Huntsville Humanist Celebrant Louise Hardin conducts an outdoor weddingPink DogwoodSome HumanistsCouple holds handsShef CeremonyWedding in a wood near a waterfall

  • January 2015 Events

    Humanists of North Alabama News! 2015-01-11

    Hope everyone is ready for the new year!

    January 2015 events:

    • Sunday, January 18: 2:00 – 3:30 pm: Monthly meeting at Crestwood Women’s Center.
      • I would like to spend some time remembering Dan Nisen, who has been supportive of Freethought and Humanism throughout his life.
      • Followed by open discussion, perhaps reflections on Free Speech in the USA.
    • Sunday, January 25, 2:00- 4:00 pm: The Humanists of North Alabama is starting a new book discussion group, meeting on the 4th Sunday of each month from 2:00-4:00 pm. at the Crestwood Women’s Center (behind Starbucks on Airport road). Rose Deverzly is coordinating the discussion. These are the current selections for the first three months.
      • Jan. 25:  The New Jim Crow, Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander.  (The Huntsville/Madison library system appears to have a few copies available.)
      • Feb. 22:  Reading Lolita in Tehran, A Memoir in Books, by Azar Nafisi (The Huntsville/Madison county library system appears to have about ten copies available.)
      • Mar. 22:  A Call to Action:  Women, Religion, Violence, and Power, by Jimmy Carter. (The Huntsville/Madison library system appears to have a few copies available.) (Because Jimmy Carter’s book will not be available in paperback until the middle of February, I’ve now made that the March selection.)
    • Monday, January 26, 6:00-7:30pm: Philosophy Café. Open discussion on philosophical topics continues on the fourth Friday of each month in the upstairs room of “A Cup of Everything” at 103 Northside Square. An assortment of sandwiches, snacks and beverages are available for purchase (and to lubricate discussion).

    Our events can be found

    Other community events:

     

    MAAF Redstone (Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers) affiliate group

    • MAAF-Redstone meets on the third Tuesday, January 20, from 6:00-7:30 pm at Newk’s Express Café on University Drive. It’s purpose is to support the military (including veterans) and their families in the North Alabama area. MAAF Redstone is for active duty military, veterans, spouses and supportive civilians. Join the conversation on Meetup at http://www.meetup.com/MAAF-Redstone-Meetup/ or join the closed group on MAAF Redstone Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/305467142954231/

    Not Your Mama’s Craft Circle

    • Not Your Mama’s Craft Circle is hosted by the Free2Be LGBTQ Resource Center at 2004 Poole St on the First and Third Thursday of each month from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Attendees share snacks, work on their projects, and chat. Open to all who support LGBTQ Equality. (January 15 is next event)NAFA: North Alabama Freethought Association
      (see their MeetUp page at http://www.meetup.com/thenafa/
    • 2nd Friday of each month at 6:30 PM – NAFA Movie night at Crestwood Women’s Center. Doors open at 6:30, movie starts at 7:00. Usually on the second Friday of each month.
    • 3rd Friday of each month at 7:00 PM – NAFA dinner at Casa Blanca at Main Street South Center (7500 Memorial Pkwy SW # 115A, Huntsville, AL  phone: (256) 213-9979)
    • Every Saturday at 10:00 am to noon – Coffee at Angel’s Island Coffee, 7538 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL
    • Every Sunday at 10:00 am to noon – Coffee at Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery, 347 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL
    • Every Monday at 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Coffee (and cheese-cake and other items) at The Foyer 600 Jordan Lane, suite 2, Huntsville, AL (north-east corner of Holmes and Jordan Lane)

    National/Regional Events:

    • On Easter Weekend, April 3-6, 2015, American Atheist Conference will be held at the Peabody hotel in Memphis Tennessee.  Information on hotel and conference registration at http://atheists.org/convention2015
    • The American Humanist Association’s 74th annual conference is May 7-10, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. Information at http://conference.americanhumanist.org/ If you received this email from a friend and want to be added to the distribution list, send an email to me at louise.hardin@gmail.com.Suggestions for events, meeting venues, topics are always welcome!Humanists of North Alabama is an official Chapter of the American Humanist Association.  Membership in the AHA is strongly encouraged!Louise Hardin

    256-683-8026

  • Book Discussion Group begins 4th Sun. in January, 2-4pm

    From Rose E. Deverzly:
    The Humanist’s of North Alabama is starting a new book discussion group in January. We will meet on the 4th Sunday of each month from 2:00-4:00 pm. We will be meeting at the Crestwood Women’s Center (behind Starbucks on Airport road). The book selection for January 25th: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander The Huntsville Library system appears to have two or three copies available. The book selection for February 22nd: A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power, by Jimmy Carter The Huntsville Library system appears to have two copies available. I chose the first two books to get the group started and we can group select subsequent selections. I would like to keep the focus on current issues. However, we can also choose relevant fiction books along with other humanist and secular books. I’m looking forward to trying to see if we can get this group populated and going! I’m also sharing this with the North Alabama Freethought Association. I will post some suggested guidelines for conducting the discussions in another post. Just so that everyone has an opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions, and be listened to respectfully. And, to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to participate!
    rose.deverzley@gmail.com
    posted by Travis Hardin

  • Humanists of North Alabama News 2014 Dec 4. Humanist/Freethought Solstice Potluck.

    Humanists of North Alabama News! 2014-12-04

    Humanist Event Summary for December:

    • Saturday, December 20 at 12:30 PM: the annual Humanist/Freethought Solstice Dinner
    • Philosophy Café – not meeting in December

    Event Details:

    • Instead of our regular monthly meeting, we will celebrate the season with the traditional Humanist/Freethought Potluck on Saturday, December 20. Set-up and appetizers from 12:00 to 12:30; serving dinner starts at 12:30.Travis and I will again host the event at our home, and will supply turkey and ham. Guests are asked to bring one dish to share (vegetable, appetizer, dessert, bread, drink, other) (about 8-12 servings). RSVP via phone (256-683-8026) or by email (Hardin@gmail.com). As usual, parking in the yard.

    Coming events:

    • Sunday, January 18: 2:00 – 3:30 pm: Monthly meeting at Crestwood Women’s Center.
    • Sunday, January 25, 2:00- 4:00 pm: The Humanists of North Alabama is starting a new book discussion group, meeting on the 4th Sunday of each month from 2:00-4:00 pm. at the Crestwood Women’s Center (behind Starbucks on Airport road). The book selection for January 25th: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander. The Huntsville Library system appears to have two or three copies available. The book selection for February 22nd: A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power, by Jimmy Carter. The Huntsville Library system appears to have two copies available. Coordinated by Rose Deverzly.
    • Monday, January 26, 6:00-7:30pm: Philosophy Café.

    Thoughts for the season:

    Everyone has their own version of what the Holiday celebrations should be like. To me, it is the celebration of cultural diversity. I grew up in a home that put up the manger scene, although the wise men weren’t included until January 6. We had the pagan tree, the Germanic Yule log, the special breads and foods prepared by the Polish aunts, and cookies whose recipes came from all over the world. In fourth grade, our Christmas celebration was learning carols from different countries. I celebrate the music still, and treat them all as folk-tales, whether it be about Santa or Jesus or Frosty.

    My celebrations don’t include buying and giving gifts. In my questioning of my religious beliefs, I surveyed the history of Christian Christmas celebrations. In the earlier centuries (my mind is blank on the time frame), gifts were laid at the manger, and distributed to the poor. It was in the 18th century when gifts started being exchanged in families, and then spread to the commercialism of today. I celebrate that earlier time by reviewing my finances and picking worthy charities to distribute unneeded funds to. I also celebrate by eating a variety of cookies, and enjoying gatherings of friends.

    Happy Holidays to all, and may your celebrations be many and as unique as you are!

     

    Our events can be found

    • on our MeetUp group:

    http://www.meetup.com/Humanists-of-North-Alabama-Meetup/

     

     

    Other community events:

     

    MAAF Redstone (Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers) affiliate group

    • MAAF-Redstone meets on the third Tuesday, November 18, from 6:00-7:30 pm at Newk’s Express Café on University Drive. It’s purpose is to support the military (including veterans) and their families in the North Alabama area. MAAF Redstone is for active duty military, veterans, spouses and supportive civilians. Join the conversation on Meetup at http://www.meetup.com/MAAF-Redstone-Meetup/ or join the closed group on MAAF Redstone Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/305467142954231/

     

    Not Your Mama’s Craft Circle

    • Not Your Mama’s Craft Circle is hosted by the Free2Be LGBTQ Resource Center at 2004 Poole St on the First and Third Thursday of each month from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Attendees share snacks, work on their projects, and chat. Open to all who support LGBTQ Equality.

     

    NAFA: North Alabama Freethought Association
    (see their MeetUp page at http://www.meetup.com/thenafa/

    • 2nd Friday of each month at 6:30 PM – NAFA Movie night at Crestwood Women’s Center. Doors open at 6:30, movie starts at 7:00. Usually on the second Friday of each month.
    • Every Saturday at 10:00 am to noon – Coffee at Angel’s Island Coffee, 7538 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL
    • Every Sunday at 10:00 am to noon – Coffee at Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery, 347 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL
    • Every Monday at 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Coffee (and cheese-cake and other items) at The Foyer 600 Jordan Lane, suite 2, Huntsville, AL (north-east corner of Holmes and Jordan Lane)

     

    If you received this email from a friend and want to be added to the distribution list, send an email to me at louise.hardin@gmail.com.

     

    Suggestions for events, meeting venues, topics are always welcome!

     

    Humanists of North Alabama is an official Chapter of the American Humanist Association. Membership in the AHA is strongly encouraged!

     

    Louise Hardin

    256-683-8026

     

  • Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 PM: Monthly meeting and discussion, and more!

    Humanists of North Alabama News! 2014-11-13

    Humanist Event Summary for November:

    • Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 PM: Monthly meeting and discussion at Crestwood Women’s Center, 185 Chateau Drive, Huntsville (off of Airport Road – statue of girl on bench in front)
    • Philosophy Café –on Monday, November 24 at “A Cup of Everything” at 103 Northside Square at 6 PM

    Event Details:

    • Our monthly meetings start with a presentation of a topic, followed by discussion of the topic.
      • This week, I’ve been catching up with the Humanist Hour podcasts. Episode 121 features George Eighmey on Death with Dignity – and the current laws across the country supporting this; Episode 122 is: A Discussion on the Psychology of the Paranormal with Dr. Susan Blackmore – which includes a discussion of what happens in the brain as we approach dying.  I’m inspired to talk about life’s end.
      • I recommend listening to the Humanist Hour – http://thehumanist.com/multimedia/the-humanist-hour/.
      • We’ll have fixings for tea and coffee – feel free to bring your own coffee mug.
    • Philosophy Café discussions are open to the public. Topics are selected by those present. Come early to grab a sandwich or snack or a drink – beer and wine available.

       

      Our events can be found

    • on our MeetUp group:

      http://www.meetup.com/Humanists-of-North-Alabama-Meetup/

    • on our FaceBook page:
      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Humanists-of-North-Alabama/258854664128349
    • on our web page:
      http://www.humanistsofnorthalabama.org/

       

      We are supporting a new MAAF (Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers) affiliate group to support the military and their families in the North Alabama chapter. MAAF Redstone is for active duty military, veterans, spouses and supportive civilians. Join the conversation on Meetup at http://www.meetup.com/MAAF-Redstone-Meetup/ or join the closed group on MAAF Redstone Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/305467142954231/

      MAAF-Redstone meets on the third Tuesday, November 18, from 6:00-7:30 pm at Newk’s Express Café on University Drive.

       

      I found Dr. Darrell Ray’s presentation very interesting. He also has a podcast called secular sexuality. (WARNING – his podcasts contain explicit material – not safe for work!!)

      You can listen to these at

      https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/secular-sexuality-w-dr.-darrel/id914276437?mt=2

       

      Other community events:

       

      NAFA: North Alabama Freethought Association
      (see their MeetUp page at http://www.meetup.com/thenafa/

    • 2nd Friday of each month at 6:30 PM – NAFA Movie night at Crestwood Women’s Center. Doors open at 6:30, movie starts at 7:00. Usually on the second Friday of each month.
    • Every Saturday at 10:00 am to noon – Coffee at Angel’s Island Coffee, 7538 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL
    • Every Sunday at 10:00 am to noon – Coffee at Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery, 347 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL
    • Every Monday at 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Coffee (and cheese-cake and other items) at The Foyer 600 Jordan Lane, suite 2, Huntsville, AL (north-east corner of Holmes and Jordan Lane)

       

      If you received this email from a friend and want to be added to the distribution list, send an email to me at louise.hardin@gmail.com.

       

      Suggestions for events, meeting venues, topics are always welcome!

       

      Humanists of North Alabama is an official Chapter of the American Humanist Association.  Membership in the AHA is strongly encouraged!

       

      Louise Hardin

      256-683-8026

  • 2015 Humanist Conference May 7-10, Denver

    http://conference.americanhumanist.org/

  • Biergarten Stein and Dine – Thursday July 31, 2014

    MARK YOUR CALENDARs and INVITE your friends – nontheists and theists alike – it’s an opportunity to stand for science and education, teaching kids how to think, not what to think! FUNDRAISER FOR CAMP QUEST ALABAMA – July 31st 4-7PM at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Ten percent of proceeds go to the Camp Quest fund.

    NAFA_bier

  • Event summary May 26 – June 22 update

    Humanists of North Alabama News! 2014-05-25

    June 5-8 is the American Humanist Association annual conference in Philadelphia. For more information and to register, go to http://conference.americanhumanist.org/

    Humanist Event Summary for next month:

    • Monday, May 26 at 6:00 pm: Philosophy Café  – meets at Sam and Greg’s  119 North Side Square. Open discussion.

    • Book Club meetings: (“On the Nature of Things” by Lucretius as translated by Martin Ferguson Smith)

      • Sunday June 1, 8, and 22 at 3:00: Meeting at the Community Room of Publix (at Whitesburg and Airport Road)

      • Sunday, June 29 at 3:00 PM: meeting at the Bailey Cove Branch Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza SE, Huntsville, AL (off of Bailey Cove south of Weatherly)

    •  Sunday, June 15 at 2:00 PM: Monthly meeting and discussion at Crestwood Women’s Center, 185 Chateau Drive, Huntsville (off of Airport Road – statue of girl on bench in front)

     

    June 22 is Huntsville’s Rocket City Pride! We will have a table from noon (set-up) to 5 PM (parade start).  Volunteers requested to man the table and give out information and stickers, and to march in the parade as a group.

    Our events can be found

    • on our MeetUp group:

      http://www.meetup.com/Humanists-of-North-Alabama-Meetup/

    • on our FaceBook page:
      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Humanists-of-North-Alabama/258854664128349

    • on our web page:
      http://www.humanistsofnorthalabama.org/

      Other community events:

      Want to have a good time and support Camp Quest Alabama at the same time! Save the date: Thursday, July 31 at the Space and Rocket Center. Details coming soon!

      NAFA: North Alabama Freethought Association
      (see their MeetUp page at http://www.meetup.com/thenafa/

    • 2nd Friday of each month at 6:30 PM – NAFA Movie night at Crestwood Women’s Center. Doors open at 6:30, movie starts at 7:00. Usually on the second Friday of each month.

    • Every Saturday at 10:00 am to noon – Coffee at Angel’s Island Coffee, 7538 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL

    • Every Sunday at 10:00 am to noon – Coffee at Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery, 347 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL

    • Every Monday at 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Coffee (and cheese-cake and other items) at The Foyer 600 Jordan Lane, suite 2, Huntsville, AL (north-east corner of Holmes and Jordan lane)

    PFLAG-Huntsville and GLBTAYS sponsors “Not Your Mama’s Craft Circle” on the first and third Thursday of each month from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Our Space Community Center (2004 Poole St). Supportive members of the community are invited to bring their craft projects.

     

    If you received this email from a friend and want to be added to the distribution list, send an email to me at louise.hardin@gmail.com.

     

    Suggestions for events, meeting venues, topics are always welcome!

     

    Humanists of North Alabama is an official Chapter of the American Humanist Association.  Membership in the AHA is strongly encouraged!

     

    Louise Hardin

    256-683-8026

  • Events summary May 19 – June 22

    Humanists of North Alabama News!
    by Louise Hardin

    June 5-8 is the American Humanist Association annual conference in Philadelphia. For more information and to register, go to http://conference.americanhumanist.org/

    Humanist Event Summary for next month:

    • Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 PM: Monthly meeting and discussion at Crestwood Women’s Center, 185 Chateau Drive, Huntsville (off of Airport Road – statue of girl on bench in front)

      • There is no planned topic for this meeting – perhaps the loss of secularism by elected government officials.

    • Monday, May 26 at 6:00 pm: Philosophy Café  – meets at A Cup of Everything at 103 North Side Square in their upstairs Board Room. Open discussion.

    • Book Club meetings: (next book “On the Nature of Things” by Lucretius as translated by Martin Ferguson Smith)

      • Sunday, May 25th at 3:00 PM: meeting at the Bailey Cove Branch Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza SE, Huntsville, AL (off of Bailey Cove south of Weatherly)

      • Sunday June 1, 8, and 22 at 3:00: Meeting at the Community Room of Publix (at Whitesburg and Airport Road)

    June 22 is Huntsville’s Rocket City Pride! We will have a table from noon (set-up) to 5 PM (parade start).  Volunteers requested to man the table and give out information and stickers, and to march in the parade as a group.

    Our events can be found

    • on our MeetUp group:

      http://www.meetup.com/Humanists-of-North-Alabama-Meetup/

    • on our FaceBook page:
      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Humanists-of-North-Alabama/258854664128349

    • on our web page:
      http://www.humanistsofnorthalabama.org/

    • Other community events:

      Want to have a good time and support Camp Quest Alabama at the same time! Save the date: Thursday, July 31 at the Space and Rocket Center. Details coming soon!

    • NAFA: North Alabama Freethought Association
      (see their MeetUp page at http://www.meetup.com/thenafa/

    • 2nd Friday of each month at 6:30 PM – NAFA Movie night at Crestwood Women’s Center. Doors open at 6:30, movie starts at 7:00. Usually on the second Friday of each month.

    • Every Saturday at 10:00 am to noon – Coffee at Angel’s Island Coffee, 7538 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL

    • Every Sunday at 10:00 am to noon – Coffee at Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery, 347 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL

    • Every Monday at 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Coffee (and cheese-cake and other items) at The Foyer 600 Jordan Lane, suite 2, Huntsville, AL (north-east corner of Holmes and Jordan lane)

    PFLAG-Huntsville and GLBTAYS sponsors “Not Your Mama’s Craft Circle” on the first and third Thursday of each month from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Our Space Community Center (2004 Poole St). Supportive members of the community are invited to bring their craft projects.

     

    If you received this email from a friend and want to be added to the distribution list, send an email to me at louise.hardin@gmail.com.

     

    Suggestions for events, meeting venues, topics are always welcome!

  • Federal Judge puts same sex marriage on hold

    http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/01/federal_judge_puts_same-sex_ma.html#incart_river

  • Judge Strikes Down Alabama’s Gay Marriage Ban

    Pleased!

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/23/alabama-gay-marriage_n_6535610.html

    posted by Travis Hardin

  • 2015 Humanist Conference May 7-10, Denver

    http://conference.americanhumanist.org/

  • Children raised secular are moral. Not news to us.

    http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-0115-zuckerman-secular-parenting-20150115-story.html

    • Sir Julian Huxley:

    "Today the god hypothesis has ceased to be scientifically tenable...and its abandonment often brings a deep sense of relief... Once our relief at jettisoning an outdated piece of ideological furniture is over, [then] we must construct something to take its place."