The 2026 Maintenance Connection was held at Holmes Camp and Retreat Center (Holmes, NY) on February 9-13. This event is the annual gathering of Site Managers, Maintenance Staff, and Volunteer Craftsman involved in camp, retreat, and conference ministries across the United States and Canada. The program is a unique blend of fellowship, networking, continued education, hands-on learning, sabbath, and sharing of ideas.
The Holmes staff and volunteers hosted 17 participants from 12 different states and provinces. In addition to the site tour of Holmes (which included a behind the scenes look at our newest, state-of-the-art building, Vinik Hilltop), there were educational workshops offered in:
- Excavating and Earthwork by John Nilsen
- Welding and plasma cutting by Steve Silvernail
- Electrical work and wiring by Paul Verdesi
- Accessibility & guest comfort by Pat Rossiter
- Auto mechanics and diagnostics by Joe Whelan
- Managing Volunteers by Pat Rossiter
- A cooking and kitchen demo by Chef Mark Ainsworth
- And a keynote presentation on repurposing camp buildings given by Elise Bates Russel.
On our Wednesday field trip to New York City in the morning, the group was given a private tour of Grand Central Terminal which included several areas not open to the general public, led by Steve Silvernail. The rest of the day folks either joined volunteer guides or were on their own to explore many of NYC’s landmarks.
On Thursday, attendees visited the farm that is on the Holmes property which is managed by Holmes employee, Pastor David Frost, who also led evensong devotionals each night.
A special thanks to the Holmes staff for going the extra mile to make the event a great success.
JJ Branin, Chef/Hospitality Manager
Grace Buck, Administrator
Dan Canale, Housekeeping
Steve Cornelio, Grounds and Facilities Manager
David Frost, Host
Dan Pieher, Housekeeping
Pat Rossiter, Executive Director
Paul Verdesi, Maintenance Specialist
Joe Whelan, Maintenance Assistant
And a extra special thanks to our wonderful event volunteers: Mark Ainsworth, David Burpee, Frank D’andrea, JP Nilsen, Elise Bates Russel, Steve Silvernail, and Brenda Verdesi
The 2027 Maintenance Connection will be held at Pecometh Camp & Retreat Center (Centreville, MD). Dates will be announced soon.