WINDOWS FOR WOODCLIFF!

 
We are providing you with our weekly update on the campaign to raise funds for Windows for Woodcliff.  This week, we will share the conversation Eleanor Landry and Steve Crosby had on Sunday.  They were able to address a number of questions that have arisen regarding the work we are planning to do.  In case you missed it, here are the highlights of that conversation.
 
Eleanor:    Are we planning to replace all the windows?  As we look around, we see some windows that are in pretty good shape.
 
Steve:  Most of the windows in the Sanctuary and in the Narthex were replaced during our last large upgrade to the church, which was blessed on December 1, 1990.  Although they are close to being 28 years old, they are in pretty good shape and are not included in our plans to replace them at this time.  The  upper windows on the north side of the building are 60 years old and are long past their useful life.  They are drafty, difficult to open, and have very poor insulating qualities. 
 
Eleanor:  The recent Char/Sher Production video had a clip of some of our kids in what looked like a sweat box.  Do we have a heating system issue in some of our classrooms?
 
Steve:  No, it's not a heating issue, it's our windows.  The south facing windows are 28 years old and do not have the newer technology that would help insulate the classrooms against cold and heat.  New windows with new technology will eliminate this problem and allow our kids to be comfortable in the downstairs rooms.
 
Eleanor:  Also in that video, we saw you frying an egg in the front foyer.  Does it really get that hot in there?
 
Steve:  No, I have to admit I was actually frying the egg on the heating unit in the foyer.  The front entry door system is 28 years old and is performing poorly with high heat loss from air leakage and high heat gain due to old coating technology.  In addition, it has been very costly to maintain in recent years.
 
Eleanor:  I know we hired an architect to help scope out the project.  Where are we in the project schedule?
 
Steve:  The ad hoc committee, consisting of Barry Kowalsky, Kevin Magnusson, and myself, are working with Transept Architects to come up with a scope of work and to initiate a bid process.  Bids are due on May 15.  At that time, we will prioritize the work that has been identified into three categories:  Work that has to be done.  Work that should be done.  Work that we wish could be done.
 
Eleanor:  "Building depreciation" comes up every year in our financial reports.  Is this real depreciation or just an accounting thing?
 
Steve:  Depreciation is an accounting thing, but it is also real in terms of depreciation of infrastructure.  We have dug a fairly large infrastructure deficit hole, and by completing the windows and doors replacement project, we will have filled in quite a bit of that hole.
 
Eleanor:  It has been reported that we have received money from some generous folks over the years.  Why don't we just leave that money in the bank and use the interest to help pay our regular bills?
 
Steve:  You are right.  We have had some generous beneficiaries entrust their money to us, with the request that the money be used for infrastructure upgrading.  We have the duty to use that money left to us the way it was requested. 
 
Eleanor:  How much do you expect we will save on our energy bills with new windows and doors?
 
Steve:  We recently participated in an Alberta-sponsored energy audit.  We are waiting for the results and expect the audit will identify many opportunities for Woodcliff to lower its energy costs and CO2 emissions, including replacement of doors and windows.  We also anticipate there may be some funding sources or grant money that we can tap into.
 
Eleanor:   So, when will the work begin?
 
Steve:  A lot of that depends on the delivery schedule for the new windows and doors.  With results from the funding campaign and the bid numbers in hand, the committee can go to Council in June.  With Council's approval, we hope to get the work started by late July and have most of the mess out of the way by the time we welcome everyone back in September.
 
So, as you can see, a number of questions were asked and answered.  If you have further questions regarding this project, please direct them to a member of the committee.
 
And now, the most important part of this message!  Last week, we reported we had raised $7,556.00.  We are happy to report that we have more than doubled that amount this week!  Our new total raised to date now stands at  $15,494.00!!!!  We thank each and every one of you who have responded so generously to our campaign.  We can't wait to see what happens this week!


Blessings to you,

The Stewardship Committee