My husband Paul and I joined St. James the Less soon after we moved to Ashland in 2014. We previously lived in Lynchburg, and before that Durham, NC, where we raised our three (now grown) children. During our children’s formative years I served as a Girl Scout leader for six years and then on a regional GSA board. I also worked as a preschool teacher, and as a reading tutor at their elementary school. I am a cradle Episcopalian and pulled my Presbyterian husband into the fold shortly after we married in 1985. Prior to becoming empty nesters, we were active in Sunday School, VBS, Coffee Hour and various “kid-themed” ministries at our churches in Lynchburg and Durham. Now that we’re empty nesters I have enjoyed branching out into other types of service. Since joining SJTL I have prepared food for the Free Clinic and parishioners requesting meals, and baked bread for Communion. Paul and I joined the usher group and have enjoyed participating in the Supper Club and the Brew n’ Que Festival. Up until this past March you could find me working at the Ashland Library. I have since retired and now spend time volunteering at Hanover Humane Society and hiking with our dog around the area. St James the Less welcomed us very warmly, and I would consider it an honor to serve on the vestry, welcoming new members into our fold.