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
2025
Dec 7 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Bo Goldsmith
Location: *Bacall Rec Center* 2041 Canal Street
Speaker: Robert Altobello
Title: The Bhagavad Gitā & J. Robert Oppenheimer
Description: According to his biographers,Oppenheimer’s moral outlook was strongly influenced by his understanding of the ancient Hindu text, The Bhagavad Gitā. This talk will explore the moral ideals presented in The Bhagavad Gitā and how those ideals animate much of the moral conflict with which Oppenheimer struggles throughout and after The Manhattan Project ((i.e., the program that developed the first atomic bomb during World War II).
BIO: Dr. Altobello earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from The City University of New York Graduate Center. He is Professor Emeritus from SUNY Empire State University where he taught philosophy and religious studies. His primary areas of study were ethics and Asian philosophy.
Dec 14 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Sunday
Hosting: Steve Post
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Steve Post
Title: The four stages of retirement
Description: After viewing a short video on the four stages of retirement, small discussion groups will debate their satisfaction with retirement and which stage they are experiencing.
Dec 21 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Jim Laurent
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Jim Laurent
Title: Can We Have a Secular Christmas?
Description: What are the most common Christmas traditions? Which are based in religion and which are not? Which can we do without? What other December traditions exist?
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.
Dec 28 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Circle
Hosting: Bill Womart
Topic: TBD