Happy New Year WES!

We made it to 2021!  It’s been ten months since the doors on 16th St were open for us to see each other in person and be connected physically.  We have adapted.  We continue to adapt.  And we continue to be inclusive to our member community and beyond in an ethical manner.  

Two weeks ago, Lyn and I hosted a Newcomer Q&A and we used the word “brave” to describe those newcomers.  As we know it has been so very difficult for many to MAINTAIN connections as we live through a pandemic; yet alone to START in a new community.  

I would like to actually highlight three of our newest members.  

Michael Dimyan and Laurie Pickard, joined separately as they balance what so many of you are doing valiantly and the best you are able, raising children.  They were actively looking at WES for the community values and connected with other parents to create a parent break out room that will help parents connect every third Sunday during coffee hour [NOTICE – this Sunday is the 3rd Sunday! Connect with them!].  

Sandy Bienen may be well known to many members already as an active participant in coffee hour for many, many months even before he started Paths to Membership.  Sandy lives in Berkley Springs, WV.  Sandy is hours away spreading the “Ethical News” of WES and had TWO of his neighbors join us in our Newcomer’s Q&A two weeks ago!  Thank you Sandy for supporting your neighbors and supporting our WES community.  We continue to need each other.  

In some other news, as we have members continuing to create opportunities to WES members:

This Sunday, Rachel Markowitz will be leading a break out session of coffee hour for members who identify as Solo At WES.  Old, young, married, single, parents, non-parents… this is a group of WES members and friends who participate at WES outside of their family; hence “solo”.  Is that you? Come and get connected.

BSA Troop 1123 is chartered here at WES.  As a former scout myself, it’s amazingly hopeful to see the troop become one of the most inclusive scouting organizations in the region housed right here at WES.  The troop is currently open to only girls and non-binary scouts, and the committee is in the process of creating a boy’s troop, too!  Witnessing a scout troop build that turns “Boy Scouts” inside out and upside down as we deconstruct gender identity and heteronormality is absolutely fascinating to me.  Are you an adult who wants to participate as a committee member or a young person who wants to go hiking, camping, horseback riding, etc. … get connected!

How can we connect our long-term members with our newer members?  Julie Campbell, who is a co-leader of WES’ Aging With Intention group continues to ask that question.  Do you have the answer or a thought? Please reach out to her.

As we complete this year of WES off 16th St., we continue to create ways to maintain and build community.  How will you help? What do you need?

Be connected!

Maceo, Membership Coordinator