Speakers for January

  Our Sunday services at 11:00 a.m. feature a different guest speaker each week, either a member of our congregation or someone from the surrounding community. We address a variety of topics, from literature and history to politics, religious thought and social issues. We welcome suggestions for speakers, please contact Donna Orchard donnaforchard@gmail.com

January 6

Speaker: MICHAEL PATRICK
Title: Songs of the Cattle Drive
Summary: One of the most iconic figures of American culture and folklore is the cowboy. His songs on the cattle drives, not only entertained drovers around the campfire at night, but when riding herd, songs quietened the cattle, preventing stampedes. Historian of American music and past president of this Fellowship, Michael Patrick, will be joined on this program by Phil Strniste, guitarist and director of the FUF Back Porch Folk Singers.
Introduction: Michael Patrick

January 20

Speakers: PINKY BASS, PAT CASSADY, KEN HUDSON, JUANIE NOLAND, MICHAEL PATRICK
Title: Becoming a Unitarian: Five Personal Accounts
Summary: Ever wonder why Unitarians are Unitarians? It is not likely that, at least in our Fellowship, repeating the choices our parents made is probably the most common reason. Among the many reasons our members have chosen, we will
learn what led five to choose the UU path.
Introduction: Jane Finger

January 13

Speaker: ALAN SAMRY
Title:  Stump the Librarian: A Writer’s Book of Legs
Summary: Alan Samry’s book is a diverse collection of creative writing that explores his life as a congenital below-knee amputee and a public librarian. His cross-genre writing in creative nonfiction, poetry, essays, satire, scholarship, and experimental writing weaves fascinating mythical, historical, and literary figures into his own absorbing story of being a “born amputee.” In the book, with chapters organized as though the reader were exploring a public library, Alan writes about his experiences in an open, insightful, and humorous way. A native of Cape Cod, he and his wife, Susan, moved to Fairhope in 2005. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama, MFA in Creative Writing from Spalding University, and an MLIS from the University of Alabama. An award-winning reporter, Alan is a part-time public librarian and an adjunct instructor at Coastal Alabama Community College.When the weather is nice, he enjoys riding his bike to work. If he is not working, look for him at his local coffee
shop, bookstore, or brewery.
Introduction: Donna Orchard

January 27

Speaker: HARVEY JOANNING & DANA ROBERTS
Title: FUF “Member Check”
Summary: FUF members Harvey Joanning and Dana Roberts will lead the congregation in a focus group discussion of the questionnaire survey completed by those members who attended the fall festival dinner. While leading the congregants through the five questions from the survey, soliciting their comments, and recording key words and phrases used by participants on the screen at the front of the room, Harvey & Dana will be checking back with members of the congregation to ensure their comments were perceived accurately. A summary of comments will be
provided after the discussion. See back page for discussion guidelines as well as instructions for obtaining a copy of the survey results and preparing ahead for the discussion.
Introduction: Jane FInger