At our recent UU Community Worship celebrating volunteers when VP Bev Ryan presented the Connie Cheetham Award to Sharon Baiocco. After nearly 20 years of devoted service to the UUCville community, this recognition is so beautifully deserved.
The Connie Cheetham Award recognizes members for extraordinary service over a significant period. Named after Connie Cheetham, who became the first recipient in 1987, this lifetime achievement recognition celebrates those who have woven their lives into the fabric of the UUCville community.
Sharon’s leadership in Environmental Justice has been truly inspiring – helping UUCville achieve Green Sanctuary certification in 2011 was no small feat! Her environmental advocacy extended to protesting mountaintop coal removal, helping to create the UUCville sacred tree tour, and developing the green newsletter called “TJMC Green News.”
Her contributions extend far beyond environmental work. Her involvement with PACEM demonstrates her commitment to addressing homelessness in the community. Through her work with the UU Service Committee, she’s helped connect local efforts to broader social justice initiatives. As an Afghan Refugee Welcome mentor, Sharon engaged in an active relationship with “our Afghan family” helping them adjust to their new life in America and creating a home here. Sharon also personally wrote many Refugee Welcome Updates to inform the UUCville community of the family’s progress.
Sharon’s participation in both the UUCville Choir, the Community Justice Choir and let’s not forget the Green Grannies has been a wonderful gift to the congregation. Perhaps many don’t know that Sharon personally made all the beautiful stoles that the choir members wear – a labor of love that combines her artistic talents with her dedication to the music ministry.
Her steady friendship and support for fellow members—especially her dear friend Glenn Short—exemplify the kind of loving community UUCville strives to be. It’s these quiet acts of compassion that often mean the most, and Sharon has offered them generously over the years.
What stands out about Sharon’s service is how it reflects all the values that make UUCville special. From environmental advocacy to immigrant support, from handcrafted stoles to personal friendship – Sharon has lived out the commitment to diversity, justice, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Congratulations, Sharon! Your deep and lasting contributions have made UUCville a richer, more vibrant place for all.
