by Marathon suggested that their �best rate� for doing this work would be $13,000, and perhaps substantially more if we were required, as is common for Pinelands, to do snake surveys in both spring and fall. As noted last month, Stockton ornithology professor Jack Connor (husband of Board member Jesse) has very generously offered to conduct the bird surveys for us at no charge, an immensely generous offer. Although Jack is without question well qualified to do the fieldwork and related reporting, he expressed concerns about establishing scientific survey protocols that would be a good �fit� for Pinelands submissions. Another angel has arrived in the person of Steve Whitford, an old friend of the congregation with 17 years of experience working on these issues. He has offered to provide whatever back-stop consultation we need now, including help in setting up proper survey protocols, and will accept pay on an hourly basis. At a March 22 meeting at the Connors� home, a group of us developed a strategy for dealing with the snake issue that we believe will likely relieve us of the need to do expensive full scale surveys: Jack and Jesse's recent walk of the site, and Steve's general knowledge of the area (he arrived at the meeting with ecosystem maps) suggest we can make a scientifically solid case that there is no pine snake habitat on our site.

More good news: although it took a number of days to work out details in our engineering contract, the kickoff design meeting with project manager Chris Holaday, our architect Steve Fenwick, and our engineers is scheduled for March 30.

-- Jon Luoma

BARRED OWL (Strix varia)
This bird makes a call that seems to be saying "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" It grows to about 16-23 inches long. It's a dark grayish-brown, barred with white and vertical streaks on its belly. It lives in wooded swamps and lowland forests and drier upland forests. It mostly eats mice but will also eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, snakes, insects, and crayfish.

NORTHERN PINE SNAKE (Pituophis melanoleucus)
This snake likes flat, dry, sandy areas. It is one of the few snakes that burrow in open sandy fields. It mostly travels on the ground and occasionally climbs trees. It feeds on rabbits, rodents, birds, and their eggs. When approached it will loudly hiss and vibrate its tail - so you would think it is a rattlesnake! But it is a constrictor that squeezes its prey and will not strike. They live well in the Pine Barrens because when fires occur, it clears the forest floor for them.
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
March 2006 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060301-134208 bids from three site-engineering firms, a process complicated by the fact that most of these firms seem to be already intensely busy. Three bids from professionally qualified outfits are finally now all in. The work these firms will do is going to be extensive, and evidently more expensive than we had hoped. As of this writing, the Home Team and Board President Paul Utts will be poring over these proposals in an attempt to make a recommendation to the entire board about which firm fits our needs at the best price. And, despite some sticker shock here, we also do have some great news on some aspects that will actually save us a bit of money, so read on.

The scope of work our engineering/environmental/site-planning group will do ranges from designing the septic, drainage, and retention systems to coordinating site design, parking, lighting and other issues with our architect, and also seeing us through all our environmental, municipal, county and other permits. There are a lot of regulatory requirements.

We've already learned that the owner of the large tract of 110 acres of land surrounding us has applied for a Pinelands permit to develop 19 houses on 5-acre lots. (Right across Pomona Rd., Stockton College is applying for permits to expand its dorm complexes even further in our direction.) Early in February, the private developer of the land around us was notified that he was required to conduct a preliminary habitat assessment to check for the possible presence of several endangered species, some associated with wetlands near one part of this large tract. If his consultants indeed find suitable habitat, further studies will have to be conducted to check for actual presence of these species.

We do not know yet if we will have to conduct similar studies. We were careful to be sure our plot neither contains nor is near wetlands. There's some chance that if the private developer's studies show no evidence of habitat, at least near our land, we'll get a free pass. However, there's suddenly a timing problem. If there is a possibility that we will have to undertake at least a preliminary habitat assessment for barred owl, a state �listed� species that has been located in more deeply wooded areas on the Stockton College Campus and other nearby areas in the months since we purchased our land, that study will have to be completed during the spring nesting season. If we miss this spring, we could be made to wait a full year.

In fact, there's enough bird and Pinelands ecology expertise in our own group that we don't anticipate a serious problem. However, we do have a letter in to Pinelands inquiring about whether we will have to document this and should have a reply soon. The good news is that we have learned that Jack Connor, husband of board member Jesse Connor (and an ornithology professor, among many talents) would not only be qualified to conduct any required study, he has offered to donate his services, if needed -- a substantial potential savings to our building account.

And for those who missed the news: our architect has been retained. His name is Steve Fenwick. You're already familiar with his work. Not only did he design the extensive remodeling of the old building that became Jewish Family Services in Margate, where UUCSJS once met, he is also the designer of our present rented space, the Campus Ministry Center. Steve will first provide the preliminary design that will give our engineers a building "footprint" to work with in their site design and permit application work. He'll then be filling in all the details as the Pinelands permit work proceeds.

What's next? In a matter of days, Chris Holaday, as our construction point-man, will be getting together with architect and newly-retained site engineers for an all important kickoff meeting. This meeting will also include a representative from Superior Walls. This company may be providing an innovative, highly insulated, and, from initial estimates, quite affordable pre-cast concrete walls for the shell for our structure.

Soon, we'll be able to provide more information about other energy efficient and environmentally friendly aspects of our future �green� building.

So how long to groundbreaking? One engineering firm provided us with a timeline, highlighting the additional steps we will have to take to get through various regulatory bodies, including completing the application we already have at Pinelands and moving on to township approval: seven to eight months. This may be a bit overly optimistic. If not, work could begin sometime this fall!

-- Jon Luoma
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
November 2005 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry051101-134931
We�ve also been interviewing site engineers, who will be responsible for civil engineering, including drawing up the various drainage, septic, grading, parking and other exterior features that will be necessary to gain regulatory approvals from various agencies, and that selection should also be made in a matter of days.

After we retain these professionals, what�s next? First, working with the Home Team, the architect will develop a solid working design �footprint� for our building, then consult with the engineers to determine where on our 6.2 acre site the building will be located, and how it will be oriented. (One certainty: the plan for our �green sanctuary� will include an expanse of roofline aimed directly south for solar panel efficiency.) The engineers will use that footprint to design a complete site plan for submission to the Pinelands Commission for their approval, which could take a few months, or more if we have any unknown environmental complications to resolve. After Pinelands approval, our next major hurdle will be to gain necessary approvals from Galloway Township, which has requirements for everything from landscaping to lighting. We may also have some county requirements to meet, particularly since we�re on a county road.

We�re still hoping we can begin construction by spring to early summer of next year [2006], but a great deal will hinge on the speed with which we move through the regulatory process.

-- Jon Luoma
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
October 2005 news
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry051001-135412
The Home Team has now had excellent conversations with two architects, and may be talking to a third in coming days. By the next issue of this newsletter, we hope to announce that our architect has been chosen and is already moving forward in key discussions with Galloway Township.

We're continuing to collect information on the sorts of "Green Building" approaches we're going to recommend. Currently, ideas under consideration include massive insulation, a solar electric photovoltaic electric power system, flooring made from highly renewable and/or recycled materials, and an innovative heating-cooling system that could include "passive" solar. In each case, these are systems that will at least pay for themselves over the life of our mortgage. In some cases, they include state subsidies aimed at kick-starting renewable energy industries that we as UU�s believe in so strongly.

-- Jon Luoma
]]>
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::read_file() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 13

Deprecated: Non-static method arrays::explode_key() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_entry.php on line 260

Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
September 2005 - Floor plans
Deprecated: Non-static method fileio::strip_extension() should not be called statically in /services17/webpages/util/u/u/uucsjs.site.aplus.net/public/pblog/scripts/sb_fileio.php on line 42
http://uucsjs.org/pblog/index.php?entry=entry050915-143720 Here are the latest floor plans.

FIRST FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR

]]>