Return to the top.

Prior Months' Activities

April 2010

April 4: Spring Festival of Hope and Peace

April 11: "One Maryland One Book: A Statewide Community Collaboration" by Andrea Lewis, One Maryland One Book Events Coordinator, Maryland Humanities Council

April 18: "The Spiritual as a Salve for Anyone's Psychological Abrasions" by Alison Chase Radcliffe, Contralto & Diana Corbett, Narrator

April 25: "Earth Day 2010: Energy Efficiency" by Susan Hartsfield, Author & Founder of Global Baskets

Return to the top.

March 2010

March 7: "We Must Really Unlearn War" by Ellen Barfield, Peace and Justice Activist

March 14: "Learning to be Inclusive: An Ally's Education in 'LGBTQness'" by Hugh Taft-Morales, Ethical Culture Leader

March 21: "On the Need for a Strong Secularist Movement" by Paul Fidalgo, Communications Manager, Secular Coalition for America

American politics and culture are in thrall to religion. Despite the explicit division between religion and government in our founding documents, decisions based on irrationality or a particular group's idea of the supernatural holds enormous sway over our laws and institutions, very often leading to unjust discrimination and harmful policy. In response, Paul will discuss the necessity of a secularist movement in American politics, highlighting particular issues that are of genuine concern both to nontheists and Americans at large, and how the Secular Coalition for America is spearheading action in the nation's capital, harnessing the strength of its member organizations to fight for nontheists' place in the political culture.

Paul Fidalgo is the communications manager for the Secular Coalition for America. Paul has worked on a major presidential campaign and ran communications for FairVote, an electoral reform group. He is also an actor and musician whose work includes five years performing with the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia. He currently writes a column on secularism for Examiner.com .

March 28: "In the Mirror of Modern Science" by Fritz Williams, Leader Emeritus

Return to the top.

February 2010

Feb. 7: Cancelled "Permanent Housing and the Homeless" by Joann Levy, Executive Director, The Women's Housing Coalition

Details: The Women's Housing Coalition is dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness by increasing the quantity and quality of affordable housing and by fostering the economic and social independence of homeless and low income women and their families. Founded in 1979 the Women's Housing Coalition is a grassroots, non-profit organization that has been at the forefront in the development of housing opportunities and services to low-income and homeless women with disabilities. This talk will discuss the permanent housing and supportive services model through meeting each woman where they are and designing a specific set of goals through intensive case management and utilizing a continuum of care to continue to assess residents' progress.

Speaker bio: Joann Levy is the Executive Director of the Women's Housing Coalition. Prior to joining the WHC, Joann was the Deputy Director of the Enterprise Foundation's Baltimore Office, overseeing all aspects of community asset development and community-based programming. She was instrumental in the development of the Maryland Re-entry Partnership Initiative, a program providing case management services for men returning to the community from prison. This program gained national attention and was featured on 60 Minutes in November, 2004. Joann has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola College in Baltimore. She has two daughters and resides in Baltimore County with her dog, Petey.

Feb. 14: Cancelled "What Did Charles Darwin REALLY Discover?" by Dr. Thomas R. Holtz, Jr, Senior Lecturer in Vertebrate Paleontology , UMCP

Special Darwin Day Joint Meeting of the Baltimore Secular Humanists and the Baltimore Ethical Society

Details: Everyone knows that Charles Darwin was the pivotal figure in the science of Evolution, but fewer people are aware of what his particular contributions actually were. This talk will examine what was known about evolution prior to Darwin's work; Darwin's education and voyages; his co-discovery of Natural Selection; and some of his other contributions to the earth and life sciences.

Speaker bio: Dr. Thomas R. Holtz, Jr. is a dinosaur paleobiologist and Senior Lecturer in Vertebrate Paleontology at the Department of Geology, University of Maryland, College Park. His expertise is the evolution, anatomy, and adaptations of the carnivorous dinosaurs, with emphasis on the Tyrannosauroidea (tyrant dinosaurs: Tyrannosaurus rex and its kin). In addition to paleontology, he teaches courses on evolution, historical geology, global change, and the nature of science. He is the Faculty Director and co-creator of two residential honors programs in the sciences: Earth, Life & Time (http://www.geol.umd.edu/~jmerck/eltsite) and Science & Global Change (http://www.geol.umd.edu/sgc). As well as technical publications, Dr. Holtz has authored several popular audience works on dinosaurs, including Dinosaurs: The Most Complete Up-To-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages (Random House, 2007). He is frequently a consultant for and appears in documentaries shown on Discovery, National Geographic, BBC, and the History Channel, most notably the original Walking with Dinosaurs. His website is http://www.geol.umd.edu/~tholtz/ .

Feb. 21: "The Used-to-Be and the Yet-to-Be" by Michael Franch, Ethical Culture Leader

Details: When I first moved to Baltimore, I looked at things with the eyes of a historian and a newcomer. I'd look at a blighted inner city area and say, "this was a rich suburban neighborhood in 1850." I'd hear tales from old-timers in my neighborhood about businesses that to used occupy storefronts now rented to other shopkeepers. Then one day, I realized I had grown my own used-to-bes. In my time, my environment had changed and I had changed. I'm part of the past myself--but also part of the present and, in ways I can't even imagine, part of the future.

Speaker bio: Michael S. Franch is an Ethical Culture Leader and Dean of the National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union. He served as Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society from 1975-1984 and is currently affiliate minister at the First Unitarian Church, Baltimore. Until his 2007 retirement, he worked in health policy at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. A historian by training (Ph.D., University of Maryland), he is currently president of the Baltimore City Historical Society. He is active in the Baltimore Folk Music Society as a storyteller, English country dance caller. He is also an urban bicyclist.

Feb. 28: "The End of Supernaturalistic Religion: The Socioeconomic Factor" by Greg Paul, Scientist and Writer

Details: Greg Paul's ground breaking technical paper (www.epjournal.net/filestore/EP07398441_c.pdf) showing that religion is a superficial opinion that is popular only when socioeconomic conditions are dysfunctional, and is collapsing in the western democracies, has been covered in Newsweek, USA Today and The Guardian. This platform will cover material that is being presented by Greg at a conference in Copenhagen in the summer of 2010.

Speaker bio: Gregory Paul has been labeled the church's public enemy number one by MSNBC, and denounced as un-American in the Wall Street Journal. His popular essays are found in Washington Post/On Faith (newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2009/11/defending_ darwins_ science_by_taming_social_darwinism.html; extended version at www.edge.org/#paul), Edge, Wall Street Journal Weekend Magazine (early January 2010), Free Inquiry, Dissident Voice, Daily Kos, OpEdNews. Find out more about Greg's "science of religion" writings at www.gspaulscienceofreligion.com.

Return to the top.

January 2010

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

Jan 3: “Annual Pancake Breakfast”

Bring your appetite and (if you wish) a side dish to share. Pancakes and toppings will be provided, along with some great conversation!

Jan 10: “Partners in Care” by Barbara Huston, is Co-Founder, President and CEO of Partners In Care Maryland.

Partners In Care Maryland (PIC) is a community nonprofit organization empowering older adults to remain independent in their own homes using the tool of time exchange or service-exchange as the basis for the program. PIC is the first service/time exchange program based in Maryland. Founded in 1993, PIC has been making careful and creative "matches" or “time banking” between people for 15 years. Through time exchange, members build a network of support, helping each other with the myriad of tasks involved in everyday living. It is an innovative concept-in-action which provides an incentive for people to get involved. Anyone who helps out will get help back from the community when they need it. Partners In Care has been selected for the National Council on Aging’s Multigenerational & Civic Engagement (MGCE) initiative.

Barbara Huston,is Co-Founder, President and CEO of Partners In Care Maryland. Partners In Care is the creation of three strong women. Maureen Cavaiola and Barbara Huston, who are sisters and have advanced degrees in geriatrics and health care administration. The third partner, Sandy Jackson, also has a master’s degree in geriatrics

Jan 17: “Health Harming Chemicals in our Everyday Environments: Organizing for a Toxin Free Future” by Jenny Levin, Program Associate, Maryland Public Interest Research Group (Maryland PIRG)

Toxic chemicals are all around us. Yet while the rates of asthma, childhood cancers, infertility, and learning and behavioral disorders continue to increase, the systems in place to protect us from health harming chemicals have not kept up. Toxic chemicals have come to be a source of pollution that persists in the environment, in our homes, and in our very bodies and the bodies of our children. Body burden studies have shown that chemicals like the flame retardant Deca-BDE, or the plastic additive bisphenal A (BPA), are prominent in two of the most vulnerable populations: mothers and young children. This discussion will explain the mentality surrounding chemical regulation in the United States; a mentality that is shifting from placing the burden on the consumer to placing more responsibility on industry and government. Individuals and organizations both have a role in influencing chemical policy in the current push to restructure the regulation of health harming chemicals.

Jenny Levin is a Program Associate with Maryland Public Interest Research Group (Maryland PIRG), a statewide nonprofit public interest organization. Jenny earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Spanish from the University of the Ozarks. Jenny works on environmental health issues and is an advocate for chemical policy reform.

Jan 24: "What Makes Us Human?"by Amanda Poppei, Senior Leader, Washington Ethical Society

Join Amanda Poppei as she considers what it is that makes us essentially, unequivocally human. Are we able to draw boundaries around our own—and others’—humanness? The question has been a dangerous one in the history of the world, but it can also point us to some profound truths about our religious values and beliefs. Amanda will examine the answers found in philosophy, Felix Adler, and pop culture, and venture a few of her own.

Amanda Poppei has a Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and a BA in Religious Studies from Yale University. In 2007, Amanda won the National Capital Area Big Sister award from Hermanos y Hermanas Mayores/Big Brothers Big Sisters for her work with a little sister, with whom she has been "matched" for more than seven years. She lives in the DC area with her husband, Peter, and their daughter, Marcella

Jan 31: "Robert Green Ingersoll in Washington, DC." by Steve Lowe

Known as “The Great Agnostic” Ingersoll was a famous and outspoken Freethinker of the late nineteenth century. A lawyer and political spokesman, he became most well known as a crowd pleasing provocative orator. He was a critic of religion, the Bible, clerics, racial and sexual discrimination and an advocate for science, ethics, racial equality, and the civil rights of women, and children. He was seen and heard by more Americans than anyone else prior to the advent of motion pictures and radio. This talk deals specifically with his life in Washington, DC, where he lived and worked for seven years from 1878 to 1885, and his larger career in general and the current Ingersoll Oratory Contest.

Steve Lowe attended The University of Virginia before joining the Peace Corps where he taught high school math in a girls’ school in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo. After earning an MBA from George Washington University he worked in telecommunications - technical sales and business operations - in the US and abroad for 20 years. Steve currently serves on the Board of Directors of WASH ( Washington Area Secular Humanists) and volunteers for the American Humanist Association and Center for Inquiry. Steve is the founder of the Ingersoll Oratory Contest.

Return to the top.

Other January 2010 Activities

Sun. Jan 3, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Sun on snow causes
roof leaking at BES;
we still sit and talk.

Facilitated by Karla Mancero, BES’ “poet in residence,” who sets a new theme each month. Bring poems by others or yourself. Want to join in? Contact poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun. Jan 3 MOVABLE TREATS

Bring in desserts for Moveable Feast, which serves people with AIDS and breast cancer. Remember to wrap your desserts in serving size portions and label them. Mark your desserts if they contain nuts. Avoid desserts that have heavy icings or that contain alcohol. Thanks!

MOVABLE FEAST
Every Day

Don’t forget that you have the opportunity to support the good work done by Moveable Feast every time you come to BES by contributing non-perishable food. Pick up one item each time you shop and put it in the colorfully decorated box by the coffee counter; it all adds up and the many people helped by Moveable Feast each week really appreciate it!

Moveable Feast needs people to deliver meals. If you are available, please call their Volunteer Coordinator, Tom Patrick, at 410-327-3420 ext. 31.

Fri. Jan 08, 7:30 pm: Second Friday Ironweed Film Club

“Onward, Christian Zionists" & "Soldiers Of Conscience"

The Ironweed Film Club at BES presents well-crafted and timely documentaries from independent film-makers. This month, two films for the price of none! First up is the short film “Onward, Christian Zionists". Beneath the surface of modern day politics lurks a well disguised belief system driving the motivations of many politicians in positions of global power. It is religiously based, which of course is nothing new, but is laced with a kind of fanaticism that deserves our attention because it has the potential to dictate our policies toward the middle-east, our care and treatment of the earth, and ultimately, as a highly influential global super power, the future of the world. It is the belief system called Christian Zionism, which implies that Jews led by the state of Israel are pre-destined by biblical prophecy to take over Jerusalem and the rest of the middle-east, wiping out all other religions and then ultimately being destroyed themselves (save for a few hundred thousand converts) when Jesus comes back to set forth Armageddon.

Then we’ll view "Soldiers Of Conscience." To kill or not to kill? After World War II, a US Army study revealed that three quarters of combat soldiers given the chance to fire on the enemy failed to do so. Today, despite intense Reflexive Fire Training that has helped raise firing rates in combat, many soldiers continue to suffer emotionally from the choice to pull the trigger. This powerful, thought-provoking film follows eight US soldiers, four who feel killing in war is a moral imperative, and four who become conscientious objectors after their "crystallization of conscience". All soldiers interviewed are treated respectfully and speak eloquently about their decisions, but those who choose conscientious objector status, and suffer the consequences, offer an authentic and inspiring example of what it will take to someday achieve a world without war.

As always, the discussion following the film is part of the reason to come—interesting, intelligent, and accompanied by coffee and perhaps a little something sweet to munch on. What more could you ask for on a Friday evening? And, the movie for each month is decided upon by those attending the previous month so if you come, you can make sure that you’ll enjoy coming next month. Another way in which the Ethical Society is a champion of the democratic process!

Facilitated byEmil Volcheck. For more information, go to http://www. ironweedfilms.com/films/the-queen-and-i. No charge; donations requested for refreshments.

Sat. Jan 9, 7:00 pm: Ethical Coffee House NOTE DATE CHANGE

Featuring Brian E. Langston & friends.
Poetry • Music • Open Mic • Refreshments • Donation Requested

Brian E. Langston presents "War on Our Dreams", a post-apocalyptic travelogue starting at the tower of Babel and crossing the expanse of the American wasteland, through the Ruined City, and out into the empty plains where ghost radio transmissions declare the enduring spirit of love and destruction. Featuring original electro-folk-poetic musical compositions by Brian E. Langston, live readings by Ryan Coffman, Karla Mancero, and Brian E. Langston, and videography by Matt Muirhead.

An always lively open mic follows the featured performers. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge: donations are requested.

Sun. Jan 10, 9:30 am: Mindfulness Meditation

Come and sit with us (on chairs, not meditation cushions unless you bring your own) for a guided meditation based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh with an Ethical point of view. No meditation experience necessary.

Facilitated by Karen Elliott. Questions? Contact KarenSElliott at aol dot com

Sun. Jan 10, 12:30 pm: Board Meeting All members are welcome.

Sun. Jan 17, 9:00 am: Ethical Action Breakfast

The Ethical Action Committee will hold its monthly breakfast. Bring a $5 contribution and be prepared to eat (pancakes are promised), listen, and plan how we can put our ethics into action.

If you want to find out more before then, contact Ben Busby: Ben dot Busby at gmail dot com.

Sun. Jan 17, 12:30 -1:30 pm: Book Discussion Group Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization by Lester Brown

We will be continuing our discussion with Chapter 4. Join us in a discussion of this thought-provoking book. Contact facilitator Bob Corbett if you’re interested in participating and/or you need a copy of the book.

Lester R. Brown, is President and Founder of the Earth Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based independent environmental research organization, continues developing his ideas about how to “stabilize climate, stabilize population, eradicate poverty, and restore the economy’s natural support systems.”

“Lester Brown is one of the pioneers and heroes of global environmentalism. If the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize had been extended to a third recipient, the logical candidate would have been Lester Brown.” — E. O. Wilson

Sun. Jan 31, 12:30 pm: Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Attended a meeting or two? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of each month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society --- its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour. Attendance is recommended before becoming a member.

December 2009

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

Dec 6: “God on Trial” by Fritz Williams Leader Emeritus, The Baltimore Ethical Society

Religious critic and historian Karen Armstrong opens her most recent book with the following observation: "We are talking far too much about God these days, and what we say is often facile." This opinion, however, has not prevented her from writing three books with God in the title--A HISTORY OF GOD, THE BATTLE FOR GOD, and THE CASE FOR GOD.

Never has believing and not believing in God been the source of so much ontroversy and hostility. In their writings, lectures, and media appearances, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens have launched a barrage of high profile attacks on the legitimacy of believing in God. Meantime, all sorts of believers have rushed to the defense of their beleaguered Almighty. While others who live on the edge of religion, including Armstrong herself, want to call the whole business an unfortunate mistrial. As members of a religious and philosophical movement that considers arguing over believing and not believing tangential to the ethical challenge of elevating our lives and improving the world in which we live, we look on with curiosity and puzzlement. What’s all the fuss? And why should we care?

Fritz Williams is Leader Emeritus of the Baltimore Ethical Society and is currently spending time thinking and writing. He performs weddings and commitment ceremonies and speaks at the Society on occasion. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

Dec 13: “Ethical Culture as More Than a Religion” by Hugh Taft-Morales, Ethical Culture Leader-in-Training

A confirmed secularist for most of his life, Hugh Taft-Morales now calls Ethical Culture his religion. He does so, however, while simultaneously advocating that Ethical Culture is more than a religion. The genius of Felix Adler, founder of the movement, was in placing ethical commitment to the worth of all people above any religious or philosophical characteristics. While Ethical Culture has a humanist religious hearth that offers warm inspiration to many, those not “religiously minded” need not gather round the fire. In ethical relationships and deed – independent of any religious claim - is where Ethical Culture lives.

Hugh Taft-Morales is an Ethical Culture Leader in Training assigned to BES. He lives in Takoma Park, Maryland. He taught philosophy and history in high school for twenty-five years, graduated from Yale College in 1979, earned a Masters in Philosophy in 1986 from University of Kent in England. Hugh recently received a certificate in Humanist Leadership from the Humanist Institute in May of 2009.

Dec 20: “Gluttony and Greed: The Way to Perdition” by Felix Torres Colon, Executive Director, Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore

Moral failings like greed and gluttony are often seen as only affecting the individual or a few individuals at most. Mr. Torres will discuss how greed and gluttony led to the worst financial collapse since the Great Depression.

Felix M. Torres Colon has been a practicing community development professional for over twenty-five years. Mr. Torres Colon graduated from Harvard University in 1979 and studied city planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Felix has been the executive director of Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore (NHSB) since 2006. NHSB is a nonprofit organization that has been in the Baltimore community for 35 years helping to sustain and create homeownership opportunities through customized lending and consumer education. He is a member of National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders and Executive Committee of the Baltimore Housing Preservation Coalition. Cancelled due to the weather.

Dec 27: Winter Festival Facilitated by Karen Elliott

Fortunately global warming hasn’t gotten to the point where we don’t need to wear gloves and scarves during the Baltimore winters. Unfortunately, years of trickle down economics that did not trickle enough have left many in need of some extra warmth as well as food to eat. Today we come together to celebrate the season by giving gifts of warmth and food to others and treating another member of our Ethical community to a small sun gift to bring a smile to her or his face. If you can, bring a warm garment to hang on the mitten tree and some food to also be sent to Viva House, as well as a small wrapped gift to put in the bag in exchange for one you will take home with you.

Return to the top.

Other December 2009 Activities

Sat. Dec 5, 7:00 pm: Ethical Coffee House

Featuring BES poets Karla Mancero, Rosemary Klein, Carolyn Brown, and Karen Elliott.
Poetry • Music • Open Mic • Refreshments • Donation Requested

How many poets does it take to run an Ethical Society? Three of BES’ four Board Officers will be reading from their work tonight along with a member who’s not on the Board, so come and find out. Maybe Judy Katz will come and read at the open mic and we can have all four Officers together “on stage”!

An always lively open mic follows the featured performers. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge: donations are requested. Cancelled due to the weather.

Sun. Dec 6 MOVABLE TREATS

Bring in desserts for Moveable Feast, which serves people with AIDS and breast cancer. Remember to wrap your desserts in serving size portions and label them. Mark your desserts if they contain nuts. Avoid desserts that have heavy icings or that contain alcohol.

Moveable Feast
Every Day & Christmas Day

Don’t forget that you have the opportunity to support the good work done by Moveable Feast every time you come to BES by contributing non-perishable food. Pick up one item each time you shop and put it in the colorfully decorated box by the coffee counter; it all adds up and the many people helped by Moveable Feast each week really appreciate it! Moveable Feast needs people to deliver meals on Christmas Day. If you are available, please call their Volunteer Coordinator, Tom Patrick, at 410-327-3420 ext. 31.

Sun. Dec 6, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Boy, do I have
A poem for you.

Facilitated by Karla Mancero, BES’ “poet in residence,” who sets a new theme each month. Bring poems by others or yourself. Want to join in? Contact poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun. Dec 6, 12:30 pm: Board Meeting All members are welcome.

Fri. Dec 11, 7:30 pm: Second Friday Ironweed Film Club

“The Queen and I”

The Ironweed Film Club at BES presents well-crafted and timely documentaries from independent film-makers. This month’s selection is “The Queen and I” (Nahid Persson Sarvestani, 90 minutes). According to Ironweed’s website, “Director Nahid Persson Sarvestani, expects to challenge her ideological opposite--Queen Farah, widow of the former Shah of Iran, but instead is welcomed as a fellow refugee from their beloved homeland, and an unlikely friendship blossoms in the struggle to understand each other’s experience.”

As always, the discussion following the film is part of the reason to come—interesting, intelligent, and accompanied by coffee and perhaps a little something sweet to munch on. What more could you ask for on a Friday evening? And, the movie for each month is decided upon by those attending the previous month so if you come, you can make sure that you’ll enjoy coming next month. Another way in which the Ethical Society is a champion of the democratic process!

Facilitated byEmil Volcheck. For more information, go to http://www. ironweedfilms.com/films/the-queen-and-i. No charge; donations requested for refreshments.

Sun. Dec 13, 9:30 am: Mindfulness Meditation

Come and sit with us (on chairs, not meditation cushions unless you bring your own) for a guided meditation based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh with an Ethical point of view. No meditation experience necessary.

Facilitated by Karen Elliott. Questions? Contact KarenSElliott at aol dot com

Sun. Dec 13, 12:30 - 2:30 pm: Felix Adler Study Group

Learn about the roots of the Ethical Culture movement with Hugh Taft-Morales.

The Adler Study Group is open to those eager to read and discuss selected writings of Felix Adler, the founder of Ethical Culture. No prior knowledge of Adler is required. The course is intended to nurture three things: 1) an appreciation for the roots of Ethical Culture; 2) an understanding of the strengths and limits of Adler’s thought; and, 3) an on-going dialogue about the meaning and future of Ethical Culture. We will explore Adler’s perspectives on religion, the spiritual pains of humanity, service, relationships, democracy, as well as probe the deeper meaning behind terms such as “eliciting the best” and “the ethical manifold”. This will be the end of the series, but you can still join us - just contact Hugh at htaftmorales at eburke dot org for the readings.

Each two-hour class will be broken up approximately as follows: one 30-minute presentation, 30-minute small group discussion or guided exercises, and an hour of whole group sharing. Readings will come primarily from Adler’s works, including The Reconstruction of the Spiritual Ideal (RSI), The Religion of Duty (RD), and An Ethical Philosophy of Life (EPL). We will also read some critiques of Adler.

Bring a bag lunch; we will meet in the library after the regular Sunday platform meeting. Electronic copies of the readings will be made available to all; if you want printed copies of them, there will be a charge of approximately $12 each to cover copying costs.

Sun. Dec 20, 9:00 am: Ethical Action Breakfast

The Ethical Action Committee will hold its monthly breakfast. Bring a $5 contribution and be prepared to eat, listen, and plan how we can put our ethics into action. If you want to find out more before then, contact Ben Busby: Ben dot Busby at gmail dot com. Cancelled due to the weather.

Sun. Dec 20, 12:30 -1:30 pm: Book Discussion Group Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization by Lester Brown

We will be continuing our discussion with Chapter 4. Join us in a discussion of this thought-provoking book. Contact facilitator Bob Corbett if you’re interested in participating and/or you need a copy of the book.

Lester R. Brown, is President and Founder of the Earth Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based independent environmental research organization, continues developing his ideas about how to “stabilize climate, stabilize population, eradicate poverty, and restore the economy’s natural support systems.”

“Lester Brown is one of the pioneers and heroes of global environmentalism. If the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize had been extended to a third recipient, the logical candidate would have been Lester Brown.” — E. O. Wilson Cancelled due to the weather.

Sun. Dec 27, 12:30 pm: Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Attended a meeting or two? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society --- its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour.

Return to the top.

November 2009

See also Other November 2009 Activities

REMINDER: SET CLOCKS BACK AN HOUR ON NOV 1

Nov 1: “Fall Family Festival Facilitated” by Karen Elliott, BES President

Gratitude, Stone Salad, and Sharing. It’s time to look around at all we have, to review our harvest of good friends and beloved family, of achievements in the world and within ourselves, and give thanks for all of it. It’s time to think about those who are feeling the chill of winter without the warmth of soup and help provide a bit of sustenance for them. And it’s time to join together and create our traditional Stone Salad, one ingredient at a time, and to enjoy eating it together with our BES family. Please bring something to add to the salad, and a donation of non-perishable food for Moveable Feast to distribute.

Karen Elliott is an Ethical Humanist Officiant and a poet. She is also one of the many at BES who “live to eat” rather than “eating to live” and loves stones, so making and sharing Stone Salad is one of her favorite things to do at BES.

Nov 8: “Sailing on the Rising Tide of Humanism ” by Fred Edwords, United Coalition of Reason

Over the past few years, with the rise of the “New Atheism,” interest in humanism is growing. And the more recent billboard and bus campaigns have stoked the fires of enthusiasm. How can Ethical Culture societies and other humanists groups benefit from this secular "coming out"? How can they capture this interest to help their membership grow?

Fred Edwords, a former executive director of the American Humanist Association, now heads up the United Coalition of Reason. Over his 30 year career as a humanist leader he has lectured, debated, and taught on humanist philosophical issues and effective outreach techniques. He has appeared on national and local television in the United States and Canada, has been interviewed on radio and for newspapers around the world, and has lectured in North America, Europe, and India.

Nov 15: “Ethical Culture for Everyone” by Susan Rose Teshu, Leader, The Ethical Society Without Walls

In days gone by, those who did not live in a location with an Ethical Society had to do without. Now that the internet has revolutionized every other part of our lives, it has made a difference here as well with the American Ethical Union’s creation of the Ethical Society Without Walls. Leader Susan will tell us about ESWoW’s mission.

Susan Rose Teshu is the Leader of the Ethical Society Without Walls(ESWoW) and the Dean of the Leadership Training Program of the American Ethical Union. As Dean, Susan is pleased to be part of helping the Ethical Movement grow by helping to meet the needs for leadership in a variety of ways. She was instrumental in developing the program to commission lay members as health care chaplains. Susan was raised in the Ethical Movement attending the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture's Children's Sunday Assembly from the age of three and is proud to be celebrating 50 years in Ethical Culture. Susan is the mother of two and lives in Cambridge, MA. and also works for the American Friends Service Committee. She is pleased to be able to work for two organizations which actively work to make the world better.

Nov 22: “The Fight for Health Care Rights” by Margaret Flowers, M.D., Physicians for a Nat'l Health Program

Many different groups and politicians recognize the need for health care reform, but are proposing a variety of plans. Dr. Flowers will inform us of why Physicians for a National Health Program is calling for Single Payer National Health Insurance, how that fits in to current proposed federal legislation, and what we can do to further health care for more people on the state and national level.

Dr. Margaret Flowers is co-chair of the Maryland chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program.

Nov 29: “The Principles of Health Care Reform” by John Nugent, CEO and President, Md. Planned Parenthood

The crisis in health care has been treated as a purely economic or political problem, when, at the root, the crisis in health care is a moral crisis that requires us to grapple with the ethical implications of our health care policies and practices. The health care discussions have a moral dimension and the principles that ought to drive a resolution are moral principles. This talk will examine the ethical principles upon which our health care system should be based.

John Nugent was the CEO of a Hospice program prior to joining Planned Parenthood in 1997. He holds an MA in ethics from San Francisco Theological Seminary and a BA in philosophy and has been an adjunct college philosophy instructor. He was co-chair of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Bioethics task force and served on the National Hospice Organization’s ethics committee. John is active in the Board of the Washington Area Secular Humanists. He is a graduate of the Leadership Baltimore and Leadership Maryland programs and is currently part of the Weinberg Fellows program. John is a certified Humanist Celebrant/Officiant through the American Humanist Association.

Return to the top.

Other November 2009 Activities

Sun. Nov 1 MOVABLE TREATS

Bring in desserts for Moveable Feast, which serves people with AIDS and breast cancer. Remember to wrap your desserts in serving size portions and label them. Mark your desserts if they contain nuts. Avoid desserts that have heavy icings or that contain alcohol.

Moveable Feast is a 501(c) (3) charitable nutritional support organization that prepares and delivers meals and groceries at no charge to people and their families throughout greater Baltimore and Maryland’s Eastern Shore who are in need and living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging conditions. All donations are tax deductible as allowable by law.

Sun. Nov 1, 9:30 am Poetry Group

A Haiku
Karla picks a theme
We all find poems about it
Best of all—we share.

Facilitated by Karla Mancero, BES’ “poet in residence”, now back from her pre-wedding hiatus. Bring poems by others or yourself. Want to join in? Contact poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org

Sun. Nov 1, 12:30 pm: Board Meeting Members invited.

Sat. Nov7, 7:00 pm: Ethical Coffee House

Featured Artist Leo Horrigan, presents his poetry film, seen recently at the Baltimore Book Festival, and also reads live from his work.

An always lively open mic follows the featured performers. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge, but donations are requested.

Sun. Nov 8, 9:30 am: Mindfulness Meditation

Come and sit with us (on chairs, not meditation cushions unless you bring your own) for a guided meditation based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. Learn how to breathe mindfully: “In, out, deep, slow, calm, ease, smile, release.” I love the smile part.

No meditation experience necessary.

Facilitated by Karen Elliott. Want to know more? Contact KarenSElliott at aol dot com

Sun. Nov 8 & 22, 12:30 - 2:30 pm: Felix Adler Study Group

Learn about the roots of the Ethical Culture movement with Hugh Taft-Morales.

The Adler Study Group is open to those eager to read and discuss selected writings of Felix Adler, the founder of Ethical Culture. No prior knowledge of Adler is required. The course is intended to nurture three things: 1) an appreciation for the roots of Ethical Culture; 2) an understanding of the strengths and limits of Adler’s thought; and, 3) an on-going dialogue about the meaning and future of Ethical Culture. We will explore Adler’s perspectives on religion, the spiritual pains of humanity, service, relationships, democracy, as well as probe the deeper meaning behind terms such as “eliciting the best” and “the ethical manifold”.

Each two-hour class will be broken up approximately as follows: one 30-minute presentation, 30-minute small group discussion or guided exercises, and an hour of whole group sharing. Readings will come primarily from Adler’s works, including The Reconstruction of the Spiritual Ideal (RSI), The Religion of Duty (RD), and An Ethical Philosophy of Life (EPL). We will also read some critiques of Adler.

Bring a bag lunch; tables will be set up in the main meeting room after the regular Sunday platform meeting. Electronic copies of the readings will be made available to all; if you want printed copies of them, there will be a charge of approximately $12 each to cover copying costs.

Pre-registration is suggested; contact Hugh at htaft-morales at eburke dot org or call the Society to register.

Fri. Nov 13, 7:30 pm: Second Friday Ironweed Film Club

Film: “Heart of Fire”

The Ironweed Film Club at BES presents well-crafted and timely documentaries from independent film-makers. This month’s film is “Heart of Fire” (Luigi Falorni, 94 minutes). Narrative films are a rare choice for Ironweed, but this moving story, based on the memoirs of Senait G. Mehari, is one we had to share. Not yet released in the U.S., this superbly crafted drama comes from director Luigi Falorni, whose last film was the delightful docudrama "The Story of the Weeping Camel". In Heart of Fire, the young headstrong heroine Awet is given to the Eritrean Liberation Front by her father and brainwashed into battle. At first broken-hearted, then eager to prove herself a good warrior, she soon learns the disillusioning realities of civil war and begins her brave resistance.

As always, the discussion following the film is part of the reason to come—interesting, intelligent, and accompanied by coffee and perhaps a little something sweet to munch on. What more could you ask for on a Friday evening? And, the movie for each month is decided upon by those attending the previous month so if you come, you can make sure that you’ll enjoy coming next month. Another way in which the Ethical Society is a champion of the democratic process!

Facilitated byEmil Volcheck. For more information, visit Ironweed Films.

Sun. Nov 15, 9:00 am: Ethical Action Breakfast

The Ethical Action Committee will hold its monthly breakfast. Bring a $5 contribution and be prepared to eat, listen, and plan how we can put our ethics into action. If you want to find out more before then, contact Ben Busby: Ben dot Busby at gmail dot com (without spaces and with the actual punctuation marks and at sign).

The committee met on October 18 and briefly discussed issues related to health care for all and support of the passage of some legislation, even if it wasn’t ideal. Emil Volcheck proposed we consider forming an ethical investment club. He is going to look into it further and report back to the committee. Em Sabatiuk reported that the Georgia courts have decided that the Final Action Network’s funds should be unfrozen as there has been too much of a delay in the case against them. This may be appealed, but is good news for now. The next meeting (Nov. 15) will have bagels and cream cheese as the breakfast component.

Sun. Nov 15, 12:30 -1:30 pm: Book Discussion Group Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization by Lester Brown

A few books are still available.

We will be discussing Chapters 2 & 3. Join us in a discussion of this thought-provoking book. Contact facilitator Bob Corbett if you’re interested in participating and/or you need a copy of the book.

Lester R. Brown, is President and Founder of the Earth Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based independent environmental research organization, continues developing his ideas about how to “stabilize climate, stabilize population, eradicate poverty, and restore the economy’s natural support systems.”

“Lester Brown is one of the pioneers and heroes of global environmentalism. If the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize had been extended to a third recipient, the logical candidate would have been Lester Brown.” — E. O. Wilson

Sun. Nov 29, 12:30 pm: Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Attended a meeting or two? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society --- its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour.

Return to the top.

October 2009

See also Other October 2009 Activities

Oct 4: “Church-State Separation: Where We Stand Now” by Rob Boston-Americans United for Separation of Church and State

The November elections resulted in significant changes for our country. How have issues like the ‘faith-based initiative’ been affected? Is the Religious Right still a powerful movement and are ‘culture war’ issues still potent? What about the Supreme Court? In this talk, Rob Boston of Americans United for Separation of Church and State will discuss these issues and others as he assesses the state of the wall of separation between church and state in 2009 and offers a glimpse of what the future might bring.

Rob Boston is senior policy analyst at Americans United for Separation of Church and State in Washington, D.C. Boston, who has worked at Americans United since 1987, also serves as assistant editor of AU’s “Church & State” magazine. He is the author of three books on church-state relations and has appeared on national programs like “The O’Reilly Factor,” “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” and others to discuss church-state issues.

Oct 11: " Mortality, Transcendence, and Irony" by Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader-in-Training

Plato said that philosophy was preparation for death. But facing death honestly and courageously, even if one is a philosopher, is never easy. For humanists who do not believe in an afterlife, there are particular challenges. Whether suffering the loss of a loved one or contemplating one’s own mortality, we can draw strength from the wisdom of Ethical Culture. John Lovejoy Elliott reminds the bereaved that, “after the storm of grief is passed, a vision of the personality remains.” Felix Adler goes further and claims that, “personality cannot be destroyed by death.” Beginning from an existential perspective, Hugh Taft-Morales weaves together Ethical Culture and his personal experience. He explores mortality, transcendence, and the importance of irony in making sense o

Hugh Taft-Morales is an Ethical Culture Leader-in-Training assigned to BES. He lives in Takoma Park, Maryland". He taught philosophy and history in high school for twenty-five years, graduated from Yale College in 1979, earned a Masters in Philosophy in 1986 from University of Kent in England. Hugh just received a certificate in Humanist Leadership from the Humanist Institute in May of 2009.

Oct 18: "Bertrand Russell Conquers Happiness" by Kate Lovelady, Leader St. Louis Ethical Culture Society

The influential humanist philosopher Bertrand Russell is not known as a self-help writer, but in his book The Conquest of Happiness he shares his very practical views on the Good Life and how philosophy can help us achieve it. This platform will share some of Russell's thoughts that still have the potential to help us lead both happier and more ethical lives today.

Bertrand Russell's "The Conquest of Happiness" -- What is the good life and how can philosophy help us to achieve it? Thoughts gleaned from the only self-help book written by one of humanism's greatest minds.

Kate Lovelady grew up in New York City, studied poetry, and worked in the publishing industry before deciding to pursue Ethical Culture Leadership training. She has been the Leader of the St. Louis Ethical Society since 2005.

Oct 25: "One Nation Under the Constitution: An Enlightenment Philosophy for American Life" by Senator Jamie Raskin (D-Montgomery County)

Senator Raskin became a hero to humanists across the country in 2006 when, testifying as a constitutional law expert, he told a Maryland lawmaker: “Senator, with all due respect, when you took your oath of office, you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution; you didn't put your hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible.”. Today, as the Senator representing Silver Spring and Takoma Park, he sits next to that legislator.

Senator Jamie Raskin received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Humanist Association in 2008 for "standing up for intellectual freedom and the separation of church and state." Raskin is a professor of constitutional law at American University’s Washington College of Law and Director of its Program on Law and Government and its Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project. A prolific writer and public interest lawyer, Raskin is the author of the Washington Post bestseller Overruling Democracy: The Supreme Court versus the American People and We the Students, a CQ Press Bestseller.

Return to the top.

Other October 2009 Activities

Sat. Oct 3, 7:00 pm: Ethical Coffee House

Featured Artist Gregg Mosson, editor of Poems Against War, will be reading from his latest book Questions of Fire, which, is a poet's response to the complex 21st century environment, from work to home to war, in an age dawning with violence. This book offers discoveries won through experience, and illuminating observations of contemporary life. Gregg’s poetry, reporting, and commentary have appeared in The Cincinnati Review, The Baltimore Review, The Baltimore Sun, The Oregonian, and The Futurist. He has read at the Baltimore Book Festival and the D.C. Conversations & Connections Conference, and taught at Johns Hopkins University and The Art Institute of Washington.

An always lively open mic follows the featured performers. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge, but donations are requested.

Sun. Oct 4 MOVABLE TREATS

Bring in desserts for Moveable Feast, which serves people with AIDS and breast cancer. Remember to wrap your desserts in serving size portions and label them. Mark your desserts if they contain nuts. Avoid desserts that have heavy icings or that contain alcohol.

Moveable Feast is a 501(c) (3) charitable nutritional support organization that prepares and delivers meals and groceries at no charge to people and their families throughout greater Baltimore and Maryland’s Eastern Shore who are in need and living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging conditions. All donations are tax deductible as allowable by law.

Sun. Oct 4, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Not a morning person? The poetry and conversation are worth waking up early for! Facilitated by Karla, BES’ “poet in residence”. Bring poems by others or yourself. Want to join in? Contact poet@BaltimoreEthicalSociety.org

Sun. Oct 4, 12:30 pm: Board Meeting Members invited. Cancelled due to illness -- will be rescheduled

Fri. Oct 9, 7:30 pm: Second Friday Ironweed Film Club

Film: “When Clouds Clear”

This month, we’ll screen “When Clouds Clear” by Anne Slick & Danielle Bernstein (77 minutes). The Ironweed Film Club says about it “Threatened by dangerous and powerful mining interests, once-peaceful farmers in a remote region of the Ecuadorian Andes bravely resist a proposed copper mine that would destroy their village life forever.” A short may also be shown this month.

As always, the discussion following the film is part of the reason to come—interesting, intelligent, and accompanied by coffee and perhaps a little something sweet to munch on. What more could you ask for on a Friday evening? And, the movie for each month is decided upon by those attending the previous month so if you come, you can make sure that you’ll enjoy coming next month. Another way in which the Ethical Society is a champion of the democratic process!

Facilitated by Emil Volcheck. For more information, visit Ironweed Films.

Sun. Oct 11, 9:30 am: Mindfulness Meditation NEW Sun. Oct 11 & 25, Nov 8 & 22, 12:30 - 2:30 pm: Felix Adler Study Group

Learn about the roots of the Ethical Culture movement with Hugh Taft-Morales.

The Adler Study Group is open to those eager to read and discuss selected writings of Felix Adler, the founder of Ethical Culture. No prior knowledge of Adler is required. The course is intended to nurture three things: 1) an appreciation for the roots of Ethical Culture; 2) an understanding of the strengths and limits of Adler’s thought; and, 3) an on-going dialogue about the meaning and future of Ethical Culture. We will explore Adler’s perspectives on religion, the spiritual pains of humanity, service, relationships, democracy, as well as probe the deeper meaning behind terms such as “eliciting the best” and “the ethical manifold”.

Each two-hour class will be broken up approximately as follows: one 30-minute presentation, 30-minute small group discussion or guided exercises, and an hour of whole group sharing. Readings will come primarily from Adler’s works, including The Reconstruction of the Spiritual Ideal (RSI), The Religion of Duty (RD), and An Ethical Philosophy of Life (EPL). We will also read some critiques of Adler.

Bring a bag lunch; tables will be set up in the main meeting room after the regular Sunday platform meeting. Electronic copies of the readings will be made available to all; if you want printed copies of them, there will be a charge of approximately $12 each to cover copying costs. Pre-registration is suggested; contact Hugh at htaft-morales@eburke.org or call the Society to register.

Sun. Oct 18, 9:00 am: Ethical Action Breakfast

The Ethical Action Committee will hold its monthly breakfast. Bring a $5 contribution and be prepared to eat, listen, and plan how we can put our ethics into action. If you want to find out more before then, contact Ben Busby: Ben dot Busby at gmail dot com (without spaces and with the actual punctuation marks and at sign). is starting to plan a forum about health care (from an ethical perspective). If you’d like to help with planning it, contact Ben Busby ASAP: Ben dot Busby at gmail dot com (without spaces and with the actual punctuation marks and at sign).

NEWSun. Oct 18,* 12:30 am: Book Discussion Group Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization by Lester Brown

Lester R. Brown, is President and Founder of the Earth Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based independent environmental research organization, continues developing his ideas about how to “stabilize climate, stabilize population, eradicate poverty, and restore the economy’s natural support systems.”

Join facilitator Bob Corbett and others in a monthly discussion of this thought-provoking book. Contact Bob if you’re interested in participating. “Lester Brown is one of the pioneers and heroes of global environmentalism. If the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize had been extended to a third recipient, the logical candidate would have been Lester Brown.” — E. O. Wilson

*The starting date depends on book availability.

Sun. Oct 25, 12:30 pm: Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Attended a meeting or two? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society --- its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour.

Return to the top.

September 2009

See also Other September 2009 Activities

Sep 13: “End of Life Ethics” by Lawrence Egbert, M.D., Medical Director, Final Exit Network

The Final Exit Network is a volunteer non-profit educational organization that serves people who are suffering from an irreversible illness which is more than they can bear. The organization offers information so they can, if and when they choose, end their suffering. It also provides guides who give comfort and counseling, but does not physically assist in any manner.

On February 25th, 2009, Dr Egbert and three others from Final Exit Network were arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and charged with assisting a suicide. He was arrested again on May 26, 2009 by Maricopa County, Arizona authorities and charged with “conspiracy to commit manslaughter” because as Medical Director of FEN he oversees the acceptance or rejection of all member applicants for services. Dr. Egbert is staunchly dedicated to the last human right a person may choose; the right to die.

Lawrence (Larry) Egbert is an anesthesiologist and has been a visiting Assistant Professor at johns Hopkins University School of Medicine since 2001 and a member of the undergraduate campus’ Health Pre-professions Committee form 2002—2008. He is a supported of Doctors Without Borders (about which he spoke at BES some years ago), Physicians for Human Rights, and Physicians for Social Responsibility. He is a member of First Unitarian Church of Baltimore.

Sep 20: “Updating the Enlightenment” by Stewart Jordan, Ph.D., Humanist, Scientist

The Western philosophers and well educated political leaders of the 17th and 18th centuries developed one of the most profound and optimistic visions for the future of humanity ever conceived anywhere, it became known as the Enlightenment. The past two centuries have challenged this Enlightenment vision, and many in this country today have reintroduced a more gloomy, otherworldly out-look disturbingly similar in some ways to the cynical thinking that developed during the decline of the historical Roman Empire.

This talk will argue that turning backward in time is the worst mistake people who are setting high-level policies could possibly make. The talk will make a simple case for two claims: The first claim is a) that the basic goal of the historical Enlightenment remains sound because of two things ... the strong "will to live and to thrive" that is built into the human genome, and b) the fact that science works in determining how the natural order works, and that ancient myths and dogmas do not. The second claim is that we must con-sciously adapt to what the past two centuries should be teaching us that universal public education take time, requiring patience and courage of a kind one sees too seldom in this society today, where Americans have been con-ditioned to want all good things NOW. Thus the Enlightenment needs to be updated.

Stuart Jordan is a retired Emeritus senior staff scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. He has been a leader in the mid-Atlantic secular humanist community for two decades and is presently the science advisor to the Center for Inquiry Office of Public Policy in Washington, which recently on July 17 presented at the National Press Club their vetting of a U.S. Senate list of global warming skeptics that proved to be comprised primarily of individuals with little or no background in climate science. He holds a Ph. D. in physics and astrophysics, and conducted independent studies at Oxford University on a Rhodes scholarship.

Sep 27: “News as Gleefully Packaged Anxiety” by Djelloul Marbrook, Journalist, Editor, Author

During this talk Djelloul Marbrook, a veteran news executive, will make the case that the real news in our society is not what we think it is, but is in fact our poetry and art, because it is in poetry and art that the cultural and intellectual envelope is being pushed and defining our experience as a civilization. In a corollary vein he will explain why the quality of journalism has deteriorated, stating that we do not have, as is much vaunted, a free press, but rather a commercially censored press that is utterly beholden to the same corporate interests that hold our government in thrall.

Djelloul (jeh-lool) Marbrook, is the author of Far From Algiers, a book of poems that won the Stan and Tom Wick Prize for Poetry and was published by Kent State University Press last year. His short story, Artists Hill, won the 2008 first prize in fiction from the magazine Literal Latté. His poems have been published in The American Poetry Review, Ob eron, Reed, The Ledge, The Same and a number of other journals. Mr. Marbrook is a professional newspaper reporter, editor and executive. He maintains a popular blog about culture, journalism, art and literature. He has worked for such major news organizations as The Providence Journal, Gannett, The Baltimore Sun, The Winston-Salem Journal, The Washington Star and MediaNews. Now retired, he lives with his wife in Columbia County, New York.

Return to the top.

---

Other September 2009 Activities

Sat. Sep 5, 7:00 pm: Ethical Coffee House

Featured Artist TBA

An always lively open mic follows the featured performers. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge, but donations are requested.

Fri. Sep 11, 7:30 pm: Second Friday Ironweed Film Club

Movie TBA

After you’ve participated in the Peace Path on Charles St (from 4—6 PM), grab a bite to eat and then walk over the BES for the best in independent documentary film making. The movie for each month is decided upon by those attending the previous month. Sometimes more than one film is shown; they can be short. As always, the discussion following the film is part of the reason to come—interesting, intelligent, and accompanied by coffee and perhaps a little something sweet to munch on. What more could you ask for on a Friday evening?

Facilitated by Emil Volcheck. For more information, visit Ironweed Films.

Sun. Sep 13 MOVABLE TREATS

Let’s start of the new meeting year with a great collection of treats! Bring in desserts for Moveable Feast, which serves people with AIDS and breast cancer. Remember to wrap your desserts in serving size portions and label them. Mark your desserts if they contain nuts. Avoid desserts that have heavy icings or that contain alcohol.

Moveable Feast is a 501(c) (3) charitable nutritional support organization that prepares and delivers meals and groceries at no charge to people and their families throughout greater Baltimore and Maryland’s Eastern Shore who are in need and living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging conditions. All donations are tax deductible as allowable by law.

Sun. Sep 13, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Not a morning person? The poetry and conversation are worth waking up early for! Facilitated by Karla, BES’ “poet in residence”. Bring poems by others or yourself. Want to join in? Contact poet@BaltimoreEthicalSociety.org

Sun. Sep 13, 12:30 pm: Board Meeting Members invited.

Sun. Sep 20, 9:00 am: Ethical Action Breakfast

The Ethical Action Committee is starting to plan a forum about health care (from an ethical perspective). If you’d like to help with planning it, contact Ben Busby ASAP: Ben dot Busby at gmail dot com (without spaces and with the actual punctuation marks and at sign).

Monthly Ethical Action Breakfasts resume this Sunday. Bring a $5 contribution and be prepared to eat, listen, and plan how we can put our ethics into action.

Sun. Sep 27, 12:30 pm: Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Attended a meeting or two? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society --- its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour.

Mindfulness Meditation 2nd Sundays starting October 11

Return to the top.

---

Summer 2009

Summer Sunday Discussions 10:30 - 11:30 AM.
Ethical Humanist Sunday School resumes in September.
Talks and most activities are free and open to the public.

Discussions Sundays at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - See also Other Summer 2009 Activities

During the summer, Sunday meetings are shorter (one hour) and less formal, consisting of informal discussions on social, spiritual, or philosophical issues facilitated by Society members. The Ethical Humanist Sunday School does not meet during the summer but some other activities may continue.

May 31: "What Platform Programs/Social Activities Should We Do Next Year at BES?" John Nugent, member

Led by Program Chair John Nugent, our first summer program provides you the opportunity to provide feedback on this year’s platform programs, provide suggestions for the next program year (September 2009-May 2010) and discuss the level of interest for reviving the “Baltimore Eating Society” which used to have lunch & socialize on the 3rd Sunday each month, and/or reviving a current affairs discussion group; a book discussion group; regular potluck dinners; craft or other type workshops. This is your opportunity to give your feedback, ideas and even volunteer to help plan/coordinate some of the future activities at BES.

Jun 7 "Fun With The Sun" Stuart Hirsch, member

We will discuss and demonstrate how solar energy is harnessed and converted directly into heat and electricity. The principles of photovoltaic and solar thermal energy will be explained in a quick and informal manner. Then we will go to a sunny area and let everyone have some fun with the sun. You too can take advantage of this "new" and exciting energy resource. Bring your sun glasses, sun lotion and prepare to be dazzled.

Jun 14 "The Power of Myth" David O'Donaghue

Ever wonder why certain stories get circulated in fine art and popular culture and seem to speak to the human condition in a timeless way? This is the power of myth. Myth illuminates for us the universal qualities in the human condition. Join David O’Donaghue, Psy.D, a Jungian psychologist and founder of the Baltimore Lyceum, for a description of archetypal amplification and an exploration of the personal significance of a particular myth: the Sirens from the Odyssey. David O’Donaghue is the founder of the Baltimore Lyceum and the Lagniappe Project, which sends out artists to work with people with life altering conditions. As a Jungian psychologist, David has come to appreciate how mythic themes guide and shape much of our lives.

Jun 21 Film: "Stand Up For Yourself In Baltimore City Rent Court" John Nethercut

This is a 24 minute film that was made by the Public Justice Center. After the film John Nethercut from the Public Justice Center will lead a discussion/answer questions about the film and the use of the film. While the topic is about “rent court” it will provide some background and insights into our legal and court system that are beneficial to all.

Jun 28 "Report from St. Louis" Stephen Meskin, member

The 94th AEU Assembly "How We Live & What We Do" takes place June 11 - 14 in St. Louis, MO. Stephen Meskin and Karen Elliott are BES’ delegates. Steve will lead a discussion on the AEU starting with activities and decisions made during the Assembly.

Return to the top.

Jul 5 "As American As Apple Pie"- Celebrating Independence Day John Nugent. member

We will commemorate the Independence Day celebration through sharing what it means to you to be an American and the eating of apple and cherry pie with ice cream. If you plan to attend email jnugent50 at aol dot com so we can have enough pie and ice cream. If you are attending and want to bake an apple or cherry pie from your grandmothers’ recipes email jnugent50 at aol dot com of your intentions.

Jul 12 "Intentional Breathing" with Chi Gong Karen Elliott, member

Focusing on your breath is a helpful tool for stress reduction as well as improved mental focus in general. Guided by Karen we will go over several ways to focus on breathing, including chi gong.

Jul 19 Film: "Beyond Debate: Rights of Homeless Students" Sally Dworak-Fisher

This is a 15 minute film that was made by the Public Justice Center. After the film Sally Dworak-Fisher from the Public Justice Center will lead a discussion/answer questions about the film, how the film is used to raise awareness in the community and the Homeless Student problem in Baltimore.

Jul 26 "Resource Scarcity" Lena Pons, member

The past two centuries have seen unprecedented growth in human population and economic well being for a good portion of the world. This growth has been fed by equally unprecedented natural resource consumption and environmental impacts, including conversion of large portions of the natural world to human use, which have prompted recurring concern about whether the world’s natural resource base is capable of sustaining such growth. To some degree, this concern is supported by simple mathematics: exponential physical growth in a finite world eventually generates absurd results.

This session will demonstrate the difficulties related to resource scarcity through an interactive exercise, followed by a discussion.

Return to the top.

Aug 2 "Water Conservation- ways to save water in and around the home" Lisa Alderson, member

Water Conservation Practitioner Lisa Alderson will demonstrate how water use is distributed throughout the home and yard, provide tips for reducing water use, demonstrate how to test fixtures and detect leaks, and discuss opportunities for replacing fixtures and appliances with more water-efficient ones.

Aug 9 "Ethical Social Networking Websites" Emil Volcheck. member

Social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter help people connect with each other, and they are hugely popular! Guided by Emil Volcheck we'll tour through a few of these websites to see how they work in a live demonstration. Some social networking websites have earned a reputation for trying to take control of their users' data and not respecting their privacy. We'll identify these flaws and then visit websites with more ethical business models that show greater respect for user privacy and data autonomy.

Aug 16 "Ethical Action at BES" Ben Busby, member

Ben will coordinate a discussion about putting our ethics into action for the upcoming program year through the Society’s Ethical Action Committee.

Aug 23 "A Seach for Sustainability: Senior Cohousing in Annapolis" Bob Corbett, resident architect

Condensed presentation of the evolution of planning concepts for this project, and discussion of the key elements of sustainability.

Aug 30 "Finishing Touches" Bob Corbett, member

Building Committee Chair Bob Corbett will be directing the cleanup of BES on Saturday August 29th. On Sunday we will finish preparing our space for the new program year.

Sep 6 No meeting- Instead, attend the annual Labor Day picnic on Sunday at noon!

Contact a member for details or call 410-581-2322 and leave your name and phone number or send an email message to Admin at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Return to the top.

---

Other Summer 2009 Activities

Mindfulness Meditation is taking a summer vacation.

Sat. Jun 6 & Aug 1, 7:00 pm: First Saturday Coffee House

BES’ own Fritz Williams is the featured performer for the June coffeehouse. Fritz will share some of his poetry with us, as well as the music he is known for. He is also bringing some friends to play with him, so the evening is sure to provide some great music and good times!

There will not be a coffeehouse in July due to the holiday weekend. The August featured artist is not yet confirmed.

An always lively open mic follows the featured performers. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge, but donations are requested.

Sun. Jun 7, Jul 5, & Aug 2, 9:30 am POETRY GROUP For information contact Kirk Mullen.

Sun. Jun 7, Jul 5, & Aug 2, MOVEABLE TREATS Join us in providing deserts to Moveable Feast.

Although perhaps in the spirit of sustainability, we should just bake on cooler evenings or turn the oven on and get out of the kitchen. Any way you do it, please do some baking (or buying) and bring in desserts for Moveable Feast, which serves people with AIDS and breast cancer. Remember to wrap your desserts in serving size portions and label them. Mark your desserts if they contain nuts. Avoid desserts that have heavy icings or that contain alcohol.

MOVEABLE FEAST Every Day

The next time you visit the grocery store, pick up a little extra and then drop it in the box marked “Moveable Feast” in the BES’ lobby. Every can of tuna, every package of spaghetti, every jar of peanut butter helps Moveable Feast in their mission to feed people living with AIDS and breast cancer. So, like the ad says, “just do it!”

Moveable Feast is a 501(c) (3) charitable nutritional support organization that prepares and delivers meals and groceries at no charge to people and their families throughout greater Baltimore and Maryland’s Eastern Shore who are in need and living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging conditions. All donations are tax deductible as allowable by law.

Sun. Jun 7, Jul 5, & Aug 2 at noon BOARD MEETINGS Members are always welcome.

Fri. Jun 12, Jul 10, & Aug 14 at 7:30 PM Second Friday Ironweed Film Club

Take a little time to come in from the heat and chill out at the movies. The second Friday of each month we'll view a movie distributed by Ironweed Films and then (no surprise here) talk about it. Each month we pick the movie to watch the next month. Each month we are amazed at how we could not have known some of the things we found out in the current month's selection.

So, come join us in the cool BES meeting room on a hot summer night to learn something interesting, talk about it, and enjoy some snacks as well.

• June 12: Red State Road Trip
• July 10: Burning the Future: Coal in America
• August 14: The Story of Stuff and Asparagus! Stalking the American Life

Sun. Jun 21, Jul 19, & Aug 16 Noon—1 PM Third Sunday Ethical Action Lunch

What’s happening with Ethical Action? What’s for lunch? Find out the answers to those and possibly even more questions at the monthly Ethical Action Lunch. Be prepared to eat, listen, and talk about putting our ethics into action.

Sun. Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 30, 12 noon: Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Attended a meeting or two? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society --- its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour; attendance is recommended before becoming a member.

Sat. Aug 29 ANNUAL CLEAN UP THE SOCIETY DAY & PARTY

Return to the top.

---

---

Stan Pollack
Memorial Service -- August 15

Stan Pollack, former board member and president of the Baltimore Ethical Society, died at home on July 21, 2009, in the company of his wife Jean, his daughter Bry, and his son Reece. A sculptor and designer, Stan was chair of the art department at Towson University for many years and helped found its Asian Arts and Culture Center.

Return to the top.

---

May 2009

See also Other May 2009 Activities

May 3, “The Tobacco Industry Unfiltered: Behind the Smoke and Mirrors” by Ryan Coffman, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Holy Cross Hospital

Smoke-free indoor air laws, government regulation, and tobacco taxes can all be big topics of discussion. Where does the Tobacco Industry fit into all this? Are they just another business? Ryan Coffman, a Tobacco Treatment Specialist from a DC metro area hospital, will expose the past, present, and future of one of the world's most controversial and influential industries.

Ryan Coffman, MPH, CHES, CTTS is the Tobacco Treatment Specialist at Holy Cross Hospital. He provides smoking cessation services to community members, seniors, employees and patients. Ryan acquired his Masters in Public Health at Tulane University, has certifications in health education and smoking cessation.
He first became committed to smoking cessation in 2003 while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya where he observed the effects of tobacco use in his village and communities. This was also when Ryan quit his own tobacco use. In addition to smoking cessation, Ryan also enjoys raising awareness and action against the Tobacco Industry. projects.

May 10, “Darwin: A Discussion of Faith, Science and Deception in America” by Lauri Lebo, Award Winning Author of “The Devil in Dover”

As a local reporter who witnessed what played out in her community from the front lines, Lebo discusses much of the behind-the-scenes elements of the first constitutional test of intelligent design in the historic First Amendment case of Kitzmiller v. Dover. She explores both the history and future of religiously motivated attacks on evolution and science education. She also relates how this issue has become so divisive, not only to the town of Dover, but to our whole nation and within her own family. Along the way, Lebo also reveals the dishonesty of the anti-evolution movement and the people who were Lying for Jesus.

Lauri Lebo has been a journalist for twenty years. As part of an investigative reporting team that shed light on two forgotten civil rights–era murders, she helped to unravel the accepted history of her town. As the York Daily Record’s education reporter, she covered the intelligent design trial from its earliest beginnings at local school board meetings. The Devil in Dover was the first Studs and Ida Terkel Author Fund book. The winner of numerous state and national awards, Lebo lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.Fritz writes, “I believe in cultivating opposite, but complementary views of life, and I believe in meeting life’s challenges with opposing strategies. I believe in reckoning with life’s ultimate meaninglessness even as we fall in love with the miracle of being alive. I believe in working passionately to make our lives count, but also in never losing sight of how insignificant they really are. I believe in caring deeply and in rising being beyond caring. It is by encompassing these opposites, by being totally involved and vulnerable, but simultaneously transcendent and detached, that our lives are graced by contentment and joy.”

May 17, “Founder’s Day Reflections on Ethical Culture Then and Now ” by Tony Hileman, Ethical Culture Leader

Like all religious expressions, ours is bound to the shifting realities of an advancing culture that carries us along with it. It follows that we must continually examine, refine, and likewise advance this precious treasure of ours in order to keep it consistent with the world around us. Over the 133 years since our founding, external and internal changes have impacted our thinking, our actions, and our organization. Ethical Culture Leader Tony Hileman retraces our course from the vaguely transcendental idealism of nineteenth century Ethical Culture to the philosophic naturalism of twenty-first century Ethical Humanism.

Tony Hileman is a Humanist lecturer and activist. In his earlier years, Tony was in business in his native Indianapolis, lived and worked in Europe in wire service journalism, and spent a decade in Washington, DC, as an independent consultant—never once having worked for the government or a government contractor. His work as an executive coach led naturally to Humanist leadership where he spent six years as Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, and prepared him well for the obligations of a certified Leader of the Ethical Movement and a three-year stint as Senior Leader of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. He serves as vice president of the National Leader’s Council of the American Ethical Union, and as vice president of the Humanist Institute. He and his wife, Betty, live in Washington, DC, where she has her own law firm.

May 24, End of Season Picnic Off-site; noon to 3 PM For details

See May newsletter or
Contact a member or
Call 410-581-2322 and leave your name and phone number or
Send an email message to Admin at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

May 31, See Summer 2009

Return to the top.

---

Other May 2009 Activities

Sat. May 2, 7:00 pm: First Saturday Coffee House

Alan Reese is a member of the Harford Poetry & Literary Society which meets every Tuesday at the Rockfield Manor in Bel Air. He owns and operates a subsidy press which publishes books. He was the publisher, co-editor and co-founder of Dancing Shadow Press which published six issues and four chapbooks in its three year existence.

He was the literary columnist for Art-in-Progress and Articulate monthly Baltimore newspapers. He is the author of a chapbook collection of poems titled Reports from Shadowland. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in The Baltimore Sun, Maryland Poetry Review, Gargoyle, Potomac Review, Attic, Loch Raven Review, Manorborn, and Octopus Dreams and on the CDs Word UP and Words On War.

An always lively open mic follows the featured performers. (Liveliness may be a particularly desirable quality after the works the featured poet is sharing with us this month.) Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge, but donations are requested.

Sun. May 3, MOVEABLE TREATS Join us in providing deserts to Moveable Feast.

Moveable Feast is a 501(c) (3) charitable nutritional support organization that prepares and delivers meals and groceries at no charge to people and their families throughout greater Baltimore and Maryland’s Eastern Shore who are in need and living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging conditions. All donations are tax deductible as allowable by law.

Sun. May 3, 9:30 am: Poetry Group

Sun. May 3, 12:30 am: Board Meeting (Members only)

Sun. May 10, 9:30 am: Mindfulness Meditation

Come and sit with us (on chairs, not meditation cushions unless you bring your own) for a guided meditation based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. No meditation experience necessary. Facilitated by Karen Elliott.

Fri. May 15, 7:30 pm: Second Friday Ironweed Film Club (This month, it's the third Friday instead of the second because of the Maryland Film Festival. See http://www.md-filmfest.com/ for details on the Festival.)

"Running Dry"

Narrated by award winning actress, Jane Seymour, this film is a wake-up call that proves that the real crisis is not oil! "Running Dry" is a compelling documentary about water quality and quantity around the world. The film gets behind the headlines and superficial treatments to grapple with the complexities of the global water crisis through interviews with the likes of former Prime Ministers Shimon Peres of Israel and Mikhail Gorbachev of the former USSR. Produced and Directed by Jim Thebaut. Running time 82 minutes.

Facilitated by Emil Volcheck. For more information, visit Ironweed Films.

Sun. May 17, 9:00 am: Ethical Action Breakfast

What’s happening with Ethical Action? What’s for breakfast? Find out the answers to those and possibly even more questions at the monthly Ethical Action Breakfast. Bring a $5 contribution and be prepared to eat, listen, and talk about putting our ethics into action.

Return to the top.

---

March 2009

See also Other March 2009 Activities

March 1, “The Public Justice Center: A Strategy for Social Change in the United States” by John Nethercut, Executive Director, The Public Justice Center

John Nethercut will reflect on how lawyers who are dedicated to social justice have evolved in their strategic approaches to attacking poverty over the last fifty years. From the early days of the federally funded Legal Services Corporation through the restrictions imposed during the Reagan/Bush era to the multi-faceted spin-offs of today, lawyers for poor people have sought to provide basic legal services for individuals and also to represent class interests and support systemic change. John’s informal history will be leavened by his own experiences in a range of social change organizations over his 30+ year career as a public interest lawyer.

John Nethercut’s initial work included community boycott organizing in Los Angeles for the United Farm Workers and conducting a field study in Oaxaca, Mexico while an Anthropology Major at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. The next decade juxtaposed the ivory tower (Harvard Law School) with seven years of street level advocacy as a paralegal and lawyer representing farm workers, tenants and tenant unions, and community organizations in Indiana, Ohio, and upstate New York. Then, as Deputy Chief of the Consumer Protection Division, Office of Attorney General of Maryland, John supervised complex litigation involving consumer fraud, appeals, legislation, and media and community relations. Returning to his roots in nonprofit advocacy, John joined the Public Justice Center as Executive Director in 2002. In addition to executive duties, John’s substantive focus is on coalition building and legislative advocacy, including founding the Rental Housing Coalition to be the unified voice of tenants in Maryland.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME -- SET CLOCKS AHEAD -- SO YOU WON'T BE LATE

March 8, “Embracing Contradictions” by Fritz Williams, Leader Emeritus The Baltimore Ethical Society

Fritz writes, “I believe in cultivating opposite, but complementary views of life, and I believe in meeting life’s challenges with opposing strategies. I believe in reckoning with life’s ultimate meaninglessness even as we fall in love with the miracle of being alive. I believe in working passionately to make our lives count, but also in never losing sight of how insignificant they really are. I believe in caring deeply and in rising being beyond caring. It is by encompassing these opposites, by being totally involved and vulnerable, but simultaneously transcendent and detached, that our lives are graced by contentment and joy.”

Fritz Williams is Leader Emeritus of the Baltimore Ethical Society and is currently spending time thinking and writing. He performs weddings and commitment ceremonies and speaks at the Society on occasion. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI .

March 15, “My Religion in Three Sentences (Plus Commentary)” by Michael Franch, Ethical Culture Leader

Food writer Michael Pollan summarized the roles of health eating in three sentences: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. He’s inspired me to do the same for my religion. I’ve got it down to three sentences. I’ll tell you those three sentences on March 15. (Disclosure: my talk will be more than three sentences long. Brevity requires commentary!) .

Mike Franch is an Ethical Leader and was Leader of BES from 1975-1984. He currently is an affiliate minister, First Unitarian Church, Baltimore, and speaks frequently at Ethical Societies and Unitarian Universalist Churches. In 2007 he retired from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where he worked in health policy. He is a board member of the Baltimore Folk Music Society and the Baltimore City Historical Society, and is a member of the Speakers Bureau of the Maryland Humanities Council.

March 22, “Growing Humanism in a Faith-Based Society” by Roy Speckhardt, Exec. Director, The American Humanist Association

Religion in American is a sensitive topic. Some people demand that it be part of the public square and even preferred by the government over secular or rational views. In such a culture, practically any declaration by Humanists can be construed as offensive by someone. But if we believe our philosophy benefits humanity, isn't it important for others to hear our views? Roy Speckhardt, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, will discuss how to grow Humanism in our faith-based society. Is it worth risking offense to spread the Humanist message? Can we be clear about our identity without rustling faithful feathers? Roy believes that Humanists, be they religious or secular in their approach to philosophy, can unite to bring humanism to the forefront of our faith-based society.

Roy Speckhardt is the executive director of the American Humanist Association where he is actively raising the profile of Humanism. Speckhardt regularly provides a Humanist perspective on progressive political issues and his commentary frequently appears in print and other media. He holds an MBA and a BA in Sociology. Speckhardt serves as a board member of the Humanist Institute and is an advisory board member of the Secular Student Alliance and the Women's Law & Public Policy Fellowship Program. He currently resides in Silver Spring Maryland with his partner and their daughters Johanna and Riley.

March 29, “Go Green: How to Shrink Your Environmental Footprint” by Amy Mussen, Licensed Professional Engineer

You can make a big difference in your environmental impact by making small changes in your daily habits. Listen and learn about actions you can take around the house, in your community, and in your daily life to promote a healthy planet.

Amy Mussen is a licensed professional engineer, now working as Corporate Environmental Officer for an international engineering software company. She lives in Baltimore County, serves as a Deacon at Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian church and blogs at http://almgreen.blogspot.com.

---

Other March 2009 Activities

Sun. March 1, MOVEABLE TREATS Join us in providing deserts to Moveable Feast.

Moveable Feast is a 501(c) (3) charitable nutritional support organization that prepares and delivers meals and groceries at no charge to people and their families throughout greater Baltimore and Maryland’s Eastern Shore who are in need and living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging conditions. All donations are tax deductible as allowable by law.

Sat. March 7, 7:00 pm: First Saturday Coffee House

The works of Susurrus Din/Ryan Coffman owes much to the Masters of the Macabre, Gothic Horror, and Ancient Myth/Folklore. He draws heavily from themes of judgment, vengeance, and the otherworldly in his recent collection of poetry and photography, Mendicant of the Hidden, Votary of the Sepulcher.

Susurrus Din/Ryan Coffman is also devoted to the pursuit of thanatological photography by which he seeks to portray the aesthetic qualities, historical precedents, and symbolic attributes of our cemeteries, graves, and burial grounds. Bear witness, while time permits.

An always lively open mic follows the featured performers. (Liveliness may be a particularly desirable quality after the works the featured poet is sharing with us this month.) Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge, but donations are requested.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME -- SET CLOCKS AHEAD -- SO YOU WON'T BE LATE

Sun. March 8, 9:30 am: Poetry Group

Sun. March 8, 12:30 am: Board Meeting (Members only)

Fri. March 13, 7:30 pm: Second Friday Ironweed Film Club

Waging A Living Over 30 million people, a quarter of the American workforce, are employed in jobs that pay less than the federal poverty level for a family of four. How is it possible to work full-time in our country and still be unable to afford the basics of a decent life? This honest, intimate film takes a sobering look at the working poor, and the deep-rooted national myth that if you work hard enough you can rise out of poverty. Putting a human face on modern economic realities, the film tenderly profiles four workers over a three-year period, revealing their struggles, setbacks and accomplishments as they pursue the receding American dream."

For more information, visit Ironweed Films.

Sun. March 15, 9:00 am: Ethical Action Breakfast

What’s happening with Ethical Action? What’s for breakfast? Find out the answers to those and possibly even more questions at the monthly Ethical Action Breakfast. Bring a $5 contribution and be prepared to eat, listen, and talk about putting our ethics into action.

Sun. March 29, 12:30 pm: Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Attended a meeting or two? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society --- its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour.

---

February 2009

See our other activities for this month.

February 1, The Technology Of Change- A Systems Approach , Tony Kirkland, Life Coach , B.E.S. Member

When problems are protracted, change is in-herently complex. It's easy to develop a sense of powerless. It doesn't matter if the issues are personal, local or global, persistent problems can overwhelm and immobilize us.

Questions like: What do we do with a school system that is failing our kids? Or, what do we do about organizations we are invested in and don't function well - yet are resistant to change?

Sometimes we have personal habits or others that steer us away from our personal goals. Change is a complex issue. Often there are entrenched interests that are invested in holding a bad system in place.

Tony will discuss how to identify the leverage point, in any system, to effectuate the greatest change.

Tony Kirkland has worked with individuals and organizations on making profound change for over 30 years. By understanding the composition of systems, each having various competing tensions, he has developed a method called Structural Alignment which helps create a whole new set of possibilities.

DARWIN DAY Joint Meeting with Baltimore Secular Humanists

Febuary 8, Darwin’s Flowers, Sharon Kingsland, Professor, Dept. of History of Science and Technology, Johns Hopkins University

In honor of Charles Darwin’s 200 birthday, Dr. Sharon Kingsland from JHU will answer Why are there flowers? People in Darwin’s day commonly assumed that flowers were meant for beautification, existing for our enjoyment. Darwin was fascinated by the complex structure of flowers, such as orchids, as well as by plants that showed unusual behaviors, such as insect-eating plants. He realized that in these structures one could find some of the most convincing evidence for his theory of evolution. After publishing the Origin of Species Darwin delved into many botanical subjects, drawing on examples from the plant world to illustrate how well natural selection accounted for the amazing adaptations of plant.

Sharon Kingsland Sharon Kingsland is professor in the Department of History of Science and Technology, Johns Hopkins University. She works on the history of modern biology, especially the history of ecology and evolutionary biology.

February 15, Abraham Lincoln's Ethics, Dr. Michael Johnson, Professor of History, Johns Hopkins University

In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s 200 birthday, Dr. Michael Johnson from JHU will discuss the ethical principles that guided Abraham Lincoln's behavior as a man and as President of the United States.

Dr. Michael Johnson is Johns Hopkins University professor of history whose writing and teaching has focused on the on the social and political history of nineteenth-century America with a particular concentration about the history of secession, slavery, free African Americans, Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. Born in Oklahoma, educated in Illinois (Knox College, site of Lincoln-Douglas debate) and California (Stanford), Dr. Johnson has lived in Baltimore since 1994.

February 22, 5th Annual BESpeak-Off, Facilitated by Gordon Stills, retired Baltimore City Public Schools Principal & BES Member

The Baltimore Ethical Society, as an aspect of its community outreach, sponsors the 5th Annual BESpeak-Off (an oratorical contest) in an effort to increase language proficiency among middle school students in Baltimore City. Recognizing that spoken language is often the key to one's success in a wide range of situations (interviews, jobs, appointments, promotions, etc.), the Society seeks to encourage students to understand that the HOW of what may be said may often be as important as the MEANING of what may be said. During previous speak-offs, students have come to the Society with great anticipation, gleaming hope, and wonderful presentations. The audience has never been disappointed, the parents are always overjoyed, and the Society feels a special pride and delight in participating in one small aspect of each student's personal effort.

Gordon Stills , coordinator of the speak-off, retired 25 years ago as principal of the old Northern Parkway Junior High School here in Baltimore. During his 30 years as an educator, he taught English and served as department head and administrator at Booker T. Washington Jr. High, Clifton Park Jr. High and Douglass Sr. High. Prior to his post at Northern Parkway Jr. High, he worked at Baltimore City College High School where he served as principal for the last 2 all-boys classes. For 10 years in the middle of his career, he was director of the highly acclaimed Summer Writing Opportunity Program (SWOP) at Friends School on North Charles Street. Gordon has been a member of the Baltimore Ethical Society for over 50 years.

---

Other February 2009 Activities

Sun. February 1, 9:30 am: Poetry Group

Sat. February 6, 7:00 pm: First Saturday Coffee House

Featuring poet Jesse Breite

Sun. February 8, 9:30 am: Mindfulness Meditation

Come and sit with us (on chairs, not meditation cushions unless you bring your own) for a guided meditation based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. No meditation experience necessary. Facilitated by Karen Elliott.

Fri. February 13, 7:30 pm: Second Friday Ironweed Film Club

We will screen "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil ", "Shimmering with life like a cornucopia of colorful vegetables, this vibrant, hopeful film brings to light one of the most important stories of the last two decades -- how a small island nation responded to a sudden and dangerous drop in oil supplies." For more information, visit Ironweed Films.

Sun. February 15, 9:00 am: Ethical Action Breakfast

What’s happening with Ethical Action? What’s for breakfast? Find out the answers to those and possibly even more questions at the monthly Ethical Action Breakfast on Feb. 15th. Bring a $5 contribution and be prepared to eat, listen, and talk about putting our ethics into action.

---

Sat. February 21, 8:30 am to 5 pm:

WORKSHOP
Leverage for Change: The key to change is knowing what to change

Presented by Tony Kirkland, MS and David O’Donaghue, Psy.D Clinical Psychologist; Tuition: $10
We will explore:
>Forces that govern success or failure.
>Small changes that have a huge impact.
>A new way to understand how immediate and permanent change happens.
>Why we have repetitive experiences and what to do about them.
>A new paradigm for change beyond will power and motivation.
For more info see: Portals of Change or leave your phone # at 410-581-2322 (mention “workshop” & speak your # slowly)

---

Sun. February 22, 12:30 pm: Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Attended a meeting or two? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society --- its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour.

---

January 2009

See our other activities for this month.

January 4, An Electricity Model for the 21st Century, Stuart Hirsch, B.E.S. Member

Today Maryland, the nation, and the world face increasing energy demands, the global warming, and environmental destruction in no small part caused by the production of electricity. Unlike other energy technologies which can be stored and used when necessary, electricity must be supplied on demand. Thus our current electric utility model evolved into its present expensive, inefficient, environmentally destructive, vulnerable, and socially unjust system. This talk will examine another option to our current electric utility model and present methods of transitioning from our current 19th century model to a 21st century system that can meet our demands for electricity locally and throughout the world via an electric power system modeled after the internet.

Stuart Hirsch is a retired electronics technician and project manager with an interest in energy efficiency and advanced technology. Stuart has given talks to other humanist groups including Baltimore Secular Humanists and Human Values Network, on this and other energy related topics.

January 11, Ending Homelessness, Kevin Lindamood, Vice President of External Affairs for Health Care for the Homeless

Kevin Lindamood will discuss the realities and underlying causes of contemporary homelessness in America, the work of Health Care for the Homeless in Maryland to reduce the incidence and burdens of homelessness, and the public policies necessary to build a more socially just society in which homelessness is increasingly rare and brief.

Kevin Lindamood has worked at the intersection of homelessness and health since 1993 as an outreach worker, clinical social worker, city bureaucrat, community organizer, public policy advocate, fundraiser, and nonprofit administrator. He received a Masters Degree in Social Work and Community Organization from the University of Michigan in 1997. Kevin was a past organizer for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, working to integrate direct service and advocacy at nonprofit organizations. Currently, Kevin is the Vice President of External Affairs for Health Care for the Homeless, where he oversees the agency's community relations, public policy, and financial development work. Kevin also is an adjunct instructor for the University of Maryland School of Social Work .

January 18, Anti-Racist Activism in Ethical Culture, Hugh Taft-Morales, Ethical Culture Leader-in-Training

In 1922, Langston Hughes wrote that, "Tomorrow, I'll be at the table, when company comes nobody'll dare say to me, 'Eat in the kitchen,' then. Besides, they'll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed." Eighty-five years later, while diversity in the White House holds promise for America, there are still few African Americans at the table. Corporate leadership is still predominantly white, a disproportionately high rate of black men are in prison, and people of color suffer disproportionately from poverty and unemployment. As an inheritor of invisible racial privilege and liberal guilt, Hugh Taft-Morales will share his insights about moving towards an empowering multicultural perspective. Platform Theme Question: How does Ethical Culture begin to get more diversity of all forms at our table in a way that honors the inherent worth of every one and strengthens our humanist faith?

Hugh Taft-Morales is an Ethical Culture Leader-in-Training enjoying serving the Northern Virginia Ethical Society as an Intern Leader for a year. He is finishing a three-year leadership certification program with the Humanist Institute. He taught philosophy and history for twenty-five years in Washington, D. C.. Hugh served on the Board of the Washington Ethical Society from 2002-2006, the last year as president. He will serve this coming year as Secretary of the AEU National Leaders Council. In 1986 he earned a Masters in Philosophy from University of Kent at Canterbury, England. He lives in Takoma Park with his wife, Maureen, a Latin American analyst for the Congressional Research Service. They have three wonderful children -- Sean (21), Maya (16), and Justin (13). Sean is currently serving as FES representative to the AEU Board. Hugh's hobbies include yoga, squash, watching NCAA college basketball, writing and singing lyrics and playing guitar.

January 25, In Search of Time, Dan Falk, Science Writer

Time is at once intimately familiar and yet deeply mysterious. It is thoroughly in-tangible: we say it flows like a river - yet when we try to examine that flow, the river seems reduced to a mirage. No wonder philosophers, poets, and scientists from Aristotle to Einstein have grappled with the enigma of time. The mystery of time has captivated science journalist Dan Falk, who sets off on an intellectual journey in his latest book, In Search of Time: The Science of a Curious Dimension (St. Martin's Press, November 2008). In this illustrated talk, Dan will discuss some of the most intriguing aspects of time: how our ancestors first learned to measure it; how Newton and Leibniz argued over its nature; how Einstein linked time and space; and a brief look at the physics of time travel and the paradoxes it seems to entail.

Dan Falk has written about science for the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Boston Globe, The Walrus, SkyNews, Astronomy, Sky & Telescope, and New Scientist, and has been a regular contributor to the Canadian radio programs Ideas and Quirks & Quarks on the CBC radio network. His awards include a Gold Medal for Radio Programming from the New York Festivals and the Science Writing Award in Physics and Astronomy from the American Institute of Physics. His first book, Universe on a T-Shirt, won the 2002 Science in Society Journalism Award from the Canadian Science Writers' Association. He lives in Toronto.

---

Other January 2009 Activities

January 3, 7:00 pm: First Saturday Coffee House

Featuring poet/musician Tom Swiss

January 4, 9:30 am: Poetry Group

January 9, 7:30 pm: Second Friday Ironweed Film Club

We will screen "Daughters of Wisdom", "an intimate profile of the nuns of Kala Pongo, a rare Buddhist monastery for women high in a remote region of northeastern Tibet." The monastery is "quietly contributing to the empowerment of women in Tibetan Buddhist culture." For more information, visit Ironweed Films.

January 11, 9:30 am: Mindfulness Meditation

Come and sit with us (on chairs, not meditation cushions unless you bring your own) for a guided meditation based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. No meditation experience necessary. Facilitated by Karen Elliott.

January 18, 9:00 am: Ethical Action Breakfast

Bring a $5 contribution and be prepared to eat, listen, and talk about putting our ethics into action. What's happening with the Red Line project? What about the death penalty in Maryland? Come find out the answers.

January 25, 12:30 pm: Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Attended a meeting or two? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society --- its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour.

---

December 2008

See our other activities for this month.

Dec. 7: Vegetarian Lifestyles: Green in More Ways Than One by Mark Rifkin, MS, RD, LDN

Is eating organic and local all that is needed to be "green"? Or is there more to it? In this compelling presentation, Registered Dietitian Mark Rifkin, MS, RD, LDN, will describe how vegetarian lifestyles may be the key to green-ness. From water and fossil fuel consumption to land requirements to soil erosion, switching to vegetarian lifestyles provides a simple and effective way for the individual to drastically shrink their eco-footprint. Get all your questions answered so you can be green as you can be.

Speaker bio:
Mark Rifkin, MS, RD, LDN, a former animal activist, has been a vegetarian since 1984, and has a Masters Degree in Health Education. He has been conducting presentations on nutrition and food-related topics since 1997. As a Registered Dietitian, Mark focuses on vegetarian and similar diets to prevent and treat chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, and depression. He also specializes in helping vegetarians establish optimal eating habits.

Dec. 14: A Place at the Table: How the nation's first lobbyist for nontheists is being received on Capitol Hill by Lori Lipman Brown, Director, The Secular Coalition for America

Last summer the membership of the American Ethical Union voted to join the Secular Coalition for America. Lori Lipman Brown, director of the Secular Coalition for America, will report on how this unique lobby is being received on the Hill, in the media and by our theistic church/state separation allies.

Speaker bio:
Lori Lipman Brown obtained her J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law and her B.A. in communications from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Since 2005 she has been the director of the Secular Coalition for America, the first Congressional lobbying organization explicitly representing nontheistic Americans. Before joining the Secular Coalition for America, Brown served as a Nevada State Senator with a legislative focus on public education, mental health care, and the repeal of laws criminalizing consensual sexual activities.

Dec. 21: Winter Festival: An Interactive Celebration

What do mittens, hats, scarves, and ethical culture symbols have in common? They'll all be found on the traditional mitten tree at the Society as we celebrate winter and our many wintery traditions. Bring something warm to decorate the mitten tree (and then to be sent to Viva House for distribution) and a home-made, simple gift to exchange as a reminder of the sunshine warming us even in these cold times.

Dec. 28: Annual Pancake Breakfast

Come hungry and be prepared to enjoy yourself as we once again eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves in community. Pancakes, syrup, coffee, and tea will be provided. Bring a complementary breakfast dish to share.

---

Other December 2008 Activities

First Saturday Coffeehouse: Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:00 pm featuring poet Ron K. Williams.
December's featured poet says about himself, My name is Ron Kipling Williams, founder of Aware and Outraged, and founding collective member of RAM (Radical Artist Movement). I am a writer, independent journalist, activist, educator and performance artist. My passion is networking with others such as myself, and all human beings who support arts, independent journalism, education and activism for social justice, social change, and community building. An always lively open mic follows the featured performers. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge, but donations are requested.

Poetry: Sunday, Dec. 7, 9:30 am

Board meeting: Sunday, Dec. 7, 12:30 pm

Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, Dec. 14, 9:30 am. Guided meditation based on the writings of Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Thanh.

Ethical Action brunch: Sunday, Dec. 14, 12:30 pm. Action for public transportation.

Newcomer's Meeting: Sunday, Dec. 21, 12:30 pm.

---

November 2008

See our other activities for this month.

Nov. 2: The Ethical Life and Politics: Wrap Up by John Nugent, BES Member

This final platform with the theme of the "Ethical Life and Politics" will focus on our individual ethical responsibilities as citizens in a time when politics have been dumbed down to the basest possible level while our society has become vastly more complicated.

Speaker bio:
John Nugent, a member of BES, is the President/CEO of Planned Parenthood of Maryland and has been a health care administrator for over 35 years. John holds an MA in ethics and a BA in philosophy and has been an adjunct college philosophy instructor. John is Treasurer of the Board of the Washington Area Secular Humanists and is a Certified Humanist Celebrant.

Nov. 9: Moral Disillusionment, Moral Discovery by Fritz Williams, BES Leader Emeritus

Many years ago, when I was a priest in the Episcopal Church, my Christian beliefs, including my belief in a personal God, came undone. It was a painful process. Theological bereavement. But after I came to terms with this loss, I experienced a new sense of wonder over the universe science is revealing, a deeper appreciation of the fragility and preciousness of life, and a religious connection with the world that took me by surprise. As an Ethical Culture Leader, I have been struggling with questions concerning the validity and usefulness of a moral understanding of human relationships and responsibilities. At times it feels like a process of moral disillusionment, and I wonder whether, in the end, it will lead to a deeper moral awareness.

Speaker bio:
Fritz Williams is Leader Emeritus of the Baltimore Ethical Society and is currently spending time thinking and writing. He performs weddings and commitment ceremonies and speaks at the Society on occasion. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

Nov. 16: A Reflection on the Election by Richard Katz, Professor of Political Science, Johns Hopkins University

Now that the election is over, Dick Katz will provide his insightful analysis and reflections on the election. His talk is certain to be less terse and much more amusing than this description of it.

Speaker bio:
Richard Katz is Professor of Political Science at The Johns Hopkins University. He is the author or editor of numerous books on political parties and elections with a primary focus on the advanced industrial democracies, and is currently the co-editor of the European Journal of Political Research. His most recent book, Political Institutions in the United States, is a textbook on American politics for non-Americans. Less formally, Dick is past-president of the Baltimore Ethical Society.

Nov. 23: Getting Around Sustainably by Lena Pons, Transportation Analyst at Public Citizen

As part of the Society's exploration of sustainability, Lena will discuss sustainable transportation, with a focus on personal transportation. She will look at modes of transportation, as well as infrastructure and land use planning and will try to put local transportation into a federal context. Energy and climate policy are intimately interconnected, and transportation is the most challenging sector of energy policy.

Speaker bio:
Lena Pons graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2005 with a BS in chemistry. She has been at Public Citizen for two years, working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to influence transportation safety and energy laws. In 2006, she collaborated in litigation on the 2006 fuel economy standards for pickup trucks and SUVs. In 2007, she worked with a coalition of environmental and consumer groups lobbying for the Energy Independence and Security Act, which mandated the first new fuel economy standards in 22 years. She testified in regulatory hearings before NHTSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and she currently sits on three progressive transportation working groups, addressing the three parts of the transportation energy problem -- efficiency, fuels and transportation demand.

Nov. 30: Brown at 54: New Challenges of the Hardening of the Categories by Lenneal J. Henderson, Professor of Government and Public Administration, University of Baltimore

A trail of cases led to Brown v Board of Education Supreme Court Decision and to today's controversies in educational equity, especially the recent Supreme Court school decisions in Louisville and Seattle in 2007 that are radically redefining the Brown landscape. This platform discusses the shift in demographic, socioeconomic, and educational context and content of school segregation; the shift from rights to resources and the problem of equitable public school financing; and battles over curriculum and tracking, including the disproportionate number of non-white students in special education and learning disability tracks and the quality of education about issues of multiculturalism and diversity.

Speaker bio:
Lenneal J. Henderson is Distinguished Professor of Government and Public Administration and Senior Fellow at the William Donald Schaefer Center for Public Policy and a Senior Fellow in the Hoffberger Center for Professional Ethics at the University of Baltimore where he was formerly a Henry C. Welcome Fellow. Dr. Henderson has been a consultant to federal, state, and local government, the corporate sector, and the nonprofit sector for more than thirty years in the areas of housing, education policy, energy management, environmental policy, and public management. He recently completed service as Interim Provost and Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at North Carolina Central University in Durham. He is the author or editor of four books and forty-two articles. He received his A.B., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Berkeley.

Other November 2008 Activities

Coffeehouse Nov. 1, 7:00 pm featuring poets Deanna Nikaido and Gregg Mosson

Deanna Nikaido is the author of "Vibrating With Silence," a book of poetry published by Writers Lair Books and is a graduate of Art Center College of Design with a degree in Illustration. For her, the visual and literary arts are both listening processes, each unplanned certainties where pen point or brush intersect the page and conversation begins. Her work has appeared in several journals and anthologies including Family Pictures, Strange Attractors: Poems of Love and Mathematics, and Beltway Poetry Journal, Fledgling Rag and Urbancode Magazine and she has read at venues such as the Visionary Art Museum's Rumi Festival as well as teaching writing workshops. She is currently a poetry coach for a project called Bookinaday; for more info go to : http://www.bookinaday.com. You can also visit her on-line at http://www.deannanikaido.com.

Gregg Mosson is the author of "Season of Flowers and Dust", a book of nature poetry, and edits the annual journal Poems Against War (Wasteland Press). A writer, teacher, and advocate, he blogs about Maryland public radio at saveWYPR.com and writes regularly about poetry for The Baltimore Review and Boxcar Poetry Review. He has an MA from the Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars, and lives in Maryland. His interests include poetry, literary criticism, environmental-ism, and politics. For more about and by Gregg, go to www.greggmosson.com. Open mic follows the featured readers. Refreshments available. Donation requested.

Sunday, Nov. 2: Moveable Treats

Sun. Nov. 2 - 9:30 am: Poetry Group

Sun., Nov. 2- 12:30 pm: Board Meeting
All BES members welcome

Sun., Nov. 9 - 9:30 am: Mindfulness Meditation

Sun., Nov. 9 - 12:30 pm: Musical Pot Luck
Feel free to bring a food contribution (and a musical instrument, if you have one that's portable) and remain after the Sunday morning meeting for some happy socializing around food, talk, and music-making.

Sun., Nov. 16 - 9:00 am: Ethical Action Breakfast
$5 for breakfast; discussion is priceless

Sun. Nov. 30 - 12:30 pm: Newcomers Meeting

---

---

October 2008

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - for other activities see...

October 2008

Oct 5: “Spiritual Morality and Feet of Clay” By Hugh Taft-Morales, EC Leader in Training

Great spiritual moral leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., are often placed on a pedestal by human society, yet their inevitable human limitations and frailties often disappoint us. Some people idealize such leaders because in a world darkened by violence and greed, we seek moral heroes that can balance evil with their unblemished goodness. At the other extreme, some take a certain pleasure in tearing down these icons of moral purity, either to expose hypocrisy or to relieve themselves of the burden of living up to such a high standard. Platform question: From the perspective of the history and philosophy of Ethical Culture, how can we acknowledge the goodness expressed by our moral leaders, while admitting their limitations, in a way that brings out our best as moral leaders?

Hugh Taft-Morales taught philosophy and history at the Edmund Burke School in Washington, D. C. for 19 years. He left teaching in the summer of 2006 to train for leadership in Ethical Culture and is in a three-year leadership certification program with the Humanist Institute. Hugh served on the Board of the Washington Ethical Society from 2002-2006, and for the last year was president of the Board. He served for two three-year terms on the American Philosophical Association Committee for Pre-College Instruction. He wrote a booklet entitled "So You Want to Teach Pre-Collegiate Philosophy?" published by the APA. In 1986 he earned a Masters in Philosophy from University of Kent at Canterbury, England. He graduated Cum Laude from Yale University in 1979. He lives in Takoma Park with his wife, Maureen, and has three children – Sean (21), Maya (16), and Justin (13).

Oct 12: “The Ethical Life and Politics: Part Two” By John Nugent, BES Member

The second in a series of platforms on the Ethical Life and Politics will focus on the competing moral worldviews that form our current political and culture war. (For a description of Part One, see the description of the Sep 7 program.)

John Nugent, a member of BES, is the President/CEO of Planned Parenthood of Maryland and has been a health care administrator for over 35 years. John holds an MA in ethics and a BA in philosophy and has been an adjunct college philosophy instructor. John is Treasurer of the Board of the Washington Area Secular Humanists and is a Certified Humanist Celebrant.

Oct 19: “Low Carbon Diet” By Susan Lower, Educator and Environmental Activist

Change your Carbon Footprint and Lower Your Energy Bills! Do all the small changes we make to lower our carbon footprint really matter? Susan Lower's entertaining Powerpoint presentation is about low- or no-cost changes people can easily make to help the environment. Global climate change may be here but we can all help to lessen its impact. Join us for this inspiring discussion!

Susan Lower is a graduate from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a B.S. degree in Biology Education and graduate classes in Environmental Science. This is her 22nd year teaching. She has been at her current assignment at River Hill High School for 8 years and is other currently teaching GT Biology and AP Environmental Science. In addition she is the sponsor of ecology club and student energy auditors. Last year students audited 172 homes in the River Hill community. This year Mrs. Lower will be training students from additional schools around the county. Mrs. Lower was instrumental in getting her school certified as a Maryland Green School and participating in the Howard County Green Schools program.
She is one of the founders of the Climate Change Initiative of Howard County (CCIHC) which sponsors discussion groups and participates in Environmental Advocacy. She has received various awards including Technology teacher of the year and High School teacher of the year from Western Maryland (now called McDaniel) college.

Oct 26: “Fall Festival”Facilitated by Karen Elliott, President

We welcome the autumn—time of harvests and beautiful colours—with our traditional Stone Salad and a celebration of families of all sorts. Please bring an ingredient suitable for the stone salad; dressings, bread, dessert, and drinks will be provided. Festivals at the Society are a time to celebrate our BES family and share some laughter and thoughtfulness as we mark the passing of time and the seasons, both in nature an din our lives. They are interactive and usually include, as we say at story-time, “the children and the child in us all.”

---

Other October 2008 Activities

Sat Oct 4, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House featuring poet Alan Barysh and musician Joe Smith • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free (donation requested)

If you want to hear more about social justice, our October coffeehouse is the place to go! The written word and political activism are intertwined in the mind of Alan Barysh, October’s featured poet. For as long as he has been an activist, he has been a poet—and, like many other things, that started in the 60’s. He is a frequent participant in our open mic and performs locally with the Gimmee Shelter Artists /Activists Collective which does theatrical fundraising activities for local homeless shelters.

Featured musician this month is Joe Smith, who has been playing music all of his life. It started out with the drums, then moved on to everything else. He studied with great instructors such as Jon Jenson, Steve Abshire, and David Alderdice. His musical influences are drawn from every style of music that exists. When he performs solo he plays acoustic soul music on the guitar and tenor banjo.

An open mic follows the featured performers. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge, but donations are requested.

Sun Oct 5, 9:30 am Poetry Group

No rhyming required! Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic, announced ahead of time via e-mail. Facilitated by Karla, BES "poet in residence." To be added to the e-mail list, write poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Oct 5, 10:30 am - noon Movable Treats

Summer donations were down, so let’s start of the new “meeting season” with an extra large supply of desserts. As a reminder, Moveable Feast delivers meals to AIDS and cancer patients and their families. BES’ “Moveable Treats” programs provides individually packaged single portions of desserts that are included in these meals.

Bring your desserts with you to the meeting, and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. Use sandwich bags or snack bags to wrap your desserts in serving size portions, and label them to indicate generally what they are. Mark your desserts if they contain nuts or peanuts. Avoid desserts that have heavy icings or that contain alcohol.

BES members and friends may contribute canned goods or dry goods for Moveable Feast at any time. There’s a box for them near the bulletin board in our entrance area. Some suggestions: canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups, applesauce, fruit salad, dry cereals, rice, muffin and pancake mixes, juices, peanut butter, jelly, crackers or granola bars.

Sat, Oct 11, Festival on the Hill That's Bolton Hill. Volunteers needed to let people know what BES means. Contact Karen Helm to volunteer.

Sun Oct 12, 9:30 am Ethical Mindfulness Meditation

Back by request, it’s the monthly mindfulness meditation group. Come and sit with us for a guided meditation based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk nominated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is a great help for “one on one” ethical action situations, when you find it tough to respond calmly and respectfully to negative behavior. No meditation experience necessary. Facilitated by Karen Elliott. Want to know more? Contact Karen at KarenSElliott at aol dot com.

Sun Oct 12, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (all members are welcome)

Sun Oct 19, 9:00 am Ethical Action Breakfast

Come to the Society an hour early on Sunday and give just $5 to eat breakfast and support our Ethical Action projects at the same time. Proceeds will support actions developed by the Ethical Action Committee. Come eat your fill and have your say about what we can do to promote sustainable transportation. Yum! For more information contact Ben Busby.

Sun Oct 26, 12:30 pm Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of every month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society—its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour and attendance is recommended before becoming a member.

September 2008

Sep 7:"The Ethical Life and Politics: An Introduction"

By John Nugent, BES Member & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Maryland

In an introduction to a series of platforms, John will discuss the long relationship between ethics and politics going back to Aristotle. He will then review the dominant philosophy driving the ethics and politics of the current national administration through a review of the research and work of Frank Luntz and his book “Words That Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear” and a review of the political ideas of Leo Strauss.

Speaker bio:
John Nugent was the CEO of a Hospice program prior to joining Planned Parenthood in 1997. He holds an MA in ethics from San Francisco Theological Seminary and a BA in philosophy and has been an adjunct college philosophy instructor. He was co-chair of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Bioethics task force and served on the National Hospice Organization’s ethics committee. John is active in the Board of the Washington Area Secular Humanists, the Board of Baltimore Westside Market Center Merchants Association, and served on the Board of the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival. He is a graduate of the Leadership Baltimore and Leadership Maryland programs and is currently part of the Weinberg Fellows program. John is a certified Humanist Celebrant/Officiant through the American Humanist Association.

Sep 14: "Access to Health Care: A Basic Human Right Not Available to Tens of Millions"

By Dr. Peter Beilenson, Howard County Health Officer

Although recognized as a basic human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by 50 countries in 1948, the United States, virtually alone among the developed countries of the world, has tens of millions of its citizens uninsured. The consequences of this disturbing gap are manifold: from worse health status and significant financial difficulties for individuals who don't have health coverage, to vast fiscal effects on a variety of payers. It's time that the U.S. joins the rest of the developed world in seriously addressing the issue of health care reform. Dr. Beilenson will talk about the prospects for national reform with the new Administration and give examples of the few state and local programs that are being touted as models for fixing the American system of health care.

Speaker bio:
Peter L. Beilenson, M.D., M.P.H. currently serves as Health Officer of Howard County Maryland. He has 13 years of experience in public health leadership having served as the Baltimore City Health Commissioner under the administrations of Mayors Kurt Schmoke and Martin J. O'Malley. Dr. Beilenson received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College, MD from Emory University School of Medicine, and MPH from the Johns Hopkins. During his tenure in Baltimore City, Dr. Beilenson expanded and improved drug treatment programs, immunization compliance, lead poisoning prevention initiatives, and juvenile violence prevention. He founded the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative which leading the drive for universal health coverage in Maryland.

Sep 21: "Getting Around Sustainably"

By Lena Pons, BES Member & Transportation Analyst at Public Citizen

As part of the Society's exploration of sustainability, Lena will discuss sustainable transportation, with a focus on personal transportation. She will look at modes of transportation, as well as infrastructure and land use planning and will try to put local transportation into a federal context. Energy and climate policy are intimately interconnected, and transportation is the most challenging sector of energy policy.

Speaker bio:
Lena Pons graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2005 with a BS in chemistry. She has been at Public Citizen for two years, working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to influence transportation safety and energy laws. In 2006, she collaborated in litigation on the 2006 fuel economy standards for pickup trucks and SUVs. In 2007, she worked with a coalition of environmental and consumer groups lobbying for the Energy Independence and Security Act, which mandated the first new fuel economy standards in 22 years. She testified in regulatory hearings before NHTSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and she currently sits on three progressive transportation working groups, addressing the three parts of the transportation energy problem -- efficiency, fuels and transportation demand.

Sep 28: Teaching Ethics through Children's Books

By Deborah Da Costa, author

Speaker Bio:
Deborah da Costa (aka Dr. Deborah P. Clayman) is a psychologist, reading specialist, college writing instructor, former classroom teacher, national presenter, and author of books and articles for children, parents and teachers. Deborah's children's books (Snow In Jerusalem and Hanukkah Moon) reflect her activist commitment to world peace, to discouraging stereotyping in literature for children, and to promoting animal welfare issues.

---

Other September 2008 Activities

Sat Sep 6, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House featuring poet Michael Monroe • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free (donation requested)

Featuring poet Michael Monroe, who has been writing and reading throughout Baltimore for the past 15 years. He graduated from Towson University with an English degree and went on to get poems published in various local publications including the Loch Raven Review and Poet's Ink.

Michael has also been a member of the Zelda's Inferno writing workshop since 2000. His other interests include writing children's fiction, playing violin, jazz, database programming, kung fu movies, quarry dump trucks, kachina dolls, and hedgehogs.

An open mic follows the featured reader. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available. No charge, but donations are requested.

Sun Sep 7, 9:30 am Poetry Group

No rhyming required! Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic, announced ahead of time via e-mail. Facilitated by Karla, BES "poet in residence." To be added to the e-mail list, write poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Sep 7, 10:30 am - noon Movable Treats

Summer donations were down, so let’s start of the new “meeting season” with an extra large supply of desserts. As a reminder, Moveable Feast delivers meals to AIDS and cancer patients and their families. BES’ “Moveable Treats” programs provides individually packaged single portions of desserts that are included in these meals.

Bring your desserts with you to the meeting, and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. Use sandwich bags or snack bags to wrap your desserts in serving size portions, and label them to indicate generally what they are. Mark your desserts if they contain nuts or peanuts. Avoid desserts that have heavy icings or that contain alcohol.

BES members and friends may contribute canned goods or dry goods for Moveable Feast at any time. There’s a box for them near the bulletin board in our entrance area. Some suggestions: canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups, applesauce, fruit salad, dry cereals, rice, muffin and pancake mixes, juices, peanut butter, jelly, crackers or granola bars.

Sun Sep 7, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sun Sep 14, noon - 5 pm Abell Street Fair Contact Karen or Emil to volunteer to help staff our booth.

Sun Sep 21, 9:00 am Ethical Action Breakfast

$5/person to raise money for projects related to sustainability, with a focus on transportation, in particular mass transit in Baltimore. For more information contact Ben Busby.

Sun Sep 21, 9:30 am Poetry Group

No rhyming required! Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic, announced ahead of time via e-mail. Facilitated by Kurt Mullen. To be added to the e-mail list, write poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Fri Sep 26, 5 pm - 9 pm Baltimore Book Festival Contact Karen to volunteer to help staff our booth.
Sat Sep 27, 11 am - 7 pm Baltimore Book Festival
Sun Sep 28, 11 am - 7 pm Baltimore Book Festival

Sun Sep 28, 12:30 pm Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of every month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society—its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour and attendance is recommended before becoming a member.

---

Summer 2008

Discussions Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

During the summer, Sunday meetings are shorter (one hour) and less formal, consisting of informal discussions on social, spiritual, or philosophical issues facilitated by Society members.

Jun 1: "Platforms and Programs; what do you want next year?" Stephen Meskin

Jun 8: "Is There a Religion for the 21st Century? What Would it Look Like? Would it be a religion?" Diana & Bob Corbett

Jun 15: "Race; the discussion continues" Karen Helm (Father's day)

Jun 22: "Can There Be Too Much Democracy?" Dick Katz

Jun 29:"Fritz Farewell (followed by pot luck lunch)" --

Jul 6: "*A Brief History of Disbelief Part 1" see...

Jul 13: "Building a More Sustainable Maryland: urban sprawl and the kinds of changes that could be made short and long-term" Lena Pons

Jul 20: "*A Brief History of Disbelief Part 2" see...

Jul 27: "Visit to Planned Parenthood (one block away)" John Nugent see...

Aug 3: "*A Brief History of Disbelief Part 3" see...

Aug 10: "The AEU and You" Karen Elliott

Aug 17: "Experience of Poetry" Karla Mancero

Aug 24: "FINISHING TOUCHES" Bob Corbett

Aug 31: No meeting Instead, attend the annual Labor Day picnic!

---

A Brief History of Disbelief
July 6, 20, & August 3

Written and narrated by acclaimed British intellectual Jonathan Miller — author, lecturer, TV producer/host, director of theater, opera and film, and neurologist. It is the first-ever historical look at the controversial topic on television. “This series is about the disappearance of something: religious faith,” Miller says in the opening. “It's the story of what is often referred to as atheism,' the history of the growing conviction that God doesn't exist." A Brief History of Disbelief combines an exploration of the origins of Miller’s own lack of belief with historical perspective and interviews with leading authorities, including biologist Richard Dawkins, philosopher Daniel Dennett, recently deceased playwright Arthur Miller, and physicist Steven Weinberg. “In making this series I have inevitably discovered that the history of faith and doubt is a great deal more complicated that it might seem," Jonathan Miller declares. Among the program’s surprising revelations is that philosophy, not science as often assumed, played a larger role in the gradual erosion of belief. And contrary to what many Christian fundamentalists today consider America’s founding principles, the first presidents were actually skeptical of religion.

Part I: Shadows of Doubt Miller meets Arthur Miller and the philosopher Colin McGinn. He searches for evidence of the first "unbelievers" in ancient Greece and examines some of the modern theories around why people have always tended to believe in mythology and magic.

Part II: Noughts and Crosses With the domination of Christianity from 500 AD, Miller wonders how disbelief began to re-emerge in the 15th and 16th centuries. He discovers that division within the Church played a more powerful role than the scientific discoveries of the period. He also shows how politically dangerous it was to undermine the religious faith of the masses.

The Final Hour The history of disbelief continues with the ideas of self-taught philosopher Thomas Paine, the revolutionary studies of geology, the evolutionary theories of Darwin, and Freud’s view that religion is a "thought disorder." Miller examines his own motivation behind making the series. The AEU provided some funding for this PBS show. However it was not aired on WMPT or WETA.

---

Visit to Planned Parenthood — July 27

We go on a short distance field trip around the corner to 330 N. Howard St. where our discussion will be held after a tour of the facility. Planned Parenthood is one block south of the Society on the NW corner of Howard & Mulberry St. On street parking is available on Mulberry St as well as Franklin.

---

Other Summer 2008 Activities

Sat Aug 2, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free (donation appreciated)

Karen Elliott recently returned from Peru, where she met Barry Drew (see below) - who lives about a mile and a half from her. It's a Baltimore thing. Karen's work has been published in Poets Ink and Manorborn, and once upon a time she did technical and food writing professionally. She gives poetry workshops for children from Pre-K through grade 6 and works as an Information Systems consultant to pay the bills for herself, her son who is at Cal Berkeley, five cats, and one snake.

Musician Barry Drew is a 25 year resident of Northeast Baltimore, and a guitarist, singer, and massage therapist, Barry has always conveyed his love and passion for music and words through the heart-felt expression of his performance. Barry plays and sings acoustic songs from the periods of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, which he feels have much meaning to this day. During the ‘80s and ‘90s, Barry played the Baltimore and Annapolis circuit in places like the Annapolis Hilton, Kent Moore Harbor, The Wine Cellar at Painters Mill and spots all around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Barry took time off to be with his wife and raise a family, but now he is ready to get back in front of the audience and once again share his passion with others.

Sun Aug 3, 10:30 am - noon Movable Treats

Please continue to support this project, which gets excellent reviews from the folks at Moveable Feast who prepare and deliver meals to homebound AIDS and cancer patients and their families in the greater Baltimore area. Once again, here are our guidelines: 1) Bring your desserts with you to our meeting and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. 2) If possible, use sandwich bags to wrap cupcakes, brownies, cake slices, and sweet breads in single servings and label what they are (in general, not a list of ingredients). 3) Mark your desserts if they include nuts or peanuts. 4) Avoid desserts that contain alcohol and desserts with thick icings.

Sat Aug 16, 10 am Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sat Aug 23, 9:30 am to whenever Clean-up Party Bob Corbett facilitator, food, drinks, and soap provided

---

May 2008

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM

May 4

The Long and the Short
By Fritz Williams, Leader Emeritus, Baltimore Ethical Society

In his last talk as Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society, Fritz Williams reflects on what this work has meant to him and what he's tried to accomplish. He speaks about developing his own message about a good life that is grounded in emotional and moral health and is shaped by everyday encounters and experiences. He reflects on how he has attempted to use storytelling as a means of examining the process of moral development. And he expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to do this work within a religious movement with an unwavering commitment to human worth. It is work that will continue in the next phase of his life with a greater emphasis on writing and publication.

Speaker bio:
Fritz Williams is Leader Emeritus of the Baltimore Ethical Society and serves as primary speaker, teacher, pastor, and organizational leader. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

May 11

Messages of Difference
By Alan Klein, Trainer/Consultant

As the South Pacific song goes, "You've got to be taught..." In our youth we are bombarded with messages from many sources, some intentional, some subliminal. We will explore the messages that we received about people who are like us and people who are unlike us, as well as their impact on our lives today.

Speaker bio:
Alan Klein is a trainer, consultant, coach, facilitator, administrator and teacher. He specializes in the areas of leadership development, valuing diversity, team building and communication. Alan also provides organizations and other groups with support and facilitation in the use of large group methodologies. Throughout this work, he emphasizes self-awareness as a vehicle for enhanced competency and effectiveness in interpersonal situations. He was elected to membership in the NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science in 1997 and currently serves on its Board of Directors

May 18

2008: Common Ground: The Earth as Humanist Icon
By Hugh Taft-Morales, Ethical Culture Leader-in-Training

Reflecting on the first photograph of the earth taken from beyond the moon, Archibald MacLeish wrote in the New York Times that it was an image with whose help "man may discover what he really is". It reveals a truth that we ignore at our own peril: "To see the earth as we now see it, small and blue and beautiful in that eternal silence where it floats, is to see ourselves as riders on the earth together, brothers on that bright loveliness in the unending night--brothers who see now they are truly brothers."

This image, generated by rational science yet emotionally and aesthetically inspiring, offers common ground to people of diverse philosophical perspectives. Not only does it remind all human brothers and sisters of our interconnectedness, it reflects a profound philosophical link between beauty and fragility. The image of the earth reflects the existential limitations central to human existence, and should continue to serve as a humanist icon - an enduring, sacred, symbol worthy of spiritual devotion.

Speaker bio:
Hugh Taft-Morales taught philosophy and history at the Edmund Burke School in Washington, D. C., for 19 years. He left teaching in the summer of 2006 to train for leadership in Ethical Culture and is in a three-year leadership certification program with the Humanist Institute. Hugh served on the Board of the Washington Ethical Society from 2002-2006, and for the last year was president of the Board. He served for two three-year terms on the American Philosophical Association Committee for Pre-College Instruction. He wrote a booklet entitled "So You Want to Teach Pre-Collegiate Philosophy?" published by the APA. In 1986 he earned a Masters in Philosophy from University of Kent at Canterbury, England. He graduated Cum Laude from Yale University in 1979. He lives in Takoma Park with his wife, Maureen, and has three children: Sean (20), Maya (14), and Justin (12).

Annual Membership Meeting
At 12:30 PM, following refreshments.

May 25

No meeting
Instead, attend the annual picnic on Monday, May 26th!

---

April 2008

April 6

Forces of Destruction
By Fritz Williams, Leader Emeritus, Baltimore Ethical Society

People are generally unhappy with the Bush administration. Liberals decry the belligerent go-it-alone foreign policy, the invasion of Iraq on false pretenses, the tax reductions that benefit mostly the rich, the erosion of personal privacy. Conservatives complain about the inept conduct of the war and overall fiscal irresponsibility. But it's a mistake to focus almost exclusively on George W. Bush and the neo-cons. Bush is the culmination of a movement driven by powerful business interests which has been restructuring American society for about 40 years. Fritz Williams examines this movement and the disastrous consequences of the policies it has promoted.

Speaker bio:
Fritz Williams is Leader Emeritus of the Baltimore Ethical Society and serves as primary speaker, teacher, pastor, and organizational leader. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

April 13

Spring Festival of Hope and Peace
facilitated by Karen Elliott and Steve Meskin

We take time to recharge our batteries and think deeply about why we work for peace and freedom, and how wonderful the world could be if we all truly lived lives of peace. A humanist Seder reminds us of how important freedom really is.

April 20

Must the World Hate Us?
by Richard T. Arndt, PhD, Retired Diplomat

One hears a great deal now about the world hating the U.S. A better question might be: Did they ever love us, and, if so, why? And if they did love us, was their love a healthy way for other nations to relate to the world's most powerful nation and, as Senator Fulbright used to say, its most provincial? Current policy aside (going it alone, reliance on military force, downplaying diplomacy, impeding global initiatives like Kyoto), there are more permanent issues. One is the perceived US role in what is called Globalization. We are told that more Public Diplomacy is the answer, but do we know what Public Diplomacy is?

Speaker bio:
Richard T. Arndt was a Fulbright scholar in France and received a PhD in French literature from Columbia Univ. In 1961, he joined USIA, was assigned to Beirut, where he discovered cultural diplomacy. To this little-known art, he made a career commitment that has lasted until today. After Beirut, he served in Sri Lanka, Tehran, Latin American Affairs, Rome, and Paris before returning to Washington in 1980 and retiring 1985. He has been President of the US Fulbright Association, Chair of the National Peace Foundation; President of Americans for UNESCO, and Chair of the US Committee to Save Ancient Tyre. He has authored "The First Resort of Kings: US Cultural Diplomacy in the Twentieth Century in 2005". His wife Lois W. Roth, also a US cultural diplomat, died in 1986.

April 27

An Ethical Footprint
By John W. Nugent, President/CEO of Planned Parenthood of Maryland

Long before the concept of a "carbon footprint" came in vogue there was the concept of the "Ethical Footprint". It is a measure of the impact that an individual's activities have on the demonstrable well being of oneself or another human being." It is meant to be useful for individuals and organizations to conceptualize their ethical impact. Today we will examine the concept of "an ethical footprint", the role that Ethical Culture can play in the dialogue about the place of ethical footprints in our lives and communities, and some of the current ways the definition and understanding of ethics is changing.

Speaker bio:
John Nugent was the CEO of a Hospice program prior to joining Planned Parenthood in 1997. He holds an MA in ethics from San Francisco Theological Seminary and a BA in philosophy and has been an adjunct college philosophy instructor. He was co-chair of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Bioethics task force and served on the National Hospice Organization's ethics committee. John is active in the Board of the Washington Area Secular Humanists, the Board of Baltimore Westside Market Center Merchants Association, and served on the Board of the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival. He is a graduate of the Leadership Baltimore and Leadership Maryland programs and is currently part of the Weinberg Fellows program. John is a certified Humanist Celebrant/Officiant through the American Humanist Association.

---

March 2008

Mar 2: "An Island of Goodness " Fritz Williams, Leader Emeritus of the Baltimore Ethical Society

All of Fritz's "Good Life" talks this year have been rewritten extensively. But on March 3 he will make an exception. In a talk entitled AN ISLAND OF GOODNESS, he will tell his own version of the story of the village of LeChambon, and he will tell it exactly as he first told it on January 8, 2006. "It was a talk that almost wrote itself," he recalls, "and the power of goodness in an era of violence and hatred shone right through it with a transparency that took me by surprise. I've told a lot of stories, but this may be the most moving, most powerful story of them all."

Fritz Williams is Leader Emeritus of BES and serves as a regular speaker and teacher at the Society. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

Mar 9: "Silence and My Role as a Maryland Legislator" Delegate Liz Bobo, District 12B, Howard County

Liz Bobo, local legislator, will discuss the week long silent retreat led by an American Buddhist monk that she attended in the last two years. Liz writes, "My ability to draw on what I learned at those retreats at the height of activity of the legislative session has proven very helpful. I have gained deeper peacefulness and equanimity." She will also connect this experience to what she learned by listening to Hans Peter Durr, head of the Max Planck Institute in Munich, generally agreed to be the foremost quantum physics institution on our planet.

Liz Bobo has served in the Maryland House of Delegates for the last 13 years. She is currently chair of the land use & ethics subcommittee and a member of the natural resources and the environment subcommittees of the Environmental Matters Committee. Liz has been in public service 1976, including a term as Howard County Executive. (She is the first woman in Maryland to be elected county executive.) She is currently on the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities and is Co-Chair, Maryland Clean Car and Energy Policy Task Force. She was born in Baltimore, received a BA in literature and a JD, both from U. of Md., and is a member of the Md. Bar. Much more info about Liz is available at the House web site: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/msa12188.html

Mar 16: "Ethics and Mental Illness: Past and Present" Denise Camp, Director, MARTYLOG Peer Support Mental Health Wellness & Recovery Center

Prior to a true medical understanding of mental illnesses, people suffering with maladies of the mind were shunned, punished and locked away. With advances in medications and treatments, people with mental illnesses can live productive lives. However, they are still often shunned and stigmatized. How can we apply the Commitments of Ethical Culture to this oft misunderstood class of fellow human beings?

Denise Camp is the Director of the MARTYLOG Peer Support Mental Health Wellness and Recovery Center in Pikesville. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Ms. Camp was working on her Masters in Electrical Engineering when she was diagnosed with Clinical Depression (now known as Major Depressive Disorder). Though she continued to work as an engineer, Ms. Camp's illness eventually disabled her, keeping her out of the workforce for more than 10 years. With the right mix of medications, caring mental health professional and a psychiatric rehabilitation program called Prologue, Inc., Ms. Camp has become an outspoken advocate for the public mental health system by testifying in Annapolis and now actually works for the psychiatric program she once attended.

Mar 23: "American Idealism at its Best: The Lyceum Movement, 1830-1860"David O'Donaghue, Psy.D.

The Democratic system requires both an educated populace and public forums in which to grapple with issues. David O'Donaghue, the founder and director of the Baltimore Lyceum, will explore how the Lyceum Movement met these objectives through the establishment of local educational centers, sponsoring such speakers as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and Nathaniel Hawthorne on lecture circuits around the country. He will also tell us about his experience in continuing this tradition by re-establishing lyceums in the mountains of North Carolina, in New Orleans and now in Baltimore.

David O'Donaghue, Psy.D. spent the first 15 years of his working life as a psychologist. He then chose to return to school to do doctoral work in philosophy, concentrating on the influence of German philosophy on transcendentalism and adult education. David is the founder and director of the Baltimore Lyceum.

Mar 30: "Sustainable Design: The LEEDing Edge"Kim Schaefer, AIA, Principal – Terralogos Eco-Architecture

Sustainable living is becoming more and more common, but many people are still unaware of some of the ways they can incorporate sustainability into their lives. Kim Schaefer is one of the founders of Terralogos Eco-Architecture, a firm that specializes in applying sustainable design techniques to existing structures. Kim will share with us her experiences working in this area, as well as her reasons for focusing her business on sustainable design.

Kim Schaefer, a LEED accredited professional, holds a Bachelor in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University and a Masters in Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Ms. Schaefer has been involved in several international sustainable design projects, including work in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and Mexico. She is a Registered Architect in Texas, Virginia, and Maryland.

Ms. Schaefer is particularly concerned with bringing sustainable design practices to affordable housing and with the revitalization of urban communities; to that end she has worked with such associations as Habitat for Humanity, the Sustainable Washington Alliance, the US Green Building Council, and A Rocha, an international Christian conservation group. In October 2006, she received the Innovator of the Year Award from The Daily Record for her sustainable design work. She also has a BES connection; she mentored BES youth member Samuel Hudnet in his research project on Sustainable Design, done while he attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.

---

Other March 2008 Activities

Sat Mar 1, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House featuring Gedalya Chinn • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free (donation requested)

Gedalya spent his formative years bouncing around New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Maryland, and has the scars to prove it. He is a high school drop-out but managed to graduate from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. Literary influences include Walt Whitman, Reinaldo Arenas, Anne Sexton and Samuel Beckett. When not writing poetry, he has spent the past few years writing plays and has had productions of his work mounted here in Baltimore. In June, he will marry the love of his life and is doing cartwheels and somersaults about that. Open mic follows.

Sun Mar 2, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Mar 2, 10:30 am - noon Movable Treats

Please continue to support this project, which gets excellent reviews from the folks at Moveable Feast who prepare and deliver meals to homebound AIDS and cancer patients and their families in the greater Baltimore area. Once again, here are our guidelines: 1) Bring your desserts with you to our meeting and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. 2) If possible, use sandwich bags to wrap cupcakes, brownies, cake slices, and sweet breads in single servings and label what they are (in general, not a list of ingredients). 3) Mark your desserts if they include nuts or peanuts. 4) Avoid desserts that contain alcohol and desserts with thick icings.

Sun Mar 2, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sat Mar 8, 6 pm The Humanist Way Study Group and pot-luck dinner

A great introduction to Ethical Culture or a refresher course in humanist religion. Whichever way you look at it, The Humanist Way by Ed Ericson is worth reading—and discussing.

The third HUMANIST WAY discussion will be combined with a pot luck dinner at the Helms on Saturday, March 8 at 6 pm. The discussion will look at Ethical Culture's place in the larger landscape of liberal and humanistic religions. Participants are encouraged to read chapters 5 and 6 of THE HUMANIST WAY by Edward L. Ericson, former Leader of the Washington and New York Ethical Societies. Copies may be purchased from the Baltimore Ethical Society for $15.

Fritz Williams will lead the discussion, and he is coordinating the pot luck gathering as well.

Sun Mar 9, 7 pm Community Circle

Sun Mar 16, 9:30 am Poetry Group

No rhyming required! Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Mar 23, 12:30 pm Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of every month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society—its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour and are hosted by members of the Society, sometimes including Fritz Williams, our professional Leader.

Sun Mar 23, 7 pm Community Circle

---

February 2008

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

Feb 3: "A Simpler Life " Fritz Williams, Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society

Day after day we're bombarded by messages inviting us to improve the quality of our lives by buying new products and services and by taking part in additional activities. But we already have more stuff than we have room for, and in most cases, our lives are seriously overextended. Continuing his "Good Life" series, Fritz Williams examines ways of simplifying our lives and living lives that are more focused, better balanced, and kinder to our own health and the health of our planet.

Fritz Williams is Leader Emeritus of BES and serves as a regular speaker and teacher at the Society. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

Feb 10: "Opening Up the Intelligent Design Controversy" Nathaniel Comfort, PhD, Assoc. Prof. of History, JHU

Why do scientists have so much trouble in the ongoing debate with the creationist/ID fundamentalists — despite having every scrap of evidence on their side? While Prof. Comfort is utterly persuaded by the evidence for evolution, both Darwinian and non-Darwinian (e.g., random drift), he sees in the ongoing debates over evolution something troubling about the place of science in our culture. He says, "I consider it a badge of honor to have been singled out for attack on the Discovery Institute website for this argument. On the other hand, serious scientists have criticized me for being too soft on the ID folks. So I am positioned right about where I want to be: not beholden to either camp."

Nathaniel C. Comfort , an associate professor in History of Medicine at Johns Hopkins, is a historian of genetics and biomedicine with an interest in the history of recent science and oral history interviewing. He holds degrees in biology (BA, UC Berkeley, 1985), neuroscience (MS, Cornell, 1990), and history (PhD, Stony Brook, 1997). Professor Comfort is currently working on the history of human and medical genetics in America. He is the author of The Tangled Field, a biographical study of the geneticist Barbara McClintock (Harvard, 2001), and the editor of The Panda's Black Box: Opening Up the Intelligent Design Controversy (Johns Hopkins, 2007), from which this talk is drawn.

Feb 17: "Food Donations Impede the Elimination of Hunger and Poverty" Robert Egger, Founder & President of the DC Central Kitchen

We must rethink our devotion to food donation. Food programs have sidetracked efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty; co-dependency within the system is multifaceted and troubling. Food donors and recipients are trapped in an ever-expanding web of immediate gratification that offers the recipients no long-term hope of ever achieving independence and self-reliance.

Robert Egger is the Founder and President of the DC Central Kitchen, where unemployed men and women learn marketable culinary skills while foods donated by restaurants, hotels and caterers are converted into balanced meals. Since opening in 1989, the Kitchen has distributed 17.4 million meals and helped over 605 men and women gain full- time employment. Currently, Robert is the Chairperson of the DC Mayor's Commission on Nutrition. Also, he was the Co-Convener of the first ever Nonprofit Congress. Robert's book on the non-profit sector, Begging for Change: The Dollars and Sense of Making Nonprofits Responsive, Efficient and Rewarding For All, which was released in 2004 by HarperCollins, received the 2005 McAdam Prize for "Best Nonprofit Management Book" by the Alliance for Nonprofit Management. Robert shares his ideas about the nonprofit sector and the future of America at www.robertegger.org.

Feb 24: "4th Annual BESpeak-Off"Facilitated by Gordon Stills, retired Balto. City Public Schools Principal

The Baltimore Ethical Society, as an aspect of its community outreach, sponsors the 4th Annual BESpeak-Off (an oratorical contest) in an effort to increase language proficiency among middle school students in Baltimore City. Recognizing that spoken language is often the key to one's success in a wide range of situations (interviews, jobs, appointments, promotions, etc.), the Society seeks to encourage students to understand that the HOW of what may be said may often be as important as the MEANING of what may be said. During previous speak-offs, students have come to the Society with great anticipation, gleaming hope, and wonderful presentations. The audience has never been disappointed, the parents are always overjoyed, and the Society feels a special pride and delight in participating in one small aspect of each student's personal effort.

Gordon Stills, coordinator of the speak-off, retired 25 years ago as principal of the old Northern Parkway Junior High School here in Baltimore. During his 30 years as an educator, he taught English and served as department head and administrator at Booker T. Washington Jr. High, Clifton Park Jr. High and Douglass Sr. High. Prior to his post at Northern Parkway Jr. High, he worked at Baltimore City College High School where he served as principal for the last 2 all-boys classes. For 10 years in the middle of his career, he was director of the highly acclaimed Summer Writing Opportunity Program (SWOP) at Friends School on North Charles Street. A member of the Baltimore Ethical Society for over 45 years, Gordon serves now as Ethical Humanist Officiant at the Society.

---

Other February 2008 Activities

Sat Feb 2, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House featuring Dennis Barnes & Poets Ink • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free (donation requested)

Special Event: Publication reading for "Shades of Light" by Dennis Barnes, poet and coordinator of Poets Ink workshops for Maryland State Poetry and Literary Society, plus a Poets Ink workshop with editors Dennis Barnes and Rosemary Klein.

After our featured reader, we'll have a break during which those attending can work with a Poets Ink editor. Poems will later be published in a chapbook. Open mic for those in the workshop, as well as others attending, follows.

Sun Feb 3, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Feb 3, 10:30 am - noon Movable Treats

Please continue to support this project, which gets excellent reviews from the folks at Moveable Feast who prepare and deliver meals to homebound AIDS and cancer patients and their families in the greater Baltimore area. Once again, here are our guidelines: 1) Bring your desserts with you to our meeting and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. 2) If possible, use sandwich bags to wrap cupcakes, brownies, cake slices, and sweet breads in single servings and label what they are (in general, not a list of ingredients). 3) Mark your desserts if they include nuts or peanuts. 4) Avoid desserts that contain alcohol and desserts with thick icings.

Sun Feb 3, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sat Feb 9, 6 pm The Humanist Way Study Group and pot-luck dinner

A great introduction to Ethical Culture or a refresher course in humanist religion. Whichever way you look at it, The Humanist Way by Ed Ericson is worth reading—and discussing.

The second HUMANIST WAY discussion will be combined with a pot luck dinner at the Society on Saturday, February 9 at 6 pm. The discussion will look at Ethical Culture's place in the larger landscape of liberal and humanistic religions. Participants are encouraged to read chapters 3 and 4 of THE HUMANIST WAY by Edward L. Ericson, former Leader of the Washington and New York Ethical Societies. Copies may be purchased from the Baltimore Ethical Society for $15.

Fritz Williams will lead the discussion, and he is coordinating the pot luck gathering as well.

Sun Feb 17, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Feb 24, 12:30 pm Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of every month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society—its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour and are hosted by members of the Society, sometimes including Fritz Williams, our professional Leader.

---

January 2008

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

Jan 6: "Taking Laughter Seriously" Fritz Williams, Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society

Laughter is possibly the most contagious form of pleasure. It spices up relationships. It brings down pretensions and puts people at ease. It works like medicine in times of sadness, anxiety, and grief. On the most basic level, it is a way of coping with the ultimate absurdity and purposelessness of life. Fritz Williams includes laughter and a sense of humor in his year-long overview of the good life.

Fritz Williams is Leader Emeritus of BES and serves as a regular speaker and teacher at the Society. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

Jan 13: "Even the Black Sheep Has a Shrine" Mike Franch, Ethical Culture Leader

My brother died August 5, 2006. We had only reconnected about six years ago, after years in which his whereabouts were unknown to the family. He was the family black sheep. Now, as he was slipping away, I discovered that his circle of friends, coworkers, and neighbors held him in high regard and deep affection. There was more to David than I had realized.

There's always more to other people than we realize. Our religion addresses part of that when it talks about worth and dignity. It should also provide a ladder so we can, in the words of Felix Adler, "surmount those walls which surround the shrine" in the other. If we don't try, he said, we ourselves are spiritually dead.

Mike Franch was BES leader from 1975-84. A historian by training (Ph.D., University of Maryland), he has taught history at a number of colleges and until his 2007 retirement, worked in health policy at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. He is affiliate minister at the First Unitarian Church, Baltimore, and speaks often at Ethical Societies and Unitarian churches. He is on the Maryland Humanities Council's Speaker's Bureau, and is also a storyteller, English country dance caller, and urban bicyclist.

Jan 20: "Belated Justice for Nazi Resisters" Susanne Riveles

Susanne Riveles will report on contemporary research findings about Nazi crimes against humanity. Only since the fall of the Berlin wall are new Nazi-Justice records accessible to researchers in a unified Germany. She will describe the organization, work and persecution of the largest Berlin based resistance organization fighting the Nazi regime on numerous fronts. The members of the group were driven underground and acted under the permanent threat of being arrested. Over 200 members were caught, tried by the infamous Peoples Court, and executed in the last months of World War II.

Susanne Riveles was born in Berlin and her family suffered severely at the hands of the Nazis. Her father was executed for his role in Resistance activities. She later earned her Ph.D. in Afric an studies at Howard University. Her studies relate the treatment of the people of Namibia under German colonial rule to the Nazi racially discriminatory treatment of Jews. She has worked with Amnesty International and led the Southern Africa Coordination Group in the defense of prisoners of Apartheid. She was Director of the Africa desk for Lutheran World Relief and was Director of the Education and Advocacy for International Justice and Human Rights Program for Church World Service. In those roles she has traveled to Africa, and has written, testified and advocated to improve conditions for development and human rights. She is currently on the Boards of the Abell Improvement Association (AIA), the Charles Village Community Benefits District Management Authority, and the International Alliance of Women (IAW). She is Regional Vice President for the Americas and Convenor of the IAW's Commission on Women, Peace and Security. She is responsible for Planning, Land Use, Sanitation and Housing for the AIA.

Jan 27: "The Politics of Presidential Primaries" Richard Katz, Professor of Political Science, JHU

By this time the two major parties will have had primaries or caucuses in Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Nevada. In addition, Republicans will have had a primary in South Carolina and county conventions in Wyoming. Our own president, Dick Katz will help us read the presidential tea leaves; describe how the primary process affects our democracy; propose a better primary process; and mention some things we might consider when Maryland holds its primary is on Feb 12.

Richard Katz is Professor and Graduate Director in the Department of Political Science of Johns Hopkins University where he has taught for 30 years. He received an AB from the University of Michigan and PhD from Yale in political science. His research interests are Comparative Politics (Parties, Elections, European politics) and American Politics. He has written 10 books; over 100 articles, chapters, reviews, and conference papers; and has served on numerous editorial boards and advisory committees, most recently as Consultant to the Privy Council Office of the Government of Canada. He is currently doing his second stint as President of BES and performs many of the little tasks that keep the society humming.

---

December 2007

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

========> NEW!! Study Group Starting Dec 15 <======== see...

Dec 2: "A Good Life in Bad Times" Fritz Williams, Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society

Fritz Williams states "In my talks this year, I am speaking about living a good life. A life that is joyful and satisfying. A generous life that has a positive effect on others. A life that is good through and through. I've set the bar high, and I don't blame anyone for protesting. Sometimes, in fact, I'm inclined to take issue myself. ‘It's hard enough to live that kind of life,' I'd like to say, ‘under the best of circumstances, but how can you expect us to live like that when all kinds of bad things are happening to us and when we're surrounded by so much violence, injustice, and suffering? When the planet itself is in danger? Does it make sense even to aspire to such a life?'"

Fritz Williams is Leader Emeritus of BES and serves as a regular speaker and teacher at the Society. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

Dec 9: "A Good Life in Bad Times Continued" An interactive program facilitated by Stephen Meskin and Karen Elliott

In the recent movie "Wristcutters: A Love Story", the characters find themselves in an even less wonderful world after removing themselves from the one we live in. In spite of this, they find moments of quiet (and sometimes not so quiet) joy and beauty. We continue our discussion of living the good life in bad times. Where will you find yourself in the discussion – as an optimist, a pessimist, a cynic, or a realist − and are there really sides? Why do we continue to try and live good lives in this bad world?

Stephen Meskin is a member of the BES Board, an Ethical Humanist Officiant, and a Mathematician. He is a graduate of the Humanist Institute and attended the AEU Lay Leadership Summer School in 2006. See Dec. 23 for bio of Karen Elliott.

Dec 16: "The Invention of Race" Karen Helm

Americans internalize their race classifications almost as they do their gender identities. But recent race scholarship shows us that the effect of using labels like "Italian- American," "Black," or "Asian" has rarely been benign. Karen Helm will trace the ideology that underlies our use of racial terminology and discuss how it shapes our understanding of history, events and behavior. She will explore the information that we actually convey when we use it and suggest ways to ensure we are saying what we mean.

Karen Helm is an Ethical Humanist Officiant and a member of the BES Board who labels herself "a sociologist," "a woman," and "a human being." She has worked in urban housing development in NYC, run a community mental health facility in Richmond, CA, and engaged in Aboriginal health advocacy in Melbourne. She has also served as San Francisco VP of NOW and as President of the State of Victoria YWCA, Australia. She was heavily engaged in voter registration during the ‘60s and is currently President of the Friends of Druid Hill Park.

Dec 23: Winter FestivalFacilitated by Karen Elliott

We take time to examine and celebrate dark and light just past the shortest day of the year. We spread some light ourselves, too, by bringing mittens and other warm garb to decorate our mitten tree and small "sun gifts" to share.

Karen Elliott is an Ethical Humanist Officiant and Vice President of the BES Board. She has presented poetry workshops in local schools since 1995 and has also taught computer courses in schools and elsewhere.

Dec 30: Annual Pancake Breakfast

Come and bring a side dish or something to drink. Pancakes and fixings are provided, along with coffee and tea. Good conversation will also be provided (by all in attendance).

---

Other December 2007 Activities

Sat Dec 1, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House featuring performance poet Linda Joy Burke and Native American Flute player Jan Seiden • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free (donation appreciated)

Our December coffeehouse will feature two BES favorites. Performance poet Linda Joy Burke will warm us up with her flair and incredible sense of rhythm. Then, Native American Flute player Jan Seiden will play for us on her ever increasing selection of flutes. Have you ever experienced someone playing two flutes at once? It's an evening not to be missed!

Sun Dec 2, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Dec 2, 10:30 am - noon Movable Treats

Please continue to support this project, which gets excellent reviews from the folks at Moveable Feast who prepare and deliver meals to homebound AIDS and cancer patients and their families in the greater Baltimore area. Once again, here are our guidelines: 1) Bring your desserts with you to our meeting and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. 2) If possible, use sandwich bags to wrap cupcakes, brownies, cake slices, and sweet breads in single servings and label what they are (in general, not a list of ingredients). 3) Mark your desserts if they include nuts or peanuts. 4) Avoid desserts that contain alcohol and desserts with thick icings.

Sun Dec 2, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sat Dec 15, 6 pm The Humanist Way Study Group and pot-luck dinner

A great introduction to Ethical Culture or a refresher course in humanist religion.

Whichever way you look at it, The Humanist Way by Ed Ericson is worth reading—and discussing. The discussions will be facilitated by Steve Meskin, Karen Elliott, and Fritz Williams.

The first HUMANIST WAY discussion will be combined with a pot luck dinner at the home of Don and Karen Helm in the Bolton Hill section of Baltimore on Saturday, December 15 at 6 pm. The discussion will look at Ethical Culture's place in the larger landscape of liberal and humanistic religions. Participants are encouraged to read the first two chapters of THE HUMANIST WAY by Edward L. Ericson, former Leader of the Washington and New York Ethical Societies. Copies may be purchased from the Baltimore Ethical Society for $15.

Fritz Williams will lead the discussion, and he is coordinating the pot luck gathering as well. Attendance will be limited to 14 persons, and preference will be given to people who have just started coming to BES in the last several years.

Sun Dec 16, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Dec 23, 12:30 pm Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of every month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society—its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour and are hosted by members of the Society, sometimes including Fritz Williams, our professional Leader.

---

November 2007

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

Nov 4: "A Passionate Life" Fritz Williams, Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society

Last month Fritz spoke about the role of compassion in connecting with ourselves and with everyone around us. In his next talk, he will explore the challenge of building on that same profoundly emotional base as we pursue our lives, our work, and all our activities. In an environment with many distractions and all the corrupting influences of a consumer culture, he holds up the ideal of the passionate life and addresses what it means to be fully and authentically present in our lives.

Fritz Williams is Leader Emeritus of BES and serves as a regular speaker and teacher at the Society. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

Nov 11: "The Good Life: A Passionate Life Continued" An interactive program facilitated by Stephen Meskin

We more fully explore what it means to lead a passionate life and how we can accomplish this. Share examples of lives lived with passion and techniques for doing so ourselves. Discuss related questions, such as whether a passionate life is something that can only be accomplished by those whose basic needs have been met.

Stephen Meskin is a member of the BES Board, an Ethical Humanist Officiant, and a Mathematician. He is a graduate of the Humanist Institute and attended the AEU Lay Leadership Summer School in 2006i

Nov 18: "Empathy, Imagination, and Ethical Development"Bob Berson, Leader, Northern Westchester E.S.

Dr. Berson will discuss Empathy as it appears in the human species, how it develops in the human individual, and whether it is a natural or learned part of being human. He will discuss the role that Imagination plays in the development of Empathy and the role of both in Ethical growth. He will address what impedes or even defeats Empathy and Ethical living and also what fosters them.

Robert Berson, EdD, PhD, is Leader of the Ethical Society of Northern Westchester and a clinical psychologist in private practice in Manhattan, a graduate of the Riverdale Yonkers Sunday School as well as of the Fieldstone School. He is Dean of the National Leader's Council of the American Ethical Union.

Nov 25: "Global Warming is Hot"Stephen Meskin, Ph.D.

Global warming is the hot new buzz word. With Gore sharing the Nobel Prize for his work, politicians are starting to talk about it; newspapers, magazines, and TV shows are tripping over each other to tell the story. Global warming has become a cultural phenomenon. The general consensus is that it is really happening and human activity is the cause. Some communities and individuals are starting to take action.

Finally an environmental issue has captured the world's attention. What should we do? What could we do? What will we do? What are the ethical implications of action?

Stephen Meskin has been part of a group in Columbia studying global warming. He will bring some of what he has learned to the platform and may also bring someone along to help explain what is going on in Baltimore. Dr. Meskin is a member of the BES Board, an Ethical Humanist Officiant, and a Mathematician. He is a graduate of the Humanist Institute and attended the AEU Lay Leadership Summer School in 2006.

---

Other November 2007 Activities

Sat Nov 3, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House featuring poet Dan Jenkins and the mellifluous tones of Steven Yorkman • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free (donation appreciated)

Our November coffeehouse will feature the confessional poetry of Dan Jenkins about his relationships, both tragic and loving. Also featured is Steven Yorkman, who possesses an incredibly warm and rich voice. Steven will sing his own songs, which chronicle his heartbreaks and rise out of despair. Come and listen!

Hold that date! Featured performers on December 1st are BES favorites poet Linda Joy Burke and native American flute player Jan Seiden!

Sun Nov 4, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Nov 4, 10:30 am - noon Movable Treats

Please continue to support this project, which gets excellent reviews from the folks at Moveable Feast who prepare and deliver meals to homebound AIDS and cancer patients and their families in the greater Baltimore area. Once again, here are our guidelines: 1) Bring your desserts with you to our meeting and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. 2) If possible, use sandwich bags to wrap cupcakes, brownies, cake slices, and sweet breads in single servings and label what they are (in general, not a list of ingredients). 3) Mark your desserts if they include nuts or peanuts. 4) Avoid desserts that contain alcohol and desserts with thick icings.

Sun Nov 4, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sun Nov 18, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Nov 25, 12:30 pm Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of every month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society—its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour and are hosted by members of the Society, sometimes including Fritz Williams, our professional Leader.

---

October 2007

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

Oct 7: "Compassion: The Heart of the Good Life" Fritz Williams, Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society

Fritz Williams believes than an authentic moral life is grounded in emotional health and openness. Moral rules may guide our actions, but the motivation to do good resides in our emotions--our emotional connection with ourselves and with others. Compassion holds the key to both happiness and goodness. It is the heart of the good life.

Fritz Williams serves as primary speaker, teacher, pastor, and organizational leader of BES. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

Oct 14: "The Good Life: Compassion Continued" An interactive program facilitated by Karen Elliott

The Random House Dictionary of the English Language describes compassion as "a feeling of deep sorrow and sympathy for another who is stricken by suffering or misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the pain or remove the cause." Together, we create our own definition of compassion by examining how we act out of compassion and how it feels to us.

Karen Elliott is an Ethical Humanist Officiant and Vice President of the BES Board. She has presented poetry workshops in local schools since 1995 and has also taught computer courses in schools and elsewhere.

Oct 21: "Reflections on Violence" Michael Glaser, Poet Laureate of Maryland

Michael writes: "I have been reflecting a lot recently on the following quotation of Thomas Merton's:

'The rush and pressure of modern life are a form, perhaps the most common form, of innate violence. To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything is to succumb to violence.

More than that, it is cooperation with violence. The frenzy of the activist neutralizes his work for peace. It destroys his inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of his own work because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful.'

This quotation helped me understand some of the anger I was experiencing from the frustration I felt as I tried (over/against some significant resistance) to "help" my students think about/cope with / put into some kind of perspective what happened at Virginia Tech last spring – I think that somehow all this will create the core of what I will talk about.

If you are going to use text in your newsletter to promote my visit, I would much prefer you quote Merton rather than my bio or statement about my service."

Oct. 28: Family Fall Festival facilitated by Karen Elliott

What do you get when you mix a caring community, a fall morning, and a round, grey stone? BES' own traditional Fall Festival, of course—complete with Stone Salad and lots of sharing and caring.

If you haven't participated in the Fall Festival before, come prepared to share what you are thankful for and bring a good appetite and a contribution to our miraculous "Stone Salad". Drinks, bread and butter, and salad dressings are provided, along with some songs and a lot of smiles.

---

Other October 2007 Activities

Sat Oct 6, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free

(donation appreciated)

Sun Oct 7, 10:30 am - noon Movable Treats

Please continue to support this project, which gets excellent reviews from the folks at Moveable Feast who prepare and deliver meals to homebound AIDS and cancer patients and their families in the greater Baltimore area. Once again, here are our guidelines: 1) Bring your desserts with you to our meeting and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. 2) If possible, use sandwich bags to wrap cupcakes, brownies, cake slices, and sweet breads in single servings and label what they are (in general, not a list of ingredients). 3) Mark your desserts if they include nuts or peanuts. 4) Avoid desserts that contain alcohol and desserts with thick icings.

Sun Oct 7, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sun Oct 7, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Oct 14, 12:30 pm Joyful Sounds

MUSIC MAKING AT BES with Bob Markush acting as chief instigator, a number of BES members and friends are gathering after our meeting and refreshments on the second Sunday each month to sing for an hour or so. Eventually, we're hoping to form a group of singers who will sing occasionally at our meetings, but right now we're just making music for our own pleasure. Our sessions are open to anyone who's interested. If you like to sing, join us in the big room after the Sunday platform.

Sun Oct 21, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Oct 21, 12:30 pm Baltimore Eating Society lunch & socializing the 3rd Sunday each month.

Contact Andrea Tabbat for more information.

Sun Oct 28, 12:30 pm Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of every month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society—its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour and are hosted by members of the Society, sometimes including Fritz Williams, our professional Leader.

---

September 2007

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

Sep 9: "The Good Life" Fritz Williams, Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society

For most of human history, a life we might consider a good life was reserved for a privileged few. But at long last, in the developed regions of the world at least, a good life, a life that is meaningful and happy, has become possible for the masses, and we experience that possibility as both opportunity and obligation. But even in the midst of unprecedented prosperity and unbounded life-style options, the good life remains elusive. Our quest for the good life often feels like working at a job where the wages fluctuate unpredictably. Like searching endlessly in the hope that the search will reveal just what it is we are looking for.

Fritz Williams serves as primary speaker, teacher, pastor, and organizational leader of BES. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

Sep 16: "The Good Life: Continued" An interactive program facilitated by Karen Elliott & Stephen Meskin

What does "the good life" mean to you? When Leader Emeritus Fritz Williams decided he wanted to reprise his very popular "Good Life" series with an eye towards creating a book from it, members of the Program Committee were thrilled. We are also going to reprise the follow-up programs we did the last time, wherein we delve deeper into the various aspects of a good life than we have time for during the regular program "talk back".

Stephen Meskin and Karen Elliott are Ethical Humanist Officiants and are on the BES Board. Steve is a graduate of the Humanist Institute. Karen has presented poetry workshops in local schools since 1995 and has also taught computer courses in schools and elsewhere.

Sep 23: "Fostering Ethics in the Face of Globalization" John Daken, Leader in Training

The world seems to be getting smaller all the time. Interlinked economies, ecologies, and cultures make the term "global village" more accurate every year. These developments raise important moral questions, but when religious leaders have their turn in the village square their mutually exclusive dogmas stymie their efforts. Painfully aware of the religious elements of modern terrorism, liberal theologians have grappled with the viability of creed in a post-9/11 world but have been reticent to move into the uncharted waters of the non-creedal. But our pluralistic world calls for a pluralistic ethics, rooted in a faith in the unique ethical capacities of every person and played out through an inclusive, elevating discourse.

John Daken is currently a Leader in Training, under the guidance of BES Leader Emeritus Fritz Williams. He is a member of the Washington Ethical Society and a Master of Divinity student at Meadville-Lombard Theological School. He is trained as a psychiatrist.

Sept. 30: "Poetic Activism" Kim Roberts, poet & playwright

Kim Roberts is founder and editor of the seven-year-old Beltway Poetry Quarterly, an online cyberjournal, which in Spring 2006 published an anthology of 46 poems written in response to the war in Iraq. As said in that anthology's introduction: "Thankfully, the poets refuse to acquiesce. When the politicians are compliant and the press is distracted by the next sparkly thing, the poets continue to believe, to speak out and to say no to fear. They are naïve and hopeful and true." Roberts discusses how poetry contributes to "provocation and witness."

Kim Roberts has published widely in literary journals throughout the US, as well as elsewhere, and authored two books of poetry, The Kimnama (Vrzhu Press) and The Wishbone Galaxy (WWPH). Her poems have been set to both rock and classical music and several have been choreographed by the Jane Franklin Dance Company. Additionally, she has penned six plays, one of which received a staged reading at the Kennedy Center. Roberts has been the recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the DC Commission for the Arts, and others.

---

Other September 2007 Activities

Sat Sep 1, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free

(donation appreciated)
Our September coffeehouse will be an all night open mic. Come and listen to some new voices on the Baltimore poetry scene, and probably a few well known ones as well.

Sun Sep 9, 10:30 am - noon Movable Treats

Please continue to support this project, which gets excellent reviews from the folks at Moveable Feast who prepare and deliver meals to homebound AIDS and cancer patients and their families in the greater Baltimore area. Once again, here are our guidelines: 1) Bring your desserts with you to our meeting and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. 2) If possible, use sandwich bags to wrap cupcakes, brownies, cake slices, and sweet breads in single servings and label what they are (in general, not a list of ingredients). 3) Mark your desserts if they include nuts or peanuts. 4) Avoid desserts that contain alcohol and desserts with thick icings.

Sun Sep 9, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sun Sep 9, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Sep 16, 12:30 pm Joyful Sounds

MUSIC MAKING AT BES with Bob Markush acting as chief instigator, a number of BES members and friends are gathering after our meeting and refreshments on the second Sunday each month to sing for an hour or so. Eventually, we're hoping to form a group of singers who will sing occasionally at our meetings, but right now we're just making music for our own pleasure. Our sessions are open to anyone who's interested. If you like to sing, join us in the big room after the Sunday platform.

Sun Sep 23, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun Sep 23, 12:30 pm Baltimore Eating Society lunch & socializing the 3rd Sunday each month.

Contact Andrea Tabbat for more information.

Sun Sep 30, 12:30 pm Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of every month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society—its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour and are hosted by members of the Society, sometimes including Fritz Williams, our professional Leader.

---

Summer 2007

Discussions Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

During the summer, Sunday meetings are shorter (one hour) and less formal, consisting of informal discussions on social, spiritual, or philosophical issues facilitated by Society members.

Jun 3: "Intimate Terrorism" Karen Elliott

Jun 10: "What Should We Do at BES?" Stephen Meskin

Jun 17: "Making a Profound Decision" Tony Kirkland (Father's day)

Jun 24: "Peacework: A Video Campaign Against Family Violence" Fritz Williams

Jul 1: "Why is it Always About You?" Rosemary Klein

Jul 8: "What We Learned at the Assembly" Karen Elliott

Jul 15: "Ethical Identity" John Daken

Jul 22: "The Anti-war Movement: Why Aren't We All Marching?" Cathy Malcomb

Jul 29: "Ethical Humanist or Humanist Ethical?" Bob & Diana Corbett

Aug 5: "Immigration Policies" Fritz Schwarz

Aug 12: "What is Religion and Why Should We Care?" Stephen Meskin

Aug 19: "Race Without Rancor" Gordon Stills

Aug 26: "Experience of Poetry" Karla Mancero

---

Other Summer 2007 Activities

1st Saturday Coffee House 7 pm • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free (donation appreciated)

Sat, Jun 2
Sat, Jul 7
Sat, Aug 4

Movable Treats 10:30 am - noon

Sun, Jun 3
Sun, Jul 1
Sun, Aug 5

Please continue to support this project, which gets excellent reviews from the folks at Moveable Feast who prepare and deliver meals to homebound AIDS and cancer patients and their families in the greater Baltimore area. Once again, here are our guidelines: 1) Bring your desserts with you to our meeting and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. 2) If possible, use sandwich bags to wrap cupcakes, brownies, cake slices, and sweet breads in single servings and label what they are (in general, not a list of ingredients). 3) Mark your desserts if they include nuts or peanuts. 4) Avoid desserts that contain alcohol and desserts with thick icings.

Board Meeting 11:45am (members welcome)

Sun, Jun 10
Sun, Jul 1
Sun, Aug 5

Volunteers Needed

Sat, Jun 2, to Sun Jun 3: Charles Village Festival, Emil Volchek facilitator

Fri, Jun 29, to Sun, Jul 1: Columbia City Fair, Stephen Meskin facilitator

Sat, Aug 25: Clean Up Party, Bob Corbett facilitator

---

May 2007

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

May 6: "Bigger, More, Faster, Louder " Fritz Williams, Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society

We have been taking it for granted in this country that technological innovation, economic growth, and expanding markets hold the key to improving the lives of people everywhere. But we are learning that this is not necessarily the case, and there are ominous signs that we are stretching the limits of our finite planet to the breaking point. Fritz Williams talks about the collision between market-based economics and ethics, and he searches for more humane and sustainable images of the good life.

Fritz Williams serves as primary speaker, teacher, pastor, and organizational leader of BES. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

May 13: "Moveable Feast: Moving into the Future" Jeff Burch, Development Director, & Tom Patrick, Volunteer Coordinator, Moveable Feast

Recently Moveable Feast, an organization that the Baltimore Ethical Society has supported for some time now, has had their funding cut due to changes in the application of the Ryan White Act funds. Development Director Jeff Burch will inform us about what happened with their funding and ways we can help them. Tom Patrick, Volunteer Coordinator, will also give us more information about volunteer opportunities and how BES' contributions make a difference.

Jeff Burch is relatively new to non-profit work, having been with Moveable Feast for just four years, the last one and a half as Development Director. He was previously a teacher in the Baltimore County school system.
Tom Patrick has been with the organization for almost 17 years. Last year he coordinated 4,342 volunteer visits resulting in over almost 20,000 volunteer hours for the organization. He spoke to BES about his experiences at Moveable Feast last year. You can find out more about Moveable Feast on the web at http://www.mfeast.org/ .

May 20: "Life With Cancer and Beyond" Karen Elliott, Judy Katz, & Cathy Malcomb—cancer survivors

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 26,390 people diagnosed with cancer in Maryland this year. Probably every one of us can think of someone they know personally who has had cancer. Just as there are many types of cancers, there are many types of experiences dealing with the disease. Three members of the Society will share their stories of the impact of cancer on their lives and what they learned from the experience.

Karen Elliott has been in remission from one incident of cancer for 11 years.
Judy Katz has had to live through multiple incidents with two different kinds of cancer.
Cathy Malcomb had multiple types of cancer identified at the same time.
All three are all members of the Baltimore Ethical Society and have served on its Board; Judy is currently Treasurer and Karen is finishing up her third consecutive term as President.

May 27: End of Season Picnic Noon-3 PM

Bring a potluck contribution and a good appetite to the picnic that ends the formal season of talks at BES. Enjoy the outdoors in Monkton(and the usual good talk and food). For more info call the Society at 410-581-2322.

---

Other May 2007 Activities

Sat May5, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free

(donation appreciated)
Our May coffeehouse features young local poet Olivia Haynes, whose rapid reading style and vivid portrayals of Baltimore life have won her awards and much acclaim. Come and hear things from a fresh perspective!

Sun May 6, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun May 6, 10:30 to Noon Movable Treats

Overall contributions were down a little in April, but the desserts that did come in were properly packaged and labeled and saved Belva a lot of work. Please continue to support this project, which gets excellent reviews from the folks at Moveable Feast who prepare and deliver meals to homebound AIDS and cancer patients and their families in the greater Baltimore area.
Once again, here are our guidelines: 1) Bring your desserts with you to our meeting and place them on the table in the corner of our meeting room. 2) If possible, use sandwich bags to wrap cupcakes, brownies, cake slices, and sweet breads in single servings and label what they are (in general, not a list of ingredients). 3) Mark your desserts if they include nuts or peanuts. 4) Avoid desserts that contain alcohol and desserts with thick icings.

Sun May 6, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sat May 12, 10 am Officiant Training

Fritz Williams will be conducting a training session for current officiants and those who are interested in becoming officiants at the Baltimore Ethical Society from 10 a.m. to noon. Officiants work with individuals and couples at a critical and formative time in their lives, and they conduct ceremonies which are public expressions of the religious and ethical values we stand for.

Sat May 12, 6 pm Eight Commitments Workshop #7 (reservations required)

Sun May 13, 12:30 pm Joyful Sounds

With Bob Markush acting as chief instigator, a number of BES members and friends are gathering after our meeting and refreshments on the second Sunday each month to sing for an hour or so. Eventually, we're hoping to form a group of singers who will sing occasionally at our meetings, but right now we're just making music for our own pleasure. Our sessions are open to anyone who's interested. If you like to sing, join us in the big room after the platform meeting.

Sun May 20, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun May 20, 12:30 pm Annual Membership Meeting

Vote on the budget, learn Board election results and make your opinion known.

No May Baltimore Eating Society due to the Annual Membership Meeting

No May Newcomers' Meeting due to the End of Season Picnic

---

Apr 2007

April Workshop: Communication for Connection

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other activities see...

April 1: "The Great Divide" Fritz Williams, Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society

It's been said that Americans are polarized as never before. We are divided not only by differences of opinion on specific issues, but by massive orientation differences that span a wide range of political, economic, social, ecological, and religious attitudes. Fritz Williams asks what has created the phenomenon of "comprehensive conservatism and liberalism." And he explores the need for more reasonable and less doctrinaire communication across the great divide.

Fritz Williams serves as primary speaker, teacher, pastor, and organizational leader of BES. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

April 8: "Why Religion is Mainly a Matter of Economics: A Scientific Analysis" Greg Paul, Evolutionary Scientist

Far from rejection of the existence of a creator leading as, as many predict, to societal disintegration, cross-national comparisons of differing rates of religiosity and societal conditions show that the highly secular, pro-evolution 1st world democracies enjoy low rates of societal dysfunction, while pro-religious and anti-evolution America performs much more poorly. Religion and creationism remain popular only in nations where socio-economic disparities are high, and the majority of the population is so chronically anxious about their financial situation that they seek supernatural assistance and comfort.

Gregory Paul is an independent researcher with interests in paleontology, evolutionary science and more recently the interactions between science, religion, politics, economics and society. His research on the latter led him to be labeled the churches' public enemy #1 by MSNBC, denounced as un-American in the Wall St. Journal. Paul edited the Scientific American Book of the Dinosaur, and wrote Dinosaurs of the Air (Johns Hopkins University Press). His societal research is intended to provide the public with the information they need to better chart the future course of society, and to challenge long standing myths held by all sides of the culture war.

April 15: "Spring Festival of Hope and Peace" Facilitated by Karen Elliott, President BES

We can look around the world and get depressed from all the violence and anger, the greed and poverty, and uncaring cruelty – but it's spring, the flowers are blooming and we know that working together, we can make a difference. "There's so much wrong – what can I do to eliminate poverty and injustice in the world?" Although we'd all probably like to make a huge difference in the world as individuals, for most of us the answer is that our job is to take care of a small piece of the whole. Come celebrate the positive and spend some time thinking about what we can do to brighten our small part of the world.

Karen Elliott is President of the Baltimore Ethical Society and one of its Ethical Humanist Officiants. She has worked for social justice on large and small scales since she was a young girl, including confronting bullies in the school yard at the age of 7. She is the proud mother of a son studying sustainable architecture, so he can make his own contribution to making the world a better place.

April 22: "Five Rules for Social Justice" Joe Pettit, Asst Professor, Morgan State University

Joe will discuss his five rules: 1) Differentiate between unfortunate and unjust situations. 2) Avoid misanthropy. 3) Consider injustice first, justice second. 4) Think like politicians. 5) Opportunity, opportunity, opportunity.

Joe Pettit is Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. Joe's research focuses on religion, ethics, and public policy. He is co-chair of the Religion, Public Policy, and Political Change Consultation of the American Academy of Religion. His writing can be found on the web at www.thecommongood.org/showfile.asp?file=5_26/pettit122206.html on the death penalty and on affordable housing at page 15 of www.thecommongood.org/thecommongood/FaithandtheMetropolitanChallenge.pdf

April 29: "Beyond Right and Wrong " Jone Johnson Lewis, Leader, N. Virginia Ethical Soc.

Ethics is about deciding who's right and who's wrong, who's good and who's evil. In our Ethical Culture tradition, ethics is about relating to others by attributing essential human worth, right or wrong. Jone will explore this paradox and suggest some practices that build our ability to act more ethically without focusing on right and wrong.

Jone Johnson Lewis, Leader of NoVES since 1997, has also served as the Leader of our Chicago Society and as Interim Exec. Director of the AEU. She's a UU minister as well as Ethical Leader, and worked in business and computers before changing careers. Jone's many interests include women's history, web site development, the Transcendentalist movement in American history, and Nonviolent Communication.

---

Workshop: Communication for Connection

Using techniques of Nonviolent Communication as developed by Marshall Rosenberg.

Sat Apr 28: 12:30-6pm

Facilitated by: Jone Johnson Lewis

We'll explore and practice the basics of communicating for connection, a way of relating to one another so that everyone's needs matter and conflict is handled peacefully and with respect.

The workshop uses some simple techniques and concepts, and lots of practice. If you're new to Nonviolent Communication, you might want to read one or the other of these two books by Marshall Rosenberg: Nonviolent Communication or Speak Peace in a World of Conflict (see http://noves.org/nvc/).

Requested donation $10 per person.

---

Other April 2007 Activities

Sun April 1, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun April 1, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sat April 7, 7 pm 1st Saturday Coffee House • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free

(donation appreciated)
April may be the cruelest month, but it should be the funniest coffeehouse of the year as guest host Walter Massey tells stories that bring tears (of laughter) to your eyes. Special musical guests for the evening are BES' own Fritz and Belva Williams, and the featured reader is "the mystery poet" (come and see). It's sure to be an evening of shared joy and laughter, and will include an open mic where you can hear some great poetry in a rainbow of voices. Come and see what goes on at BES at night!

Sun April 8, 12:30 pm Joyful Sounds

With Bob Markush acting as chief instigator, a number of BES members and friends are gathering after our meeting and refreshments on the second Sunday each month to sing for an hour or so. Eventually, we're hoping to form a group of singers who will sing occasionally at our meetings, but right now we're just making music for our own pleasure. Our sessions are open to anyone who's interested. If you like to sing, join us in the big room after our meeting.

Sat April 14, 6 pm Eight Commitments Workshop #6 (reservations required)

Sun April 15, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun April 15, 12:30 pm Baltimore Eating Society lunch & socializing the 3rd Sunday each month.

Contact Andrea Tabbat for more information.

Sun April 22 from 12:30 to 1:30 or 2 pm, Craft Workshop

On the last Sunday of each month, from February through April (and resuming in October if enough people want to continue), we will have a craft workshop after the program. This month we'll start off with some beading and make name tag holders to replace the elastic string most of us are using. What's the deal? If you participate in the workshop, you pay a discounted price for the materials for one of whatever it is we're making that you get to take home. You also agree to make at least two extra items to sell, to benefit BES. Costs will vary depending on what we're making. Future projects include decorating candles (like the ones we light during the program), and making mosaic stepping stones out of broken dishes and other scavenged decorative items. Sound like your bag (we could decorate canvas bags sometime, too)? Sign up ahead of time so you can be sure there'll be enough materials for you to have some craft fun. Call Judy Katz at 410-377-0306 or e-mail her at Treasurer at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org to register for the March workshop.

Sat April 28, 6 pm, Pot Luck Dinner

Sun April 29, 12:30 pm Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of every month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society—its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour and are hosted by members of the Society, sometimes including Fritz Williams, our professional Leader.

---

March 2007

Platforms Sunday at 10:30 AM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -for other events see...

March 4: "The Long View" Fritz Williams, Leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society

We don't think a lot about dying. We're too busy being alive. But from time to time, we're reminded that our feelings about death, including feelings we're scarcely aware of, have a significant impact on the way we live our lives. Fritz Williams pauses in his busy life to consider our feelings about death and their everyday consequences.

Fritz Williams serves as primary speaker, teacher, pastor, and organizational leader of BES. Fritz also performs weddings and commitment ceremonies. He has worked as a parish priest in the Episcopal church, and as a writer and producer at public TV stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME -- SET CLOCKS AHEAD -- SO YOU WON'T BE LATE

March 11: "Windows of Opportunity" Mary Herman, Community Leader Washington ES

One hundred and thirty-one years ago, Dr. Felix Adler delivered the organizing address which led to the founding of Ethical Culture. He called for a new religion of the spirit marked by a passionate commitment to attributing worth in others, to eliciting the best from others, and to seeking justice. Participation in the Baltimore Ethical Society provides the opportunity to reflect on the ideals Ethical Culture represents and how its message might make a difference in the shape of our world and in our understanding of the meaning of being human. What windows of opportunity do we have to express our faith in humanity? What would we be doing if we believed in our principles with every fiber of our being?

Mary Herman joined the WES program staff in 1996 and has been a member since 1980. Mary's areas of leadership at WES include membership, celebrations, adult education, compassionate care, social events programs, women's programs, leadership development, annual pledge campaign, and pastoral counseling. Mary has authored curriculum for WES courses and most of their seasonal ceremonies. She was instrumental in 1996 in revising the philosophy, goals, and curriculum outline for WES's Sunday School. Mary holds a master's degree in Human Development and two bachelor's degrees, one in Fine Arts and the other in Psychology, and is currently enrolled in a graduate level program in humanistic studies with the Humanist Institute. Mary lives in Silver Spring with her husband, Gene, who is a small business owner, and their two daughters, Arianna and Emily.

March 18: "Crossing the Potomac" John Daken, Ethical Culture Leader-In-Training

John Daken served in the U.S. Navy for 18 years. Trained as a psychiatrist, he participated in responses to terrorist attacks against the USS Cole and the Pentagon. In 2004 he deployed to Iraq. Gradually souring on the potential of military force to adequately address the terrorist threat, he realized that the alternative, peaceful path to global common ground must successfully contend with our world's secular and religious fundamentalisms. Compelled to be part of the solution rather than an instrument of the problem, John resigned from the Navy in October. In this address John will tell the story of his journey across the Potomac from his desk at the Pentagon to the fertile ground of a budding religious career, and will outline why he believes that Ethical Culture offers a ray of hope in these troubling times.

In addition to being a Leader-in-Training, John Daken is a Master of Divinity student at Meadville-Lombard Theological School. For the next 18 months, he will be working with BES as part of his training. This is his introductory address to our community.

March 25: "The American Ethical Union: Retrospect and Prospect" Katherine Archibald, Executive Director, AEU

Beginning with the inception of the Ethical Culture Movement and the subsequent establishment of the American Ethical Union in 1889, the AEU has spoken for the entire Movement. It has played and continues to play a critical role in ethical action and social reform, leadership training, support for local societies, and legal endorsement for religious and civil liberties. It advances religious education, gives us an international presence in the IHEU and develops ethical culture literature. While our past informs our future, we continue to search for innovative models for success.

Ms. Archibald became Executive Director of the AEU on June 7, 2006. She holds a master's degree from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. She has been a member of the executive committee of the board of directors of Columbia University Club and has served on several trustee level committees for Columbia. Previously, she served as regional exec. director of the American Cancer Society's Westchester Region; as a v. p. and director of the YMCA of Greater N.Y.; as v. p. of membership for the U.S. Council for International Business; and at the American Management Association, she managed program staff and was responsible for their Management Course and Strategic Planning Certificate Program.

---

Other March 2007 Events

Sat March 3, 7 pm Coffee House • Poetry • Music • Refreshments • Open Mic • Free (donation appreciated)

Two lavish weavers of the written word bring their poems to the spoken word. Ryan Coffman and Joseph Crespo will be the featured poets this month. Ryan Coffman is a globe trekker with a graduate degree in Public Health as well as a poet. And as a poet some of his influences are H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allen Poe, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Charles Bauldiere, Anne Sexton, Diamanda Galas, and other artisans of yester year. Joseph Crespo is another seasoned traveler. He lived in Mexico and was part of a poetry/prose group that focused on giving feedback to each other. He returned with the desire to start a group in US when he came back home to Baltimore. He is also the former host of the very popular open mic that was going on back in the day at the One World Cafe that no longer exists in Federal Hill.

Sun March 4, 9:30 am Poetry Group

Bring poems that move you or that you have written to share and discuss. Each meeting we look at poems that loosely relate to a specific topic. Topics are announced by Karla ahead of time via e-mail. To be added to her e-mail list, write her at poet at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org.

Sun March 4, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (members welcome)

Sat March 10, 6 pm Eight Commitments Workshop #5 (reservations required)

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME -- SET CLOCKS AHEAD -- SO YOU WON'T BE LATE

Sun March 11, 9:30 am Book Group

We will probably discuss chapters 9 & 10 of "Hegemony or Survival: America's Quest for Global Dominance" by Naom Chomsky. A critique of American foreign policy. It argues that current U.S. policies in Afghanistan and Iraq are the continuation of a half-century of an "imperial grand strategy." For more information contact Bob Corbett.

Sun March 11, 12:30 pm Joyful Sounds

Bob Markush has been pushing hard to get BES folks who like to sing together for music making. Bob has some madrigals to try out, Belva and Fritz have some rounds which are easy to learn, but create a lovely effect, and there are songs that the AEU is assembling for a new AEU songbook.

A number of people have expressed an interest, but it's been very difficult to find an agreeable time. On Sunday, February 4, a small group made up of Bob Markush, Dorothy Goldsmith, Lane Berk, Sherry Richardson, Miriam Hardes, Em Sabatiuk, and Fritz and Belva Williams defied the Super Bowl hype (and the bitter cold) and enjoyed an evening of wonderful food, conversation, and music making at Bob and Dorothy's house.

We want to see whether we can keep the ball rolling, and we're gathering at BES after the platform and refreshments on the second Sunday of each month for an hour or so of music making. We're hoping to have two or three trained voices to lead the way and we'd love for a piano player to emerge, but for the rest of us there are no requirements besides liking to sing and enjoying the company of other singers. Join us if you can.

Sun March 18, 9:30 am Poetry Group See March 4.

Sun March 18, 12:30 pm Baltimore Eating Society lunch & socializing the 3rd Sunday each month.

Contact Andrea Tabbat for more information.

Sat March 24, Potluck Dinner

Sun March 25, 9:30 am Book Group See March 11.

Sun March 25, 12:30 pm Newcomers' Meeting

New to the Society and interested in learning more? Thinking about joining? Come to the Newcomers' Meeting, held following the last platform of every month, and learn more about Ethical Culture and about our Society—its history, its philosophy, and its organization. Meetings last about one hour and are hosted by members of the Society, sometimes including Fritz Williams, our professional Leader.

March 25 from 12:30 to 1:30 or 2 pm, Craft Workshop

On the last Sunday of each month, from February through April (and resuming in October if enough people want to continue), we will have a craft workshop after the program. This month we'll start off with some beading and make name tag holders to replace the elastic string most of us are using. What's the deal? If you participate in the workshop, you pay a discounted price for the materials for one of whatever it is we're making that you get to take home. You also agree to make at least two extra items to sell, to benefit BES. Costs will vary depending on what we're making. Future projects include decorating candles (like the ones we light during the program), and making mosaic stepping stones out of broken dishes and other scavenged decorative items. Sound like your bag (we could decorate canvas bags sometime, too)? Sign up ahead of time so you can be sure there'll be enough materials for you to have some craft fun. Call Judy Katz at 410-377-0306 or e-mail her at Treasurer at BaltimoreEthicalSociety dot org to register for the March workshop.