The Villages Humanist Club
Humanism
An outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.
The Humanist Club discusses all topics of general human interest and encourages open minded conversations. Speakers are Villages Residents or subject matter experts from outside the Villages.
The Humanist Club meets on the first, second and third Sunday of the month at 10 AM at the Canal Street Recreation Center. Social time with coffee and snacks starts at 9:30. The second Sunday of each month is a dedicated “social Sunday” which features mini-talks and focused small group discussion time. Villages Resident or Guest ID is required to attend.
The Humanist Club collaborates with the Free Thinkers Club, which meets on the second Thursday of the Month at Bridgeport Rec Center at 2:30 PM and the fourth Thursday of the Month at Aviary Rec center at 3:30 PM. Go to the Freethinkers Club page for information on topics and speakers for Thursday meetings.
Humanists and Free Thinkers Club Board (in no particular order)
Jim Laurent
Jim Bucko
Pam Creswell
Mike Enright
Bill Womart
Bo (George) Goldsmith
Bud Webber
Peter Irwin
Karen Salzano
Contact us at villageshumanists@gmail.com
Humanist Club Schedule
2025
Feb 16 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Bo Goldsmith
Location: Canal Street
Speaker: Rod Broker
Title: What a Way to Go! Options After the End of Life
Description: This presentation explores many of the options we (or our loved ones) have about what to do with our bodies after we are deceased. In past generations, such decisions used to be no-brainers: pick out a coffin, headstone and plot, and bury 'em 6-feet under. These days, however, there are lots of additional post-mortem possibilities to explore, some deadly serious, others quickeningly humorous. Participants will gain information and, hopefully, inspiration for the last decision one is likely ever to have to make.
Bio: Rod Broker is a retired academic and clergy-person with a background in communications, counseling, and non-profit management. He and his wife Doris have traveled extensively by RV in the US and Canada and via cruise ships to the shores of much of the rest of the world. Rod’s interests include lifelong learning, website development, the fight against Parkinson’s Disease, and the torment of being a fan of the Chicago Cubs. He holds a BA degree from Valparaiso University, an MA from University of Alabama, and both MDiv and DMin degrees from Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.
Feb 23 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Gene Harris
Topic: Poolside Chat
Mar 2 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Karen Salzano
Location: Canal Street
Speaker: Steve Post
Title: AI: How it works and can it be conscious?
Description: Explore the inner workings of AI programs, their core capabilities, and the trajectory of their advancement. Gain insight into how AI compares to human consciousness and whether it has the potential for true awareness.
Bio: Stephen Post, Ph.D. in AI from George Mason University, brings a wealth of experience as a researcher and industry leader. With roles such as Director of AI Applications and VP of Simulation and Modeling for major government defense contractors, he founded his own software company in 1996, specializing in network modeling and military mission planning. Retired since 2016, he remains actively engaged in staying up-to-date with AI advancements.
Email: spost1950@gmail.com
Mar 9 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Sunday
Hosting: Karen Salzano
Location: Canal Street
Speaker: Ted Talk
Title: The Beauty of Skin in Every Color
Description
Bio
Email
Mar 16 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Bo Goldsmith
Location: Canal Street
Speaker: Phil Caminez (914-63-5844)
Title: America’s Guns
Description
Bio
Email
Mar 23 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Gene Harris
Topic: Poolside Chat
March 30 No meeting, fifth Sunday