EDI, The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team invites you to join us as we explore Evicted, by Matt Desmond. This compelling book examines the impact of eviction and poverty in general. Book Discussion 7-8:30 PM, Monday, April 8th. Contact Elona Meyer for more information and the Zoom link.
weekly announcements
The Sprout Film Festival, 3/29
The Sprout Film Festival is a do-not-miss opportunity. The festival focuses on films that “celebrate the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” It “strives to challenge assumptions and break down stereotypes”—something we all hope to support whenever we can. The festival is Friday, March 29th, with a choice to two times, 3 PM or 7 PM. If you are interested in joining us for a “Watch and Discuss” event, please contact Elona Meyer for more details.
UUFC Lawn Mowing Team Members Needed
Your UUFC lawn mowing team needs several new team members. We have a state-of-the-art set of electric lawn mowers and associated lawn trimmers and blowers. While mowing takes time (1-2 hours; once per month on your own schedule), it is a pleasant workout experience (1.5 to 2 mi of walking). The UUFC lawns are divided into front and back sections. We are in need of back section mowers.
If you have interest, please email Russ Karow and we can arrange to talk further about this opportunity to be a member of the UUFC’s volunteer corp. Thanks for your consideration!
Easter Sunday Kirtan with Johanna Beekman & Joss Jaffe, Easter Sunday, 3/31 at 7-8:30 PM
Please contact Kitzie Stern for more information
UUFC Invests in OSU Beth Ray Center Solar Project
In late February, 2024 your Finance Oversight Council (FOC) Investment Team partnered with Oregon Clean Power Cooperative to invest in the OSU Beth Ray Center project.
We invested $18,000 in a 2 year loan for this project, which is structured similar to an earlier investment that we made with OCPC for the Shakespeare Festival.
The Investment Team encourages solicitations from Councils and Teams with proposals for financially prudent investments. Please reach out to treasurer@uucorvallis.org to start a dialogue.
Action Lunch 3/10
Delicious teriyaki lunch, salmon and tofu options available. After the service on March 10. Takeout is also available. $10 donation, proceeds support our asylum seeking families from El Salvador. Brought to you by the Immigrant and Refugee Support Team.
ConnectUp Hike, 3/30
We will do a 4 mile hike including part of Section 36 Loop Trail in MacDonald Forest. This trail section often has very early wild flowers. The full walk involves about 400′ of climb and descent and is about 2/3 on gravel road.
Contact Jim Wagner for more information.
Support Housing and Food for All – 3/10
On Sunday March 10th, after the Action Lunch to raise funds for the Perla family, the Secure Housing and Food for all Team will meet in the UUFC library at 12:15. Please join us to learn about:
~Helping the Jackson Street Youth Services – request of Brandi Tucker
~Sponsoring the March 30 ’Spring Luncheon’ with Ernest Cardona (help setup, food prep, cleanup) ~Sponsoring furnishing a ‘hut’ at Albany’s “Hub City Village’ with Joyce Marvel-Benoist
~Co-sponsoring support of neurodivergent folks interactions with Police
~Finding volunteers for Daytime Drop-in Center and the Corvallis Food Bank
~What we might do in the Fall and other topics brought up by attendees.
And don’t forget our Spring Celebration Luncheon on Saturday, March 30th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m, in the Social Hall. Donations are $15.00 per person. After food costs, all donations will support our efforts in housing and feeding our wider community. Ernest Cardona and helpers will be serving a fresh, seasonal Spring menu with interesting appetizers, entrée and dessert. Please see the contact form below for a full menu description and a link to send us a message about your interest. We’ll need to know the number of guests in your party, your name, and your email address to send out a payment request. See you all on March 30th!
Roz Keeney Roberta Smith
Celebrating Our Scouts!
In case you missed it, Corvallis Scout, Charlie, earned his Love and Help UU Scouting award and chose to celebrate that achievement with us last Sunday during our time for all ages. In addition to receiving his pin in the service, Charlie spent time in the social hall afterward, sharing one of his favorite treats, lemon cupcakes, and the things he recorded in his workbook along the way to this achievement. Thank you to everyone who stopped by Charlie’s table to learn about his efforts! Charlie, we are so proud of you and the learning you’ve done!
If you’re a scout who has been inspired by Charlie and would like more information about earning your UU scouting award, let me know. I’m here to help!
Faith-based climate action this week, 3/3/2024
Democracy Action Team:
> First week of March: Letters will be ready. VoteFwd.org.
> Letter Writing: Sun 10 Mar, 1:45 PM, (after the Action Lunch), UUFC Social Hall. We’re excited to have you join us, meet other volunteers and writers, ask questions, assist others in getting started, and bring your letters if you’ve received them. We’ll bring extras. We are excited to get started.
Sustainability Town Hall: Volunteers needed for a variety of tasks in a number of time slots. Sign up
2023 National Environmental Scorecard: Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley both received perfect 100% scores. Thank Senators Wyden and Merkley. Three of our U.S. Representatives received perfect 100% scores: Bonamici, Hoyle, and Salinas! And our all-star climate champ, Rep. Blumenauer will retire after this term with a 95% lifetime score! On the other hand, Rep. Bentz received a whopping 0% (yikes), and Rep. Chavez-Deremer received a disappointing 31%. Email your U.S. Representative.
Stepping Back: After three years as co-lead of CAT, I’m stepping back from that leadership role. I have thoroughly enjoyed leadership and I’m proud of what I’ve helped accomplish, but it’s time for new ideas and approaches. I’ll stay engaged with CAT and continue to send out CATweek.
Cheers, MichaelThe one thing we need more than hope is action. Once we start to act, hope is everywhere. Greta Thunberg