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Thank you for always being so attentive to us - last week I saw a few of the ministers who were at the retreat, and they loved the center (and raved about the food - one of them said that the chef whipped up a dish at lunch for her, and it was delicious).
~ Renee Hellenbrecht, Operations Manager, the Swedenborgian Church
Policies
RESERVATIONS
To make a reservation for your group, begin by calling the reservations office at (508) 244-4429 or by filling out the Reservation Request Form. Allocation of meeting rooms and overnight accommodations are based upon the expected number of people in the group.
Related policies: Certificate of Insurance Requirement
DEPOSIT
A 50% deposit, based on our total expected cost, is required within two weeks of receiving the contract. This will confirm your reservation. The final balance is due prior to or upon arrival. We are unable to hold reservations for which deposits are not paid according to this schedule.
MEALS
Please notify us of dietary restrictions in advance. Meals are served buffet style, in the dining room to groups of 10 or more, or a combination of groups which bring the total to 10 or more. Breakfast is served at 8AM, lunch at 12 noon, and dinner at 6:30 PM. (Saturday dinner is served at 5:30 PM) Your promptness is appreciated. Special arrangements for other meal times may be requested at the time the reservation is made. All groups eat together in the dining room.
COUNT
Verification of the final count of people must be received two weeks prior to the event, at which time you will receive a final invoice. Full payment of the final invoice is due on arrival.
Verification of the final count of people must be received two weeks prior to the event, at which time you will receive a final invoice. Full payment of the final invoice is due on arrival.
PROJECTOR USE
Please note that although we are happy to provide a projector at no additional cost for your group, we cannot guarantee it will communicate correctly with your laptop device. We do not have internet technology personnel on staff. Also, if your computer needs particular cords to connect to a projector, it is recommended you bring them along with you to ensure your presentation can run smoothly.
CANCELLATIONS
If a scheduled function has to be cancelled, please notify us as soon as possible. 50% of the deposit is refunded for a cancellation with at least 90 days notice. No refund is given for cancellations within 90 days of the event. However, if the center is able to re-rent all of your space, 75% of your deposit will be returned to you.
If a scheduled function has to be cancelled, please notify us as soon as possible. 50% of the deposit is refunded for a cancellation with at least 90 days notice. No refund is given for cancellations within 90 days of the event. However, if the center is able to re-rent all of your space, 75% of your deposit will be returned to you.
EVACUATION IN CASE OF FIRE
Please familiarize your group with location of fire extinguishers, exit signs and exit doors in case of emergency.
Please familiarize your group with location of fire extinguishers, exit signs and exit doors in case of emergency.
PARKING
Groups should park in the designated parking lot and in the row of spaces provided in front of the red barn office building. Per order of the Fire Department, cars cannot be parked next to buildings or within the Edwards House circle.
Groups should park in the designated parking lot and in the row of spaces provided in front of the red barn office building. Per order of the Fire Department, cars cannot be parked next to buildings or within the Edwards House circle.
GENERAL RULES
- No pets are allowed in the building.
- Smoking is permitted outdoors only.
- Fireplaces cannot be used for fires.
- Blankets and linen belonging to the Center are not to leave the house.
- Property damage must be paid for by the individual or group responsible.
- No firearms, fireworks, or ATVs (this includes all cross-country motorized vehicles) may be used on the grounds or trails.
POLICY ON ACCOMMODATION OF ANIMALS
Consistent with our understanding of the Gospels, the United Church of Christ seeks to welcome all people to our churches and facilities. In order to welcome all people, we have found it necessary to develop the following policy concerning accommodation of animals.
We welcome guests who travel with their service animals as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act – that is, animals individually trained to perform tasks for persons with disabilities including visual, hearing or mobility impairments. We expect such service animals to remain leashed and under their owner’s control at all times. In addition, we allow on the premises therapy and ministry dogs who are trained and certified through an organization such as NEADS or Pets and People, provided they remain leashed and under their owner’s control. While most ministry and therapy dogs are very well-trained, it has occasionally been the case that such a dog has been brought to Edwards House who has not been well-trained, and has behaved in ways disruptive or disturbing to human guests. If a ministry or therapy dog behaves in such a way as to disturb or offend a guest, that dog’s owner will be asked to remove the dog from the premises immediately, and the dog will not be allowed to return. Download our policy here.
Thank you and your wonderful staff for creating such a warm and inviting space that allowed our group to build community. We love Edwards House and will remember it as a space that allowed us to come together and grow.
~ Tim Krumreig, AmeriCorps VISTA Leader