First Unitarian Society of Ithaca events are held at 306 N. Aurora St unless otherwise specified. For more information, email office@uuithaca.org.

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Environmental Interest Circle (EIC)
May 1 at 7 pm, in the parlor and over Zoom

We will organize next steps for each of us and the congregation to keep saving money and improve the sustainability of our lives. Meetings are the first Wednesday of the month. All are welcome. Please join us. Contact Matt Franke-Singer at mfs@twcny.rr.com for further information.

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Adult Religious Exploration
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Stephanie D’Amico
Sunday, May 5 at noon in the Annex

This program covers the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia, explores their relationship, examines what happens in a brain affected by Alzheimer’s, details the risk factors and three general stages of the disease, identifies FDA approved treatments available for symptom management, looks ahead to what’s on the horizon for Alzheimer’s research, and offers helpful Alzheimer’s Association resources. People do not need to register.

Stephanie is a program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter. Her primary responsibility is to assure the expansion of quality caregiver programs throughout the southern tier region. In this role, Stephanie also oversees a team of community educator volunteers who assist in the delivery of programs both in-person and virtually. Stephanie is a trained community health professional with 15+ years-experience working in the not-for-profit sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Brockport, majoring in health sciences and minoring in biology.

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Intro to Mindfulness Meditation
A six-week series on Thursdays, April 11 through May 16
6 – 7 pm in the Arch Room

Topics will include mindfulness of the body, emotions, thoughts and beliefs, and how to use compassion as a tool with mindfulness. 
Taught by FUSIT Congregant, Seema Mathur.

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Care Cafe
Sundays, May 12 and 26 from 12:15 – 1:45 pm
in the FUSIT library

The Care Cafes provide an intimate, loving space for members to come together and share their thoughts and feelings, and their joys and sorrows as they navigate along their spiritual paths, both as individuals and as part of a community. The Care Cafe will be facilitated by Rev. Peaches Gillette and Christine Kapral, both professionals trained in counseling, pastoral care and spiritual directions. Each gathering will focus on a loosely structured theme around spirituality, encouraging participants to freely explore all aspects of their spiritual journeys. Please contact Christine or Rev. Peaches with any questions. There will be a sign-up sheet in the parlor on each scheduled day during coffee hour for those who plan to attend.

Rev. Peaches Gilette assocdcl@uuithaca.org Christine Kapral christinekapral@yahoo.com.

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May Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 pm

The board meeting is a hybrid format, taking place in the church parlor and through Zoom. Monthly board meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday of the month (note change of date for May due to Annual Meeting). All FUSIT members are invited to attend this meeting. Ten minutes are set aside at the beginning of the meeting for congregation feedback. Please join us!

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Spring Cleaning!
Saturday, May 18 from 9 am – 12 pm

Our annual spring workday will be Saturday, May 18. If weather permits, there will be some outdoor work to do for all ages, but the majority will be cleaning out the Parish House attic and taking loads to recycling, ReUse, and donation sites. If you can help for any amount of time, please join us! Great conversations always happen at these work days, and if enough people are interested, we can order lunch at noon! Any questions? Contact Sara Catterall sara.catterall@gmail.com

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Adult Religious Exploration
Black Women’s Mental Health
Leslyn McBean-Clairborne
Sunday, May 19 at noon in the Annex

Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Ed.D. is the Executive Director of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), and a lecturer at Ithaca College. She is also a recently retired 20-year member of the Tompkins County Legislature, where in 2020 and 2021, she was elected as Chairperson making her the first person of color to hold this position on the Legislature. She is a 30-year veteran facilitator, mediator, and a certified mediation trainer. She is also a trained actress who has graced the stage locally, nationally, and internationally since the age of 4. Leslyn hails from Guyana, South America and has lived in Ithaca for 34 years. She loves and lives for family – her husband J.R. Clairborne and children Julius, Kelsey, and Indira. She has lived her entire life on the premise that it is important to stay involved in organizing and advocacy and being committed to equity and systemic change.
She will be presenting on her research related to Black women’s mental health.

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Beacon on Aurora – an evening with Hiroya Tsukamoto
Sunday, May 19 at 7 pm

 Hiroya is a one-of-a-kind guitarist and composer. Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan and in 2000, he received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and came to the U.S. Since then, he has been performing internationally including United Nations, Blue Note in New York and Japanese National Television. Hiroya has released six albums. Most recently, he won 2nd place in the International Finger Style Guitar Championship in 2022.
Doors open at 6:30 and the concert starts at 7 pm. $20 suggested donation at the door. Cash preferred. More information.

Contact Music Director, Stephanie Ortolano, at music@uuithaca.org if you are interested in helping make this series a success! Bakers, coffee makers, and ushers needed!

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Annual Meeting
Tuesday, May 21 in the Parlor and Sanctuary
Pizza at 5:30, Meeting at 6 pm

All FUSIT members are invited to the annual meeting to vote on the 24-25 budget and to elect candidates for the Board of Trustees and the Nominating Committee. More information will be sent out in the coming weeks. 

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8th Principle Action Ministry
Wednesday, May 22 at 7 pm over Zoom

The 8th Principle Action Ministry (formerly the Antiracism Ministry Team) meets every fourth Wednesday. They will be continuing educational efforts so that we may as a congregation “accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

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Women’s Circle
Monday, May 27, 7 – 8:30 pm

The Women’s Circle usually meets via Zoom on the 4th Monday of the month. All who identify as women are welcome. This is a drop-in group, so no need to sign up. Anyone is welcome to bring a poem or a reading. For information or questions contact Nancy Miller at ananda7733@gmail.com or 607-539-7733. 

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Pub Theology
Tuesday, May 28 at 6:30 pm
Liquid State Brewing

Join us at Liquid State Brewing for an evening of good fellowship and conversation at our favorite local brewery (owned by FUSIT members!). We will gather at 6:30 pm and reflect together on our monthly theme of Pluralism. Non-beer and non-alcoholic drinks options available! 21 and over please. Bring your friends! Hope to see you there! Pub Theology takes place on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 620 West Green Street, Ithaca.

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Ithaca Festival
May 30 – June 2

Please join us as we march through the streets of Ithaca as a part of the Parade. Or visit us in Dewitt Park at our table for information and activities. Sign up to march in the parade or volunteer to table at the link below!

Ithaca Festival Sign Up

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Religious Exploration Events for Children/Parents

All Things “Baby” Swap 
Saturday, May 4 from 12 – 5pm

Come swap out the old for something new! Maternity wear, Premie-5T Children’s Clothing and shoes, Baby gear/accessories, Children’s toys and books…You do not need to bring anything to take what you need!

All items must be in gently-used condition (no major rips/stains). Not accepting cribs, changing tables, pumps & pump parts/ accessories, or car seats at this time. Please come browse and take what you could use!
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Music for Little People
Every Other Tuesday from 1 – 1:45 pm
May 7 and 21, Arch Room
Share in the joy of music in this bi-weekly class which is free and open to the public. Children 0-5 and their caregivers are welcome to meet us in the Arch Room on two Tuesdays in May. Sing, play, dance, explore instruments, and connect through music.
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Small Group Ministry for Parents – Childcare Provided
Sunday, May 19 from 12 -1 pm
First Unitarian Society of Ithaca – Library
Last month a new Small Group Ministry began, especially for individuals who are actively parenting. The group follows the Soul Matters themes with a focus on how they are related to the journey and experience of being a parent. Gatherings take place monthly on the third Sunday from 12 -1 pm, with childcare available. We invite you to join us for an opportunity for fellowship and community within our larger First UU community, in a safe, confidential and nurturing environment. 
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Party in the Park
Stewart Park
Sunday, May 26, 1 – 3 pm
Join us at Stewart Park after services for a family playdate in the park celebrating a year of togetherness and connection. Lunch will be provided and additional snacks and drinks to share are always welcome and appreciated.