Don’t miss the Carnivale Mardi Gras Services Auction this Saturday evening, January 28, at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. In addition to a wide variety of great items to bid on, we will be providing dinner, beverages of all types, and a party for kids. And the entry fee is a modest $5 per adult – kids are free. And there is no requirement to bid. This is always a fun event. And since our theme is Mardi Gras, feel free to wear your most festive garb.

We have some great items to bid on.  Here are the full catalogs for the Voice Auction and the Silent Auction.  To whet your bidding appetite, below are listed vacation homes offered by FUUSN folks. What has worked for many bidders over the years is to get together with friends and share the cost. As a result, you get some fun time away at a modest price. Start planning now so you are ready to bid Saturday evening. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Rohan at jprohan@verizon.net. More information on items up for bid will be coming later in the week.

And please bring your checkbooks or a big wad of cash as we prefer that you pay for your winnings the night of the auction.    — Pat Rohan, On behalf of the Fabulous FUUSN Mardi Gras Services Auction Team

Memorial Day Week Retreat on Plum Island  – A FULL WEEK !!!!!

Donated by Vern Ellis and Susan Stone

You can watch the sunrise over the ocean, go for a long walk on the beach, ride bikes in the National Wildlife Refuge, kayak in the river and marsh, spend some time perusing the shops in quaint downtown Newburyport, and eat wonderful meals at some great restaurants on the island or in downtown Newburyport.  You will be able to catch the sunset from the deck over the expansive mouth of the river as well. The house is situated in a peaceful location at the mouth of the Merrimack River, a great spot if you love to fish for stripers. The house has 3 queen bed bedrooms and all the modern amenities.

Date: Memorial Day Weekend and the week following.

Minimum Bid: $1000

Weekend Vacation Home on Cape Cod – 2 weekends to the 2 highest bidders!

Donated by Ron Margolin and Lesley Sneddon

Spend a relaxing (or active) weekend at a 4-bedroom, fully-winterized house on a quiet cul-de-sac near Route 6A in Dennis.  Sleeps 8 comfortably. Has air conditioning and an outdoor shower.  Near the start of the Cape Cod Bike Trail and Scargo Lake (great for canoeing and kayaking).  Also near Dennis Pines Golf Course and many fine restaurants.  2 miles from the bay beaches.  Available any weekend from Mar 31-April 2 to June 2-4 except Memorial Day weekend, or any weekend from September 8-10 to November 10-12 except Columbus Day weekend. Contact information: phone 617-413-8166; email: ronles@rcn.com

Minimum Bid: $400

Vacation Home near Mount Snow, Vermont

Donated by Peter Farago

Spend a long June weekend (either Thursday through Sunday or Friday through Monday) in a beautiful 5 bedroom and 3 bath home in Vermont near Mount Snow. WiFi, HDTV, Tennis, heated pool, clubhouse, hiking trails, all the amenities. Enjoy the Jacuzzi while gazing into the woods through a newly installed window.  Lots of local activities. Sleeps 10.

Dates Available exclusively for weekends in June 2016 Value: $1000+ Minimum Bid: $400

Weekend in Saco, Maine

Donated by Anne and Ted Hess-Mahan

Weekend in a three bedroom cottage which can accommodate six people. Walk down the drive to the boardwalk. Beautiful nearby Ferry Beach has miles of sandy beach. Conservation land trails across the street. Bike trails nearby. Available weekends in the spring or fall.

Minimum Bid: $400

Weekend in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire

Donated by Urban Larson and Barbara Zepp Larson

Escape for the weekend to a quiet, comfortable house on a hillside with spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee. This four bedroom year-round house can comfortably sleep six adults and 3-5 children (depending on size). The kitchen is large and fully equipped and there are three full bathrooms. There is a gas grill on the deck and plenty of room to eat outside overlooking the lake. It’s a short drive to a private neighborhood beach or to Gunstock Recreation Area for hiking or zip-lining in the warm months or skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. There are lots of other beautiful hiking trails nearby and it is an easy hour or so drive to the White Mountains. If you get bored of nature, the “world’s biggest video game arcade” is at nearby Weirs Beach. The Lakes Region also offers scenic cruises on the Mount Washington, a steam railroad, miniature golf and a range of other activities. The house is in Gilford, NH, just under two hours from Newton/Brookline by way of I-93. Available any non-holiday weekend by mutual agreement after Labor Day and before Memorial Day

Minimum bid: $400