BUUF News – November 2009

Contents

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

I'm liking the feel of things around the Fellowship these days. Seems like I often leave a meeting saying, "That meeting made me happy." (Please know that that has not been a particularly common response to meetings, over the years.)

What makes me happy is a combination of getting the work done and taking care of each other as a community.

For instance, after our Stewardship Committee chair had conferred with some other church leaders, she wrote the lovely thank-you notes all you pledgers received. She understands the need for financial stability, if we are to make our church what we want it to be-- and she understands that relationships come first. She gets it that our church will never be what we want it to be, even if we were rich as Midas himself, if we don't attend to heart, spirit and soul.

Over and over, folks are attending to business, which is of course good, since we would descend into touchy-feely chaos if all we were doing was relationship. At the same time, we are taking each other's feelings and positions into account, watching out for each other -- and that makes the business easier to do.

And how about that Living Community Symposium? Meditation, discussion, movement, food, fun, conversation, commitment -- sort of like being human together!

Thanks, everyone. If you haven't noticed or haven't joined in on the fun work, we're all glad to have you!

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Sanctuary

Judy Frederick

It is fall. We gather in together for the winter yet to come and slide into the rhythm of shorter days and longer nights after the long hot summer. The chaos and fear of the larger world has effected each of us in some way. We are in need.

We come seeking sanctuary; a place of safety amidst the storm, a place where we are nurtured, inspired, heard, and where we bring our abilities to listen deeply to one another and respond to the challenges. In the process we find ourselves renewed.

I was called to serve (ok--perhaps it was more strong-armed) as your board president after our intended president resigned to take a job elsewhere. I was called in a similar circumstance about ten years ago at another time of great change. We were selling our old church home and searching for new digs. Hence, the "pastoral pasture" as our present home was called at first, underwent the beginning of the transformation you see now with the building and beautiful grounds we enjoy. We are a work in progress.

In 1978 I signed the membership book. I had attended briefly two years earlier, then moved to Reno Nevada where I joined the fellowship there and became their RE director. It was quite a change from here, as my directions in Reno were to "keep them down in the basement and quiet." At least they said "please.: Then I came home again a single parent. My children were 8 and 10. I arrived in Idaho the day before Thanksgiving and was back in the Fellowship a week later. BUUF was my ballast in one of the storms of my life. My sanctuary. It is here, in this community, that I have made some of the most significant relationships. I even met and married my husband here. Here are my people.

Now we are experiencing the excitement and challenge of growth and change again. Long-time members comment on how many people there are that do not know, and perhaps notice changes in how we do things. Newcomers swim into a sea of new faces and can feel disoriented. Change is afoot for us all, just as it has been at every cornerstone we have put into place. But what an exciting time to be here, right in the current, and each with our own unique paddle. We are setting our course, creating the land we want to navigate to, and learning to ride the current together. I believe that in unsettled waters, we do better by tying ourselves one to another, to have a variety of skills to tap into, and to learn to trust as we build history together. It can be an exhilarating ride with a few gasps here and there, but a lot of laughter and memories too.

So, what comes next you ask? Well, stay tuned and keep asking, and step up with your paddle. We need each and every one of us and those unique perspectives and talents.

Thoughts:

- All committees, task forces, the board and other groups, are volunteers. Sometimes we are stretched a bit, so we may not always remember to do everything "just so." This is where you can help by pitching in, and for remembering we are VOLUNTEERING in the midst of already busy lives.

- Sign up -- for coffee, clean-up, RE, committees, task-forces, mailings, you name it, we need it, and this is how you get to know one another best. It is also how to stay "in the loop" if you feel you are not as aware of things as you would like. Concerned about by-laws? Join the group tasked with that piece.

- Our spring Fund Drive is crucial to our ability to pay the bills, pay our employees, and reach beyond ourselves into the community. The Capitol Campaign's success can free up funds for so may of our wishes.

Watch the (new!) Board Corner for an idea of the work we are doing and where you might fit in.

OUR NEW CONSULTANT IS COMING OCTOBER 30 -- NOVEMBER 1. Mary Gleason is from Seattle and will be with us over that weekend to meet all of us and begin to get us headed toward the spring campaign.

So...I will see you at the Fellowship.
JUDY

Religious Exploration

Deck the Halls Celebration

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)

December is just around the corner and it's time once again for merry mayhem in our midst! On the first weekend of December, while everyone is preparing for the upcoming holiday season with all the songs, decorating and merriment, we too at BUUF set aside time to celebrate. On Saturday, and Sunday, December 5 and 6 we have our congregational-wide Deck the Halls event. On Saturday afternoon we gather to make ornaments for the tree, munch on some holiday treats while the children and youth of our Religious Exploration (RE) Program rehearse their parts for the Sunday worship service. Then be sure to come back on December 6 to hear the children and youth explore The Power of Community this holiday season at the single, 10 a.m. service. This is an all-age, community event for everyone! So, don't miss it. Mark your calendars now: Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6. More details about all the holiday happenings are on their way, so be sure to watch for details throughout November in your weekly Order of Services.

Healthy Happy and Wise

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

We want you to be healthy and safe and feeling good! In RE classes we will be doing our best to keep all children healthy and all surfaces clean. We will be following the guidelines put forth by the Boise School District and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Below, please find excerpts from the Boise School District website.

Dear Parents:

The Boise School District has been working closely with Central District Health Department and other local and state agencies to develop a coordinated pandemic preparedness plan using guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These recommendations continue to mature as more information about H1N1 (Novel A Influenza) is developed. We have been, and will continue to work closely with local health departments to implement procedures and strategies for keeping students and staff safe, schools open and our community healthy.

Your role is critical in reducing the spread of influenza this winter. CDC has outlined the following action steps to help keep your family healthy this flu season. We will also be emphasizing the following items with your child throughout the year.

Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. You can set a good example by doing this yourself.

Teach your children not to share personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils, and to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues or use the elbow, arm or sleeve instead of the hand when a tissue is unavailable.

Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of the flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also vomit or have diarrhea.

Keep sick children at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or do not have signs of fever, without using fever-reducing drugs. Keeping children with a fever at home will reduce the number of people who may get infected.

For more information, visit www.flu.gov, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO for the most current information about the flu. For more information about flu in our community visit the Central District Health Department website or call the H1N1 hotline at (208) 321-2222.

Welcoming a Guest at Your Table

Each year at this time, friends and families in our congregation participate in the UU tradition of Guest at Your Table.

Families and individuals learn about how the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee puts our shared principles into action in the U.S. and around the world. Through advocacy, education, and partnerships with grassroots organizations, UUSC promotes economic rights, advances environmental justice, defends civil liberties, and preserves the rights of people in times of humanitarian crisis.

Sharing our blessings through Guest at Your Table ensures that UUSC's human-rights work continues, while building UUSC membership. UUSC members are vitally important because the organization receives no funding from the UUA or the U.S. government.

On November 22, children and youth will receive a box and copies of Stories of Hope in their religious exploration classes. Congregational members are encouraged to pick up these items from a display table as well.

If you would prefer not to bring home a box, you can take a donation envelope or support UUSC directly online at www.uusc.org. And thanks to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY, gifts of $100 or more are eligible to be matched, dollar for dollar, doubling your good works!

Please return your box in early January. Call Becky Groff at 336-4921 with any questions.

COMMITTEES

CCT November News

The Congregational Care Team's Life Skills Training is just around the corner - Saturday, November 7! It's open to everyone, whether or not you want to join the CCT. See full details elsewhere in this newsletter.

We are looking for a few new members for our Team, though. It's not hard work, it can be quite rewarding, and you'll get to meet your fellow BUUFians, especially US - the members of the CCT!

In this time of economic shortfall, our BUUF food pantry has been helpful to many, and we are in steady need of resupply. We find that with the BUUF pantry, as with the Idaho Food Bank, one of the top needs is good protein food, so if you have a can of chili, tuna fish, even corn or beans or a jar of peanut butter that you don't need, bring it on down.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who pitched in on Oct. 4 to make our CCT Sunday service and potluck a success!

Fundraising News

Claudia Fernsworth

Poinsettia Orders

*Volunteers are needed to get them from Edward's Greenhouse on Saturday December 5 at 1:00 pm

*Volunteers are needed at BUUF to organize them by buyer on Saturday December 5 at 1:30 pm

Call Claudia at 853-1526 or just show up. Thanks ahead of time

If you ordered a poinsettia, you can pick it up anytime after the Sunday December 6th service.

Silent Auction

The Silent Auction will be held in the South Wing hall after services on 3 consecutive Sundays—November 1, 8 and 15. There is something for just about everyone. Be sure to come take a look.

Some of the items so far:

• gift certificates for pies, a foot massage, and more
• homemade jam
• jewelry
• hard backed vegetarian cookbooks
• a hand knit scarf
• BSU items
• a mini marshmallow shooter
• My Life Flows On, poetry by Wanda Jennings
• a battery operated domed clock with dolphins
• biscotti jar
• 2 for 1 skating pass from Ice World
• large Corning Ware bowls
• a chenille plant

Bidding will close at 1:15 Sunday November 15. High bidders can take their items after then. Bid often, bid low, bid high, bid early, bid late—in other words: shop, shop, shop and support BUUF at the same time!

Adult Education Program – Enrichment for All

The BUUF Adult Education Committee is busy developing an intriguing schedule of course offerings for Spring 2010. The class listings and registration form will be inserted into the January newsletter. We always welcome suggestions for class topics and possible instructors, and encourage members and friends to share a skill, interest or book title with the congregation by leading a class themselves.

Please contact committee members Webb Van Winkle or Gena Delucchi (Co-Chairs), Ned Brewer, Sue Stadler, Loren Bergeson, or Elton Hall with your ideas. Our next meeting will be Monday, November 23 at 7 p.m. in the BUUF library.

HELP WANTED

Poinsettia Delivery

Volunteers are needed to help transport the poinsettias and then to organize them by buyer on Saturday December 5. See the Fundraising news for specific times. Call Claudia at 853-1526 or just show up. Thanks ahead of time.

Pick Up & Delivery

Once-a-month volunteers are needed to transport food from the food bank to Whittier Elementary. For more information, see the story about the Food Bank Backpack program or contact Sheila Ames at 629-0321 or .

Volunteer at Interfaith Sanctuary

BUUF provides a team of volunteers every Sunday night at the Interfaith Sanctuary Homeless Shelter. See the story titled "We Need Volunteers" in this newsletter for more details.

Sandwich Board Needs Sprucing Up

We have a Sandwich Board which we put out by the mailbox each Sunday morning. It is looking a little worse for the wear and needs some sprucing up. If you are able to help with this project please contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .

SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Community Center is November Offertory Recipient

The Community Center (TCC) will be the November offertory recipient. Each month BUUF gives 25% of the unpledged offertory proceeds to a non-profit organization that is making a substantial difference in the Treasure Valley. TCC is the only facility in southwestern Idaho dedicated as a gathering place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their allies. Having a safe place to meet and socialize - free of harassment - is very important to the LGBT community.

Many LGBT organizations, including Idaho Equality, Youth Alliance for Diversity, Tri-States Transgender and the Metropolitan Community Church meet at TCC. It also offers a walk-in center and a comprehensive lending library, as well as a variety of social events. TCC also publishes Diversity, the statewide LGBT publication, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Like many non-profit organizations, TCC faces an ongoing challenge to keep its doors open and has been raising funds through a cycle of creative fund-raising activities.

Remember: If you write "outreach" on your check, 100% will go to The Community Center.

Food Bank Backpack Display

Besse LaBudde

Did you see the backpack surrounded by the packaged food on the Sunday coffee table? BUUF members are currently sponsoring 5 of these backpacks for Whittier Elementary School students. Several parents explained the backpack food program to their children. An often heard question was, "How would you like to have only this much food for a weekend?" "But," I said to one group, "without the backpack they would have even less and maybe nothing."

Please start thinking ahead to Thanksgiving and Christmas. A chalice circle or other BUUF group as well as families could forego some side dishes and gifts to donate toward a backpack. Sheila Ames, Nancy Rice, Rick Groff, Gary Wyke, and Besse LaBudde are the members of the Social Action Hunger Team most involved with the backpacks. Ask any of them for details.

Sheila Ames is coordinating the once-a-month pick up and delivery of the food inserts from the Food Bank to Whittier. To volunteer, contact Sheila at 629-0321 or .

Mittens & Gloves & Caps, Oh My!

On November 1 we will begin collecting caps, mittens and gloves for Whittier Elementary School, but there's no Yellow Brick Road. Someone from the Social Action Committee will take them to the school where they will keep ears and fingers toasty during cold days.

Nurse Adde asks that we select garments that are of dark colors and are machine washable. Small sizes of mittens or gloves are in great demand because Whittier has a large early childhood program. Pin your donations to the red lines below the name tag racks, and thank you!

When BUUF moved to Garden City, we decided that some of our social action efforts should be directed toward local needs. Many Garden City children who are needy attend Whittier School, and BUUF maintains several support programs for Whittier students.

We Need Volunteers

Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship provides a team of volunteers every Sunday night at the Interfaith Sanctuary Homeless Shelter. One team member volunteers from 5:30pm until 10:00 and another volunteer works from 5:30 until midnight. We could also use volunteers to read to and entertain young children from 5:45 until 7:30. You can visit for an evening before you commit to being a part of the team. Currently, any one team member works approximately every third Sunday. We will accommodate your wishes in terms of volunteering if at all possible. Please contact Rick Groff at 208-794-2505 or if you are interested or have questions.

Voices from the Shelter: stories from the Interfaith Sanctuary

Nancy Rice

The 3 year old girl arrives in her mother's arms, grubby faced but smiling. Her 5 year old sister holding hands with her very pregnant mother looks up and says, "Hi Nancy". These are just two of the nearly dozen children living at the Interfaith Sanctuary.

It's 5:30 when they arrive, hopefully they've already eaten at the mission. If not they forage through the packed family-area refrigerator for food they've labeled and stored or eat fast food at the small table near the locked front door. During the evening they follow their parents outside as they smoke and talk with their friends. Families are not allowed to mingle with the other residents and two large blue trash containers separate the cemented yard. The tall concrete wall can't eliminate the noise from the Connector as cars stream by. Overhead is a large flashing sign advertising everything from beer to hotels.

The kids wander into the family area furnished with well worn chairs, toys, plus a small tv set. Here they color, play make believe, and watch a show until bedtime when the parents wash them in the sink in the ladies' room.

At 9 pm the lights go out. The children fall asleep in a room with three or four other families. Through the thin walls they can hear the men sleeping on the mats in the lounge area and, if they cry, they are usually greeted with a few moans and "Be quiet".

Not the life we remember when we were children. These children are resilient but they are at risk of repeating the behaviors of their parents. What they need is contact with people who are able to truly pay attention to them by reading, playing games, whatever. They need to realize there is another future than living in the shelter. If you have an hour and a half a month to give to these children, please call me. Nancy Rice 208-484-4303.

BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Congregational Care Team presents:

Life Skills Training

Explore the skills of Active Listening,
Knowing your own limits,
Recognizing boundaries,
Communication styles and MORE.

Come join us! We are offering training both for prospective new Congregational Care Team members and for others who are interested -- the training is useful whether or not you become a member of the team (there is no obligation to join, but the training is required in order to join). There is no charge to attend.

Please join us Saturday, November 7 at BUUF from 9am to 4pm, including a potluck lunch from 12-1. Bring a dish to share and your preferred beverage. Coffee and tea will be provided.

The agenda features top presenters:

Rev. Elizabeth Greene will open with "Introduction and getting to know you" (9-10:15am)

Judy Frederick, long time BUUF member and Board President, Certified Grief Educator will help us consider the various losses that life brings and the ramifications for a community (10:30-11:45am).

Potluck (11:45-1pm)

Cheri Buckner-Webb, the founder and principal of Sojourner Coaching, is the receiptiant of a myriad of awards and recognitions for her diversity and leadership efforts that help communities establish multi-cultural inclusive programs (1-2:30pm)

Rev. Greene and the current CCT members will present "making congregational care real at BUUF" for those interested in joining the CCT team. (2:45-4pm)

For more information call Sandy Layser (376-8579), Mary Osterman (385-9950) or any member of CCT. Sign up at the Information Center in the North Vestibule.

Thanksgiving Dinner with Friends

Share a Community Thanksgiving Dinner with BUUF friends. Sign up on the clipboard in the North Vestibule. Fix your favorite Thanksgiving dish or stop by the store and buy one.

We are looking for a host and a dinner location for November 26. Questions: Ask Wanda Jennings at or 362-7563.

Fesztivál! -- Transylvanian Banquet November 7

Purchase your ticket by November 1

This will be a community dinner in the style of a Hungarian celebration to welcome Robert Balint and his family from our partner church in Mészkõ, Transylvania. Here is a sampling from the menu: Appetizers: Liptauer cheese spread, the popular deep-fried cauliflower, stuffed mushrooms, Soup: Gombaleves (traditional mushroom soup); Main Course: Parsley potatoes, salad, Hungarian roast beef (or stuffed peppers—kuetà—vegetarian), dessert: Palacsinta (crepes with nut filling and chocolate sauce) and glazed lemon cake.

As usual, we will also be offering imported Hungarian beverages (by donation). The evening will also feature entertainment and lots of time to get to visit with the Balint Family and BUUF members and friends. When BUUF members have traveled to Mészkõ, the entire congregation comes out to celebrate our partnership. We hope that BUUF can be as welcoming. Please help make this a great celebration by volunteering—kuetà—we need lots of cooks, set-up, etc. Contact Gwyn Reid 336-1536 if you can volunteer.

Chalice Circle Chatter

You (yes, you!) are welcome to come check out the The Everyday Spirituality and Meaningful Rituals Chalice Circle, meeting after the Potluck on the first Sundays of November and December (meeting times will change in January). Please bring something to share that recently touched your heart and spirit - an object, a poem, story of an experience, a picture, a book read, a song heard...

At the last meeting of the First Thursday Chalice Circle we shared Favorite Poems and Songs, covering relationships, cats, lettuce, F.W. Woolworth (much nostalgia followed), the heart and other topics. Each member reflected on what the poem/song meant to him or her, leading to a great deal of reflection on small things that turn out to be important in a person's life. At a previous meeting we discussed Our Greatest Accomplishments.

Curious Explorers Chalice Circle

The Curious Explorers Chalice Circle meets at 12:30 on the First Sunday of each month. We always have an empty chair for new folks to check us out and to join us each month if they choose. We are a friendly group, sharing conversation about topics that are close to our hearts. Recently we've discussed The Road Not Taken, Living Faithfully, and Curiosity. We welcome new folks to our meetings in the Senior High room.

Fellowship switching to two services in January

David Ward

I'm sure you've noticed the wonderful atmosphere flowing through our beloved Fellowship lately. The halls are filled with love as members and friends, both old and new, share, laugh and worship together each and every Sunday morning.

As we grow in love we also grow in numbers. This is a natural result of our Unitarian Universalist values touching the hearts of spiritual seekers throughout the Treasure Valley. While exciting, this growth has resulted in crowded classrooms, a lack of parking and limited seating options, particularly during our traditional single services on the first Sunday of every month. To combat this problem, we have decided:

Beginning on January 3, 2010, the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will be having two services EACH AND EVERY Sunday during the program year.

This was not an easy decision. But we feel it was absolutely necessary.

We are also considering changing the service times and would love your input. We invite you to participate in an online survey that will give us a greater understanding of your likes and dislikes when it comes to Sunday mornings at BUUF. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and is completely confidential. Just follow this link:

These are exciting times, and we really want to hear from you as we work together toward our goal of lifting hearts, broadening minds and honoring the interconnected web of life. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact David Ward at .

Bride of Ministerial Lunches

And you thought Ministerial Lunches had disappeared, didn't you? Nope! Our minister, Elizabeth Greene, and the Committee on Ministry are sponsoring these no-host, no-agenda, twice-a-month friendly gatherings once again.

Tuesday, November 10, 11:30 am, International Chinese Restaurant on Glenwood near Chinden.

Friday, November 20, 11:30 am, URS Building east of Broadway (north side of the street), continuation of the inbound connector. Go in the door closest to the fountain, and the desk person will tell you where the cafeteria is.

We Committee on Ministry folks are hoping lots of people will start showing up, just because we want to be part of building community in all kinds of ways. Join us!

Sage Vegetarian

Tom von Alten

The Sages meet just once this month for our no-host breakfast at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way, Thursday, Nov. 12, 9:30am). Liz Ratcliffe will present "Top 10 Reasons to be a Vegetarian, and How I Learned to Love Eggplant." Bound to be interesting; join us! All are welcome, and no reservation is needed.

New Adult Study and Discussion Group

Each week John Shelby Spong, an Episcopalian Bishop, writes an online article challenging his readers to think about religious, spiritual, political, and social issues in the context of our current culture. He is a controversial liberal Christian who has authored many books challenging traditional religious ideas and practices. His ideas and philosophy align well with UU viewpoints. All are welcome to attend the discussion class, read the previous months articles before class and bring a discussion question. The class will meet every second Sunday during the 11:00 service in the Library. If you would like to receive his online newsletter or have questions, please contact Miriam Woito at .

UUJME News

Debbie Espen

The next meeting of the Boise Chapter of UUs for Justice in the Middle East is scheduled in the BUUF library on Sunday, Nov 22, at 11am. We also have the library reserved to meet every fourth Sunday of coming months.

New members and those interested or just wanting to learn more are welcome. I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the UUJME website prior to the meeting, in particular the page on What You Can Do. If you have questions, email Debbie Espen at with UUJME in the subject line.

Our Whole Selves: On Being Human

Jeanette Ross

We had some fascinating information to consider for our October meeting of the BUUF humanists. A recent nationwide poll asked about self-definitions and choices regarding organized, codified belief and practice, call that 'religion,' and personal notions, feelings, ideas, which we can label 'spirituality.'

Where do people place themselves these days? Where do humanists fit in? As it happens, there's been some shuffling on that long line, and humanists find themselves, surprised and pleased for the most part, closer to the middle. And scientific inquiry, treasured by us has some provocative hints about how the whole brain has a place for wonder and awe. That was the subject for discussion at the October gathering.

For our November 15 meeting, in the library at 11am, Loren Bergeson will lift the binoculars for a look into the future. His subject: "Transhumanism." Ask him if you want to know more. For information about the group, contact Jeanette Ross or Rick Groff. We always leave time for discussion and keep a few spare chairs.

The Other Book Club

Mark your calendars for the following book club discussions, starting at 7pm:

November 8, at Benita Coleman's home (8169 W. Beckton Ln). We will be discussing Indian Agent by Dan O'Brian.

December 13, at Maria Francis' home (5650 N. Lilybrook Way). We will be discussing The Inheritance of Loss, by Kiran Desai.

January 10, we will be discussing The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery. Place TBD.

Happy Reading!

Second Saturday, Fellowship Fun Night

November 14 (sorry about last month). Mark your calendars. Every second Saturday from 6 – 9 PM, November – May there will be a Fellowship Fun Night. Everyone is invited to a potluck dinner followed by entertainment and fun. If you can, come at 5:30 to help set up and we will all do the clean up at the end of the evening. On November 14 we will enjoy a meal, and a choice between a movie or games in the game room. The movie will be Horton Hears a Who -- do you believe in what you can't see? Bring your favorite board games as well.

If you or a group you are in would like to sponsor a fellowship fun night please contact Miriam Woito ( ) and I will send you an easy check list to follow to make your evening a success. We still have a few nights open so let me know!

Rocks Happen . . . Right?

Answer: They 'happen' when nature decrees, or in the case of BUUF's plantings on Garrett, when people decree. There are two tons of rocks and boulders right outside our front door. And those 'people' are Alan Frederick and his sidekick Barb Alexander, both of Landscape Committee fame. Alan (yes, he's Coston's son) is our Head Gardener and Barb is one of our Master Gardeners. Alan designed the area and procured the rocks and boulders, and the two of them added the new plantings, which include bulbs for springtime glory.

So check it out — you'll be delighted. Yes, Virginia. Rocks DO happen.

How to Make Holiday Gift Giving Greener

From your BUUF Green Sanctuary Team

This Holiday Season we hope you will consider giving donations to favorite charities in the names of your loved ones that you usually give gifts to. Many charities now have websites and forms for gift donations along with e-cards or paper cards saying you've donated in someone's name. Give your friends and relatives a card telling them that a donation has been made in their names to this charity. You get a tax deduction, the charity benefits, and your friends will be pleased that their charity has been helped. Sounds like a win-win. No gift wrapping, no package mailing, no mall shopping, no useless gifts being exchanged. What could be easier and greener? Encourage your friends and relatives to do the same for you. Tell them your favorite charities.