CANTON – Pat Alden of Canton has been recognized for her outstanding service to both the Unitarian Universalist Church and the greater community.

Alden was named the recipient of the 2023 Theo Dunn Outstanding Service Award by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton. The award was presented Sunday, Dec. 3, by Church Council representative Wil Rivers.

“Pat Alden is a deserving recipient of this esteemed award. Pat sees the bigger picture and the common good. She has a heart for helping others in need and she knows that care is at the center of a beloved community, said Reverend James Galasinski, minister of the church. She's persistent, dedicated, organized, a hard worker, and just plain smart.”

Alden has been a member of the Unitarian Universalist church since the 1970s. During that time, she has served on numerous committees including volunteering on the Caring Circle, and as the Chair and Co-Chair of the Faith In Action Committee. As a socially conscious and engaged church member, Alden has championed numerous meaningful and diverse Social Action initiatives, including the organization and facilitation of American Red Cross blood drives hosted at the church. She was also instrumental in organizing this area’s travel and participation in the 2017 Women’s March on Washington. Alden has served as the UU Church representative to the Church and Community Program, volunteered in their thrift store, and was Chair of the CCP Board. Ms. Alden presently serves as a representative for the Potsdam Interfaith Community.

"I love my investment in the UU Church because it allows me to feel connected to so many people in the town of Canton. Volunteering at the blood drive was especially fun because I knew so many of the blood donors that stopped by to give blood. A good deal of service work is done by all the faith communities in town, and it is a privilege to learn about what they are doing", said Alden.

The award is named for Theo Dunn, who was an active member of the UU church for 35 years and served as Clerk of Church Council for 20 years. Dunn was known for telling and illustrating wonderful children’s stories, and for her volunteer work performing dozens of church tasks. The Theo Dunn award has been presented by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton annually since 1988.