Galacious Gala 2013

Fran Morrier described the First U Gala 2013 as “galacious”.  There was delicious food delightful fellowship, and vibrant dance music. Thank you to those who attended!

It was amazing how we chefs choreographed our places in the kitchen.  We gracefully swerved out of each other’s way.  Sue and Bob Shaw were invaluable to us helping out here and there. They also washed dishes and more dishes…until there were no more to be washed.

I cannot thank everyone enough who helped in some capacity. Every bit counted.  In fact, we finished set-up in record time this year!  I guess “Three is a charm.”  I was so energized by the gratitude of the guests. Then more encouragement--During the fundraiser one chef told me he has next year’s menu theme already in mind.  The following morning, one of the band members said I “should do it again…this was the best one…you have it down now.” I responded, “It seems the band does, too.”  So I am already conjuring Gala 2014!

This year’s dinner-dance seemed to go by fast.  Why?  From my perspective—smoother coordination of tasks. The congenial participation of these people made my job much easier.  My words of thanks can’t convey my true appreciation of their contribution.  

Kudos to:

Chefs:  David Spanagel, Jay Lavelle, Linda Carney, Kate O’Dell, Susan Anderson, Jesse Anderson, Suzanne Kroll.

Chefs’ assistants:  Becky Spanagel, Paul Kelley, Rob Kroll, Phil Nigro

Chefs’ Servers:  Alana Wyatt, Maddie Hayman, Will Hayman, Ben Mandile, Aria Jordan

Kitchen Staff:  Sue Shaw, Bob Shaw, Peter Haroutian

Bartender:  Seth Popinchalk

General Assistants:  Scott Hayman, Donna Rossio, Jennifer Bowes

Decorations:  Linda Wyatt, Abby Hannaford-Ricardi, Hogwarts Campers, Kris Johnson, Alana Wyatt

Train with Village Team:  Rudy Cepko, Bob Shaw, Seth Popinchalk, Sue Shaw

Christmas Tree:  Jennifer Bowes, Mike Keating and crew

Set-up:  Alana Wyatt, Kate O’Dell, Kris Johnson, Scott Hayman, Maddie Hayman, Phil Malm,  Jean McInerney, Paul Kelley, Peter Merghart

Sweets Team for Dance:  Mahroo Morgan, Sue Shaw

Musicians:  Cindy Bizzarro, Lydia Fortune, Cosmic Slim and His Intergalactic Plowboys (Known in the flesh as—church members/friends—Sten Gustavson, Rick McCarthy, Bill Fisher, Phil Nigro; and friends by default—Rick Levine, Tim Bowles with the “Sound Guy”—Chuck Demers)

Photographer:  Fran Morrier

Childcare:  Jessica Gray, Diane Colon, Nan Gibbons

Clean-up Crew—Many participants, but especially, Seth Popinchalk, Scott Hayman, Sue Shaw, Bob Shaw, Marilyn Dufresne, Kris Johnson, Abby Hannaford-Ricardi, chefs

Pre-Gala Kitchen Cleaner:  Gini Johnson

Hope I honored everyone!

It was difficult to take off the dress and jewelry to finalize the closing of another Gala.  They remain untouched for a week on my bed and dresser, respectively.  I finally put them away this past weekend.

However--more joy to be made--Save the date for Gala 2014—Saturday, December 6, 2014!   6-11 p.m.  I’ll be there, at least some of the same chefs, and Cosmic Slim and his Intergalactic Plowboys.

Happy Holidays and God bless!

Linda

Gala 2013 - November 24 Update by Linda Wyatt

Saturday, December 7, 2013 is the Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on the Armenian calendar.  It is also the First U Gala on this Armenian's calendar:  Dreams Are Calling--BELIEVE.  The Gala is a very special event when I hope people can experience magic and joy sharing friendship, delicious food, and dance-'til-you-drop music. This year, Cindy Bizzarro, plays piano for the cocktail hour.  Lydia Fortune will sing a Christmas song from The Polar Express.  Rudi Cepko, Bob Shaw, and Sue Shaw are creating a surprise decoration.  The campers at Hogwarts helped make the unique centerpieces based on the "frost flowers blooming" in the Artic Ocean.  Abigail Hannaford-Ricardi will transform the walls into a wonderland and Kris Johnson creates mood lighting with Christmas lights. I can't give away any more-AND THERE IS MORE MAGIC AND SPARKLE TO WISH UPON!

I would sit at any of the chefs tables, but I am cooking! So I will serve guests, too, including the band crew.  The chefs have carefully planned their menus.  So many cuisines this year. The chefs volunteer their time, treasure, and talents to cook for the Gala. Honor them and thank them by buying a ticket.  The French Twist (chef Jay Lavelle), Harvest Blessings (chefs Linda Carney and Kate O'Dell) and the Greek Vegetarian (chef Suzanne Kroll) tables are sold out. (We can accommodate vegetarian at the other tables, too. Just make a special request.)   So, there's Armenian Fusion (Armenian with Italian and Texas Twists) by Linda Chatalian Wyatt, Kuchnia Polska (Polish cuisine) by Chefs Jesse and Susan Anderson, and Scandinavian Cuisine by Chef David Spanagel.  (The Hungarian Cuisine is no longer available.)

We strive to make this a most memorable night.  Come join me, the other seven chefs, Cosmic Slim and His Intergalactic Plowboys, our bartender, Seth Popinchalk,  and the other volunteers for a fantastic night.  Tickets are $50/person.  Cash bar. Complimentary desserts as you dance the night away.  Free P.J. party for children of attendees downstairs with our childcare staff.  P.J. party-6 to 11:00 p.m.  Gala--6 to 11:30 p.m. Cocktail attire. PLEASE PURCHASE TICKETS BY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th.  Can't attend--consider sponsoring a seat.

Worship: Thanksgiving through December

November 24 – On this Sunday before Thanksgiving we gather to celebrate the harvest and prepare for the winter holiday season.  Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris is preaching.

December 1 – On this first Sunday in Advent, in the midst of Hanukkah, we gather for a multigenerational service.  Rev. Robinson-Harris’s  sermon will explore  waiting, expectation and hope.  Jessica Gray, Director of Faith Development Ministries, and Rev. Robinson-Harris will lead our celebration of Bread Communion. 

December 8 – The theme of this service, Don’t Let the Light Go Out,  is taken from the song Light One Candle written by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. We will honor the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with the lighting of a menorah and reading of prayers.   There will be a Hanukkah party after the service.

December 15^th – We celebrate Christmas with our annual pageant directed by Kris Johnson. The service will include reflections from Jessica Gray, Director for Faith Development Ministries

December 22nd - Christmas Music Sunday is an invitation to listen more intentionally, to the truth,  the harmony and the peace that is calling to us, even now. Your Minister Emerita, Rev. Barbara Merritt, will be delivering  the sermon, "Angel Choirs: 2013".

December 24^th – All are invited to our annual Christmas Eve service of readings, carols and candlelighting.

December 29^th – Rev. Robinson-Harris will lead a  simple service with readings, spoken meditation and a time of silence as the year comes to close. 

Transition Team Update - November, 2013

Transition Team update – November, 2013

            The last time you heard from us was back in early May, when we shared the Good News that we had successfully hired Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris to serve as our second Interim Minister from August 2013 until July 2014. Understandably, attention has shifted to the very important task of selecting just the 12th Settled Minister in our long and illustrious history here at First Unitarian Church of Worcester.  That work is being capably and diligently pursued by the Settled Minister Search Committee, whose Chair (Diane Mirick) and members we appointed at a special meeting of the Parish in the middle of May.

            Meanwhile, the work of the Interim Minister Search and Transition Committee continued, albeit in a changed form. Having completed the two-stage task of recommending interim ministers to be hired, we have shifted our focus entirely to the goal of ensuring that Rev. Robinson-Harris has the best support and counsel that we can provide, throughout the remainder of the time that she will be leading worship and overseeing the work and vitality of our parish.

            Because of two key losses to our team in the spring (Alicia Lenahan took a job and relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia in April, and Jane Beckwith transferred her incredible professional human resources skills from the Interim Minister searches we successfully completed, to the Settled Minister search now underway), we keenly felt the need for some reinforcements. Prudential Committee has responded with two additional appointees to our Transition Team: Jay Lavelle joined just in time to greet Tracey when she arrived late in August, and now we are fully replenished with the recent appointment of Frankie Knapp.

            Tracey relies on the Transition Team to be her supplementary “sensory and nervous system.” We meet monthly to serve as a sounding board where she can float ideas, test and refine her sense of the priorities of what the church needs from her, and also to hear through us what we know of the congregation’s hopes, concerns, and reactions to events. To provide Tracey with all the support and counsel that she needs to do her job well, the members of the Team need to hear from you. Please be assured that while you are always welcome to communicate directly with Tracey, if you have thoughts or feelings that you are comfortable sharing through any of us, we are here to help inform and advise Rev Robinson-Harris in all her official capacities.

            On behalf of the entire Transition Team (Rudy Cepko, Marc Deshaies, Wendy Innis, Michael Keating, Frankie Knapp, and Jay Lavelle), I thank you for your continued interest and involvement in making this transition experience at First Unitarian as rich and wonderful a learning opportunity as it can be for us all.

David Spanagel, Transition Team Chair   davidspanagel@comcast.net

The Joy of Lunch

The Joy of Lunch

Greetings dear friends!  Ever wish for a more substantial “coffee hour” spread before you’re off to that great afternoon workshop or meeting here at the church?  Kids starving so you can’t stay and chat?  What if … what if we fed each other lunch every Sunday!

Now wait, I know what you’re thinking.  You are groaning:  “No! Not another thing for me to do, please, I am already out straight.  You are going to ask me to volunteer and I don’t want to!”

I’d like to share with you one idea about lunch.  Please contact me with your ideas too!

What if… what if someone you know and like from the church invited you onto his or her “team”.   Your team consists of about a dozen people and there are say, six teams.  So every six weeks, you come to church early because you love your teammates and you are honored to play with them in the kitchen.  Your team leader is kind and enthusiastic and has shopped and planned the meal.  You just have to show up and chop veggies or put sandwiches together or stir the soup or chili, or what ever is planned.  Your teammates have all replied to their email reminder in advance so you know who is out of town that week, who can come early to prep, who can stay late to wash pots and pans. 

You do this all not as a chore but with joy in your heart, because you are in a ministry.   It is our lunch ministry and we are happy to do this for each other.  This week I cook and feed you, next week you will cook and feed me.  We trust each other that there will be lunch.  You are nourishing your friends.  Your church has opened its doors and new people want to visit us because we are kind, forthright, open, fun-loving, and our food is delicious.  The food tastes great because your joy has sent its very vibration into the food.  

Logistics: Contributions ( feedback here please: ?$5 person/ max of $10 per family?  Kids under 12 eat free?)  would fund the program so that shoppers are reimbursed, however, food is not withheld based on ability to pay.   Generosity encouraged.  The six team captains would simply march out on the calendar every 6 weeks until the end of the church year.  The captains could get to know their group and have an alternate leader if they had a scheduling conflict.  It could turn out that within the groups, folks may want to take turns being “head chef.” One person in the group would take ownership of the email reminders and let the team leader know how many hands will be on deck.  The spirit is playful.  We will cook to uplifting music.  Maybe even the choir would stop by the kitchen and cheer us on with a song!

I welcome your thoughts

Peace, love, and lunch,

Hari Kirin Kaur Khalsa

Aka Diane Pingeton

dmpinge@gmail.com

774-287-2233

First Unitarian Church October 2013 Worship

October 6 – The Call of Stewardship

Preaching: Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris

This Stewardship Sunday sermon explores the meaning and importance of answering the call of stewardship in support of the ministries and programs of First Unitarian.  Wendy Innis, chair of the Stewardship Committee, will participate in the service and there will be an opportunity to make your financial commitment for the 2014 calendar year.

October 13 - Coming to America: John Murray's Universalist Journey

Preaching: Jessica Gray, Dir. Lifespan Faith Development Ministries

This Columbus Day weekend, we will focus on another ocean voyage – that of our Universalist forefather John Murray.  As we initiate our yearlong Faith in Action program for adults, this week’s multigenerational worship will use drama to tell a story of love conquering fear.  Dr. Jessica Gray, Director of Lifespan Faith Development Ministries, will be leading this worship service..

October 20 – Changed Into Fire

Preaching: Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris

This sermon is about taking on a new identity, using the experience of becoming a tango dancer to explore the reasons, joys, and challenges of such a journey. The service will include a New Member Recognition ceremony.

October 27 – A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Preaching: Rev. Tracey-Robinson Harris

In the season of All Souls and All Saints Days, of Samhein and El Dia de Los Muertos, this service is a time to honor and remember our ancestors. You are invited to bring a small memento of those you wish to remember to place on our altar.

Mt. Wachusett Climb

On Sunday October 13 we’re climbing Mt Wachusett after Church.  We’ll use Mountain House Trail -- an easy trail, about a mile long, on the easterly side of the mountain.  Little ones, senior citizens, and everyone in between can do this walk, which is a gradual trail with lots of stopping places for anyone who needs to catch their breath.  It takes about 30 minutes, or a little longer if you stop frequently to admire the view on the way up.  Another option is to drive up the mountain.  And there’s also the chair lift from the ski area, but there’s a fee for the chair lift. 

When we get to the top, views of the countryside should be magnificent.  Fall foliage should be at its peak.  If you bring binoculars, you’ll probably see migrating hawks, and possibly eagles. Little ones (and others) will enjoy hunting for garnets that have eroded out of the rock – not gem quality, but still fun to find.

Mt Wachusett is in Princeton, about 25 minutes north of Worcester.  From the Church, I-290 and and then I-190 to Route 140 is the quickest route, but Route 31 through Holden is also an option.  Maps will be available.  We’ll start from the parking area for Mountain House Trail, on Mountain Road at the intersection with Gregory Road.

The plan is to leave the Church shortly after noon in individual cars.  Pack a lunch and eat it when you’re hungry – before leaving the Church, on the way to Mt Wachusett, or on top.  The Church will provide cider and cookies on top of the mountain.

Wear boots or sneakers.  Dress in layers, with sweaters or sweatshirts and windbreakers.  A small backpack is handy for carrying extra coverings, a water bottle, and lunch.  If it’s a really chilly day, you may want a hat and gloves.  It can be windy and chilly on top.  Mt Wachusett is the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River, so the wind comes sweeping up the westerly side and over the top.  Princeton’s Municipal Light Department has two wind turbines on the westerly slope, which supply about 40% of the Town’s electricity.

For those who want a more rigorous climb, there are many other trails up the mountain.  Don’t feel that you have to take the short route, but look for us on top when you get there.

Rain Date:  We’re hoping for clear, crisp fall weather, but if it rains on October 13, we’ll push the mountain climb to the following Sunday, October 20.

Questions?  Call John Mirick  978-464-2313

                              Or email: jmirick@mirickoconnell.com

Stewardship Fair

The Stewardship Fair is coming!

October 6, 2013 in Unity Hall

following the service.

This year The Lay Leadership Council is hosting the first annual Stewardship Fair.

This is your opportunity to find out what is happening within the church this year, to connect with the community and find out how you can transform your worship into service for all by signing up to give your time, talents and treasures as we make First Unitarian Church of Worcester a welcoming place of worship.

If you wish to sign up for a table, please go online to SignUpGenius at

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090548AFA92FA46-sunday

or

 contact Laura Kirshenbaum at laurakirshenbaum@gmail.com

Please include a description of your event/program/project title.

Include the date, location, contact information, age restrictions,
and cost (if applicable).

September 2013 Worship at First Unitarian

Welcome and Welcome Back!

On August 19, our new Interim Minister, Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris, joined us.  She’s been settling in and looking forward to the first service of this new church year on September 8. Tracey’s office hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 1pm-4pm and Tuesdays from 11am – 2pm.  On Wednesdays she works at home and can be reached at 617-306-1422.  Her email address is minister@firstunitarian.com.  To learn more about Tracey, click here.

Sunday, September 8 – Begin in Gratitude 
Preaching: Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris

As we gather for the first service of the new church year, we welcome our new Interim Minister, Tracey Robinson-Harris.  She will offer reflections on gratitude as a starting place for our year together.  The service will include a “Time for All Ages” with Jessica Gray, Director of Faith Development Ministries.  We will celebrate with voices raised in song. And we will charge our Ministerial Search Committee as they continue on the path to identifying the candidate for settled ministry to serve this congregation.  

Sunday,September 15 – To Forgive, To Repair
Preaching: Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris 

This service is offered in the spirit of the High Holy Days of the Jewish tradition. Rosh Hashanah, the new year, a commemoration of Creation, begins at sunset September 4 and ends at nightfall September 6.  Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sunset September 13 and ends at nightfall September 14.  Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris’s sermon is entitled “To Forgive, To Repair.” 

Sunday, September 22 – All Roads Are Good 
Preaching: Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris 

Unitarian Universalism encourages us to grow our souls and enrich our personal religious journeys by drawing on many sources. Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris’s sermon explores the challenges and opportunities of being part of a community grounded in a multi-source faith.

Sunday, September 29 - There's No Place Like Home
Preaching: Jessica Gray, Director Faith Development Ministries

Summer Weekly Schedule

Church Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed on Fridays

Please call the church office in advance if you need access to the
building. Staff takes vacation during this time. 

Every Monday throughout the summer: 

5:30 p.m. Meditation Group will continue to meet throughout the summer in the Chapel.  

(No Monday Night Fellowship Dinner during the Summer)

On Tuesdays throughout the summer: 

5:30 p.m. Prenatal Yoga

In the Chapel.  

On Wednesdays throughout the summer: 

7:30 p.m. Tibetan Teachings 

In the Bancroft Room.

On Thursdays throughout the summer: 

6:30 p.m. Kundalini Yoga

In the Chapel.

Sundays throughout the summer:

9:00 a.m. Court Hill Singers Rehearsal

In the Bancroft Room.

10:15 a.m. Childcare

Available during worship.

10:30 a.m. Worship

 In the Bancroft Room.

 (For sermon titles click here.)

Tibetan Teachings:  Opportunities to learn Lojong in July

Please join us for a rare opportunity to learn more about Lojong, a core Tibetan Buddhist

practice also known as seven point mind training, from Geshe Dondup Tsering, a renowned teacher who has taught in monasteries in India.  The practice involves refining and purifying one's motivations and attitudes.  The fifty-nine slogans that form the root text are designed as a set of antidotes to undesired mental habits that cause suffering.

• Wed. July 17 and 24th, 6:00-8:30pm, Introduction to Lojong in Worcester,  Linh Son Temple, 25 Ruthven Ave, Worcester, MA. Potluck beginning at 6:00pm. Teaching from 7:00 to 8:30pm.  Donations accepted. All are welcome

·        Saturday, July 27, 10am–3pm, One-Day Workshop on Lojong, Harvey Wheeler Community Center Auditorium, 1276 Main St., Concord, MA, Suggested donation: $60. Workshop is equally relevant for experienced practitioners and the newcomers to meditation and Buddhism. All are welcome regardless of ability to donate.  Sponsored by Jhamtse International, a 501c3 charitable organization.

For more info about any of these events, and events in the Concord/Acton area, please email geshedondup2013@googlegroups.com

SUMMER 2013 FIRST U GARDEN TOURS - SECOND HALF

Again this summer church members and friends have graciously agreed to welcome visitors to their gardens on Sundays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.  Hosts need not provide anything other than interesting sight, sounds, and smells.

 Questions?  Call Kris J at 508-796-5969.  Carpooling encouraged.  Assume it's cancelled if it rains at that time.

Sun., July 14 - Dick Harris and Nancy Wilson, 26 South St., Grafton. Take Grafton St. out of Worcester past shopping plazas, Wyman Gordon complex on left to junction of 140/122: turn right. Wind around, past Stop & Shop, past 2nd lake on right into Grafton, staying straight through light uphill. Continue straight onto South St, past town common on right.  #26 is on right less than a block from common with ample parking. Bring swimsuits or just lounge by the pool.

Sun., July 21 - The Gustavsons (and neighbors?), 82 Uncatena Ave. Worc.  From church take Lincoln St. under Rt. 290 uphill and onto Burncoat  St. where it forks left.  Cross 290, pass Burncoat schools to light by convenience store: turn right. Uncatena will be a left a little way downhill and #82 is on left just after you turn.

Sun., July 28 - Boundless Way Temple/ Worc. Zen Ctr., 1030 Pleasant St., Worc. From church turn right onto Main St., through downtown to right onto Pleasant St. before City Hall.  Go up & downhill, cross Park Ave., through Newton Sq. rotary, past Flagg St. and Moreland St. on right, and Brantwood St. on left.  #1030 is opposite Esther House.

Sun., Aug. 4 - Rudy Cepko, 33 Lenox St., Worc.  Follow above directions through Newton St. rotary. Turn right onto Lenox and find #33 near end of block on left.

Sun., Aug. 11 - Margery Connelly, #30 Sherbrook Ave., Worc.  From church take Belmont St. up and down hill to just before bridge: turn right onto Lake Ave.  Take second right onto Sherbrook, cross Lake View and find #30 (4th house on right.)

Sun., Aug 18 - Kate O'Dell, 13 Montvale St., Worc. SPECIAL BREAKFAST

TIME: 8:30 to 10 am. PLEASE CALL 508-792-9661 TO RESERVE.  From church take Salisbury St. across Park Ave., turn right onto Montvale.

Sat., Aug. 24, 3 pm, Crown Hill Historic District Tour, Worcester.  Meet at the School Admin. parking lot, corner of Irving and Chatham Streets.

Sun., Aug. 25 - Liz Mullaney, (and the Blooms?), 7 Congress St., Worc.

From church turn right onto Main St. through downtown to right onto Pleasant St. before City Hall. At top of hill before gas station turn left onto Crown St. (sign missing) and then right onto Congress St.

PLEASE CARPOOL - LIMITED ON-STREET PARKING.

Sun., Sept. 1, 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The Red Barn, Holden.  From church take Salisbury St. past Assumption College, JCC, etc. into Holden. At Sunnyside Motors turn right onto Main St. At junction by police Main becomes Shrewsbury St. - continue straight through light for 1/8 mile and see Red Barn farm sign on left.  Possible bonus homestead organic garden nearby too!

This Saturday at the beautiful retreat center (former Passionist monastery), Veterans Inc in Shrewsbury:

Join us on Saturday June 1 for a special day of yoga and meditation, food and friends at Veterans, Inc!

This is open to the general public especially the local yoga and meditation community.

  Families Welcome!

59 South St, Shrewsbury, MA  

Saturday June 1, 2013

9am to 3 pm

Registration starts at 9 am

Live Music and Juice Program starts at 9:20

Formal Program begins at 10 am

Why Yoga Works & Veteran's Testimonial

Yoga & meditation class 11-12:30 before lunch @ 12:30

Small group classes and Healing Arts after lunch 1:30-3 pm

Kundalini Yoga      How to Meditate         Mindfulness

Yoga for Trust and Courage    Massage   Acupuncture     Reiki  

 Art & Yoga     Door Prizes Raffle     Delicious Vegetarian Lunch       Family Yoga @ 1:30   Yogi Chai Tea    Networking Table 

Audience: All welcome including veterans, active military, first responders, military families, nonmilitary, yoga teachers and practitioners, all ages, all levels. No prior yoga experience needed. All classes may be adapted to sitting in a chair.

Suggested donation: $25 to Veterans Inc and to cover lunch

Any amount accepted, no one turned away

Multiple Yoga Teachers will participate, including

Fred Bernard     yogatuesdays.com, Vietnam Veteran and Yoga Teacher

Guru Jiwan Singh     yogatatheashram.com

Hari Kirin Kaur Khalsa, MD, Christine Croteau kundaliniyogaforall.com

More than 50 years of combined teaching experience

Join us for this fantastic event bringing yoga community and our beloved veterans together!

Questions contact Hari Kirin 774-287-2233 dmpinge@gmail.com          

"To be calm is the highest achievement of the self" ----Yogi Bhajan

SUMMER 2013 FIRST U. GARDEN TOURS SCHEDULE - FIRST HALF

Again this summer church members and friends have graciously agreed to welcome visitors to

their gardens on Sundays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Hosts need not provide anything other than interesting sights, sounds, and smells, so feel free to bring a folding chair and water bottle if so inclined (certainly not required.) Questions? Call Kris J. at 508-796-5969 (new #). Assume it's cancelled if it's raining at that time.

Sun., June 2, 1:30-3:30 - Ken Lundquist, 5 Congress St. and the Blooms, 2 Congress St., Worcester. From church turn right uphill on State St., another right to lights and left onto Highland St. Left at next light onto Harvard/Lynden, up and downhill through several lights, and turn right at lights by All Saints Church onto Pleasant St. Left onto Crown St. at hilltop and immediate right onto Congress St. LIMITED ON-STREET PARKING - CARPOOLS ENCOURAGED.

Sun., June 9, 1:30-3:30 - Peter Haroutian, 676 Pleasant St. and the Silvas, 106 Coolidge St., Worcester. Follow above directions onto Pleasant St., crossing Park Ave., to tennis courts and house with enormous tree opposite last court. Park in large driveway and enter back yard. The Silvas' is a short walk away.

Sun., June 16, 1:30 - 3:30 (Fathers' Day) - The Miricks, 160 Mirick Rd., Princeton. From church get to Lincoln Square and take Rt. 290 East briefly to Rt. 190 North. Take exit 5 and turn left onto Rt. 140. Follow winding country road to blinking light and turn left onto Rt. 62 and later right onto Rt. 31 (before Princeton Ctr.). Go past Merriam Rd. to 2nd left onto Mirick. Go approx. 1.5 miles, past Beaman Rd. and uphill to house on right with big red barn on left. Park by barn.

Sun., June 23, 1:30 - 3:30 - The Riggs, 337 Salisbury St., Holden. From church take Salisbury St.. towards Holden, past Salisbury Green on right. Approx. 2 miles later see #337 on left.
Sun., June 30 - Rev. Gary Kowalski's farewell picnic at Gene and Gini Johnson's, 9 Wiltshire Dr., Worcester. Directions available at church that day.

Sun. July 7 - 4th of July weekend, no tour

Stay tuned for info pending on tours for the rest of the summer!

Winter Gala 2012

Winter Gala 2012, “Wish Upon A Star-BELIEVE” was a great success. It netted about $3,000. 

 The Bancroft Room and Dining Hall were transformed with sparkling star decorations and twinkling mini lights. Star mobiles, partially made by Hogwarts Summer Campers and some UU Sisterhood members, dazzled. A multi-pointed star (made by Kate Popinchalk) “shot over” the Chairperson and chef, Linda Chatalian Wyatt’s long middle table signaling it was “time to eat”. 

Guests enjoyed mingling during the cocktail hour to the piano music of Nat Needle. After dinner, guests danced fervently to the country rock music of Cosmic Slim and His Intergalactic Plowboys. The teen wait staff also rock-and-rolled. Lee Reid and Steve Knox, Kate O’Dell and Paul Kelly were magnificent dancers. Kris Johnson smoothly led polkas.

Many people contributed to make it an enchanting night. We appreciate seats donated by Warren Laroche, Michael Ennis and Anita Kostecki, John and Diane Mirick, Tom and Sue Schade, and Will Sherwood. Thank you to all who attended and special gratitude to the following people.

Committee Members: Linda Chatalian Wyatt, Chair; Lee Bona, Scott Hayman, Seth Popinchalk

Office Staff (Reservations, Newsletter Announcements, Consultation, and miscellaneous): Barbara Foley, Donna Rossio

The Chefs: Linda Carney, Linda Chatalian Wyatt, Gene and Gini Johnson, Mary McAlister, Kate O’Dell, Alison Ronn, and David Spanagel. (Jay Lavelle could not cook due to illness.) Thanks to people who assisted the chefs in some capacity, such as, Vivian Shortreed, Wendy Innis, Matthew Ronn, Becky Spanagel, Paul Kelly, John Roemer, and Phil Nigro.

Bakers—Pat Curtis, Diane Mandile

Bartender—Seth Popincalk

Wait Staff: Alana Chatalian Wyatt, Maddie Hayman, Amelia McCarthy, Mia Roemer, Hannah Ennis, and Aria Jordan

Kitchen Crew: Sue Shaw, Bob Shaw

Decorations and Set-up: Hogwarts Summer Campers, UU Sisterhood members, Abigail Hannaford-Ricardi, Kris Johnson, Diane Mandile, Seth Popinchalk, Kate Popinchalk, Iran Colon, Alivia Colon, and Aryanna Francisco

Musicians: Nat Needle, (piano music for cocktail hour); Cosmic Slim and His Intergalactic Plowboys, featured band, (Bill Fischer, Rick Levine, Sten Gustavson, congregant; Rick McCarthy, congregant; Phil Nigro, congregant, Todd Benson (substitute); and their sound coordinator, Chuck Demers

Clean-up Crew: Liz Gustavson, chefs, wait staff, various other volunteers

Children’s Pinocchio Pajama Party: Rhye Gray, Jessica Gray, Olivia Mandile, Diana Colon, and Lesa McWalters