Buildings and Grounds

Ways Members can Help

Projects that require some  skills or physical levels  beyond many of us and  may require hiring  
professionals: 
• Plumbing 
• Electrical and wiring
• Ceiling and wall repair 
• Painting—especially higher portions 
• Exterior walls/trim repair 
• Tree trimming
• Power wash playground structures, seal  
• Clean gutters 
Please coordinate with Joe Silsby before embarking on  major projects.

Things that can be done without specific skills or higher physical  abilities: 
• Mowing and yard/garden work (various skill/physical levels)
• Clean up spills as they occur or are observed 
• Pick up cups, glasses, plates  
• Declutter surfaces 
• Load/unload dishwashers 
• Become familiar with where things are in the kitchen • Follow posted guidelines when using the kitchen, especially  food handling 
• Spot clean carpet (coffee/drink spills) using our small carpet  shampooer 
• Take out trash and recycling bins after Sunday service  (according to the schedule posted on the door) 
• Bring in empty trash/recycling bins on Mondays  
• Sweep sidewalks
• Turn off lights, lock doors, and check thermostats if you are one of the last to leave the building (or notify someone if you  are unable to do so) 
• Empty the coffee grounds—use the composting bin in garden  behind Youth House 
• Donate tools in good condition: screw drivers, crescent  wrenches, leaf rake, etc.

Gardens

The UUFT maintains three gardens.

  • To the rear, or south, of the building is the Community Garden where fresh produce is grown in the summertime. This garden is part of the Community Garden network in Topeka. Contact: Jarvis Odgers
  • To the east of the building is the Peace Garden. This is a native plant and pollinator garden. All plants are native to prairie habitat, require little or no water, and provide food and/or host plants for butterflies and other pollinators. Contact: Cynthia Maxwell
  • Our newest garden beautifies the west entrance area. Though not native, all the plants are hardy and require a minimum of care and watering. All plants were transplanted from other areas of the grounds, or from members’ gardens. Contact: Cynthia Maxwell

Volunteers are needed in the gardens from early spring to late fall. Anyone from an expert gardener to a complete beginner can be an important contributor.