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Do not go where the path may lead, go instead [to]

Where there is no path and leave a trail.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Ralph Waldo Emerson, who went by his middle name Waldo,

was an American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, abolitionist,

and poet who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century.

The Meeting Calendar

**NO NEWSLETTER next week (8/18) due to Summer Break**

After our usual 2nd Sunday Potluck we won't have a Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, but a Landscaping party (OK, it's a work period, but we can have fun working together!).  The task is to beautify the area in front of the Worship Room by weeding, removing landscape fabric (that wasn't preventing weeds) and putting down loam and covering that with mulch.  We'll do this both in front of the rhododendrons moved there and behind them.

Dress appropriately and we'll all get dirty together!

Ministry & Counsel has discussed the spacing of chairs (given the worrying rise in COVID during this summer) and whether windows should be open or closed.

We have decided that it is ideal to start with grouping 4 sets of chairs by pairs with the others spaced 6 ft apart.  If anyone needs more chairs together or enters and finds a double set is the only one available, move chairs as you need to.  We hope that this will accommodate 25 chairs.

The window question is more nuanced.  During very hot and humid weather keeping the windows closed helps keep the temperature inside cooler and drier.  But opening the windows provides ventilation that lessens COVID risk.  Balancing these is difficult.  We decided to not open the south windows (because of noise, and dust and extra heat) but to ask the person opening/greeting to open one window of each set of 2 windows on the west and north sides, so that 4 windows will be open for ventilation (the size of opening size dependent on the weather).  Anyone who wishes to sit near one of these for extra ventilation should please do so, bringing your chair where you feel comfortable if none seem near enough.  We are reminded that masking is always an option.  Fans can be  turned on for comfort also if it is warm inside.  Attenders should feel empowered to adjust the fan or windows for their own comfort.

I hope this letter finds you all well. I wanted to take a moment to update you on some recent developments in my life and work.

I am pleased to share that I am nearing the completion of the third and final chapter of my dissertation.  This milestone brings me closer to finalizing my research, and I am excited about the progress made so far.

In addition to my academic endeavors, I am actively seeking public policy positions that align with my interests and expertise.  I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge in a professional setting where I can contribute to meaningful policy work.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit London, England briefly, which was both refreshing and inspiring.  The trip offered a wonderful break and some valuable insights relevant to my studies.  I also got to visit the Quaker bookstore on Euston street which was both lovely and quite impressive.

On a personal note, I continue to enjoy practicing yoga and jiu jitsu, which provide much-needed balance and well-being in my life.  The warmer summer weather here has been a delight, making outdoor activities even more enjoyable.

Thank you for your continued support and fellowship.  I look forward to staying connected and sharing more updates in the future.

We are seeking a member with photographic skills and a good camera to take a nice photo of the front of the Meetinghouse which will be printed as the cover of Meeting note cards we are creating.  Please make submissions and/or further questions to Sharon K. sk342151 [at] gmail [dot] com.

Members who attended New England Yearly Meeting Sessions at Castleton will be reporting back to us after Potluck.

The silent vigil for a ceasefire in Gaza continues every Thursday from Noon-1pm at the corner of Main and Center Street.  Make your own sign, use one provided, or just stand in silent witness besides others. This is done in coordination with NH Peace Action.  We suggest that people make signs that convey something about justice for Israel and Palestine.  Also please avoid the word genocide, ethnic cleansing, and similar terms.

After the rise of Meeting on September 1^st, everyone is welcome to join our fun float down the Merrimack in kayak or canoe.  Bring a lunch, snack, water and be ready to swim (if you'd like to) at the lovely beaches along the way.

Put in is at Boscawen town park; takeout at the Penacook boat launch just past the Hannah Dustin monument.  If you'd like to come but don't have a boat OR if you have space in your own canoe or have an extra kayak or canoe to lend, please let us know.  The trip should take about 3 hours not counting transporting, unloading and loading up.  Contact Ruth & Greg (603-724-4343)