UU Congregation at Rock Tavern

We are delighted to announce that on March 1st, seven new members will be welcomed into our community! They are John Newsome from Newburgh, Bridget Morrey from Newburgh, Jessica and RJ Siniscalchi from Monroe, Judith Salisbury from Southbury, Conn., Leslie Mauchline from Rock Tavern, and Brenda Jones from Rock Tavern. Look forward to a group photo of the new members in the next newsletter.

-Jim Tarvin, Chair, Welcoming Ministry

Rev. Diane is busy organizing a joint retreat with the Rock Tavern Unitarian Congregation (UUCRT) and the Unitarian Fellowship of Poughkeepsie. It is a week filled with learning, reflection, and community. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other UU's in the Hudson Valley.

We meet the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 pm via Zoom.

For the March 19 discussion we have chosen The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Communicating through letters and emails, retiree Sybil connects with family, old friends, and authors of books she just read as she reveals to us her past and processes her joys and regrets. Currently and for 11 weeks on the NYT Bestsellers List.

All are welcome to join the discussion.

For those of you who like to plan ahead, the April 16 book will be Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell.

Join us via the Zoom link below:

https://zoom.us/j/96634364686?pwd=aklyNStYMVN1T0RoSFZsL0NON0l2dz09

Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: educate

We meet on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm. via the zoom link below.

For the March 5 discussion, we have chosen Secret Mall Apartment which is available on Netflix. This documentary  tells the remarkable story of a group of artists who built a hidden apartment inside a Rhode Island mall and went undetected for years.

Join us to discuss this quirky and inspiring story. All are welcome.

Use the Zoom link below to join the discussion.

https://zoom.us/j/96634364686?pwd=aklyNStYMV N1T0RoSFZsL0NON0l2dz09

Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: educate
Join by phone: 1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 966
3436 4686 Passcode: 8282691

Saturday, March 14, 3pm Benefit Concert

The Aurora Trio is Hollis Kellogg, Claudia Reynaud, and Elfin Vogel. Join them for an afternoon of technical mastery from three very talented classical musicians. All proceeds go towards additional funds for congregants wishing to go to the Star Island Retreat this summer.

Meeting Highlights – Social Action Together (Feb 1, 2026)
Actions:
• Nora- passed around a number of options for upcoming actions including Newburgh Rapid Response which is calling for volunteers in Newburgh and Middletown. NRR is a community-led network that monitors and responds to ICE activity. Training provided.
• Know Your Rights training being offered virtually and locally- contact Newburgh Resists(Indivisible chapter)
• Protests in different parts of our area, many on weekly or monthly schedule. See Mobilize or Indivisible for dates and places.
• No Kings Marches on March 28 in many communities. Wear yellow.
• Protest ICE purchasing former PEP Boys warehouse in Chester to reconfigure into an ICE Detention Center for the HV. Attend Town and Village Town Halls, Call your legislators, Protest at proposed site.

*UPDATE on 2/20/26 from Steve Neuhaus, OC Executive: ICE has not purchased the site. Not one of the local communities is in favor of this detention center. Thanked elected officials and the public.
• Resist by knitting and wearing the red Melt the ICE hat. Linda has offered her home to knitters on Thurs afternoons.

• Volunteer at local soup kitchens or food pantries. Shepherd’s Kitchen Community Meals/Soup Kitchen, 270 Broadway seeking help on then weekends.

Rev Diane – Introduced a future action led by the Rural & Migrant Ministry honoring immigrants in NYS who work in the rural economy and agriculture. During the first week in Aug the “Journey of Empathy” Caravan will travel from Eastern Long Island to Buffalo thru the mid HV. More details to follow.

-Nan Dempster, SAT

Focus for Democracy is a nonprofit that helps donors make the most impactful contributions possible to strengthen democracy. Its primary purpose is to rigorously evaluate and support nonpartisan programs. A smaller portion of its work is directed toward programs that advance pro democracy candidates, where electoral outcomes are critical to protecting democratic values and fundamental rights. Since 2020, its network of over 20,000 donors has contributed more than $200 million to recommended programs.

FDA's analysts bring decades of experience in assessing evidence-based programs and tactics for the highest-profile elections in the US. They apply rigorous, metric-based scientific research to recommend non-profit organizations and political action committees with the highest impact per dollar spent.

At Zoom events, it presents recommendations on specific programs to fund in a clear and digestible way, offering direct links to donate to those organizations. To attend an event, sign up at
https://www.focus4democracy.org/join-us.

Charles Isaacs
for UUCRT Social Action Together

Greetings everyone!

Winter and summer tend to see a considerable spike in household energy usage, and the increase in weather instability due to climate change means that this usage will grow. Here are some eco-friendly tips for keeping the temperatures up, and your energy bill down:

-Keep drapes open during the day to let in sunlight and close them at night to keep out drafts.
-If your place of living uses ductwork for heating, ensure that there are no leaks.
-Investigate weather stripping for windows and doors, or insert draft blockers to keep the heat in and the cold out.
-Consider using non-toxic substances to de-ice your sidewalk and driveway, such as clean cat litter and fireplace ash.
-If you use a wood-burning appliance for heat, never burn household garbage, colored paper or ink, or any type of plastic, foam, or other artificial materials. Burning these can release harmful chemicals!
-Save your fireplace ash to add to your compost bin, if applicable.
-Before you touch the thermostat, bundle up with sweaters, blankets, and thick socks.
-Turn down your heat if you leave the house for an extended period.
-Before you buy a new coat or winter garment, check out your local secondhand store: they usually have a great selection!

-Elizabeth M., Michelle D., and Anne D.

Our beloved teacher, Ms. Bernie, is currently navigating the aftermath of a building fire that has displaced her from her home. Please keep her in your thoughts during this time. If you would like to contribute to a group gift to show her some love and support, please reach out to Michelle.

While Ms. Bernie is away, other members of our RE children’s program team have agreed to step in to substitute teach, ensuring continuity for our children and their families. We are so grateful for this community of support!

March Theme: Paying Attention
This month, our theme In RE is Paying Attention, and throughout March our children will explore the power and purpose of attention in their lives.

The Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus reminds us, “You become what you give your attention to. If you yourself don’t choose what thoughts and images you expose yourself to, someone else will.”This quote beautifully captures our focus for the month. Paying attention is not simply about avoiding distraction or sharpening our focus. It is about shaping our character and fine-tuning our hearts.

Together, we will reflect on 4 of the 5 following “Powers of Paying Attention”:

• Session One: The Power of Paying Attention to Our Impact on Others
• Session Two: The Power of Paying Attention to Inequality
• Session Three: The Power of Paying Attention to the Present Moment
• Session Four: The Power of Paying Attention to Our Relationship with Water
• Session Five: The Power of Paying Attention to the Wisdom Within

Our first session invites children to consider the importance of noticing those who are suffering and recognizing the power they have to help. In Session Three, we explore Buddhism’s call to pay attention to the present moment, connecting with our UU value of religious pluralism. This intentional use of attention also reflects our UU value of Equity, which challenges us to “use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.”

RE Play Day 

The last Sunday of the month is an unstructured RE Play Day for the children. On this Sunday, there is no formal lesson or official teacher. Children are encouraged to connect with one another and strengthen their sense of community through child-led play. They may use the playroom and the games available in the RE room (this includes access to some craft supplies: play-doh, markers, crayons, and paper). Parents provide supervision and support with cleanup as needed.

Warmly,

Michelle DiLorenzo
RE Chair

What we do! The Caring Ministry provides short-term, physical help to individuals and families within our congregation who are in need. While we cannot offer emergency or ongoing services, we can offer our collective love through support with:

-short term meals
-rides for medical appointments
-check-ins / for those who feel isolated
-cards for celebrations as well as hardships
-connection for those going through a difficult time

Because it is sometimes difficult to ask for help, the Caring Ministry relies upon our entire congregation to identify and communicate the needs of our parishioners. We work with Rev. Diane in confidence, to coordinate care.

If you, or if you know of anyone needing help, please reach out to Linda Manglesdorf or Rev. Diane, please contact: aa.uucrt@gmail.com or info.uucrt@gmail.com

Rev. Diane Diachishin is available to offer pastoral care for people who are struggling with loss, grief, or other challenges. Pastoral care differs from therapy or counseling in that it does not attempt to fix problems or address mental health issues. Rather, it provides a loving, accepting, hopeful presence, and, in doing so, makes it easier for people to get in touch with their own inner wisdom and strength. Most of all, pastoral care is simply being present for you. It brings the love and care of our entire congregation to those in need.

Contact Rev. Diane aa.uucrt@gmail.com or info.uucrt@gmail.com if you, or you know of someone who might benefit from pastoral care.

Our 2025-2026 Themes are:

• February: Embodying Resilience
• March: Paying Attention
• April: Embracing Possibility
• May: Awakening Curiosity
• June: Flourishing Together

The Soul Matters experience does not only give one a way to practice spirituality, It provides a deeper understanding of what it means to practice. These themes offer opportunities for reflection, personal growth, and building connections within the UUCRT community.

We meet the second Friday of each month at 2:30pm in the sanctuary. The first meeting is Friday, September 12. For those who wish to attend via zoom we have a joint group with the UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie. They meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm. First meeting is on September 10th.

Please contact Rev. Diane aa.uucrt@gmail.com or info.uucrt@gma il.com, if interested. There are a few spaces left; the groups tend to fill up very quickly.

The Orange County Psychic Experiences Group is planning to meet on Saturday March 21, 2026, 1:45 to 4:30pm at the UUCRT, 9 Vance Rd., Rock Tavern, NY. Doors open at 1:30pm for anyone who would like to come early and help set up. The group will share spiritual or metaphysical experiences, discuss any upcoming events of interest, break for refreshments and reconvene for a group meditation to send out positive energy to ourselves, each other and the universe.

We ask for a donation (suggested $5) to cover the use of the building and coffee/tea/supplies.

Everyone is welcome to bring refreshments to share, if they wish.

In the event of inclement weather that causes us to
cancel, we will send out an email as soon as we make that decision.

Bherbst412@aol.com

Join Markly, Jim, and others, for breakfast on Sat March 21 at 9 am at the Alexis Diner, Newburgh, corner of Rt 9W and 52. This is a time for fellowship and conversation. They look forward to getting together on what has become a monthly event.

Join Us! on Saturday March 14

Us!, comprised of singer-songwriters Glen Roethel, Judy Kass, and
Amy Soucy happened when three musical seekers joined their eclectic talents and influences to write songs encouraging positive change, unity, and dialogue. The trio spices their message-driven compositions with luscious harmonies, robust melodies, and unexpected twists and turns. The Us! co-write, “Too Much Crying” garnered a Gold Award in the Open Category of the 36th Mid Atlantic Song Contest, and “Elevator Speech” was a Finalist there in 2024. Us!'s Earth-loving song, "We'll Get There" was honored with a Posi Award at 17th emPower Music Festival, too! Currently, Us! is in the studio working on its first album with an anticipated release in 2026.

Open mic performances will be available to all. Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors). Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30. The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern is located in the Town of New Windsor at 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, 12575,

For more information contact the President of the Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at HVFGRockTavern@hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org.