May 28, 2009 – Free Congregation Newsletter
Dear Members and Friends, May 28, 2009
In just a little over two weeks, we’ll be convening the Free Congregation’s Annual Meeting – its 156th, if my calculations are correct. The Freie Gemeinde von Sauk County was organized in October of 1852 but did not elect its first trustees until March 6, 1853, and did not incorporate until June 30, 1853. On July 12th of that year, it recorded 90 members.
Speaking of Members…
One of the more pleasurable items of business on the Annual Meeting agenda is the recognition of new members – those who have joined the congregation since the last annual meeting. Last year we recognized, if my memory serves, eleven new members. We would dearly love to recognize that many again this year, but to do so, we’ll need about eight people to sign our membership book between now and the meeting on June 14th. I’m confident we have that many people interested… all we need is the very slightest push, provocation, or indication from you! Push me, push Glen Johnson, push Andrew, push any two board members. You’ll receive a free Park Hall book, reduced rates on Park Hall events and facility rentals, and the privilege of burial at the Freethinkers’ Cemetery… at some time in the future… (if you want it). And, of course, you’ll be a member of the only Free Congregation in the world! - Michael
Fifth Sunday “Short Program” and Field Trip
If you’re wondering how a part-time Speaker of a free congregation fills those long, uneventful hours between Sunday reflections, you can either drop by Park Hall at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday – to hear Andrew Kerr talk about organic produce farming – or meet us at Andrew and Jennifer’s Greenspirit Farm on State Highway 23 just north of Dodgeville… to see how it’s done. Or both!
If you plan on joining the field trip, you may want to pack a lunch and be sure to bring appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear. We’ll plan on gathering there at 12:00 noon. Here are driving directions:
If you’re in or near Madison, you can take Hwy 18/151 to Dodgeville, exit on 18 (taking you to Hwy 23 north), and head north from Dodgeville on Hwy 23 a few miles. Greenspirit Farm is on your left less than one-half mile after the entrance to Governor Dodge State Park (on your right).
From most other locations, get to Spring Green and take Hwy 23 south, across the Wisconsin River (and through Frank Lloyd Wright country), and continue about 10 miles. Continue past the intersection with State Hwy 130 (on your right) and then past the intersection with Norwegian Hollow Road (also on your right). The farm will be just ahead on the right.
Free Dance Draws 75 People
On Friday, May 22, a FREE DANCE – the first of several FREE EVENTS celebrating the 125th anniversary of Park Hall – was successfully staged by Ruthann Corrao and Matt Baumgartner (who did a terrific job selecting the music) and attended by at least 75 people, all of whom took to the dance floor, and many of whom were brand new to Park Hall. This is good, even though, astonishingly, only four Free Congregation members were in attendance. Special thanks to RuthAnn for all the coordination; to Ruthann, Matt, and Briana Burns for set-up; and to someone’s favorite dance partner, Gigi.
Please Make Your Pledges (if you haven’t already) this Week
At its meeting on June 9th, the FC Board or Directors will approve the budget that will be voted on at the Annual Meeting five days later. We desperately need more information from you, our members and friends, about 2009-10 contributions before we can responsibly present that budget for a vote. That’s all we’ll say… other than “Thank You” for responding to this appeal.
Reviving the Father’s Day Weekend Camp-Out…?
How about it? We’ve done this several times in the last decade, but not for a few years. White Mound County Park, located between Plain and Loganville, has group campgrounds (as well as individual sites, for those of you who need to “get away a little”). We would likely reserve one of the group camps for both Friday and Saturday nights (June 19 & 20). You could camp one or both nights, or just drop in for the day or the evening meal. Horse camping? You bet, it’s available. Gigi La Budde has offered to lead a prairie hike, Michael’s offered to lead a mushroom hike, and Glen’s offered to cook up whatever we bring back! Who’s interested? Please reply to Glen Johnson or to Michael.
“Intro to the Free Congregation” Session: Yes, but When?
A month or so ago, more than a dozen people expressed interest in attending an Introduction to the Free Congregation session, but the first proposed date, the evening of May 28th, went over like a tax increase. We will deduce from this that the end-of-May/beginning-of-June is a bad time of year for most people. We’ll try again in a few weeks. If you haven’t already let Michael know that you’re interested, please do so.
Staff Office Hours this Summer
Now that it’s farming season, Speaker Andrew Kerr will be holding office hours from 5:00-8:00pm every other Thursday, beginning May 28. Now that it’s teaching season, Administrator Michael Whaley’s regular office hours in the summer will be 12:00 to 4:00pm on Wednesdays.
Upcoming Programs, Events, Meetings
Sunday, May 31, 10:00am – 5th Sunday Program and Field Trip – We will have a half-hour program at Park Hall, on the topic of “Organic Farming,” followed by a field trip to Greenspirit Farm, the organic produce CSA owned and operated by our own Jennifer and Andrew Kerr and family. If you can’t make the program but would like to join us at the farm, find your way there (see directions, above) by 12:00 noon.
Sunday, June 7, 10:00am – 1st Sunday Spiritual Reflection Hour – This special roundtable discussion will feature The Four Agreements (based on the book by Don Miguel Ruiz): “Be Impeccable with Your Words”; “Don’t Take Anything Personally”; “Don’t Make Assumptions”; and “Always Do Your Best.” More details next week. Reece Donihi is the contact person for 1st Sunday programs (643-8326; ramphoto@verizon.net)
Tuesday, June 9, 6:30pm – FCSC Board Meeting at Park Hall. The Board will be finalizing the 2009-10 budget, which will be voted on at the June 14th Annual Meeting.
Sunday, June 14, 10:00am – Annual Meeting of the Free Congregation
Community News and Events
River Arts Center
Eric Genuis, pianist and composer, will perform at the River Arts Center on May 30 at 7:30 p.m. He is well-known for his wide repertoire including his own original compositions. Durward’s Glen and River Arts, Inc. are collaborating to provide this performance to benefit historic Durward’s Glen and the River Arts, Inc. Steinway B piano fund.
Joining Genuis will be three professional musicians: soprano Caroline Brooks, violinist Alexandra Early, and cellist Sophie Webber.
