Newsletter

Newsletter of the Ethical Humanist Society of Greater Chicago

May 2007

Welcome to Our Sunday Morning Programs in May

• Our YOUTH FOR ETHICAL SOCIETY teenage group presents a special program on Sunday, May 6th. The topic is “Sex in Schools: Abstinence-Only Sex Education and Its Effect on Youth” The program begins with a talk by Stephen Gillenwater, Director of the Adolescent Family Center at Rush University Medical Center. He will discuss his work in providing pregnancy-prevention and family-life education to teens and pre-teens in the Chicago area. Gillenwater and our YES members will then take part in a panel discussion.

• DICK BUCKLEY, veteran WBEZ jazz host, presents a lively program, “Happiness: I Was a Teenage Jazz Fan,” on Sunday, May 13th. Buckley will reminisce about his 70-year-long involvement with jazz. He will bring music with him, interspersing his remarks with stirring examples of the “good ol’ good ones.”

• Our annual MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION and Sunday School graduation program is on Sunday, May 20th. We’ll salute our staff and hard-working volunteers who made possible the informative, inspiring programs and activities of the past year. We’ll welcome our many new members. We’ll honor the children, parents, and teachers of our Golden Rule Sunday School and award certificates to our three graduating Coming of Agers. To remind us of members and friends who deserve special recognition at the program, please contact Tom Hoeppner or Sharon Appelquist.

• Our LAKE GENEVA WEEKEND features a platform program on Sunday, May 27th, at 10:30 a.m. Those who can’t be there the whole weekend can come Sunday morning and stay for lunch. The drive from the Chicago area is little more than an hour. Please remember that there will be no regular Sunday morning program at the Greiner Center in Skokie.

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Coming Activities and Events

• Our SUNDAY MORNING COLLOQUIES, led by Ken Novak, are from 9:20 to 10 a.m. This month’s themes are Pain on May 6th, Heroes on May 13th, Perfection on May 20th, and Loving on May 27th. Except for May 27th, when we’ll be at Lake Geneva, we meet in the library. These small, informal gatherings provide a confidential time and place for us to consider how we live our lives.

• Our next FICTION CIRCLE, led by Ken Novak, is on Sunday, May 6th, at 12:20 p.m. Power, weakness, loyalty, rivalry, coming of age, and coming of death: it’s all in William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy King Lear. We suggest reading Harold Bloom’s critical edition, published by Riverhead/Penguin, or for a version with modern prose alongside Shakespeare’s words, James Scott’s Prestwick House paperback.

• Our READERS THEATER GROUP, led by Susan Burck, meets on Monday, May 7th, at 7 p.m. We’ll have fun reading aloud a short play in our usual informal, friendly setting. Everyone is welcome. For information, see Susan or contact her at burck@earthlink.net.

• Our Second Saturday Coffeehouse, hosted by Vicki Elberfeld, is on May 12th, at 8 p.m. The featured performer will be storyteller Lainie Levin, in “Surviving Supermom,” a humorous yet powerful look at motherhood. It’s definitely for grown-up ears! Come to be entertained—and moved. Signup for open mike (any genre, all acoustic) begins at 7:30 p.m. There is a $5.00 minimum donation at the door. Moderately priced refreshments will be available.

• Our DOCUMENTARY FILM NIGHT, hosted by Marne Glaser and Paul Ozarowski, is on Friday, May 18th, at 7:30 p.m. We’ll see The Corporation, the 2004 Sundance Festival-winning documentary that explores the nature and spectacular rise of this dominant contemporary institution. The film includes interviews with insiders and critics such as Noam Chomsky, Milton Friedman, Naomi Klein, Michel Moore, and Howard Zinn. There will be a concurrent showing of a children’s film. Refreshments and a discussion follow.

• Our ETHNIC DINNER OUT is on Saturday, May 19th, at the Thai Sookdee restaurant, 1016 Church St., in Evanston. Enjoy excellent Thai food at reasonable prices. There is parking on the street and at a high-rise public facility one block east. We order at 5:30 p.m. To say you’re coming, please contact Richard Curren at richard_curren@yahoo.com.

• Our CREATIVE WRITERS GROUP, led by Milt Zerkin, meets on the third Sunday this month, May 20th. Come and share your short, original works with us. Newcomers are welcome.

• Our FILM DISCUSSION GROUP, led by Alan Kimmel, meets on Monday, May 21st, at 7:15 p.m. Two new films have again been chosen. The Hoax is based on Clifford Irving’s bogus biography of Howard Hughes. It was directed by Lasse Hallstrom and stars Richard Gere, Alfred Molina, Marcia Gay Harden, Eli Wallach, and Hope Davis. Black Book is the lurid story of a Jewish spy’s love affair with a Gestapo officer during World War II. It was directed by Paul Verhoeven and stars Carice van Houten and Sebastian Koch.

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Recent Sunday Programs

• KENAN HEISE, author and retired Chicago Tribune reporter, spoke on March 11th. His topic was “Chicago: City of Creativity and Chaos.” Sheila Curren chaired the meeting.

“Chicago isn’t simply a place, but an idea,” Heise began. “Chicago comes from chaos,” but “a chaos that leads to creativity,” he declared. Pointing to music, he praised “born in Chicago” gospel and blues, bluegrass, swing, and folk, and hailed the Old Town School of Folk Music and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In literature he pointed to prize-winning novelist Edna Ferber. In theater he called Chicago’s Little Theater movement “innovative” and Second City “revolutionary.” He also lauded Chicago’s modern architecture, in which “windows were the key” to representing “openness in our society.”

“You will see Chicago in other large cities of the world,” Heise boasted. “Look at its beaches, forest preserves, and landmark buildings,” he added, especially praising our preservation of the lakefront. “Chicago is charming,” he continued. “Walk down any block, and appreciate what’s on it.” He exclaimed, “The most beautiful thing about Chicago is the people.” He praised Mayor Daley for Millennium Park and “the flowers,” but condemned the city’s ongoing gentrification and “economic cleansing.”

• JOHN BASILE, director of Big Run Wolf Ranch, spoke at an intergenerational program on March 18th. His topic was “Understanding Our Wild 4-Legged Neighbors.” Oliver Pergams chaired the meeting.

“I had lots of pets as a kid,” Basile began, going on to enthusiastically describe the work of his animal shelter in southwest suburban Lockport. “Most of our animals are rescued,” he said, though “we can’t accommodate all who come to us.” He discussed animals in the wild. He especially defended wolves as a “very important part of our ecological system” and noted their close relationship to dogs. Basile called them “the most persecuted animals on the planet.”

The highlight of Basile’s program were his “guest” animals—a cuddly skunk, a waddly raccoon, and a rescued coyote, which he brought to the stage in cages, and a large-pawed tame wolf, which he led quietly down the aisle. Our children were delighted to hold and fondle the skunk. Basile lovingly told each animal’s story, including their treatment and unique personalities. Inviting us to visit his ranch, he concluded “I’m an animal nut—I’m blessed.”

• JAMES COLEY, past president of the North Carolina Society for Ethical Culture, spoke on March 25th. His topic was “Beyond Spirituality.” Paul Ozarowski chaired the meeting.

We in the Ethical movement are “committed to ethical and moral values,” Coley began. But “we are engaged in an ongoing conversation about our religious identification” and “the touchy issue of religious language.” Labeling himself “a naturalistic humanist,” he urged us “to use the language of ethics, not of religion.” He called Ethical Culture “a religion beyond religion.” He contended that faith is “a euphemism for close-mindedness” and should be replaced by “hope.” He said “spirituality” should be replaced by “inspiration.”

Coley criticized the word spirituality for having “too much supernatural baggage.” He derided its use as “semantic elasticity,” insisted it be reserved for traditional religion, and ridiculed it as “a desire for otherworldliness.” In contrast, he said, “the physical world is sublimely beautiful,” urging us to seek its “inner peace and connectedness.” Coley concluded by saying ”theism is a delusion” and that we need to say so despite the feelings of its “thin-skinned” defenders.

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Our People

• Ira Heimler has joined the Society. She lives in Zion and is a public health scientist. Ira became interested in the Society through relatives in St. Louis and by reading about us on the internet. Glad you found us, Ira!

• Howard Satin, a steady at our Film Discussion group, is also a new member. Howard lives in Uptown and is a lawyer and accountant. “I’m a nonbeliever in God but a believer in the ethical outlook of the Society,” he says. “And I like the people.” Welcome, Howard!

• Julia Julstrom-Agoyo, a Sunday School student and daughter of Steve Julstrom and Carmen Agoyo-Silva, won two 1st-place medals in a regional Science Olympiad on March 17th. In Champaign with her team from Chicago’s North Park Elementary School, she then won a 2nd-place medal at the state contest on April 21st. Congratulations, Julia!

• Sarah Kellman, a member of the Society for 50 years, died in February of last year. Though sorry we did not learn of her death till early this year, we wish to express our sadness at this time that a pillar of the Society is gone. Our belated condolences to her daughter Sally and son Jeff.

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Sunday School Scoop

Our students used the first few weeks of April to work on projects for the Spring Festival. We prepared an Earth Day play and painted flowerpots in which we planted pansies for the traditional spring gift to our members. The Festival showcased the many talents of our kids—thanks so much to Steve Julstrom for organizing and leading the musical program. We also found time for an Ethical Egg Hunt and an intergenerational Ethical Action for Project Linus—thanks to all of you who helped us make blankets for hospitalized children. We ended the month with a World Cultures Day celebration of Cinco De Mayo—thanks to Marilee Cole, who helped us with Mexican Yarn Art.

In May we’ll be doing a service project at Emily Oaks nature center, helping spread new wood chips on the paths. On the 13th we’ll have our end-of-the-year picnic there. On the 20th is Sunday School graduation, with our three Coming of Agers—Laurie Merrell, Julia Julstrom-Agoyo, and Rebecca Baiman—giving presentations of their final projects. As part of her project, Julia will be having a bake sale fundraiser on the 13th—be sure to support her and get some yummy treats as well. And, of course, at the end of the month is our fun-filled Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Geneva—we’re preparing lots of great activities for all ages, so I hope everyone can join us. Rain or shine, you won’t regret it. Happy Spring to all!

—Sharon Appelquist, Director

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Notices and Announcements

• Our Memorial Day Weekend getaway on the beautiful, wooded shore of Lake Geneva is May 26–28. The price, for two nights and six meals (Saturday lunch to Monday breakfast), is a reasonable $135 for members, $170 for nonmembers. Children ages 5–16 are half price, younger ones are free. Enjoy delicious, ample food, comfortable rooms, and a relaxing time with your Ethical friends.

For reservations, call Tom Hoeppner or the office. To lead an adult activity, call Ken Novak; for children, call Sharon Appelquist.

• Our Annual Membership Meeting is on Sunday, June 3rd, at 10:30 a.m. We’ll review the past year’s programs and activities, adopt the annual budget, consider proposed amendments to the Bylaws, and elect four members to the Board of Trustees. (The Board Nominating Committee has slated incumbents Matt Cole and John Ungashick for reelection and Lisa Crowe and Renee Sullivan to replace retiring members Ed Drower and Peter Less. Additional nominations can be made from the floor.)

• Membership pledges of almost $54,000 have been re-ceived from 119 members in our annual pledge drive. For the few who haven’t yet pledged, we would appreciate hearing from you by the June 3rd Membership Meeting.

• Our new Environmental/Recycling Committee, chaired by Lisa Crowe, met for the first time in April. Some issues discussed were reducing energy use and waste, switching to reusable and/or recyclable food and beverage containers, and facilitating our own recycling program. We’ll also be educating ourselves about environmental issues by doing research, going to local events, and attending or initiating seminars. You’re invited to give us your ideas and to join us at our next meeting, on Sunday, May 6th, at 12:30.

• A Fiscal Efficiency Committee, chaired by Paul Ozarowski and Oliver Pergams, has been set up by the Board. The committee will analyze the Society’s expenditures, identify potential savings, and facilitate the adoption of measures to help mitigate our recurring deficit. To join the committee or make suggestions, contact Paul or Oliver at tightenourbelts@ethicalhuman.org.

• Our Landscape Committee has installed a handsome wedding-arch trellis in the patio garden. Enhanced by blooming vines and attractive annuals, it will be used to provide a ceremonial site for summer weddings.

• In a spontaneous Ethical Action at our DocFilm night in March, $70 was collected for the Vietnam Veterans Against the War in support of their Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling services. We had just seen The Ground Truth, about the struggles of returning Iraq War veterans.

• “Changing CO2urse,” Northwest Earth Institute’s 4-session class on human-induced climate change, will be offered at our building beginning Saturday, May 6th, 6–8 p.m. For information on enrolling, contact David Wokosin at scopedoc@northwestern.edu.

• A Freewriters group, led by Vicki Elberfeld, meets at the Society on Thursday, May 10th, at 7 p.m. This is for “open-minded writers who are serious about the craft of writing,” Vicki says. So they can be read before the meeting, works can be posted to her at vickielberfeld@gmail.com.

• Membership in the Society is open to those who share our ethical outlook. For information about us or the Ethical movement, see Membership Chair Tom Hoeppner or call him. Our next Membership Orientation is on Sunday, May 6th, at 12:00 p.m.

• Our Tribute Fund (see below) is a convenient, caring way to publicly honor each other—with congratulations on a birthday, anniversary, or graduation, condolences on the loss of a loved one, wishes for recovery from an illness, or hailing a good deed. Get a Tribute form on a literature table.

• Newsletter subscriptions are $20 per year—if you’re not a member, a contributing friend, or new on our mailing list. Get the free pdf edition by e-mailing the office (include pdfnewsletter as the subject and your name and address). You can pick up a free printed newsletter at our building.

• Public transportation is available to our Sunday meetings. The #290 PACE bus leaves the Howard L station at 9:30 a.m. and goes to Touhy Ave. and Cicero Ave. (Skokie Blvd.). It’s then a short walk to our building. A return #290 bus to the Howard station leaves Touhy and Cicero at 1:20 p.m.

• For the June newsletter deadline, reports of Society activities must be given to editor Alan Kimmel by Sunday, May 20th. Thanks!

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Tribute Fund

• “In memory of Sarah and Ed Kellman, two longtime members and supporters of the Ethical Society”
—from Dick and Judy Carney

About Us

The Ethical Humanist Society of Greater Chicago is a democratic fellowship and spiritual home for those who seek a rational, compassionate philosophy of life without regard to belief or nonbelief in a supreme being. We value the importance of living an ethical, responsible, and joyful life. We promote intellectual, philosophical, and artistic freedom, avoiding dogma and rigid creed. We nurture a sense of wonder about life, nature, and the universe, and are inspired by models of human achievement. Shaped by the forces of humanism, democracy, science, and religious reform, we cherish human diversity and focus on what we have in common, not on what keeps us apart.

While respectful of the faiths and traditions we may have been born to, we serve as a new religion or as an alternative to religion.

We care for and support each other, sharing our joys and sorrows. Like traditional religious communities, we celebrate births, conduct wedding ceremonies, host memorial services, and provide for the caring, ethical education of our children.

We believe in deed beyond creed and in working for a better world. We recognize the worth and dignity of every person, and strive to act so as to bring out the best in others and thereby in ourselves.

Meetings of the Ethical Humanist Society are at our home in the Greiner Center, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL 60077. Sunday meetings start at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments and a social hour follow the program. Child care is available. Everyone is welcome. If you need transportation, please call the Society office by 1 p.m. Friday. We will try to get a ride for you. The Ethical Humanist Society of Greater Chicago was founded in 1882. The Society is a member of the American Ethical Union.

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The Ethical Humanist Society of Greater Chicago, founded in 1882, is a member of the American Ethical Union.

Officers and Trustees: Scott Walton, President; Matt Cole &
Dick Carney, Vice Presidents; Paul Ozarowski, Secretary; John Ungashick, Treasurer; Yolanda Adler, Joe Burck, Sheila Caplan Curren, Ed Drower, Peter Less, Oliver Pergams, Claude Williams

Sunday School Director: Sharon Appelquist
Office Administrator: Alison Martin
Newsletter Editor: Alan Kimmel
Ethical Officiants: Marne Glaser, Jo-Ann Hoeppner, Tom Hoeppner, Ken Novak
AEU Representative: Tom Hoeppner
Webmaster: Simeon Carson