Each year the local chapter of the NAACP holds its major fundraiser, the Freedom Fund Banquet, to include groups and individuals from the community. This year, the Banquet will take place on September 24, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the Latham Ballroom at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Our Congregation has consistently supported this event by reserving one or more Community Tables of 10, at $500 per table, and our name has been included in the printed program. Since the banquet will be held somewhat earlier than in previous years, so must reservations be made earlier. The deadline for reservations for entire tables is August 1. (Individual tickets are also available.) The cost per person for the Community Tables is $50. For your money you will receive a good meal and hear good speakers who will inspire and admonish us to continue our work against all forms of discrimination, and just as importantly, you will know you are supporting the foremost organization in this continuing endeavor. Please contact Marilyn DuPont for your reservation, and information on how to write your check.

KidSpirit’s First Party will be held on Saturday, October 1.

Dances of Universal Peace

All are welcome to join in on the 4th Saturday of each month at 7:30 PM in Elarth Hall — The 28th, this month.. The dances combine sacred phrases from different spiritual traditions with simple melodies and folk-dance movements. All dances are taught as we go along, so no previous experience is necessary, and newcomers are always welcome. The dances move us beyond words, to the heart-felt experience of love, harmony, peace and joy.

For more information, contact Paula Markham.

Exploring Membership

Would you like to know more about UUC? A session on Exploring Membership will be held following the Sunday service on October 2 to acquaint newcomers with our Congregation and with each other. The session will enable participants to get answers to any questions they may have about UUC, receive an orientation to what goes on beyond Sunday mornings, get to know others who are relatively new, and receive answers to the question, “Why become a member of UUC?”

We will meet in Room A. Lunch will be provided at 11:30 followed by the session which will last no longer than 90 minutes. Child care can be provided if requested ahead of time. We request advance notice of your intention to attend so that we can provide sufficient food and materials. If you would like to attend, please contact Barbara Taylor, Membership Chair (<Barbara_jane63@hotmail.com> or 382-7030) by September 25.

If you would like to know more about becoming a member but cannot attend this session, please contact Rev. Alex Richardson, and he’ll find a time when the two of you can meet to discuss membership.

Save the Date! Mark your Calendars!

Saturday, November 5 is the Annual UUC Goods and Services Auction filled with Tax-Deductible Fun & Frolic. It will be an action-packed evening of entertainment, refreshments, outstanding auction items and all sorts of SURPRISES. Poster

Check the Web calendar for locations of the lunches or possible changes in meeting times.

• Women's Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. Mondays at The Easy Chair (University Mall, Blacksburg).
• Women’s Lunch Group: gatherings are on the 1^st and 3^rd Fridays of the month. Drop-ins are always welcome.
• A Yoga Group meets on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• The Sages: Aging as a Spiritual Journey. This group continue to meet every first and third Mondays at 2:00 p.m. We always have a lively discussion on topics of interest to older adults (that means everything in the universe). Any adult of any age is welcome to join us.
• October Newsletter Deadline: September 22 (Thursday).