Odd-Monday talks encourage community bonding

April 10, 11:09 AMSF Wellness ExaminerDiana deRegnier

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 November 2001, a woman walked into the office of the Noe Valley Ministry and said she felt a deep need for community, especially following the 9/11 tragedy. The ministry's administrative director, Ramon Sender and she devised a plan to bring in speakers on subjects fostering connection, diversity, education and interfaith understanding.

Although the initiator never returned, the project, so-named because the events are held on odd Mondays each month, began soon after and continues to draw a loyal and expanding population. Co-sponsor Judith Levy-Sender extols the importance of featuring lesser-known social advocates as well as celebrities in the "always free" series.

Recent past events include:
• "Making Peace Possible From Here To The Middle East" – Berkeley Professor Michael Nagler, Director of Peace and Conflict Mediation Studies
• "Total Brain Fitness (TM)" with Susan K. Diamond, MSW, MS
• The 2003 documentary "Senator Obama Goes To Africa"
• "The Farmers Market as a Vehicle for Sustainability"

The topic for April 13 is "Adventures for adults and children around the Bay Area." The first presenter is Noe Valley Parents Coop Nursery School director and "Best of the Bay" award winner, Susan Edwards shows slides of excursions in and around San Francisco. Wild hills, valleys, ocean, islands and mountains – we have it all in our own back yard.

Edwards identifies beaches for exploring tide pools and mountain trails; where to participate in art workshops and view exhibits; the best places to swim; park service projects; and where and when to see wild flowers bloom, salmon leap, birds migrate, newts and tadpoles.

Leslie Crawford will also share "City walks with kids," a 50-card pack of vibrant drawings and interesting facts with ideas for playing and learning about local sites and wonders. Crawford and her then-ten-year-old son, Sam Fox, with Dave Needham created the deck which is published by Chronicle Books.

The Odd Monday series resides in the Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez Street, at 23rd Street – look for the steeple. Join presenters and series producers for a no-host pizza at Noe Valley Pizza before the event. Parking is available across the street for $5. The 24, 48 and J Church Muni lines run near-by.                                                                                                                                       © Diana deRegnier 2009