The Northern Virginia Ethical Society is beginning its twenty-seventh year!  Just as Dorothy took her friends, the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man, with her, I feel that I am walking down the yellow brick road with my NoVES friends. 

Like Dorothy and her companions, we will face many challenges on our journey.  Among our challenges are matters involving our budget, our Leader’s sabbatical, and term limits for directors. The Society is facing a budget deficit.  While the membership voted many spending cuts, we will also be seeking to increase our income to achieve a balanced budget by the end of this fiscal year. 

NoVES Leader, Jone Johnson Lewis, will be on sabbatical during the winter months. In the few months that Jone is away, we will need to fill in for some of Jone’s duties.  Finally, for the first time since approval, the term limit by-law will be in effect.  Three experienced board members will leave office in June 2011 to comply with this by-law change.  

Much like the Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man, Society members may wish for the special gifts of courage, intelligence, and heart to journey through this challenging year. Nevertheless, just as the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin man learned - no one bestows these talents - they are already within us.  NoVES has had the courage to face trials and difficulties in the past. It has intelligent members who have creatively solved problems since our formation.  Does NoVES have heart? 

The Society has always helped its members and others through its generosity of time and money – sharing half its Sunday collection with local charities and reaching out to the world through special collections. The Society has continuously lived by the belief that bringing out the best in others thereby brings out the best in us.  The Society has all that it needs to face the upcoming challenges, to have fun together, and to grow together. NoVES, let’s take that first step on the yellow brick road of 2010-2011.

We’re off!