Greetings from Executive Operations Director Sandra Robinson

David Carling, our new Office Administrator began his work at UCE on August 15. He delved right into this work and is making great progress. Staff has been eager and helpful in making him feel at home and learn the job. He experienced his first staff meeting yesterday. Welcome David. We are so glad you are with us. Office Hours are now M-F 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

As you enter the UCE parking lot you will see many flowers in bloom and new plantings. Last week our Sanctuary Cooling Project Landscaping Plan came into fruition. Nature’s Perspective provided a creative solution to hiding our air conditioning condensers and bringing color and new life to the northwest side of our building. Today I ordered a new bench that will sit on the stones on the west side of the garden facing the parking lot. John LaPlante had envisioned a place where people could sit and wait for their ride. We have made that happen and will place a bench there in memory of him. Thank you to all who contributed to the Capital Campaign for making the cooling and landscaping project possible.

You will also see a new bench donated in memory of Raissa and Eleanor Landor. In 1993, Eleanor Landor and her daughter Raissa joined UCE. When Eleanor passed in 1999 her family planted a tree in the UCE garden and a bench was placed in Eleanor’s name. The bench has weathered over the years and the family has purchased a new one that will honor both Eleanor and Raissa, who passed in 2020. The new bench will be placed under the same tree. The Landor family hopes that this bench will be a place for calm, reflection and a spot to enjoy a great book. Becca and Sarah Landor express their deepest gratitude for the UCE community. We are proud and appreciative of this beautiful donation.

Please pass the word along to friends and colleagues in the area who may be interested in holding workshops or meetings at UCE. We have space available during the day and in the evening. Rooms 3 and 6 have state of the art dual platform equipment perfect for presentations and meetings of not-for-profit boards and agencies. Our sanctuary space is perfect for music performances, memorials and weddings. Contact me at srobinson@ucevanston.org or 847-864-1330 for more information. I am about to update our website with photos and testimonials so that everyone can see the many types of spaces and opportunities available at UCE. In September we welcome the return of Mothers of Multiples (MOMS) and in November, North Shore Choral Society.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend a Howard Levy Concert on Sunday, October 24 in our Sanctuary. Howard is beloved by our UCE community, and well known throughout Evanston, the City of Chicago and, in fact, the country. Tickets will go on sale late September for this music event not to be missed. Watch our newsletters and website for more information as the date nears.