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Cincinnati UUs Gather to March for Suicide Prevention
On Sunday, October 20, 2024, several HUUC congregants joined several other area UUs to raise funds to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by participating in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk. The mission of this organization is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
The UU Team had its best showing ever for the 2024 Out of the Darkness Walk. The team raised a total of $1,738.23 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. They were 13th in fundraising, out of 183 Teams! And that’s not all; at the time of this writing there were still some donations that hadn’t been processed, including some from Donor Advised Funds.
But wait, there’s more! You can still donate online via the link below. Walk donations are accepted until December 31, 2024 at https://tinyurl.com/2p8wn627
To all those that couldn’t make it in person, we know you were there with us in spirit – even those who registered but couldn’t make the walk and/or donate, YOU MATTER! Every person who shows support helps spread the word and adds to Team Pride. We are truly grateful to those of you who took the time and effort to register. You made a difference.
Save the date for Sunday, October 5, 2025 and join us next year!
Rebecca Pace
Pictured, from left to right with UU Church affiliation: Wanda Crawford – St. John’s, Jackie Drake – HUUC, Bob Drake – HUUC, Trish Hart – First Unitarian, Rebecca Pace – HUUC, Nicole Stanforth – St. John’s and her daughter Arrow (above in hat), Lynne Lefebvre – HUUC, and Lynn Prewitt – HUUC.
Photo source: Rebecca Pace
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HUUC Board Briefs for October, 2024
The Heritage UU Church Board of Trustees met on October 14, 2024. The following summarizes their activities:
The Board continues to plan for Rev. Bill’s departure at the end of this church year. We are working on a congregational survey to seek your thoughts and input, followed by a series of town hall meetings to discuss the situation further. We have a number of different paths we can take in this transition. We want to be sure that we are as informed as possible as we proceed.
HUUC Board of Trustee members.
Front row: Jaime Castle, Rebecca Pace. Back row: Luke Walczewski, Antonio Ciolino, Garry Wilson, Susan Conley, Roger MillerImage source: https://huuc.net/huuc-board-members/
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Wise Women Gather in Adams County
For well over a decade, the women of HUUC have gathered in the fall at Hope Springs Institute in Adams County to “retreat” from daily life. This year, the retreat was scheduled for the weekend that Hurricane Helene hit. We attempted to get to the retreat center but downed power lines and trees blocked all the roads that lead there. Hope Springs was without power for many days. Our original group of almost two dozen women scrambled with texts, calls, emails and meetings in cemeteries and Amish shops; eventually having a pizza dinner and ingathering at the home of Tracy Jo and David Small.
An impromptu sound bath was received by several attendees. Very late that night it was determined that we had to reschedule for October 11-13, 2024.
The rescheduled retreat was smaller due to schedule conflicts. We found that it was sweet to have a small, intimate group.
Magic wands were created and contributed to the magical space and time.
Hope Springs food is always bountiful and nourishing. However, this year it was even more delicious because we had many of our meals outside under sunny skies. There was plenty of time for leisurely walks and deep conversations. The land at Hope Springs held us as we got know each other even better and did our work individually and as a group.
We look forward to next year when even more sisters can join us. Mark your calendar for September 26-28, 2025. It promises to be a special time.
Images source: Tracy Jo Small
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The Annual Auction and Family Fall Fest is a Success!
The annual HUUC Auction and Family Fall Fest held September 21, 2024 was again a rousing success! Young and old alike had good food and fun at the event. The activities attracted a great turnout of more than 150attendees – many from outside the standard HUUC community. In addition, the combined events raised $7,000 to help support us through the coming months. Thanks to all who helped with this event, especially to John Sandman and Meredith Meyer who were the driving forces behind its triumph.
Fun Fest Bouncy House
Kids play at Fun Fest
Fun Fest Facepainting
Haunted Trail “Characters”
Chili dinner with the evening’s entertainment
Images source: Meredith Meyer
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HUUC Is Even Safer!
The world has never been a completely safe place for us “mere mortals,” but Heritage church became an increasingly safer place in September 2024 via the many efforts of the HUUC Security Team, headed by Bob Lamb.
Through the direction of Susan Conley, we moved forward with the vote during a special congregational meeting on September 15, 2024 to upgrade many safety features to our physical facilities. For details on these upgrades, refer to the September Heirloom at https://huuc.net/heirloom/heirloom_2024_09_7355.pdf,
Through the efforts of Terri Gaitskill, many HUUC congregants were trained in CPR and AED procedures. Terri also organized an after Sunday service training for congregants by the Hamilton sheriff’s department on responding to an active shooter situation.
If you could not attend the active shooter session, the following link. takes you to a video by the FBI that summarizes the recommended responses in less than five minutes via a educational dramatization.
During the active shooter session, Bob Lamb added specific details relevant to HUUC. To obtain these details, contact Bob in-person or via e-mail to his address:
If you have an interest in joining the Security Team, also contact Bob at the above email address.
Image source: https://tinyurl.com/y4jjm6mw
