Hi All,

We thought it might be valuable to have a message from the President in our eNewsletter so we thought this would be a good time to start.  The fall is such a beginning time for all and a beautiful time of year with all the glorious colours we see all around us, at least until our next big wind... so precious is that time.  So precious is our Unitarian community with women elders being supported in a meaningful way with a new group.  Huggabowl is starting up a 1st Base Dinner Club for the first time on October 29th.  Volunteer students from Crescent Heights High School are making this happen as part of their volunteer commitment for Social Justice.  We will review afterwards to learn about what works and what needs improvement to keep this joint venture a success.  We are planning a monthly meal for now and see how it all works.  Our negotiations continue with First Kids, a Before and After School program, to rent our lower level.  We hope it works out to benefit both of us.  Just as an aside, we are getting new neighbours, a day care, in the newly renovated old school house building.  Speaking of more activity on our site, I know many have had difficulty parking so we are contacting Balmoral School and our City Councillor to see if we can get more designated parking... cross your fingers, please.  You know the Board works hard with many issues, behind the scenes sometimes, but the consideration that is given to our values is what makes it all worthwhile.  Our Strategic Plan that we developed at the Board Fall Retreat will be shared with the congregation shortly and we will welcome input.  So many people make our community a very blessed place to be, from UUphonia, Men's Group, Women's Group, Mindfulness class, Deepening Faith time, and much more.  We have been very lucky to have Chelsea P. and Lea come to the rescue and take on the Children's Program for us on short notice.  Martin continues to be such a wonderful addition and of course our Music Program is going tickety-boo with Matthew.  I hope you all feel welcome when you come to our services and activities, and leave feeling blessed from your time with us.

Blessed Be, Lillias C.