Presented by Linda Thompson on 6-11-23
The Elsie Gaudette Award was established in 1991 to honor Elsie and, in due time, any other members who exemplify her kind of work ethic and dedication to this congregation over time.
The person honored never had to be asked to do something – to work on a project, to come when needed, to take charge in a crisis, to provide goods and services without ever a thought wasted on receiving credit – just being the glue that holds us together. When Elsie was around, she was that force of nature that held the church together.
When the congregation was asked to nominate a person for this award this year, there seemed to be a groundswell of recognition for a person whose ears must have been burning as the letters of praise for one person poured in, a person who stood out as the glue during our modern crises as they kept coming. It will be hard to keep this person’s identity secret in the litany of contributions made, as he stands head and shoulders above us all.
Since joining the church in 1997, he has made his presence obvious. He was reluctant for a long time to be outspoken in his support for our many projects and needs. The crisis of Covid-19 and its enormous effects on our congregation, services and personnel brought his leadership to the forefront. It brought him out of his quiet behind-the-scenes leadership style and into the forefront of the needs of this church. He saw solutions where others saw problems.
He has been a Parish Committee member, then Vice President, President and Acting Treasurer. He has been on the Fundraising Committee, Committee on Ministry, Governance and Policy Task Force, Leadership Development Committee, Spirituality Group, Staff Support Team, an Online Streaming Team member, Interim Ministerial Search Team Member, Ministerial Search Team member, Silent Auction Manager, and Representative on the Board of the Matthew Mission Food Pantry producing the “Get Your Can to Church” campaign. Whew! He has led the Thursday Spirituality Group for many years, developing a style where everyone feels enriched by his presence and leadership. I’ve probably missed some things. Sorry.
Most recently, he has revitalized the Fundraising Committee, coming up with new events, and resurrecting the Public Relations/Publicity Team.
You never know where you’ll see him! He might be the Sunday Worship Associate, giving us announcements and direction, working the sound or streaming service up back, toting chairs, setting up tables, running wire, giving honest thoughtful advice, facilitating the leadership, or maybe stepping in for the minister when illness keeps him at home, or just reaching something too high for anyone else to reach.
Through all his contributions, he has not neglected his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his home or his job. Many people wrote letters of praise and nominated him for this, our own UUnsung hero award. Please recognize our strong, silent, humble, tall leader.
Please stand up for…Bob Waterman.
