February 12
Special Event
"What Darwin Never Knew"
NOVA explores life forms from a billion years ago to today's DNA research!February 19
FILM
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Arrangements have been made with EV to extend our meeting time to show this film. It runs 2 hours so the format of our regular service will be altered to accommodate length.
This is fascinating, enthralling, and thoroughly entertaining look at the evolution of the theory of evolution, from Darwin’s The Origin of Species (1859) up until today’s computer enhanced wonders. The major part of this film is a series of scientific vignettes about evolutionary research using genetics and embryology. Flies with glow-in-the-dark wings, sticklebacks that lost their spines, finches with funky beaks, the legs of Tiktaalik, light and dark mice, and humans are all featured in the second half. Major emphasis is placed on regulatory genes in each of these examples to illustrate how large differences can be produced through relatively small changes. The program highlights what it believes to be differences between us and apes. These traits alone cannot explain art, architecture, music, and all the other things that separate us from other
creatures, but it does demonstrate with clarity and simplicity how evolution took place and the the enormous variety of life forms on the planet today.
Platform Speakers
"Amazing Transformation: How Fish Learned to Walk and
Took Over the World"
Alexander Glass, Instructor
Nicholas School of Environment
Duke UniversityIn commemoration of Charles Darwin, Professor Glass tell us how fish acquired human form through evolution. Glass's experience lies in paleontology, evolution, fossil echinoderms, geology, nature of science, and science education. Glass has a strong interest in relationship between science and religion, particularly the public's debate over creation and evolution.
Anti-evolutionism is alive and well in the United States, reaching new supporters via the ever-expanding internet, and finding ample grounds for expansion among an American public that is innately suspicious of "scientific elitism". As the merit and integrity of science is increasingly under attack by those whose political and economic interests run counter to the latest scientific findings, conservative, religiously-motivated anti-science groups are finding new converts among more religiously progressive members of the faith community. The scientific community must become more actively involved in cultural and community affairs to counter the growing anti-intellectual ism in America.
Group DiscussionsFebruary 5
" Don't Forget the Shoes"
Fran Schindler, EHST MemberWe will show a TEDTalks video by Mark Bezos. It is primarily inspirational in nature and underscores the personal satisfaction and community contributions of volunteering. A discussion will follow focusing on personal responses to the talk. Fran will raise questions for people to keep in mind as they watch the film.
Mark is the Senior Vice President, Communications & Events at Robin Hood, the leading poverty-fighting charity in New York City. Bezos joined Robin Hood following the sale of his business, excited to have found a way to use his powers of persuasion for good. Bezos joined Robin Hood following the sale of his business, excited to have found a way to use his powers of persuasion for good. TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has broadened. Along with two annual conferences it includes the award-winning TEDTalks video site.
February 26Mission Statement Review
Growth and Development TeamMembers will discuss the Summary of Findings generated from our October 30, 2011 discussion. This report is posted on our web site in Members' Resources under the Growth and Development Committee. In small groups, members will review their responses to modify and add, then individually rank for importance. The findings will be compiled and distributed to members.
Meetings
February 11
Board Retreat
We will meet at Eva Harrington and Frank Balzac's home for our annual retreat, 9:30am-4:30pm. If you plan to attend, their address is on the web site in the directory under Members' Resources. A Board meeting will also be held. Do you have EHST Issues you want the Board to cover or questions? Contact John Holmgren, (919) 240-4187, jholmgren@nc.rr.com.
Bellwether Book Club
February 18
2:00 PM
We normally meet on the third Friday of the month but due to interest from some who may not be able to attend at that time, we will meet this months on Saturday. If you wish to join us, please let me know which day you can and/or can't attend so we can schedule the meeting to fit the most people. Contact Jan Broughton, 919-419-1261, jlbroughton@nc.rr.com with questions and the book to be reviewed.
Inter-Faith Council for Social ServicesFebruary 5
Food Pantry Contributions
On the first Sunday of each month, EHST members donate food items to the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service. One of its missions is maintaining a food pantry for community people in need of groceries. IFC's impact on food distribution in this area is impressive. 15,701 bags of groceries and 823 holiday meals were distributed in fiscal year 2009-10, and 2,938 local households were eligible to receive monthly groceries at end of last fiscal year.
Items this organization needs this month can be seen at Priority Items. Please donate generously.
February 23
IFC Cook and Serve
Our scheduled cook and serve project is this Thursday from 4 to 7:15pm. Contact Amy Piersma to sign up. The food is donated from the community and anyone who is hungry can eat. Our entire membership participates. It's great fun and a worthy endeavor!
