Unsung UURMaPAn for 2017 — Ellen Brandenburg

The winner of the 2017 Unsung UURMaPAN Award is the Rev. Ellen Brandenburg. Marni Harmony presented the award at our Florida conference. In the citation, Marni recognized Ellen’s work with ministerial aspirants as the Ministerial Credentialing Director for the UUA and her role in developing the Regional Sub-Committees on Candidacy.

Since her retirement, Ellen has volunteered as a docent at the Peabody Essex Museum, an outstanding art museum near her home in Salem, Massachusetts. She survived a health crisis and the death of her husband George and continued her involvement with the Salem congregation. After George’s passing, Ellen studied the nuances of sailing and successfully became the skipper of their sailboat.

She has quietly said “yes” to some things that keep UURMaPA going. She joined the task group with me and the UURMaPA Vice President before me to research and deduce who would receive our Creative Sageing Award. She chaired the UURMaPA Nominating Committee for two terms, from 2009 to 2013 and both she and George were famous for the hospitality they provided at the Attleboro fall conferences. Writes Diane Miller, “Ellen sails on an even keel, even when the waters are rough. She meets challenges with an open and clear mind. She connects with people with equanimity and genuine interest.”

Marni concluded, “This is the award for the “Unsung” UURMaPAn. Although I know some, I don’t know all the ways Ellen has contributed to the greater good. But I do know that among her talents — and they are many — Ellen can easily bring us joy and laughter as she carefully hangs spoon after spoon on her face. That, alone, would be enough to warrant this award.”