2011 - March back through January - Upcoming Events Archive

Wednesday, March 30th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Sara S.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"HIV & AIDS"

Our speaker Sunday told us that of 58 cities that engaged in last year's Dining Out for Life fundraiser for Effort for AIDS, St. Louis was ranked # 2 in funds raised! Let's use our moral imagination to discuss the many wide-ranging aspects of the spread of HIV and of AIDS in our community and the world. Is the media not playing it up as much as it used to? How about prevention of HIV? Do you know someone personally suffering from such diseases, including the suffering from the unpleasant and disruptive "cocktail" of drugs that is prescribed? What startling facts have you heard that you can share? How do these practical facts affect our personal morality? How do they affect our moral compassion for others?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, March 27th from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Potluck Dinner

It's Potluck Sunday! After the lecture, please 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 entrée to side dish to dessert.

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. (Please avoid any item that requires your attention from 11 to noon, since any sound in the kitchen is amplified into the room where our 11:00 a.m. program is in progress.)

Even if you don't bring a dish or beverage, at least bring your appetite! See you then!

The general public is invited.

Saturday, March 26th
Contact Kathy R. for meeting place and other arrangements
to get to Ronald McDonald House by 5 PM to begin cooking
at 4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108

Ronald McDonald House

"Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.

On the third Saturday of each month (this month being a rare exception), a crew from Ethical Society Mid Rivers prepares dinner at the West Pine location of Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis. We have been doing this for more than three years, and we have committed to continue through 2011.

Contact Kathy R. to participate in this worthwhile project and/or if you have questions.

Mark your calendar for these coming Saturdays:
16 Apr, 21 May, 18 Jun, 16 Jul, 20 Aug, 17 Sep, 15 Oct, 19 Nov, & 17 Dec

Check out the NEW, 300th Ronald McDonald House!
For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charity, click here.

Wednesday, March 23rd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Hannah Z.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
based on his book "Predictably Irrational"

Last Sunday we watched an incredible (and funny!) video (thoughtfully provided by Kathy R.) of some of the goofy ways people make choices. That is, human brains are structured so that we automatically make irrational choices. Yes, even us, the rational ones!

It takes great effort and attention to even recognize the times in which we think we are merely exercising our right of personal preference but actually are slavishly following cues in our environment. We'll watch this 17-minute video, then talk. The applications to our lives are endless. Let your imaginations roam. Here's the link: http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_ariely_asks_are_we_in_control_of_our_own_decisions.html.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, March 20th
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"What Is Wrong with Our Criminal Justice System?"

Our guest speaker will be Juvenile Court Judge
The Honorable Jimmie Edwards.

Please click here to view our flyer announcing this presentation.
(It is a .pdf file that will be opened by Adobe Acrobat.)

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Saturday, March 19th from 9:15 AM 'til ???
Meet at Arby's Roast Beef Restaurant
909 Robert Raymond Drive, Lake Saint Louis, 63367
Map

Ethical Action

Adopt-A-Highway

ESMR has adopted a stretch of highway (county road N) for roadside clean-up in O'Fallon.

To volunteer to help with this project, you can sign-up at our Meetup page.

ESMR members & their guests are invited.

Wednesday, March 16th from 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM
Host: Craig S.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"World Disaster and Our Responses"

Disaster and horror have struck us. Us, because we are humanity. Japan, of course -- an environmental disaster but now with potential man-made disaster in the form of nuclear reactors. And there are other places where we are being hurt. Libya, and other Middle East places of protest and put-down.

Of course, there are many tragedies that never make it into our awareness -- they affect smaller numbers of people or they are somehow invisible or less reported. The large-scale visible tragedies that make it into our awareness, however, seem to have a special quality. We're aware of the suffering of so many people, and we're aware of how many people worldwide are feeling the pangs of empathy. We know we're not alone. Collective grief. Let us come together to share our thoughts and our feelings with each other. What are some good short-term responses? What might be some good long-term responses?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, March 13th from 12:30 PM to ??
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

ESMR Board of Directors Meeting

Please submit reports and
additions to the agenda well in advance.
Board members, please notify if you will not be attending.

For members of the Board of Directors.
Other ESMR members are welcome to attend as observers

Sunday, March 13th
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Missouri Government:
Redistricting and Boards/Commissions"

Our guest speaker will be Cheryl Hibbeler.

Article III, Section 2 of the Missouri Constitution spells out the process for House reapportionment every 10 years after the Census. The Governor has 30 days from the date the nominees are submitted to choose representatives to the Missouri House Reapportionment Commission, and the reapportionment process begins 15 days after that. Cheryl’s name has been sent to the Governor from the 2nd Congressional Democratic Committee as one of two nominees for this commission.

Cheryl has served as a member of the St. Charles County Council from 2006 to 2010 and was previously an alderman in O'Fallon. She has also volunteered and organized for many non-profits and social service agencies in St Charles County, including Community Living Inc. for the past 25 years.

She was recently nominated by Gov. Nixon to serve on the Missouri Community Service Commission, pending Senate confirmation. The Governor has also appointed her to the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, March 13th from 10:00 AM 'til 10:30 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Delicious Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

"A Fun-Raiser Extraordinaire"

This Sunday we will be having another yummy all-you-can-eat pancake & sausage breakfast. Volunteers who are helping to cook need to be at the Brown Road building at 9:00. We will serve at 10:00 and stop serving at 10:30 so we can get ready for the Platform Presentation at 11:00.

$5 for adults, $1 for kids under 12.

Thanks so much for supporting our last breakfast, and we look forward to seeing you at this one!

The general public is invited.

Wednesday, March 9th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Sean H.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Our SEEK Kids' Ethics Promise"

When you hear this recited occasionally on a Sunday morning, what are your feelings about it? What's your first reaction? Love it, like it, indifferent? Would you change it? Does something seem to be missing? Fine for kids, inadequate for adults? Fine for adults, inadequate for kids?

Here's how it goes:

"Ethics is my way. I open my heart to love. I am grateful for today. I will be fair. I will be kind. I will share good that I find. I hurt when you hurt. I stand up for what is right. I see worth in everyone. I make the Earth better."

I invite anyone to send me a thought about this, especially if you are unable to attend Wednesday night, and after our discussion I will write back to you.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, March 6th 11:00 AM through 3:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Red Cross Blood Drive

We will be sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. instead of our regular meeting. Childcare will be provided.

The Red Cross is in dire need of blood. Mounting effects of severe winter weather have caused the lowest blood supply in a decade. If you are eligible to give blood, please help us support this worthy cause by making your appointment right away.

An easy online process allows you to make your appointment to donate in just a few minutes. This link will direct you to the Red Cross site to sign up: SIGN UP

You must pre-register on this givelife.org web site. An rsvp of Yes here is appreciated, but it does not complete the process.

Just a few notes:
1) If anemia has ever kept you from donating blood, Karen Blessing of the Red Cross suggests that you not drink tea several days in advance of your appointment. She also suggests Cream of Wheat to bolster your iron levels in preparation for your appointment.

2) We're committed to providing at least 25 successful donors, but if slots fill quickly, the Red Cross will provide additional staff to add more appointments. Please sign up early so they can plan accordingly, and encourage your friends and family to donate. They can use this same link to schedule an appointment.

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Monday, March 4th, from 7 PM to ?? PM
Host: Liz S.

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 warm & festive winter's evening with Society friends.

This month we will continue to take t-shirt donations for our Tee-Bags, which we will give away at our booth at the St. Louis Earth Day celebration in April.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, March 2nd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: John H. & Lionel

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Love and Anger"

"As you grew up, did you gain an impression about anger as a bad thing? A good thing? What's your sense of the relationship between anger and love? Have you known people driven by anger? Driven by love?

I touched on some aspects of this in my talk yesterday, but that was the tip of the iceberg, and just my view at the current time. What are your experiences and thoughts?"

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, February 27th from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Potluck Dinner

It's Potluck Sunday! After the lecture, please join us for lunch.

The general public is invited.

Sunday, February 27th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Loving Someone Unlovable: The Ultimate Test"

Some religious leader once said "Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you." It was that radical Jesus of Nazareth. Christian thinkers ever since have spilled a lot of ink trying to explain that one away.

Yet Felix Adler, founder of the Ethical Societies, basically implied the very same thing as that radical. Does his formulation need to be explained away and ignored too? Or is there some real insight here, not much used in ordinary life, not much used in ordinary ethical life? The speaker thinks so.

Drawing upon six different approaches to living, developed by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, an artist, a business organization consultant, an improvisationalist, and a modern-day mystic, a solution will be suggested as to how we really may love the unlovable. The key lies in our attitude toward the present moment, which is distinct from any future moment that is the aim of any plan. Planning and improvisation, structure and spontaneity, when harmonized, create a life that is joyous and worthwhile.

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, February 23rd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Sarah V. & Craig B.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"The Need for Good Police, Prosecutors, Defenders, and Judges"

Our speaker last Sunday, Ron Keine, told a horrific story of being accused of murder, being convicted, spending years on death row, and of being saved, just 9 days before his date of execution, by the confession of the true killer. How corrupt is our system of legal justice? Ron said that 2/3 of murder cases where the accused is found guilty are thrown out by higher courts, on grounds of prosecutorial malpractice. What are your experiences? What is the need for a good legal justice system? You can read about Ron Keine at www.witnesstoexcellence.org.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, February 20th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Witness to Innocence... from Death Row to Freedom"

Our guest speaker is Ron Keine. Ron was sent to Death Row in New Mexico for a heinous crime he did not commit, is now Assistant Director of Training and Communications for Witness to Innocence, the nation's only organization founded by, for and about exonerated death row prisoners.

Ron will share with us his powerful story of how he came to be on Death Row, what life was like while on "The Row", his exoneration, and his subsequent activism on ridding the death penalty from the United States, the last Western Democracy to practice capital punishment.

Click here to read Mr. Keine's bio...

Click here to read Ethical Society Mid Rivers Moratorium on the Death Penalty

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Saturday, February 19th
Contact Kathy R. for meeting place and other arrangements
to get to Ronald McDonald House by 5 PM to begin cooking
at 4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108

Ronald McDonald House

"Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.

On the third Saturday of each month, a crew from Ethical Society Mid Rivers cooks dinner at the West Pine location of Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis. We have been doing this for more than three years, and we have committed to continue through 2011.

Contact Kathy R. to participate in this worthwhile project and/or if you have questions.

Mark your calendar for these coming Saturdays:
26 Mar, & 16 Apr

Check out the NEW, 300th Ronald McDonald House!
For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charity, click here.

Wednesday, February 16th from 6:45 PM to 8:45 PM
Host: Chuck F.
St. Charles County Library - Deer Run Branch, Mtg Room A
1300 North Main Street
O' Fallon, MO 63366
(636) 978-3251

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"The Situation in Egypt"...

We will be continuing our discussion of the situation in Egypt.

If you wish, print out material from online to share. You might start with this recent article by William Rivers Pitt called “Robin Hood is Dead”:

www.truth-out.org/robin-hood-dead67679

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, February 13th from 12:30 PM to ??
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

ESMR Board of Directors Meeting

Sunday, February 13th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Revolution in Egypt"

Our leader, Bob Greenwell, was scheduled to speak on Sunday, 2/13, but he is still too ill to attend. In place of the previously planned program, we will be focusing our attention on the historic revolution in Egypt. We will spend the first part of the program summarizing the historical context, the events of the revolution, and the potential implications of these events. Then we will spend the rest of our time in an open discussion about this significant world event.

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, February 13th from 10:00 AM 'til 10:30 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Delicious Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

"A Fun-Raiser Extraordinaire"

$5 for adults, $1 for kids under 12.

Thanks so much for supporting our last breakfast, and we look forward to seeing you at this one!

The general public is invited.

Wednesday, February 9th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Patti & Rob M.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Compassion - Is It the Key?"

We will watch a 21-minute TED talk that Karen Armstrong gave in 2008 on "Compassion". The TED group names three TED Prize Winners each year out of the many TED talks given. Karen Armstrong was one of the three in 2008. She has come to the conclusion that the single most important thing for humans to focus on, if the world is to be saved from its own perdition, is compassion. We'll listen, and discuss, and form our own opinion. After this talk, Karen and others set up a project called "The Charter for Compassion".

Here's a link: http://charterforcompassion.org/site

Hundreds of organizations have partnered with it so far, and many thousands of individuals. Karen was urged to write a book about compassion, to clarify various aspects. It has 12 chapters, not long. The website publishes a study guide that reading groups can use. We may want to take a look at this and consider the possibility of doing LED as a 12-week study of the book.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, February 6th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Tools for Making Your Abode
and Your Actions
More Planet Friendly"

The federal tax credits for energy efficiency upgrades expired on January 1, but Missouri has a good program that came online this past October, and so does Ameren.

Craig will review these programs as well as some recent developments in recycling.

Craig Smith is a founding member of the Society and treasurer of our Board of Directors.

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, February 2nd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Mary G.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Compassion - Is It the Key?"

Cancelled due to weather & road conditions

We will watch a 21-minute TED talk that Karen Armstrong gave in 2008 on compassion. The TED group names three TED Prize Winners each year out of the many TED talks given. Karen Armstrong was one of the three in 2008. She has come to the conclusion that the single most important thing for humans to focus on, if the world is to saved from its own perdition, is compassion. We'll listen, and discuss, and form our own opinion.

After this talk, Karen and others set up a project called "The Charter for Compassion". Hundreds of organizations have partnered with it so far, and many thousands of individuals. Karen was urged to write a book about compassion, to clarify various aspects. It has 12 chapters, not long. The website publishes a study guide that reading groups can use. We may want to take a look at this and consider the possibility of doing LED as a 12-week study of the book.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, January 30th from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Potluck Dinner

It's Potluck Sunday! After the lecture, please join us for lunch.

The general public is invited.

Sunday, January 30th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"The Hope of Stem Cell Research"

Our speaker is Jim Goodwin, communications director of the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures. The hope of stem cell research unites a variety of Americans. Why? Because we all share a concern for the health and well-being of our families and friends.

Join Jim as he highlights medical advances that stem cell scientists are making in the fight against diabetes, Parkinson’s, macular degeneration, spinal cord injury, and other afflictions affecting our loved ones. You'll also learn about the different types of stem cell research and the advantages and challenges of each.

Jim Goodwin previously was a reporter and editor for 10 years in Missouri and Arizona, most recently serving as managing editor of a daily legal newspaper in St. Louis. Mr. Goodwin has also worked at the St. Louis Business Journal, Columbia Daily Tribune, and Springfield News-Leader, where he was chief of the newspaper's Missouri Capitol bureau. In his free time he enjoys hiking and kayaking with his wife and building "garages" out of giant Legos with their 2-year-old son.

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, January 26th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Liz S.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"What Does Communicating with People with Dementia Teach Us?"

We learned from our speaker (two Sundays ago), Cathy Paulsmeyer, that facts don't much matter when we are visiting someone with dementia. It might be a grandparent or a parent or a friend, but any concern you have about facts is only going to upset both you and them. Your desire should be to brighten the person's day, to warm their heart, to put a smile on their face, not to straighten them out as to what your relationship with them is. You have to learn to not get frustrated with repeating the same story many times, perhaps every visit. You learn to think of your story about them as a lucky tool you have that reliably warms their heart. We learn that when we go along with statements by them that we know are objectively false, or even complete fantasies, we are not abetting a lie (something unethical) but are compassionately joining them in their wordplay in a way that we hope nurtures their overall sense of hope and trust in life.

How much can we extend this to people who aren't suffering from full-blown dementia but who differ so much from us in their thinking that we think there's something wrong with them? People with anti-scientific beliefs. People with political views anathema to ours. People whose views or experiences place them at the fringe of "normal" society.

Is there a general ethical principle for compassionate communication?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, January 23th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"The Baha’i Religion"

Our speaker Lynn Dornfeld was raised in a WASP (her Mom was raised Catholic but got kicked out) USMC military family of 4 kids who settled in the Bitterroot Valley of MT. She came east to attend Lindenwood, where she met Bob, became a Baha'i, married, produced 5 marvelous (now grown) children (the last one born at home), and got degreed in International Montessori and elementary/early childhood education at UMSL. She currently teaches in the inner city's public Montessori school.

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, January 19th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Jen & Roger M.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"What does communicating with people with dementia teach us?"

Meeting was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions!

We learned from our speaker last Sunday, Cathy Paulsmeyer, that facts don't much matter when we are visiting someone with dementia. It might be a grandparent or a parent or a friend, but any concern you have about facts is only going to upset both you and them. Your desire should be to brighten the person's day, to warm their heart, to put a smile on their face, not to straighten them out as to what your relationship with them is. You have to learn to not get frustrated with repeating the same story many times, perhaps every visit. You learn to think of your story about them as a lucky tool you have that reliably warms their heart. We learn that when we go along with statements by them that we know are objectively false, or even complete fantasies, we are not abetting a lie (something unethical) but are compassionately joining them in their wordplay in a way that we hope nurtures their overall sense of hope and trust in life.

How much can we extend this to people who aren't suffering from full-blown dementia but who differ so much from us in their thinking that we think there's something wrong with them? People with anti-scientific beliefs. People with political views anathema to ours. People whose views or experiences place them at the fringe of "normal" society.

Is there a general ethical principle for compassionate communication?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, January 16th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

Our speaker will be Cathy Paulsmeyer, a friend of Dee Meyer’s who is active with the Alzheimer’s Society. Cathy’s parents both suffered from Alzheimer’s, so she had to educate herself about the disease.

As you can imagine, she has many experiences and insights to share. Cathy will also discuss how to communicate with people who are developing the disease.

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Saturday, January 15th
Contact Kathy R. for meeting place and other arrangements
to get to Ronald McDonald House by 5 PM to begin cooking
at 4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108

Ronald McDonald House

"Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.

Mark your calendar for these coming Saturdays:
19 Feb, 26 Mar, & 16 Apr

Check out the NEW, 300th Ronald McDonald House!
For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charity, click here.

Wednesday, January 12th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Dee M.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Is 'Being Organized' a Big Virtue?"

Last Sunday our speaker, Patrice Mullins, a very engaging speaker and likable person, presented a strategy for getting what you want. Boiling it down: Get Organized!

She said, first, start with a definite destination in mind. Definite as in clearly and specifically defined. Then figure out your steps to get there, and the micro-steps to take those steps, structure your time down to every hour of the day, and use all kinds of techniques to motivate yourself to actually follow through, step by step.

If anyone thinks I've exaggerated, come and make your case!

My question is, if one definite destination of myself is to have a stronger ethical character than I have now, am I ethically obliged to get as organized about it as Ms. Mullins asserts?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, January 9th from 12:30 PM to ??
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

ESMR Board of Directors Meeting

Sunday, 09 January from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Begin with a Destination in Mind"

Patrice Mullins will speak about her transformational model called "Begin with a Destination in Mind", bringing us a blend of proven success principles that help us "lift-off our goals". (What a perfect way to kick off our new personal improvement projects for 2011.)

Patrice Mullins, formerly Chief Pilot Mullins, knows a little something about S.W.E.A.T™ as it relates to these success tips: Maintain a Sense of humor, Work hard, Encourage Enthusiasm, Adapt to any situation, and Trust your Team.

After becoming the first female to graduate at the top of her class in the history of the Greater St. Louis Police Academy, and receiving recognition as First in Firearms, Patrice took her love of flying and aviation into a dream job as the first female police officer to become a helicopter pilot (in the United States for a law enforcement agency). At age 27 in 1984, she began to fly air patrol over the St. Louis metro region, now the nation’s largest geographical region in airborne law enforcement covering 1200 square miles.

Patrice was a member of the SWAT Team for 10 years and was an active part of responding to hostage crises, and other high-risk tactical situations. Upon retiring after serving 28 years with the St Louis County Police Department, Patrice is bringing her hard-earned experience and wisdom to groups of all sizes by sharing stories of survival, of overcoming obstacles, and of re-inventing oneself. The police department named Feb. 1 as Patrice Officer Patrice Mullins Day in honor of her many years of service. Nominated for TV’s America’s Most Wanted Heroes Award, and nominations for a Missouri First Lady’s Award and an Athena Award, Patrice’s energetic style and presentation model have inspired hundreds of organizations and individuals nationwide. She is a Purple Heart Award recipient who remains humble and ready to serve others while winning people over with her down-to-earth style and approach. She is a published author in the new anthology called The Seven Points of Impact under the section on Life Mission.

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, January 9th from 10:00 AM 'til 10:30 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Delicious Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

"A Fun-Raiser Extraordinaire"

$5 for adults, $1 for kids under 12.

Thanks so much for supporting our last breakfast, and we look forward to seeing you at this one!

The general public is invited.

Wednesday, January 05th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Beth & Roy B.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"How Does Science Help Ethics?"

Last Sunday we heard a podcast of Bill Nye The Science Guy speaking humorously but seriously about the need for a renewed appreciation of science in our country.

We agree wholeheartedly. But how does science actually benefit ethics? How does a scientific fact ever translate into an ethical value? In philosophy, there's a very influential strain of thought that says "You can't get ought from is". I personally think that strain of thought is a strain. But who can think of examples where true facts about the world have aided in their ethical choices or behaviors?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, January 2nd from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Humanist of the Year Award"

We will listen to the very funny Bill Nye (yes, the Science Guy) accepting his Humanist of the Year Award from the American Humanist Association, followed by discussion. The Spring issue of the AHA Newsletter, Free Mind, offered this introduction to Bill Nye:

"Writer, actor, inventor, and public science educator Bill Nye . . . (is) best known for his Emmy Award-winning popular children’s science show of the mid-1990s, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Nye has long been an advocate for public understanding of science and the environment. His received his degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell, and prior to his career in television he worked at Boeing and did consulting work in the aerospace industry.

He is the host of three currently running television series: The 100 Greatest Discoveries, which airs on the Science Channel, The Eyes of Nye, on PBS, and Stuff Happens on the Planet Green channel, about environmentally responsible choices that consumers can make in their day-to-day lives. He also serves as the vice president of The Planetary Society, and he speaks around the world on the organization’s behalf. He is the author of five children’s science books, holds three patents, and is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including three Emmys."

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.