By Eric Sandhusen
I have a small refrigerator magnet with a quote from Felix Adler. It is a cherished possession not (just) because of the quote, but because it was given to me by our past Society President Janet Glass.
Janet would give one to a Board member or other Society member who took on some important (and sometimes unwanted) task, or gave a bit extra of themselves, or did something to bond, heal, or renew our Society. She’d made these small tokens of appreciation herself from a craft kit, and when presenting them would let the recipient and others know why they were being recognized.
If you have one, you probably know the same feeling of being honored and appreciated that I did when she bestowed one on me. Janet was always one to share her gratitude, and I’m grateful that she did–because here I am looking at this magnet and thinking of her.
It makes me realize that I’ll have to find a craft kit of my own to start expressing my gratitude! It was a lovely practice, and one that is worth making into a tradition. Except that it might require a production line.
Our Society’s members are clearly inspired
I say this because I’m awash in gratitude right now, looking at all the activity underway and the great efforts being put into “our small but mighty Society.” Under the creative and vigorous leadership of Curt Collier, we are evolving in ways that challenge us to grow as individuals and as a community. In so many aspects of our Society’s life, members and friends are clearly inspired to share their creativity, energy, and joy. Moreover, I see members volunteering together in ways that add up to way more than the sum of their individual roles. Ahead of us, the second half of our programming year promises a vista of adventures and activities. There is a trip to Washington, DC, for our Family & Friends group, the Spring Arts Festival, the Skills Auction, Community Weekend, Social Action volunteering, engaging Sunday Gatherings, making music and food and friends together, giving emotional support or a helping hand, and more than can be enumerated here. There is much to be glad for, but mostly I am grateful that we continue to be an assembly of people who care enough, and give enough, to make these things happen.
Please know that I recognize the contributions, be they large or small, that you give to make our Ethical Culture Society ever greater. I’m on my way to the craft store!
Eric Sandhusen is president of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County.
