01/31/2025
Dear Local Community,
The last week saw two floods ravage the barn. The first was rough and a real nuisance when a sprinkler pipe froze at the highest, draftiest point of the Great Room. After cutting off water to the sprinkler system, hours later the entire system was triggered (we can not figure out how) and the sprinklers flooded the Great Room. Since it's a barn, and water follows gravity, all the water poured into the Pub and ran down the hall, into the Bridal Suite area and Boiler Room. After turning of the sprinklers again, American Water was called to come and turn off at the road. The next morning, AW came and we walked through the barn to check things. It was agreed that the water should be shut off at the road to avoid pressure build up. Two representatives did the work and it was quiet for a couple of days while I informed the Fire Marshal and others. On Sunday afternoon, Dave Tagliaferro came over to discuss damages and how to move forward. During the 40 minutes of talking and coffee, the next flood began. As we walked out of Byron House to go assess the barn, we could hear all the alarms sounding. This time it was a large pipe in the sprinkler room and pipes in the boiler room. Even with two floor drains, the boiler room had at least three inches of water, the Pub was once again inches deep... The amazing Plainsboro Fire Department and the Plainsboro Township Police Department, turned off the water, and called PSEG to turn off all electricity running to the barn, since so many circuit boards and alarm boards had been soaked. They came out twice that day as alarm systems freaked out and I can't say enough good about them! Thank you!!! American Water came out late that night to say that it had been residual water in the pipes that caused the second flood.
The next day the Fire Marshal came out to assess the damage. He was satisfied with the safety measures and then said something my shell shocked heart needed to hear. "Anything you need, call me. Call us at the township. When you need advice, recommendations, inspections... we want to see this up and running again. This is a positive part of the community." Later on, I cried.
In early Fall, I made the decision to close down the barn for the Winter so that I could start a fund raising campaign for a new HVAC system, patch up the roof, and a few other chunky things. Turning away the first inquiry was a leap of faith, but a clear obligation in order to keep this beautiful place alive. And not just alive - thriving. I'm grateful that my heart was already in this mode, but I had no idea this water deluge would kickstart the efforts.
There are some things that the barn will continue to facilitate and others that have been holding space in my spirit for quite some time. With walls and some ceiling damage in the lower level, there's no reason not to re imagine the layout of the space and, rather than always thinking "how can I cram my big ideas into these pre-set spaces" the question is changing to "what will be the best way to accommodate what should grow here?"
This Go Fund Me is a kickstarter for the large scale fundraising campaign of the next months. If you, or someone you know, has any valuable resources in skills, knowledge, expertise in fund raising or building, or anything else we will need in this season, please reach out. There are many moving parts in a project like this and it's my commitment to see it done well.
I believe that land and territories hold treasures from the heart of God. Mysteries to be discovered and honored. Healing, community, and creativity have been mysteries those things here. After this first triage-fundrasing, I will take time to step back and seek God for wisdom and see who I can partner with for next steps.
I will certainly share more in the next days! Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement.
Special thanks to Hope and Teresa West Carter Fine Arts for jumping in to create this GFM forum!!
Save Byron Barn: Triage Kickstarter A Place of Warmth, Now in Need F… Corinne Clark needs your support for Help Rebuild Byron Barn After Massive Flood
