Our UUCL Team
Rev. Charlie Tyler
Pastoral Minister
Charlie is a native of Clearwater, Fla. Early in his childhood his father moved the family several times. He can claim Charlotte, Jacksonville, Greensboro, and Cincinnati as home. He graduated from high school in 1971 and started his undergraduate work at the University of Cincinnati. He transferred to Morehead State in Kentucky to play soccer but an injury kept him out after the season. He transferred to The University of South Carolina in 1973 and graduated from there with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1976.
Charlie began his post grad work in Reformed Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated with a Masters Degree in Divinity in 1981. He served 2 Presbyterian churches in South Carolina from 1981-2012. In 2013 Charlie began preparation for Hospice Chaplaincy at Atlanta Medical Center and began hospice work in Bluffton later that year. Charlie currently serves as the Chaplain for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.
The pride and joy of his life is his two daughters, Betsy and Katie. Both are married and each have three children. If you have an hour he'll be happy to brag on them for that time period.
Charlie continues to delight in the mind and spirit expanding principles of Unitarian Universalism and the fabulous people of UU Lowcountry.
You can schedule an appointment for pastoral counseling with Charlie by contacting uucl.office@gmail.com.
Pastoral Minister
Charlie is a native of Clearwater, Fla. Early in his childhood his father moved the family several times. He can claim Charlotte, Jacksonville, Greensboro, and Cincinnati as home. He graduated from high school in 1971 and started his undergraduate work at the University of Cincinnati. He transferred to Morehead State in Kentucky to play soccer but an injury kept him out after the season. He transferred to The University of South Carolina in 1973 and graduated from there with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1976.
Charlie began his post grad work in Reformed Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated with a Masters Degree in Divinity in 1981. He served 2 Presbyterian churches in South Carolina from 1981-2012. In 2013 Charlie began preparation for Hospice Chaplaincy at Atlanta Medical Center and began hospice work in Bluffton later that year. Charlie currently serves as the Chaplain for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.
The pride and joy of his life is his two daughters, Betsy and Katie. Both are married and each have three children. If you have an hour he'll be happy to brag on them for that time period.
Charlie continues to delight in the mind and spirit expanding principles of Unitarian Universalism and the fabulous people of UU Lowcountry.
You can schedule an appointment for pastoral counseling with Charlie by contacting uucl.office@gmail.com.
Rev. Manuel Holland
Minister Emeritus
Manuel sends his love to the all in the congregation.
He would appreciate notes or cards. If you would like to contact Manuel please email uucl.office@gmail.com for more information.
Minister Emeritus
Manuel sends his love to the all in the congregation.
He would appreciate notes or cards. If you would like to contact Manuel please email uucl.office@gmail.com for more information.
Clay Barnard
President
Clay moved to Hilton Head in 2010, two years after his retirement from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Clay served as the Asst. VP of Student Affairs and enjoyed working with students in all aspects of their college development. He previously worked at the University of Illinois in Career Development and Placement. As a counselor and administrator he had no greater joy than helping students develop their potential.
When Clay and his wife, Wynette, moved to Sea Pines they started a search for their spiritual home. A visit to UUCL opened their eyes to the Seven Principles, which was a match with their own values and philosophy. After attending the Catholic, Lutheran and Methodist churches, both agreed they had found a home that served their spiritual needs. The welcoming community of progressive friends made the weekly (or more) trips a true reward.
Clay has practiced personal meditation for over 25 years and attends an annual retreat at the Southern Dharma Retreat Center near Asheville. Two years ago he began teaching a class at UUCL for beginner meditators. The class has evolved into a weekly Meditation Sangha (virtual) with members of the congregation. He is pleased to lead this group on a journey of weekly renewal.
For many years, Clay and Wynette spent their summers in Chicago with their daughter’s family (in Wilmette). Living with their 3 grandchildren a few months each year created a special bond, for which they are grateful. Since the Pandemic, they have lived on the island year-round and plan to continue to stay “home’ throughout the year.
President
Clay moved to Hilton Head in 2010, two years after his retirement from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Clay served as the Asst. VP of Student Affairs and enjoyed working with students in all aspects of their college development. He previously worked at the University of Illinois in Career Development and Placement. As a counselor and administrator he had no greater joy than helping students develop their potential.
When Clay and his wife, Wynette, moved to Sea Pines they started a search for their spiritual home. A visit to UUCL opened their eyes to the Seven Principles, which was a match with their own values and philosophy. After attending the Catholic, Lutheran and Methodist churches, both agreed they had found a home that served their spiritual needs. The welcoming community of progressive friends made the weekly (or more) trips a true reward.
Clay has practiced personal meditation for over 25 years and attends an annual retreat at the Southern Dharma Retreat Center near Asheville. Two years ago he began teaching a class at UUCL for beginner meditators. The class has evolved into a weekly Meditation Sangha (virtual) with members of the congregation. He is pleased to lead this group on a journey of weekly renewal.
For many years, Clay and Wynette spent their summers in Chicago with their daughter’s family (in Wilmette). Living with their 3 grandchildren a few months each year created a special bond, for which they are grateful. Since the Pandemic, they have lived on the island year-round and plan to continue to stay “home’ throughout the year.
Laura McFadden
Immediate Past President
Laura spent the last 16 years of her career in her home town of Madison, Wisconsin and moved to South Carolina in 2018, her husband Rick’s home state. Laura lived in Atlanta for 16 years where she and Rick met before they moved their family to Wisconsin in 2001.
Laura worked as a program administrator and business analyst in the Legal and Human Resources departments of The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta. In Madison, she was an energy forecaster/analyst, and a solar liaison for customers’ rooftop solar and wind turbine installations for Madison Gas and Electric.
It was Laura’s sister who introduced her to the Unitarian Universalist congregation. When she and Rick decided to move to South Carolina she googled UU congregations in the communities they were considering. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry was among the top reasons for moving to Sun City Hilton Head. They started attending the church shortly after moving here, and they haven’t looked back.
Laura and Rick have one son and two grandsons in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and another son and daughter-in-law in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Laura has enjoyed serving on the Board for the past two years.
Paul Weisser
Vice President
Grew up in a snowy suburb of Buffalo and attended Ithaca College in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He completed a BS degree in Biology and moved to Boston to conduct medical research in the departments of Orthopedics at Massachusetts General Hospital and Children’s Hospital.
After six years of lab management experience, he attended Northeastern University in Boston, earning a Master of Science degree in Marine Ecology. Paul wanted to combine science and business interest so he took the position of Assistant to the Chairman in the Biology Department of SUNY/Binghamton, as well as taking courses for an MBA degree in Marketing. Four years later, he started a long career in technical sales and sales management working for companies like Fisher Scientific, GIBCO/BRL, Invitrogen, Life Technologies, Sigma and Clontech. He retired in 2014 and began devoting time to landscape and wildlife photography.
Paul and his wife, Maxine, spent 41 and 44 years respectively in Ithaca when they began looking for a warmer climate and in 2017 moved to Bluffton, South Carolina. They continue their 30 years long tradition of an annual trip to Acadia National Park in Maine, where they like to hike, bike, kayak and enjoy nature.
Family includes a stepdaughter, Julia, who lives in San Francisco and an 11 year-old Sheltie named Mr. Brody. As a newer member of the UUCL family, Paul is thankful for the opportunity to explore and grow according to the 7 Principles of UU and to become the best person he can be.
Vice President
Grew up in a snowy suburb of Buffalo and attended Ithaca College in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He completed a BS degree in Biology and moved to Boston to conduct medical research in the departments of Orthopedics at Massachusetts General Hospital and Children’s Hospital.
After six years of lab management experience, he attended Northeastern University in Boston, earning a Master of Science degree in Marine Ecology. Paul wanted to combine science and business interest so he took the position of Assistant to the Chairman in the Biology Department of SUNY/Binghamton, as well as taking courses for an MBA degree in Marketing. Four years later, he started a long career in technical sales and sales management working for companies like Fisher Scientific, GIBCO/BRL, Invitrogen, Life Technologies, Sigma and Clontech. He retired in 2014 and began devoting time to landscape and wildlife photography.
Paul and his wife, Maxine, spent 41 and 44 years respectively in Ithaca when they began looking for a warmer climate and in 2017 moved to Bluffton, South Carolina. They continue their 30 years long tradition of an annual trip to Acadia National Park in Maine, where they like to hike, bike, kayak and enjoy nature.
Family includes a stepdaughter, Julia, who lives in San Francisco and an 11 year-old Sheltie named Mr. Brody. As a newer member of the UUCL family, Paul is thankful for the opportunity to explore and grow according to the 7 Principles of UU and to become the best person he can be.
Linda Labarreare
Treasurer
Treasurer
Barbara Popka
Secretary
I was born and raised in New York City---Queens, so the city was my backyard. I loved going to museums, the theatre, shopping, and all that Manhattan had to offer. I still enjoy going back to the city to visit and play tourist, but I’m glad I don’t live there anymore. I attended Cornell University and majored in Human Development/Family Studies; that is where Ed and I met. Later on I earned a Master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling.
After I married in 1971, Ed and I lived in Howard County, Maryland for 35 years, where I was a teacher in the county public schools. I taught pre-school and kindergarten for 25 years, and for the last 10 years I taught Alternative Education and worked with at-risk students from Kindergarten through Grade 5. This included children with social-emotional problems and/or behavior problems as well as working with students with academic risks in reading and math. Much of my work was on Bullying Prevention and dealing with bullying behavior.
When our children were born, Ed and I became members of First Unitarian Church in Baltimore, Maryland (the William Ellery Channing pulpit). We then joined the Unitarian Universalist Society of Howard County (Maryland), and after some conflict in the congregation we were part of a group that formed Channing Memorial Church, where I was a very active member while our children were growing up and until our retirement in 2008.
After retirement, we lived in New Bern, NC for 3 years where we joined the Unitarian Church there. We moved to Hilton Head Island in 2011 and became members of UUCL shortly after we arrived. In retirement I’ve worked as the coordinator of a reading tutoring program for 2nd graders at Hilton Head Island Elementary School, working with anywhere from 12-20 tutors each year. Once COVID started, I became part of a national organization called Reading Partners and have been tutoring students online from the Charleston area twice a week for the past several couple of years. I’ve also been very involved in the Inspiritus program out of Savannah, which has been responsible for resettling Afghan refugees recently arrived from Afghanistan.
Ed and I love to travel and hope to continue doing so for as long as we can. One of the biggest joys in my life right now are my 4 grandchildren---ages 6 months, 5, 6 and 8; two of them live in the Atlanta area and the other two live in Maryland. We try to spend as much time with them as possible.
I look forward to being part of the UUCL Board for the next year or so. With Zoom, I can attend Board meetings while we are traveling or out-of-town. I love this congregation and its ministers and have made so many wonderful friends here. I look forward to our future together.
Secretary
I was born and raised in New York City---Queens, so the city was my backyard. I loved going to museums, the theatre, shopping, and all that Manhattan had to offer. I still enjoy going back to the city to visit and play tourist, but I’m glad I don’t live there anymore. I attended Cornell University and majored in Human Development/Family Studies; that is where Ed and I met. Later on I earned a Master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling.
After I married in 1971, Ed and I lived in Howard County, Maryland for 35 years, where I was a teacher in the county public schools. I taught pre-school and kindergarten for 25 years, and for the last 10 years I taught Alternative Education and worked with at-risk students from Kindergarten through Grade 5. This included children with social-emotional problems and/or behavior problems as well as working with students with academic risks in reading and math. Much of my work was on Bullying Prevention and dealing with bullying behavior.
When our children were born, Ed and I became members of First Unitarian Church in Baltimore, Maryland (the William Ellery Channing pulpit). We then joined the Unitarian Universalist Society of Howard County (Maryland), and after some conflict in the congregation we were part of a group that formed Channing Memorial Church, where I was a very active member while our children were growing up and until our retirement in 2008.
After retirement, we lived in New Bern, NC for 3 years where we joined the Unitarian Church there. We moved to Hilton Head Island in 2011 and became members of UUCL shortly after we arrived. In retirement I’ve worked as the coordinator of a reading tutoring program for 2nd graders at Hilton Head Island Elementary School, working with anywhere from 12-20 tutors each year. Once COVID started, I became part of a national organization called Reading Partners and have been tutoring students online from the Charleston area twice a week for the past several couple of years. I’ve also been very involved in the Inspiritus program out of Savannah, which has been responsible for resettling Afghan refugees recently arrived from Afghanistan.
Ed and I love to travel and hope to continue doing so for as long as we can. One of the biggest joys in my life right now are my 4 grandchildren---ages 6 months, 5, 6 and 8; two of them live in the Atlanta area and the other two live in Maryland. We try to spend as much time with them as possible.
I look forward to being part of the UUCL Board for the next year or so. With Zoom, I can attend Board meetings while we are traveling or out-of-town. I love this congregation and its ministers and have made so many wonderful friends here. I look forward to our future together.
Tim Garvey
Member-at-Large
Tim was born and nurtured in rural, farmland America, Oneida, Wisconsin, on the Oneida People’s Reservation (Green Bay Area) His Irish ancestors settled in the area in 1848.
Hence, Tim grew among two vastly different cultures. Personal and religious formation was a given: white, European, Irish Catholic, the other, being those life perspectives of Native Americans.
In the City of Appleton, Wisconsin he would finish Catholic grade school and high school and graduate from the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh 1969, English Major. In these institutions Tim would form his awareness of the role of Social Justice.
On September 30, 1972 in Appleton, Tim and Marge married in a Catholic Church Ceremony. They have two married sons, Tim and Sean and five grandchildren.
Residents of Sun City, Tim and Marge joined UUCL in 2019. Currently they are active in the Afghan Refugee Resettlement Initiative providing services to two, young, Afghan men.
Web site: garveyfamilyfund.com
Member-at-Large
Tim was born and nurtured in rural, farmland America, Oneida, Wisconsin, on the Oneida People’s Reservation (Green Bay Area) His Irish ancestors settled in the area in 1848.
Hence, Tim grew among two vastly different cultures. Personal and religious formation was a given: white, European, Irish Catholic, the other, being those life perspectives of Native Americans.
In the City of Appleton, Wisconsin he would finish Catholic grade school and high school and graduate from the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh 1969, English Major. In these institutions Tim would form his awareness of the role of Social Justice.
On September 30, 1972 in Appleton, Tim and Marge married in a Catholic Church Ceremony. They have two married sons, Tim and Sean and five grandchildren.
Residents of Sun City, Tim and Marge joined UUCL in 2019. Currently they are active in the Afghan Refugee Resettlement Initiative providing services to two, young, Afghan men.
Web site: garveyfamilyfund.com
David Kelly
Member-at-Large
David & his wife Kathleen moved to Hilton Head Island in May 2017, shortly after he retired. Upon relocating to HHI, they visited the Unitarian Universalist of the Low Country, and immediately felt at home, and joined in December 2017. David had been an active member of the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady, including 3 years on their Board of Directors.
David grew up in the Albany, NY region, one of 6 children, and graduated from the University of Albany with a BS in Chemistry. During this period he met Kathleen and they married in 1978.
The mid 1970’s also saw David join SI Group, a global chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Schenectady, NY in their research group, and a few years later transferred to the business side. During David’s 40 plus years at SI Group, he and Kathleen enjoyed two expatriate experiences; one just outside London (1999-2001) and in Shanghai (2010-2014).
David & Kathleen have two children, Evan (1983) who recently relocated from Montana to Vermont, and Alyson Kelly Northrup (1986) in Fairfax, VA with her husband, Jason, and their two children, Everett (2017) and Rosalie (2020).
David & Kathleen are snowbirds, living 7-months on HHI, now their place of residence, and 5-months in Schroon Lake, NY. They love to and will continue to travel, but love coming home too, in which UUCL is a major contributor to both their spiritual and social health.
I feel fortunate to have discovered UUCL and this congregation. I am excited to be working on the Congregation’s Board.
Member-at-Large
David & his wife Kathleen moved to Hilton Head Island in May 2017, shortly after he retired. Upon relocating to HHI, they visited the Unitarian Universalist of the Low Country, and immediately felt at home, and joined in December 2017. David had been an active member of the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady, including 3 years on their Board of Directors.
David grew up in the Albany, NY region, one of 6 children, and graduated from the University of Albany with a BS in Chemistry. During this period he met Kathleen and they married in 1978.
The mid 1970’s also saw David join SI Group, a global chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Schenectady, NY in their research group, and a few years later transferred to the business side. During David’s 40 plus years at SI Group, he and Kathleen enjoyed two expatriate experiences; one just outside London (1999-2001) and in Shanghai (2010-2014).
David & Kathleen have two children, Evan (1983) who recently relocated from Montana to Vermont, and Alyson Kelly Northrup (1986) in Fairfax, VA with her husband, Jason, and their two children, Everett (2017) and Rosalie (2020).
David & Kathleen are snowbirds, living 7-months on HHI, now their place of residence, and 5-months in Schroon Lake, NY. They love to and will continue to travel, but love coming home too, in which UUCL is a major contributor to both their spiritual and social health.
I feel fortunate to have discovered UUCL and this congregation. I am excited to be working on the Congregation’s Board.
Kim Lewis
Member-at-Large
Kim grew up in Elyria, Ohio just west of Cleveland and has been on Hilton Head Island since 2017. She has worked as a Registered Nurse for the Cleveland Clinic and since moving to Greenville, SC in 2008, has been able to work from home auditing medical records for private insurance companies.
It was the Plant Eaters Group held at the UUCL that awakened something in her to attend a Sunday morning service, after which she felt hungry for more. She says with delight that she has finally found her place and her people and looks forward to working with and serving this community.
Kim has two sons, one who lives nearby on Hilton Head Island and one who resides in Tampa, Florida. She loves to read, hike, swim and of course, wander the beach.
Member-at-Large
Kim grew up in Elyria, Ohio just west of Cleveland and has been on Hilton Head Island since 2017. She has worked as a Registered Nurse for the Cleveland Clinic and since moving to Greenville, SC in 2008, has been able to work from home auditing medical records for private insurance companies.
It was the Plant Eaters Group held at the UUCL that awakened something in her to attend a Sunday morning service, after which she felt hungry for more. She says with delight that she has finally found her place and her people and looks forward to working with and serving this community.
Kim has two sons, one who lives nearby on Hilton Head Island and one who resides in Tampa, Florida. She loves to read, hike, swim and of course, wander the beach.
Ann Harrison
Director of Religious Education
Ann Elisabeth Titus was born on January 27, 1959 in Newburyport, MA. to Ron and Donna Titus. She was raised in New England and is the oldest of 4 - Ann, Ellen, Kate and John. Ann is a 5th generation Unitarian Universalist.
She graduated from High School in New Bedford, MA. in 1977 and from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1981 with a BS in Nursing.
Ann has two daughters, Emily (1987) and Joanna (1990). Emily lives in Neptune City, NJ and is married to Ryan Cornell. Joanna lives in Charleston, SC with her boyfriend, Zach Bjur.
Ann moved with her girls to Hilton Head Island in 1996. They began attending the Unitarian Fellowship right away. In 1997, Ann became the Director of Religious Education and has been an active member of UUCL since then. She became credentialed as a UU religious educator in 2012. She recently retired from The Cypress where she managed the Home Health Agency & the Clinic for 24 years.
She enjoys reading, biking, going to the beach and working in the garden.
Director of Religious Education
Ann Elisabeth Titus was born on January 27, 1959 in Newburyport, MA. to Ron and Donna Titus. She was raised in New England and is the oldest of 4 - Ann, Ellen, Kate and John. Ann is a 5th generation Unitarian Universalist.
She graduated from High School in New Bedford, MA. in 1977 and from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1981 with a BS in Nursing.
Ann has two daughters, Emily (1987) and Joanna (1990). Emily lives in Neptune City, NJ and is married to Ryan Cornell. Joanna lives in Charleston, SC with her boyfriend, Zach Bjur.
Ann moved with her girls to Hilton Head Island in 1996. They began attending the Unitarian Fellowship right away. In 1997, Ann became the Director of Religious Education and has been an active member of UUCL since then. She became credentialed as a UU religious educator in 2012. She recently retired from The Cypress where she managed the Home Health Agency & the Clinic for 24 years.
She enjoys reading, biking, going to the beach and working in the garden.
David Inserra
Congregational Administrator
Born in New England and raised in the Catholic tradition, David married a fifth generation UU (Ellen Titus). Since then they have lived the adventure of life, love and change. After packing up their belongings, David and Ellen moved away from the cold north to where they now call home - Hilton Head. Since arriving on the island they quickly found a home at UUCL. David has been on the UUCL AV team and continues to be an advisor to the group. He also spent many years chairing the Membership Committee. He is passionate about his position as UUCL Congregational Administrator, and continues to do what he can can to keep the Seven Principles alive.
Congregational Administrator
Born in New England and raised in the Catholic tradition, David married a fifth generation UU (Ellen Titus). Since then they have lived the adventure of life, love and change. After packing up their belongings, David and Ellen moved away from the cold north to where they now call home - Hilton Head. Since arriving on the island they quickly found a home at UUCL. David has been on the UUCL AV team and continues to be an advisor to the group. He also spent many years chairing the Membership Committee. He is passionate about his position as UUCL Congregational Administrator, and continues to do what he can can to keep the Seven Principles alive.
John Sheppard
Music
Born and raised in Trenton, N. J., John spent much of his life in Virginia after graduating from the College of William and Mary. He taught high school English for some years, after which he pursued his love of cooking becoming a sous-chef for several restaurants. Before moving to South Carolina he spent 16 years at the Bistro R in Richmond.
John, already a talented pianist, studied organ and served at several churches, doing so for 18 years for two episcopal churches in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His parents lived with him in their last years after he came to South Carolina in 2005. Since then, John has pursued singing and playing piano at UUCL.
Music
Born and raised in Trenton, N. J., John spent much of his life in Virginia after graduating from the College of William and Mary. He taught high school English for some years, after which he pursued his love of cooking becoming a sous-chef for several restaurants. Before moving to South Carolina he spent 16 years at the Bistro R in Richmond.
John, already a talented pianist, studied organ and served at several churches, doing so for 18 years for two episcopal churches in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His parents lived with him in their last years after he came to South Carolina in 2005. Since then, John has pursued singing and playing piano at UUCL.