Sunward Cohousing News of 1997
Roofing the Barn
In November '97 we've engaged in yet another construction project - replacing the roof on our antique barn. We look forward to soon having a weather tight roof and being able to use our barn for meetings, dances, storage and as a rustic retreat. The barn is located on the edge of our 10 acres of woods North of our housing cluster. We are financing this project outside of our official budgets via donations to our terrific Friends of the Barn group.The Big Loan
On Tuesday, September 23, 1997, our valiant banking crew of Paul, Nick, and JD spent the day leaping tall buildings, signing stacks of documents, and successfully closing the deal on our multi-megabuck construction loan from NBD. Full steam ahead!We're Fully Subscribed!
On Wednesday, August 13th, 1997, our 40th and final household joined the community! We're very pleased to see such commitment and dedication amongst our membership to reach this state as our houses are just being raised. ;)We do have an active waitlist so please don't let your interest fade. There will certainly be future openings in Sunward and some of our interested friends are beginning to speak of the second Ann Arbor cohousing project...
Sunward!
After many months (years?) of pondering, discussing, researching, running meetings late, on July 1997, the business meeting of Ann Arbor Cohousing community reached consensus on our new name: Sunward Cohousing of Ann Arbor!Ann Arbor Cohousing Breaks Ground!
On Thursday, May 22, 1997, Ann Arbor Cohousing officially broke ground on the construction of our community site. With a rainbow of kites flying overhead in the bright sun, we gathered on the land to mark this latest step in a long and visionary journey. Community members were joined by friends, family, political dignitaries, representatives from local co-ops, and the professionals involved with the project. Smiles were abundant.Kind words and excitement were expressed by many speakers and a State of Michigan proclamation from Senator Alma Wheeler Smith commending our efforts was presented. Everyone had a chance to take their turn with the ceremonial shovels and spades to turn a bit of earth. In the background the heavy earth moving equipment was grumbling about, moving much larger pieces of earth. Apparently the site construction team had begun ahead of our ceremony!
Sparkling beverages and cookies followed with much joyous socializing. We then retired to a lovely dinner down the lane organized by the community. After a (relatively) brief business meeting, some of us returned to the land for some singing around a bonfire and were treated to the Full moon rising over the forest.
A few unedited pictures: The Gathering Dig! Friends Turning Dirt DJ Dane! Putting some Muscle into it. Everyone helps! Who's the kid here?
News from 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001...1999, 1998, 1997
“A beloved community is built out of struggle when we develop an appreciative understanding of our differences and work to find common ground.” -Mary Ann Downey
