Gentle sunlight streamed in through the stained glass windows on Sunday morning of Members and Friends weekend. It was a lovely fall day and we were gathered in the Chapel for our closing circle. We invited those present to be stewards of this wonderful place through a donation, as we often do.
This year, we focused on the Chapel, which is approaching its 100th anniversary. Our goal is to have the Chapel restored to “as new” condition for its centennial in 2007. Last year, a group of former campers raised over $25,000 to put on a new roof. This year’s goal is to put on new siding, refinish the floors, make cushions for the pews, install a heating system, provide wheelchair access, and put a new sign out front.
Having noticed again the dried out and faded shingle siding on my way into the chapel, I asked for donations to replace it. From the group I was asked, “What would it cost to do the siding?” Vivian Ackerman offered to match all gifts up to $2,500 that would be pledged that day. Within minutes a pad of paper was circling the room and people pledged $2,800, so we raised enough money to replace the siding. It was a moment of grace.
Special thanks to Vivian Ackerman for making the challenge, and to all who joined together to meet it. Vivian began coming to Rowe in 2002 and immediately became a member. In 2004, she came for her first Work Week and felt right at home with the work week community and just completed her fifth work week. The lovely paisley pillows in the Rug Room are her handiwork, and her photographs grace this newspaper. Vivian likes to make a difference and her gift did just that. We thank her for her generosity and for stepping up to be a leader.
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