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.
What's the difference between Humanism and Religion?
The Villages 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 Villages Humanist Club is a chapter of the American Humanist Association.
The Humanist Club meets on the first, second, third and fourth Sunday of the month at 10 AM at the Canal Street Recreation Center. Social time starts at 9:30. The second and fourth 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
Steve Post
Bill Womart
Bo (George) Goldsmith
Bud Webber
Peter Irwin
Karen Salzano
Contact us at villageshumanists@gmail.com
Humanist Club Schedule
2026
June 21 Sunday 10:00 Humanists (Father’s Day)
Hosting: Karen Salzano
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Dr Stew Cooler
Title: Preventive Medicine and Medical Myths
Description: Dr Cooler will discuss issues related to ‘Preventive Medicine’ including adult Immunization programs and associated laboratory testing and specialty visits. He will also include a discussion of medical myths pertaining to these issues.
Bio: Dr Cooler holds a BA, MS, and MD. He is a ‘Clinical Professor of Pediatrics’ in Philadelphia with an active license. He has performed research on Muscle Physiology at the Medical College of PA. He has also lectured to ‘The Board Review For Family Medicine’ at Temple University. His areas of special interest are Obesity, Attention Deficit Disorders, and Disease Prevention.
Jun 28 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Circle
Hosting: Steve Post
Speaker: Steve Post with YouTube Video:
Topic: Why Charity Backfires. Followed by discussion groups.
July 5 No Featured Speakers in July Sunday 10:00 Humanists
July 12 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Sunday
Hosting: Scott Roberts
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Scott Roberts
Title: Virginia Reel Dance activity
Description: We all have seen the movie "Gone with the Wind" wherein Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler do the Virginia Reel folk dance. The Virginia Reel reflects several values that humanists admire. It brings people together across ages and backgrounds, encourages cooperation rather than competition, and creates joy through human interaction. No special beliefs are required to participate. The dance succeeds because people communicate, follow common rules, help one another, and share an experience as equals. In that sense, the Virginia Reel celebrates human connection and community—the very things that humanism sees as central to a meaningful life.
July 19 No Featured Speakers in July Sunday 10:00 Humanists