Yes, spring has arrived along with the expected inconsistencies in weather this time of year. The normal, routine sounds of spring, our lawn mowers and trimmers, can be heard on typical Thursday mornings, and other outside work on gardens, plantings, the barn and more is in progress unless rain forces the Thursday Group inside. Another sure sign of spring, our tent, should be up by the time you read this. I am always reluctant to raise the tent before May. Even in early May there is some risk of snow, and if it comes, it would certainly be the wet and heavy variety that could damage the tent. Think positive! Hopefully, the 2020-21 snow season is finally over. It will be nice to see folks gathered under the tent again through the warm seasons.
Hackworth Fire and Security, our fire alarm system contractor, is actively engaged again with the installation of our new system. This is good news because we certainly do not want our building use limited for lack of a fully operational fire alarm system once the pandemic-imposed restrictions are eased.
We are continuing to see some significant issues with mice in the building. In a building of our size and age, a certain mouse population is to be expected. The lack of significant, regular building use may be contributing to their increased visibility. We will continue working to keep this issue under control. We all need to be aware of our little friends and avoid leaving things around that draw their attention, particularly food items including crumbs, food wrappers and such that they will seek out, given the opportunity.
For quite a few years the Thursday Morning Group and a small cadre of other volunteers have carried the bulk of the load to maintain our building and grounds. Given the reduction in our numbers over time, we are in the process of developing some alternate approaches to get more folks involved, either on Thursday or at other days and times that may be more suitable for them. You will likely be hearing more about this as the year moves on. Think of it as an opportunity!
Dave Mercer, Property Team Leader