Master Plan and Land Relationship Plan
During the March and May Implementation Team meetings, the members looked back at what had been accomplished from the recommendations in the Master Plan and Land Relationship Plan, what projects are ongoing and what next steps might be.
Accomplishments
In March the Team celebrated the completion of the Carrico and Motherhouse renovations which had been recommended by sisters and staff during the Visioning for Nazareth process. The sisters living in those spaces are making good use of the new spaces. The Team thanked S. Michelle and Will Rosenbaum as well as their logistics committee for the hours they put in working with the Wehr construction crew, who, by the way, really enjoy working on the campus with us! Small tweaks are continuing in the buildings as issues arise and need refining, for example, the temperature in various spaces required adjustment but in general things are working well.
The Team also reflected on what they had learned from the experience of so much construction at one time. Communication with all those impacted by that construction was key. In addition to the sisters, many staff- nursing, housekeeping, food services, Sister Services to name a few – were affected. The way everyone pulled together, helped each other and made the best of a challenging time showed the real sense of community on the campus.
Another accomplishment over the past year was the decision by the Executive Committee, after a community-wide consultation process, to move the Central Offices from SCN Center to second floor O’Connell and deconstruct the SCN Center building. Currently there is no definite timeline for that change as some structural issues in O’Connell need to be remedied prior to the renovation required to accommodate the staff.
At the May meeting the Team noted that the Laundry building had been deconstructed and the Water Plant had been renovated. Both sites are ready for next uses to emerge.
Among the Land Relationship Plan accomplishments – a section of invasive plants was removed near the fire line on Old Nazareth Road allowing a diversity of native species to bloom and flourish.
Ongoing projects
- The Solar Exploration Team (Will Rosenbaum, Truett Underwood, Carolyn Cromer and SCNs Kelly O’Mahony and Susan Gatz) have begun working with a consultant, Jeremy Coxon of Sunwind Power Systems to determine the best way for the SCNs to use solar toward their goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions in the Western Province by 2037. The thought was to put a large solar array on the campus or 70 acres on Highway 332. That project is proving a challenge due to Kentucky regulations around solar installations and the utility company’s infrastructure realities. The Team is exploring all options for SCNs to contribute to renewable energy through solar. Pray for them as they deal with this rather complex issue!
- Pathways/Trails Exploration Team members (Kelly McDaniels, Carolyn Cromer, Paul Haney, Will Rosenbaum, Misty Musk and SCNs Kelly O’Mahony and Susan Gatz) surveyed the various groups who use the campus for walking/running to see what works and what could be improved. Some key takeaways from those conversations were: safety of those walking on the roads; condition of the road/sidewalk surfaces; better connectivity of the sidewalks; desire by some for trails in the woods; enthusiasm for a Heritage Trail to showcase the SCN history on the campus. The Team is also exploring relocation of the labyrinth that is currently behind the Guest House.
- The Butler Building is being renovated to accommodate small group meetings and the yard beside it is being cleared for use as green space. With the new purpose for the building a new name seemed in order. The Province members were invited to submit names, resulting in 15 thoughtful suggestions. The Province Team and Board will choose the name at its upcoming board meeting. Thanks to all who participated!
- The Archives has been closed for several months to allow for installation of moveable shelving which will greatly increase the capacity for storage. The plan is to open again at the end of June.
- In the Land Relationship Plan – research continues into possibly developing a three-year plan for invasive plant removal. Removing invasive understory bushes such as bush honeysuckle, multi-flora rose, Japanese honeysuckle and winter creeper will open the understory significantly and allow Sisters and others to enjoy more of the landscape.
Next steps
The idea of creating something visual on campus that shows our internationality has come up and needs further exploration. If you have any thoughts about that suggestion, please let us know.
Communication
The Implementation Team will hold a Lunch and Learn for the employees at the end of August to update them on the Vision for Nazareth. The Sisters and Associates have been and will continue to be updated through the various meetings and communications that come on a regular basis.
The implementation of the Vision for Nazareth is the ongoing work of turning the 2023 Community-approved vision into real projects, spaces, and decisions across campus, guided by five shared priorities.
- A home that supports the lives of Sisters now and in the future
- Space to honor SCN history and heritage
- A sacred place for spirituality and healing
- Collaboration to respond to the needs of people, especially those on the margins
- Care for creation