From July 2023 to January 2024, five people became members of WUU. We will recognize them during the worship service on February 4, 2024. Get to know our newest members by reading their bios below, and be sure to offer them a warm welcome to the community!
Cynthia Abbott
Being an Army brat, then married to a US Public Health officer, I’ve moved around quite a bit in my life, living most recently in Florida, Kansas, and Alabama. My husband and I moved to Williamsburg in the fall of 2019, following our daughter and son-in-law when they moved here.
Since our eldest grandson’s birth in 2015, we’ve been the primary childcare providers for our 2 grandsons. They keep us busy and (usually) young, at least at heart.
I’ve had a lifetime interest in nature and in the environment, getting a degree in biology, working as a naturalist for several years, and volunteering in environmental groups for many years. Currently I am enjoying the continued care of our grandsons, rewilding our home landscape, feeding birds, and reading. I’d love to garden, but the deer are making that a real challenge here!
Michele Garrard
Michele Garrard was born at Camp LeJeune Naval Base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. After her father’s retirement of serving 25 years in the Marine Corps, the family moved to the East Coast of Florida for 11 years before finally returning to their deep family roots in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Michele graduated from Averett University in Danville, Virginia, with a BA in Business Administration and Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, with a Masters Certificate in Public Sector Leadership. Michele retired in 2021 after 33 years of Civil Service with the Department of the Navy. Michele is an active James City County Williamsburg Master Gardner, Certified Tree Steward, and Master Naturalist. She volunteers at the Colonial Williamsburg Arboretum, the Historic Triangle Learning Garden & Bluebird Trail, and enjoys gardening, traveling, and cooking. Michele resides in Williamsburg with her husband Jay and has called Williamsburg home for 30 years. Michele is delighted to have found a spiritual home in which to grow and learn spiritually and to enjoy the fellowship that WUU offers.
Karla Mitovich
Hello, my name is Karla Mitovich. My husband Jon and I moved to Williamsburg a year and a half ago. We raised our family, ran a small manufacturing business, and lived in Albuquerque, NM, for well over 40 years. After retiring we decided we wanted to add a new chapter to our lives while we were still up for a move. We really love it here now and we especially love all the wonderful people we have met at WUU. Thank you to the whole congregation for being so welcoming to us, it has made our huge transition a lot easier.
Cindy Polzin
Cindy Polzin has had the privilege of serving the US Navy, as active duty and a civilian, living in the Far East most of her adult life. As a result of having an opportunity to explore various religions and spiritual paths internationally, inquiry and curiosity have become a lifelong passion.
Discovering WUU and the Williamsburg Buddhist Sangha has provided a rich space to serve our community, continue to grow spiritually, and connect with like-minded people.
Meredith Schmidt