The year of 2021 has been another busy and productive year. Normally, this time of the year we would be looking forward to the December Candlelight services. First, the Swedish candlelight services on the first weekend of December, and secondly, First Lutheran Longmont candlelight services the second weekend of December. In 2020, both long-standing events were canceled because of Covid-19. With Covid-19 still impacting our daily lives and the restrictions on indoor services, these events are being impacted again this year. The Swedish Candlelight services have been canceled again this year, while First Lutheran is planning a special event at Ryssby instead of the normal worship services. See here for information and plans for First Lutheran, on December 11th and 12th.
Ryssby had an active year for events, with hosting several weddings and memorials. Peggy Shupe our Event Coordinator did an excellent job scheduling, planning, coordinating, and providing service on the day of the events with the families.
Peggy Shupe, who stepped up to be our Event Coordinator in April of 2020, when Covid-19 impacted events at Ryssby, transitioned the position to Betsy Winn effective October 1st. Peggy provided excellent service as our Events coordinator, and helped restructure the role of this position, and updated the documents and procedures. We welcome Betsy Winn as our new Events Coordinator for Ryssby that provides a special place for weddings and memorials. Contact any of our staff at anytime for information and questions.
The committee had several projects we wanted to complete this Fall, and we were blessed to accomplish these with good weather and the scheduling falling into place with the contractors we used.
Last spring, the Ryssby committee approved having the interior of the church painted in the month of October. We were able to schedule the interior being painted with a break in events and blocking out three weeks. At our August committee meeting, Brian Winn, our caretaker, suggested we replace the base boards before we have the interior painted. The committee approved the plan and the additional cost for the materials. Brian and Herb worked for two weeks on the removal of the old baseboards, restoration of supporting structure for the new baseboards, and then installation of new base boards. We had scheduled Greg Lynch of Lynch Home Services for this painting project, and were pleased in working with Greg for the schedule flexibility and his quality of service. The interior of the church looks awesome with the painting project completed.
With the addition of the second Columbarium last spring, we needed to complete the flagstone structure around it. Hicks Masonry suggested completing it in the fall months, so we met with them in September to review ideas, objectives, and create a plan. We decided to change the two existing stone benches between the two columbaria and create one long bench centered between them for better use during memorial services and for visitors. We decided to replace the grass between the columbaria for low maintenance, and believe it improves the overall beauty of the area. (Pictures of the Columbarium project)
We had a huge cottonwood tree along the irrigation ditch and parking lot that we had been monitoring the past couple years, because it was splitting down the middle. We were concerned the cottonwood would have half fall in the parking lot, and the other half into the cemetery. We also had an Elm tree in the cemetery that needed removed, and several Ash trees with broken branches hanging from last winter. We met with two Arborists to evaluate our needs and get estimates on the work. We selected Helping Hand Tree Service for this project, and scheduled the work in October. We had three trees removed, and seven ash trees trimmed for safety and beautification. Here are pictures of the large cottonwood tree removal.
With the church building improvements over the last couple years and the columbarium improvements this year, we presently do not have major projects planned for 2022. We feel Ryssby is a special place for weddings and memorial events, and the improvements will be appreciated by the Ryssby community for future use and worship.
Herb Hergott
Ryssby Committee Chair