April 19
NEWS & NOTES
A weekly newsletter to keep you informed.
 
Just a friendly reminder -- 
Your pledges are due tomorrow!
What's in this week's news?
themePath to Membership Classes Scheduled
The Washington Ethical Society welcomes folks into  membership a few times a year, using a "cohort" model so that people can get to know a small group and become  members -- if they decide they're ready to join -- together. The first step is to attend a  Path to  Membership class. It doesn't commit you to anything; it's just an opportunity to learn more about WES and Ethical Culture, and to discuss what  membership means.
Please let us know if you'd like to join either this class or the one scheduled for May 4 or May 6! (The classes are identical so you would need to attend only one) And of course, if you have any questions about the class, or about  membership or WES more generally, please don't hesitate to be in touch with Amanda Poppei, WES's Senior Leader at [email protected].
daywithoutwomenSnag an Open Spot at an Upcoming Auction Event
Jug Bay Wetlands Hike Auction Event

There are still spots available for this auction item event.  Enjoy a moderately-paced 4 to 5 mile hike in the beautiful Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, about 30 miles from WES, to be followed by a vegetarian picnic lunch and potentially more hiking. This gem of a park on the Patuxent River hosts a great diversity of birds and other wildlife and is considered a unique ecological area. 

Date:  Saturday, May 13 
(Rain date:  May 20)
Time  9am to approximately  3pm. 
Meet at WES at  9am to carpool or meet at the park at  10am.
Price: $15 (There will also be an extra $6/car entrance fee.)
Contact: Ann Baker ( [email protected]) or Jennifer Strasburger ( [email protected])
article2Save the Date -- Spring Festival, April 30
Join us for this joyful celebration of transformation, metamorphosis, and hope. The multigenerational platform of story and song will include baby namings, and the two platforms are followed by a potluck brunch at 1pm. Don't forget to bring some blossoms for our community flower arch! We are looking for actors and for decorators to help create a truly beautiful space--please contact Amanda Poppei at  [email protected]  if you'd like to be involved. 

We will also be naming five babies/toddlers in our communities. They are: Oliver Melgosa, Livvy Smith, Cade and Nolan Colin, and Lillian Key. A reception of cake and drinks will be offered by the families between platforms in the Main Hall. 

The schedule of the day will go as follows:
9:30am -- Platform with Spring Festival & Baby Naming ceremony (Main Hall)
10:45pm -- Cake and Baby Naming Reception (Social Hall)
11:30am -- Platform with Spring Festival & Baby Naming ceremony (Main Hall)
1pm -- Potluck Lunch (Main Hall)

Things to remember to bring:
~ A dish for the potluck lunch, specifically we need entrees and seasonal desserts.
~ Flowers for the community flower arch.
 
thissunday

This Sunday's Platform
9:30 & 11:30am. 

"Earth Day for Everyone" Khalil Shahyd.
Join us for this special presentation about the intersection of environmentalism and affordable housing. Khalil Shahyd's work focuses on the Energy Efficiency for All Project, which aims to increase utility-funded energy efficiency programs in the affordable multifamily housing sector. He coordinates with NRDC's affordable housing partners to advocate for efficiency investments in the EPA's Clean Power Plan. As part of the LEED Neighborhood Development initiative, Shahyd also promotes the expansion of "green" communities in New Orleans.





Don't forget -- Camping trip registration is now available on the WES website!

This Sunday at WES.

Ethical Living Laboratory, 11am, Main Hall.   Join the Community Relations Committee to explore the principles of ethical culture and how we live them in our daily lives.  The topic for this week is  E xpress Appreciation When you like or appreciate what others do, tell them so.  Look for what is good around you, and cultivate a sense of gratitude.

Camping Trip Info Meeting, 11am, Classroom 1A/1B. Learn all about the camping trip for Memorial weekend! It's fun! It's great community building and this year we are opening it up to the other ethical societies for all age groups! This is a 15 minute info session.

SEEK Reception for George Taylor and Pam Williams, 11am, Social Hall. 

Working For Racial Equity, 1pm, Social Hall. Drop in to our WRE Talk & Teach Topics to learn with and from each other. The session will include a brief learning opportunity, video and/or exercise with facilitated discussion on the following topic: Racial Wealth Disparity:  What's your housing story?
Teen Group Ropes Course Trip, 2pm, Adventure Park at Sandy Spring. The #WESteens are going to a ropes course! After the second platform on April 23, the #WESteens are heading up to Sandy Spring Friends School to climb the Adventure Park . All high schoolers are invited to challenge themselves mentally and physically at this amazing course. Dress for the weather... the Adventure Park doesn't stop due to rain. Contact Mike ([email protected]) with questions.
Neighborhood Potlucks, 5pm. Be on the lookout for more information from your neighborhood coordinator.   

 

upcomingweeksThe Upcoming Weeks at WES
Wednesday, April 19
  • WES Chorus rehearsal, 7:15 to 9pm, Social or Main Hall. WES Chorus meets weekly to rehearse, under the direction of Bailey Whiteman, Music Director . All music abilities welcome!
Thursday, April 20
  • Resistance School, 7-8:30pm, Library. Join us at the Washington Ethical Society for the live, online learning sessions on structuring and building capacity for action, featuring Marshall Ganz.
Friday, April 21
  • Still Thirsty After All These Years, Scion Restaurant, 1200 East-West Highway. 5:30pm or whenever you arrive to 7:30pm.   This group is for WES adults beyond the demographics of the "Young and Thirsty" group, but still thirsty for connections, entertainment, and new experiences. We will meet for Happy Hour on the third Friday of every month. Contact Nancy McGuire ([email protected]) or Shan Evans ([email protected] for more details.
  • Screening of "Death by Design", 6:30pm, Cedar Lane UU Chalice House (9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814).WES's Earth Ethics team is co-sponsoring an Environmental movie, "Death by Design." An optional potluck will begin at 6:30pm and the movie followed by discussion will begin at 7pm.  A key question in this movie is -- "What happens to your electronics when you upgrade?" Text Chris Graham at 301-717-4204 or email Linda Silversmith at [email protected] for more information.
Tuesday, April 25
  • Jam Session, 6pm, Main Hall. At the WES Jam Sessions, interested musicians gather to practice music (possibly with the intention of playing during platform or other events) or just to develop musical skills in a group context. Attendees bring the music they want to play, and play what is brought. All instruments, musical genres, and skill levels welcome! For more information, contact Tom Bishop ([email protected]).

  • Path to Membership, 7pm, Library. The Washington Ethical Society welcomes folks into membership a few times a year, using a "cohort" model so that people can get to know a small group and become members--if they decide they're ready to join--together. The first step is to attend a Path to Membership class. It doesn't commit you to anything; it's just an opportunity to learn more about WES and Ethical Culture, and to discuss what membership means. Please let us know if you'd like to join either this class or the one scheduled for May 4 or May 6! (The classes are identical so you would need to attend only one) And of course, if you have any questions about the class, or about membership or WES more generally, please don't hesitate to be in touch with Amanda Poppei, WES's Senior Leader at [email protected]
  • Writing for Life, 7pm, Social Hall . Grief affects us all. How we handle our daily aches and pains determines the quality of our lives and the extent to which we are able to experience the good that life has to offer us. Join master performance poet and grief writer Gayle Danley for a nourishing writing workshop designed to create a safe place for the expression of feelings and the comfort of group bonding. Adult event. Tuesday, April 25, 7pm. Limit 20. Reserve your free spot at westonight.eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, April 26
  • WES Chorus rehearsal, 7:15 to 9pm, Social or Main Hall. WES Chorus meets weekly to rehearse, under the direction of Bailey Whiteman, Music Director . All music abilities welcome!
Thursday, April 27
  • Resistance School, 7-8:30pm, Library. Join us at the Washington Ethical Society for the live, online learning sessions on Sustaining the resistance long-term, featuring Michael Blake.
Saturday, April 29
  • People's Climate March . We will carry the WES banner as we walk with hundreds of thousands of others who care about climate and justice.  Some WES members will host out-of-towners in our homes.  This march is supported by a long list of environmental and other organizations. Read more about it at http://PeoplesClimate.org .  The WES Earth Ethics Team will provide details as we learn them.  You can also ask Terry Smith, Sue Jacobson, Rich Reis, Ann Baker, Carol Rawie, or other team members.
Sunday, April 30
  • Camping Trip Info Meeting, 11am, Classroom 1A/1B. Learn all about the camping trip for memorial weekend! It's fun! It's great community building and this year we are opening it up to the other ethical societies for all age groups! this is a 15 minute info session.
  • Meet WES's Sunday School Teams, 10:45am, Social Hall. Swing by the tables highlighting our different volunteer teams. Whether you can only volunteer occasionally or you are ready to dive in with both feet, we have a place you'll fit.
  • Young@WES Goes Geocaching, 1pm, Library. Join Young@WES along with Michelle Newman-Logan & Ceci De Robertis as we learn about GeoCaching. This is a family friendly event. They will take you out into the world and find 1-3 GeoCashes. Participants should bring their iPhone or Andriod phone. You can also bring your laptop in addition to your smart phone.
  • Red Blue Communication Class & Discussion, 2pm, Classroom 1A/1B. This class is designed to explore how to reach across the issues that divide our country and make a positive impact.

You can see the full calendar here. ( http://ethicalsociety.org/blog/events/)
seek 
SEEK Spotlight
Reception for George Taylor between platforms - AND honoring Pam Williams for her years of service on the Children's Education Council!

Come join us in the Social Hall between platforms this Sunday to celebrate and honor George Taylor as he leaves the DC area to pursue his education in California. George grew up in WES and has worked in the Nursery and Preschool class for the last nine years. Our joint gift to him is a treat a month from WES members and friends. If you would like to sign up for a month between June 2017 and May 2018 to send cookies or a gift card to George, please contact  Melissa and she will sign you up. 

We will also honor Pam Williams for all her years serving the Children's Education Council at WES with a few words and a small gift.
annoucementsAnnouncements
Deepening Circle Openings
One of the Thursday night Deepening Circles has a few openings. If you're interested in joining, please contact Amanda ( [email protected]). It is a commitment to meet monthly for at least the remainder of this year. However, if you are interested in a Deepening Circle at another time, feel free to contact Amanda so that she can support the creation of a new circle. 

Camping Trip Sign-ups
Time's ticking! Sign up for the camping trip soon! EVERYONE is welcome and it's a great, great way to get to know people within the society and to get to know people from other societies (especially Northern Virginia Ethical Society as they are bringing more than half of their membership)!

Attend a camping trip meeting to learn more about it - Between platforms in the double classrooms  April 23 and April 30. Check it out and register  here. Remember, if you have some camping gear needs, there are some to borrow and if you want to go, but the expense is too high, contact  Melissa who can find you help so that you can participate. If you want to join for the day times, but skip sleeping in a tent, there are hotel options!

Lastly,  9:30 Platform that day will be held at the camp (not at WES)! Fun!!!!

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