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
Oct 19 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Jim Laurent
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker:Don Wyman
Title: Why Spy? Part 2.
Description: The Second part of this engaging story. 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.”
Oct 26 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Circle
Hosting: Bill Womart
Topic: will artificial intelligence enhance or detract from the principles of humanism and what solutions can guide its ethical use.
Nov 2 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Jim Laurent
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Don Ardell
Title: REAL Wellness: A Philosophy and Lifestyle Likely to Enhance Your Chances to Enjoy Mental and Physical Wellbeing
Description: Don will highlight the four dimensions of the REAL wellness concept (reason exuberance, athleticism and liberty (i.e., personal freedoms) and introduce the life and work of Robert Green Ingersoll, orator extraordinaire during the last half of the 19th century. Don will offer his view that life is fundamentally meaningless save for the purposes and passions we choose for ourselves. Major themes will include politics, sex and religion, with a focus on thriving and flourishing, happiness, aging, death, and at least a dozen other fun matters in order to highlight the REAL wellness concept and illuminate the wisdom and eloquence of "The Great Agnostic," Robert Ingersoll.
Bio: Donald B. Ardell, Ph.D., is a pioneering figure in the wellness movement, renowned for his contributions as an author, speaker, and athlete. He is best known for his seminal 1977 book, High Level Wellness: An Alternative to Doctors, Drugs, and Disease, which helped catalyze the modern wellness movement in the United States
Nov 9 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Sunday
Hosting: Steve Post
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Title: TBD
Nov 16 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Jim Laurent
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Mary Sayer
Title: Isaac Asimov, Humanist, Scientist, Author: A 20th century renaissance Man?
Description: A personal story of Isaac Asimov from someone who knew him.
Bio: Mary Sayer knew Asimov and his wife for 18 years. Learn about his life, works and advocacy of Humanism from someone with first hand experience.
Nov 23 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Circle
Hosting: Bill Womart
Topic: TBD