Good Officers

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Tom Benjamin Joseph Priestley Ellicott City MD tben2@comcast.net 410-750-2709 “I am a composer and music theorist and have just retired from the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University. I have served for 40 years as a UU Music Director. I strongly believe in good practices and ethical relations among staff and congregations in our churches. Don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Mimi Bornstein Northern New England Rockport ME mbornstein@verizon.net 207-236-8799 “I am most honored to be serving as a Good Officer. I am a professional choral director, song leader, pianist, singer, composer, workshop and worship leader, and find that a common thread of my work is found in embracing the healing and transformational elements of music, often focusing on the powerful journeys we take when we sing together in community. I have recently resigned from a position of 13 years serving as Music Director at the First Universalist Church in Rockland, Maine, where I had the opportunity to grow a strong music program with a wide variety of styles of church leadership and Ministers. I saw my church through times of great prosperity as well as times of significant challenge. It is my belief that good, honest communication (even when it’s hard) is the key to being in right relations to ourselves, our churches, and of course, the world at large.”

Julie Crooks Pacific Southwest Newbury Park CA julie@crooksmccollough.com 805-499-9302 “I have served as the Choir Director for the Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Thousand Oaks, CA since 1996. A UUMN member since 2002, I served as both a Liaison and Mentor in the Pacific Southwest District. Originally a music education major in college, but ultimately choosing to pursue a degree and profession in another field, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have music back in my life. The long hiatus, however, resulted in some much needed perspective on the balance between a commitment to excellence and understanding the power of music to communicate, unite and heal. I bring many years of professional crisis management and problem solving to my role as a Good Officer.”

Sonja R. Johnston Prairie Star Burnsville MN music@mnvalleyuu.org 952-894-2759 “I have been the Music Director, now Minister of Music, at the Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship since 1976 having served with 5 different ministers plus an interim minister. UUMN has been so valuable to me thoughout my journey during which my fellowship's membership grew from 35 to nearly 200. I hope to give back what I can to help other musicians as I have been helped.”

Elizabeth Norton Mass Bay Acton MA elizabethhnorton@gmail.com 978-263-4180 “I have been Music Director at First Parish in Concord since 1994 and taught music in secondary schools for ten years. I believe in the power of music to express what is beyond words, to build community and to deepen our spiritual experience. My ongoing studies in systems theory have provided a useful lens through which to view conflict in congregational life.”

Ila H. Stoltzfus Southwest Baton Rouge LA ila@math.lsu.edu 225-344-5167 “I have been Music Director for the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge since 1991 and active in UUMN since 2000. I consider this organization very important in the growth and strength of our congregations through worship arts. Whenever people work together, misunderstandings are possible. An understanding and objective ear is sometimes necessary to help to sort out the important issues. I am pleased to be part of this Good Officer Program and to be available for UUMN members.”

Toni Tollerud Central Midwest DeKalb IL tollerud@niu.edu 815-753-9311 “I am very excited about being a Good Officer and extending a helping hand to those who are confused, in conflict, or believe that they are not given the respect they deserve as a professional. I have directed church choirs for over 30 years and have had many experiences in promoting healthy boundaries among church staff, and with congregational members.”

Barbara L. Wagner St. Lawrence Buffalo NY wagschoir@verizon.net 716-668-1124 “I’ve been Music Director and Minister of Music at UUC of Buffalo 40 years, directing a 70 voice choir and playing organ and piano. I’ve worked with a number of ministers, some difficult, and some supportive and collegial. I feel that I have enough experience over the years in dealing with all kinds of professional situations, mostly successful, that I could assist other musicians.”

Frank Wells Florida St. Petersburg FL frank@bravenew.org 727-688-2787 “I view music as one of the most important and profound ministries of our congregations and am pleased to be a part of our work to accord music professionals much-deserved respect and support. I have been through plenty of rocky moments that have given me valuable insights I am happy to share. I am a passionate advocate for professional respect, reasonable compensation, and collegial cooperation in workshops and outreach. Please let me know how I can help.”

Rev. Dr. Gretchen Woods Pacific Northwest Corvallis OR revgwoods@comcast.net 541-754-4144 “I have served for 20 years in parish ministry and 48 years as a professional musician including within the Unitarian Universalist context. My training in congregational systems gives me insight and skill to help others who are having difficulties.”