The Connie Cheetham Award recognizes a congregation member for extraordinary service to the life of the congregation over a period of years. Connie Cheetham, the wife of our third minister Henry Cheetham, contributed in many ways to the church when she returned to Charlottesville in 1968 after her husband’s death. In 1987, she was the first recipient of this award to honor her long service including leading the Women’s Alliance, serving as our first pastoral visitor, hosting at coffee hour, and fundraiser extraordinaire.

I am so proud to announce our award winners this year: Jude Bias and Kay Frazier. They have been members of UUUCville for 8 years, and what a difference each one of them has made. During this time, they have actively practiced their UU beliefs.

Jude’s contributions to our congregation include the Committee on Ministry, Food Pantry, Yard Sale, Silent Auction, Aesthetics Committee, Nominating Committee, Pledge Drive Team, PACEM, CareNet, Buildings/Facilities Committee, Gardens and Grounds. In addition to these services Jude assisted with pumpkin carving, a dangerous endeavor, events honoring elders, wreath making, Cville Pride Festival, and IMPACT. Jude has been an integral member of the Communications Committee since 2021. She helps with the Website, Facebook, Instagram, taking many photos to post, creating brochures, flyers, e-newsletters, and breeze forms. She also assists committees with any design and communication needs.

Kay’s contributions are also many. She has been integral to the Fundraising efforts since 2017. She modernized our auction and yard sale to keep it going through the covid years by switching to an online auction. She continues as the Lead for our silent auction team. Kay served on the Interim Minister’s Advisory Committee, the Facilities Rental Task Force, Gardens and Grounds Committee as a member and now as an Advisor. She remains active on the Pledge Drive Committee. Kay managed the Summit House Porch Repair fundraiser through our Auction site Auctria. In her 2 terms as Treasurer Kay’s wisdom and hard work have kept this congregation on a path from a time of financial insecurity and misunderstanding to a time of optimism and growth. She promoted the creation of the Stewardship Steering Committee which has been helpful in guiding us to greater financial stability and a strong vision for the future. In addition Kay provides food for CareNet, Helped out with that dangerous event pumpkin carving, assists with the Holiday Party, PACEM, and Cville Pride Festival.

Each of these amazing women has had an enormous impact on the vitality and well-being of UUCville, each in their own way by contributing time, talent, expertise, and energy to our congregation in abundance, and we thank you for your contributions to our congregation.
.