As many of you know, the Inn is undergoing renovation to become wheelchair accessible on the first floor. In June, we held a workshop for folks who wanted to learn how to build a timberframe structure, which will house our new kitchen and meeting and family room. Thanks to timberframer and teacher Gary Cook, everything went smoothly, no one got hurt, and the timberframe went up on schedule. It was an incredible sight to watch the massive oak beams being lifted into place by a gigantic crane-a huge three-dimentional jigsaw puzzle.

This project would not be possible without the help of many people. We are fortunate to have two new inn dwellers, Jackie Victor and Ann Perrault, who have joined us from Detroit to help with the project, running of the inn and helping with the Neahtawanta Center work. We had several work crews who helped with the demolition of the old structure. Phill Hunt (from the Backyard Eco Conference gang) and folksinger friend Victor McManemy did a terrific job doing the foundation work-and they were fun to have around too! The workshop participants who helped put up the timberframe deserve a big thanks. And, luckily, just in time, our friend Daryl Jacques has returned from his travels to put in some time on the project. In addition to making the project affordable, the input of all these great folks gives the new addition a very special energy.

Over the summer we will only be working on quieter tasks related to the project while the inn is full of guests. Once the season winds down in the fall, we will pick up the pace, and hope to finish up by the winter solstice. The final product will be a first floor wheelchair accessible bedroom and bathroom, a new, larger and more functional kitchen and laundry, and a 2nd floor space for yoga and meetings. This will allow more groups to use the inn for gatherings and formal meetings.

If you're in the neighborhhood, drop in and check it out! (don't forget your tool-belt!)