News and Notes, from TUC and beyond...

            What's the most fun a member or friend of TUC can have outside of church? That's right, the church's donut date has been announced. It is May 31. (No, that's not Memorial Day weekend). Contact James Kane to reserve your favorite job and time. For newcomers, Donut Day is a TUC tradition. We make and sell donuts at the Oak Park Farmers market to raise funds for our church. It can be hard work, and we need lots of help.  But it's full of camaraderie, and you are helping the church through the sweat of your own brow without having to bug anyone to buy something. TJ Bamonte had so much fun last year he wants to work two shifts!!!

            TUC tourista extraordinaire Marge Gamboa will be escorting a small group to Peru, June 14-28, 2008.  If you're interested in joining her, please call 630-887-1931, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

            Do you know of a TUC'er who's done exemplary work on behalf of the congregation, but who hasn't gotten the recognition she or he deserves? Help them let their light shine and nominate them for 2008 "Volunteer of the Year" award!  The awardee will be recognized at the June 15, 2008, "Celebration of Life" with a handsome, framed picture of our newly re-designated landmark building.  Send a nomination of no more than 300 words via e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or send a note via US Mail in care of James Kane, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the church address.  All submissions must be received by May 15, 2008, and votes for nominees will be tallied by the Board of Trustees at its May 2008 meeting. 

            Thursday, May 29 from 7 to 8:30 pm in Hull Chapel at First Unitarian Church, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago IL 60637.  www.firstuchicago.org. Come join born and raised UU, Chuck Collins, for a lively workshop and conversation examining the growing disparity of income and assets over the last thirty years and its adverse impact on our democratic institutions, public health, economy, and civic life. Right before our very eyes, American history is repeating itself - we are living in a Second Gilded Age. A century ago, progressively minded Americans faced the same extreme inequality we face today. Grand concentrations of private wealth, then as now, dominated ˜ and corrupted ˜ our democracy and made for a politics more focused on preserving privilege than helping average families. However, the Working Group on Extreme Inequality, an emerging coalition of national labor, religious, business and civic organizations are taking extreme inequality to heart and are organizing around poverty, economic insecurity and "raise the floor" policy campaigns. Chuck will talk with us about the dangers of concentrated wealth and power ˆ and introduce specific policies that could help reduce concentrated wealth.  Come Learn About the Working Group on Extreme Inequality and its organizing work in Chicago! Sponsored by: UU's for Social Justice, Task Force on Economic Justice and Homelessness

            "H.E.L.L.O. (Homeless Experts Living Life's Obstacles)" will be presented by UU's for Social Justice (UUSJ) at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m.   Youth who have been or are now experiencing homelessness will share their stories.  They have participated in programs of The Night Ministry and The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.  They are sponsored by H.E.L.L.O., an advocacy group supporting homeless youth in the Chicago area.

            David Kraft trained under Al Gore and his Climate Project, has written extensively on nuclear issues and produced over 12 TV shows on that subject.  Meetings of HWSC are always open to the public.  For further information contact Jack Sechrest at 630 554-8058 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

            Here's another alert on travel sponsored by one of our sister congregations in California: An hour north of San Francisco are the lush vineyards, world class wineries and picturesque small towns of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. We invite all UUs and friends to share the beauty of our "home" through the UU Fellowship of North Bay's "Wine Country Excursions." We offer small customized two day tours of our valleys which can include wine tastings, art galleries, museums, scenic trails and much more. We provide private rooms with bath in the homes of our members and experienced guides to conduct tours in their cars.  Napa itself is alive and vibrant with galleries, boutique shops, world-class restaurants, wine tasting rooms and entertainment. Sites of special interest include COPIA (The American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts); Jack London's home (now a state park); the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone; the diRosa Art and Nature Preserve.
    Tours are offered from May through October, 2008.  Plan for two days of touring and a two or three night stay with all local transportation provided.  Home hospitality without tours is also available.  Our fees are much below market rates for similar services.  All proceeds to help our Fellowship grow and purchase property in this expensive real estate market. We have limited openings, so contact us now for details. Call Tom Wilson at 707-254-7443, or send him an e-mail note at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
    After a recent stay, one contented UU traveler said, "Napa was as delightful as I had expected.  What was equally important and somewhat unexpected was the profound connections I felt with my hosts and hostesses."

            Join UUs from around the country in Niagara Falls, July 20-23, 2008. Come experience the wonder of Niagara Falls including some great educational opportunities while being taken care of like royalty.  The UU Church of Niagara is conducting a four day UU Niagara Experience which is a lifetime opportunity to encounter the Falls up close from every perspective.  Spend four days with us exploring the rich history and natural beauty around the Falls.  For information visit our web site: www.uunex.net.  You don't have to be UU to join us!