The United Church of Northfield has announced that the benefit concert featuring pianist, Alison Cerutti was a huge success!

Ms. Cerutti got behind the efforts of the United Church of Northfield's Save Our Steeple project by donating all proceeds from her solo piano concert on December 18th, 2010 to the Save Our Steeple Fund. She did not disappoint the crowd of 120 as she worked her magic in the 1837 Paine Meeting House (now United Church of Northfield). The program included works from Bach, Granados, Schubert, Chopin, and Beethoven. Clearly the audience favorite was the Latin sound of Argentine born composer, Alberto Ginastera 1916-1983. Cerutti played the Argentine Dances with such intensity and precision it set the listener’s feet tapping. Particularly moving was the Danza de la Moza Donosa (Dance of the Beautiful Maiden). Moving through precise and improvisational dance and back, the audience was drawn into this lovely piece.

One hundred years prior to the Ginestera Argentine Dances the Paine Meeting House was erected. It was built by Charles Paine, Governor of Vermont from 1841-1843, to give his mill workers a place to worship and congregate socially. On December 18, 2010 concert-goers were gathered for the purpose of socializing and keeping this historic gem of a building intact for future generations. As we listened to music that spanned the generations from the 1700's to the 20th century we could not help but feel the presence of those first congregants gathered in the sanctuary listening to the sound of a shape note choir or mill worker stumping for better work conditions.

The Save Our Steeple fundraising goal is to raise $99, 292 to restore the steeple/tower of the United Church of Northfield. The December 18th concert brought us $2, 689 closer to the goal. Over the past 4 weeks the fundraising total is $23,766- 24% of our goal!

The next fundraiser planned for January 29, 2010 at the United Church is an SOS Dinner. More details will follow and you can also check the website at www.unitedchurchofnorthfield. org/sos

If you wish to make a tax deductible donation to help preserve this historic landmark you can send a check payable to “UCN/SOS” to:

United Church of Northfield P.O. Box 188 Northfield, Vermont 05663