Families, fun and food were the centerpieces of the 12th Annual Lund Family Center Adoption Picnic on September 28th.  Over 1000 adoptive parents, children and volunteers gathered for several hours of sharing stories, laughter and a few tears in South Burlington. 

 

The kids told stories of their adoption to each other and volunteers, bounced in the inflatable palaces, got their faces painted and rode sweet ponies on a Sunday afternoon.  One adoptive mom wrote in afterwards to say, "It was the end of the picnic and my daughter decided to overcome her fear, for the first time ever, and take a pony ride. She (the pony handler) delayed her end-point to take Rosalie around - not once but twice, talking with her and having fun the whole time.  Rosalie has since been "Curly" the pony most mornings."

One volunteer wrote back to say, "I tried to share with my co-workers how special the day was for all, but I couldn't without a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes."  The picnic is held annually as a celebration for all Lund's adoptive families. 

Valerie Racine, an Intern with Jen D'Aiello is working on organizing a yoga series focusing on managing substance dependency through mindfulness. Evolution Yoga has donated space at the studio on Kilburn for Friday evenings for the month of November as well as a yoga instructor to guide the class. This is a wonderful opportunity and we are greatly appreciative of their donation!
 

 

Volunteering at Lund is a family affair - Julie's husband Gene serves on our Board, and one of their son's now is volunteering as well.  Thanks so much, Julie!

They were there to help celebrate the connection between Lund and the congregation as partners through "Partners In Service (PInS).  

 

Our PINS partners help with mailings, fundraising, phonathons, gathering backpacks and school supplies and so much more throughout the year.  Thank you, Charlotte Congregational Church members, we could not do this work without your support!