October 6, 2022
Dear Parishioners,
It’s been said that we enjoy getting together and having a good time. After having missed a year because of the pandemic shutdown, we were more than ready for Wearin’ the Green this past May. Everyone had an amazing time! Thanks to the hard work by the members of the committee, Wearin’ the Green was also a financial success. Please find in this Sunday’s bulletin, under the Stewardship and Finances Report tab and, the final numbers for Wearin’ the Green 2022, as well as Fund-a-Need. You can also view the summary in the graphic at the bottom of this webpage.
The Wearin’ the Green funds help to cover any shortfall in either the parish’s or the school’s operating revenue. Thanks to your generosity, and the keen oversight by the Finance Council, of all our assets, Saint Andrew has continued to remain debt free.
On the other hand, the Fund-a-Need proceeds go towards a yearly designated project or need. For this past Fund-a-Need, the decision was made to raise funds over a two year period for the purpose of renovating the school play lot along Hermitage Ave, which will be named, “The Ackerman Play Lot.” This year’s upcoming Fund-a-Need will help to raise the remaining funds needed for this endeavor.
The Facilities and Construction Committee has been guiding the play lot project through its various phases. We had set this fall as the time for finalizing plans, sending the project to bid, and signing contracts, with the goal of breaking ground in the spring of 2023. I am happy to report that the committee is on track with this timeline. We will soon share with you the finalized architectural designs and projected costs, once we finish some outstanding details.
Before any work can commence on the play lot, an underground storage tank that is located underneath the blacktop surface will need to be removed. This additional cost will come from savings, and not from Fund-a-Need. The work is expected to be completed before winter.
Although the newly created lot along Paulina Street is not a Fund-a-Need project, a brief update at this time would be beneficial. After the demolition of the Annex Building, a temporary green space was created by installing some turf and a fence to secure the perimeter. A more permanent and multi-use space is currently being planned. This larger and more complex project will require additional time to study the site requirements, the impact to school operations, and funding. Information on this project will be shared as progress is made.
It’s an exciting time as we develop these outdoor spaces to further enhance our experiences at Saint Andrew. Donations to The Ackermann Play Lot do not need to wait for Fund-a-Need to come around! You can make a donation anytime at www.standrew.org/playlot. Thank you for your support. May God bless you!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Sergio Romo
Pastor
