UUCA Monthly UUpdates for February
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron
Rev. Kate's Korner
Dear Ones,
How is your spirit today? Take a minute to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and notice- are you feeling grounded? Anxious? Too busy to focus? Frustrated with social distancing? At peace with the pandemic?
The start of the new year is typically when we set resolutions and think about how we might want life to be different this year. However this year January was chaotic, with a domestic terrorist attack on the capitol taking whatever attention we had left after worrying about the election results being overturned. January was stressful! I was too busy worrying about democracy to set goals- perhaps you were as well. But rather than focus on resolutions for this fresh new year, in a fresh new decade, I want us to think about our relationship with social media.
How does scrolling on Facebook or Instagram make you feel? While I enjoy seeing pictures of my friends' kids and pets I also find Facebook anxiety-inducing. First, the advertising is relentless and directed straight to my demographic. T-shirts with progressive slogans- check. Everything you can imagine with a picture of Ruth Bader Gingsburg on it? Check. Camping gear designed for dog-lovers? Check. When I use Facebook I feel my heart race because I am trying to ignore advertising (I don’t need more stuff) while being inundated with products that are attractive to me. My mind has to wrestle with the desire to limit my consumption and the desire to buy a dog bed plastered with images of the Appalachian Trail. Most of this happens under my conscious thinking so I only become aware of it when I realize I have a headache and feel stressed out.
I also find myself comparing the well-curated and photographed experiences of friends to my regular, every-day life. I see friends skiing or traveling to exotic places and feel badly that I am sitting at home in sweats instead of having big adventures. The shiny perfection of life on social media isn’t reality, but it’s hard to remember that when it seems like everyone is living life better than you. And even when my friends are suffering they write eloquent spiritual reflections on their hardship. Sure, they got laid off, but they wrote a poem about it that has gone viral. Meanwhile I am jealous and feeling pitiful in comparison.
It’s worth spending time thinking about how engaging on social media makes you feel. You don’t have to give it up entirely. Maybe like me you don’t want to miss the photos of nieces and nephews with their first wiggly tooth. Setting limits on time spent can reduce the impact. Or maybe you are a part of Facebook groups- I am in several clergy groups that are helpful and supportive. So most days I only get on Facebook to look at those groups.
Or maybe it is time to quit social media all together. After all, the purpose of those sites is to get your eyes looking at advertising. There is no great goal of world peace- just getting people to scroll long enough to see tempting Ruth Bader Ginsburg gear and fancy dog beds. For me social media has been an important connection to friends and family during this pandemic, when I can’t see people in person. It’s been a rare way to get to know you and your families when I can’t chat with you at coffee hour or a potluck. But after the pandemic it might be time for me to quit. We’ll see.
This month let’s think about our relationship with social media. Does scrolling affirm your inherent worth and dignity? Your place in the interdependent web of all existence? How you spend your time impacts your well-being. How well do you feel when you are online?
With deep affection,
Rev Kate
Religious Exploration for Children & Youth
Hello friends!
This year seems to be flying by and as we look back on last month, we are also already looking forward to Spring! Connecting with elementary-aged kids on Sundays during our RE classes has been phenomenal and our virtual classroom is GROWING! Thanks to all of our RE parents for helping your young ones to join and be a part of these classes. The kids have been so much fun connecting that we are now beginning class at 9:45a for a 15 minute “decaf” coffee hour time before class starts at 10am!
We’ve also enjoyed being able to dip our toes into adult RE with our ongoing parent support group meetings and early morning meditations on alternating Tuesdays. These sessions always manage to feel so supportive, invigorating, and calming at the same time and we’re infinitely glad we can join in our PJs :).
What’s new for Spring, you ask? Hogwarts!!! Yep! Kids and youth are invited to a socially distanced UUCA Hogwarts Camp beginning with Hogwarts House Sorting on Sunday, April 11th at 2pm! This event will be held outdoors on the UUCA grounds (as Covid health conditions allow).
UUCA Witches and Wizards can look forward to online and socially-distanced activities that are instructive, entertaining, and full of UU community goodness. We’ll enjoy time centered around herbology, defense against, the dark arts, wandmaking (and lore), and more. Registration for this event closes opens Feb. 15th and closes March 31st, but early registration is encouraged for all young pupils wishing to receive an early (and most magical) welcome. Watch your email for the registration link.
Take a look below to see what the UUCA RE’s got going on and to get a few more details on what’s coming up!
Hogwarts Camp is coming to the UUCA this Spring! Children and youth are invited to register by March 31st. Our Hogwarts week will begin with house sorting on April 11th at 2pm on the UUCA church grounds and will continue with fun, magical, connection-centered activities throughout the week. Please contact Carolyn Stevens (uuakronoffice@gmail.com) and Abby L’Bert (dre.uuakron@gmail.com) with any questions.
UUCA RE Preschool continues with Teacher David! Children and adult caregivers are invited to join our wonderful David Palomo for Weekly Music time
President's Column
Hallie Bowie, President of the Board of Trustees (she/her)
Are you “registered” for the UUCA March election?
I am writing this on January 20th, and I have just watched the new President of the United States take the oath of office. This day, following so closely on the violence of January 6th, I value even more our 5th UU Principle: “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large”. This was the fifteenth time a president has been sworn in since I was born. It had always seemed like a routine formality to me before. Never again will I take the inauguration or our institutions of government for granted.
On a day like today, our own congregational processes can seem like a small thing. I am hoping that by the time you read this the national news will have been quite dull for a couple of weeks and we can focus more of our attention locally. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron continues to be a powerful local tool in the work for justice, and we have our own processes of governance that help us in that work. Usually, we have congregational meetings in April and December of each year. This year we will have an additional meeting on March 28th (mark your calendar!) to select the people for the Ministerial Search Committee for our next settled minister. Just as it is important to get people registered to vote prior to state and national elections, it is important to make sure everyone who is part of the life of UUCA is eligible to vote in our own elections.
We have qualifications for voting membership to protect the process so people who are active in the church are the ones making decisions, and some outside group can’t attend our meeting and unduly influence the vote. With no restrictions on voting membership a Pittsburgh Steeler’s fan club could come in and decide that the budget should be devoted to supporting tail gate parties for Steeler’s games!
Because inclusion is important to us, we want as many people as possible to vote, so it is not difficult to become a Voting Member. A voting member must:
Be 16 years of age or older,
Sign the membership book, and
Make a financial commitment of some kind.
It is important to note that there is no minimum amount for that financial commitment. Any financial pledge or recorded contribution to UUCA in the current year is sufficient. The spare change you find in your couch can serve as your contribution, just make sure you let us know that it came from you. If your cousin will be paying you back that dollar you loaned him, you can pledge a dollar to pay any time during the year. In addition, the minister may waive the pledge or donation requirement. If you haven’t made a pledge yet, you can do that here. If you are ready to contribute today you can do that on the UUCA website Donate page. Of course, larger contributions are important for keeping the lights on and the Zoom bills paid, but that is a topic for another article! Check in with Rev. Kate if you would like to sign the membership book or want more information about being a member.
There is still much work to be done to create the world of justice and beloved community we envision. I’m looking forward to continuing that work together in this new, brighter day!
Neighborhood Pods!
We are embarking on a new adventure of deeper relationships, greater support, and safer communities. We are establishing Neighborhood groups or pods at UUCA!
What is a Neighborhood Pod?
Neighborhood groups are clusters of people who are part of the UUCA family and also live near each other. They are small groups based on geographic location. Each group has a lead or a few leads who help keep your neighborhood up to date or can help folks reach out.
Why do we need Neighborhood Groups?
During the pandemic we are more aware than ever of how much we need one another. Need a meal provided after having surgery? Help with something in your house or yard? Maybe your kiddo is having trouble with Algebra and could use help now and then. I bet someone in your neighborhood Group could help! With easy geographic proximity and shared UU values we can help one another while deepening our friendships. Of course, we send these requests out through our church emails if the church office knows about it, but we don’t want anyone falling through the cracks. And in this time of political turmoil, being supported by your neighbors can ease anxieties.
Neighborhood Groups are far from all seriousness- once the pandemic is over, we can gather for picnics, movie nights, and block parties and more. It’s a way of having a small family group in our bigger congregation.
So how do we Set up these Pods?
First step is to make sure your information (address, email and phone) is updated in the directory. Go to https://www.instantchurchdirectory.com/ and sign in as a member. Update your info and submit. Once changes are approved your info is up to date. If you have any trouble with this, simply send your info to the church office at office@uuakron.org, and it will be entered and updated for you.
A Neighborhood Captain will be in touch over the next couple weeks as updates are received.
Questions? Contact Rev. Kate!
Hermitage of the Heart Service Feb. 4th & 18th
These are times in which the world can indeed be “too much with us.” The mounting tolls of disease and racism and polarization can threaten to overwhelm us, breaking not only our hearts but our spirits.
Hermitage of the Heart provides us with a space and time for renewal, stillness and peace amid the maelstrom, so we are able to emerge ready for life. Now, now is when you need to seek respite, to find ways to renew your spirit, to rest in an oasis of peace.
Come join our community, seeking wholeness of body, spirit and mind. We experience light and darkness, silence and song, inspiring words and sustained time for reflection and meditation as sources of hope and courage. Take the time to nurture yourself
UU Church of Akron UUCA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
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Meeting ID: 952 7072 5697
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Thursday, Feb 4, 2021, 06:45 PM
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Imbolc ~ A Sacred Circle Service Ritual
Historically the month of February bears a special significance to the people in the North. This is evident through various traditions and rites prevalent in this part of the world for thousands of years.
In Ireland, this time begins with the Holy day of Imbolc and begins at sunset on February 1 continuing through sunset February 2nd. There are a few derivations offered for the name Imbolc; Ol-melc (ewe's milk) because the ewes are lactating at this time; Oi-melg, meaing “butter bag” and also referencing the lactating ewe, and Imbolg (around the belly) in honor of the swelling belly of the earth goddess,
The ancient civilizations would greet this time of the year by performing rites to the rising power of the springtime sun. And these rites were agricultural in nature and performed mostly by the farmers.
When Ireland was Christianized, veneration of the Pagan Goddess Brigid, on February 1st was transformed into that of St. Brigit, said to be the human daughter of a Druid. St. Brigit became a saint after her "death" and was supposedly converted and baptized by St. Patrick.
Join Rev. Rebekah Benner via zoom for an Imbolc ritual on Monday evening, February 1 at 7:00pm.
This is a time to bless the sacred candles we will be using throughout the Wheel of the Year.
Please have one candle available to light, and if you like, 12 candles to bless for use in the months to come.
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Monday, Feb 1, 2021, 07:00 PM
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Women's Book Group
Please plan to attend and have the title of a book that you would like to see the group read.
The chosen book shouldn't be too recent and should be available at the library as many don't
purchase the book. This will be a night to chat and get reacquainted!
Contact Jan Schrader for any questions. See you then.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 943 9444 8360
Passcode: 124665
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Wednesday, Feb 3, 2021, 07:00 PM
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UUWA Monthly Meeting
February is Black History Month. Our UUWA meeting on February 19 will introduce us to a program designed to help us build effective social justice habits. Taylor Barnes of the Cleveland YWCA will join us on Zoom to engage us in a short sample from their “21 Day Challenge.” In the program you will be presented with challenges such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, reflecting on personal experience and more. Participation in an activity like this helps us to discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact our community, to connect with one another, and to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. This is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice. You can join the” 21 Day Challenge” as an individual or as part of a small group on March 1. Come learn about this national program that has received rave reviews.
10:15 for social interaction and 10:30 for the meeting
Watch for the Zoom link
Friday, Feb 19, 2021, 10:15 AM
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The Love and Justice Artisan Auction
Our L&J Artisan Fair has moved online for this year and is now an online auction! From February 14-20 you may bid on one or more of the amazing items our local artists, vendors and generous donors have put up for auction to support the Social Justice Ministries of the UU Church of Akron!
Want a sneak preview as items are continually added? Visit: www.biddingowl.com/uucaloveandjustice
On February 14th at noon the bidding opens! Check back frequently to see if you have been out bid. You are welcome (and even encouraged) to bid beyond the market value listed (this is a fundraiser after all.) Auction will be closed on Saturday February 20. Winners will be notified to arrange pick up/delivery. While you are perusing the items, feel free to visit the website of the local artists and vendors to see what else they may have to offer.
We have amazing Social Justice Ministries at UUCA and with the pandemic, providing for and helping those in need has been a big challenge as you can imagine. Thank you for being a part of our success!
Sunday, Feb 14, 2021, 12:00 PM
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"Paris to Pittsburgh" film sponsored by The Stewardship of the Earth Committee
The Earth Stewardship Committee will be screening the movie environmental movie “Paris to Pittsburgh” on Friday evening, February 19 at 7 p.m. From coastal cities to America’s heartland, “Paris to Pittsburgh” celebrates how Americans are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of climate change. This film was developed by National Geographic in collaboration with Bloomsberg Philanthropies. To view the trailer, visit www.ParistoPittsburgh.com. To register to receive the zoom link, contact Laurel Winters at lwinters@neo.rr.com.
Friday, Feb 19, 2021, 07:00 PM
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GET TO KNOW OUR STAFF!
~ Where are you from? What places have you called home? Tallmadge
~When did you start working at the church? I started working at the church in August of 2014. What do you do? Building & Grounds Maintenance What do you like about it? I am always learning new things and it’s very hands on.
~ What is something people wouldn’t guess about your job? That I have replaced a few sink faucets and underneath plumping.
~ What are you the most proud of? I am proud to be the mother to the most amazing daughter, Dakota! She is the reason that I keep going.
~ What would your ideal Friday night look like? Staying home, listening to music, and working on a jigsaw puzzle.
MONTHLY COMMUNITY MEAL
Our Community Meal Needs
Support Group for Being Human
https://zoom.us/j/91837211026?pwd=LzhWYitDWk9oSWJnUkpjeW5xd0xkZz09
Meeting ID: 918 3721 1026
Passcode: 732551
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Banter with Bay/ Queer Ministries Column
“545,600 minutes...”
Everyone here’s old enough to remember RENT, right? The musical debuted in 1996, but there was a movie version in 2005, and that’s only 15 years ago. It was as famous then as Hamilton is now, shining a huge spotlight onto the ongoing AIDS epidemic. Everyone was suddenly aware how many gays died every year from AIDS, was aware of antiretrovirals like AZT and how they were needed to keep one’s T-cell count from dropping, which was the marker for turning HIV into full-blown AIDS. Even South Park did a parody of RENT, singing gleefully, “Everyone has AIDS! AIDS AIDS AIDS!”
Why do I bring this up? Because for a lot of people, that was the beginning and end of their education about AIDS. February sports National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and a lot has changed since 1996.
For starters, there’s been a lot more science done on the transmission of the diseases. The new slogan is “undetectable = untransmittable”, or “U=U”; what this means is that if the HIV in your system is so low as to be undetectable, you also can’t pass the virus to anyone. With new drugs, that means you can be positive and still able to engage in risky behaviors without endangering anyone. And there’s a new drug system called PrEP which people who are negative can take to prevent contracting HIV from positive partners. For more information about risky behaviors and safe ones, see https://hivrisk.cdc.gov/
And there’s more good news: getting tested is easier than ever. You can get at-home HIV tests at drug stores or at http://www.oraquick.com that can check your status in under 20 minutes. In fact, here in Ohio you can get them for free if you qualify: http://ohiv.org/negative-or-unsure/free-hiv-test/ When 1 in 7 blacks/African Americans with HIV are unaware they have it, getting tested isn’t just a good idea, it can save lives.
In 2018, 42% of new diagnosis of HIV were among the Black community. There’s no shame in having the virus, so long as you get treated so you can’t spread it to others without knowing it. If you haven’t been tested and you are sexually active, please get tested for HIV. Stay safe out there.
Building & Grounds UUpdate
The board has reviewed air quality in the church as a result of the challenge that COVID presents. Eric Beach architect and church member, and Eric Wright a consulting mechanical engineer reviewed the available technology that improves air quality in HVAC systems. They recommended Bipolar ion technology as best solution for our building. Eric, Dan Marksz, & Eric donated their professional time.
Bipolar ionization technology kills airborne viruses and pathogens. It also removes mold spores, odors, and harmful volatile organic compounds. While Bipolar ion generators help eliminate particles that cause problems for people with sensitivities, a plus, our main purpose is to eliminate viruses. COVID, variants, and novel viruses will likely be will be with us for some time. There are no known negative health effects or ozone generation associated with the Bipolar ion technology that we will install.
The board has approved the installation of Bi-polar ionization units along with improved filtration. These units will be installed in the air handlers that service Hanna Hall, the bathrooms, our entry hall, and the offices. Other areas of the church do not have air handlers so they cannot use Bipolar ion generators.
The installation of ion generators and improved filtration better prepares us to safely meet in person.
Appreciative Inquiry Sessions
Join the conversation with Appreciative Inquiry! Appreciative Inquiry is a fun way to gather with other UUCA members and friends in sharing what you love about our community. This month members of the Transitions Team will be holding small-group, one-time conversations over Zoom to talk about what brought you to UUCA, what keeps you here, and what you think is ahead for our congregation. This positive-focused information gathering will help the Ministerial Search Team communicate what makes us special to potential ministers. Sign up for an hour-and-a-half session and share your stories about who we are and your dreams for where we are going. The days and times are below. Please email Carolyn in the office to register for a group and she will send you the Zoom link. uuakronoffice@gmail.com Friday, 2/5 at 4 PM, facilitated by Allan Michaelson Sunday, 2/7 at noon (after coffee hour), facilitated by Lauren Folk Tuesday, 2/9 at 10 AM, facilitated by Becky Dempster Tuesday, 2/9 at 7PM facilitated by Scott Piepho Wednesday, 2/10 at 1PM facilitated by Wayne Poteete Thursday, 2/11 at 7PM facilitated by Allan Michaelson
Friday, 2/12 at 6PM facilitated by Becky Dempster
Saturday, 2/13 at 10 AM facilitated by Becky Dempster
Sunday, 2/14 at noon facilitated by Lauren Folk
Wednesday, 2/17 at 4PM facilitated by Wayne Poteete
Wednesday, 2/17 at 6PM facilitated by Scott Piepho
Friday, 2/19 at 7PM facilitated by Scott Piepho
Sunday, 2/21 at noon (Group will be facilitated in Spanish) facilitated by Lauren Folk and special guest Carlos
Monday, 2/22 at noon facilitated by Allan Michaelson
Tuesday, 2/23 at 4PM facilitated by Wayne Poteete
Anti-Racism Audit Team Developments
Our faith community is evolving! As we strive to live out our 8th Principle, the 8th Principle Transformation Committee and the Anti-Racism Audit Team have recommended to our Worship Associates that efforts be made to increase the number of worship leaders and/or guest speakers who are Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, or other people of color. Specifically, we have recommended that at least one third of our worship leaders/speakers be BIPOC, including folks who are queer, disabled, or who have otherwise been historically marginalized. Inviting more leaders of color to the pulpit will increase representation, expand our welcome, enrich each of us, and—we hope—deepen our individual and collective commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We are grateful to all of you for supporting our meaningful journey of building beloved community!
FOUNDATION NEWS
The UUCA Foundation is a tax exempt (Section 501(c)(3) organization formed by the UUCA congregation in 2003, The church’s Memorial Fund was placed with the Foundation at this time as an endowment fund. The Foundation Board works with a highly-qualified and respected wealth advisor to manage the investment portfolio. In addition to the Memorial Fund, the investment portfolio has five additional funds that have been added. As of December 31, 2020, the assets of the Foundation totaled $ 3,273,639.
Distribution of Funds for 2021
Distributions of funding or availability of Foundation Funds for 2021 are as follows:
Memorial Fund = $35,840
Pardee Legacy Fund = $53,618
Marty and Charlie Wilson Challenge Fund = $15,446
Radebaugh Endowment Fund = $2,467
Marion G. Aron Fund = $2,361
Rios Remembrance Fund = $1,366
Distributions from the Memorial and Pardee Legacy Funds may be used at the discretion of the church board for operation and capital purposes. The Wilson Challenge Fund was directed to use funds to challenge members of the congregation to create church programs and missions. Funds may also be used in emergency situations.
Availability of 2021 Foundation Funds for Specific Purposes
The Marion G. Aron Fund distribution is directed to enhance our worship experience. First, to support guest ministers when our minister is not in the pulpit. Funds may also be used to enhance music programs during worship. The minister and music director annually submit a budget for the allocation of the funds.
The Rios Remembrance Garden Fund is distributed to maintain and improve the landscaping of the Remembrance Garden. Use of the funds requires the advice and guidance of a master gardener.
The Radebaugh Endowment Fund is directed toward capital needs. The use of these funds should be determined by the Foundation Board and the Church Board. Ideas may be developed and submitted to both boards.
It is through the Marty and Charlie Wilson Challenge Fund that members of the congregation can develop a project to help support a ministry or activity that supports fellowship among members. Applications must be submitted to the Foundation for approval. The direction for projects is:
Initiating a new church program, class, or procedure believe to be in the best interests of the Church as determined by the Congregation or the Church Board of Trustees.
Re-replacement of furnishings or pieces of equipment believed important and generally necessary for the operation of the Church.
Some specific contribution by the Church to the Greater Akron community (e.g., Habitat for Humanity, help for battered women, or homeless people).
Activities intended to make the Church a friendlier and more interactive place, such as congregational get-togethers that help members and friends get to know each other better or promote the education of our members on important church matters. Examples include Sunday brunches and coffees, potluck dinners or picnics, family movies, parties, or lectures at the Church and childcare during any of these activities.
For Wilson Challenge Fund projects, matching funds of 50% of the total project cost are required. Project costs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. If you are interested in developing a Wilson Fund project, you may contact Foundation president Charlie Nelson by calling 330-807-7351 or emailing cnelson@neo.rr.com, or Foundation Treasurer Bill Jordan by calling 330-618-7738 or emailing jordan@uakron.edu.
Making Portfolio Investment Decisions
The Foundation Board has the following responsibilities:
To be good stewards of the funds entrusted to the Foundation for the benefit of the Church, protecting and growing the Foundation’s assets while staying true to our values as Unitarian Universalists.
To distribute funds to the church to support the operating and capital needs of the church based on clear formulas consistent with management of endowment funds and direction that might be provided by the creators of specific funds.
In the early years, the portfolio was heavily weighted with energy stocks, particularly oil stocks, as well as public utilities. This resulted from the Pardee bequest which was taken as Caroline Pardee’s investment portfolio, the Wilson Fund provided by Charlie Wilson with specific recommendations for investments in the Wilson Fund portfolio and the Aron Fund wherein Marion Aron was very directive as to the public utility investments in the portfolio.
Over the last several years, the Board, working with our investment advisor, has eliminated all fossil fuel investments from the portfolio. Further, investment in socially-responsible investments has increased and continues to be reviewed for additional investments. The Foundation board has intentionally reviewed our portfolio in comparison with the UUA’s investments for some years. At present, about 60% of investments are aligned with similar purposes.
INFO on COVID Vaccines from our Intergrated Health Ministry
Summit County is now vaccinating individuals 75 years of age and older and those with defined medical conditions. The best way to know when you are eligible is to register for vaccine distribution notices through the Summit County Department of Health website. If you know of someone who needs assistance with this process, you are able to help!
The registration process can be difficult for some. You are able to complete registration for another with their permission and you will need basic health information, so it is helpful to complete the form with the individual over the phone or in person. You are also able to accompany another to their scheduled appointment. Appointments are being done via drive through in some locations and in converted indoor spaces in others. It is designed for population health and mass vaccination and it may not feel safe to some. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns about the process as I received my first dose and experienced my first drive through vaccination process at the same time!
Below is the link to Summit County Health Department's vaccine notification enrollment form and the current vaccination schedule they are following.
https://www.scph.org/covid/vaccine
- The week of Jan. 25: Ohioans 75 years of age and older; those with severe congenital or developmental disorders.
- The week of Feb. 1: Ohioans 70 years of age and older; employees of K-12 schools that wish to remain or return to in-person or hybrid models.
- The week of Feb. 8: Ohioans 65 years of age and older.
STEWARDSHIP OF THE EARTH
It may be cold outside, but the sun is working for UUCA! In October of 2019, we threw the switch to start collecting energy from the solar panel system we installed as part of our “Greener and Safer” campaign, which also included the new windows in the classroom wings. The panels are easier to see on Google Maps than they are in person, but you can just see them on the roof of the RE classroom wing from the Community Garden.
Our system was installed by Third Sun Solar, and has 44 panels which generate 15.2 kWp of peak power. In 2020, they produced 15.55MWh of electricity, saving us about $2000 in electricity bills! We have access to real-time monitoring, which allows us to see production by the year, month, week, and day. You can even see how the output changes through the course of the day depending on cloud cover. Here is a graphic from our site showing how many pounds of carbon dioxide emissions have been saved by our system, and the equivalent number of trees planted.
If you have thought about putting solar panels on your own home, you will be glad to know that the Investment Tax Credit for installing solar panels has been extended through the end of 2022, so you can receive a credit on your taxes for 26% of the cost of the system! You can find more information about the tax credit and other information about solar power at Solar United Neighbors. Renewable energy at UUCA: one more reason to smile when the sun shines!
February Board of Trustees Meeting
UUCA Board of Trustees Meeting for February
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 976 4236 6577
Passcode: 331129
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 976 4236 6577
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Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021, 07:00 PM
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WHO WE ARE
Email: uuakronoffice@gmail.com
Website: www.uuakron.org
Location: 3300 Morewood Road, Fairlawn, OH, USA
Phone: 330-836-2206
Facebook: https://facebook.com/UUAkron
Twitter: @UUAkron