Community Corner

Goal is to Open Office Wing in the Fall

According to the Somers Congregational Church Web site, there has been a good amount of work being done in this area this week.

This information was published in the  restoration news center on June 27, 2012:

The refurbished Bugbee Center was in full use this week as the Vacation Bible School filled the entire wing with more than 100 kids, helpers and staff.  Glad to report that everything seems to be in working order!  A couple of minor issues came up, but we were able to get them attended to right away.  It is probably a good thing we got to use it this way.  Everyone will want to plan on being at the Community Supper on July 15 for another chance to see and use this space.

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There has been a good amount of work being done in the office wing this week.  The Technology Committee removed the central vacuum unit, leaving just the duct work to be taken down by Green Construction.  Green also had a crew in removing what was left of charred beams, sheet rock and insulation.  All of the walls and ceilings were spread with a sealant designed to get rid of the smoke smell.  Although there is a chemical smell in the office wing now, that will soon dissipate.  Once the new insulation, sheet rock and paint is up there should be no remaining smoke smell in the area.

Two issues being discussed by the Building Committee and the Restoration Committee will be resolved in the next couple of days.  The first is determining how the Office wing will be heated in the time between its completion and the completion of the Meeting House.  Several alternatives have been discussed and discarded for various reasons, but a decision will be made and heat installed in the next couple of weeks.  The second issue is determining what is to be done with the fire wall that separated the Meeting House from the Office wing prior to the fire, and what will be in its place as the new Meeting house is built.  Again, the Committees have been consulting the architects, engineers and other experts and working with the town building inspector.  A new wall will eventually be built, but the timing of that is yet to be determined.  This is a crucial decision to be made within the next few days.

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Our goal continues to be to reopen the Office wing in early September and, barring that, as soon as possible in the fall. 

Through the summer the committees brought together to choose colors, flooring and finishes are continuing to work with the designer.  There was plenty of feedback offered at the June 3 meeting with the congregation and the designer which is being incorporated into the latest discussions.  Those who have been helping with suggestions for the kitchen and dining room have also been working through the summer.

Discussions have begun between the church and the insurance company.  This is a key time in beginning to work out the settlement.  I am aware that there have been rumors about estimates and offers and would suggest that everyone ignore the rumors and try to be patient and wait for an official announcement from the Insurance Committee.  That Committee continues to work hard and to have the best interest of the church in mind.

Watch this space for upcoming announcements about Groundbreaking!


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