Unsung UURMaPAns for 2015 — Vern and Sue Nichols

The 2015 Unsung UURMaPAn Award was given at the recent Attleboro Conference to Vern and Sue Nichols. In the statement that accompanied his presentation, Dick Gilbert cited the many ways that Vern and Sue have served as superb Area Caring Coordinators for the Metro New York/New Jersey cluster:

“They are very attentive to the needs of fellow clergy and partners… with phone calls, e-mails and personal visits. They have facilitated the attendance of other NYC area UURMaPAns at the Attleboro Conference, and have organized many informal get-togethers such as museum visits, attendance at concerts, excursions, and ‘game night’ gatherings.”

In retirement, Sue and Vern have been deeply involved with the UU United Nations Office, Sue serving as co-director from 1986-1993 and Vern as the President Emeritus of the UU NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace and Security. He has published articles and represented the organization at international conferences; she has attended meetings of the International Association for Religious Freedom. Sue also volunteered for New York Public Radio and sang with the St. George’s Choral Society.

In their letter of thanks to the Board, they wrote “It has been a privilege for Sue to serve on the UURMaPA Board and for both of us to serve as Caring Network Coordinators for the NY Metro District since 2004.” They went on to list several of their recent gatherings, and hoped that after their move to Portland, OR to be near family, their successor Caring Coordinator would have as much fun as they have had.