~Thoughts shared by Carolyn Lange~

On August 2nd Presbyterians joined with many community groups to make the TBurg Community “Welcome” event at the Village Grove development inviting for all ages. The goal was to welcome new residents and neighbors and share information about resources of the community. And---to have fun together.

The inspiration for this event grew from a January networking session organized by the Ulysses Community Council and attended by more than 25 service organizations and groups. The groups met in our Fellowship Hall and Neil Shallish, Marvin Pritts and I attended representing FPCU. One theme that emerged from that day was “finding new, creative ways to be a more welcoming community.”

A small group following up on this collaborated with INHS to organize an event at Village Grove. Thanks are due to this group and the power of working together.

It was a pleasure on Saturday to be at Village Grove with the other churches (Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians had tables), and PTO, TBurg Education Foundation, Gemm Shop, NYS Parks, Human Services Coalition, Community Council, Library, TBurg Harvest, Food Pantry, Conservatory – I can’t even name them all. Carol & Ken MacLeod had a CROP Walk info table nicely positioned near the Food Pantry table. Ithaca Neighborhood Housing was there, of course. There were games, a scavenger hunt, Harmony Falls, face painting; we Presbyterians offered rock painting and Mike the Magician , as well as small labyrinths and information about our church. Rotary, Lions, Trimmers provided free treats of hot dogs, ice cream. Baptists offered popcorn. It was a beautiful day and a fine gathering of so many groups.

Thanks to helpers for planning and setting up the “Presbyterian” table, designing the information card, coming and Alexis & Peter Schaefer, Barbara Melvin, Ginny Miller, Pam Postle, Pastor Susan Rack, Jen Demarest, Carol & Ken MacLeod, Maureen & Neil Shallish—and to all who offered!