March 2018 Volume 35 Issue 3
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Our Theme for March: Letting Go
Service at 10:30 am Sundays in the Miller Sanctuary
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How can we let go of the things we carry? Is carrying something around so bad? How can we lighten the loads of others? Experiential exploration through movement, song, story, reflection and meditation.
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Community Sharing in March
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Our Community Sharing partner this month is the South Fort Myers Food Pantry Coalition. The South Fort Myers Food Pantry works in partnership with the Harry Chapin Food Bank and Midwest Food Bank. The organization is also supported by local religious organizations in South Fort Myers who offer many volunteer hours and generous financial donations. In 2017, the pantry fed more than 22,000 individuals. They are hosting a volunteer appreciation luncheon on March 10th, following their annual meeting which begins at 11:30 am at the Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church, which is the home of the South Fort Myers Food Pantry, and is located at 8260 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers. UUCFM has been a long-time supporting organization and a member of the Pantry Coalition.
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The Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum regularly meets every Sunday at 9:15 am in Hobart Hall. Everyone always welcome!
This week’s discussion will be a sobering, truth-seeking dialogue on gun violence. All are welcome to attend
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Burn! Youth Group
Youth age 14-18 are invited to join us in Room 4 on Sundays from noon to 1:00 pm each week for an inclusive and kick-butt-awesome good time.
On March 11th in the Sanctuary from 12-1 pm, there will be a youth led memorial followed by a demonstration in honor of those lost to shootings of all kinds, like the recent one at Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Florida. If you wish to speak out about how this has affected you and what actions you want to be taken please contact Jersey Blosser at
[email protected]
or find me in coffee hour after service. Thank you for your support!
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Coffee Hour
Sunday's Coffee Hour happens after church every week and is provided by volunteers from the Women's Circle on the first Sunday, CUUPS on the second Sunday, Humanist Forum on the third Sunday, Men's Group on the fourth Sunday and if there is a fifth Sunday, it is All Church. Any donations of food, snacks or cash are welcome.
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Service Auction Reminder
We will have a table set up in Hobart Hall after service for one more Sunday. Stop by to collect your items, see what dinners still have some seats available, and pay off your balance. If you have any questions, email us at
[email protected]
. We will have a debriefing and planning meeting in about one month. Stay tuned for announcements.
Steph and Matt Hoffman
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From the Minister and the DRE!
- Do you want to see our congregation grow dynamically?
- Did you know that only 10% kids who grow up Unitarian Universalist remain Unitarian Universalist?
- Do you want to find out one way we are turning that around?
Come find out about the family ministry movement that is happening in cutting edge congregations like ours in the Unitarian Universalist Association!
Facilitated by DRE Jenn Blosser and the Rev. Allison Farnum at 12 noon in the Sanctuary this Sunday!
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Music Notes
December-March:
Please welcome Suellen Kipp as Director of Music during Amy Laursen's maternity leave.
The UUCFM Choir
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:45-8:15 pm, and on Sunday mornings from 9-10 am in the Sanctuary. It's free and there are no auditions. Please email me in advance so that a music folder can be prepared for you. Come join us in singing!
The UUCFM Band
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:00-6:45 pm, and on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:00a in the Sanctuary. If you would like to play your instrument during a Sunday service, please email me to coordinate the details. Come join us in making music together!
Suellen Kipp
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Nominations for Board of Trustees
The Nominating Committee is beginning the task of considering candidates for the Board of Trustees to present to the membership at our March Annual Meeting. This year, nearly all of the Board positions
are to be filled as existing Board members’ terms are expiring.
President: Matt Hoffman (present President-Elect) will take the President’s Office, as stipulated
by the ByLaws.
President-Elect: (open) “shall act for the President in his or her absence and shall perform such
duties as may be designated by the President.” Serves as member of the Personnel Committee.
Desirable skills: previous Board experience, work with volunteers, leadership experience, and
rules for presiding at meetings.
Vice President-Finance: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Finance Council.”
Oversees the annual budget process, provides a monthly report to the Board re church incomes
and expenses, and collaborates with the Treasurer in managing financial activities. Desirable
skills: accounting, communicating, financial experience.
Vice President-Ministerial Services: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Ministerial
Council.” Serves as liaison between the Board and the Chairs of all church ministerial services
committees, collaborates with the VP of Programs on Ministerial and Program activities, and
greets visitors at the Welcome Table and during coffee hour. Desirable skills: team
management, scheduling, communicating, personnel management, and group dynamics.
Vice President-Operations: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Operations Council.”
Provides leadership and support to buildings & grounds, décor & flowers, hurricane
preparedness, kitchen, library and Eco-Preserve committees. Advises the Office Administrator
in matters pertaining to the Operations Council budget and church facilities rentals. Desirable
skills: facility management, budgeting, leadership experience.
Vice President-Programs: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Programs Council.” Is
liaison between Board and Chairs of church program committees, is responsible for all church
dinners, holiday events and annual dinner, collaborates with VP of Ministerial Services on
Ministerial and Program activities, and works closely with church members who plan special
church activities such as movie nights and parties. Desirable skills: team management,
scheduling, and communicating.
Secretary of the Board: (open) is responsible for documenting Board proceedings, annual
meetings and special meetings of the congregation. Desirable skills: written and verbal
communications, computer-based applications.
Treasurer: (open) monitors church’s financial institutions accounts, oversees dispersing and
collecting of money, has custody of all church funds and financial records, serves as Vice-Chair of
the Finance Council, and reports the state of finances to the Board and the congregation.
Desirable skills: accounting, communicating, financial experience.
Member-at- Large: (open) serves as liaison to Membership. Coordinates volunteer recognition,
assists other officers as needed.
Note that the Vice President positions have a two-year term. Please give some thought to how you might best serve the congregation as a Board member and let Russ Rosenthal, Nominating Committee Chair, know of your interests. His email is
[email protected]
. For further information about any of the Board positions, please contact any of the existing Board
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Save the Date; Come into the Calm...
Monday, March 5th
, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Meditation Gathering with Bhante Jayasara, a Buddhist monk from Bhavana Society, hosted by our Mindfulness group.
Free
(donation-based) and no experience is needed. We’ll have silent sitting, a Dhamma talk, and personal time for stretching/ mindful walking indoors or out. Bhante is also leading 2 other local events while in town:
Saturday, March 3,
RETREAT: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come for all or part of the day; vegetarian lunch provided. At Unitarian Church in
Naples,
6340 Napa Woods Way
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Ready to Become a Member of UUCFM?
If this is your community and if you feel at home here, join us! A new member ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 11th. We ask for your participation in our Pathways Class prior to signing the Membership Book. For further information contact Christine Rosa,
239-245-8147
,
[email protected]
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Book Study
A renowned expert on the subject of dreams, Jeremy Taylor studied dreams and worked with thousands of people both individually and in dream groups for more than forty years. His discoveries show us how dreams can be the keys to gaining insight into our past and our conflicts, as well as excursions into the fantastic realm of creative inspiration. Jeremy Taylor, the late Unitarian Universalist minister, blends the values of spirituality with an active social conscience and a Jungian perspective.
March 7, Chapters 5 & 6
March 14, Chapters 7 & 8
March 21, Chapters 9 &10
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Women's Circle
The Women's Circle potluck luncheon is Monday March 12th at Noon. The meeting starts at 1:00 pm. Since March is Women's History Month our topic will be famous UU Women who made great contributions to society. We will also discuss UU Women of today. In 1980, the National Women's History Project was founded in Santa Rosa, California by Molly Murphy MacGregor, Mary Ruthsdotter, Maria Cuevas, Paula Hammett and Betty Morgan to broadcast Women's historical achievements. What else do you know about Women's History Month? Let's hear from you! Here is a picture of the delectable foods we shared at our Valentines Celebration last month. Many beautiful stories of family were shared.
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Mindfulness Meditation
Join us on Monday evenings to explore the very simple and satisfying practices of mindfulness and meditation. You don’t need experience with meditation, nor do you have to be a Buddhist. Do please bring an intention to quiet the mind and the body in a supportive group of UU members and friends with a similar intention - people who want to carry mindfulness into their daily lives. We meet Mondays from 6:30-8:00p in the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, please contact Gary Robbins at
[email protected]
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Optimal Living Group-
Will not meet March 7th because of an event in Miller Sanctuary
The Optimal Living Group is open to all and does not require attending every session. We meet in the Sanctuary on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 4:00-5:30 pm. We discuss how to live optimally, including practical ways to cope with life's challenges and issues. Helping others and developing maturity in ourselves is part of our quest. We explore many paths and techniques for enriching our lives and making a difference for others. For more information, fill out a blue card found in the pews or email Neil Yesu:
[email protected]
.
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UUCFM Historical Martial Arts Club
The UUCFM Historical Martial Arts Club is dedicated to preserving and practicing a variety of historical martial arts for entertainment and fitness purposes. We meet at various times (determined by interest) most often at 12:00 pm after the service on Sunday to practice archery and tomahawk/axe throwing. Other activities and times can be found on our facebook page of the same name. All are welcome to join us.
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UUCFM Gaming Group
The UUCFM Game Group is the club for you. We do our best to meet in Room 7 on Sundays after church from 1:00-4:00 pm. Those of us with children can't always make it so please check the Facebook group page (UUCFM Gaming Group) to see if games are scheduled.
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Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group
The Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist group meets Sundays at 1:45p in Room 1. All are welcome to join us.
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Community Wednesday
Community Wednesday is held in Hobart Hall. All are invited. Bring friends and neighbors, too. Join us each Wednesday for a delicious meal prepared by Chef Joy for a small donation. After the fellowship and fine fare from 6:00- 6:45p, join your favorite programming event, committee meeting, or social activity. Child care is provided until 8:30p.
Community Wednesday Activities for March:
4:00-5:30
Optimal Living Group (1st & 3rd Wed)
1st Wed canceled this month
6:00-6:45
Community Meal
6:00-6:45
Band Rehearsal in Sanctuary
6:45-8:00
Choir Rehearsal in Sanctuary
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South Fort Myers Food Pantry
To all our SFMFP supporters: I have not been very good at keeping you up to date with news from the Pantry. You all deserve a big thank-you for the generous donations of food over the summer months and around the holidays. There is an increased need around these times. I estimate that in November & December we have averaged donations that amount from fifty to eighty dollars a week. Great job, Pantry supporters! I will post the fourth quarter newsletter this Sunday. That has the total number of people we fed for the fourth quarter as well as for all of 2017.
[email protected]
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LIFE News
The Children and Families Committee of the Interfaith Justice Ministry (LIFE) will be tackling the frightening issue of children who are not able to get basic medical care in our community.
We have heard from parents involved in LIFE that their children have gone without needed medications for asthma because the cost was too high, parents who have waited for over a month to get their child in to see a primary care physician because wait times are too long, and parents who have had to drive close to an hour to get their child to an Emergency Room supported by their insurance.
So, in 2018 we take on the unique challenges of childhood access to healthcare. Mark your calendar for the Nehemiah Action where we'll have our public officials commit to that solution
(Tuesday, March 20th at St. Collumbkille)
and the Celebration where we'll lift up our victories
(Tuesday, May 1st St. Collumbkille).
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Our UU Story
James Luther Adams
Resisting the Rise of Nazism
When James Luther Adams, a young Unitarian minister and newly appointed professor of theology at Meadville Lombard Theological School, went to Germany in 1935 to study with some of the greatest theologians of the time, he confronted a deeply unsettling fact: Germany's churches were not effectively resisting the rise of Nazism.
Adams had high expectations for Germany's long tradition of liberal theology. After all, a century earlier, Unitarians had found the inspiration for Transcendentalism in the new German theology of their time. But German liberalism hadn't foreseen the Nazi threat—nor did it seem to offer adequate resources for resistance.
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What is it in my preaching and my political action that would stop this?" . . . It is a liberal attitude to say that we keep ourselves informed and read the best papers on these matters, and perhaps join a voluntary association now and then. But to be involved with other people so that it costs and so that one exposes the evils of society . . . requires something like conversion, something more than an attitude. It requires a sense that there's something wrong and I must be different from the way I have been.
Widely regarded as the most important Unitarian Universalist theologian of the twentieth century, he championed themes that have never been UU favorites, among them conversion and guilt, sacrifice and discipline, conflict and tragedy. Without them, Adams believed, liberal religion becomes complacent, accommodating cultural trends that distort truly liberal values when resistance is called for.
He became the leading exponent of the liberal church as "the prophethood of all believers"—an institution whose people, rooted in the biblical and liberal traditions, learn to judge and correct their society.
Edited by Joy F. Sokeitous
About My UU Story
Each month, the Membership Committee would like to publish your UU story- either converted or born UUs. How did you become a UU, or how did our religion affect your life? Alternatively, do you have a one paragraph remembrance of your first reaction to being in a UU church and/or learning about the religion? To share your story, please contact Joy Sokeitous at
[email protected]
Joy will help you edit and she will provide questions to help you develop your story.
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It’s Online – The brand new UUCFM Photo Directory!
To access the directory, click login on the UUCFM Website and log in with your member password. Go to Member Services and click on Photo Directory. The new Photo Directory is an 11 page PDF that you can scroll through, enlarge and print out if you wish, but remember that use of the Photo Directory is limited to UUCFM members only. If you missed the many opportunities to have your photo taken for the Directory, we will schedule a final photo taking session in March---date to be announced. Coming In the near future, Lesley Peterson will load all of the photographs taken for the new Photo Directory into the Member Search section of Member Services. Special thanks to project originator Suzanne Ziemer and to Mel Cooper, John Swank, Linda Jensen, Bruce Marble and the Membership Committee for their help in moving this forward.
Denis Jensen
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Help Watering Plants
I'm looking for someone to help me with the care and watering of the plants in the Sanctuary, as there may be times when I am away and need assistance. Thank you,
Kimberly Littleton, Decor Committee
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Bed & Breakfast Volunteer Opportunity
We are preparing for another year of UUCFM’s Bed and Breakfast program. Through the generosity of host families within our congregation, we have raised $3000 to $5000 a year for the church operating budget for many years. We provide this service to UUs and/or their friends from around the country. This
program cannot happen without volunteers and we need your help!
What’s needed to be a host?
The host provides one bedroom and bathroom and a basic breakfast each morning of the guests’ stay. The guests are usually one or two people. The breakfast can even be a “do it yourself” if your guests are early risers or you have to go to work and they want to sleep.
Do I have to entertain the guests or take them places?
No!
They will have their own transportation. If you have favorite restaurants to recommend, or other local travel tips, they are always appreciated. You are not expected to provide entertainment, transportation or extra food. For the most part, guests are off
doing their own thing most of the day and evening.
When and for how long?
Guests stay from one to seven nights during the months of January through April. (Most stay only two or three nights.) You choose when and for how long you can host and then your requirements are matched with those of the guests. Even if you can only host for two nights in March, for example, that is a big help. February and March tend to have the biggest demand.
All money received from the guests as they stay in your home goes directly to the UUCFM operating budget. I haven’t even mentioned how interesting and fun this experience can be for the hosts. We have met so many great UUs through this experience! Please consider being a host! Before you say no, talk to me. Just try it once…
Mary Nies, Program Coordinator
Sydney Stewart
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers.
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Do you have something to offer, trade, or sell? Are you looking for something? Free ad space here for personal items only. Will run ad for 4 weeks. Email
[email protected]
Items for sale
:
•IKEA Poang Chair w/ footstool, black leather. $20 OBO.
•Futon w/ 6.5“ deep, double-size mattress, removable red cover, 2 drawers. $50 OBO.
•Indoor/outdoor wicker-look, glass-topped dining table w/ 4 chairs, 49“ diameter. Dark brown. $50 OBO.
•Two outdoor mesh chairs, light brown. $10 OBO.
•Storage piece, 6 cube-shaped spaces, w/4 fabric-lined storage baskets, dark brown. $15 OBO.
•Entertainment center, 8 shelves, 6 drawers, dark brown $40 OBO.
Pictures upon request.
Tenant Seeking Rental:
Seeking Rental or Purchase of guest cottage or home. I'm one person with no pets,vegan, non-smoker, non-drinker and yoga teacher. Contact Patrick at
239-267-3699
or
[email protected]
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If you are a UUCFM Community Sharing Partner, a regular Facility User, or have UU related news to share, you are welcome to submit announcements for publication in our Greater Community section of the newsletter. Please send announcements in by Wednesday for publication in the Thursday E-news.
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Lee OFA Indivisible Invites You
There will be panel discussions on the following dates:
March 8th - "IMMIGRATION REFORM and HELPING the DREAMERS"
April 12th - "MAINTAINING a FREE and UNBIASED PRESS"
Meetings will be held at the Sanctuary at 7 pm. Come early at 6:15 to socialize with like-minded friends.
DACA and Beyond, a panel on IMMIGRATION
March 8, 2018
Lee OFA Indivisible invites you to bring your questions and concerns about this timely and important issue to be addressed by these community leaders: Indera Demine, co-chair of Lee OFA Indivisible’s immigration rights team, who will give an overview of where we are on the issue and the local
situation.
Sister Maureen Kelleher, who is with Collier County Legal Aid and specializes in helping Immokalee workers. She will discuss what is happening there as well as new initiatives here in Lee County.
Yemissi Oloruntola-Coates, System Director of Diversity and Patient Care Civil Rights at Lee Health who will be speaking about the economic impact that immigrants have on Lee County. Please join us and bring concerned friends, relatives and neighbors.
Email:
[email protected]
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Legends Choraliers
As Time Goes B
y is the annual show of the
Legends’ Choraliers
presented in the Miller Sanctuary, and your congregation is invited. The group of 30 men and women of the chorus are based in the Legends Community and draw singers from surrounding communities without a chorus of their own. The show is a musical journey from 1940 thru 2000. These are the songs we all know and love—the music of our life! There are two performances: Wednesday afternoon, March 7th at 3:00 pm; and Saturday evening, March 10th at 7:30 pm. The $10 tickets are available as a
will call
option. If interested, contact director Carolyn Ballou for details at
239-337-1929
.
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From Member Glenn Siebert
I am the assistant musical director of the Naples/Ft. Myers Paradise Coastmen barbershop chorus. We are presenting our annual spring concert. The theme is
"From Ireland to Nashville and Broadway"
and will include some of your favorite songs from each. In addition to the chorus, our principal guest artist is
"Signature",
the 2nd place International Silver Medalist Quartet. If you choose to attend, you will enjoy the best of barbershop harmony. Contact me for tickets, $18.00. I have negotiated a $6.00 group discount as tickets are $25 at the door. Let me know which performance you prefer and how many tickets you need. I look forward to seeing your smiling faces in the audience.
· Fri. March 16 at 7:00 pm
· Sat. March 17 at 2:00 pm
· Sat. March 17 at 7:00 pm
Yours in Harmony,
Glenn Siebert
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MCC Anniversary Barbecue
St. John the Apostle MCC located at 3049 McGregor Blvd will be celebrating its 30th anniversary! We would like to invite you to a public BBQ on Saturday, March 17th from 11 to 3, outside on the church grounds. The price for the BBQ is $10.00
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The Southwest Florida Gay and Lesbian Chorus 2018 Comedy Show & Fundraiser:
Join us and Laugh Out Loud with Comedian Vickie Shaw-the funniest comedian ever, she said so herself!!! Food, Fun and Laughter...
Tickets are available online
www.gaychorus.org
, and Sundays in Holbart Hall after service.
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2018 GRACE Project Work-Study Trip
La Antigua and Lago Atitlán, Panajachel, Guatemala.
April 29 to May 9, 2018
11 days for $1,250
Women’s Health Workshops in Univ. of San Carlos Medical School, Belén Teachers’ College for Indigenous Women, Mixco High School, and in Santiago Atitlán.
Deliver and teach about Days For Girls menstrual
management Kits and the Fertility Bracelets,
Land transportation in private vans,
Breakfast provided daily,
Shopping in La Antigua and Panajachel.
Transportation includes: travel to and from airport, hotels,
academic and workshop sites in private vehicles and boats.
Airfares from USA to Guatemala City and El Petén are not included.
$150 additional fee for single room.
To save your space, please send $100 deposit in a check, by March 15 2018, to: The GRACE Project,
UUCFM, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft. Myers, FL 33912
Dec. 1 – 9, 2018 GRACE will go to El Petén and Tikal and deliver workshops for
Maya womens’ cooperatives and the Guatemalan Ministry of Education.
9 days for $1,000. Reservations being accepted now! Limited to 8 participants.
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March 3 Joan Hickok
March 3 Don Routh
March 4 James Morgan
March 4 Dorothy Van Howe
March 7 Dick Boynton
March 8 Mary Tracy Sigman
March 9 Frank Schooley
March 10 Gary Robbins
March 11 Jonathon Sauer
March 13 Andy Crossen
March 13 Krista Hutson
March 15 Mike Carville
March 25 Lily Hoffman is 8!
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Newsletter Editor: Jill Carville
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