A FITTING TRIBUTE TO THE JOHN SELLON MEMORIAL WEEKEND

Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center was the place to be this past Labor Day weekend as the Northeast Federation members and more came together to gain experience of Sacred space.  With Michael Sellon as our generative guide, participants were encouraged to stretch beyond their usual scope of space.  Encouraged by Michael's unique presentation of his insights and his engaging us to interact, enhanced our experience on many levels. A sense of connectedness, a loving presence and the enriching sound of laughter permeated our weekend together.  An added surprise to the weekend was a well-deserved tribute to Michael Sellon.  To honor Michael for his years of service and dedication to Pumpkin Hollow and our Theosophical objects, the Pumpkin Hollow staff organised this wonderful event (complete with delicious cake and sparkling pomegranate punch!).  Thanks to all who participated.  Susan O'Neill

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK:

Brothers and Sisters, 

Warm greeting and salutations.  As summer winds down we reminisce about the fun of the season and look forward to the joys and challenges ahead. The terms of President Susan O'Neill and VP/Treasurer Charlie Elkind expired and John O'Neill and Lyn Trotman were elected to these positions respectively, as well as Allen LeCours, director, at the 4th of July 2008 annual business meeting and convention.  Thanks and honor go to Susan and Charlie for 4 years of dedicated hard work to the NEF.

Stimulating and exciting probe of Goethe's Faust was presented by Stephan hoeller at PHF (4th of July).  Thirty-five TSA members and 10 volunteers attended.  It was old hands and new friends with fun and frolic as the main theme reigned at the sanctuary in Craryville. 

My intention in administration of president of the NEF is to continue the legacy of the Sellon family and NEF.  We will continue with the support that will facilitate the bringing together of our members.  The National Speaker Program often increases attendance due to the interest in the larger Society and the presenter.  I encourage participation in this program.  The NEF is there to support lodges and study centers in these endeavors. 

Martin Leiderman will present Platonic Approach to the Understanding of the Theosophy of the Stanzas of Dyzan at the next annual business meeting at PHF July 3-5, 2009.  We also anticipate a return to ocean Grove, NJ where a most successful and unusual program was presented April 18-20 by Dr. Tony Lysy: Theosophy in Minor and Majo Keys: Myth and Metphor in Theosophy, Philosophy and the Arts.  Through the utilization of film, lecture, discussion and meditation, Tony led us through an exploration of metaphors that potentially opened doors of perception towards meaning and applicability to everyday life and struggles.  We thank him for a rewarding and unique experience. 

As always, ideas, suggestions, and proposals to provide and stimulate opportunity for us to be together are welcome and invited.  We encourage a visitation to PHF which provides 24/7 a place of theosophical communion.  Bring your family, friends, lodges and study centers. We'll see you there!  The best to all.  John J. O'Neill, Jr., President.

FROM NEWLY ELECTED NATIONAL BOARD MEMBER REPRESENTING THE NORTHEAST, LYN TROTMAN:

I have just returned from my first National Board meeting, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.  I thought I wouldt be somewhat bored by all the facts and figures, but that was not the case.  I found it very interesting, learning about all the departments at our National Headquarters, and all the activities they are involved in. 

The good news I bring back to all of you is that our National Board is very concerned with finding ways to improve communication between National Headquarters, federations, camps, local lodges and study centers.  In fact,it is one of their top priorities. 

Bearing this in mind, I invite each of you to feel free to contact me with questions, concerns or comments you may have that you would like brought to the attention of headquarters.  I want all of you to know that I am representing each of you at headquarters and would like as much input as possible from you.  I can be reached via e-mail (quest@theosophy-ny.org), via telephone (212-758-5521) or via mail (240 E 53 St, NY NY 10022).  Lyn Trotman is president of the New York Lodge and VP/Treasurer of the Northeast Federation as well as National Board Director for the Northeast.