dear friends, at last night's meeting, it was reported that students for 60,000 no longer has advisers. we debated whether our group might take a collective role as advisers to the students, perhaps with a lead adviser such as pete white. no conclusions were reached, but everyone was committed to making sure the students have adult leadership next school year. the party at millie's is still on for july 28. the menu has now morphed into a full-blown dinner with a great list of appetizers, entrees, etc. the caterer is giving us a great deal. there will be a donation jar for those who want drinks. printed invitations will be sent out by the end of june, as will invitation e-mails. if you know of people who might want to come but who are unfortunate enough not to be on freelists, please notify pete white at pedro831@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx he is compiling a computerized mailing list that we can use in the future. if you don't have mailing addresses, send e-mail addresses. our three honorees will be able to attend. if you know of a guitarist or other musician who would like to perform, let us know. some silent auction items have been donated, including baseball tickets, but more items are needed. heather moore has graciously offered nicaraguan ceramics and a painting. on the nuevo amanecer water front, george pardo has sent instructions to nica for constructing an arsenic filter. each house would have one to clean the water. we are waiting to see if the materials can be obtained locally and if a filter can be assembled using george's instructions. george also discussed another method of arsenic removal that involves treating the water at the well with pellets in a canister. this has the advantage of not needing to monitor filters at 50-something homes. the pellet method will be investigated. carol werblin reported on the eric meyerowitz-led trip to nica, which was centered in the north. the group of 19 visited several communities, did construction work and examined a microfinance program. at some point, the group hopes to select a community for assistance. eric may be able to bring back ceramics from condega for sale at the party. another possible project is providing solar flashlights through an outfit call bogolight. for $25, you get two flashlights (one donated to a charity, which in this case is us) and $1 donated to your organization. the flashlight seems sturdy and provides enough light for reading. most nica homes now depend on kerosene lanterns or candles. the web site is www.bogolight.com. buy one, get one, get it? one of the lights may be sent to nica soon for field testing. our next meeting is scheduled for 7:30 thursday, july 5, at temple beth el. expect some fireworks.