Utegruppa (The Outside Group) was organized the summer of 2004 by a group of members concerned about the outward appearance of the church grounds. This was in part motivated by improvements to the north side parking areas and a desire to balance that with updates to the other sides. An overall plan and a group to administer it was thought essential to give the best possible "first impression" to anyone visiting the church.

Formally, Utegruppa reports through the Board of Trustees (BOT). The official name of the committee is Grounds Management Committee (GMC) because, in addition to Landscaping, the GMC mission includes such things as signage, snow removal, lawn mowing, weed control, fencing, i.e., anything having to do with improvements to and maintenance of the church grounds, excluding the church building itself.

Acting chair for 2005 was Tom Lanman. The only other member of the team is Les Tufte.

Besides routine grounds maintenance like lawn mowing and weed control, two sod projects were completed … the north annex entrance and the southwest corner boulevard. In addition, many of the buildings perimeter plants were relocated and mulched. Winter snow removal was contracted out to The Master’s Ground Works who also plow for the City-County Credit Union.

A major goal for 2006 will be to re-sod and add a sprinkler system to the South and East church grounds. Lesser goals include replanting of the Rose garden on the West side annex, Addition of shade trees to the north side annex, and the addition of "volunteer gardens" to the south (sunny) and east (shady) sides of the echurch. If you have an interest in these volunteer efforts, contact Tom Lanman.

Two issues that will need attention from the BOT are …

1. The addition of a water source (outside faucet) to the west side of the annex building.
2. Enlargement of the outside storage shed to accommodate storing larger items that are not temperature sensitive. This will also solve a current problem with shed access … the access door is too close to the parking area.

Utegrupa would like to fund as many of their projects as possible. Past fund-raising events have included a Christmas plant sale arranged by Russ Erickson and sales of the Deb Nelson Gourley book, Astri, My Astri.

For 2006, possible fund raising projects include a combination Plant and Book sale in May plus a repeat of the Christmas plant sale in November. Volunteers will be needed to make these events happen. Look for more information on the Mindekirken web site or contact Tom Lanman.

Tom Lanman – 2005 acting chair

Les Tufte