2008 Natural History Conference
Saturday, June 21 to Saturday, June 28
Conference site: nhc-star.org
The Natural History Conference (NHC) is for adults who have an interest in expanding their knowledge and appreciation of our world and their place in it.
Theme: The Natural History of Earth, Human Impacts, and Our Current Choice: Life or Death
Dr. Chad Tolman, now retired from a career as a physical chemist at DuPont, the National Science Foundation, and the National Research Council, has been following issues of global warming and climate change for almost 20 years. He will discuss the historical, moral, and ethical dimensions surrounding natural resources, energy, and climate change. Tolman began writing a monthly electronic newsletter, Climate Change News, in 2004. He also started Citizens Alarmed About Global Warming, launched the Coalition for Climate Change Study and Action in Delaware, and helped craft the Unitarian Universalist Association 2006 Statement of Conscience: Threat of Global Warming/Climate Change.
General Information: NHC is a casually structured, welcoming conference. There are guided walks exploring flowers, birds, geology, and tidal pools. Group activities include sports, writing workshops, pewter workshops, morning exercises, Renaissance music "on the rocks," team Trivial Pursuit, a trip to Appledore Island, intergenerational discussions, and square dancing. There are lay-led candlelight chapel services every evening. A full-time art workshop offers instruction and art materials for beginners and more experienced artists alike. Joint activities with YRUU provide some of the most stimulating and rewarding aspects of the week. We especially look forward to welcoming ISHRA on island with us this year!
Minister: Rev. Lisa Ward serves the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County in Churchville, MD. A former Pelican and conferee, she is pleased to embrace the spirit of the Isles with NHC.
Chairs: Terri Behm, Terri.Behm@gmail.com, and Ken D'Ambrosio, ken@jots.org. 21 Beacon Dr., Merrimack, NH 03054, (603) 424-8334.
Registration Information: An island room and board deposit of $150/person and conference registration fee of $100/person are due with registration. Please mail ONE CHECK, payable to "Natural History Conference," completed registration form, and business-sized SASE ($.78) to Kimberley Reef, 71 Oak St., North Billerica, MA 01862, (978) 362-1149, kimreef@hotmail.com. Registration begins March 10. Registrations postmarked before then will be treated as if postmarked on March 10. Registrations postmarked after March 10 will be accepted, space available, according to postmark date. The room and board deposit and registration fee are refundable until May 13.
Scholarships: A scholarship fund is available, offering partial grants to those who otherwise could not attend NHC. Request an application from the registrar. The completed form must be returned by March 10.
Room and Board: Please see seven-night conference rates, below.