Spring is coming.  The first crocus and snowbells have blossomed in the abbey garth, birds are heard in the morning hours, and construction preparations have begun. 

A contract has been signed with Ryan Construction for building our new candy production building. The wind turbine is up and generating electricity.  New candy making equipment is being used in the old facility.

Our goal was to raise 5.5 million dollars to cover the cost of the building, new equipment and the wind turbine.  We have raised over half that amount.

We still need 2.7 million dollars to complete the building.

Working with chocolate and with our other candy requires very low humidity and temperature, an environment we could not maintain year round in our old building. Having the low humidity and temperature all year means we can produce candy during each month. The mechanical system to provide this needed environment is expensive.

Our community made a commitment to use renewable energy where we could. The new building will be heated and cooled by means of geothermal energy.  Electricity will come from the newly installed wind turbine.  Solar panels will be installed to heat domestic water. Living in a semi-rural area with oil the only heating fuel available to use, we made plans for the future that may cost more now, but will reduce cost and use of non-renewable energy sources in the future.

We continue to apply for grants, visit parishes in the Providence diocese, plan fund raising events, and trust in the Lord to see the project to completion.