My favorite television show, as a child, was the Cisco Kid. After saving the town and rescuing the girl, Cisco and his sidekick Pancho would yell, “Adios, amigos” and, laughing loudly, ride off into the sunset.
Now some NoVES board members, either by choice or by term limits, are riding off into the sunset. Each of these wonderful people has given much time and energy to the Society by making unique and valuable contributions.
Stepping in to fill the board vacancy left by Karen Raymond-Hart’s move to Texas, Howie Kallem brought his calmness and clear thinking. Being the only Type-B personality in a sea of Type-A’s, his solid reasoning and quick wit kept the board meetings gliding along.
Treasurer par excellence, Mary Bellamy, brought efficiency, organization, and punctuality to the job. Her clear financial reports made NoVES accounts easily understandable. Her willingness to be innovative helped the Society move far ahead with on-line advertising.
Marianne Moerman, the heart of the board, encouraged compassion in both our Ethical Society and the wider world. In her many years as Ethical Action chair, she demonstrated sensitivity for our need to be understanding toward others.
What a fine line Andy Stanton walked – board secretary, former Society president, and husband of the current president. While keeping true to himself, he supported the good of the Society and encouraged his wife. How fortunate for the board and me to have him with us.
After serving on the board for ten years, Hank Gassner is also leaving. Hank has served as treasurer, vice-president, and president. He gave the board a sense of history for both NoVES and Ethical Culture. For these many years, Hank was the anchor of the board.
Now, hopefully laughing, these dedicated people are riding off into the sunset. I look forward to Howie, Mary, Marianne, Andy, and Hank bringing their wit, knowledge, and energy to new roles within our Ethical Society. I bid them a fond and heart-felt “Adios, amigos.”
Mary Ellen Stanton
