My Brothers,

I am finally back in NH, having left the chapter house at about 10:30pm Sunday night. Just before I came inside for the last time, the actives had all assembled in the living room, and each one shook my hand and thanked me for all of my efforts. There is no question that they are very grateful and have had their spirits lifted. It was a great send-off for me after a very exhausting and also very fulfilling week! Like HJ, I lost about 4-6 pounds, but it was a lot of fun and I'd do it again.

Now it's my turn to say thanks to all of you who gave of your time, your wealth, or just kept us in your thoughts. There were times at the beginning of the week when everything was torn apart and it was not apparent that it could all be put back together by weeks end. Yet together, alums and actives, we did it!

A BIG thanks to Brother Al "HJ" Hanbury (' 74) who had only committed to stay through last Monday. It was through his dedication and extended stay through Thursday noon that insured that all the projects that were started could be completed by weeks end.

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Major Projects completed –
Kitchen / Pantry / Mop sink area:
The plumbers were on site for 6 hours on Saturday reconnecting the stoves, the radiator in the pantry, and the supplies and drains for the kitchen sinks, disposal, and dishwasher. By Saturday night, the kitchen was back in operation with a new red quarry tile floor and stoves that were completely torn down and cleaned by the actives. Originally, I had planned to contract out the kitchen floor as I felt that it was beyond our capabilities. But the contractor was unable to deliver, and Brother Jim Manocchi (' 75), who had done a ceramic tile floor before, stepped up to the challenge to lead this project, training alums and actives to assist him. With HJ's assistance during the week, its completion was assured. By Friday, the tile was sealed, with a second coat added to the grout. This past Saturday, Brother Manocchi returned with his son to install a nice oak threshold at the door separating the kitchen and the dining room. The actives also cleaned the walls and repainted them before the tile was laid.

Carriage barn / garage: Due to a defect in it's construction, the structure was on the verge of collapse. Brother HJ commented that in his 30+ years of construction fixing similar structures, he had never seen one as far gone as this. The garage is now safe for use again.

First floor lavatory – Main house: A new toilet was installed as the old one was cracked. Also, a new slide bolt for the door, towel bar, and new cove molding was installed. This effort was led by Brother Paul Persico (' 75).

Landscaping: All of the shrubs, including the hedges that separated the sidewalk from the front lawn, were trimmed and brush added to the pile in the back. This effort was led by Brother Larry Heininger (' 78).

Addition 2nd floor hallway: The hallway has been re-painted and new carpeting was installed yesterday.

Addition soffits: Numerous holes were repaired in the soffits and a new soffit vent was installed, preventing a return of the rodents and birds which had previously made the space between the roof and 2nd floor ceiling a winter home. While the staging was setup, the loft windows were cleaned and primed.

Party room: A new quality Anderson sliding glass door was installed by HJ and helpers to replace the old, broken one. New vinyl tile floor with SC inlaid (design done by active Devin Sarnataro ' 09), cleaned with the recommended Armstrong cleaner, and finished with six coats of Armstrong polish. This effort was initially led by Brother Jim Rosetti (' 79) who trained 3-4 undergrads before he went home Monday morning, thus assuring the completion of this job.

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Projects expected to be complete by the first rush event this Saturday –
Party room: The new acoustic ceiling in the party room still needs to be completed. The grid is about 2/3 installed. The remaining material is all there, and the undergrads are confident that they will be able to complete the installation this week.

Conservatory / dining room: A local woodworker, Jim Lewis of Icarus Furniture, and his assistant, Jackie, have been at work since Monday, August 21, remaking new panels in their shop. They will be on site this week to install a new corner that had been damaged a few years ago, as well as a significant section of the wall that backs to the kitchen. The other two walls will be addressed at a later date. New acoustic tiles will be installed in the old bar area.

Mop sink area: Baseboard molding has been cut and fitted and is waiting to be primed, painted, and tacked in place. A marble threshold (available at Home Depot for ~$20) needs to be bought and installed.
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I should also mention Brothers Jim Banghart (' 69) and Jack Belletete (' 71), who along with HJ gave up a Saturday to come to Troy in July to inspect the property and help develop the list of projects that need attention. Belletete's Lumber & Building Supply also provided much of the material required at a discount and delivered same on site from Jaffrey, NH. The current house manager, Brian Friedman (' 08), also did a fantastic job in guiding our tour in July and running worksessions last week.

While I have mentioned a number of brothers above specifically, every one that was there at some point last week (21 alums by my count plus 18± actives) made a significant contribution. The projects above (and I'm sure I've forgotten some), in addition to a thorough cleaning, could not have been accomplished without the diversity of temperaments, talents, and convictions of all present. Thank you all!

As HJ has mentioned, there are a number of other projects that still need our attention. Yet the projects undertaken above should greatly enhance our rush effort this fall. Together with the Mission 365 training that the actives have been through, the retreat/workshop held last February, and the establishment of the new Alumni Advisory Board, I have every expectation that this year's rush class will be significant in both quality and numbers.

In hoc,
-Bill (Turk) ' 71