UUFWC - our board

our board

2012 - 2013 members

Scott Beil -

Tom Gross -

Gene Meyers - My wife Helen and I were charter members of the UUFWC. Our sons Rob and Jay grew up UU's, both in Wooster and then in the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron. In 2000, we returned to the UUFWC and have taken active roles in the growth and progress from the little church building on Saybolt Ave. to our present LEEDS Certified new church building, the first Gold LEEDS certified house of worship in the United States. Both Helen and I firmly believe in supporting our liberal, welcoming presence for Wayne and surrounding counties with our time, expertise and resources.

Sarah Miles -

Helen Ostermiller - From my first contact in 1997, I immediately felt “at home” at UUFWC. I liked the stimulating services, emphasis on social justice, community, and diversity. UUFWC led me to activity in PFLAG and Ohioans for Marriage Equality. I've enjoyed participating in the growth of our Fellowship as a member of the X-Team, as well as growth in Social Action and caring for our new “green” church building, inside and out. My husband and I live in southern Medina County and have two grown children who, with their families, live in New England.

Deleasa Randall-Griffits - My husband Tom, daughter Faith and I live near Ashland and have been making the journey, off and on, to the UUFWC for about eight years. In April of 2010 we decided to sign the book and become more involved in the fellowship. I love the diversity of ideas found here and value the friendships that have developed. I teach storytelling and communication classes at Ashland University and love the creative opportunities available at the UUFWC.

John Renner - I was raised in a Lutheran family, converted to Catholicism, and eventually became disenchanted with traditional religion in general. I felt pigeonholed into strict doctrine and beliefs which didn’t match what either my mind or heart were telling me. When I first came to UU, I felt an openness, and inclusiveness I had never known. The absence of judgment and the encouragement to seek my own faith made UU my home. After joining in 2010, I have had a wonderful time getting involved in the many opportunities UUFWC offers. We are all different, yet all are like family.

Joanne Schroeder - After being raised Methodist for most of my life, I arrived at the UUFWC just a few years ago. My partner, Judy, and I were looking for something spiritual that would work for both of us. Imagine our surprise when we discovered the answer to be Unitarian Universalism. It seemed to be a natural fit for us and we immediately joined the fellowship and the choir furthering our new found sense of community. I feel grateful every day for the light that UU has brought into my life, seemingly shining brighter every day.

ex officio

Carol Noel (Treasurer) -

Anne Wilson (Office Administrator) - My husband, Jay Klemme, daughters, Ellen & Stacy, and I started coming to the UU in 1996. We felt immediately at home here. I started helping with the newsletter in 1998 and became the bookkeeper in 1999. By 2002 I was being paid for these jobs. I enjoy weaving in my spare time and there are many examples of my work around the fellowship. Lately, I’ve started to explore watercolor painting and photography.

past members

Bill Alkire - My respect for UU began years ago when I led a series of workshops in interpersonal effectiveness for the UUFWC. At the time, I was active in the United Methodist church, as I was most of my life. It was only after being widowed in 1997 and marrying Susan in 2000 that I made the transition to UU. I enjoyed a fulfilling career in mental health, particularly my 18 years as Director of the Community Mental Health for Wayne-Holmes counties. I took an early retirement to devote more time to teaching dance, which has taken me from Alaska to Denmark and still brings me joy. I have two children and two wonderful granddaughters.

Tim Breiner - I have been a friend of the UUFWC for about 15 years but only recently signed the book and became a member. I am a recovering Catholic and grew up in a large family in Cleveland. I have a strong interest in improving health through physical activity and work in the cardiac rehabilitation program at Wooster Community Hospital. I stay in shape by cycling and running, both of which get me outdoors year round. I am lucky to be blessed with good health and a wonderful family.

Juan Gross - I went to the UUFWC occasionally when it was located on Saybolt Avenue. I started attending regularly when I met my wife, Peg, about 6 years ago. She was an RE teacher at the time and attended almost every week. Since then I've become more and more involved. Right now, in addition to the board, I sing in the choir, serve as chair of the music committee, and am the newsletter editor.

Dave Drumm - My association with the UUFWC began in 1972 when I was lucky enough to join my wife Lynn as two of the 19 charter members. Since then, I have twice been president of the Fellowship. In 1996 the Board elected me Treasurer. I have helped guide our purchase of the Columbus Avenue building and our subsequent construction of our new church building. Now that the UUFWC has a very capable Deputy Treasurer, I have started to transition more duties to her. I have been in the choir (big thanks to Gregg Sheffield) since it began. I have four adult children, eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Phil Grimm - I retired a few years ago after a long and diverse career in education, which included teaching science at Wooster High School, working in the agronomy department at the OARDC, and taking care of computers for Orrville City Schools. Retirement has allowed me to be a “house husband” with part-time jobs driving a school bus and teaching flying. My wife, Laura Mihuta Grimm, is a third generation UU who grew up in the West Shore UU Church near Cleveland. She is a science teacher at Dalton Intermediate School.

Georgia Jaeb - On the first day of kindergarten, I told my mother that I would grow up to be a teacher. I never wavered from that goal, and have been trying to teach people ever since. I teach 5th grade and love my job . I have 3 children, Annie, Ali, and Zak to teach through their lives. I'm still trying to teach husband, Michael, a thing or two. And every day, I learn something new.

Alex Lowry - I have been attending the UUFWC for almost 25 years now. I have been proud to grow up in such a supportive and caring environment. After some time living in Connecticut, my husband and I have settled down in Wooster for the long haul. In September of 2010 we welcomed our first child, Estella, to our family. She is a third generation member of the UUFWC and I look forward to her growing up surrounded by such a wonderful community.

Karen Skubik - When I first attended our fellowship I didn’t know anything about UUism, but I immediately realized that my personal beliefs and values were in line with UU principles. In fact, I quickly realized I am a Unitarian Universalist and signed the membership book in 1998. That year my children were 4 and 7 and their regular attendance in the Religious Exploration Program became a driving force towards our family becoming active members. I have facilitated classes, served on numerous committees, and when the need arose for a temporary Director of Religious Exploration, I stepped into the position. Outside of church, I’ve worked in scientific research, outreach, and management, and I spend as much time as possible playing tennis and volunteering in my kids’ activities.