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 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
May 3 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Bo Goldsmith
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Jim Press
Title:Jefferson The Declaration and Lincoln
Bio: Jim Press is a retired History Professor who does talks for the Villages Enrichment College
Email:
May 10 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Sunday (Mother’s Day)
Hosting: Karen Salzano
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker:
Title: What can we learn from someone who has lived as a man and a woman?
Description: We review a video created by a transgender woman who relates how if feels to live on both sides of the gender divide. Small group discussion follows.
Bio
May 17 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Jim Laurent
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Jim Laurent
Title: Three Parent Children: What are they and why are they important?
Description: The UK has recently announced clinical success with three parent IVF resulting in the birth of eight children. What are they? Why do we create them and how. More importantly, should we?
Bio: Jim Laurent is a trained educator who started his career as a 7th grade science teacher. He worked for 30 years as an instructor and technologist in the computer industry for companies including Sun Microsystems and Oracle Corp. Jim has 40 years of public speaking experience and is a member of the Board of the Humanists Club in the Villages.
Email: jimlaurent@mac.com
May 24 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Circle (Memorial Day Weekend)
Hosting: Scott Roberts
Speaker: Scott Roberts
Topic: The Trial of the Century. When Intelligent Design was put to the test.
Description: The Scopes “Monkey Trial” famously put religion and science to a legal test 100 years ago. Could it happen again?
May 31 No Meeting (Fifth Sunday)