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, 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
Jan 25 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Circle
Hosting: Karen Salzano
Topic: “Ethical and Moral Dilemmas “. What the difference is, how they are formulated and some common examples. Small group discussion about how to identify and manage moral dilemmas.
Feb 1 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Bo Goldsmith
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Mandy Harlan, Florida Marijuana Mentor
Title: Medical Cannabis, Its uses, benefits, risks and legal status.
Description: Curious about how cannabis can support your health? Join Mandy Harlan as she explains how cannabis interacts with the body, exploring its uses, benefits, and potential risks. She’ll also provide insights on its legal status and guide you through the process of becoming a medical marijuana patient in Florida. Get excited for practical, patient-focused information to help you make informed decisions about cannabis.
Bio: Mandy Harlan is a Florida native who entered the cannabis space as a patient first. While navigating Crohn’s disease, she turned to cannabis through research, formal education, and personal experimentation. When her condition went into full remission, any remaining stigma around the plant fell away. Inspired by her own healing journey, Mandy made it her mission to help others understand cannabis as a safe, effective, plant-based medicine. After founding Florida Marijuana Mentor in 2019 and The Villages Medical Marijuana Club in 2020, she now supports patients through education, coaching, and community-building, making cannabis more approachable and empowering for all.
Feb 8 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Sunday
Hosting: Karen Salzano
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Karen Salzano
Title: Do Schools Kill Creativity?
Feb 15 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Jim Laurent
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Galit Nimrod Galit Nimrod
Topic: Seniorland: Aging in a Retirement Metropolis,
Description: Based on in-depth interviews with 40 residents and two months of participant observations, this captivating and insightful book delves into the aging experience in The Villages. It explores why people move there, their perceptions of its rapid growth, changes in their daily activities upon moving and over time, social involvement and leisure constraints, and their sense of identity and community. In doing so, this book unveils how The Villages' unique characteristics profoundly impact residents' well-being and offers a glance into the future of old age.
Bio: Galit Nimrod is a professor at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
Feb 22 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Circle
Hosting: TBD
Topic: TBD