Ethical Society of Northern Westchester

10/21/2026

Join ESNW member, Will Hanlon for his annual participatory program (now in its 31st year) where the floor is open for community members to share their ideas and opinions on global and local news events of the day, as viewed through an ethical lens.
Will Hanlon is an artist, IT Professional and self described lifelong “news junkie” who has hosted discussion groups and platform on current events.

06/12/2026

This reflective Juneteenth program uses narration and dramatic readings to honor Black Union soldiers, families, and freedom seekers whose sacrifices helped make emancipation real. Moving from “Watch Night” to “Juneteenth”, the presentation asks us to remember not only the celebration of freedom, but the cost paid to secure it.

Joyce Sharrock Cole is a regionally recognized storyteller and award-winning historian who uplifts silent stories; unearthing narratives that have long gone untold. As Village Historian of Ossining, she brings hidden histories to light through powerful storytelling and deep research. Joyce is the founder of JSC Research LLC, holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, and is completing her MA in History.
Her work inspires communities to honor the past and move forward with purpose.

06/04/2026

Driven mainly by the second Trump administration but also by some state governments, many professionals in the US have recently come under institutional pressure to violate the norms of their vocations. Based in part on the author’s personal experiences, this talk will reflect on how to navigate professional ethics within institutions that are being systematically corrupted.
Graham Parsons is a philosopher who writes about war, the military, and masculinity. He writes the Substack newsletter Philosophy Goes to War!
He resigned from West Point last May in protest of systematic violations of academic freedom.

05/27/2026

150 Years of Ethical Culture Celebration! What does Ethical Culture look like today? A Special 2-Hour All-Societies Platform May 31, 2026 11 AM -1 PM Eastern from Philadelphia Ethical Society & Ethical Society of St. Louis Featuring Highlights from The New York Society for Ethical Culture Anniversary Gala.

This All-Societies Platform explores how Ethical Humanism continues to evolve through community, justice, and shared responsibility. During this gathering we will be in conversation with watch parties at Ethical Culture societies around the country. Hundreds of Ethical Culture members and friends nationwide will celebrate the legacy we inherit and the future we’re building together.



The AEU All-Societies Platform is free to attend or stream. All virtual participants must register to receive the Zoom link. REGISTER HERE. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L5qjOLhiSt69tSoDYWjSIA #/registration

03/05/2026

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, stress and mental overload have become part of daily life. In this talk, Cheryl introduces Transcendental Meditation (TM) as a simple, natural, and effortless technique that allows the mind and body to settle into deep rest and why it is uniquely effective in enhancing overall well-being.

Participants will gain a practical understanding of how regular meditation supports mental health, creativity, and inner stability.
Cheryl Smith Alvarez is the Director of the Westchester Transcendental Meditation Center in Katonah, NY, and a certified TM teacher with the David Lynch Foundation in Manhattan. With a background as a Registered Dietitian and current Master’s candidate in Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Cheryl brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge, holistic wisdom, and practical experience to her work.

02/16/2026

It says a great deal about a movement for it to persist for a century and a half. Is it good for another century?

For 9 years Dr. Richard L. Koral served as Leader for both the New York Society for Ethical Culture and The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island. He is a graduate of New York University, New York Law School and Hebrew Union College where he earned his Doctor of Ministry. He also attended the Humanist Institute. Richard resides in nearby South Salem and has been a member of the Westchewster Community for Ethical culture for over 30 years.

02/11/2026

The Medical Aid in Dying Act was passed by the New York legislature in 2025 and signed by Governor Hochul early this year.
The act allows a mentally competent terminally ill patient to request a prescription for self-administered medicine to hasten his or her death.
Join guest speaker, Courtney Morris for a brief overview of some of the important legal cases concerning both passive and active euthanasia.
Together we will examine some of the ethical and philosophical considerations concerning medical aid in dying.
Courtney Morris is an Associate Professor of Philosophy. She specializes in the history of philosophy and the philosophy of pedagogy. She has published articles in journals including Teaching Philosophy, The History of Philosophy Quarterly, and the Journal of the Philosophy of Education

02/08/2026

It’s been a rough year for science, so our annual Darwin Day platform is the perfect antidote.
Come join Katrine Bangsgaard and Bill Kline for stories of some good news in science, a consideration of Darwin and ethics, some inspiration, and of course songs, featuring new original music by member, poet, and songwriter Alan Stockman.

01/08/2026

01/08/2026

The brain functions electrically and chemically. The several trillion electrical connections among the brain cells provide a mechanism for communicating with the brain and exerting some control over it.
Join Milt Steinberg as he explores the brain and the mechanisms for communication and control that are being developed now.

Milt Steinberg is professor emeritus in Psychology at Marymount College of Fordham University, and holds a Ph.D in Neuropsychology from CUNY. He has taught a variety of subjects in the field, including neuroscience and experimental psychology, and has even taught a few computer courses. Milt is also a long time ESNW member; he serves as Board Secretary, and also plays pivotal roles as Zoom moderator, music coordinator and impresario for our seasonal festivals.