Treasurer

Job Description
(Approved by the Board on 5/16/24)

Rationale: The Treasurer maintains all financial records for UURMaPA, handles all income and expenses, and reports to the Board monthly on the financial status of the organization. The Treasurer sends memorial gifts for deceased members. For each fiscal year (January-December), the Treasurer prepares an annual Income/Expenses Report and a proposed Budget, in consultation with the Board. They work with the President on any fundraising appeal for contributions from our members. The Treasurer works with the VP to ensure that a periodic financial review is conducted. The Treasurer will periodically submit articles to Elderberries regarding UURMaPA’s financial status.

Expectations: Specific tasks of the Treasurer include the following:

Financial Records: The Treasurer requests authorization from the Board to open accounts in a bank or other financial institutions as needed and is empowered to oversee execution of needed agreements to complete the process.

Income:

Contributions – UURMaPA’s chief source of revenue is voluntary contributions from members. The Treasurer works with the President to send appeal letters to encourage contributions and sends acknowledgement notes for those funds received.

Memorial Donations and Bequests – UURMaPA regularly receives donations in memory of deceased members and has at times been notified that the organization is the beneficiary of bequests taken out by members through gifts to the UUA. Memorial gifts are currently placed in the UURMaPA Endowment Fund or other fund as determined by the Board. Large bequests may be allocated to projects as determined by the Board. The Treasurer may be given responsibility for acknowledging any of these gifts on behalf of the Board.

Endowment Fund – As of 2013, the UURMaPA Endowment Fund was invested in the UUA Common Endowment Fund. The Treasurer was empowered to execute that initial transaction and to make future deposits upon receipt of endowment contributions.

Grants – UURMaPA may apply for and receive grant funds to support special projects. The Treasurer keeps separate accounting for these grant funds and prepares timely reports as needed.

Expenses:

Reimbursements – UURMaPA will reimburse expenses incurred on behalf of the organization by Board members and others. The Treasurer should be consulted by anyone planning to incur non-routine expenses. The Treasurer requires receipts and documentation submitted by those requesting reimbursements.

Memorial gifts – Currently, $50 gifts are sent by the Treasurer upon the death of a member. If a ministerial death, the gift goes to the UUMA Endowment Fund; for a partner death, the $50 goes to a charity of the family’s choice. If there is no designation, the $50 will go to the UUMA Endowment Fund.

Reports: Contributions to UURMaPA are tax deductible. The Treasurer annually files with the IRS the required non-profit corporation forms (including a tax return if UURMaPA annual income should exceed $50,000.) The Treasurer also files an annual report with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in November. They may file online at https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corp/loginsystem/login_form.asp?FilingMethod, CID# is: bx3k28 and the PIN is:8958.

Compiled April 2023; minor revisions made May 2024 – Richard Speck, Treasurer

CONNECTIONS CORNER

Do you want to strengthen your connections with other UURMaPAns? Here are three opportunities:

Join a PEER SUPPORT ZOOM GROUP:

70 UURMaPAns are now involved in 11 regular Zoom Groups.
Though self-governing as to format and schedule, most groups:

> Have 5-8 members
> Choose a Convenor/Facilitator member
> Meet monthly for a 90-minute session to:

* open and close with a reading
* give each member 5 minutes to share “How is it with thy Spirit?”
* spend the remaining time discussing a topic chosen at the prior session (and choosing the next session’s topic.)
> At 6-month intervals, free all to “depart with thanks” or re-commit for 6 months more.

To explore joining or forming a Peer Support group, email fhudson@uuma.org.

Try out a SPECIAL INTEREST ZOOM GROUP:

We currently have 2 open Special Interest Groups. Learn more by contacting the Convenors directly.

> Care-givers: Makannah Morris (revs2uu@aol.com); Sylvia Howe (sylhowe42@gmail.com) > Grief Support: Duane Fickeisen (dfickeisen@uuma.org)

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Partner with (or become) a LOCAL AREA CONNECTOR:

Our membership is clustered into 33 Geographical Areas. In 8 areas, Area Connectors now offer:

> orientation to newly retired & new-to-area UURMaPAns
> annual check-in contact with continuing Area UURMaPAns > support to survivors at an Area UURMaPAn’s death

Check out your Area’s listing: https://uurmapa.org/resources/#Area-Connectors > If your Area has a Connector, contact them to join in their ministry.
> If your Area has no Connector, email fhudson@uuma.org to become one.

Let’s Connect!
Fritz Hudson, Connections Coordinator

Update from the UU Organizations Retirement Plan

MAY, 2024

Dear Friends,

Good news! At our request, Empower added a housing allowance check box to their RMD (required minimum distribution) form.

As you hopefully already know, retired clergy taking distributions may choose to complete a Housing Allowance Distribution Form, rather than the other Empower withdrawal forms, to have taxes suppressed (not withheld) and to receive a form 1099-R that states “taxable amount not determined.”

What is new this month is this: If you wish to request a housing allowance RMD payment and have Empower calculate the RMD amount, you can now complete the RMD form and select the YES box for housing allowance. Call Empower to complete this over the phone or have them send you the RMD form (833-882- 2023).

You can follow this link to see instructions: Completing the RMD Form for Housing Allowance. Please contact us with questions.

In partnership,
The UUA Retirement Plan Team:

Rev. Richard Nugent, Church Staff Finances Director
Gloria Guldager, Retirement Plan Director
Jackie Toone, Retirement Plan Employer Liaison
Anna Gehres, Retirement Plan Specialist

retirementplan@uua.org, (617) 948-6421

Rev. Dr. Arthur E. Curtis

The Rev. Dr. Arthur “Art” E. Curtis died on June 8, 2024, at the age of 90 (1934-2024).

Art was born on May 11, 1934, in Oneonta NY, to Elbert Lewis Beers Curtis and Catharine Simon Curtis. He grew up in a family that encouraged curiosity about the human and natural worlds and fostered a strong love of learning. Art received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Swarthmore College PA in 1955. He then traveled widely, participated in cultural immersion programs in Europe and the Middle East, and spent three years teaching at the International College in Beirut, Lebanon.

After Beirut, he pursued studies in modern European History, earning a Master of Arts from Cornell University NY in 1964. He taught college-level courses afterward and worked as an assistant professor in the Social Science Department of Eastern Kentucky University (1967–1968, 1969–1972). In 1971, he earned a Ph.D. in history from the University of Oregon. From 1972–1979, he worked as an executive director for the Humanities Council, Lexington KY.

In 1974, Art discovered the UU movement in Lexington KY, and quickly became active in the lay-led church there. He took on various leadership roles, serving as board chair, search committee chair, president of the district, and president of the local ACLU chapter. His experience leading the congregation without a minister led him to consider ministry. For him, being in ministry would give him an opportunity and a base for civic involvement and community service. In pursuit of this calling, he enrolled at Meadville Lombard Theological School, and graduated with his Master of Divinity in 1984.

The Rev. Dr. Curtis was ordained on March 25, 1984, by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington KY. Following ordination, from 1984–1987, he served as an extension minister for the Auburn UU Fellowship and the UU Fellowship of Montgomery, both in Alabama. He then served as an interim minister at the UU Church of the Palouse, Moscow ID (1987–1988) and the Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon, SK, Canada (1988–1989). In 1989, the Rev. Dr. Curtis accepted a call from the Anchorage UU Fellowship AK where he would serve until 2001. During his time, the fellowship experienced significant growth and transitioned from the historic Log Cabin Church to its current location on Turnagain Street. Upon his retirement in 2001, the Anchorage UU Fellowship honored him by conferring the title of minister emeritus.

The Rev. Dr. Curtis was a dynamic and thoughtful leader who quickly adapted to the needs of the congregation. He familiarized himself with the church and congregation and was a warm, sympathetic, and caring human being who was always available when needed. Pastoral ministry was his strongest suit. Beyond his congregation, he served the denomination as a member of the UUMA. In 1988, he shared his passion for environmental reverence by leading a workshop on “Gaia: Reverence for the Earth” at the Pacific NW District Annual Meeting.

Art had aesthetic sensitivity combined with a high level of social concern. He was also very sensitive to ethical imperatives for justice and peace in the world and placed his commitment into action. He emphasized an affirmation of life values. From 1972–1979, he served as vice-chair, chair, and secretary for the Central Kentucky Civil Liberties Union. He played a pivotal role in helping the National Interreligious Commission on Civil Rights organize a hearing in Montgomery on civil rights in Alabama and went on to serve as its first secretary (1986–1987). He also volunteered at the AIDS-Saskatoon (hotline) and at Crocus Coop (talking with mental health patients who used it as a social center).

In his leisure time, he found joy in outdoor activities including jogging, hiking, skiing, ice skating, swimming, and tennis, and aesthetic pursuits including ballroom dancing, singing in choral groups, playing violin, reading, and writing poetry, and immersing himself in art books.

His wife Susan shared: “Music was his special love despite being born with an inherited hearing loss. For many years he was able to enjoy his music with the help of a hearing aid. Later, however, he realized he could no longer hear well enough to stay in pitch, so he donated his prized violin to a young violin student. Later still, at the age of 78, he had surgery that enabled him to hear certain voices with a cochlear processor, but music less well.

“Fortunately, he still had the out-of-doors, the night sky, his many friendships, visits with family members, and poetry and art to sustain him. He especially loved sharing poems he had collected over the years. Favorite poems included “Fern Hill” by Dylan Thomas, “Sunday Morning” by Wallace Stevens, “Little Elegy with Books and Beasts” by Nancy Willard, and “Wolf Moon” by Mary Oliver. He also took pleasure in studying closely the paintings of the Flemish masters. He was truly his own Renaissance man!”

Art is survived by his wife Susan Lyden; sister Emily Mandelbaum; sister-in-law Ellen Curtis; nieces Ruth and Audrey Mandelbaum, and Erica and Brenda Curtis; nephew Rodney Curtis; five grandnephews; two grandnieces; as well as three first cousins Jim, Anne, and Tom Conway. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles Curtis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

The Rev. Kent McKusick

The Rev. Kent McKusick died on June 4, 2024, at the age of 72 (1952-2024).

Kent is survived by his spouse James Perrin; brother John McKusick; and nieces Amy O’Connel, Lisa Levasalmi, and Diane Wiley Czarnick.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on August 15, 2024, at the UU Society of Bangor, 120 Park St, Bangor ME 04401.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local theater where you live. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolences may be sent to James Perrin at james.d.perrin@gmail.com or 5509 Wiltshire Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76135.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.

The Rev. Frances Ann Dew

The Rev. Frances “Fran” Ann Dew died on June 1, 2024, at the age of 83 (1941-2024).

Fran is survived by her children Jennifer Dew de Castro (Jose) and Robert Paul Dew (Alison Wright); her granddaughter Isadora Dew de Castro; stepdaughters Patricia Dew Pender, and Roberta Conant (recently deceased (Peter); sisters Bonita Robertson (Donald), and Dorothy Weatherbee (Greg); brothers Ronald King (Diana), Robert King (Helen), Clarence King, Lewis King, Charles King (Karen), William King (Cindy); her step-granddaughters and step-grandsons, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A memorial will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Dixboro United Methodist Church, 5221 Church Rd, Ann Arbor MI 48105.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist
Service Committee
<https://donate.uusc.org/give/188649/#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=topnav&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=website>.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Jennifer Dew de Castro at
dew.jennifer@gmail.com or mailed at 449 Bark Drive, Redwood City CA 94065
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/449+Bark+Drive,+Redwood+City,+CA+94065?entry=gmail&source=g>.

Major David John Turner

David Turner died peacefully on May 31, 2024, while in palliative care at the Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. This was after more than 20 years living valiantly with Parkinson’s. He was born Feb. 10, 1941, in Croydon, UK, to parents George John Turner of Leicester Sussex and Hilda Burgess of Kent, UK. He was married to the Rev. Carole Martignacco.

David joined the Royal Marines as a bugle boy at the age of 15; he was a fitness trainer and served in active duty in Borneo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Malta, and Northern Ireland. In 1976 he immigrated to Canada and took a position as Cadet Commander at Bishop’s College School in Sherbrooke Quebec where he also served as Athletic Director, and Houseparent. He retired in 2005 as Deputy Headmaster.

He is the recipient of several accolades, medals, and awards, notably the Queen’s Jubilee Award in 2002. In 2019 David and Carole moved from North Hatley to the coastal town of St. Andrews in New Brunswick.

David is survived by his loving wife Carole; sons Clifford (Suzanna), Darren, daughter-in-law Shelley Hughes; previous wife Patricia; and stepchildren Michael and Diana Henderson. David is mourned also by stepdaughters Maria, Anna, Lisa and Juliana Martignacco; his brother Malcolm Horsley and sister Wendy Shaw-Kew, and 8 grandchildren. Major Turner is fondly remembered by numerous past students and colleagues from his nearly 30 years at Bishop’s College School, as well as many friends in the Quebec Eastern Townships and in St. Andrews NB.

A memorial was held in St. Andrews on August 25. A second service will be held 1 pm EDT, September 28 at Bishop’s College School in Sherbrooke Quebec. The family appreciates the medical team at Charlotte County Hospital for their excellent care in his last days, and all the kind wishes of family, friends and this supportive maritime community.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the David Turner Scholarship at Bishop’s College School to honour and continue Major Turner’s legacy of steadfast and selfless leadership.

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Torquil MacLean

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Torquil MacLean died on May 29, 2024, at the age of 97 (1926-2024). Ken is survived by his partner Terry Watson and son Derek MacLean.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on September 21, 2024, at the Cedar Lane UU Congregation, 9601 Cedar Ln, Bethesda MD 20814.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made tohttps://www.cedarlane.org/.

Notes of condolences may be sent to: Cedar Lane UU Congregation, 9601
Cedar Ln, Bethesda MD 20814.

A more complete obituary will follow.

President’s Ponderings, May 2024

This is the season of endings and beginnings. Commencement exercises in various institutions mark the end of years of study and the beginning of a new stage in life. Some of our UU congregations are calling or hiring new leadership staff, and ministries are beginning and ending. Here in UURMaPA we are welcoming newly retired ministers and partners or spouses into this community and into a new stage in their lives.

A quick way of describing UURMaPA is to highlight its role as a hub of connection. It is a rather loosely based community that is made up of people automatically enrolled in it by virtue of their statement of retirement from active ministry. What you do with your membership in UURMaPA is totally up to you. But I, for one, hope you will find some way to be active in it—by being part of a Zoom-based group, or attending conferences, or taking part in planing those conferences, or just every so often being in touch with fellow UURMaPAns.

As I’ve thought more about the themes presented in our conference this past April, I’m reflecting on the idea of being an elder. As I noted in my words for the conference ingathering, I wonder how we embrace being an elder in a culture that, as best I can tell, has not prepared us for this.

I know that I see myself as something more than the “senior citizen” caricature or stereotype prevalent in our culture. In that ingathering text I found insight in words from David Whyte’s book Consolations: the Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words (Many Rivers Press; Revised edition, 2021). There’s a reflection on “maturity,” which I know is technically not the same as “elderhood,” but it resonated with me.

“Maturity,” he writes, “calls us to risk ourselves as much as immaturity [does], but this risk is for a bigger picture, a larger horizon, for a powerfully generous outward incarnation of our inward qualities—and not for gains that make us smaller, even in the winning.” So as we navigate what it means to “be retired,” we might also consider how we are consciously engaging being an elder. And this might mean embracing risk.

Maybe we thought we were done with all that. Risk and adventures may be left behind as we settle into times of rest and reflection. Maybe such wildness is meant for those of younger years. But I think here the “risk” is not so much a moment of danger or one of unsure returns. Rather, we may be asking ourselves to risk being who we’ve been becoming over all these long years. Embracing elderhood is inviting us to be open, enlarging ourselves to that possibility.

Wherever we are on that journey toward embracing and becoming elders in whatever setting we find ourselves, UURMaPA can be an important part of the story for many of us. This is a community unique in the way it exists between and among other communities—between our families, our home communities, our religious affiliations (if we are still active in some kind of religious organization or congregation) and other places where we find connection.

So as we move into the summer season, shifting from one mode of being to another, may we find renewal, and perhaps energy to risk being who we are becoming. And it is my hope that whatever path you’re on, you’ll make UURMaPA a part of your journey!

Yours, in the faith, Susan
Susan Veronica Rak (retired but not retiring!)

Vice-President

Job Description
(approved by the Board on 11/2025)

Rationale: The Vice-President fulfills the role of the President when that person is not available and assumes additional responsibilities as outlined below.

Expectations:

The VP serves as liaison to the annual UUA General Assembly, and should plan to attend GA (UURMaPA covers expenses). They participate (if held in person) in the following events that involve UURMaPA:
The VP attends the Service of the Living Tradition (SoLT) to sit with survivors of members who are honored.
The VP attends the Survivor’s Luncheon following the SoLT.
The VP takes a lead role in proposing and implementing any workshops offered by UURMaPA during Ministry Days and/or the program segment of GA.
The VP makes arrangements for a UURMaPA New Member gathering for members and hosts and welcomes new retirees and partners.
The VP oversees the selection of a welcome gift for new members (ministers and partners) and the distribution of these gifts in May or June each year.
The VP selects and chairs a sub-group of at least three volunteers to choose a recipient for the annual Creative Sageing Award, and Unsung UURMaPAn Award to be presented at one of our Conferences. The VP writes the citation for the presentation, which is also edited for publication in Elderberries.
The VP is part of the Taskforce organizing the UURMaPA mentoring program for new retirees.
The VP attends monthly Board meetings and may undertake other tasks as they present themselves.

Compiled by VP Phyllis Hubbell and Judy Gibson for Nominating Committee – 1/2020
Revised by Ned Wight, 4/2023
Revised by Board, 11/2026

Job Description(Approved by the Board on 5/16/24)

Job Description(approved by the Board on 11/2025)

Job Description
(Approved by the Board on 5/16/24)

Job Description
(approved by the Board on 11/2025)