Newsletter of the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago June 2010 | Sunday Morning Programs | Coming Activities and Events | Recent Sunday Programs | Notices and Announcements | Our People | Sunday School Scoop | Tribute Fund | About Us | Staff | Last Month's Newsletter | Download Newsletter PDF | Welcome to Our Sunday Morning Programs Every Sunday morning from 10:30 a.m. to noon. These programs are free and open to the public. • ERSCHEL DELEON, Director of the Pride Youth Program, opens our summer season on Sunday, June 13th. Invited by our YES (Youth of Ethical Societies) teenage group, DeLeon will speak on “Gay Teens in High School.” She will be accompanied by a panel of youngsters from her organization, who will discuss their coming-out experiences and the issues and challenges they face. • CHRIS TURLEY, local architect, founder of a goals accountability group, and volunteer coach for Landmark Education, speaks Sunday, June 20th, on “Unintended Altruism—Projects That Do More Than Succeed.” Turley will discuss the surprising, unanticipated benefits of getting his own life unstuck as he worked closely with others to help achieve their personal dreams. • The 2010 AEU ASSEMBLY, held June 19–20 in Pennsylvania, is the subject of our program on Sunday, June 27th. Delegates Sheila Caplan Curren, JoAnn Hoeppner, Tom Hoeppner, Scott Walton, Sue Walton, and Ken Novak will report on the American Ethical Union’s annual meeting—the sessions and workshops they led and attended, the resolutions that were passed, and the people from other Ethical Societies they met. Note: There is no Sunday morning program on June 6th, when the Society will hold its Annual Membership Meeting. Coming Society Events • Our Second Saturday Coffeehouse, hosted by Vicki Elberfeld, is on June 12th, at 8 p.m. The featured attraction is our own Rachel Baiman, Illinois state fiddle champion, with a program, “Music of Place: Fiddle and Folk Music from Around North America.” Enjoy an evening of beautiful music from the many cultures of our continent, including French Canadian and Southern Appalachian. Accompanying Rachel will be John Lane, on guitar, piano, and fiddle. Open-mike sign-up (acoustic only, any genre) begins at 7:30. There is a $5 minimum charge, and moderately priced re-freshments will be available. • Our Ethnic Dinner Out is on Saturday, June 19th, at Barba Yianni, 4761 N. Lincoln Ave., in Chicago. Enjoy a fine meal at this popular Greek restaurant. There is metered parking on the street and in public lots just to the south off Western Ave. We order at 5:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Richard Curren at a Sunday meeting or at richard_curren@yahoo.com. Opaa! • Our Film Discussion Group, led by John Ungashick, meets on Monday, June 21st, at 7:15 p.m. We’ll again discuss two current films. Letters to Juliet is about a young woman who, in helping the writer of a hidden letter search for her long-lost lover, finds meaning in her own life. It was directed by Gary Winick, with Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave. Please Give is a comedic, but insightful story of an estate-sale business couple who try to assuage their upper class guilt by helping others. It was directed by Nicole Holofcener, with Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt. • Our Creative Writers group, led by John Taylor, meets on Sunday, June 27th, at 12:15 p.m. Newcomers are welcome to come and share their short, original works with us. • Our Sunday Morning Colloquies are taking the summer off. They will resume in September. • To Kill a Mockingbird, the classic novel by Harper Lee, will be discussed on the 50th anniversary of its publication at a special Sunday morning Fiction Circle program on July 11th. Do you feel the same way about Atticus Finch’s choices today as you did the first time you read the book or saw the movie? The book is at most libraries. For the audio edition, contact Ken Novak at kennovak@gmail.com. back to the top Recent Sunday Programs • Franz Geiger, professor of physical chemistry at North-western University, spoke April 11th on “Nanotechnology: Applying the Science of the Tiniest.” The moderator was Tiffany Ziegler. Geiger explained that nanotechnology exploits the fact that particles as tiny as single molecules have properties that can be used to change molecular structures and provide a new way of storing energy. Warning of climate change and rising sea levels, he blasted our reliance on fossil fuels and called for a “bridge technology” to wind and solar power. Geiger described how nanotechnology might be applied to reducing CO2-induced atmospheric heating by using mirrors or aerosols to block the sun’s rays. Warning of unforeseen consequences, however, he called such “geo-engineering” very uncertain, controversial, and hazardous. He also noted the impact of nanotechnology in medicine, particularly for targeting of drugs and in cancer research. • Floyd Sandford, professor emeritus of biology at Coe College in Iowa, returned on April 25th to present a program, “Traveling in Peru: Macaws to Incas to Machu Picchu.” Marilee Cole was the moderator. Extolling a love of international travel, Sandford pointed especially to his Earthwatch bird watching expedition to the Peruvian Amazon. He gave an overview of Peruvian history, focusing on the succession of Inca empires and their “amazing monuments.” He described the infighting and rivalries that eventually led to the Spanish conquest. Sandford showed many scenes from modern Peru, including homes, marketplaces, traffic, rock formations, and the ruins at Machu Picchu. Closing with a description of the endangered macaws in Peru’s Amazon rainforest, he warned of a “loss of biological diversity.” • Eli Finkel, professor of social psychology at Northwestern University, spoke May 2nd on “The Science of Romantic Attraction.” Gail Hardesty was the moderator. Finkel described his scientific studies of what attracts men and women to each other, derived especially from his analyses of “speed dating” sessions among college students. He discussed the differing approaches and attitudes, noting that women tend to be more careful and selective than men. He pointed to men being more interested in physical looks and women more in prospects of economic security. Finkel wondered, however, whether the sexes only seemed that different. He suggested that in actual, real-life meetings, men and women both tend to be attracted by “good looks.” He concluded with this advice for romance seekers: “Be neither desperate nor hard-to-get, start pursuing even if not immediately motivated, and don’t assume beforehand that you know what attributes you prefer.” • Mick Dumke, associate editor and political writer for The Reader, spoke May 9th on “Issues and Personalities in Local Politics.” Alan Kimmel was the moderator. Dumke recounted the history of Illinois politics and its “colorful characters.” Despite the “grip” on public policy today by Richard Daley and Mike Madigan, he said the coming elections give us “the opportunity to weigh in.” Dumke said Chicago mayor Daley is “unbeatable,” speculating that only his wife’s health would prompt him to retire. He called the U.S. Senate race “hard to predict,” contrasting Mark Kirk’s changing positions with Alexi Giannoulias’s family bank problems. “Who do you trust?” he asked. For governor, Dumke posed Bill Brady’s unpopular social views against dissatisfaction with Pat Quinn’s performance as governor. For Cook County president, he praised Toni Preckwinkle as a “no-nonsense standout” but questioned her being “a true reformer.” For Cook County assessor, Dumke said he would be “shocked” if “independent reformer” Forest Claypool toppled “gaming lobbyist” Joseph Berrios. Our People • Brian Barnes, longtime member of the Society, died on May 20th, following a long struggle with leukemia. He was just 56 years old. Our condolences to Brian’s dearly loved daughters Sophie and Daphne, to their mother Jane, to his sisters Nora, Nola, and Pam, and parents Emmett and Pauline. Brian was born and grew up near Rochelle, Illinois. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in performance arts and was a guitarist in jazz, classical, and Latin American bands. In recent years he worked as a computer programmer at the University of Chicago and the College of DuPage. We knew Brian for his musical talents and kind, caring nature, for his serving as a Board member and Ethical Action chair, and for his devotion to the Society and its humanist ideals. He loved politics, golf, film, plants, and the people around him. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service is planned at our building on Satur-day, June 5th, at 3 p.m. For the memorial, photos of Brian can be emailed to Evan Kane at Evan@endeavorrealty.com. Let Sue Walton or Judy Carney know if you would like to bring food. Also being set up is a special college fund for Sophie and Daphne. From the President At May’s Board meeting I received a t-shirt inscribed, “Some Ex-Presidents get pensions or gavels, all I got was this lousy t-shirt.” Our Board was wrong. I got much more. I got to wear a special, blue name-tag. Sunday program bulletins were handed to me by our greeter, Hana Hovorka, who smiled and said in that delightful Czech accent, “Good morning, Mr. President.” I heard my grandson brag, “My grandpa is President.” I did make a few speeches and had the joy of spending 24 afternoons writing these columns, only to have editor Alan Kimmel transform chopped liver into something readable. It would be untruthful to say my term was without controversy—that all went smoothly, that people were never hurt or angry. But I can say, without reservation, “I did my best.” I thank my friends for their support. I thank those who were willing to hear, and those who could respectfully disagree while having the best interests of the Society at heart. I will forever value all who work tirelessly to make this a better place. I can now wear that shirt proudly and say, ”When I was President, I...” If I may add a few words from my heart. . . .Just days after my composing this final column, we lost our friend and member Brian Barnes. Brian was a special, brave, and sweet man. His smiles, his music, and his good deeds will be sorely missed. I consider myself very lucky to have known him. —Matt Cole , President Sunday School Scoop Thanks so much to all our parents, students, teachers, and the entire Ethical community for your support and participation in the 2009/10 season of the Golden Rule Sunday School. We talked, played, and sang. We learned about friendship, sharing, caring for the earth, and the beliefs of other cultures. We raised money for schools in Asia, made food for hungry people, blankets for sick kids, and toys for shelter cats, and helped refresh some local hiking trails. We grew by leaps and bounds this year, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing all our families back next year. Although we’ll be on hiatus until fall, our YES group will be providing childcare for the Sunday morning programs through August. As a summer get-together, we’re planning a potluck picnic in July. Our hearts go out to Sophie and Daphne Barnes on the loss of their dad, Brian. We, too, will miss him deeply, and we send you both our love. —Sharon Appelquist, Director sundayschool@ethicalhuman.org back to the top Activities and Announcements • Our Annual Membership Meeting is on Sunday, June 6th, at 10:30 a.m. Members are invited to a free continental breakfast, beginning at 9:30. On the agenda are the President’s report on the past year’s programs and activities, the Treasurer’s report and adoption of the new annual budget, and a vote on several proposed amendments to our Bylaws. We also will have a contested election for five open spots on the Board of Trustees. The six nominated candidates are Lisa Crowe, Laura Drower, Steve Julstrom, Evan Kane, Ed McManus, and Renee Sullivan. Other nominations may be made from the floor. Childcare will be available for the meeting. All members are urged to attend and help us set our course for the coming year. • Our Annual Pledge Drive reached $56,237, or almost 99 percent of the $57,000 goal, at the end of May. The pledges are from 118 members, of whom 53 are sustaining. The average pledge of $476 is the highest ever, though the total number was down slightly from last year. Treasurer John Ungashick thanks everyone for their generosity, especially considering the troubled economic climate. Please direct any questions about your pledge to John at 847-492-9459. • A handsome illustrated brochure to describe the Society to the public is now available. It was a project of our Publicity Committee, spearheaded by Ed McManus and Sharon Appelquist, with pictures by Evan Kane. The brochures are being passed out at community events this summer. Pick some up at the literature tables and give them to friends. • Evanston’s Custer Street Fair is on the weekend of June 19–20. Like at the Skokie Festival of Culture in June, we’ll again have an attractive information table with our new brochures and other hand-outs. We need lots of help. Sign up on the Volunteer Board or contact Ed McManus. • Our Women’s Group, led by Ellen Rae, meets on Thursday, June 3rd, at 7 p.m., in the library. We will not meet again until September. • Our Tribute Fund is a way we honor each other—such as condolences on the loss of a loved one and congratulations on a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or personal achievement. Each tribute is printed in the newsletter. Forms are on the literature tables. • Getting married? Naming your baby? Planning a memorial? Our Ethical Officiants—Marne Glaser, JoAnn Hoeppner, Tom Hoeppner, and Ken Novak—are authorized by the American Ethical Union to perform marriages, baby namings, and memorial services, just like ministers and rabbis of traditional religious congregations. For a caring, secular ceremony, inquire at our office. • Our summer coffee hours—from June 20th to August 29th—will be do-it-yourself. There will be no assigned hosts, so please bring bite-sized snacks to share in your own serving dish—and then help in the clean-up. Thanks! • Get our free electronic newsletter. It comes sooner and saves postage. Email us a request, noting pdfnewsletter as the subject and your name and address. A subscription to the printed newsletter is $20 per year if you’re not a member, a contributing friend, or new on the mailing list. • Our Weekly Program Reminder is emailed to anyone who wants to be regularly informed of the coming week’s meetings and activities. To be on the list, send an email to programinfo@ethicalhuman.org or call the office at 847-677-3334. • Try Public transportation 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. back to the top Tribute Fund • To Michael Watson and Shelley Nation. In celebration of their marriage. I was honored to be their wedding officiant. —from Ken Novak • To Rosemary Heilemann. Happy birthday! —from Steve and Joan Freedman About Us The Ethical Humanist Society of 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. back to the top The Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, founded in 1882, is a member of the American Ethical Union. Officers and Trustees: Steve Julstrom, President; Ed McManus, Vice President; Sue Walton Secretary; Sheila Caplan Curren, Treasurer; Lisa Crowe, Laura Drower, Steve Freedman, David Hardesty, Evan Kane, Ed McManus, Oliver Pergams. Sunday School Director: Sharon Appelquist Newsletter Editor: Alan Kimmel Ethical Officiants: Marne Glaser, JoAnn Hoeppner, Tom Hoeppner, Ken Novak AEU Representative: Tom Hoeppner Copyright © Ethical Humanist Society of Greater Chicago • Link Disclaimer