OUR PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR has requested that we modify the school building by putting a door in one wall and removing some storage shelving.
Below the jump, I describe April’s idea. (NOTE: This is a speculative post that is exploring a possible project; no funds have been allocated at this time.)…
IT TURNS OUT that there is competition for the otherwise unused space above the stairwell! In addition to the storage room idea that I described previously, it could be used to augment the play yard.
 |
| (As usual, click/tap on an image to enlarge it.) |
Below the jump, I discuss the second idea. (NOTE: This is a speculative post that is exploring a possible project; no funds have been allocated at this time.)…
AFTER MORE THAN A CENTURY, is it a surprise that we have accumulated a lot of stuff? Things that will be useful again for a similar event, or that might be handy someday, or that was once useful but has become obsolete.
If you have a good head for spatial relations, just think of the sense of accomplishment you could have after taking charge of our storage spaces! Our stuff needs a little lovin’.…
You can inventory what we have, decide what to keep, and assign all those things a place that is recorded somewhere.
In addition to the clutter, we do have some (partially) empty cabinets and closets. Well, what should go in those spots? Maybe you know the answer.…
If this challenge grabs you, please talk with Fleming, our director of operations.
ON MAIN STREET in Venice, on a lovely Shabbat afternoon, with a gentle breeze, and a view of the Bay when you stand up! Yes, the portico of our historic sanctuary—protected by its colonnaded overhang—seems tailor-made for sitting down to enjoy a pleasant Kiddush lunch.
What would make that a realistic option? Currently I am working on treating the portico’s flagstone with a special sealant that is said to offer three benefits: permanent waterproofing; hardening the stone; and superior stain protection. That would be a game-changer, in my view.
Once that sealing task is done, we can look into acquiring an appropriate set of chairs and small tables that can be set out on the portico while food/drink is served.
 |
| (As usual, click/tap on an image to enlarge it.) |
As the above drawing shows, we could comfortably seat 8–12 people there. (The dark ovals represent people, and the lighter ovals represent tables.)
In addition to being enjoyable for us and our guests, it would be the best kind of advertising. Being visible out on the portico would show passersby that Mishkon is not only alive but also thriving.
Seated on the portico at the top of the steps, at a level 6′ above the sidewalk, would be a relatively secure place to eat. And if our security guard prefers it, the front gates could be (mostly) closed for added security, while people are seated at those tables.
(NOTE: This is a speculative post that is exploring a possible project; no funds have been allocated for tables and chairs at this time.)
PRACTICALLY SPEAKING, one of the biggest barriers to the productive use of our facilities is the shortage of storage space. Things that we use only occasionally (such as holiday items) keep getting shoved into corridors and corners of rooms —and other places where they don’t belong — because they lack a true home where they can be stashed.
Below the jump, this post describes a potential storage spot on our premises that has been identified by Guillermo Groisman, a retired architect and general contractor — and a friend of Mishkon. (NOTE: This is a speculative post that is exploring a possible project; no funds have been allocated at this time.)…
AS WE PREPARE to refurbish the façade of our historic sanctuary building, it seems appropriate to also re-cover the awning with a fabric whose color will better match the forthcoming color of the wall. The current color is royal blue.
Below the jump, I discuss the various considerations.…