Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship

Pop-Up Art Sale
2025-10-18 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
On Saturday October 18, 2025, FUF will host an Arts Fundraiser. There will be paintings, sculptures, and art works of various media, as well as art supplies. To donate any items, please contact Pinky Bass. moosepinky@earthlink.net

Members' Summer Stories
2025-10-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Some of us have been running away from the heat and humidity and most of us are back. We’re even beginning to welcome back snowbirds. Some have remained steadfast in Baldwin County weathering what the climate threw at us.

We will sit in a circle and tell stories of our summers; of foreign parts, of travel disasters, of beautiful moments and dreams of vacations to come. No pressure; come even if you want to stay mum.

Dr. Suzanne Tormoen
2025-10-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
The Chalice

The flaming chalice is the official logo of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). It is enshrined in stained glass at the head of our fellowship hall, and our most significant symbol. But what is its meaning and significance ? Suzanne will unpack its history & relevance to the Unitarianism.

Suzanne has been a Unitarian since Junior high school and loves the Fellowship, which is an important part of her life She is a physician in internal medicine in Fairhope after working in Mobile and has a Masters in nutrition. She studied martial arts with Yosekan Budo for 5 years. She likes to garden, walk, do yoga, cook and be civically minded. She has 2 sons, 3 grandchildren, & 3 siblings.

Frye Gaillard
2025-09-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Heroes and Other Mortals

Frye Gaillard will select stories from his most recent book, Heroes and Other Mortals. This is a collection of inspiring profiles Gaillard has written throughout his career, telling the stories of activists, artists, musicians and others who worked to make the world a better place.

Frye lives in Mobile, Alabama, and is the writer-in-residence in the English and History departments at the University of South Alabama. He is the author of thirty books, the winner of the Lillian Smith Book Award and the Gustavus Myers Award.

Mike Turner
2025-09-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Celebrating the International Day of Peace in Poetry and Song

Mike Turner celebrates the UN International Day of Peace (Sunday, September 21, 2025) with a selection of his original songs and poems to advocate peace and oppose war and violence.

Mike Turner is a songwriter/poet living in Fairhope. He was named 2025 Poet of the Year by the Alabama State Poetry Society. Mike has more than 450 poems published in over 100 literary journals and anthologies, and numerous original songs receiving radio and streaming play. His poetry collection, Visions and Memories, is available on Amazon.

Stand-Up Comedy Jam
2025-09-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Join us for a night full of laughter! We’ll have five fabulous comedians under one roof!

Frank Barragan
2025-09-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
The Work of the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice

Frank in conversation with Nick Coulson will talk about the history and role of the Hispanic immigrant community in this country. He will discuss the effect of the current administration’s policies, and their impact on Hispanic communities. Email questions you would like to have asked to njcoulson@gmail.com

Frank Barragan is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice and a mainstay of the local Hispanic community.

Kate Carver & Sarah Laurio
2025-09-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Baldwin Family Village: Transitional Housing for Homeless Women & Children

Dumas Wesley Community Center approaches poverty, homelessness and inequity by offering long term transformation. By using a connected web of services: transitional housing, youth enrichment, senior wellness, emergency aid and workforce training as well as food, clothing and transportation- the Center addresses a wide spectrum of human need. Dumas Wesley recently expanded its mission with the launch of the County’s first housing program for homeless women and children in Fairhope.

Kate Carver has served in a number of key positions with the Salvation Army, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and Volunteer Mobile. She is currently the Executive Director of the Dumas Wesley Community Center and has been leading the Center for 15 years. Sarah Laurio is Associate Executive Director of Dumas Wesley Community Center overseeing the Sybil Smith Family Village & Baldwin Family Village.

Kelsey Lovett
2025-08-31 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Impact 100 and Baldwin County

Kelsey will discuss how Impact 100 works in the Baldwin County Community. Kelsey will share the process for application and award of grants and also discuss support that the organization gives throughout the county. She will highlight the most recent grants, how to join and how to support in other ways.

Kelsey Lovett is a Certified Financial Planner and Investment Wealth Manager with Ameriprise Financial. Her passion is helping people learn how to invest and save their money so that they can be more generous with their wealth. She has 17 years of experience working with and serving clients.

John Sledge
2025-08-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Mobile and Havana: Two Sisters Across the Gulf

John Sledge is one of the authors of the recent book, “Mobile and Havana: Sisters Across the Gulf.” He will provided an overview of the long linkage between two most exotic cities. They share stories of European conquest, trade, high-society connections, knowledge, and culture. It should be a rich visual, immersive experience into both the history and the architectural heritage of these two places.

John is currently Maritime historian-in-residence at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf. He retired as a senior architectural historian with the Mobile Historic Development Commission in 2024. He was a newspaper Book Page editor for the Mobile Press-Register and is a National Book Critics Circle member. He has published many books about the Gulf Coast region and its history.

Bill Meck
2025-08-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Everyday Law

Do you really need a Last Will and Testament? This program will answer several legal questions like that one–questions that people ask frequently. It will be a potpourri of business-related legal concerns people encounter in everyday life.

Bill Meck is a business lawyer. He graduated from The Citadel with a degree in English and he holds a law degree from Wake Forest University. His office is in Fairhope. He is a sole practitioner whose clients are individuals and businesses who are planning and implementing transactions involving Probate, Commercial, Real Estate, and Corporate Law.

Bruce Larsen
2025-08-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Contemporary Recycled Artwork

Bruce Larsen is a sculptor and special-effects artist known internationally. He repurposes discarded and found objects into sculptures that typically depict animals in action poses and humans playing sports. He uses his artwork to bring new meaning to the objects while still allowing them to show their history. Larsen has won several awards for his artwork and is also known for his work in movies. He was inducted into the Alabama Hall of Fame in 2016. He lives and works in Fairhope.

You can see his work locally at the U.S. Sports Academy in Daphne, Arts Alley in Fairhope, and many other locations.

Luke Kiszla
2025-08-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Environmental Stewardship: A Foundation of Faith

Luke will offer an overview of his personal motivations for environmental stewardship and a review of the current work of Mobile Baykeeper.

Luke is Current Affairs Director for Mobile Baykeeper, working in policy and regulations. An Attorney by training, Luke arrived at Baykeeper in 2024 following a decade of work as a political staffer in various roles. He enjoys applying his experience toward the mission of providing cleaner water.

Michael Cook & Robin Snyder
2025-07-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Today’s Vaping and Narcan Issues

Michael Cook and Robin Snider will discuss current issues facing our youth and young adults including vaping, Narcan, and good & bad choices.

Mike Cook is director of Baldwin Services at the Drug Education Council (DEC) in Robertsdale, AL.

Robin Snider is a retired Daphne Police Officer (30 years) and college grad from Concordia University Nebraska. He currently works with Baldwin County Community Alliance (BCCA).

Kevin Mohler
2025-07-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Impacting Special Needs in Our Community

The American Autism & Rehabilitation Center in Daphne provides a full spectrum of therapies for people with special needs–speech, occupational, physical, and applied behavior analysis–all under one roof. The foundation offers additional resources, community connections, practical assistance, and so providing holistic support.

Kevin Mohler is an entrepreneur and President of the American Autism & Rehabilitation Foundation, leading the American Autism & Rehabilitation Center and the digital finance agency, DeFiancy. He is passionate about health, fitness, ministry, and personal development. David lives on a homestead farm in Bay Minette, Alabama, with his family and five dogs.

Alan Samry
2025-07-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
The Writers Around Me

For the past year, Alan has been researching and writing about Fairhope’s rich literary culture, including writers, editors, publishers, librarians, and bookstores. He will tell true stories of Fairhope’s literary beginnings with Marie Howland and Upton Sinclair through today’s local writers, including Sonny Brewer, Fannie Flagg and so many more.

Alan Samry is a writer, librarian, public historian and author of Fairhope Past and Present, Mapping Fairhope, and Stump the Librarian, a memoir, and history of leg amputees, was published in 2018. Alan and his wife Susan have called Fairhope home since 2005.

Phil Strinste
2025-07-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Wisdom of a “Prosumer”

For over two years beginning in 1982, Phil and his wife, Gwen, helped build the passive solar house in Fairhope that Gwen’s father, Bayne, had designed with his wife, Annabelle. At the time of construction, inclusion of a photovoltaic component was often mentioned but was never incorporated.

Phil and Gwen have lived in this house since 2012, and in 2021 added a 5.1 kW photovoltaic system to the structure. About one third of the energy generated by this system sustains them, with the rest being fed back to the grid for a modest profit; hence they have become a PROducer + conSUMER of electricity, or a “prosumer.”

His program will include coverage of their pathway to this achievement, as well as how becoming a “prosumer” has changed their thinking about the electric power upon which our lives depend.

Phillip Strniste has been a member of the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship since 1982. He has a background in Mathematics (B.S. 1976) and Horticulture (M.S. 1987). For twenty years he together with his wife, Gwen Snyder, earned their living by running a Community Supported Agricultural project in the Fairhope area. In retirement he enjoys being an active member of this fellowship, staying fit, singing folk music, and volunteering where needed.

Alan Haft
2025-06-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Harry Haft: Auschwitz Survivor who Fought Rocky Marciano

Alan’s father, Harry Haft, survived 5 years in 6 different slave labor and extermination camps during WWII, weighting 105lb when liberated. Just one year later, he was in the ring fighting the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. Alan will tell Harry’s story.

Alan Scott Haft wrote his father’s biography in 2005. Henry Haft’s story was made into an HBO movie in 2022, The Survivor, directed by Academy award winner Barry Levinson. Alan is a University of Miami School graduate and now lives in Fairhope.

David Gespass
2025-06-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Do We Live in a Democracy?

We frequently hear that “our democracy” is being threatened, but rarely does anyone question that we have a democracy. The talk will address the question of whether, and to what extent, the United States is a democracy.

David is a semi-retired civil rights lawyer and long-time social justice and anti-imperialist activist. He is a past president of the National Lawyers Guild and current chair of its Alabama chapter. David was a founder and chair of the Birmingham Peace Project in opposition to the Gulf War. As an anti-Zionist, he is proud of his Jewish heritage and was board chair of the Alabama chapter of CAIR.

Tracey Glover
2025-06-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Living with Reverence and Compassion for All Beings

In this talk on Father’s Day, Tracey will share about how her Dad gave her the greatest gift possible… He taught her to love the animals and the natural world. It’s a love that has guided her path, and is the key to creating a compassionate, just world for all beings.

Tracey Glover, JD, is Executive Director of Awakening Respect and Compassion for All Sentient Beings (“ARC”), and Sweet Peeps Microsanctuary, a small sanctuary caring for chickens rescued from the meat industry. She wrote several books including the children’s book, Chickens Are Animals, Too! Fannie Goes to Washington and an upcoming adult nonfiction book entitled Age of Reverence. Her films include Until All Are Free and Meet the Chickens. She tackles critical issues relating to animal rights, ethical consumption, and the ways in which humans can impact the natural world.

Catherine King
2025-06-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Henry Stuart’s Diaries & Photos: New Info about the Hermit of MontroseCatherine King will present new information recently received about Henry Stuart, who hand-built the now 100-year-old Round House at Tolstoy Park in Montrose. Stuart’s diaries, photographs, and other documents reveal fascinating information from the man known as “The Hermit of Montrose” and “Ye Olde Weaver.”

Catherine King is Chair of the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation Archives ad a long-time docent at the Fairhope Museum of History. A resident of Fairhope since 1966, she continues to be amazed by our fascinating history.

Honoring Our Elders, Celebrating Our History, Welcoming New Members
2025-06-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Special FUF Sunday Program

In the 1920s, a group of liberal thinkers began meeting on Sunday mornings. A presentation by one of them on ethics or current affairs was followed by “vigorous” discussion. In April 1982, they constituted themselves the Fairhope Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. A dedicated building followed in 2003.

This will be a special program to honor the earlier members, celebrate the history of the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, and welcome new members. The Back Porch Folk Singers will be performing and will also be honored.

A new PowerPoint presentation for New Member Orientation will explain Unitarianism and detail the Fellowship’s history. The program will end with a welcoming ceremony for new members.

Jane Finger & Irene Wegner
2025-05-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Flower Communion

This historic UU story of courage for liberty and brotherhood celebrates beauty, human uniqueness, diversity, community & the story of Norbert Capek and its influence on UU congregations around the world.

Please bring a single flower (just one!) to the Fellowship service on Sunday

Irene and her husband, Pete, have lived in many parts of the South, settling in Fairhope 12 years ago. A former teacher, religious education director, & social service administrator, Irene was an organizer and lobbyist for AARP. Irene’s husband Pete brought this program, popular in UU churches from Carmel, Ind.

Jane grew up a Methodist who moved toward agnosticism. She was happy to join our liberal UU community when moving to Fairhope in 2001. She adds: “It’s appropriate that I should participate in this program, because some of my most spiritual moments are those I spend in my flower garden early in the morning.”

Zach Helton
2025-05-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Palm Sunday: A New Way to Read the Story

The Palm Sunday story has been told in many ways, often weighed down with religious baggage, but what if we understood it differently? What if we read the “Triumphal Entry” as a story of a bold political resistance and protest, leading into a week of courage and transformation through overwhelming odds? This talk explores how the Palm Sunday parade invites us into courageous action, even when the path is uncertain.

Zachary Helton (he/him) is an ordained minister, a long-time Buddhist practitioner, and a writer. He currently serves as a hospital chaplain in Pensacola, FL, has been published in Baptist News Global, and has an upcoming short story in Braided Way Magazine. You can find out more about Zach’s work at zachhelton.com.

Mother's Day
2025-05-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
We will gather in a circle to remember both our Mom and our childhood years.

This will give us all a chance to honor our Mom, remember our childhood, and tell some tales. If you can’t say something, you either can pass the mic or write it out for someone else to read.

Dean Mosher
2025-05-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Fighting to Protect Fairhope

My history of working with great people to effect positive change in Fairhope for nearly half a century.

Dean Mosher is a celebrated painter of epic historic paintings. Many hang in national museums and institutions, major universities, National Park Visitor Centers, and the Fairhope Museum of History. Mosher’s work has also appeared in many books. He has been honored with many awards, including the Commander General’s medal for saving the archives of the NOUS. He lives and works in his hand-built castle & studio in Fairhope, featured on TV. His proudest achievements are winning the hand of his wife of 46 years, Pagan, and raising two great children, Megrez Ravel and Cleveland Turner.

Maya Carey
2025-04-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Hate & Extremism in Alabama and the Nation

Maya Henson Carey, senior research analyst at the Southern Poverty Law Center, is back to discuss current trends and SPLC’s recent report on the Year in Hate and Extremism.

Maya Henson Carey is a research analyst with the SPLC’s Intelligence Project, focusing on the anti-government and anti-student inclusion movements. She spent over 10 years in higher education. Maya has a B.S. in business, an M.A. in psychology and an M.Ed. in higher education administration. She also holds an Ed.D. focusing on diversity and equity education.

Hollyrose Baker
2025-04-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
A History of Trans Liberation

Hollyrose will discuss the historical context for Trans people’s existence. She will describe the ways in which the colonial authority has targeted queer and transness, attempting to erase that cultural heritage and remove it from the historical record. She will tie this into current issues and offer instructions for the many ways that trans people can be supported today.

Hollyrose Baker is an anarchist writer, artist and activist. She helped found the Lower Alabama Native Plant society and Mobile Alabama Mutual Aid. For a decade she has worked to provide housing for homeless queer people and coordinates free food for struggling queer people and at Pride events.

No Kings National Protest
2025-04-19 12:00 - 14:00 | Mobile Government Plaza, 205 Government St., Mobile, 36602, United States
Join the Indivisible Mobile group at Mobile Government Plaza Saturday, April 19 at noon.

Heidi Miller
2025-04-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
The Yellowhammer Fund provides support and funding for women seeking care at one of Alabama’s three independent abortion clinics. They engage in policy advocacy, and offer help to low income families, with legal defense, and contraception by mail.

Heidi Miller, born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama now lives in Birmingham. She has a BA in English and over 12 years in the service industry. She has been a dedicated advocate for Reproductive Justice at Yellowhammer Fund since 2019 and is especially passionate about direct aid, policy advocacy, and abolition work.
