[BES Friends] May Schedule

[Stephen Meskin]

The newsletter went out two weeks ago. If you are receiving it, you 
should have received it by now.

Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings will be held from 10:30 to noon 
at the Society, in the Congress Hotel at 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102. 
On street parking is available. Handicap parking and entrance are 
available in the adjacent lot with appropriate identification. Ethical 
Humanist Sunday School for children during platform meetings. Call 
410-581-2322 for more information or, on the day of the event, to check 
for closing during inclement weather. Also check our newsletter and web 
site: www.BaltimoreEthicalSociety.org

SUNDAY PLATFORMS
May 7 “Freedom Quest” Fritz Williams, Leader
May 14 "Introduction to Nonviolent Communication Skills" from the theory 
created by Marshall Rosenberg
May 21 “Remembrance Sunday” Facilitated by Karen Elliott, Pres.

SUMMER SUNDAYS
May 28 10:30 am “Race, Class, Gender≠ Character” Discussion, Pot Luck 
Lunch, and Visit to Exhibit

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Sat, May 6, 7 pm Coffee House
Sun, May 7, 9:30 am Poetry Group
Sun, May 7, 10:30-12:30 Movable Treats for Movable Feast
Sun, May 7, 12:30 pm Board Meeting (Members)
Sun, May 14, 12:15 pm ETHICAL ACTION DAY
Sun, May 21, 9:30 am Poetry Group
Sun, May 21, 12:30 pm Annual Meeting (Members)
June 4 Year End Picnic at Camp Linden

DETAILS
May 7: Freedom Quest, Fritz Williams, Leader
  Freedom is held up as an ideal by people all over the world. The word 
“freedom” is a popular rallying cry. It is a one-word rationale for 
revolutions and wars. The underlying assumption seems to be the belief 
that freedom is achieved by overcoming social and political restraints. 
Yet, in existential terms, freedom is far more complicated, elusive, and 
deeply personal than that. Fritz Williams sets out on a quest for a 
real-life understanding of the nature of freedom.
  Fritz Williams is Leader 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 14: Introduction to Nonviolent Communication Skills from the theory 
created by Marshall Rosenberg

May 21: Remembrance Sunday Facilitated by Karen Elliott, President
Together, we look back at the history of the Ethical Culture movement 
and the Baltimore Ethical Society. We also take time to remember our own 
personal histories and to share stories of the people and experiences 
that made a difference in our lives. (An interactive program.)

May 28: “Race, Class, Gender ≠ Character”
  “Throughout history, visionaries have dreamed of a world where their 
characters are not judged, their creative potential is not limited, or 
their livelihoods are not proscribed by factors of race, gender, or 
economic circumstance. They have struggled to be valued on the basis of 
their individual character and talents. Their battles have sought to 
establish dignity and equal opportunity for themselves and for others.” 
Exhibit notes from AVAM web site: www.avam.org/exhibitions/race.html
  The American Visionary Art Museum’s exhibit with this title was 
recommended by Joe Pettit who spoke to us on January 29 on “The Politics 
of Racial Inequality.” Since we will be picnicking on June 4 at Camp 
Linden, instead of our usual Memorial Day weekend picnic, we’ll launch 
our summer program with a 10:30 discussion on this theme, followed by a 
potluck lunch and visit to the museum to view the exhibit. There is 
“abundant metered parking” —bring quarters—near the museum; it is 
handicap accessible; and if we can get a group of at least 10, the cost 
would be only $6 per person. For info contact Ron Solomon 410.363.3140.

MOVEABLE TREATS, May 7 is our next Moveable Treats Sunday.
 Ron Solomon says his arrival at Moveable Feast bearing our desserts is 
always greeted with tremendous enthusiasm. So, let’s keep our ovens hot 
and the enthusiasm going.
 Remember, these are the guidelines: 1) No nuts or peanuts. 2) No 
desserts containing alcohol. 3) Avoid heavy icing. 4) If possible, 
prepare desserts in individual portion sizes: cupcakes, cookies, 
separately packaged slices. 5) Label your dessert (not the ingredients, 
just generally what it is).
 We need more people to make telephone calls reminding people to 
contribute. And Moveable Feast needs more drivers. It takes about an 
hour to deliver five meals. Contact Fritz or Belva if you’re willing to 
serve as a caller. Contact Ron if you think you might like to help with 
deliveries.

ETHICAL ACTION SUNDAY May 14
  In May we are instituting a couple of new activities discussed by the 
Ethical Action Team and approved by the Board. Beginning on May 14 and 
then on every second Sunday of the month after that, half of our 
non-pledge contributions will be given to a designated community service 
organization. The Ethical Action Team will select the organizations, but 
welcomes suggestions from all our members. The Baltimore Ethical Society 
needs all the funds it can raise, but we have been encouraged by the 
fact that other organizations which have decided to divide contributions 
in this way saw an increase in giving that more than compensated for the 
community sharing.
  Also, on the second Sunday of the month beginning on May 14, we are 
going to set up ethical action card and letter writing tables to rally 
our members and friends behind important local, state, and national 
causes. On May 14, we’ll have an opportunity to work from several models 
and write a post card to our own representative in support of HB 2487 
and reforms in Medicare Part D.

COFFEE HOUSE Saturday, May 6, 7 pm
  Our host will be the electronic Les Bradley. The featured performers are 
two new trios: favorite son Sam Hudnet’s guitar trio and member Margie 
Roswell’s singing trio. An open mic will follow the featured 
artists—sign-up at 7 pm. Coffee, tea, soda, and light snacks will be 
available.

POETRY GROUP May 6 and 20
  The Poetry Group meets the first and third Sunday morning of each month, 
beginning at 9:30. 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 baltimore-ethical-society.org.

CAMP LINDEN WORK PARTY Sat. June 3 Or
YEAR END PICNIC Sun. June 4 Or Both
  We’re all invited to join members of the Philadelphia Ethical Society 
for work, food, and some friendly socializing at Camp Linden on June 3 
and 4. On Saturday, June 3, beginning at about 11:00 a.m., we’ll be 
working together on the grounds to help them get ready for the summer. 
Camp Linden provides summer camping experiences for kids from 
Philadelphia. We’re assured the work won’t be too demanding physically, 
and we’ll finish up with some supper together at the end of the day.
On Sunday, members of both societies will be picnicking together at Camp 
Linden. All participants are being assessed $5 dollars each for burgers 
(including veggie burgers) and beverages, and each family is being asked 
to bring a covered dish. The picnic will begin at noon and will last 
through the afternoon.
  BES members who want to take part in activities on both Saturday and 
Sunday are welcome to stay overnight in one of the cabins. Fritz and 
Belva will be traveling directly to Camp Linden from Pennsylvania. Ron 
and Carol will probably be going on Saturday and staying overnight at 
the camp. Perhaps a couple of folks would like to go with them. Those 
staying overnight should plan to take blankets or a sleeping bag, 
toiletries, a flashlight, and a change of clothes.
  Camp Linden is near West Chester, PA. Directions: Route 95 to 
Wilmington. Route 202 north across Route 1 (where it joins Route 322) 
toward West Chester. Take Business 322 into West Chester. From Business 
Route 322 (High Street) make left on Chestnut (first street after Gay 
Street, easy to miss). Look for sign for Route 162. At the light at the 
bottom of Chestnut, bear right. Bear left at light onto Route 162. Go 
3.3 miles. After small bridge, Lucky Hill Road, and Jolene Drive, turn 
left on Cann Road. Turn left on Wawaset Road. Go 2 miles. Turn right on 
Camp Linden Road. Look for sign about 100 yards on right. Park in 
designated areas.
  Map Quest shows the distance from BES is 91 miles, driving time is 1 
hour 52 minutes and different directions. I used 1488 Camp Linden Road, 
West Chester, PA 19382; it is unlikely to be the correct address. Car 
Pooling: contact Stephen Meskin 410-992-5814 for just the Sunday picnic 
or just the Saturday work party and Ron Solomon 410.363.3140 for both 
the Picnic and Work Party.