ChiCago EthiCal humanist Newsletter of the Ethical humanist sociEty of chicago

December 2012

Welcome to Our Sunday Morning Programs in DecemberERICK HOWENSTINE, chair of the Department of Ge-ography and Environmental Studies at Northeastern Illinois University, speaks Sunday, December 2nd, on “The Evolu-tion of Human Beings: A Geographer’s Perspective.” A self-described “armchair evolutionist,” Howenstine will discuss the role of location, place, niche, territory, and move-ment in the assembling of the human species. He may even challenge “our notion of what it means to be human.”

ANDREW SEIDEL, an attorney for the Freedom from Reli-gion Foundation, speaks Sunday, December 9th, on “De-bunking the Christian Nation Myth.” Seidel will discuss the history of the persisting mythical claims that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and on Judeo-Chris-

tian principles. He will argue that both claims are false.

Our ANNUAL WINTER FESTIVAL is on Sunday, De-cember 16th. Tom Hoeppner and Mignon de Klerk will lead us in our traditional celebration of the winter solstice. We’ll enjoy a candle-lighting ceremony, decoration of a “mitten tree,” group singing, and musical performances and a short play by our children. Your donations of new winter cloth-ing and non-perishable food items will adorn the tree and be passed on to those in need. Serving of refreshments will start early, at 9:45.

NOTE: There are no regular Sunday morning programs on December 23rd or 30th. Programs resume on January 6th.

• Our Ethical Humanities discussion is on Sunday, Decem-ber 2nd, at 12:15 p.m. Led by Ken Novak and Sue Sherman, we’ll discuss Jordan Weissmann’s article “Why Are Women Paid Less?” in the October 2012 The Atlantic magazine. • Our next Fiction Circle is on Sunday, January 6th, at 12:15 p.m. We’ll discuss Arthur Miller’s one-act Holocaust morality play Incident at Vichy. The play is available at many libraries. Used copies of the script can be bought from Ken Novak for $6. He also has audio tapes. • Our popular Second Saturday Coffeehouse, hosted by Vicki Elberfeld, is on December 8th at 8 p.m. Featured is the Bittersweet Christmas Band. On guitar, drum, dulci-mer, and pennywhistle, musicians Cooper, Nelson, and Ear-ly will join songwriter Susan Urban with many perspectives on the holiday season, from the reverent to the ridiculous. An $8 minimum donation includes beverages and pastries. • Our Film Discussion Group, led by John Ungashick, meets Monday, December 17th. We’ll once again have a lively discussion on two current movies. Selected at our No-vember 26th meeting, they will be announced at the Sunday morning platforms and on our website—or call the office. • Our Creative Writers group, led by John Taylor, meets

on the third Sunday of the month, December 16th. All are welcome to share their short, original works with us.• A Winter Solstice Celebration and bonfire, hosted by the Sunday School, is on December 21st, 6:00–10:00 p.m. We’ll meet at Emily Oaks Nature Preserve at 6 p.m. for a bonfire with hot cocoa, s’mores, and a sing-a-long followed back at the Society at 8 p.m. for a family-friendly presentation about the history and astronomical significance of the solstice.

Recent Sunday Programs• Kirby Callam, CEO and co-founder of Chicago Talent Development Charter High School, spoke October 7th on “The Promise and Peril of Charter Schools.” Tim Mor-rison was moderator.

“I am passionate but conflicted” about charter schools, Callam began. “They have been greatly misunderstood.” He explained that charter schools are privately run but publicly funded. They have led to the closing of neighborhood public schools, leaving behind “the kids most in need,” he lament-ed. Noting also that lower salaries have led to high teacher turnover, he countered that with their independence and flexibility, they have attracted talented teachers and more resources.

“There are many different models” of charter schools, Cal-lam went on. A few like his have teachers unions, he said. “We have a common goal of protecting the profession of teaching.” With the continuing growth of charter schools, he warned of a lot of “transitional pain.” He condemned many existing public schools as “horrible,” pointed to the lack of

Coming Society Events

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The meetinghouse of the Society is at 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Our Sunday programs start at 10:30 a.m. A social hour follows. There is parking on Jerome St., Howard St., and at the nearby Albany Bank. If you need transportation, call the office by 1 p.m. Friday—we’ll try to get a ride for you.

proper funding, and criticized the Chicago Public Schools for having no strategic plan. • Bob Creamer and Chris Robling, in their sixth quadren-nial election program with us, presented “A Presidential Forum: Obama Vs. Romney” on October 14th. Alan Kimmel was moderator.

Both Creamer, a Democratic consultant and activist, and Robling, a Republican consultant and activist, spoke glowingly of their presidential candidates. Creamer said the voters are being given a chance to decide whether “we are all in this together or all in this alone.” Noting the budget surplus when Bill Clinton left office, he accused the Republicans of being like arsonists “complaining that the fire department is not responding fast enough.” He hailed Obama’s ending the war in Iraq and contrasted the differing life experiences of Obama and Romney.

Robling praised Romney for his job creation stance and said the role and size of government is “the defining issue” of the election campaign. He called entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare “fiscally unsustainable” and questioned the “viability of our big debt load.” He warned that “government borrowing and spending” would lead to inflation and a stagnant economy. • Emily Smith and David Krueger presented “The Arts of Life” on October 21st. Marilee Cole was moderator.

As outreach coordinator, Smith described Arts of Life as an organization that encourages people with developmental disabilities to express themselves through art. She praised it as an alternative to traditional workshops. She noted that they are partly supported by donations of money and art supplies but mainly through sales of their artwork. Build-ing our community, promoting self-respect, developing independence, and inspiring artistic expression are our core beliefs, she said.

We were shown images of the Arts of Life studios in Chicago and Glenview, many of the talented participants, and various activities, events, and shows. We saw photos of “Grandma Ronnie,” their founding artist. Krueger, a resi-dent artist, enthusiastically showed examples of his artwork and a video of his own music ensemble. “We have lots of committees and vote on all new projects,” he said. “And we talk a lot,” he added.• The Tierra Colombiana Folkloric Dance Company presented a cultural program on October 28th. They were

introduced by Mignon de Klerk.A colorful Colombian dance number by the lively young

group opened the program. We then heard an account of the 400-year-old Catholic shrine to the Virgin Mary in Chiquinquirá, lauded as a place where people come “to pray for miracles.” More dances followed, including one in which some in the audience participated. We learned that the dances, accompanied by flute and drum, were a mixture of indigenous, African, and European origins, with themes from the slave trade and the campesino (farmer) experi-ence. The dancers’ purpose, we were told, is “to change the image of Colombia,” • Dave Minelli, a veteran Chicago police officer, resumed our world-of-working series on November 4th. He spoke on “My Job as a Homicide Detective.” Matt Cole was moderator.

“I was born to be a police officer,” Minelli told us, but “I wouldn’t recommend it to my children,” he added. “It’s too risky.” He said, “I’ve seen a lot of blood,” and while “I try to detach myself from my work, we can get into an us vs. them mentality and become jaded.” Making clear he was speaking only for himself and not the Chicago police department, he lamented any divide between the police and the community

Describing his work as a homicide detective, Minelli said “We see people at their worst.” He told of his personal “culture shock,” especially as a rookie some twelve years ago. He noted that a detective’s job is mainly the inter-viewing of witnesses in order to determine the facts of a case. “I’m not a lawyer or a doctor. I’m just a policeman,” he said. And sometimes “we make mistakes,” he added. “We’re only human.”Our People . . .• Marne Glaser, our golden-voiced jazz vocalist, presents a free concert, “Winter Dreams,” on Saturday, December 1st, 8 p.m., at Ridgeville Park, 908 Seward St., Evanston. Accompanying Marne on piano will be Tommy Muellner. See you there! • Ellen McManus, one of our Ethical officiants, was to speak on behalf of the Society at the annual Interfaith Ac-tion of Evanston Thanksgiving service at Beth Emet Syna-gogue, on Wednesday, November 21st. Thank you, Ellen!

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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 in a supreme being.

Like traditional religious communities, we celebrate births, conduct wedding ceremonies, host memorial services, and pro-vide for the caring, ethical education of our children. We believe in deed beyond creed and in working for a better world.

The Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, founded in 1882, is a member of the American Ethical Union and a chapter of the Ameri-can Humanist Association.

Officers & Trustees: Steve Julstrom, President; Lisa Crowe, Vice President; Sue Walton, Secretary; John Ungashick, Treasurer; Laura Drower, Tom Hoeppner, Alan Kimmel, Jan Kuhn, Christine Martin, Ed McManus, Katherine Ross, Sue Sherman

Sunday School Director: Amy JarjuseyYES Advisors: Katie Merrell, Melanie Neal Newsletter Editor: Alan Kimmel Ethical Officiants: Jo-Ann Hoeppner, Tom Hoeppner,

Ellen McManus, Ken Novak

Activities and Announcements• Our Annual Pledge Drive is a way each of us show our commitment to the Society. By mid-November, $47,915, or 72%, of last year’s total of $67,000, had been pledged. This is from 54 members, with 29 honored as “Pillars” of the So-ciety—for pledging at least 2% of their after-tax income or increasing their pledge by at least 20% over last year. Those members who haven’t yet pledged are urged to do it right away, even if you can’t pay the full amount yet. Thanks for your generous support! • Our Sunday morning collections on November 4th and 11th are being sent through the secular Foundation Beyond Belief to Team Rubicon, to help in relief efforts for the ter-rible destruction from Hurricane Sandy. For September and October, our usual ten percent of the collections has been sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. • The Rice Children’s Center Holiday Store once again needs donations of new and like-new items for adults that the children at Rice can re-gift to their loved ones for the holidays. Coordinator Marne Glaser asks that they be brought to the auditorium balcony by December 9th. Thanks for caring! • Our Saturday night Friendship Dinners are continu-ing. They are family-style gatherings where our members and active friends can get to know each other better. To be either a host or a guest, call Sue Walton at 847-475-0381 or Marilee Cole at 847-853-8050, or use the sign-up sheet in the hallway. • A family portrait for a holiday greeting card? Contact our ace photographer Evan Kane (847-282-3933). He’ll do a great job for just a $50 donation to the Society.• Our Emerging Artists Exhibit featuring participants in the Arts of Life is continuing through December. These ex-hibits are a way of both encouraging new artists and bright-ening our reception room. Artists can contact the office for information on displaying their works.• Volunteers drive the Society. There are many ways to participate—like helping to resume our Ethnic Dinners Out or reorganizing our library. You can also join one of our busy committees—like Ethical Action, Membership, Building, Publicity, A/V, Caring, Hospitality, and Sunday Program. Please contact our volunteer coordinator Sharon Appelquist at the office. • Our Coffee and Social Hour continues to depend on the bite-sized snacks we bring on Sunday morning. We’ll have plenty to munch on if we follow a monthly schedule corre-sponding to your last name: 1st Sun. A to D; 2nd Sun. E to K; 3rd Sun. L to P; 4th Sun. Q to Z; 5th Sun. all. Thanks! • Are you a newcomer to the Society? Do you enjoy our Sunday morning programs? Have you made new friends at our many activities? Do you share our ethical humanist out-look? To find out about membership, leave a message for

Tiffany Ziegler or Katie Merrell at the office. Or come to our Newcomers Chat on Sunday, December 9th, 12:15 p.m. • Get a weekly e-mail update on our many coming pro-grams and activities. You can also get a link to our monthly newsletter online. Subscribe at our website at www.ethical-human.org or email a request to office@ethicalhuman.org. For our printed newsletter, a subscription is $20 per year if you’re not a member, a contributing friend, or new on our mailing list. • Getting married? Naming your baby? Having a me-morial service? Our Ethical Officiants JoAnn Hoeppner, Tom Hoeppner, Ellen McManus, and Ken Novak are authorized by the American Ethical Union to perform mar-riages, baby namings, and memorials, just as in traditional religions. For a caring, secular ceremony, call our office.

From the President . . . Even with the election over, if you’re like me, you con-

tinue to find your e-mail in-basket inundated with requests for money from worthwhile causes. Add the many local holiday fund drives and those from public television, public radio, and classical music radio, and the “season of giving” begins to feel more like “the season of guilt trips.”

In the midst of this cacophony, please consider your pri-orities and remember that the Society is finishing its annual fall pledge drive. A successful drive is vital for the Society’s health and vigor—so that we can continue offering great Sunday platforms, an inspiring Sunday School, and all the other activities that help make us a vibrant community.

If we haven’t heard from you, please make your pledge now (and avoid a follow-up letter); pledge fulfillment can come later. Take the time now and enjoy a relaxing, guilt-free holiday season with friends and family.

—Steve Julstrom Sunday School Scoop . . .

November was an exciting month in the Golden Rule Sunday School. We delved into the second commitment of Ethical Humanism and looked at how we can take responsi-bility for our choices and actions with regard to our roles in protecting the environment: reducing, reusing, and recy-cling, and in making the world around us a better place. We also experienced The Gambia, in West Africa, through the eyes of a Muslim native of that country.

In December, we’ll move on to Russia and Christianity and look at the fourth commitment of Ethical Humanism: “I treat people kindly and fairly.” Applying it in our own lives, we’ll do several ethical action projects: collecting clothing and canned food for the Niles Food Pantry and toys for the children in a battered women’s shelter, Between Friends.

A special treat this month will be the winter Solstice celebration on December 21st. December 16th is our annual Winter Festival. Sunday School is on holiday break Decem-ber 23rd and 30th. See you all in the new year!

—Amy Jarjusey, Director

Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago

7574 N. Lincoln Avenue, Skokie, IL 60077-3335Phone: (847) 677-3334; Fax: (847) 677-3335Web Site: www.ethicalhuman.orgE-mail: office@ethicalhuman.org

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Ethical humanist sociEty

DECEMBER 2012 CALENDARThe office of the Society is openevery weekday - 10 am to 2 pm.

Call 847-677-3334 with any questions.

ethicalhuman.org

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

10:30 Erick HowEnstinE “The Evolution of Human Beings: A Geographer’s Perspective”12:15 - Ethical Humanities - Sunday Program Committee

10:30 AnnuAl wintEr FEstivAl 12:15 - Creative Writers

Film Discussion Group

7:15 p.m.

18 19

2 3 4 5 6 7

9 10 11 12 13 14BoArD oF trustEEs

7:15 p.m.

16 17 20 21

23 24 25 26 27 28

30 31 Sundays in January: Jan 6: Karl Haro Von Mogel; Jan 13: Stuart Brody; Jan 20: Martha Holstein; Jan 27: TBA

Golden Rule Sunday School: Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to Noon

10:30 AnDrEw sEiDEl “Debunking the Christian Nation Myth”12:15 - Newcomers Chat

2nD sAturDAy coFFEEHousE

8:00 p.m.

no proGrAm

8

15

22

29

no proGrAm

solsticE cElEBrAtion & BonFirE

6:00 p.m.