America is called the Consumer Society. Rarely, however, do we think about what this means to us, our society, and to the environment. Individuals across the world make-do, re-use, and recycle. Can we? Two NoVES members, Helene Shore and Jim Dieter, share their experiences from an entire year of buying nothing new. They will talk about breaking the buying habit, and what you can do to reduce mindless consumerism.

Helene Shore is a first grade teacher at Mosby Woods Elementary who uses innovative methods to help her students excell. Jim Dieter is known for his contemplative and creative photography, which has been exhibited widely in the region.

Melissa Sinclair, NoVES member, was inspired by an article from mothering.com by Teresa Pitman that addressed stay-at-home moms who feel isolated and worn down from working at home alone while caring for kids. But, Melissa notes, the subject touches upon a bigger problem not just for stay-at-home moms, but for most Americans.

Americans have become so isolated from family and friends, and even neighbors -- intentional and unintentionally -- that their souls are starved for companionship and they are forced to work in isolation. Without the help of friends and family, there is no time to do the things required, much less desired. Melissa, a full-time mom with experience in university administration, will talk about the ways we have become isolated, and present an interesting idea on how to feed our soul while not neglecting the duties we need to do in life too.