Dresden recreation committee reviews St. John's Meetinghouse engineer report and expands programming ideas

The Dresden Recreation Committee on Jan. 8 reviewed a structural engineer's report for St. John's Meetinghouse and discussed plans to make the building self-sustaining by developing new boards, committees and programming.

Committee members said the Meetinghouse charter emphasizes "helping other groups get started," and a building committee is active to address structural needs and operational planning. The minutes state the engineer's report has been received; the committee discussed next steps to respond to the report and support the Meetinghouse's continued use.

Paul Tunkle proposed a slate of community-oriented events to increase use of the Meetinghouse, including a story night, career talks, a talent show, a time capsule tied to the U.S. 250th anniversary and an open mic night. The committee also discussed permitting community members and outside groups to request permission to organize events at the Meetinghouse.

Members identified a projection system as a needed purchase to enlarge the types of programming the site could host. Meeting minutes indicate the committee is working to form a governance structure and operational committees to sustain programming and manage building repairs identified in the engineer's report.

The building committee will continue follow-up work on the engineer's recommendations and on next steps for programming and equipment procurement.