Even in the summer doldrums there is always something demanding the Property Team's attention. Things that were working fine a week or so ago are presenting with problems and need care ... loving or otherwise. The skylight windows in the Sanctuary overhead which were operating normally until recently now refuse to stay open when we really could stand to have them open for ventilation. On two recent occasions the emergency exit door near the Chapel has failed to perform as required. At this writing, the door is working in an acceptable manner, but I anticipate more problems with it.
The lawn always tends to be stressed this time of year due to heat and lack of water. This summer it is browner and drier than most. I am optimistic that conditions may soon become more favorable.
As evidenced by the plant growth coming up through various cracks in the parking lot, we will need to have some parking lot and driveway maintenance done this fall to seal cracks before the winter freeze. For crack repair I have typically used the company that last did re-sealing and re-striping of the parking lot and driveways. I believe they have given us honest assessments of when re-seal work is appropriate. The last full re-seal work was done in 2018 and has held up well.
I hope many of you have had an opportunity to see our new sign at the boundary of our property and Spaulding Turnpike. I think it represents us well and is nicely visible day or night. We do need to cut back some of the tall Sumac growth between our property and Bernie and Phyl's in order to reduce some of the line-of-sight obstruction of the sign for northbound traffic on the Spaulding.
I recently had the opportunity of chatting with our dear friend, long-time Property Team Leader and property mentor, Byrl Short. Among other things, we discussed most of what I have written above as well as how big the tree near the church office has grown, and I acknowledged his gentle reminder to keep the overhanging branches off the roof. It is an insect control issue. Once a Property Team Leader, always a Property Team Leader. Thanks, Byrl for keeping me on my toes!
David Mercer, Property Team Leader