Archive of Upcoming Events
2007 - April through June
The sequence of events are listed from most recent to the oldest. All hyperlinks have
been left as they were on the original Upcoming Events page, but it is possible that they may have become
obsolete after the event had been archived onto this page.
Thursday, 28 June from 7 PM to about 9 PM Non-Profit Development Center
Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters
Crucial Conversations Study Group
Crucial Conversation (kroo-shel
kan-vur-sashen)n.
A discussion between two or more people where (1)
the stakes are high, (2) opinions vary, and (3) emotions run strong.
With Bob Greenwell being more of a guide than professor, we are venturing
forth on an exciting journey through the Land of Crucial Conversations!
Jun 28 - Foreword (pp. xi-xiv) and chapters 1-4 (pp. 1-63)
Jul 12 - Chapter 5
Jul 19 - Chapter 6
Jul 26 - Chapter 7
Aug 02 - Chapters 8-11
Aug 09 - Chapter 12 and Whatever we need to do to master the skills.
Wednesday, 27 June from 7 PM to 9 PM Host: Sara
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: "Finding Humor"
What's your experience? Many possibilities here.
How do you find the silver lining in dark clouds? But without avoiding avoiding. That is, how do you
stay aware of the dark cloud (and take serious action) and find humor? Do you have a humor routine, akin to
what we did on the Retreat with a "Wake Up With Humor Gathering" early Saturday and
Sunday morning.
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Sunday, 24 June 2007 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
Closed for Members Retreat
For additional information, contact Mr. Bob Greenwell
by email.
22 thru 24 June 2007
(from Friday afternoon thru Sunday afternoon) Sinai Retreat Center is 6 miles west of Lesterville, MO
and about 10 miles southwest of Johnson Shut-Ins
ESMR Members' Retreat at Sinai
The Retreat is an extremely important event in the life of our group. Try to attend! We will ask only
$30 per person, which covers two night's lodging at Sinai Retreat Center in Southeast MO, where we have held our
Retreats before, and it's great. We bring our own food.
Contact: Tony & Pam Aiello 573.648.2544.
Pam work 573.648.2498 x21, pann_aiello@yahoo.com
At same work phone number is 3rd owner, Pam’s sister, Kathy Zimmerman, cousin of Tim Walsh, close friend of Kevin
Shults.
Invitation exclusively open to members of the Society.
Please RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Wednesday, 20 June from 7 PM to 9 PM Host: Dee
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: "Eating Good, Eating Bad"
Are there foods you will not eat? Is your reason an emotional one ("Worms! Yuck!"), a health
reason (no wheat gluten?), an ethical reason (cows are sacred).
What would be an ethical reason for not eating something?
The other side of this question is at least as interesting: What would be an ethical reason for eating
something? What about the pleasures of eating?
In the magic of our group's conversation, maybe something will emerge which Dee can use as a preface for our
Ethical Society cookbook that she is organizing. Hey! Bring along a recipe tonight to give her!
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Tuesday, 19 June from 7 PM to about 9 PM Non-Profit Development Center
Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters
PFLAG
A support group for anyone who has a gay family member or friend
and would like to meet others in the same situation.
Please plan to attend!
Regularly meets the third Tuesday of every month. The general public is invited
Phone (636) 928-5639 and/or email StCharlesPFLAG@aol.com
Sunday, 17 June from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"An Ethical Diet?
Corporatization, Democracy, and the Security of Our Food"
Chris Wimmer is owner of a small organic farm in Wentzville called The Farm at Kraut Run.
He has a B.S. in Agronomy and has been growing organic produce and giving educational field trips for adults &
children since 1995. He will first describe the corporate business model in relation to democracy and then move
into a larger discussion of food security and the trade-offs people have to make while choosing what food to eat.
He will draw upon information in Michael Pollan's book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, named one of
the ten best books of 2006 by the New York Times.
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Saturday, 16 June starting at 4 PM Convene at 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters for carpool
at 4 PM,
arrive at Ronald McDonald House about 5 PM to begin cooking,
serve din-din at 6 PM, & depart at 7:30 PM
4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108
Ronald McDonald House
"Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.
Heads UP!!! One or two more volunteers are still needed! Contact Kathy R. to volunteer and/or if you have questions.
Mark your calendar for these Saturdays: 16 Jun, 21 Jul, 18
Aug, 15 Sep, 20 Oct, 17 Nov, & 15 Dec.
For more information about the Ronald McDonald
House Charity, click
here
Wednesday, 13 June from 7 PM to 9 PM Hosts: Chris & Dave
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: Free-for-All (anything goes)...
Our regular moderators are out of town this evening, so there might be a bit more effort for those
in attendance this session. But, since there is no specific topic, we all have a bit more latitude/freedom,
too! What's really on your mind? What is something you probably wouldn't be able to talk about if we
had a specified topic?
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Sunday, 10 June from 12:15 PM to ?? 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
Society Council
For members of the Society Council.
Other ESMR members may attend as
observers.
Sunday, 10 June from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"Morality and the Human Family"
Harvard psychologist Marc Hauser has published a book titled, Moral Minds: How Nature
Designed Our Universal Sense of Right and Wrong. Bob Greenwell will share some of Marc Hauser's
main points and also take a look at a critique by philosopher Richard Rorty.
Mr. Greenwell will then delve into the intriguing question "What
is the difference between 'moral' and 'legal' anyway?"
"It's not so difficult to get when you adopt the frame of what's good for the family of humanity."
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Wednesday, 06 June from 7 PM to 9 PM Hosts: Liz & Chris
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: "Dare We Talk Health Insurance"
It's taboo in our country to discuss your own personal income or ask others what their income
is. It's nearly as taboo to ask about someone's insurance, of all kinds. How much insurance you have
is like a proxy for how much income or wealth you have.
Do we dare talk with each other frankly about our insurance or lack of it? Specifically, I'd like to talk
about health insurance. What kind do you have? How much does it cost? What does it cover?
Are you at risk to lose it? Do you have no health insurance? How are you covered by the government
(our representative of the common will to raise the welfare of all)?
Last Sunday I talked about how a general fund of insurance is the only way to provide equitable medical care for
all of us in the U.S. human family. (The world human family and it's medical need is an even larger issue,
but my focus for this discussion is our insurance in our own country.)
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Monday, 04 June 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Little Hills Winery & Restaurant
501 South Main Street
in Historic St. Charles 63301
phone: 636.946.9339 map
Set in the small (fictional) German town of Burgdorf from 1915 - 1951,
this compassionate novel centers on Trudi Montag, a bright, observant, and articulate young woman who is also
a zwerg, a dwarf. Born to a mentally ill mother who dies when Trudi is three, Trudi is at first
bewildered by her small size, hanging from doorframes to "stretch" her arms and legs, praying that she will
become more like other children, and believing that if she is truly good, God will help her.
Though a circus dwarf once comforts her by describing a fantasyland filled with gold and jewels, where everyone
is a zwerg, Trudi finds that real life is not so magical. She is physically and emotionally assaulted,
and, as a teenager, watches in horror as the Nazis come to power and assault and later "deport" her Jewish
friends, who are now considered "different". Trudi's experience of her own "otherness"
makes her a sympathetic friend and active supporter of the local Jews, and Hegi evokes great power by
connecting the overwhelming Nazi horrors with the life of one small person in one small community.
Through Trudi, Burgdorf's citizens come alive--those who befriend her and those who reject her, those who
support her efforts to help the Jews and those who don't, and those who pity her and those who are inspired by
her.
Throughout the novel, Hegi shows the power of storytelling to influence lives. Trudi works in her
father's pay-library, and she is the community's best known storyteller, creating entertaining and lively
stories that teach lessons, especially during the war years. But Trudi is no Pollyanna--she also uses
her storytelling as a weapon against those who offend her, wreaking her own brand of personal vengeance.
As the novel evolves, her childhood companions come and go. Some remain stalwart friends, and some
change with the times. She matures emotionally, falls in love, and becomes part of the community's rebuilding
after the war.
Hegi, who lived in Germany until she was eighteen, includes the small details of German life that bring the
community and Trudi to life. Her depiction of war-time horrors is honest, and the stories of Trudi's
Jewish friends are heart-breaking in their realism. Despite the sadness inherent in the times, however,
Hegi is often lyrical in her celebrations of happiness, and Trudi's stories are often enchanting.
Incorporating universal themes of love and hatred, life and death, strength and weakness, and acceptance and
rejection, Hegi creates a novel that is as powerful on its second reading as it is on its first.
The general public is invited.
For more information and/or to be added to the mailing list, contact:
Bill F. at elBillo@yahoo.com
Sunday, 03 June from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"National Health Care – Pro and Con"
Who loves our national health care? People who are sick? People who are doctors?
People who are insurance execs? People who own insurance stock?
Bob Greenwell will present both
sides of the argument — those for a nationalized health insurance with no third-party insurers, and those for
private health insurers in competition. The goal is to understand both sides thoroughly. Then you can
decide for yourself, and think, speak, and vote accordingly.
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Friday, 01 June from 7 PM to ?? PM Host: Dierdre
KnitWits
Par-Tay !!!
As always, lively conversation obliterates the sound of
clicking knitting needles!
And nearby, there's a boisterous game or two, stimulating and challenging
your brain-stuff.
Bring appetizer or snack or dessert, and something to drink, and maybe
a game to play, and enjoy a festive Springtime evening with Society friends.
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Wednesday, 30 May from 7 PM to 9 PM Host: John
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: "The Good of Aging What's your experience?"
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Sunday, 27 May from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Pot Luck Dinner
It's Pot Luck Sunday!
After the lecture, please stay and join us for lunch.
First-time visitors are invited to attend and bring no food item for
the table. Others: bring a dish, any dish, from soup to salad
to sandwich to entree to side dish to dessert. Bring an item that
doesn't require your attention from 11 to noon, since any sound in the
kitchen is magnified into the room where our 11:00 a.m. program is in
progress. The oven is available to keep things warm, and a large
'fridge to keep things cool, and there are lots of outlets for crockpots,
etc.; and the microwave is available right after the Lecture ends.
Even if you don't bring a dish or beverage, at least bring your appetite!
See you then!
The general public is invited.
Sunday, 27 May from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"Aging and Living"
If you’re crotchety as a young person, you’re probably going to be crotchety as an old person.
But that’s not the only path to becoming crotchety as an old person. You can be amiable and happy as a young
person but become crotchety and miserable as an old person. Yet aging should be a process of becoming wiser
and more serene, shouldn’t it? But why should it be? So asks the speaker Bob Greenwell, who will speak
from his experience as a counselor, as a student and practitioner of meditative arts, as a devotee of the works of
Alan Watts, and as an appreciative reader of Andrew Weil’s recent book Healthy Aging.
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Wednesday, 23 May - 7:00 PM Saint Peters City Hall One Saint Peters Centre Blvd Saint Peters, MO 63376
A Special Wednesday Evening Event
"Forgotten Seniors: Making Connections with Those in Need of Simple Fellowship"
Many people in retirement homes have no friends or family left to visit them regularly.
Physical needs are met, but not the need for simple human friendship. Senior Connections trains volunteers
to visit such people each week, becoming friends.
Senior Connections is a program of the Singer
Institute, an independent nonprofit begun in St. Louis by Suzanne Singer. Ethical Society Mid
Rivers has committed to help bring this needed program to St. Charles. At present, Senior Connections has
over fifty "relational volunteers" from churches, organizations, and the Ethical Society of St. Louis.
The presentation will be given by Ellen Brasunas, M.Ed., a trainer for Senior Connections, and by
two of the current relational volunteers, Alan Ranford and Patty Wirth.
Let your local retirement centers know!
The general public is invited to attend.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Sunday, 20 May from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"Healing Social Despair"
The middle class, which is the glue that holds the entire American community together, is being
hollowed out. People are more and more separated from one another. This is on top of people being
separated from the land, from living in nature, and from their own organic nature. The result is a
widespread feeling that largely goes unnamed, for it has been developing for over a century. The name is
social despair. When social despair rises to a critical threshold, movements arise that scream for
authority, for black-and-white answers, and for identification with a group taken as good, in stark opposition
to a group taken as evil. Healing the underlying social despair takes courage, vision, compassion, and a
rootedness in being that is itself secure against succumbing to the same despair.
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Saturday, 19 May starting at 4 PM Convene at 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters for carpool
at 4 PM,
arrive at Ronald McDonald House about 5 PM to begin cooking,
serve din-din at 6 PM, & depart at 7:30 PM
4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108
Ronald McDonald House
"Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.
Heads UP!!! One or two more volunteers are still needed! Contact Kathy R. to volunteer and/or if you have questions.
Mark your calendar for these Saturdays: 19 May, 16 Jun, 21 Jul, 18
Aug, 15 Sep, 20 Oct, 17 Nov, & 15 Dec.
For more information about the Ronald McDonald
House Charity, click
here
Friday, 18 May from 7 PM to about 9 PM St. Charles Justice Center
1781 Zumbehl (at intersection with Hawksnest & Graystone roads)
Friday Nite Free Film Series
"Shut Up and Sing: Story of the Dixie Chicks"
"Freedom of Speech is fine... as long as you don't do it in music."
On stage at a 2003 London concert, Natalie Maines, lead singer of Texan trio the Dixie Chicks, spoke
these 15 words to a small audience at the start of their sold-out international tour: "Just so you know, we're
ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." The comment was delivered on the eve of the
American invasion of Iraq, and drew cheers from the decidedly anti-war and anti-Bush British crowd. It was an
off the cuff remark typical of the lead singer’s temperament. Natalie and fellow Dixie Chicks Martie Maguire
and Emily Robison, thought little of it. But history and this film demonstrate that at this heightened moment
of political polarization in the United States, many people did care, and empowered this simple, yet loaded remark to
carry serious and longstanding ramifications.
From The Weinstein Company, Cabin Creek Films, and two time Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Barbara
Kopple and Cecelia Peck, it chronicles the lives of the Dixie Chicks from 2003 to the start of their 2006 tour.
All the highs, lows and mayhem that occurred just before and for the three years following "the
incident" are all here. The personal attacks, personal growth, a changing world, making music,
having babies, receiving death threats, and even a fair amount of laughter.
Invitation open to the general public.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Wednesday, 16 May from 7 PM to 9 PM Hosts: Maureen & Brian
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: "When Religion Becomes Political"
Who do you know personally who translates a religious belief they have into a political stand?
What ideals do you hold that you believe should be translated into laws for everyone?
Is there a difference between (a) holding an ethical value and wanting the laws and customs of
the land to reflect that value, and (b) holding a religious value and wanting the same thing?
Jerry Falwell died Tuesday, 15 May. Let us honor the potential humanity that was in him, while mourning the
harm he did to humanity. He exemplified the danger of religion turning political. Or did he really?
Isn't it more often the case that those with a will to power wrap themselves in religion and make it look like it is
religion that it extending itself too far? We will read a commentary that came to the PFLAG circles and was
passed on to me by Jill, called "Death of a Salesman".
This evening can be a practice in feeling compassion for someone with whom we radically disagreed and probably
tolerated too much.
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Tuesday, 15 May from 7 PM to about 9 PM Non-Profit Development Center
Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters
PFLAG
A support group for anyone who has a gay family member or friend
and would like to meet others in the same situation.
Please plan to attend!
Regularly meets the third Tuesday of every month. The general public is invited
Phone (636) 928-5639 and/or email StCharlesPFLAG@aol.com
Sunday, 13 May from 12:15 PM to ?? 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
Society Council
For members of the Society Council.
Other ESMR members may attend as
observers.
Sunday, 13 May from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"On Not Tolerating Intolerance Part II: The Oxymoron of Political Religion"
When religious faith turns outward, it can be a beautiful thing, resulting in brotherly love (and
sisterly love) for fellow human beings... or it can be an ugly thing. Absolutes that serve a good purpose
within the religion can be foisted upon other people. Sublime interiority and spirituality can be forcibly
translated into political rules that infringe upon others' freedom. Christianity has many beautiful forms,
but the Christian right, a political religion, is an oxymoron.
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Mother's Day for Peace video
Dear friends & visitors,
Chocolate or flowers? What kind of flowers? Maybe a plant...
In the past, these have been the most profound questions for many of us around Mother's Day. And now, thanks
to some wonderful friends, our eyes have been opened. The original Mother's Day was not conceived to sell us
stuff we don't need, it was a day started by mothers to bring warfare to an end!
Julia Ward Howe, the author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, wrote the original
Mother's Day Proclamation in 1870 calling upon the women of the world to unite for peace.
She had just witnessed the carnage of the American Civil War and the start of the Franco-Prussian War.
In honor and respect for the real Mother's Day we bring you a 21st century reading of the proclamation with
Vanessa Williams, Felicity Huffman, Christine Lahti, Alfre Woodward, Fatma Saleh, Ashraf Salimian, and Gloria
Steinem.
Friday, 11 May from 7 PM to ?? PM Host: Mary
KnitWits
Par-Tay !!!
As always, lively conversation obliterates the sound of
clicking knitting needles!
And nearby, there's a boisterous game or two, stimulating and challenging
your brain-stuff.
Bring appetizer or snack or dessert, and something to drink, and maybe
a game to play, and enjoy a festive Springtime evening with Society friends.
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Wednesday, 09 May from 7 PM to 9 PM Hosts: Liz & Craig
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: "Intolerating Intolerance"'
Continuing Sunday's talk, we will watch substantial portions
of Chris Hedges on video. Gripping stuff. He is the author
of the book American Fascists: The Christian Right and the
War on America. He also has a recent article, published today
online at Common Dreams, called "The Greates
Threat to Choice" where he goes into the Christian Right's
war on women's choice. It's not the specific focus of our discussion,
but It's pertinent and gives you a taste of Hedges' writing. It's
at: link to Common Dreams
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests. If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Sunday, 05 May from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"Intolerating Intolerance"
This talk aims to accomplish three things. One is
to get across the intellectual idea that liberal tolerance of intolerance
is not liberal, ethical, smart, or noble. Second is to empower
people to immunize themselves against feeling guilty for not tolerating
intolerant people. Third is to give those present a practical
skill or two—what to do when someone says or does something intolerant
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Saturday, 05 May Doors open at 6:30 PM, Play begins at 7:00 PM
Y'all Come! Invitation is open to the general
public!
Please RSVP Ms. Leigh Jenkins
telephone: 636.699.9296 or by email.
Wednesday, 02 May from 7 PM to 9 PM Hosts: Beth & Roy
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: "Anything Goes"
Anything ethical, or relevant to ethical, or more precisely,
relevant to the fellowship of humanity.
In the closing moments of the Book Club meeting on Monday evening, Beth
& Chuck considered a topic that addresses when one should make the
decision to seek professional help in dealing with some family situations.
Bob Greenwell will be in Evansville, Indiana, to spend time with his
father who is recuperating from a total right-hip replacement, but Kathleen
Greenwell will be there to moderate the discussion.
Bob says, "Have a great discussion together!"
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Monday, 30 April from 7 PM to almost 9 PM Panera
Bread Company
6185 Mid Rivers Mall Drive
St. Peters, MO 63304
(In the strip mall just a bit North of Hwy 94)
Fahrenheit
451, Ray Bradbury's classic, frightening vision of the
future, firemen don't put out fires--they start them in order to burn
books. Bradbury's vividly painted society holds up the appearance
of happiness as the highest goal--a place where trivial information
is good, and knowledge and ideas are bad. Fire Captain Beatty
explains it this way, "Give the people contests they win by remembering
the words to more popular songs.... Don't give them slippery stuff like
philosophy or sociology to tie things up with. That way lies melancholy."
Guy Montag is a book-burning fireman undergoing a crisis of faith.
His wife spends all day with her television "family," imploring
Montag to work harder so that they can afford a fourth TV wall.
Their dull, empty life sharply contrasts with that of his next-door
neighbor Clarisse, a young girl thrilled by the ideas in books, and
more interested in what she can see in the world around her than in
the mindless chatter of the tube. When Clarisse disappears mysteriously,
Montag is moved to make some changes, and starts hiding books in his
home. Eventually, his wife turns him in, and he must answer the
call to burn his secret cache of books. After fleeing to avoid
arrest, Montag winds up joining an outlaw band of scholars who keep
the contents of books in their heads, waiting for the time society will
once again need the wisdom of literature.
The general public is invited.
For more information and/or to be added to the mailing list, contact:
Bill F. at elBillo@yahoo.com
Sunday, 29 April from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Pot Luck Dinner
It's Pot Luck Sunday!
After the lecture, please stay and join us for lunch.
First-time visitors are invited to attend and bring no food item for
the table. Others: bring a dish, any dish, from soup to salad
to sandwich to entree to side dish to dessert. Bring an item that
doesn't require your attention from 11 to noon, since any sound in the
kitchen is magnified into the room where our 11:00 a.m. program is in
progress. The oven is available to keep things warm, and a large
'fridge to keep things cool, and there are lots of outlets for crockpots,
etc.; and the microwave is available right after the Lecture ends.
Even if you don't bring a dish or beverage, at least bring your appetite!
See you then!
The general public is invited.
Sunday, 29 April from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"Composting for Better Food"
Our guest speaker is organic farmer and ESMR member, Chris
Wimmer.
Anyone can compost. It’s relatively easy. But why?
Better food may be the best answer. Composting brings forth food
that is better in taste, cookability, and health nutrients. Forget
the benefits of localizing the economy and reducing energy use, think
mouth-watering food! Chris Wimmer owns and operates a ten-acre
farm from top to bottom. He will explain composting of all kinds, and
be joined by homebuilder Craig Smith to demonstrate simple composting
by ordinary folk with ordinary homes.
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Wednesday, 25 April from 7 PM to 9 PM Host: Hannah
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: "When Death Intervenes"
How has the death of someone close affected you? How have you learned to relate to the loss
in a way that strengthens you? How has it affected your perspective on life, or your overall feeling about
life?
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Sunday, 22 April from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"Living After Climate Collapse"
Americans depend for their lifestyle on plentiful and
cheap oil, and on a stable world climate. Unfortunately, oil will
soon start to become more and more scarce, and the world climate is
approaching severe instability. In 1929, people responded to the
stock market crash by jumping out of high windows and killing themselves.
Others however buckled down, made drastic changes in goals, expectations,
and lifestyle, and found a way to make a life. How will Americans
in the near future respond? Will we do with less electricity,
fewer cars, less travel, less plastic? How will change in temperature,
climate, ocean currents, and severity of weather affect us? The
irony is that the high lifestyle of America has failed to bring high
happiness. A challenge that forces us to bring out deeper inner
resources may actually be a chance to live more fully and happily.
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Saturday, 21 April starting at 4 PM Convene at 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters for carpool
at 4 PM,
arrive at Ronald McDonald House about 5 PM to begin cooking,
serve din-din at 6 PM, & depart at 7:30 PM
4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108
Ronald McDonald House
"Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
Contact Kathy R. to volunteer and/or if you have questions.
Next date after 21 April is Saturday, 19 May
For more information about the Ronald McDonald
House Charity, click
here
Friday, 20 April from 7 PM to about 9 PM St. Charles Justice Center
1781 Zumbehl (at intersection with Hawksnest & Graystone roads)
This deeply moving film derives power based on the true story of a black South African who does everything possible,
no matter how degrading, to get by within an immoral system, but becomes radicalized almost despite himself.
While Catch a Fire stays tightly focused on the collateral harm caused by apartheid, it draws
parallels with the accelerated recruitment of terrorists since the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
Invitation open to the general public.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Wednesday, 18 April - 7:00 to 9:00 PM Saint Peters City Hall One Saint Peters Centre Blvd Saint Peters, MO 63376
A Special Wednesday Evening Event
"Your Child’s Character: What You Need to Know"
Our guest speaker is Judy Owens, Project Coordinator of
CHARACTERplus!
Children’s academic performance goes up, earned self-confidence goes up, discipline problems go down, when
schools integrate character education in specific ways, according to a newly released four-year study. The
improvements have been called "astounding!"
Judy Owens will explain the scientific results that
were obtained, demonstrate how the program actually works in the schools, give the audience a hands-on taste of what
is done, and speak to the satisfying cooperation that develops among families, schools, and community.
Parents, grandparents, educators, and all people concerned for
humanity's future, are invited to attend.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Tuesday, 17 April from 7 PM to about 9 PM Non-Profit Development Center
Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters
PFLAG
A support group for anyone who has a gay family member or friend
and would like to meet others in the same situation.
Please plan to attend!
Regularly meets the third Tuesday of every month. The general public is invited
Phone (636) 928-5639 and/or email StCharlesPFLAG@aol.com
Sunday, 15 April from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"Giving Birth: An Act of Hope"
To begin the proceedings at 11, we will enjoy a "Baby-Naming Ceremony"
in which we, the Ethical Society community, welcome the new baby into the world, acknowledge the name he is being
given by his parents, and celebrate the occasion.
Our guest speaker is teacher, journalism-trained mom, and ESMR Member Liz Reckker! She kept an
occasional journal of thoughts and musings during her pregnancy. What is the process like—physically, emotionally,
and mentally? What kind of world is it into which she and her husband are bringing a new child? Is it so
bad, so scary, that a moral argument might be made against subjecting any new life to the ordeal?
Liz gave birth to a healthy child over a month ago, and she will share her reflections in a very personal
presentation.
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Wednesday, 11 April from 7 PM to 9 PM Hosts: Jill & Bill
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: "Namecalling & Slandering, Public & Private"
Don Imus, radio talk show host, called the players on the Rutgers University girls basketball team
"nappy-headed ho's". He's being criticized and roundly reprimanded in the nation's press.
When does "friendly ribbing" become insulting?
Can you think of a time in your life when you felt really hurt inside because someone called you a bad name, when
you couldn't really shake it off, even if you tried to not show it? Or another time when friends called
you something that might sound mean to outsiders but actually made you feel good and part of the group?
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Sunday, 08 April from 12:15 PM to ?? 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
Society Council
For members of the Society Council.
Other ESMR members may attend as
observers.
Sunday, 08 April from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"Dirty Politics: Compromise, Principle, Activism"
Politicians are at very low ebb in the public eye these days. Their job is gargantuan.
Democrats wrangle among themselves over what kind of bill to send to the President—fund the war, not fund it,
fund it but place conditions. Shall it be compromise or principle? How can an ethical view be
attained?
The historical case of Abraham Lincoln and his evolving positions will be examined.
Then the example of activist Larry Kramer (founder of the infamous
ACT UP) will be explored.
These two cases suggest the positive role of public activism in aiding politicians who have to make the compromise choices,
so that these compromises edge closer to an ethical ideal.
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Friday, 06 April from 7 PM to ?? PM Hosts: Jill & Bill
KnitWits
Par-Tay !!!
As always, lively conversation obliterates the sound of
clicking knitting needles!
And nearby, there's a boisterous game or two, stimulating and challenging
your brain-stuff.
Bring appetizer or snack or dessert, and something to drink, and maybe
a game to play, and enjoy a festive Springtime evening with Society friends.
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Wednesday, 04 April from 7 PM to 9 PM Host: Dee
Living Ethics Discussion
the topic is: "Being a Fool"
When have you ever had a great prank pulled on you? Or go further and talk about a time you
were truly embarrassed or made a fool of yourself. C'mon, I know it's happend to all of us. If it was
so severe that it wouldn't be appropriate to talk about, you have probably repressed it anyway. That is, if
you can remember it, you can share it!
But why? It's an exercise in personal freedom from one's own pretensions. Owning up to foolishness
or fooledness only puts our true dignity in sharper relief.
Invitation open to members of the Society and
their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Sunday, 01 April from 11:00 AM 'til Noon 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.
(roadmap)
Sunday Lecture Series
"Wisdom of Alan Watts – Readings and Appreciation"
Alan Watts shot into prominence in the 1960’s and his
writings continue to inspire many today. He had a unique way of
combining humor with profundity. He could turn a mind by turning
a phrase. A reading from his essay "Who Am I"
will be presented, along with an appreciation and how to take hold of
what is permanent in his thought.
April 1 is "April Fools Day," of course, and Alan Watts would
have appreciated that.
The general public is
invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
Looking for more to do and see? Here is a list of
Upcoming Events not directly associated with
Ethical Society Mid Rivers!
Art Saint Louis Gallery presents: "Forces of Nature"
917 Locust Street, Saint Louis 63101
FREE & open to the public 14 May through 28 June
Mondays through Fridays, 10 AM - 5 PM & Saturdays, 10 AM - 4 PM,
Closed Sundays & holidays (including 26 & 28 May)
ESMR member Audrey Clare's painting "The Atmospheric
Play" is among the 61 juried selections from 122
artworks submitted by 76 artists to be part of the gallery's exhibit.
For more info, click on: artstlouis.net
The Retreat is an extremely important event in the life of our group. Try to attend! We will ask only
$30 per person, which covers two night's lodging at Sinai Retreat Center in Southeast MO, where we have held our
Retreats before, and it's great. We bring our own food.
"An Ethical Diet? 
Society Council
It's Pot Luck Sunday!
"Forgotten Seniors: Making Connections with Those in Need of Simple Fellowship"
Art Saint Louis Gallery presents: