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Christian retreat center to host inaugural community BBQ event in Woodville

The Sanctuary at Woodville will welcome residents of all faiths and backgrounds next weekend at a community barbecue.

The Christian nonprofit spiritual retreat center is hosting its inaugural Woodville Community BBQ event on Saturday, July 26. The event will feature a free barbecue lunch and free ice cream from the Uhlman’s Ice Cream truck. Gethin Coolbaugh, co-founder and co-director of the Sanctuary, said that the event was conceived as a way to foster community.

“We wanted to give back to the community and celebrate the community, too,” said Coolbaugh. “It’s our gesture to bring people together,”

Coolbaugh explained that the event would allow attendees to share their experiences and memories of Woodville, as well as help people understand the Sanctuary’s mission.

“It’s also a celebration of the repair work and generosity [of donors],” he added.

The Sanctuary’s church was damaged earlier this year when a tree crashed through the roof. There was significant damage, but no one was injured in the incident.

Coolbaugh said that a deal recently was signed with contractors to begin the repairs on the roof this month. If work goes according to schedule, he said he anticipates the roof to be repaired fully by September.

Most of the costs were covered by insurance, but Coolbaugh said there had been some unexpected expenses. Although the BBQ event is free, Coolbaugh said there will be opportunities for donations if community members wish to contribute.

“There will be fundraising opportunities, but this is an event that’s free for everyone,” Coolbaugh stressed.

He added that the event aims to help residents understand what the Sanctuary’s mission and offerings better.

“It’s a chance to show what we’re all about — serving the community and giving back,” he said.

The Woodville Community BBQ is Saturday, July 26, from 11 a.m.-3 pm. More information about The Sanctuary at Woodville can be found on its website.

Latest News

Hopkinton’s Amy Schwartz, 49, died suddenly July 11, just four days after the passing of her mother, Patricia Jordan, 86.

Nancy Delchamps, 94, passed away July 9. She was a resident of Hopkinton.

Stefan Mikulski, 88, of Hopkinton passed away July 7.

The blues band The Love Dogs will play Hopkinton Center for the Arts on Saturday as part of the HCA Summer Concert Series.

Town meetings tonight include the Housing Authority (6) and Trails Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

A bear makes its way through a backyard on John Matthews Road on Monday. The bear searched through garbage bins before departing.

PHOTO/MARCELA BAUMGARTEN