ELSIE GAUDETTE AWARD

September 28, 2003

 In 1991, the Elsie Gaudette Award was created to honor Elsie Gaudette for her unselfish dedication to service in this church.  For those of you who knew her, we were her second family.  She took care of the church itself, the people in it, and the governance of it.  She held office, joined committees, cooked, baked, ran events, visited the sick and nurtured all of us for many years.

 On the plaque, there are the names of the past recipients.  Most are still doing what they received this award for doing.  You know them as people who work for the benefit of this church, love its people, and have no trouble finding ways to serve.  When a person receives this honor, he or she joins the ones who consider the next recipient from the letters of nomination sent by you, the congregation.

 This year’s honoree has been with us for many years, having signed the membership book more than ten years ago under the watchful eyes of his favorite UU, Elsie herself.  She even allowed him to work in “her” kitchen!  When you look around and consider the contributions people in the congregation have made, you may wonder why it has taken us so long to recognize his devotion to this church.  His quiet ways and silent behind-the-scenes work are probably the reason.

 When our minister, Elizabeth Tarbox, left us, we knew we needed strong lay leadership.  The President of the Parish Committee needed to get us through a difficult transition year until the Search Committee concluded its search and a new minister was hired.  That done, our President stepped down to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.  His concern for his family and his support of our minister have resulted in at least one person calling him a “saint.”

 This man has served on the Parish Committee as President and Vice President and on the Religious Education Committee.  He has been Youth Advisor for seven years, Youth Service Organizer, and Youth Counselor.  He has cooked and organized Break Bread meals, has been a Walk for Hunger walker, Habitat house worker, and a Walk and Rock for Habitat house worker organizer and fund-raiser.  He has cooked for dinner theater events, yard sales and breakfasts and Italian feasts.  He has faithfully donated to the Service Auction and attended them to bid and purchase.

 There are youths present in church who have benefited greatly from the counseling this man has offered.  He is a patient leader who allows others the space to do their best.  He is that rare adult who “listens.”  They know he cares about them.  He has been dubbed “the Lion” by some, but you’ll have to ask someone else about that story.

 His attitude toward problem solving is positive.  He says, “Let’s learn, and move ahead.”  He doesn’t expect others to do the work or complete a task that needs doing; he just rolls up his sleeves and gets to work.  Before you know it, he has lots of company, making the job easier.  He contributes his administrative skills, his organization, his guidance, and support.  He seeks to understand others and supply the encouragement needed to give confidence.

 This congregation and church are better because of him.  We are moved to greater things by him and his diligent commitment to us.  He is faithful and hopeful and encouraging – how else could he continue to support the Red Sox and believe that this year will be the year.  That kind of positive attitude permeates everything he is or does.

 Please greet our honoree with the respect and acclaim he deserves – Larry Tummino.