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
May 25 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Gene Harris
Location: Canal Street Rec Center
Topic: Sunday Social Chat
Topics to include “Are Humans Just Complex Machines?” and “What Constitutes Politics?” among others.
Jun 1 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Bo Goldsmith
Location: Canal Street
Speaker:Don Wyman
Title: Why Spy?
Description: What are the ingredients, the situations, the motivators that cause a person to be willing to commit treason in his own Country? Learn two of the four biggest motivators and an example of each by men who took the gamble; one American, one Russian, both knowing there is no Statute of Limitations on Espionage!
Bio: Dr. Donald Paul Wyman is a US Army veteran, and a retiree of 22 years with the Central Intelligence Agency. His “History of Intelligence” presentation at the request of the Director of the CIA was viewed by over 10,000 visitors to the Langley Headquarters. He is the author of “The Chosen Path: Based on the Life of Elizabeth Van Lew,” the Civil War Spymaster who is enshrined in the United States Military Intelligence Hall of Fame and has been rated as one of the “Best of all time.”
Jun 8 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Sunday
Hosting: Karen Salzano
Location: Canal Street
Speaker: Karen Salzano
Title: The Bystander Effect and what an Upstander is.
Description: TBD
Jun 15 (Father’s Day) Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Jim Laurent
Location: Canal Street
Speaker: Jim Laurent
Title: Live to 100: Life in the Blue Zones.
Description: Based on the book and Netflix series, we discuss the characteristics common to areas where people are living longer, healthier lives.
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.
Jun 22 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Bill Womart
Topic: Poolside Chat