Volume 4, Issue 11, November 1, 2012

NOTICE

Superstorm Sandy left behind a massive trail of destruction across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Initial estimates suggest the powerful storm has claimed at least 51 lives and caused up to $20 billion in damage. Except for rain and high winds, our immediate area suffered little damage but the bridge to Outer Banks is closed, and it will be weeks before it is fully repaired. We must come together to help heal the sick and rebuild devastated communities by donating blood and financial aid. Please contact the following agencies to contribute. Thank you.

American Red Cross
Salvation Army
Habitat for Humanity
Community Food Bank of New Jersey
Direct Relief International
NYC Mayor's Fund
AmeriCares
Foodbank NYC
Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (New Jersey)

NOVEMBER 4

"November 6 Election: The Future of Our Country"
Group Discussion

The upcoming election is a close race for all candidates, its outcome unknown. Reputable poll analysts all project Obama wins the majority of electoral college votes but caution against betting on it. Democrat Congressional winners are too volatile to call. Polling also indicates the undecided compose a large enough percentage of voters to toss the results in either direction, and there is no way to measure who they will ultimately select. Even this close to the election, circumstances can arise that push the winners to one side or the other. What our future holds depends on the outcome, and each vote counts.

Obama has been a disappointment to many. His campaign platform for change was ambitious but he implemented little of what he proposed. What had you hoped he would accomplish and what has he failed to do? Do you believe he has been an effective or ineffective leader? What strengths has he exhibited and what are his greatest weaknesses? What has he accomplished that will create positive change in this country and what has been neglected that is vital to maintain our democratic rights and principles? What policies do you want him to pursue and how will these impact our future? If Romney is elected, will he
govern as a moderate or follow the Tea Party platform? Will Ryan's economic vision be adjunctive or central to Romney's policies and what would the impact be? Does Romney believe handing federal programs to the states to implement will reduce the federal deficit or does this free him to pursue governance by the wealthiest 1 %? Will Romney maintain the separation of church and state? This is not advocated within the Mormon community where faith and governance are a combined entity.

Come join us to discuss these questions and others you may have. We will exchange our hopes and fears regarding the direction of the United States after Tuesday's election. 

IFC Food Pantry

We will be collecting food and sundry items this Sunday for IFC. See the List of Items.The economic recession has resulted in a loss of donations to this important social service agency, and it relies on organizations like ours to help its clients. Please contribute generously.

NOVEMBER 11

"Extraordinary Ventures: Past, Present and Future"
Van Hatchell, EV General Director
Gregg Ireland, EV Board Member

Extraordinary Ventures' representatives will discuss this organization's past successes, current activities and plans for the future.

We hold our weekly meetings in EV's facility, centrally located in Chapel Hill at 200 South Elliot Road. The facilities are comfortable, light and welcoming, with a huge reception hall, several meeting rooms, a pleasant, well stocked kitchen, and digital equipment to present Skype and movie platforms. We are fortunate to have this lovely facility for our meetings.

EV was founded in 2007 when a group of parents came together to offer a solution to autistic and developmentally challenged young adults with limited opportunity for finding jobs and establishing careers. EV has strived to develop opportunities that fit the needs and capabilities of these individuals.This organization works with allies that have similar concerns, including Arc of Orange Country, Autism Society of North Carolina, UNC Teacch Program, Carolina Living & Learning Center, Residential Services Inc., and GHA Inc. 

NOVEMBER 18

Stone Soup Celebration

We will again be recreating the fable of the poor villagers who were reluctant to feed the hungry stranger until they realized that by each giving a little share together they could make a feast. Bring a vegetarian contribution to add to the communal pot as we make our own Stone Soup. Please pre-cook the vegetables, and spices, vegetable broth, rice and pasta are appreciated. We also need bread, butter, drinks and desserts. All are welcome so bring a friend to celebrate. We give thanks to the value of sharing to benefit all.

The Story of Stone Soup

Once upon a time, somewhere in post-war Eastern Europe, there was a great famine in which people jealously hoarded whatever food they could find, hiding it even from their friends and neighbors. One day a wandering soldier came into a village and began asking questions as if he planned to stay for the night.

"There's not a bite to eat in the whole province," he was told. "Better keep moving on."

"Oh, I have everything I need," he said. "In fact, I was thinking of making some stone soup to share with all of you." He pulled an iron cauldron from his wagon, filled it with water, and built a fire under it. Then, with great ceremony, he drew an ordinary-looking stone from a velvet bag and dropped it into the water.

By now, hearing the rumor of food, most of the villagers had come to the square or watched from their windows. As the soldier sniffed the "broth" and licked his lips in anticipation, hunger began to overcome their skepticism.

"Ahh," the soldier said to himself rather loudly, "I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage -- that's hard to beat." Soon a villager approached hesitantly, holding a cabbage he'd retrieved from its hiding place, and added it to the pot. "Capital!" cried the soldier. "You know, I once had stone soup with cabbage and a bit of onion as well, and it was fit for a king."

A village maiden managed to find some onion. . . and so it went, through potatoes, beets, carrots, mushrooms, and so on, until there was indeed a delicious meal for all. The villagers offered the soldier a great deal of money for the magic stone, but he refused to sell and traveled on the next day. The moral is that by working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater good is achieved.

NOVEMBER 22

IFC Cook and Serve

Our scheduled cook and serve project is held onThursdays each month from 4:00 to 7:15 p.m. We do not cook the fourth Thursdays of November and December due to the holidays.  We will next cook on January 25, 2013, UNLESS there is a special request from the shelter. Any questions? Please contact Amy Piersma, amypiersma@yahoo.com.

NOVEMBER 25

TBA

 

Deepening Circles - Nov 10, 2-4PM

The group has been formed to create more intimate, personal relationships. The meetings are taking place once a mouth outside our usual meeting times, focus on a given topic, and allow everyone to speak. The purpose is to be able to listen to each other and share experiences, not to discuss or debate. Participants gain insight into other group members and increase common understanding.

We will meet again at Ralph and Eva's house, 6609 Huntingridge Road in Chapel Hill off of NC 54/Raleigh Road.  Telephone 919-493-8441 should you need directions.

We encourage you to attend. Please contact Randy Best with your questions and if you would like to attend. rsbest@fastmail.fm

 

24th Annual RSVVP Day
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and/or dinner at your favorite RSVVP participating restaurant and 10% of your tab will be donated to the hunger-relief programs-The Community Kitchen & The Emergency Food Pantry-of the Inter-Faith Council in Chapel Hill-Carrboro.