Many thanks to the Ann Mason Guild for sponsoring the Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, April 14. There was a great turnout! Kudos to the contest winners: Mo Faber with a first place ribbon, D’Andrea Wooten for second, and Randy Brooks for People’s Choice.

Just a reminder, Shrine Mont is a little over a month away! The annual parish retreat, a super event for the entire family, will be held June 22 – 24, 2007, at the Diocese’s retreat center in Orkney Springs. Please look for the sign-up sheet in this edition of the Post.

Discussed at the April Vestry meeting:

• Reverend Binder reported that the Church door renovation was completed on schedule in time for Holy Week. A dedication ceremony will be held in May. He also shared that Chet Liddle was conducting extensive research on Pohick’s cemetery, and that he has donated framed copies of pew deeds signed by George Washington, George William Fairfax, and George Mason.
  
• Reverend Binder indicated that work was continuing with the contract architect on a phased approach to renovate and expand the current facilities. Phase 1a calls for construction of an access road to an expanded and paved parking lot. Phase 1b calls for cosmetic upgrades to the Parish Hall, and connection to the county’s sewer system to replace the septic systems now in use at the Parish Hall. Phase 2 will add a wing to the east side of the Parish House with a new nursery and classrooms, as well as office and storage space. Phase 3 will bring a new kitchen, expand the Parish Hall, install an elevator, and construct a new music room. Phase 4 calls for a new and larger sanctuary in the vicinity of the work shed.
  
• John Pasour provided a detailed financial report for the quarter. The plate and pledge income for March was below average. Income is now 4.2% below the historic average, which represents a year-to-date shortfall of $24,360.
  
• Wayne Biggs indicated that the Spring Cleanup will address a number of issues identified during a recent fire inspection. Estimates to replace the carpeting upstairs in the Parish House are being reviewed.
  
• The Vestry voted for the expenditure of up to $22,000 to repair the Rectory’s septic system. The present system was installed 45 years ago and was estimated to last 40 years.
  
• Edwardene Pitcock indicated that the Stewardship Commission was getting ready for the annual Wishing Well drive.
  
• Susan Pehrsson attended a preschool licensure class. She will be researching zoning and facilities issues governing the establishment of a preschool at the parish.
  
• Arienne Davison’s last Sunday will be May 6.

Tom Mayberry is available to discuss any Pohick topics or suggestions. Contact him at TSMayberry@comcast.net. For Vestry issues, label all written or electronic correspondence “Vestry-Gram.”