AUGUST 2011 NEW HOME NEWS

AUGUST 31, 2011 WEDNESDAY

Day 12

10 Volunteers
10 Visitors
1 Contract Carpenter
1 Landscape Architect
1 Excavator
2 HVAC Installers
1 HVAC Supervisor
1 Architect

 

Just driving by the BUUB is an experience...every day the dirt is moved around into a new configuration. Today a trench was added for the footings for the wall along the front sidewalk. The wall is 36 inches high, but depending on where you are standing, it could be half above ground and half below or more. The footings will likely be built in the next few days. This week there have been men and women with measuring tapes, measuring dirt. The excavator is doing "rough terra forming."

I was a little off with my report last night. The reason we needed Comcast yesterday was not just to bury the cable, but to hook it up again. As you can imagine, there are all kinds of old underground pipes for the sprinkler system and electrical wires or cables lacing the south lawn. So a volunteer was instructed to pull out all the old pipes and cut the cables and wires - ooooooops, you guessed it - one of the cables was the new internet/phone cable. Thankfully Comcast came right away and service was restored.

The contract carpenter continued work on the north entrance. It is beginning to take shape.

There was beam sanding by several people, lots of brick cleaning (two pallets done), cleanup, dishes done plus food and sign-in sheets delivered.

I took a photo of El Viejo this afternoon. He was sitting on one of the 130 bales of insulation in the social hall/sanctuary, talking on his cell phone. The perfect caption: "El Viejo ordering another 130 bales of insulation!" If that were the case it would be interesting to see where he could find the space to stack them.

 

A reminder - there will be Chinese dinner at Fortune Inn, 1775 West 6th Avenue at 5:30 PM on Friday. It is Labor Day Weekend and the BUUB will be "officially" closed, but as we all know that also means it will be open for anyone who wants to come work. If there are vehicles in the parking lot, there is probably someone there with a key and the doors will be open.

 

"Hello? I'd like to order another 130 bales of insulation, please.
That's right.  Thank you." -- El Viejo

I'm constantly amazed at some of the rumors going around about the project. We keep hearing that we are out of money and are closing down. NOT TRUE! We are not out of money and we are not spending money unless there is money in the bank to cover it. Ordering some big ticket items, like 43 skylights, has been delayed, yes, but we have plenty of insulation, sheetrock, lumber and hardware to keep an army of volunteers very busy. In early August, we announced that both Mark Doonan and Ed Zack would be taking time off during September. Originally it was to be for a large block of time, but because of the reality of needing to meet with engineers, architects, and contractors, Ed has decided to modify his time off. He will be on the job at least two days a week during September and in his absence there will be "captains" to assign tasks and keep the job jumping. And I will be right here at my computer giving you a daily report. Break Room Dancers will supply tasty treats and the building will continue to take shape.

Mark your Calendars for a BUUB Open House - Sunday, September 11 - from 1-4 PM.

We welcome a new member to our 400Days listserve - Rev. Carolyn Colbert. Welcome Carolyn. I know she has been reading it online regularly so she has been keeping up with our progress. We also welcome Chalice Lighter #126! Thanks to the 50 people who have signed up in the last two weeks. The deadline to sign up and receive the first call for donations in this fiscal year is September 12. If you would like to become a Chalice Lighter, let me know and I will fill out the registration for you. If you are a Chalice Lighter and do not yet have your pin, track me down at church. I carry them with me all the time.

QUOTES OF THE DAY:

"Wow, the pantry is full of goodies....almost like a fallout shelter."

"I don't want this gig to end."

"This job is wrecking my social life."

 

AUGUST 30, 2011 TUESDAY
Day 13

14 Volunteers
1 Electrical Supervisor
1 Landscape Architect
1 Contract Carpenter
1 Excavator
3 Sprinkler Installers
1 Architect
1 Engineer
6 Visitors

When I start adding up all the people who are at the BUUB on any given day, it always amazes me - today it was 29. Because the building is so large, there never seems to be a crowd in any one location. With all the outdoor work - excavating, carpentry, brick cleaning and power washing the parking lot - folks were really spread out.

The "Door Man" was plugging holes, sanding and painting doors. Seventeen are complete, 22 have had work, and that leaves 8 more to go...once the doors are finished, work begins refinishing the frames. The south wall of the sanctuary received a second coat of mudding. In the corridors and several of the rooms there was sweeping with brooms to clean up sawdust and insulation scraps or with the magnet stick picking up nails.

The carpenter finished framing the east entrance and began framing the north entrance. The brick cleaning table was busy all day. I haven't asked about how many are left to do, but I expect the response would be "plenty." Four teenagers were on board with their energy. Another delay related to installing insulation and sheetrock is the absence of ceiling cans for light fixtures. The units are on order.

One volunteer watered down the excavation area out front to help control the amount of dust working its way into the building. Out back, a tireless volunteer pressure washed the north parking lot and collected a pocketful of nails in the process....(a very important task). I think she enjoys working with water because during her "break" she scrubbed all the dust and grit off of the kitchen surfaces.

El Viejo met with the Social Justice Committee Homeless Task Force. During excavation the Comcast cable became exposed and they came when called. We wanted them to dig a trench to bury the cable - but they don't do that, so tomorrow a shovel brigade, or one volunteer, will dig a trench. A test dig was made on the piles of dirt/sod along the east property line to see if the dirt is worth saving - and it is, and will be used in creating the lasagna garden. The front berm is taking shape (photo right).

Much time was spent gathering up tools and repairing them. Every evening, El Viejo makes at least two passes around the inside and outside of the building to be sure it is secure. Last night he did his routine, only to discover as he was driving down 13th, that the plywood panel for the front entrance was not in place. I guess when you do something like that for a year and a month you start seeing things.....like plywood panels that don't exist.

QUOTES OF THE DAY: "Wish someone had a picture from the Eugene Celebration parade of Ed Zack snagging a ride on Christine Puetz' van. Part way through he came charging after us, Betts and I scooted to each side of our trunk seat and Ed took a flying leap to land in the middle." After the parade, Chris asked, "What was that big bump?" It took a while for us to figure out what she was talking about. "I hope someone got a picture of Sophie Puetz dancing with the chalice on top of the van."

"I saw this woman walking with a cane come into the BUUB this morning, and the next thing I know the cane was left inside and she was out there with a generator and a pressure washer cleaning the parking lot.....and she was still at it at 5 PM!"

All in all, I would say it was a very busy day.....as most of them are thanks to our amazing volunteers.

 

AUGUST 29, 2011 MONDAY
Day 14

14 Volunteers
3 Visitors
1 Sprinkler Installer
1 Excavator
1 Contract Carpenter
2 Landscape Architects
1 Architect

 

The HVAC team was not at the BUUB because they were making pieces to install on Wednesday. The excavator was working in the front lawn to make ditches for the retaining wall pipes and sprinklers.

There was sheetrocking lessons for closets and small spaces. Volunteers did beam sanding, brick cleaning, and dishes. Two volunteers thoroughly cleaned all the refrigerators and the freezer, including defrosting them! Last week the exteriors got a good cleaning. Someone took the recyclables home, but there are still a number of returnables ready to be redeemed. (Photo right: Jan Willing sanding beams.)

The carpenter went wild building the interior of the east entrance. Our clever architect installed a door in the east entrance. It does not open with a key, but sure saves a lot of steps and means hours saved in not having to take apart and put back together the "plywood" wall openings. Some special runways were needed across the ceiling of the east entrance to carry HVAC ductwork from one side to the other. And the framing will support lighting. The sheetrock on the south wall of the sanctuary got a second mudding.

You have heard of hanging chads? The project office now has a "hanging light fixture." There is a ladder against one wall and support posts for the temporary work platform. When I was there on Saturday I tried to get a photo of the office - no overhead lights - just a tiny light on the desk turned on in a very dark office. Certainly not ideal working conditions, but we get no complaints.

Three loads of rocks a little larger than softballs, and smaller than basketballs were delivered and stacked in the general vicinity of the future lasagna bed. They will be used in the bioswale and we could use many more that size and larger. Additional keys were made.

QUOTES OF THE DAY: "I heard many positive comments about the UU float in the parade. They thought it was hysterical."

"It sure would be great if more people would bring in some rocks. We can use a lot more."

From page 46 of the UU World, Fall 2011 "Eugene UUs move downtown.. This fall, members of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene, Ore., will move from a residential neighborhood to their city's downtown. In August 2010, the congregation purchased a 17,000-square-foot building, and volunteers are helping give the former Scottish Rite Temple a complete renovation. The project manager is a church member and retired general contractor. More than 150 members (now 270) of the 400-member church are working on the renovation, helping the congregation save an estimated $150,000 in labor costs. The church is documenting the process on its website (uueugene.org) with a blog called 400 Days, the estimated time to complete the renovation."

 

AUGUST 28, 2011 SUNDAY
Day 15

3 Volunteers
6 Visitors

The BUUB was "officially" closed and the numbers above were recorded about 2 PM - so there may have been additional volunteers or visitors later in the afternoon. The volunteers cleaned bricks and sanded beams. Some of the visitors were inquiring about whether the pressure washer was working....I think she wants to clean the parking lot.

Sigrid Lambros hosted a lovely fundraising luau this afternoon and everyone looked mighty fine in their Hawaiian-themed duds. I learned that all of the proceeds from the September concerts with the music of Ken and Alex Masarie will benefit the BUUB! Tickets are on sale on Sundays and at the church office - $10 each.

QUOTES OF THE DAY: From a new brick cleaning volunteer - "It's great if you have anger issues." and.... "Now I know how convicts feel working on the rock pile. I had empathy - they get 20 years and have to work in the hot sun, but I was able to work in the shade."

And, at the luau, a cute joke: "A teacher asked children to bring symbols of their religion.
One small boy brought a menorah - He said, I am Jewish.
A little girl brought a cross - She said, I am Catholic.
The next child brought a casserole - she said, I am a Unitarian Universalist."

 

AUGUST 27, 2011 SATURDAY
Day 16

9 Volunteers at the BUUB
And about 25 in the Eugene Celebration Parade

A mountain of insulation was delivered and moved into the Sanctuary -- those 130 bales made a stack eight feet high. The BUUB was "officially" closed. The morning was devoted to rounding up BUUB items, including a large rolling scaffold and assorted tools to create our entry in the Eugene Celebration Parade. More on that later. After all the insulation was brought inside, volunteers cleaned bricks, worked with sheetrock, and did a little woodworking. Things got closed up about 7 PM.

Husband Ed and I attended the parade and were delighted to see UUCE's creativity on both High Street and Pearl Street. I was so busy clicking photos that I wasn't able to see who all participated. A sight to see was the rolling scaffolding being pushed along, (see photo right)  with ladders, hammers, extension cords, a t-square, tool belts and the coverings from insulation bales adorning it. Following behind was a van and pickup truck loaded with smiling and waving UUs. A mother pulled a red wagon with a small child, bicycles circled vehicles, El Viejo and a number of others were walking behind the scaffolding, signs were waved, and the cardboard box surrounding one walker announced our future home. Safety vests and hard hats flashed in the bright sunshine. Thankfully the scaffolding stayed together for the entire parade.

 

The people I did see well enough to recognize were: Judy Shaw, Susanne Giordano, Judy Sawyer, Ken Ross, Jeff Wright, Sue Craig, Kathleen Dillon, Garry and Betty Ehrlich, Mehrmah Sadeh, Bob Coleman, Nikki Frank, Al Hutt, Jane Souzon, Jon and Davis Miller, Nadja Sanderson, Sophie Puetz, Sara Mitchell, Elan, Grace Hart, Ed Zack. The signs on the van obscured faces and I know I missed people. If you read this and I missed you, please let me know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Photo right: Sue's mantra, "No bottled water!"). More pictures below.

Also in the parade with other groups: Betty Taylor, Pete Sorenson, Trulene Delgato and Mike Lambros.

Thanks to everyone who organized our participation, made signs and joined the parade this morning. Those of us on the sidelines with cameras appreciated all that was done.

Tomorrow, Sunday, the BUUB is officially closed.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The parade was great - we had gobs of fun and the scaffolding held together...lots of fun."

MORE EUGENE CELEBRATION PHOTOS
(BEFORE THE PARADE STARTED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUGUST 26, 2011 FRIDAY
Day 17

17 Volunteers
8 Visitors
1 Contract Carpenter
2 HVAC Installers
1 Excavator
2 Sprinkler Installers
1 Landscape Architect
1 Structural Engineer
1 Architect

HELP NEEDED TOMORROW - SATURDAY - AFTER THE PARADE

We are getting 130 bales of insulation delivered and it needs to be rolled/tumbled from the parking lot into the sanctuary - it is kind of fun moving the bundles and would be a great project for teenagers who like to push stuff around! El Viejo has some parade duties, and will be going to the BUUB right after the parade ends to meet the delivery....Only 40 bundles fit into the truck, so it will take multiple trips to transport it - this means there is plenty of opportunity to come help unload it. If you want to know the status of the job - call Ed at 541-729-4500.

We had hoped to have all the insulation delivered in September, but Jerry's called to plead with us to please come get it because it was taking up more than half of their insulation lot.

TODAY'S EVENTS

The sheetrock on the south wall of the Sanctuary has been taped and looks fantastic. In other areas (the attic) some mudding was done on sheetrock. A crew worked on sheetrocking a closet that was a "test" area. The result was referred to in scatological terms rather than sheetrock. Without proper training, they began at the bottom, did not stagger the seams, etc., so it looked pretty rough. Thank goodness it was a closet! Today they did two more closets and you could see the vast improvement in technique and result. A yellow tablet sign next to the bad example gave a list of "what not to do." (Photos right, top: Aug.26 sanctuary sheetrock with one mud; compare to photo right below: sheetrock on Aug.19 not mudded yet.)

Beams were sanded, padding was added around pipes and beams, wood was moved, the kitchen was made tidy, and dishes were washed. There was a sander snipe hunt. We have 6 or 7 sanders, but only two could be found, so a volunteer was recruited to round up everything that looked like it was part of a sander and put in one location. (Photo right: Jan Willing sanding beams.)

You know how El Viejo was complaining about volunteers not returning tools to the spot where they found them? Well, the jinx was up for him today. He picked up all the chisels from the work bench and was headed to get them sharpened when he got side tracked in Room 2. Those needing chisels spent two hours, with everyone on red alert looking for chisels. You guessed it - El Viejo had left them on top of a wood chest out of sight in Room 2. He will not hear the last of that for a while.

Can you believe that we will be rolling a very large section of scaffolding down the street as part of the Eugene Celebration Parade tomorrow? You will have to see it to believe it.

So far we have put up about 200 sheets of drywall. We have another 2300 to do, so get ready to rumble.

Do you wonder why we are planning to grind and polish all of the old concrete floors, even where we will be installing carpet? It's because all of the floor still has a layer of mastic/glue from the old carpeting, and until the surface is completely clean, nothing will adhere to it. (Carpeting is only planned in one or two small locations.)

Among the visitors was Tom Sears, along with Mark Slegers, the Music Director from First Unitarian Church in Portland. Mark was drooling at our sanctuary space....

QUOTES OF THE DAY: "I'm locking my car this time." -- spoken by a volunteer who carpooled to another event and left her car in the parking lot.

 "I'm so delighted to see no lawn."

 "Sometimes you feel your aren't doing anything, but you are constantly learning."

"Mark, the architect is a real task master, but he is also a great teacher. I needed to cut some insulation and there wasn't a ruler in sight. He found a suitable piece of wood, measured off a lovely ruler, and brought it to me. I couldn't believe it."

 

AUGUST 25, 2011 THURSDAY
Day 18

10 Volunteers
2 HVAC Installers
1 Contract Carpenter
1 Contract Electrician
1 Contract Excavator
1 Architect

Another Correction: Those ditches created along the south lawn near the sidewalk are not the route for the bioswale -- that is where the block wall will be located. Today an orange meandering line was painted on the soil showing where the bioswales will be. Test holes were dug to see what the dirt is like for absorption, etc.

When I walked into the Project Office today, I was in for a surprise. There is a mezzanine! Temporary posts hold it up and they restrict the route to the filing cabinets. The new structure also eliminates one fluorescent light fixture, so it is a little dark in there. It's possible the structure supports the wire cages carrying computer and sound system wires. Those in charge were busy, and I didn't get a chance to get this clarified. (Just had a phone call - the new structure is a temporary scaffolding so workers can access an area needing insulation and sheetrock before the HVAC ductwork is installed. Once the ductwork is in, there won't be access behind it....sequencing, it's all about sequencing...).

The east entrance was being secured and closed up with plywood panels this afternoon and I missed getting a decent photo of it. The old security light fixtures were removed from the east side because the old outside wall is now inside the entrance.

One volunteer cleaned the Project Office (I don't know if that was before or after the new construction was added). Food was delivered and the cook not only sat down to enjoy lunch with the crew, but stayed two hours and cleaned bricks! The kitchen got cleaned up and dishes were washed. One volunteer arrived late in the day and offered back massages!

The 30 foot aluminum flagpole was removed because it was in the way of excavation and new design. We will be marketing it to some local entity or selling the aluminum for scrap. A new pole of that size costs about $1200, so we might find an organization that really needs a flagpole. And then maybe I will ask if they can use a sisiutl with a Mt. St. Helens eruption theme to go with it for an extra $2,000.

The date has been set for the next BUUB OPEN HOUSE - Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 1-4 PM. September 11 was the date we originally thought we would have occupancy. This is the first date we thought would work since this weekend is the Eugene Celebration and then we have Labor of Love at 40th & Donald. We hope many who have not been inside the BUUB recently will come take a look at its transformation.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"We have been at this project so long, all of the fluorescent pink and green permits nailed to the front of the building have bleached white. Thankfully, the black felt tip numbers are still visible."

 

AUGUST 24, 2011 WEDNESDAY
Day 19

9 Volunteers   
1 Contract Framer
2 HVAC Installers
1 HVAC Supervisor
1 Contract Electrician
1 Excavator
1 Architect
6 Visitors

I trust most of you have seen the landscape design plans proposed by our new landscape architect. They were displayed at the church for a couple of Sundays and are back in the project office at the BUUB. The design is beautiful and includes all that we have asked for and more. However, it will take time to implement everything and will, like most other things at the BUUB, be a work in progress.

Yesterday and today, the lawn was torn up all around the building and swales are being dug and berms built. It all looks very raw. I learned a new term - "lasagna bed." Such a garden bed will be created in a 25-foot north-to-south strip of grass along the east property line, with work beginning this fall by volunteers. It is created by making a ground cover with paper, cardboard, leaves, coffee grounds and manure. It's a large area, but it can be done if we get everyone to save their newspapers, gather cardboard from all over, collect coffee grounds from the various places around town over time, and have leaves delivered as well as manure (or maybe compost instead).

Our architect Mark Doonan says they will be laying a pipe for water underground along one edge of that strip, so that will be done first. Then our work will follow. So stay tuned to know when to begin delivering some of those materials.

Beam sanding continued, sheetrock was installed and the brick cleaning stations were busy. One volunteer has been going over the veranda/parking lot daily with the rolling magnet and rounded up another two handfuls of nails again today. He also took apart circuit breaker boxes, which as it turns out, have an after market. People who still have circuit breaker are always looking for spare parts and there is a Eugene distributor who pays money for such things. More recycling!

HELP NEEDED: If you are a volunteer using any kind of tool at the BUUB, please, please return the tool where you found it. El Viejo is like my mother - A place for everything and everything in its place....Things like ladders, utility knives, hammers, tape measures, brooms, shovels have a way of getting left behind rather than being put back and many precious hours are spent trying to find things by the next person needing the tool.

There was sweeping, janitorial, and more framing of the east entrance. If you stop by to see the east entrance, note that the large openings are for doors and windows. Very impressive and spacious. The ceiling height will match the ceiling in the interior corridor.

The excavator did some fancy digging, with the channel for the bio-swale well defined and all the sod that was removed is stashed along the east perimeter where the lasagna bed will be. Looking at the south side at the east end are the wood forms where concrete will be poured to hold the pillars that will hold up the pergolas along the front of the building.

CORRECTION - When I reported on the recent town hall meeting in this blog, I wrote: "and about 100 households have yet to make any payments on their pledge." That information is not correct - I must have still had a fever! The actual number of households who have yet to make any payments on their Capital Campaign pledge is only 17, and those pledges total $8,100.00.

QUOTES OF THE DAY: Stated by a visitor to the BUUB today - "I have been against this project from the very start, but you S.O.B., you are going to pull this off."

"115 Chalice Lighters? How on earth did you get so many new people to sign up?" It's the old saw......If you ask them, they will sign up..." Thanks to everyone who supports this program. If you want to sign up, please send me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I will take care of it for you. This works more efficiently than signing up on line, and that way we know how many we have on our roster.

REMEMBER: No Chinese dinner on Friday evening.

 

AUGUST 23, 2011 TUESDAY
Day 20

19 Volunteers
1 Contract Electrician
1 Contract Electrical Supervisor
1 Electrical Engineer
1 Excavator
1 Architect
4 Visiting Youth
4 Visiting Adults
The Rental Task Force met.

 

Of the 19 Volunteers - five were teens. One ten year old girl who was visiting was a natural on the scissor lift, despite being afraid of it. In no time at all she could back it up like a pro.

Specialized insulation work was done, sheetrock was put around some HVAC equipment and the south wall of the Sanctuary. There was beam sanding - one volunteer brought in an electric hand planer which turned out to be a very handy tool for the beams. After just one pass, to remove about 64th of an inch of surface, the beam is ready for the final sanding. I learned that the main sanding is to work on the center of the beams that were oxidized and the goal is to have all the beam look uniform.

Boards were de-nailed and firewood was cut. The firewood box was full, including the tree trunks, but by the end of the day all of the firewood had been picked up and hauled away. We had some extra large pallets on hand and rather than getting rid of them, they were cut down and made into usable sized pallets for storing bricks. Another example of "nothing goes to waste".

Speaking of nails - volunteers picked up nails twice today, and that is a job we need done regularly. How they all end up in the parking lot is a mystery - probably get picked up on the hard surface of the wheels on the scissor lifts and moved around.  Speaking of wheels - the fork lift had a flat tire - the inner tube was shot. It is a specialized tire. It got repaired to the tune of $32.00.

Cleaning bricks is so popular, we have a second work table, and both have been moved under the veranda so volunteers have a prime work site - in the shade, with a nice breeze, close to the food in the kitchen, and in plain view of the parking lot, so they get to see everyone who comes to the BUUB.

There was delivery of tasty food, dish washing, and sweeping and cleaning. The excavator worked as a sod buster, creating piles of dirt for the bioswales. Tools were rounded up and reorganized, doors painted, and the east side of the east entrance was framed in. It's looking sweet.

El Viejo and I were talking today about scheduling regular times for an open house so more people will feel comfortable stopping by to see all the wonderful changes in the building. In the past, we suggested folks come after 4 PM, but we know that time is not convenient for most. Watch for an announcement of our next open house day. Now that insulation and sheetrock are added, the place really looks and feels different.

QUOTES OF THE DAY: On the wall of the Sanctuary: "Carolyn was here to witness the miracle."

Yesterday Carolyn Colbert had lunch with us at the BUUB. A volunteer was talking with her about risk, fiscal vulnerability, and the unease many in the congregation feel about incurring financial obligations in the millions of dollars. Carolyn said "Well, you are not lemmings" And the volunteer replied, "No, we all hold hands together as we jump over the cliff."

One person said to me today: "It's interesting how happy all the volunteers are. Everyone I talk to laughs and seems to be having such a good time. Must be all the good food."

 

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AUGUST 22, 2011 MONDAY
Day 21

11 Volunteers
1 Sprinkler installer
1 Contract Electrician
1 Contract Electrician Supervisor
1 Acoustical Engineer
1 Excavator
1 HVAC Installer
2 Landscape Architects
1 Architect
Meeting with 1 Structural Engineer
6 Attend BPOC Meeting
1 Former Minister Visitor

Lots of activity as you can see from the list above and the volunteers worked on a variety of chores. Sheetrock/drywall was installed on the south wall of the sanctuary and all but one small section was done. External supports and fasteners were put on the roof of the veranda. Clear vinyl roofing was put on the "cafe" portion of the veranda...today was the first time I noticed it, but it may have been installed last week. That's one of the things about this project, so much happens every day that unless I go around the entire building I will miss something. For instance - I knew the west door on the north side of the building was moved, early last week, but it wasn't until yesterday that I realized there was no longer an outside door in that spot. The crew had done such a beautiful job of replacing the exterior siding, that there was no clue a door was gone.

A neighbor from the nearby apartments came to volunteer and worked at cleaning bricks. Said he just wanted to help. One of our own volunteers was also cleaning bricks, and cleaned 113 in three hours. He has perfected an efficient system for cleaning bricks. Maybe he will share his technique if we beg and plead.

Another volunteer made numerous trips to the great shrubbery recycling center. That will make a big difference in the neatness of the east parking lot. Two people worked at sanding beams. Where do they keep finding beams to sand? They all look so beautiful.

A highlight was a two hour visit by Rev. Carolyn Colbert, visiting from Berkeley, CA to attend Candee Cole's party. She had not been in the building before but has been reading this blog. El Viejo gave her the cook's tour....I forgot to ask if he had her climb the ladder to the roof. I did that just before the BPOC meeting this afternoon, and it's a beautiful view from up there.

We expect the sprinklers for the fire suppression system and the HVAC to be completely installed by the end of the week, and that means ....drum roll please.....the entire west end will be ready for insulation and sheet rock. We are also about done with pouring concrete and before we know the contract workers will be done with their portion of the work.

The major east entrance will be framed tomorrow! Now that is exciting. I can hardly wait to see its form.

By golly, our vision is taking shape.

The excavator will begin moving the sod and begin creating forms for the bio-swales. (I think that means no more mowing grass.)

A member of our Rental Task Force attended the Travel Lane County meeting and shared a fact sheet with room sizes and seating capacity, etc., and will be inviting them in for an open house some time in October when things are a little more finished. They were excited to learn of a new venue for large group events.

For those looking for some pleasant outdoor work before the rains begin -- the outside of the building on the north side is ready to accept your paint brushes with primer and paint.

QUOTES OF THE DAY: "This place will be stunningly beautiful....and for rentals? -- Katie bar the door."

"What a leap of faith your congregation has taken....You are all very generous and brave with your money and time. You should all be very proud of what you have accomplished."

There will be NO Chinese dinner this Friday --

 

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AUGUST 21, 2011 SUNDAY
Day 22

1 Volunteer
(Although I bet El Viejo checked things out when he got back to Eugene tonight.)

The volunteer was attempting to staple T-coil wire....but first he needed to find one of the two new staplers......finally located one and worked with it for a short while until it ran out of staples....so next came the hunt for staples and I don't think they were ever located. Some times getting the job done requires being a little creative.....like going to the hardware store or home.....

I expect most of our volunteer crew spent the day creating those 50's foods for Candee Cole's farewell party. The church was packed for the occasion and it sure was evident that we need to be in our new building. There wasn't enough room for everyone to sit down and eat at a table at the same time and since it was 90 degrees outside, it was very hot inside. As we listened to Elvis and Marilyn Monroe impersonators, the sun was in our eyes! All in all a lovely party with storytelling, guests dressed in poodle skirts, rolled up jeans, saddle shoes, and other goodies. Thanks to all those who did the planning and put on such a great celebration honoring Candee's 20 years with us.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: One man, sitting at our table at dinner was wearing a red and yellow beanie, complete with chin strap and a propellor on top...you get the picture. He also had on a black tee shirt with one sleeve rolled up, 50's style with what looked like a pack of cigarettes. When asked what he used for the box of cigarettes, he responded: "It's a block of wood." You can take the volunteer out of the BUUB, but you can't take the BUUB out of the volunteer. Indeed, a block of wood!

 

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AUGUST 20, 2011 SATURDAY
Day 23

 
7 Volunteers
2 Visitors

The BUUB was officially closed, but there was a gaggle of faithful volunteers working away.  They cleaned bricks (the cleaning station is on the north side mostly in the shade), did some de-nailing, janitorial, firewood cutting, and installed sheetrock and insulation.  There will likely be no more insulation until the sprinkler system gets a little further along.

Human Interest Story - Earlier this week, upon learning that Betty Hosokowa broke her hip and Marina McIntire was out of town, I tried to fill in what I thought were empty slots with no food being delivered.  Well, I should have minded my own business because it turned out I did some double booking and we got an over abundance of food. Thursday evening I called Julie Aspinwall-Lamberts to tell her no food was needed on Friday.  Julie said she would try to cancel the order for a monster size Subway, but they were probably already baking the bread.  Yikes!  The next morning, she sent me an email to say she had reached Subway, but the bread was already made.  However, the manager called back.  She offered to buy the bread and donate it to Food for Lane County, but he said that was not necessary.  So if any of you are in the neighborhood of the Subway on Willakenzie drop in and give them a little business and a big thank you!

Don't forget - the big sendoff party for Candee Cole tomorrow at 5 PM -- and a special surprise - our former minister Rev. Carolyn Colbert is in town and will be at church in the morning and attending the party.  Get dressed up in your fancy duds from the 1950's, and come enjoy some comfort foods from the same era......

QUOTES OF THE DAY:  The visitors commented today - "I am amazed at what all your volunteers have accomplished.  You should be a model for other projects in Eugene."

"Did you say you lost your mind?  I think I just saw it in Room 3!"

As far as I know, the BUUB is officially closed again tomorrow.  El Viejo returns on Monday.
 

 

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AUGUST 19, 2011 FRIDAY
Day 24

 
13 Volunteers
6 Concrete finishers
1 Contract carpenter
1 Sprinkler installer
1 HVAC installer
1 Architect

Having a larger volunteer crew sure made a noticeable difference in the BUUB - I could hardly believe all the things that got crossed off the "To Do" list posted yesterday.  The north sidewalk was clean enough to eat off of, no wood scraps, nails, screws, or debris.  The north and east parking lots were cleaned, with pallets of bricks and the glu lams moved from the parking lot surface and put under the overhang on the east and north side.  The front footings and sidewalk was backfilled, planters were cleaned  and about a third of the south wall of the Sanctuary was sheetrocked.  Insulation was added in rooms 1 and 2, major areas were swept, the kitchen was cleaned and dishes washed. (Photo: all that is left of 96 bundles of insulation!)

Comments written on the sign-in sheet by volunteers:
Move landscaping sod
Sweeping
Fill areas around posts and concrete, using wheelbarrow
Sand and putty doors
Bricks
De-nailing
Cut firewood
Move sheetrock

The contract carpenter worked on the facia of the overhang on the north and east sides, and the concrete crew gave us a brand new foundation for the south entrance (see photo right). Architect Mark Doonan had an extra long day because he had to wait until the new concrete was dry enough to walk on so he could secure the front entrance with the plywood "doors."  By the time the rest of us drove by after Chinese dinner, everything was all boarded up and secure. Tomorrow the BUUB is more or less closed, but I heard from a couple of the "captains" that they will be on hand both morning and afternoon and anyone with time on their hands is welcome to drop by, and if there are cars in the parking lot, the doors will be open.

QUOTES OF THE DAY: At dinner there was discussion about some insulation that got installed, then had to be taken out, and the next day was back in again, and one person commented:  "If that's all that was insulated twice, then we are lucky."

"What are we going to do when the 400 Days countdown gets to zero?" 

"We start going up again."  "Let's hope we don't reach 400!" 

 

Keep those Chalice Lighter registrations coming...  we have added 24 new people since Sunday.  Let me know if you want to get signed up and I will fill out the forms for you.  Bjorn Olson and I will have a pocket of Chalice Lighter pins in our pockets on Sunday....
 

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AUGUST 18, 2011 THURSDAY
Day 25

 
3 Volunteers
4 Break Room Dancers
3 Concrete finishers
1 Concrete owner
1 HVAC installer
1 Contract carpenter
1 Sprinkler installer
1 Landscape Architect
1 Architect
1 Concrete Inspector

We have an over abundance of food, so please do not deliver any more food until Monday, and only then if you have signed up.  In Betty Hosokowa and Marina McIntire's absence, I managed to mess up the food schedule really good.
For the second day in a row, there have been virtually NO volunteers - at least not enough to make a dent in the jobs stacking up.  Here is the list of things needing volunteer labor:

*Clean out curb planter at west entrance.
*Clean bricks - we are going to use all of them.
*Back fill the edge of the new sidewalk on the north side.
*Separate bricks on pallets - sold vs holed
*Prep and prime siding above the north side veranda
*Clean up the parking lot.
*Use chain saw to cut up tree trunk and limbs.
*Pick up nails and screws with magnet in parking lot and sidewalk under verandas.
*There is gobs of outdoor work.
*Haul shrubbery remains to recycler (three pickup loads)
*Install sheetrock on south wall of Sanctuary

And here is what got done today:
*Bobcat work moving dirt for swales.
*Tear out trees and shrubbery
*Install insulation
*Deliver food, clean cabinet surfaces and wash dishes.
*Bobcat work for ditches to put underground sleeves for irrigation and electrical service under concrete.
*Pass concrete inspection in anticipation of pouring front apron and footings for south side awnings on south side.
*Install drainage pipes and footings for columns in Eastside swale area.  (Columns will hold roof over east veranda.
*Pick up and deliver to the BUUB a brand new 8 foot fiberglas ladder that was donated by Adam and Liz Casey.
Prepare for concrete pour tomorrow.
Install sprinkler pipe.                     (photo above: south corridor partially insulated)

QUOTES OF THE DAY:  "Where is Mark?  He is playing out front....the Bobcat was bucking like a bucking bronco until Dave Tena showed him how to operate the machine."

"The cleaned bricks will be used in several places - one place will be as a panel of pavers in the east parking lot to make a connection between the east entrance and the wedding garden."

"We have signed up 20 new Chalice Lighters since Sunday...very exciting!"

REMINDER:  There will be Chinese dinner at the Fortune Inn, 1775 West 6th Avenue at 5:30 PM tomorrow - Friday.  Come join us and hear the week's stories from volunteers.
 

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AUGUST 17, 2011 WEDNESDAY
Day 26

 
3 Volunteers
6 Concrete finishers
1 Contract Carpenter
1 HVAC installer
1 HVAC supervisor
1 Architect
1 Structural Engineer
2 Sprinkler Installers

The day began with a phone call from El Viejo (on his cell phone while driving in New York State) reporting that Betty Hosokowa had broken her hip and was having surgery at Riverbend Hospital.  Betty was concerned that she was supposed to be the person washing dishes at the BUUB today and that she couldn't be there.  I tell you, our volunteers are dedicated!  I put the word out to the Break Room Dancers and they responded quickly making sure meals and dishes would be taken care of in the immediate future.  Betty called this evening to say the surgery went well.  She will be in the hospital for several days and then will go to rehab for a week or two for quicker healing.  We wish her a speedy recovery.

The next phone call was from a friend of the church who is moving to Boston on Friday -- he had a three foot high sitting Buddha concrete statue, and wondered if the church would like to have it for one of our meditation gardens in the swale landscaping.  The statue was picked up and is stored in the vault, covered with a blanket for safekeeping.  It is a handsome piece.

The concrete was poured at the east entrance and outside the west youth entrance.  The south entrance will be poured tomorrow.  The carpenter continued working on the wrap around veranda on the north and east sides.  
The volunteers that were there did some sheetrock, sweeping, dismantled pipes, dish washing, and janitorial work.  I went to the City Planning office to pick up the permitted plans and paid the fees.

For anyone looking for a volunteer job - Chuck Wagar can put you to work painting siding on the north side of the building (primer), and there is door work and miscellaneous other jobs.

I received the updated list of Chalice Lighters from the district coordinator, and was pleased to learn we have 25% of our members registered, so we are definitely within reach of our goal of 30%.  I signed up a few more people today.  It turns out that people who signed up in the spring on line, just missed the deadline for the request for funds that was sent out in April.  If you have signed up but have not gotten your special chalice lighter lapel pin, please let me know.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:  From the donor of the Buddha statue - "We have lived in Eugene for about 4 years.  I went on a hike with some of the UU members a year or so ago, and that was the absolute best experience during my time in Eugene."
 

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AUGUST 16, 2011 TUESDAY
Day 27

 
13 Volunteers
1 Security System Manager
1 Sprinkler pipefitter
2 HVAC technicians
1 Contract Carpenter
1 Volunteer Carpenter
1 Architect

We have permits for the East and South entrances!  That clears the way for pouring the concrete aprons and working on pillars and such things.  Doors were sanded and painted.  The carpenters worked on door "relocation."  The outside door for Room 2 is now the outside door on the storage room.  Some equipment (the sander and a couple of other things) was moved from the warehouse back to the BUUB.  The sander is a noisy thing, and as I left everyone was grabbing ear mufflers.

THANKS to everyone who wrote to say they want to be Chalice Lighters.  In going over the list, adding new names, and learning that some people never made it to the list,  I discovered we only need about 20 more people to sign up.  That is sure better than the 40 I thought we were short.

Insulation was installed in the Music Office and in small areas referred to as "alleyways".  One was only 5-1/2 inches wide and 18 inches deep, so they set the insulation on its edge and it fit right in.  There was de-nailing, firewood cutting, kitchen cleanup, dishes, and recycling.  Two teenagers put in a few hours helping move stuff from the warehouse and cleaning up concrete areas.  One person has volunteered to work as a pipefitter to move that portion of the job along.  The carpenters worked on the ceiling of the North breezeway and were doing blocking for plumbing.

I'm sure everyone is wondering how we can still be doing blocking for the plumbing.  El Viejo says it is just like proofreading a manuscript.  You can go over the area a hundred times and keep finding things you missed.  It is the same thing with the blocking.  Today it was for things like grab bars in the accessible restroom.
The security system is installed, locks have been rekeyed and new keys are being signed out to captains courageous. Old keys no longer work!  

QUOTES OF THE DAY:   "At the lumber yard, they call him Ed Zactly."

"We thought it was only fitting for members of the Chamber Choir to install the insulation in Tom's Office."

One teen signed in that he did:  "Hauling and eating."

"Some of the areas to be insulated will be a nightmare.  We are trying to use up the scraps.  Some of the bays are more like alleyways, with a maze of conduit and sewer pipes."
 

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AUGUST 15, 2011 MONDAY
Day 28

 
10 Volunteers
1 Fire Suppression Installer
1 Concrete finisher
1 Concrete Supervisor
1 HVAC technician
1 Contract framer
1 Volunteer framer
1 Architect
5 Visitors

PLEASE NOTE:  Tomorrow, Tuesday, a new security system with keypad will be installed and new keys issued.  Any key you have for the BUUB will no longer work.  Only the kitchen door  has  the keypad and used as an entrance, but two other doors can be used as exits. Keys and combination to the keypad will be issued starting tomorrow.

Contrary to rumor or lack of information, the BUUB project is NOT on hold.  Work continues on a daily basis.  We are working mostly with a volunteer crew and perhaps not at the pace of months past, but this is August and many of our regular work crew are on vacation.  As soon as the fire suppression pipes are installed, then we will kick it back into high gear. (photo is the fire suppression pipes.)

Work today involved sheetrock, insulation, de-nailing, kitchen cleanup and dishes, and other janitorial work.  One person worked on installing rods for signs to be carried in the Eugene Celebration parade.  El Viejo is going to make a quick turn around trip to Buffalo NY, so spent the day doing supply runs to make sure there is plenty of material on hand for the volunteers in his absence.  Framers worked at beefing up the doors and other openings to make it more difficult to get into the building.  One of our volunteers has signed up as an apprentice to the fire sprinkler installer to get the job done sooner so we can get on with the sheetrock and insulation work.  Architect Mark Doonan has not recovered fully from the bug that hit him a couple of weeks ago, so he is suffering from the digetical bogees or  crud in the impux.

One of the visitors today was Lori Morrey from Virginia a UU in Eugene all week to check out Oregon as her future home.  She loved being able to see all our good work.
A followup to the report of the car that was stolen on Friday evening.  The car was unlocked with the keys inside, so those of you concerned about having your car in the BUUB parking lot - you should be safe if you take your keys, electronics, purses, etc., with you into the BUUB and lock your car.  The car owner had been volunteering inside, realized she was late for dinner and got a ride, forgetting that the car was unprotected.  The car has not been found.

Thanks to the ten people who signed up to be Chalice Lighters during the past 24 hours.  I am hearing from a number of people who signed up online with the help of Brian Lewis last winter and spring who never got a notice from the District about their donation.  If you are one of those people, please let me know.  I have requested an updated list (in case some have signed up without me knowing), and to make sure we are getting our full credit.  With the addition of the new members, we only need 35 more.  We have 77.  Based on our membership of record in January (336), we need to have 112 Chalice Lighter members to qualify for a grant from the district.

The latest edition of Inter-Connections, a monthly newsletter for UU Leaders, featured our project at the BUUB and the large amount of money saved on our remodel because of our wonderful volunteers and all the efforts made to recycle and reuse materials.  Yeah Team!

I joined a new Facebook group today of UUA people interested in "Growth" issues.  After I introduced myself I got a couple of emails of welcome, and one provided a quote of the day.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:  From Heather Christensen, Anchorage, AK UU -  "I've read about the Eugene congregation's building project. What incredible skills you're developing in your community!"

 

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AUGUST 14, 2011 SUNDAY
Day 29

The BUUB was officially closed today - but we had a Town Hall meeting at church following the Sunday service, and I will try to convey the essence of the discussion.  Dave DeCou, Chair of the Building Project Oversight Committee (BPOC) gave an overview of the status of the project, the status of money to pay for it, and some possible scenarios for finding additional funds.  We do not have sufficient funds to get an occupancy permit, so our estimated move in date has been extended and is unknown.  We do know it will not be by the end of the year.  This is a disappointment but not a disaster.

There was some confusion expressed at the meeting about why if we were able to raise over $1 million in the capital campaign, we are short.  I'll attempt to clarify.
Originally, when we started the project, it was to be a phased project.  It included the addition of the north addition, a completely new wing for religious education, and an addition for all of the offices - that budget was $3.5 million.  It was scaled back to the present footprint of the building which was estimated at $2.7 million.  That original design has been whittled down and settled in at $1.7 million.  To date we have spent only $700,000.  Our bills are paid and the accounting is tight.
The original capital campaign asked people to pledge money to come in through June 2013.  Many of those pledges have been paid as pledged, some have been paid early, and about 100 households have yet to make any payments on their pledge.  In addition to money being spent for materials, equipment and labor, there are other commitments on the available funds.  It is costing approximately $9,000 per month for mortgage, insurance and utilities, and prudently, enough money is being held in a "set aside" to pay that expense through June of 2013.  There was also the cost of due diligence and the original architect fees. 

Once we began applying for building permits, we learned that the original plans did not meet current commercial codes.  This meant added expense that was not expected - for instance:  All external doors have to be double with an air lock between, there had to be more external doors than in the plans, based on the number of toilets/urinals and square footage, there has to be a unisex accessible restroom, and the stalls of the old restrooms which we had planned to not remodel were too small and in order to make the stalls wider the toilets had to be moved which meant tearing up the floor, etc., and there were many more small instances like this.  There was also the unexpected non-working sewer line.  A new architect was hired and from a contractors point of view we will have a much better design.

For months, as we waited for a set of plans, we were operating on a leap of faith.  We just kept knocking the building down.  Until we had a permitted set of plans, with specifics on equipment needs, etc., it was difficult to get an accurate estimate of the cost.  Those numbers are now firmed up.  The essential systems are getting done - electrical, heating and cooling, preliminary plumbing, fire suppression, etc.  Project Manager Ed Zack has been flogging the congregation for a year and a week.  Everyone is tired, including Ed and our architect Mark Doonan, who are on the job daily.  They are both taking off the month of September.  That will give some volunteers a break as well.  They have identified "captains" to oversee volunteer projects so the project will go on in Ed's absence.  Even if $600,000 showed up tomorrow Ed is not sure he has enough 'gas in his tank' to sprint to the end.

Our statistician reports that in the past year we have had:

13,477 volunteer hours
4,854 people collectively sign in
270 individual volunteers (a surprise - last time I heard it was only 150!)

 

Dave DeCou outlined some of the things being considered in order to raise an additional $600,000:

• Sell 40th Street property naturally - so far only nibbles.
• Get 13th & Chambers property reappraised - because of our hard work and getting the property rezoned, it may be worth more and possible to refinance based on the value.
• Try to secure some long term leases to use in refinance - get letters of intent which shows a potential income when refinancing or getting an additional loan.
• Preparing a business plan for rentals (weddings, conferences, dinners, etc.) to show to lending institutions
• Approach the UUA about grants or loans
• Sign up an additional 40 UUCE members as Chalice Lighters so we can apply for a grant (potentially $18,000).*
• Borrow from members of the congregation (low priority)
• Low interest loans from EWEB
• Additional donations  - We have approached the congregation three times and are concerned about donor fatigue.

And we are looking for other ideas.
Capital Campaign Committee will be sending out reminders to those who pledged but have not paid any of their pledge.  (If you have forgotten how much you pledged, contact Karen Gaffney.)

BPOC is preparing a visual to depict What Does $600,000 Look Like?  Chop up the elements in smaller pieces - how much for sheetrock, insulation, skylights, toilets, urinals, sinks, renting a cement grinder, entrance doors, inside doors, panes of glass for doors and windows, bathroom partitions, and more.  Hope to have that done soon.

GOOD NEWS AND MAGIC DEPARTMENT:  After Church today, the bicyclist we have been writing about has offered to do all of the computer wiring throughout the building - Very timely - we just had all the wire basket "runs" for wiring delivered on Friday.  Turns out, that's the biker's specialty and trade!  How do these things keep happening?

QUOTES OF THE DAY:  "We have not wasted a nickel"

"I think some members don't have enough faith in our ability to get this done...."

*Being a Chalice Lighter means you register with the Pacific Northwest District of the UUA and agree to donate $15 no more than three times a year to support growth projects in our District.  If you are not yet a Chalice Lighter and want to sign up, let me know.  I will do the paperwork for you.
 

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AUGUST 13, 2011 SATURDAY
Day 30

The BUUB was closed today and I haven't talked to anyone who was there.  I talked to Jane Souzon this morning and there has been no word on the whereabout of her stolen car.

I received an email today from someone interested in shedding a little more light on the mathematics of how many people or hours it will take to refinish the concrete floors:
I did the floor polishing calculation in my head several days ago.  I assumed that Walden Pond is about 6x10 feet.  If it is bigger good!  If it took a professional 6 hours to do 60 sq. ft., that is 10 sq ft/hour.  17,000 sq ft translates into 1700 person hours.  Yikes, we better get started!  If the machine can be run 10 hours/day, that is 170 days.  Lets call it 6 months.  And what does it take to run three shifts a day for 170 days   - 510 shifts?    (The good news?  It is only 1300 left to do.)

Last night I left off one of the quotes of the day, and the contents of two of the fortune cookies, so in order to fill a little space, here goes:

QUOTES OF THE DAY:  "I love hitting my head every time I turn around in the attic."  "My marimba band plays there every year."

Fortune Cookies:
"You will be involved in many humanitarian projects."

And, for El Viejo:  "Now is a good time for a new hobby."    (I don't think so!)
 

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AUGUST 12, 2011 FRIDAY
Day 31

 
10 Volunteers
7 Visitors
2 HVAC technicians
1 HVAC supervisor
1 architect
1 security alarm installer
6 for Chinese dinner

BAD NEWS:  While we were gone for an hour and a half to Chinese dinner (5:30 to 7 PM), Jane Souzon's Suburu was stolen from the BUUB parking lot in broad daylight.  I don't have answers to lots of questions, but the police were called and El Viejo stayed with her during the interview and gave her a ride home.  This is a heads up so all are aware this happened.  It and the GMD Electric box truck were the only vehicles in the parking lot and there was a clear view from Chambers.

Now for the rest of the report.  The last of speaker wire was installed.  A shelf to hold wires in the mezannine was fabricated by the architect out of scrap lumber. An enormous amount of sweeping, vacuuming, and cleaning occurred.  The framer finished boxing off a "garage" for the folding door between the sanctuary and social hall.  Siding was put on the north side entrance and the framing for the "veranda" along the north side continues.  It already looks very inviting.

I hadn't been inside the BUUB for over a week, and couldn't believe the amount of insulation installed in such a short time.  And the sound is so muffled now.  There was discussion at dinner about how big a scrap of insulation to save.  The answer:  If it is big enough to fit in your hand, save it.  There was a lot of insulation installed, but it was specialized, using scraps, to fill in around HVAC equipment, etc.
There was sanding, puttying, and painting of doors.  One person formed rectangular openings in the ceiling for electricity to speakers.  Another worked on sheetrock and janitorial.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY:  BUUB closed unless you have a key and want to work on sanding beams or cleaning bricks.

On Sunday, following the service at 11:15 AM, Project Manager Ed Zack will repeat the oral report he gave last Monday evening, and there will be a "town hall" time for question and answers.

I am the contact person for Chalice Lighters - a program of the Pacfic Northwest UU District that awards grants of approximately $18,000 to congregations within the district.  In order for our congregation to apply for a grant, at least 30% of our members need to sign up to be Chalice Lighters.  When you sign up, you will be asked to contribute a minimum of $15, no more than three times per year.  I will have sign up forms at church on Sunday for those who would like to help.  We have 75+ and based on our membership, need 113.

QUOTES OF THE DAY:  After viewing "Walden Pond" for the first time. (The newly refinished patch of concrete in the Sanctuary.)  "In my opinion - it is BE - U - TEE - FUL....I'm just amazed.  It looks like some sort of expensive marble."

During dinner we were trying to figure out how many hours or people it would take to refinish the remaining 17,000 square feet of concrete (don't need to do the entrances or restroom floors).  After about 15 minutes of scratching our collective heads doing mathematics, one person hauled out her cell phone with a calculator.    "UUs are mathematically challenged."  "Science has come to the rescue" (the cell phone).  
In deciding what is the smallest size piece of insulation to save:  "Let's form a committee to decide.  Then we can write a mission statement and code of conduct and call a meeting to vote."

So how many people will it take to refinish the concrete floor that is left?  Assuming that someone can operate the machine for five hours - it will take 265 people working a 5-hour shift, or 500 people working a 3-hour shift.  Hopefully we would not kill each person off after a 3- or 5-hour shift.  But you get the idea.

 

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AUGUST 11, 2011 THURSDAY
Day 32

12 Volunteers
2 Security Alarm Installers
3 HVAC Technicians
1 HVAC Supervisors
1 Framer
1 Architect

The framer worked on the north entrance, putting in 4x8 beams in the area we are calling the "Cafe".  The roof is now framed and the glu lam will arrive tomorrow.  Specialized sheetrock and insulation were installed around HVAC equipment in the mechanical (old boiler) room.  There was also insulation put in the Music Office.  Miscellaneous cutting of firewood, de-nailing and tool repair was done.  A keypad security system is being installed and will soon be operational.

The east restroom got reinforced blocking to hold up fixtures like sinks, urinals, and toilets.  Spiderman came down from the attic and worked with our teen to install some of the insulation and sheetrock and sand the 4x8's for the north entrance supports.  There was cleaning, sweeping, and dishes done.

Thanks to our Volunteer Coordinator who gave me the "scoop" on the traveling bicyclist:
The "ghost" -- Al Hutt -- is originally from West Virginia, but spent a lot of years in southern Missouri, from which he finally escaped, looking for more like-minded people. (Southern Missouri being, as you can imagine, very conservative.) He began his bike journey in Southern California, coming up Hwy 99, then west through the foothills to Eureka, then east up the redwood highway to Grants Pass. From there he found his way to Diamond Lake and thence up to Bend. He was going to head up to South Dakota and changed his mind. Too much desert; too little water. So he came down the McKenzie Hwy instead to Springfield and then Eugene. He plans to go north to Astoria and then back down the coast highway, to have the wind at his back."  
We appreciate that he decided to spend a few days volunteering at the BUUB, and would love it if he decided to light here permanently.

It has now been a week since I have stepped foot in the BUUB, and I am really looking forward to seeing all the changes.  I am determined to stop in on my way to Chinese dinner...unless I have a relapse.  The last day I was there a concrete person was working on a "sample" section of the concrete floor in the sanctuary to show what it will look like when ground down and polished.  I hear that areas has been given a name - Walden Pond.  Check it out.

The architect and El Viejo met with Harvey & Price about scheduling pipefitters and looking at whether some of the work was classified as "changes" (costing more), or "lateral changes" which all stays within the budget.  Unfortunately, the bad news is they will not be able to send pipefitters back to our job for two or three weeks.  This means even more delay in our ability to move forward with insulation and sheetrock.  Their personnel are working on other jobs or will be on vacation - after all - it is August!  It is not ill will - they feel bad about not being able to get back to our job.  

QUOTE OF THE DAY:  From Pam Dillehay - "I ride the 76 bus daily to work now, and as we pass the new church building in the morning heading downtown, folks talk about the progress at the building and what church will be there, giving me the opportunity to tell them about UUCE."

Remember - Chinese dinner at The Fortune Inn tomorrow evening - 5:30 PM - 1775 W 6th.

Sunday - 11:15 AM - at 40th & Donald - Town Hall meeting - an opportunity to ask questions and hear information about our progress on the new building.

 

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AUGUST 10, 2011 WEDNESDAY
Day 33
10 Volunteers
5 Concrete Finishers
3 HVAC technicians
1 HVAC supervisor
2 Sprinkler installers
1 Architect
1 Framer

Concrete was poured in "Gil's Beer Room", so we no longer have a baptismal pool.  They also did curbs for the NE corner and the Chambers entrance and then prepared the south entrance slab for pouring (photo is the prep work).

The framer worked on the supports for the north entrance in preparation for the installation of a large glu lam support beam tomorrow.  Rebar was put in the east restroom floor - not sure when that floor will be poured.

The cross country bicyclist must be a ghost.  I have asked several volunteers to tell me a little more about him, but nobody seems to know much. He was there working away at just about any task thrown at him again today.

There was some insulation installed, but not at the pace we had hoped for.  The pipefitters were there, but we need more of them.  Unfortunately, the two we have had are going on vacation and there will be nobody working on the fire suppression pipes until Tuesday - this means we are stuck on hold for sheetrock for another week because we can't work on the ceilings until the suppression pipes are in.  It's a bummer.

The young beam sander was there all day again today and was working on almost the last of the painted beams -- he has taken off three coats.  
One volunteer got sent to the attic to clean it up and only managed to escape when she decided to haul all the plastic bags from the insulation bales, and an assortment of cardboard to the recycling center.  Her van was packed tight. Very important work!  There was lots of other cleaning, cleaning, cleaning (it never ends) including the kitchen and dishes.

QUOTES OF THE DAY:  "Somehow, there is either an assumption that I love cleaning the attic, or I am really good at it.....but I am looking for other jobs."

"I think the flu bug has flown.  I actually got out of my pj's and left the house this evening, and feel no worse for the wear.  Must be all the positive thoughts everyone sent my way.  Thanks."

Reminder:  There will be a Chinese dinner at the Fortune Inn, 1775 West 6th on Friday at 5:30 PM.  

_____________________________________________________________________________

AUGUST 9, 2011 TUESDAY
Day34

16 Volunteers
2 Sprinkler technicians
3 HVAC technicians
1 HVAC supervisor
1 Electrical Engineer
1 EWEB Grants Specialist
6 Concrete finishers
1 Architect
1 Landscape Architect
4 BPOC members plus Mary Otten, John Wagner and Kay Crider

The report tonight is insulation, sheetrock, insulation, sheetrock, insulation - and though it may sound like a herd was working on this, that is not actually the case.  The work being done now is very specialized, cutting pieces to go around HVAC ducting and equipment or the sprinkler system.  Things are pretty much dependent on the Harvey and Price pipefitters getting the rest of the drops for the sprinklers installed so the specialist who installs ceiling sheetrock can come work his magic.  Then we will be closer to needing a big crew. (Photo above is Room 7 insulated).

The husband and wife team worked on installing T-coil.  They hit a snag along the way when it was discovered half way through a 500 foot coil of wire that it had some defects buried within.  The remaining coil was returned to Jerry's and it was replaced for free.  In case you are wondering about what T-coil is - here is what I found when I Googled it:

Telecoil is a tiny, wireless receiver that is built-in to many hearing aids and cochlear implant processors (see sidebar picture). Originally designed for use with telephones, this underutilized wireless receiver has great potential to benefit the way you hear. Wireless transmission to the telecoil receiver is via an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field is transmitted via silhouette ear hooks, neck loop or room loop and is picked-up by the telecoil receiver. The software program that controls and shapes the output from the telecoil is called the T-coil program or "T-coil" for short.   The user's hearing aid or CI must have a manually selectable T-coil program - usually via a program selection button or remote control.

One of the new, wonderful developments is the addition of Coy, a young man being sponsored by the scholarship organized by Amy Raven.  He is phenomenal.  Yesterday he worked from 9 AM to 5:30 PM sanding beams in Rooms 3 and 5, and he does such beautiful work getting the paint off that the beams will need only a light finish sanding.  So keep those donations through Amy rolling in.
The cross country bicyclist was back! -- installing insulation, sweeping and cleaning.  The kitchen got cleaned up and the dishes were washed.  Congratulations to Spiderman - he caught Mouse #3.

The concrete crew worked on prepping the areas to pour the South and East entrance areas and two islands in the parking lot.

QUOTES OF THE DAY:  About the beam sander:  "He is the find of the Century - his youth and enthusiasm are great to have on the job."

"I am beyond ready for the flu to go away - thanks for all the care and concern."

_______________________________________________________________

 

AUGUST 9, 2011 TUESDAY
Day 35

Happy First Anniversary to the BUUB.     

 I am still not operational, and my report for today is short.  For fun I decided to send out the very first issue of 400 Days so you could see all that we planned to accomplish...by golly, we have done that and more.  Note that Chuck Wagar agreed to work in the attic -- and he is still working in the attic!

There is no planned work day at the BUUB tomorrow (Sunday) unless you can work independently.  And remember, there is an update from Ed Zack in the church sanctuary (40th) at 7 PM on Monday, August 8.
    Today there were at least 6 volunteers - they carried 96 bundles of insulation into the building and worked at insulating walls.  The husband and wife team was hard at it installing T-coil again today.

Begin forwarded message:
From: Hansen Judith 
Date: August 6, 2010 9:38:51 PM PDT 
To: UUCE-News , "Building Project Oversight Committee"
Subject: [UUCE] 400 Day Countdown Begins on New Building
 

By the end of today, between the people who stayed to work yesterday after orientation and the five volunteers who worked today, Ed Zack reports that progress was made beyond his expectations!  He didn't expect to have this much done until about the middle of next week.  So thanks to everyone for the energy and enthusiasm and "can do" attitude.

Folks have already stepped up to the plate to volunteer for specific group tasks.  

 

Report 

FOUR HUNDRED DAYS ORIENTATION AND HOT TOPICS

 

August 5, 2010

The following attended the  Orientation
Vickie Scheuerell, Ruth Nelson, Dick and Jean Weick, Marina McIntire, Jake Walsh, Bob Kaeser, Ed and Judie Hansen, John Clay, Olga Turner, Ruth Ross, Kurt Koivu Norma Landy, Betty Hosokowa, Phyllis Kesner, Judy Sawyer, Gil Osgood , Jean Coberly, Chuck Wagar, Pat Hendricks, Martha Snyder, Kirk and Livvie Taylor, Bob Coleman, Jesse Oliver, Karen Gaffney, Elliot McIntire, Laurie Quies , Dave DeCou, Jeff Jackson, Dorothy Clark, Anna Sontag, Melinda Johns, Doug Turvey , Jeanette Ruel, Austin Turvey, Leslie Relle, Kay Crider, Harlean Richardson, Charlie Hirsch, Jay Thompson, Alisa McLaughlin

.

Project Foreman Ed Zack gave  opening remarks - commenting that the group of volunteers working on the building will be the unsung heroes that will make this happen - the technicians that will make the spaceship fly and land safely.

This is the beginning of the second greatest adventure in the life of this church.  The first was when 64 people built our present church in 1964.  In most projects of this size, a paid contractor would hire a crew to come in and do the work -at $72.00 per hour, but we are the demolition crew.  It will be a long and tedious process with no options for failing.  

This is a “cosmetic” demolition.

The regular “hours of operation” are 9 AM to 4 PM daily with options for working evenings or Sunday afternoon.  Ed is trying to keep the hours flexible.  If you are planning to come and want to make sure the building is open, call Ed first (541-729-4500).  He is normally on the site by 7AM.  The work is not about perfection it is about doing good work.  There are two main principles:

 Think safety at all times.  The only music allowed is KWAX, turned low, right at your work station.  No ipods or any device requiring ear phones.  Do not touch anything electrical, mechanical, sprinkler heads, or related to plumbing and do not disturb the popcorn ceilings.

If you hear someone shout “freeze”, stop what you are doing and don’t move.  Do not walk under ladders or scaffolding. If you have to, get the attention of the person above and say “man below”.  Don’t hurry. Do not touch a power tool without asking Ed first.  Don’t overdo your limits.  

Pick up litter, garbage, debris and keep the work area clean.  Quartermaster the area and your thoughts - use your brain.  Wear appropriate clothes. No open toe shoes.  Rest and hydrate often. Be aware of the people around you.  Be positive.   When storing materials or furniture, do not cover or block electrical outlets. 

BPOC has only known since July 27 what we would be doing.  As we demolish the building, the architect is still designing the remodel.  The only thing we know for sure about our future is that we have 400 days to get the job done and $600,000 to spend.  We still have to get bids for the “must do” portions.  Architect Gary Moye said it was the most confusing building he had ever worked on - it has gone through four remodels - there are 22 rooms and four restrooms.

TOOLS    We need:
Electric screwdrivers, wheelbarrows with rubber tires, 5 gallon buckets, ladders, coffee cans, crow bars, flat bars, safety glasses.  Bring power tools if you have them.  Knee pads are very helpful.  This is not a top down operation.  Be sure to mark all of your own tools.  The tools owned by the church are marked with green tape.  Ed Zack’s tools are marked with blue tape

.

COLOR CODES
- The color of tape on an item tells you what is supposed to happen to it:

BLUE - MOVE IT
GREEN -  RECYCLE IT
YELLOW  DEMOLISH IT  
RED - DO NOT TOUCH IT

First Aid Supplies are in lobby where we check in.  Check in each day and then indicate what you did when you check out so we can keep track of jobs and progress.

IF YOU HEAR A BLAST ON THE AIR HORN, EXIT THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY

Volunteer Categories:
 

Calendar Maven to keep tallies on jobs dones, number of volunteers, and report to the website and special “400 Days listserve”

Cleaning Crew - to make sure all work areas remain neat and tidy and that tools are put back at the end of the day.

Team Captains willing to put together a crew that will commit for a specific time and job.   We need at least 5.
  

Computer Helper - Kirk Taylor has volunteered
.

Break Room Dancers - to provide food, water, coffee  - Marina McIntire will coordinate.  Contact her to find out what is needed.   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

Laborers and Bundlers - to help round up demolished material to be disposed of or recycled and stored.

Denailers and Cleaners - to pull nails out of all the lumber and other materials that will be recycled and cannot have any nails left in.

Descrewers -  to dismantle 81 theatre seats so they can be  sold

Sorters and Labelers - As things are dismantled and stored, they need to be marked and cataloged.  Barb Prentice and Jean Coberly signed up.

Tally Ho Person - to crawl into 5 different attic crawl spaces and find out what is up there and do an inventory.  Chuck Wagar signed up.
 

Security and Messenger- To be stationed near back exits and be sure tools are safe and secure, or to run errands from one end of the building to the other.

Ceiling Busters - to remove the “bat wing” in the sanctuary and not get dizzy on a ladder of scaffolding.  All ceilings material  (except two popcorn rooms) will be recyled.
 

Indiana Jones  - to help locate all the pipes in walls and drops from the ceiling. 

Paperwork and Office - Jean Coberly
. 

Mr Clean and MsClean - to take care of kitchen and restrooms
. 

Pickup Truck Owners - - to run errands or make a run to BRING, etc.

Safety Officer/First Aid - Doug Turvey -Need to identify all those with first aid or emergency training in case of an injury.
 

Hunters and Gatherers -to help locate materials and tools
.  An eBay or Craig’s List Maven to help market and sell special items.  Commission available.

 

There is a cot and comfortable chairs available for resting in the west end of the building.

 

BPOC adopted a Code of Conduct for the Construction Site at our meeting on August 5 - it follows.

 

               VOLUNTEER CODE for UUCE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

 
Thank you for volunteering to work.  Your time, sweat, energy and resources are invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Over the next 400 days, we are going to transform this butt-ugly building into the new home for our congregation which will be the physical expression of our commitment to our principles of openness, service, growth, respect, and community.

The excitement and fun and wonder that this process creates will only grow as the countdown approaches our move-in date of September 2011.

To insure that all volunteers are able to work in a productive, respectful, and safe environment, we must insist on strict adherence to this code of conduct.

 

THIS IS A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, A WORK SITE.

THEREFORE, SAFETY AND LIABILITY ARE PARAMOUNT CONCERNS.

To make sure that those concerns are an integral part of the daily routine of this construction site, we have selected an on-site congregational representative and volunteer manager, Ed Zack, who is charged by the BPOC to:

-  Organize and coordinate the volunteers.

-  Assess the abilities of each individual and fit their skills to
 appropriate tasks.

-  Intervene and redirect a volunteer’s efforts if necessary.

- Require an individual to leave the work site if that individual
poses concerns of safety or liability.

 

REMEMBER:  WORK SAFELY.  WORK SMART, NOT HARD.

Building Project Oversight Committee

August 5, 2010

 

QUESTIONS OR TO SIGN UP FOR ONE OF THE ABOVE CATEGORIES CONTACT -  Judie Hansen 541-335-1637 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

We will be setting up a special email list for daily updates on accomplishments, number of volunteers and alerts for special needs or specific tasks for a work day.  Stay tuned.  

Judie

________________________________________________________________

AUGUST 8, 2011 MONDAY
DAYS LEFT = 34

 
16 Volunteers
3 HVAC Technicians
1 HVAC Supervisor
1 Fire Suppression Technician
1 Architect

There was miscellaneous framing to support the HVAC technicians and fire suppression company.  The husband and wife team continued installation of T-coil.  They have completed every room except Room 7 and the Library and that is on the schedule for tomorrow.  What a team!  There was also installation of insulation and sheetrock, beam sanding, wire stripping and lots of cleaning.

I had a relapse and am still out of commission.  I was sorry to miss Ed Zack's report to the congregation this evening.  For those of you who were unable to attend, I have included it in today's report.   There will be a town hall meeting at 11:15 AM following the church service on Sunday to give everyone an opportunity to ask questions about the project.

REPORT TO THE UUCE CONGREGATION
BY PROJECT MANAGER ED ZACK
8 AUGUST 2011

 
Good evening, and thank you for coming on short notice.  This is my report to the congregation at the twelve-month mark…Yes, we have been working for twelve months and three days. As always, this building project is a study in chaos-theory and an essay on the embrace of change. Despite this, I have tried to keep you informed of the status of the work on the BUB. In the last two weeks, I have been made aware of realities that require me to meet with you soonest about our construction project.

As is my practice, I’ll start with any bad news... Let me see if I can organize the list:

-  Accountants have discovered that $2.3 million has been embezzled from the building fund…..  no
- There is a burgeoning scandal rocking the church….. no
- The building burned down last night at we forgot to pay the insurance premium….  No
- Last week a volunteer fell to his death, to paralysis, to broken  bones, to a twisted ankle….  No, No, No,  and No.

If that’s not the bad news, what is? Here’s the list:

The Problem:  We will not be in our new church home by the New Year. That’s it. That is all the bad news. And it’s not even bad news. It’s a disappointment… a disappointment for all of us.  And for me personally it is also an embarrassment as I misjudged how long it would take to move this very complicated project prudently through all the hoops to completion. In my zeal to get us into the building as soon as possible, I lost sight of the need to keep the project on pace with the resources at hand (time, money, energy).  That is my failing and I am sorry for raising expectations with my optimism.

I will be addressing the new program shortly, but first I need to finish the rest of the news, and it is all good.

Number One:

The project is not over budget. As I have already related about the budget my reports in December and in May: Last summer, the whole multi-phase project was initially estimated at $3.7 million (and that did not include the overly generous architect’s fees).  We scrapped that design as imprudent and developed the current floor plan at $2.6 million late last summer.  In November, the professional estimators came up with a budget for that floor plan (revised downward because of the unprecedented amount of volunteer work) of $2.2 / $2.3 million.  Since then, and despite having to fire the architect in mid-project and to redesign a large part of his flawed design (and in the process coming up with a much lovelier and more carefully thought-out building), we have whittled that number down to $1.7 million, with little if anything left to cut from that number if we are to get occupancy.  That is and has been the barebones budget for months. And we are on track to meet that much pared number. As of this morning’s bills that I paid, we have spent:  $559,276.
Furthermore, all the sub-contractors are paid to date on their progress. We are current with all suppliers, workmen, and sub-contractors connected with the project.  I am informed that we have $170,000 right now (or $400,000 when all pledges come in) to support the continuing work until January. We will be adjusting the work schedule to coincide with the money as it comes in. The project is not out of money.

Also, the project is not overcommitted or locked into the contractors. I have already spoken with the several sub-contractors involved and they are absolutely focused on and comfortable with the new staging of the work to fit the resources we have in hand.

Number two: 

Just as there was a volunteer-friendly phase in the beginning of the project… remember Last August, September, and October?  Well, we are now in another phase that is an opportunity for stretching our dollars with lots of volunteer labor:  to wit,

Insulation--some 250 more bales
sheet rock--some 2200 more sheets
tiling--five bathrooms
concrete floor--13,000 sq feet to refinish

With volunteer labor, there are tens of thousands of dollars in these items that we can save by doing it with the same care and spirit that has been present from the start of this construction project. It will take longer than if professionals were hired, but as in the past I have no doubts of what this volunteer cadre, what this church, can do.

Number Three: 

The Church is continuing to be finished.  There is no stopping. There isn’t even a slowing up.  We are still pushing ahead as hard and as fast as we have the resources to complete each step.  And right now we are perfectly positioned to maximize our greatest asset:  the will of this church body to do the work necessary.

Number four:

Regarding the stewardship of resources, a couple of weeks ago I realized the impossibility of maintaining the pedal-to-the-metal pace of the last several months. Bluntly stated, I have been on daily duty for over 12 months, with only a scattering… perhaps a score…. of days off.  I am bone-weary and I am starting to make mistakes.  (A most recent example and one for which I need to apologize: the insulation crew precisely followed my instructions and started insulating all the ceilings in the West End. Some of your work was premature to the proper sequence of the project. I simply misunderstood Mark Doonan’s words.  It was my fault, and I’m sorry I wasted your time and sweat.)

Therefore, I will be taking the month of September off…to rest, to recover, and to take care of personal matters I have too long ignored.

Similarly, Mark Doonan will be taking approximately the same time off. He has worked non-stop since January.  He needs some time off too.

We have found from hard experience that for maximum efficiency we both have to be on the job.  One person alone cannot do justice to the project…especially in these last phases.

Now how does this all lay out for the project, for the volunteers, for the congregation? What’s the plan?

Wait a minute, I need to have a word with you all about rumor and gossip.

Since the start of the project I learned to cringe when I hear the words: “I heard that” and “Someone said that….”  People seem to feel entitled to state as fact that which at best is a misunderstanding, most often wrong and/or plain ignorant, and always disruptive.  This brings out the harbingers of apocalypse, the alarmists, the conspiracy theorists and those who believe that any cup is always half-empty.  Please, I ask you as a personal kindness to me and as a real commitment to this community we are building:  don’t waste your time and energy on people’s dark imaginings and fears. Don’t waste my time and energy as I try to unscramble the consequences of such silliness.  In this ever-changing kaleidoscope of factors, I have tried to keep you informed of what is happening.  In the two weeks since we became aware of the situation, we have aggressively sought out to understand and to define the problem, come up with options, and then developed a solution… then informing the church as soon as we could schedule a meeting… That is why we are here tonight.  There is nothing hidden. What I am presenting to you is the most current, basic understanding of the status of this construction project that I have. As things change, you will be informed. Period.

So, what is the plan, our revised program:

   a)  I will be gone for approximately thirty days. I want to be part of the Labor of Love at the Donald St. church, and will leave shortly thereafter. Mark Doonan will be gone sometime before me (the end of August?) for a similar period. Between now and our departures, we will be making sure the building is ready for the fall and the various components are in line and ready to proceed in our absence.

   b) As agreed, the professionals and sub-contractors will be completing their work on the new pace to meet assets in hand.  By the time I leave, the concrete should be done, the plumbing is already done until finish, the roof is very near completion already, the electrical rough-in should be done, and the HVAC system components set.

   c) Under the leadership of the captains who have stepped forward, the volunteer corps will be working on those projects mentioned above:  insulation, sheetrock, tiling, doors, and concrete refinishing.

   d) Our overall strategy for the project remains to work within the resources available through the first of the year, awaiting a new directive if needed from the financial officers and the Board.

I would like to close with my personal feelings about this. I do not like waiting to get occupancy until next year, any more than you do. Planning for a fall occupancy and then a couple of months of shake-out, I had set my retirement from this project to be effective on 4 January 2012, my 65th birthday.  I will have to delay that milestone:  I can do naught else.  My promise to this congregation, to you, has been and is: I will be here working on our new church until we move-in.  This is all I can do; this is what I can contribute. 

Also, I do not relish the added length of this process.  Yet when I look at all we have accomplished, how far we have come with what we have, I am comforted. To walk through that butt-ugly-building is to see the spirit of this community made tangible through our work and sweat and dollars.  This is what we are building: a sense of community, a salt-lick for present and future pilgrims, the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, the tender connections that we are forging as we work and dream together.  This is the real church we are building.

Also, I would rather not have to deal with the uncertainty and problems, even pain. Yet I know that I, that you, that we, individually and as a community, have to learn to be comfortable in our discomfort.  Real growth is not possible otherwise.  What we are experiencing is the reality of growth, the stretching of our comfort zone, and even the pain of birth.

From the very beginning, from before the very beginning, this congregation has heard and responded to the call for bravery in exemplary fashion.  We have made hard and consequential decisions. We have respected our forebearers and their vision.  We are securing a place for those who are our future.  We have embraced a new course for this church.  We have worked and sweated beyond all expectation.  I am so proud of you, each of you.

I am honored to work with you, to walk with you, as we finish our new home.
Thank you.

Edwin Zack

 

---

 

AUGUST 6 & 7, 2011 SATURDAY & SUNDAY
DAYS LEFT = 35
After I wrote my report yesterday, I learned that more volunteers showed up and the actual number was 12.    In addition, firewood was cut, food put away, dishes washed and beams sanded.

Now on to Sunday:
10 Volunteers

The big story was the delivery yesterday of 96 bales of insulation by Jerry's.  It was a real struggle for them - it took two trucks to do it.  Their challenge was getting it loaded -- the 50th Anniversary celebration at Jerry's was going full steam ahead.  The employee parking lot was turned into a field for cows!  The customer parking lot was a zoo and getting off the lot was tricky.

The part that impressed me was our cost:  $110 for 96 bales...There was to be a $50 delivery fee, but when El Viejo hauled out the checkbook to pay them on the spot, they gave us a huge discount because we had volunteers there to unload it, are a church,  and we paid on delivery.  More magic.

I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of it taking two trucks to deliver the order.  For weeks, El Viejo has been jamming 7 bales in his van, or Bob Kaeser 10 in his trailer and I can't remember how many in Jane Souzon's small Toyota pickup.  This should give their vehicles a well deserved rest.

Spiderman is still in the attic, and the husband and wife team wired Room 6.  The beam sander was there and others worked on insulation and wire stripping.  One volunteer was a young man who showed up at church this morning and volunteer recruiter Judy Sawyer conned him into coming to work at the BUUB.  He did insulation for almost 5 hours.  He is biking across the country.  There was sweeping, kitchen cleanup, recycling, and gloves to wash.  El Viejo was locked in his office writing his report to the congregation that will be delivered at the 40th Street Church Sanctuary tomorrow at 7 PM.

The walls in Room 2 were insulated.

QUOTES OF THE DAY: 

 "The insulation is nicely done - oh yeah, like it a lot." 

"They didn't even make a dent in the 96 bales -- it is stored in the Sanctuary and takes up a third of the floor space."

"Spiderman was in the attic and El Viejo was in his office..."

Judie - just about back to normal.
 

---

AUGUST 5b, 2011 FRIDAY
DAYS LEFT = 37

 
The rest of the story about Thursday (Day 38) events:

The HVAC crew spent the day wrapping ducting with fiberglass insulation.
All of the pipes for the fire suppression system were loaded on rolling carts, and those carts have been used so much that the wheels are worn off!  Speaking of things wearing out - El Viejo was up on a long ladder and noticed that the back portion was starting to buckle.  Knowing that he should never keep a weak ladder he headed to the dumpster.  He heard "Stop" - we can use the good part to go from the hatchway up to the roof.... The rung side is rated at 300 pounds.  And using it saves us $300.  Nothing goes to waste.
And speaking of nothing going to waste -- yet another portion of the old pocket doors has been put to good use.  There is a large hunk of ducting that is somewhat exposed in an area where someone might step on it and it is not sturdy enough to walk on.  So a panel cut out of the former doors, former Thanksgiving table, former bin for plywood, has now become a bridge across the ducting.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:  "Scrap is glorious."

 

 

---

Friday August 5a, 2011
Days left  37  

16 Volunteers
3 HVAC technicians
5 Concrete finishers
1 Concrete supervisor
1 Architect
11 For Chinese dinner

The husband and wife team continued to work away installing T-coils and rooms 1,2,4 and 5 are done, and room 6 is almost done.  Tomorrow they will tackle Room 6, 7 and the Library.    A 17 year old used a jackhammer to remove the last of the tile in the east restroom and then he cleaned up all the debris.  Not having worked hard enough at that, he sanded beams in rooms 3 and 5.

Concrete was poured on the north sidewalks, with wheelchair ramps and curbs.
There were three beam sanders, wire stripping, cleaning up of accumulated debris, and more sheetrock installation in the attic.  Doors were sanded, a load was taken to the warehouse, tools repaired, and the kitchen cleaned up and dishes washed.
Through magic, 96 bundles of insulation were found and will be delivered tomorrow (Saturday) and those showing up will be installing it on walls only, no ceilings.
As for me, I spent the last 24 hours sleeping.

 

---

AUGUST 4, 2011 THURSDAY
DAYS LEFT = 38

 
15 Volunteers
4 HVAC technicians
1 HVAC Supervisor
3 Concrete finishers
1 Concrete supervisor
1 Guest
1 Concrete Floor Grinder

Before I forget – On Monday, August 8, Edwin Zack, the Volunteer Project Manager will be giving the congregation important information regarding the building of our new church home,  It will be held in the Sanctuary at our 40th Street church at 7 PM.  Then on Sunday, August 14, members of the Building Project Oversight Committee will host a Town Hall meeting in the Sanctuary at 11:15 AM, following the service.  This will be an excellent opportunity to ask questions and get more details about the status of the project. 

Today - there was beam sanding, cleanup of the building and grounds, and some sheetrock and insulation installation.  The latter is not production work, just working in small areas. 

Remember all those sections of pipe stored in the east restroom for several months?  They are now in the middle of the social hall.  Harvey and Price will begin finishing up installation of those pipes for the fire suppression system.  One volunteer worked 8 hours installing T-coil wires and recruited his wife to work along with him all day!  Another volunteer cleaned the louvers on a piece of ancient air handling equipment and by the time she went home she resembled a coal miner.... covered with years of accumulated oily, greasy dust.

There was de-nailing and filling the dumpster, kitchen cleanup and dishes washed, food delivered and consumed, and installation of a filter in a storm drain in the parking lot to keep out sediment.

This blog will be finished tomorrow - I am running a fever and going to bed.  I wanted to get the notice out about the two meetings at the beginning of this email.

 

---

AUGUST 3, 2011 WEDNESDAY
DAYS LEFT = 39

 
15 Volunteers
5 Concrete finishers
4 HVAC Technicians
1 HVAC Supervisor
1 Electrician
1 Electrical Engineer
1 Architect
1 Concrete Inspector
1 Storm Drain Inspector

A variety of cool things going on today - sand beams, mow all the grass, take down insulation, putty dings in doors, move an air handler in the attic 9-1/4 inches to the west, remove old sheet metal connector which is obsolete, cut and install T-coil wire for loop system, repair the riding lawn tractor which lost a wheel, and meticulously install small sections of insulation as fill-ins.  The kitchen was quartermastered and dishes washed....outside, the grounds were cleaned up.
The concrete crew poured and finished the northwest section of the parking lot sidewalk.  
In case you are wondering why the battery powered lawn mower needs to be in the pantry -- all of the original electrical plugs have been killed throughout the building - except the kitchen, and until the electrician gets new plugs installed, all of the plugs in the octopus boxes are filled with scissor lifts and  power tools.
Tomorrow help will be needed to assist with the installation of additional loop wires, but there will be no drilling through the framing.  The main man working on this project put in at least 13 hours today.
NEEDED:  We are wondering if anyone has one or two motion detectors used for security, that will trigger lights and alarms?  If so, please let me know.  (A little background story - my mother lived on a sparsely traveled dead end street in Virginia, and after being robbed five times she installed a motion detector with alarms inside the house which were activated if anyone came in the front door.  Unfortunately, she had to keep them deactivated every time she left the house because her Yorkshire Terrier 'Sugar' kept tripping it. )  We thought someone out there in radio land might have a similar situation and would like to donate the system to the BUUB!
Speaking of donations - a while back, Richard Dietzel donated a quantity of electric exit signs to the BUUB.  We weren't sure whether they were "code", but today the electrical engineer declared they are exactly what we need, and guess what???  Having that donation just saved us $1,500...the magic continues to happen.  

QUOTES OF THE DAY:  "It's a god thing I'm working for free, cause their ain't enough money in the world that could pay me  to do this job!"

I was on the phone with El Viejo this afternoon and he needed to catch one of the volunteers in the next room before he left for the day.  I could hear him keep shouting the name of the other person over and over - and he finally said, "With all this insulation you have to shout to even be heard in the next room."

Remember - Chinese dinner at The Fortune Inn on Friday at 5:30 - and then you can go to the movies and book sale at the church.

 

---

AUGUST 2, 2011 TUESDAY
DAYS LEFT = 40
17 Volunteers
4 Concrete finishers
1 Bobcat operator
4 HVAC technicians
1 HVAC Company Owner
1 HVAC Supervisor
1 Electrician
1 Electrical Company Owner
1 Electrical Supervisor
1 Electrical Engineer
1 Architect
1 Structural Engineer

There was a lot of time spent on the phone and with meetings related to the loop, FM, bluetooth, infrared sound system in addition to meetings with the owners of the HVAC and Electric companies to discuss sequencing for the project.

The concrete folks worked mostly in the parking lot, installing conduit and irrigation pipes for "islands."  I'm not sure islands is the proper term, but the layout for parking lots calls for islands with plantings to reduce the amount of asphalt surface to cut down on the generation of heat and allow for better water runoff.  City code requires these areas for every 8 parking spaces or some similar number.  It's been several months since I have heard the number discussed, but I know there is a specific number.

Tomorrow we need:  Drillers...a minimum of 5.  The day will be spent drilling half inch holes in the framing in rooms 4, 5, 6, and 7 so wires can be fed through them.  It will require different muscles than a snickersnee or push broom.  We offer variety!  For those not interested in drilling, there is still plenty of cleanup work.
The BUUB was a beehive of activity, with wire stripping, sweeping, grass mowing and grounds work, sanding beams, kitchen cleanup and dishes, futile attic cleaning, and errands to run.  The newly installed outside security lights were wired in.  The "Future Home" sign was put back up on the west side.

Despite me saying there would be no insulation work, there was some-- but not at the break neck speed of the last three days.
Last night I asked if others might be interested in helping me wash dishes.  I had no idea so many people love washing dishes!  Thank you to all the people who called to say they were available afternoons, and today when I arrived the dishes were washed and neatly stacked and all the food was stored in the fridge.  It was a beautiful sight and site.

QUOTES OF THE DAY:

"I'm going to split the baby."  

"If we bury them in cement, it will be a case of - where are the bodies buried?" 
(All of this somehow related to the discussion about loop systems.  I'll leave it to your imaginations to figure out how and why.)

El Viejo had deep purple stains on both hands.  I asked if he had been making wine -- "Hardly -- it's from the glue for the pipes in the parking lot." It doesn't look like he could scrub his hands enough to get it removed.