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JH Monthly — 2019 June 1 Issue 6.06
Jefferson County Colorado Chapter of the American Humanist Association (AHA)
https://www.jeffersonhumanists.org/
The Jefferson Humanists mission is to expand an ethical and life-affirming Humanist Community devoted to science,
reason, inclusion and social responsibility.
Through community building, lectures and social activism we expand our member’s awareness, gain an understanding of
the issues facing the world and provide learning opportunities through guest speakers on a variety of topics.
Chapter Meeting July
Colorado Secular
Conference
Annual Summer
Solstice Picnic Review
4. Humanist Perspectives
July and Welcome New
Members
5 Monthly Hike: July
6 Humanists Helping
Humanity June
Art, Science, Culture
(ACS) Outing: July Irish
Festival
FROG Book Club: July
FROG June Review The
Road to Unfreedom.
10 4 H Happy Hour: July
and June Review
11 Movie Night
12 The Last Page
Humanist Moment:
For the July 23 Humanist Moment,
presented before the meeting, Lindy Baer
will report on the June 7—9, 2019
American Humanist Association (AHA)
National Conference. He will highlight
some of the significant initiatives and
activities of the AHA.
Program:
Annie Laurie Gaylor, one of the founders of the
Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF),
will present a program titled “Battle of Church &
State.” Currently, Annie is Co-President of
FFRF with her husband, Dan Barker; they have
been Co-Presidents since 2004. Annie has
overseen or been a plaintiff in multiple state/
church lawsuits and actions by FFRF. Annie has
also been involved in a number of women’s
causes. Her book, Woe to the Women: The Bible
Tells Me So, first published by FFRF in 1981, is in
its fourth printing.▲ Annie Laurie Gaylor
JH Monthly — 2019 July 2 Issue 6.07 HOME
The Jefferson Humanists are a major sponsor of this year's conference.
Jefferson Humanists are a major sponsor of this year's Colorado Secular Conference. The conference began in 2012 in Grand Junction and has been held four times since then. This year, the conference is a collaboration of Colorado secular groups.
The main conference will be held on Saturday, July 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Summit Conference and Event Center in Aurora. Conference tickets include a Saturday buffet dinner; tickets might also still be
available for the conference minus the dinner. A special ticketed Friday night dinner with the presenters at Yak and Yeti Denver is sold out.
Seth Andrews, host of the Thinking Atheist Podcast, will be the headliner and keynote speaker. Annie Laurie Gaylor, Co-Founder and Co-President of the Freedom from Religion Foundation will also be speaking along with some local talent, such as Gordon Gamm. Shelly Segal, renowned national musician, singer, and songwriter, will be the featured musician. The music of Pale Blue can be enjoyed at the Heathen Happy Hour.
The Denver Sunday Assembly will present a show, and there will be a panel of Colorado Secular leaders. The morning sessions will include a spotlight on Humanism.
After the buffet dinner on Saturday, there will be a musical presentation by Shelly Segal followed by a Heathen comedy show.
For complete details and to purchase tickets, go to
https://www.secularaccess.org/ Don’t wait too long, though, because the conference is expected to sell out.▲
Tom Kellogg organizer, Lindy Baer Program Director
Shelly Segal
Seth Andrews
JH Monthly — 2019 July 3 Issue 6.07 HOME
About 50 members and friends enjoyed a cool Sunday evening of good food, games and conversation in beautiful Maple Grove Park. Long-time Humanist activist Gordon Gamm, JD presented highlights from his soon-to-be-published book, The Newer Testament for People Who Doubt, which explores the source of truth, morality and emotional exuberance (spirituality) and addresses questions about gods and religion.
Welcome to the five folks who became new chapter members: Grace and Gordon Gamm, Susie and Justin Martinez, and Mary Coyle. Thanks to all who brought food or volunteered to help make it a memorable picnic!
Carol Wilson comments...
The picnic was fabulous and fun for all. The park was just perfect for everyone to play, visit and eat. We were lucky that day with the nice weather too.
Speaker, Gordon Gamm was the icing on the cake. I could have listened to him
for hours and look forward to his presentation at the Colorado Secular Conference July 26th.
There was so much food and so little left over that people must have enjoyed it all. The grillers did an excellent job, the cleanup went well an there were a lot of happy faces. ▲
Thomas, Carmen & Randall
Dennis & Gail with Humanists Trivia questions Thanks for the grilling. David and Tom
Gordon Gamm, JD
Dan and Roberta Cornhole and other games for all.
JH Monthly — 2019 July 4 Issue 6.07 HOME
Note: This is a special evening presentation of Humanist Perspectives
and will be held at the Chapel in the main building of JUC.
Dr. Ray is a world-renowned psychologist who focuses on various topics
like workplace organizational culture and secular sexuality. He is also a
speaker, podcaster and atheist activist. He helped found and is President
of the Board of Recovering from Religion and author of the books, The
God Virus, and Sex and God.
Dr. Ray is an amazing speaker who captivates his audiences and is a fre-
quent headliner at secular conventions. The Jefferson Humanists are very
fortunate to have him. We will be accepting donations for Recovering
from Religion.
Please RSVP to this Meetup if you plan to attend or email [email protected]. Space is limited.
https://www.meetup.com/JeffcoHumanists/events/261530910/
On Sunday, July 21st at 1:00 pm, Dr. Ray will be presenting at the Denver Secular Hub on the work of Recov-
ering from Religion, which will also be an amazing presentation. Here is a link to that event.
https://www.meetup.com/SecularHub/events/262266231/
Beverages and snacks will be served.
The Jefferson Humanists Chapter of the American Humanist Association is very pleased to offer a regular
explorations series on 3rd Saturdays, 10-12 AM, at Jefferson Unitarian Church (JUC). Each session will be
slightly different and include several segments to showcase aspects of Humanism through a presentation,
videos, movies, forums and explorations, followed by discussions. We will include time for participants to
socialize and get acquainted, in keeping with our chapter goal of building community. Breakfast pastries and
beverages will be served.▲
Hosted by Jim Bole and Tom Kellogg
Welcome New Members to Jefferson Humanists • Darlene B. • Kristin Johnson • James Johnson • Terry Kirkham • Linda Matthews • Ken Perreault Get involved: JeffersonHumanists.org
RSVP, attend and keep up with all functions and activities on our Meetup page.
https://www.meetup.com/JeffcoHumanists/
JH Monthly — 2019 July 5 Issue 6.07 HOME
RECENT ACTIONS:
Grocery Packing at The Action Center warehouse on June 1, 2019
Nine Jefferson Humanists spent a Saturday morning assembling boxes and packing them with dried beans, pasta, rice, cereal and canned goods at The Action Center’s warehouse in Lakewood.) We packed more than 500 TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) boxes, which The Action Center will distribute to qualified participants as a portion of the groceries provided to low-income residents of Jefferson County and the homeless in our community.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
July 15, 2019: Preparing Dinner at Roots of Courage Shelter
3:30 -6:30 PM We’ll be making dinner for residents at a domestic violence shelter. We have five (of five) volunteers scheduled for this project, but it would be wonderful to have one or two “back-up” volunteers ready to help out . If you’re available please contact Carole Hughes at [email protected]
October 5, 2019: Grocery Packing at The Action Center Warehouse
9AM until Noon RSVP by May 23 if you can join us at The Action Center’s warehouse, where we’ll be packing grocery boxes .We can use 20 volunteers for this
effort. Children welcome. RSVP by 5/23/2019 to Carole Hughes at [email protected]
Most Wanted Items for July: Toothbrushes, Toothpaste and Floss
At the July 28th Chapter Meeting we’ll be collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and other personal hygiene items for donation to The Action Center, a local non-profit organization providing help with basic human needs and pathways to self-sufficiency. The Action Center provides personal hygiene items to 65-85 families each day so that they can conserve their limited funds for more urgent expenses. Each month we’ll ask members to donate a particular item. For July, consider donating something to help with oral hygiene, please. Thanks for helping!
For questions or comments about Humanists Helping Humanity, please contact Carole Hughes at [email protected]▲
Helping
Families
Eat
Healthy
Ralph, Roberta, Dan, Kay, Tom, Carole, Edna, Mary & Bob
JH Monthly — 2019 July 6 Issue 6.07 HOME
Mt. Galbraith Loop is steep and rocky on a well-established trail for about three miles, going to the top of Mt. Galbraith, elevation 7,260 feet, with views of the Continental Divide and plains.
Afterward, survivors will meet at Cannonball Creek Brewing Company with rotating food trucks, about a quarter mile south of Golden Gate Canyon Road on
Hwy 93. Turn left on Washington then left again past the 7-Eleven. Bring a water bottle, good walking shoes, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and a hat. Be prepared for any weather. For more information or directions, call Tom Kellogg [email protected] or 720-808-2825 ▲
Join us on the first Saturday of the month for a walk/hike, geared for easy and moderate hiking levels. We visit different interesting wild places and sometimes do an urban hike at special events. We will either meet at 10:00 am or sometimes hike in the early evening. Afterward, for those interested, we’ll meet at a restaurant nearby or have a picnic. RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/JeffcoHumanists/events/262501712/
Monthly Hike 1st Saturday | July 11, 2019 6:00 pm.
Mt. Galbraith Loop, Golden
21992 Golden Gate Canyon Rd, Golden, CO 80403
June took us to Bear Creek Greenbelt 2800 South Estes Street, Lakewood it’s an easy level hiking trail with beautiful scenery. After our two plus miles on the trail, we had delicious food at
The Garlic Knot. http://garlicknotpizza.com/colorado/
Monthly Hike 1st Saturday | June | Review.
In this picture by Tom Kellogg is:
Jim and Rosalie Heinze, Robbie Kellogg
and Margaret Kellogg.
JH Monthly — 2019 July 7 Issue 6.07 HOME
Art, Science and Cultural (ACS) Outing | June 2nd
Hosted by Matthew Elisha Matthew Elisha
T his month, we are in south Jeffco as we attend the Colorado Irish Festival (http://coloradoirishfestival.com/) and enjoy some Irish music and culture.
Get your tickets online in advance at http://coloradoirishfestival.com/tickets/ to save $4 off the price of gates at the ticket. Plan to arrive when they open at 10 am. We'll meet at
Killian's Pub not far from the main entrance.
(See map at http://coloradoirishfestival.com/festival-
map/) Look for host Matthew Elisha who will be
wearing a Jefferson
Humanists ball cap.
Be sure to bring sunscreen
and, depending on the
weather forecast, rain gear.
You might also consider
bringing a blanket or
folding camp chair to sit
down on to enjoy the
music. (The main stage has some chairs under canopies,
but most space is open on the grass in front of the
stage.)
Note that there isn't parking right in front of the
festival. You need to either park in Clement Park and
walk to the festival grounds or, the best option is to
park at Columbine High School and take the free
festival shuttle to the event.
Questions? Call or Text Matthew Elisha :303-989-5412.
The AHA's states that humanism is "informed by
science, inspired by art" and that "values...have their
source in human experience and culture." With that in
mind, the Jefferson Humanists have decided to start a
new monthly program.
Each month, we will enjoy
a local cultural, arts or
science event with our
fellow humanists. We might
go to a movie or play,
attend a science lecture or
museum exhibit, take in a
festival, examine art
galleries or listen to an
author talk about their new
book. Keep your eye on Meetup to see what is coming
up for 2019! ▲
"Making peace, I have found, is much harder than making war."
~Gerry Adams (1948)
Famous Humanist
Earl Warren, American Chief Justice, Supreme Court, Politician:
Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court 1953 -1969, extended the U. S. Bill of Rights to the states, ended public school segregation, increased individual rights of travel, voting, running for public office, and expressing opinions. Francis X. Beytagh a Notre Dame Law School professor, writing for the 1976 California Law Review described Warren as a “thoroughgoing humanist.” Born: March 19, 1891/Died: July 9, 1974. ▲
JH Monthly — 2019 July 8 Issue 6.07 HOME
O ur July book is "Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist" by Kate Raworth. Our facilitator, Ralph, has helpfully provided study questions, resources for people who do not want to or can't read the book, and resources for those who want to study the topic in
more depth. See the attachment to this email.
“What if it were possible to live well without trashing the planet? Doughnut Economics succinctly captures this tantalizing possibility and takes up its challenge. Brimming with creativity, Raworth reclaims economics from the dust of academia and puts it to the service of a better world.”―Tim Jackson, author of Prosperity without Growth.
Join us Saturday July 13th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the meeting room at the Lakewood Public Library. The library is located at 10200 W 20th Ave in Lakewood, just 3 blocks West of Kipling. Please feel free to join us even if you haven’t finished the book..
After the meeting we adjourn to Tellers (http://www.tellerstaproom.com), just a few blocks away, to continue the conversation over a beverage.
RSVP to Meetup: http://meetu.ps/e/GJxdp/xZ0q3/f
Email FROG leader, Helena Goldstein at [email protected] with any questions.
Looking ahead, our upcoming meetings are:
• Saturday August 10: "Nothing to be Frightened Of" by Julian Barnes, Lakewood Public Library, 2 - 4 PM.
• Saturday September 14: "The Way of the Heathen: Practicing Atheism in Everyday Life" by Greta Christina, location to be announced.
Happy reading everyone!
Helena ▲
Doughnut Economics | July 13th | 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Billboard Anyone?
Central New York Humanist Association, a chapter of AHA recently put up this bill-board visible from 690.
The goal of the billboard is not to convince anyone to be an atheist. The goal is simply
to let those who are interested in humanism or athe-ism know that there are others out there who don't believe, and that there is a community out here for them if they want one. ▲
~ http://www.cnyhumanists.org/blog
JH Monthly — 2019 July 9 Issue 6.07 HOME
T en of our members plus a new visitor, Stan Wilkes, gathered at the Lakewood Library for our monthly Freethinkers Reading Opportunity Group, FROG, book discussion. Welcome, Stan.
For June, we considered Timothy Snyder’s The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America. Opening the meeting, Matthew Elisha set out the “Trump Jar” (a cardboard box for contributions every time we mention Trump’s name). All agreed that the Trump Jar was especially appropriate as we consider Snyder’s book since it deals with the topics of tyrants, oligarchs, and demagogues and since Snyder mentions Trump numerous times. Helena then passed around the sign-in sheet, made some announcements and turned the meeting over to the facilitator.
The group had mixed feelings about the book; some liked it and some were not so keen. All agreed that the book was a bit of a tough read, especially because of the writing style as well as the depressing subject matter. Some felt that the book offered a warning, especially about the health and strength of democracy, including ours.
We discussed the philosopher Ivan Ilyin, a minor religious and political philosopher, who, in the first half of the twentieth century, advocated fascism. Snyder discusses Ilyin at some length, especially how Putin has brought Ilyin’s concepts into the modern Russian milieu. There was some disagreement among
the group about how Snyder treated Ilyin and his contributions, but no disagreement that Putin advocates for Ilyin and his teachings.
The group’s discussions ranged far and wide regarding Snyder’s advocacy for understanding history, Russian attacks on European and American democracy, and especially, Snyder’s definitions of the politics of inevitability and eternity. It was agreed that the politics of inevitability assumes that progress will continue and the citizens need not worry or take action. The politics of eternity assumes that past problems will come back and, like the politics of inevitability, there is nothing that the populace can do. In both cases, the underlying point is that the people become “zombified” and don’t think or look for alternative solutions. Everyone agreed that it was difficult getting one’s head around Snyder’s definitions.
The group briefly discussed Snyder’s earlier short book, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, a New York Times bestseller. Snyder wrote On Tyranny first, and then wrote The Road to Unfreedom with the intent of publishing it by 2016. Instead, as the 2016 presidential election took shape, he opted to delay publication of The Road to Unfreedom so as to include information about Trump and the election.
In general, the discussions were lively and wide-ranging. The participation of the group is appreciated.▲
FROG (Freethinkers Reading Opportunity Group)
The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America | Review June 8, 2019
Matthew, David, Helena, Carole, Ralph, Lindy, Jim S, Stan, Carol, Roberta & Jim H.
JH Monthly — 2019 July 10 Issue 6.07 HOME
We're t ry ing a new place th is month, Clancy ' s Ir i sh Pub in Wheat Ridge . I t ' s big and has been there for many years , wi th an extensive menu.
Happy hour wi th dr ink and food specia ls goes unt i l 7 :00 p.m. . This place could become a regular 4H spot , even i f you don' t partake of a lcohol .
Jo in us for fun Wednesday Ju ly 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 8 :00 p.m.
7000 W 38th Ave , Wheat Ridge , CO 80033, Severa l b locks east of Wadsworth on 38th Ave . on the south side.
The Jefferson Humanists welcome you to come join fe l low Humanists and Heathens for dr inks, dinner and unique conversa t ions, every 3rd Wednesday of the month a t 6 :00 pm. We' l l t ry new places and go back to our favori tes . ▲
Keep in touch.
RSVP, attend and keep up with all functions and activities on our Meetup page.
https://www.meetup.com/JeffcoHumanists/
Humanist Heathen Happy Hour (4H) | July 17
Humanist Heathen Happy Hour (4H) | June 19 | Review
Jose O'Shea’s is a favorite local hangout with good Mexican food and a fun setting.
We met in the upstairs cantina at 6:00 pm.
After appetizers, a few of us passed on dinner.▲
Just a few who attended; Carol, Jim W. Jim B.,
Helena, David, Linda, and Tom. Others not in
this picture were, Darlene, Margaret and Robbie.
A good time was had by all and Jose O'Shea's is
on the list of places we will return.
Clancy 's Ir ish Pub in Wheat Ridge
JH Monthly — 2019 July 11 Issue 6.07 HOME
Note, due to increased attendance, we have changed to a bigger
room for the JH movie night. It is now the second Friday of the
month and in the main building at JUC in room R/7.
A fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her
one true love. He must find her after a long separation and
save her. They must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of
Florin to be reunited with each other. Based on the William
Goldman novel "The Princess Bride" which earned its
own loyal audience.
Please join us for our monthly JH Movie Night, where we'll be
showing The Princess Bride (rated PG, run time: 1 hour, 38
minutes). Doors open at 6:45 and the movie starts right at 7:00. Stay
for discussion afterwards. Popcorn, snacks, and drinks will be served.
Donations are accepted. You are welcome to bring a comfy chair or
cushion. Remember, please note that we will be meeting in the main
building.
Click here to see the official trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNNUcHRiPS8
Click here for more details and to RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/JeffcoHumanists/
events/262395275/
Dear Church, Here’s Why People Are Leaving. This attrition is likely irreversible and here’s why: "Your silence right now is the last straw for them. They’ve been waiting for you to oppose the separation of families,
to declare the value of Black lives,
to loudly defend LGBTQ people,
to stand alongside your Muslims brothers and sisters,
to denounce the degradation of the planet—,
to say with absolute clarity what you stand for and what you will not abide.
And you have kept them waiting too long." ~John Pavlovitz ‘Things Need to be Said’.
Host Robert and Co-Host Charla
JH Monthly — 2019 July 12 Issue 6.07 HOME
Your Library, Your Books. You can search for title (or part of the title), author or tags, such as philosophy, science, etc. When you find the book you are looking for contact Matthew Elisha, or Carol Wilson and we’ll do our best to bring the book to the next Chapter Meeting for you.
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/JeffcoHumanists/jeffersonhumanists
New book in library:
• Kaleidoscope by Paul Gehrman: What kind of people stand alone, armed only with their integrity against impossible odds? Kaleidoscope is the story of a billionaire aerospace entrepreneur alarmed by a cultural retreat to religious fundamentalism. He battles a powerful theocracy, intent on injecting its venom into the country that he loves. At the risk of his own life, he refuses to surrender.
• 50 Popular Beliefs That People Think Are True. Forward by Dr. Phil Plai. Skeptical journalist Harrison writes fifty short essays on different things that are widely believed but are unsupported by scientific evidence. He covers a range of topics, from Magical Thinking (mostly paranormal ideas), various alien-related topics, science and medicine (global warming, "Biological Races are Real," "No Vaccines for my Baby!"), religion, bizarre beings (ghosts, Bigfoot), weird places (Bermuda Triangle), and the end of the world.▲
Faith is the great cop-out, the great excuse to evade the need to think and evaluate evidence. Faith is belief in spite of, even perhaps because of, the lack of evidence.
~Richard Dawkins
2019 Jefferson Humanists Leadership
President: Matthew Elisha [email protected]
Vice President: Jim Bole [email protected]
Treasurer: Dan Green [email protected]
Secretary: Open. Terry Kirkham Recorder [email protected]
IT Committee Chair:/Acting Chair: Nancy Bolt [email protected]
Webmaster: Terry Kirkham [email protected]
Humanists Helping Humanity (HHH) Carole Hughes [email protected]
Book Discussion Leader—Helena Goldstein: [email protected]
Program Committee Chair: Lindy Baer [email protected]
Humanists Perspectives: Tom Kellogg and Jim Bole
Humanists Heathen Happy Hour (4H) Tom Kellogg and David V Smith
Movie Night Robert and Tom Kellogg
Board Advisor Bruce Vincent
Newsletter Editor: Carol Wilson [email protected]
Directors: Ralph Hughes, Tom Kellogg, Roberta Larson, Edna Miller and Pat Nickel and David Smith
