|
Our
Seniors over 80
Rev.
Albert Ciarcia
Lyman
“Bill” Griswold
Caryl
Dyer
Gertrude
“Gertie” Hale
Reinhardt
Elster
Nancy
Elster
Esther
Wallace
Ray
MacIntire
By
wishes alone you cannot a livelihood make.
Roll up your sleeves,
send your bucket down
With those that others
send.
Then behold!
At
times, it will come up full,
Full to the brim;
At
times, full with mud,
And
perhaps a little water.
-Abd
al-aswad al-Duwali
|
Characteristics
in common:
While
such amazing individuals and as different as we know they are, there
are common characteristics we find in our special seniors over 80....
-a
sense of humor
-humility
and gratitude
-survivors
of world wars, scarce times, medical procedures and heartbreaks
-open
minds, educated and interested in the world, ready to grapple with
current issues
-stewardship
of the church and caring for each other
Navajo
Prayer
Before
me, may it be delightful.
Behind
me, may it be delightful.
Around
me, may it be delightful.
Below
me, may it be delightful.
Above
me, may it be delightful.
All,
may it be delightful.
While
you will view our Seniors' videos and hear their own words over the
course of several Sundays, here is a brief introduction to each.
Hear of their life voyages with a mind to enriching your own life.
|
|
Al
Ciarcia ~ Our devoted Rev. for over a decade now, Al is a great
giver and has always been there for us since we lost Rev. Wahlstrom.
How does one man fill such a big void for our small congregation? Al
is a big man, with a life full of real life stories, teaching, and
lessons that he is willing to share with us each month. With Jane
Ciarcia, also a devoted friend of our church, they travel in all
weather to be here for us. We have been blessed with this couple of
such high calibre to mentor us in our seeking of spirituality and
life answers.
Bill
Griswold ~ Born a Unitarian in Greenfield, MA. College athlete
at Colgate University. WWII Navy pilot in the South Pacific.
Business man in the Southwest with spouse and three children.
Bachelor again in Greenfield, Bill started the KOA Campground in
Bernardston, worked at NMH school and has continued to help out NMH
athletics and Bernardston Vets Club. Member of our Great Decisions
Discussion Group and long time officer of the church.
Caryl
Dyer ~ The “Unsung Hero” (now decorated by the Governor) long
time volunteer and trustee of the Bernardston Cushman Library, Caryl
is also responsible for our Historic Meetinghouse official
designation having kept scrupulous records for our church for many
decades. Caryl was educated at Kent State College in Ohio and was an
educator and brought up her two sons, with husband Ed, on their
Bernardston Farm.
Gertie
Hale was also born in Greenfield and lived with her parents on
Huckle Hill. Her Dad worked at Lunt Silvermiths and she worked in
the office at Greenfield Tap and Die before marrying Harold Hale and
moving for a time to Mt. Vernon (tulip country) in the state of
Washington. The war ended just in time for her Navy air corp husband
to join her in Bernardston for the birth of their daughter Marilyn.
Gertie lived on River St. for over 30 years and was active in the
Grange, the social center
of the town. After her husband's death, she joined the Bernardston
Unitarians with her good friend Ada Miner and we always enjoy her
devoted participation in our church.
|
Reinhardt
Elster ~ Born in the Chicago area, Reinhardt developed his
musical talents to become Principal Harpist at the Metropolitan Opera
for 40 years. He served in the armed forces during the war, and
traveled the world playing music- among his fondest memories- the
honor of playing with Pablo Casals. 4 children enriched his life
experience and Reinhardt continues to bring vibrant ideas to our
discussions. Living near Adams and Dunkin' Donuts, he's also kindly
been our major refreshment donor for the past two years!
Nancy
Elster ~ The dancing soul of a “born Unitarian”, Nancy has
fond memories of her Unitarian upbringing which enhanced a life of
individuality. She was also a serious musician who as choir director
gave the gift of music to children in her church on Long Island.
Nancy raised four children and now lives with Reinhardt near her
daughter in Greenfield.
Esther
Wallace joined us in 1972 when she and her husband bought the old
Unitarian parsonage on Bald Mt. Rd. She immediately became active in
our Alliance women's group. Esther was a social worker on Long
Island. For many years she organized the volunteers schedule for
Franklin Medical Center, making sure there was volunteer coverage in
departments that needed regular help such as the outpatient clinics.
Esther was an avid Scrabble player and voracious reader of the NY
Times and books. She stayed in touch with her granddaughters and
friends through frequent emails. We are happy that Esther stays in
touch from her new home near her son on L.I.
Ray
MacIntire is a new friend of Bernardston Unitarian, a member of
the Framingham church. Ray and Lois moved to Turners Falls, and have
since battled illness, and Ray the recent loss of his wife, Lois. As
a sign of his resilience and continued interest in life, Ray has
taken up playing music with the Fall Town String Band. He recently
donated to us a wonderful book that he has obviously heeded, of the
great religious philosophers. We are always grateful for new
friends!
|
I
am grateful for and bless the act of creation and all my loving
creators. To be alive is the greatest gift
one
can receive. Life, with its mystery, joy, love, pain, difficulties
and opportunities. I bless them all as I bless the wonder of our
existence
and
I bless all who use the gift of life to increase the quantity of love
and healing we all require to survive. Peace.
|
Congregational
Unitarian Society
of
Bernardston
Honoring
Our Special Seniors Over 80!
“In
Their Own Words”
Sunday,
October 28, 2007
camera
person: Ed Phelps
interviewer:
Rev. Steve Wilson
Tech
and program: Mark & Annette Wadleigh
|
