Calendar Archive - Recent Events
Saturday, December 17, 2011
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Morris County Cultural Center
300 Mendham Road (CR 510/24)
Morristown, NJ 07960
(map & directions)
Created by NJHN members, HumanLight is our secular winter celebration of our Humanist
ideals and sentiments: the positive vision of a peaceful, ethical, enlightened and happy world that we,
as humans, can bring about without reliance on concepts of supernatural entities.
This year's tenth anniversary event features a Buffet Lunch and Dessert. This is a *BYOB* event.
Featured Speaker: Fred Edwords of UnitedCOR
Entertainment: David Darwin, the One Man Sideshow!
Sunday, November 13, 2011, 1:00-4:00 pm: Program Meeting
Lee Vizer, Final Exit Network: "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" . . . Why Not?
The Final Exit Network (formerly the Hemlock Society and End-of-Life Choices) focuses on providing compassionate support to the dying as opposed to promoting right-to-die legislative changes. The right to die with dignity has been called "the Ultimate Civil Right of the 21st Century." Is that title applicable? If so, what can we do as individuals to aid in the forward momentum of this deeply personal movement?
Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 7:30 pm: HCRU Program Meeting
Humanism Around the World
Debbie Goddard
Director, African Americans for Humanism
Campus Outreach Coordinator, Center for Inquiry TransnationalDebbie recently met with over 500 humanist leaders from 50 countries and 6 continents at the eighteenth World Congress of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, which was held in Oslo, Norway, August 12-14. They met under the cloud of the right-wing terrorist attacks in Norway that left over 70 people dead just three weeks before. The theme of the gathering was, most appropriately, "Humanism and Peace." Some of the events were held in the hall where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded.
Please join us so we can continue to be a strong, visible, growing and international secular community.
Douglass Campus Center
Meeting Room E
100 George Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 1:00pm - School Vouchers
John Bartram, President of the Monmouth County Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, will discuss school voucher programs, the myth of their success, and the status of New Jersey's Opportunity Scholarship Act (S1872), a tuition tax credit proposal for corporations to provide privately subsidized scholarships (vouchers) to private and religious schools. All New Jersey taxpayers should know how voucher programs affect public school funding (and our taxes) and the constitutional concerns these programs create. Bring your point of view to the Q&A discussion following John's presentation!
PLEASE NOTE that this meeting is on Saturday, not Sunday!
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 7:30pm - HCRU Program Meeting: Poetic Humanism and the Secular Sublime
Guest speaker Jennifer Michael Hecht is the author of the best-selling Doubt, A History and two books of poetry: The Next Ancient World and Funny.
Jennifer Michael Hecht will speak this coming Monday at the SAC Lounge about the weirdness of life, death, and everything, and how art and poetry does most of what religion does, but with a “secular sublime.”
Contrary to the popular impression that atheism is negative and nihilistic, Hecht believes that “Throughout history, atheism and humanism provide all the thrills, wit, and wisdom you could ask for, if you know where (and when) to look.” She maintains that “Lots of the great poets of the English language were atheists or serious doubters in God and doctrine, and they wrote poetry that has been so long beloved because it creates transcendent moments.”
Hecht earned her Ph.D. in the History of Science from Columbia University in 1995 and now teaches in the MFA program of Columbia University and The Graduate Writing Program of The New School University. Her works have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Post.
Rutgers Student Activities Center (College Avenue Campus)
613 George Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
September 26, 2011 - 7:00-9:00 pm: Program Meeting for Mercer County Atheists and Humanists
Hope Needs Only Hands & Hearts
Guest speaker Marc Adams is a Humanist minister, author, activist and founder of HeartStrong, a nonprofit group that supports GLBT students attending religious colleges and universities.
Marc's visit is part of HeartStrong's 49th Outreach and Education Trip.
After a lengthy journey to self-acceptance, Adams founded a nonprofit social justice organization appropriately named HeartStrong to make every possible effort to reach GLBT students from religious educational institutions. Adams is an award winning author of nine books including, Do's and Don'ts of Dealing with the Religious Right, It's Not About You: Understanding Coming Out & Self-Acceptance and The Preacher's Son. In 2011, HeartStrong launched its Youth Empowerment Project which provides humanist-based educator's guides to every public, private & religious school counselor.
"Hope is everything" Adams continues. "I will spend the rest of my life offering that hope to GLBT persons so maybe one day we won't have to hear stories about GLBT youth ending their lives. I have set the pattern of my life to inspire others to offer hope. I believe hope and human kindness can change everything."
HeartStrong has been chosen by Foundation Beyond Belief as their designated children's charity for the fourth quarter of 2011.
Mercer County Public Library, Lawrence Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(map and directions)
September 18, 2011 - 1:00-4:00 pm: Program Meeting
LGBT & Humanism: Come Out, Stand Together
Guest speaker Jason Frye is the LGBT Humanist Council Coordinator for the American Humanist Association.
With LGBT issues of marriage equality, employment non-discrimination (DADT), youth suicide, and discrimination in the news today, what is the Humanist perspective, and what is the American Humanist Association doing to promote the cause of equality? Jason Frye has an entertaining talk about the Humanist connection and commitment to LGBT equality, the AHA's new LGBT outreach efforts, how we can get involved, and why we should.
Jason has been a Humanist activist since 2003, and an LGBT activist since 1996. He is embarking on a 25-state speaking tour and documentary film project traveling across the country to examine the coming out experience for Freethought and LGBT people.
Sunday, August 21, 2011 - 1:00pm - Program Meeting: The Nature of Existence
Join us for a viewing of this ocumentary by Roger Nygard.
From Amazon.com editorial review:
"What if you asked the religious experts, gurus, scientists, and everyday people of the world why we exist? Why are we here, and what are we supposed to do about it? What started the Universe, and was it a mistake? Does God exist, and why does he seem so interested in our sex lives?
After exploring the phenomenon of Trekkies, filmmaker Roger Nygard took on The Nature of Existence. Nygard roamed the globe to the source of each of the world's philosophies, religions, and belief systems, and interviewed people who have influenced, inspired, or freaked out humanity. Combining an investigative approach with a spiritual quest, the award-winning film is a humorous yet uplifting search for enlightenment, presenting some of the most challenging ideas and extraordinary people you'll ever see, such as: Indian holy man Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (The Art of Living), evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion), 24th generation Chinese Taoist Master Zhang Chengda, Stanford physicist Leonard Susskind (co-discoverer of string theory), wrestler Rob Adonis (founder of Ultimate Christian Wrestling), confrontational evangelist Brother Jed Smock, novelist Orson Scott Card (Ender's Game), director Irvin Kershner (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back), Stonehenge Druids Rollo Maughfling & King Arthur Pendragon and many more."
Before the film, we'll select a few of these 85 questions posed by Nygard in the film and then discuss our own ideas following the film.
Running time: 94 mins. (we'll show some of the 32 mins. of bonus features if time allows)
Saturday, July 23, 2011 - 12pm-6pm - Annual Summer Picnic
One of our biggest events of the year -- a great time to visit with old friends and make new ones, with plenty of good food and a chance to support our humanist group!
Adults $15 ($10 for NJHN members)
Children 12-17 $5
Children under 12 FREERain or shine!
You can pay at the picnic.
Checks should be made payable to: New Jersey Humanist NetworkPicnic Menu:
hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, veggie burgers and buns
garnishes and condiments
assorted hot dishes
Beverages: a variety of soda, diet soda, fruit juice, iced tea, waterPlease bring a favorite cold side dish or dessert to share...e.g., potato salad, pasta salad, veggie salad or cookies, brownies, fresh fruit, pie, cake, etc.
All utensils will be provided.
We have an alcohol permit, so feel free to bring your own.Please RSVP to Lisa Ridge at memberinfo@njhn.org or call 609-403-8238 by Wednesday, July 20, so that we know how much food to prepare. Please indicate whether you will bring a side dish or dessert to share.
*Bring your favorite picnic party games and get to know your fellow Humanists.
*Bring a friend who has expressed an interest in Humanism.
*Wear your favorite freethought apparel.
*The park offers many activities, including lake fishing, biking and hiking trails, athletic fields and a playground. Details about those activities can be found at the park's website.
*Pets allowed, but must be restrained by a leash.The group shelter, located at the end of a road off East Springtown Road, and restrooms are handicap accessible via a side access road. Contact Lisa in advance if you will need directions to the access road.
Schooley's Mountain Park
Camp Washington Road
Long Valley, NJ 07853
Group Shelters A&B
Sunday, June 26, 2011- 1pm - NJHN Annual Meeting
- Discussion of NJHN's future plans
- Suggestions welcome
- Board of Directors election - all NJHN members are eligible to vote
Saturday, May 21, 3:00 PM - 12:01 AM: Rapture Survivor Party!
As we begin the Time of Tribulation (look it up!), a party seems like a good start!
Come have fun with fellow heathens, heretics and the unsaved!
Read about the 2011 End Times prediction
Six Feet Under "Rapture" opening
BBQ potluck & BYOB
- Get de-baptized in our Lake of Fire! (bring swimsuits & towels)
- Games:
Blasphemy
Playing Gods - On your way to the party, gather clothing & shoes left behind by the raptured to be donated to the Trenton Rescue Mission.
- Bring pet food, toys or old blankets/towels to be donated to the Ewing Animal Shelter for the earth-bound creatures abandoned by their raptured owners.
Home of Tim and Lisa Ridge
Sunday, May 15, 2011 - 1:00 PM: Program Meeting
Guest Speaker: Tom Flynn, Executive Director, Council for Secular Humanism
Topic: Take a Trip on the Freethought Trail
West-Central New York State plays a special role in America's history of radical reform. In the nineteenth century, this region gave rise to bold new intellectual and social movements, several new religions, numerous utopian communities, and countless industrial and technical innovations. It was a hotbed of social, political, and religious innovation. The Freethought Trail is a collection of locations in the area that are important to the history of freethought. Tom Flynn will take us on a virtual tour of the well-known and unknown spots on the Trail.
NOTE: NJHN is planning a weekend trip on the Freethought Trail this summer, including visits to these sites:
- Matilda Joslyn Gage Home (Fayetteville)
- National Women's Hall of Fame (Seneca Falls)
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton House (Seneca Falls)
- Robert Green Ingersoll Birthplace Museum (Village of Dresden)
- Watkins Glen Waterfront & State Park (Watkins Glen)
- Mark Twain Study & Exhibit at Elmira College (Elmira)
Other area humanist/freethought groups may join us. We haven't confirmed a date yet, as we're trying to find suitable overnight lodging for a group. We'll announce the weekend date soon!
Come at 1:00 p.m. to socialize. The program will start at 1:30 p.m. After the meeting, everyone is welcome to join us for an early dinner at Stage House Tavern, 1719 Amwell Road, Somerset (this is just around the corner from the library).
Franklin Twp Community/Senior Center
505 DeMott Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873
Saturday, April 23, 2011 1:00 PM
April Program Meeting: Book discussion of The Moral Landscape by Sam Harris
This was such a successful program at the Rutgers Humanist Chaplaincy, we're going to do it again, so that more people have a chance to participate! Join the discussion, even if you haven't read (or finished) the book.
How big a role can science play in morality? Harris’ TED Talk gives a good summary of his thesis. See the entire clip.
EXCERPT from the Introduction:
“I will argue…that questions about values – about meaning, morality, and life’s larger purpose – are really questions about the well-being of conscious creatures. Values, therefore, translate into facts that can be scientifically understood…The most important of these facts are bound to transcend culture – just as facts about physical and mental health do…The more we understand ourselves at the level of the brain, the more we will see that there right and wrong answers to questions of human values….The goal of this book is to begin a conversation about how moral truth can be understood in the context of science.”
Longer excerpt and brief clip
Further Reading and Reviews:
New York Timeswhyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com
Please join us for what will certainly be a lively discussion! Come at 1:00 pm to socialize. The program will begin at 1:30 pm. After the meeting, everyone is welcome to join us for an early dinner at Stage House Tavern, 1719 Amwell Road, Somerset (this is just around the corner from the library).
Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 7:30-9:30pm
HCRU Program Meeting and first meeting of the Rutgers Humanist Alumni Group
Humanism: A Life of Activism and Meaning
Speaker: Margaret DowneyTo be followed by socializing and an organizational meeting for the Alumni.
Student Activity Center Lounge
College Avenue Campus
613 George Street
New Brunswick, NJFree PARKING for visitors to campus in lots 20, 30 and College Ave Parking Deck (access from George St.) For directions go to http://rumaps.rutgers.edu and search for the lots.
Everyone who attends is invited to bring donations of canned tuna, chicken, salmon and sardines to support the Rutgers Against Hunger Campaign.
Margaret Downey is an international leader in the nontheist movement. Her first major public involvement as an activist was in bringing the case Margaret Downey v. Boy Scouts of America to federal court, but she was frustrated when the Supreme Court ruled, in a parallel case, that it was legal for the Boy Scouts, as a private organization, to refuse to renew her son’s membership because he was raised in an atheist household. Downey is former President of Atheist Alliance International and the founder and former president of The Freethought Society. She founded the Anti-Discrimination Support Network, which reports and helps deal with discrimination against atheists. She serves on the board of Freedom From Religion Foundation and is a former board member of the American Humanist Association. She has represented the interest of the nontheist community (since 1995) at several United Nations conferences and spoke at the United Nations Freedom of Religion and Belief meeting in New York City.
Sunday, March 20, 2011 - 1:00 PM - Program Meeting
Guest Speaker Brian Switek - Written in Stone
Charles Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection was dogged by a major problem: the fossils that would confirm his predictions were seemingly nowhere to be found. During the past 30 years, new discoveries and reinvestigations of long-forgotten specimens have coalesced into a flood of transitional fossils. Paleontologists have unearthed walking whales from Pakistan, feathered dinosaurs from China, fish with feet from the Arctic Circle, ape-like humans from Africa, and others that fill in crucial gaps in our understanding of evolution.
Based on his book Written in Stone: Evolution, the Fossil Record, and Our Place in Nature, Brian Switek will speak about the remarkable discovery of these fossils and how they have changed our perspective of the tree of life. Scientists are finally beginning to understand how whales walked into the sea, how horses stood up on their tip-toes, how feathered dinosaurs took to the air and how our own ancestors came down from the trees. He will also tell the story of the scientists who made the discoveries. By combining the latest discoveries with the history of science, he explores our changing ideas about nature and our place in it as well as celebrating the variety of life on Earth.
Brian Switek is a freelance science writer specializing in evolution, paleontology, natural history, and the history of science. He blogs regularly at WIRED Science's Laelaps and Smithsonian magazine's Dinosaur Tracking.
Come at 1:00 pm to socialize. The talk will begin at 1:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us and Brian for something to eat at a nearby restaurant after the meeting.
Sunday, February 20, 2011 - 1:00 PM - Darwin Day Event
Dr. Alan Mann, Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University, will give a presentation entitled The Scars of Human Evolution. When our four-legged ancestors came down from the trees and began to walk upright, hominids developed a curve in the lower back and this curve lets us balance our trunk and head over our hip joints and walk on two legs. Dr. Mann will describe some common human ailments resulting from our species' evolution from four-legged ancestors.
From his University website: "Alan Mann is a physical anthropologist whose interests include paleoanthropology and human evolution. He is the author of Some Paleodemographic Aspects of the South African Australopithecines and is the co-author (with Mark L. Weiss) of Human Biology and Behavior: An Anthropological Perspective. Professor Mann is also affiliated with Evolution at Princeton. Professor Mann teaches courses on human adaptation and evolution and a summer field course on modern human origins in France."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 -
7:30 PM - HCRU Program Meeting
Welcome to Controversy
Since his election as President of American Atheists in Sept. last year, Dave Silverman has maintained a high profile. His series of billboards denouncing religion has become a national story (see below) and sparked a counter series by outraged religious groups. In his career with American Atheists, Dave is known for his contentious appearances on such shows as The O'Reilly Factor, Scarborough Country, The Situation with Wolf Blitzer, Paula Zahn Now, Nick News, and NPR's All Things Considered.
Silverman will speak about the war of the billboards and about the history of his storied organization, which, since its founding in 1963 by the legendary Madalyn Murray O'Hair, has been an outspoken defender of church/state separation, including removing compulsory prayer from schools and making sure evolution and science are taught properly. He may also reveal to us what his next billboard will say and where it will be placed!
All are welcome – the religious and non-religious - to come support or challenge Silverman in friendly debate.
Billboard near Lincoln Tunnel
Billboard in Huntsville Alabama
Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 1:00 PM - Documentary: Constantine's Sword
We hoped to have Chris Rodda as our speaker for this month’s program. Chris is the Senior Research Director at the Military Religious Freedom Foundation and author of the book Liars for Jesus. However, Chris is recovering from an unfortunate encounter with a snow bank and won’t be able to join us.
As a last-minute program alternative, Chris enthusiastically suggested that we show the 2008 documentary Constantine’s Sword, in which former Catholic priest James Carroll explores the roots of religiously inspired violence and war. His search also reveals a growing scandal involving religious infiltration of the U.S. military and the terrible consequences of religion’s influence on America’s foreign policy. This film inspired Mikey Weinstein to found the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
The film is 96 minutes long. We will have a discussion of current events on this topic afterward. Movie snacks and water will be provided. Bring your own (non-alcoholic) beverages.
Saturday, December 11, 2010, 5:00 - 8:00 PM: HumanLight!
HumanLight is our secular winter celebration of our Humanist ideals and sentiments: the positive vision of a peaceful, ethical, enlightened and happy world that we, as humans, can bring about without reliance on concepts of supernatural entities.
In Western societies, late December is a season of good cheer and a time for gatherings of friends and families. During the winter holiday season, where the word "holiday" has taken on a more secular meaning, many events are observed. This tradition of celebrations, however, is grounded in supernatural religious beliefs that many people in modern society cannot accept.
HumanLight presents an alternative reason to celebrate: a Humanist's vision of a good future. It is a future in which all people can identify with each other, behave with the highest moral standards, and work together toward a happy, just and peaceful world. Learn more about HumanLight at www.humanlight.org.
HumanLight was founded by NJHN members in 2001, so this will be our 10th annual event.
Entertainment provided by Dr. Think, Man of Imagination
Buffet Dinner and Dessert Menu
We will hold a silent auction fundraiser which will help support the Families Network and the Humanist Chaplaincy at Rutgers University.
We also will be collecting items for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), which is profiled as this quarter’s poverty charity by the Foundation Beyond Belief, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation created to focus, encourage and demonstrate the generosity and compassion of atheists and humanists. A list of food and hygiene items currently needed by TASK is here and we ask that you donate items from this list.
This year's event is at:
Franklin Township Community Senior Center
505 Demott Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873
Happy HumanLight!
Saturday, November 27, 2010 - 1:00 PM - Program Meeting
Group Discussion - What do you do for the winter holidays?Franklin Township Public Library
485 DeMott Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873
(map and directions)
Come at 1:00 pm to socialize. The talk will begin at 1:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us and the speaker for something to eat at a nearby restaurant after the meeting.
For more information, please email Tim Ridge
Monday, November 8, 2010 - 7:30 PM - Humanist Chaplaincy at Rutgers (HCRU) Program Meeting
The Anatomy of Soul Beliefs
Daniel Ogilvie, Professor of Psychology, Rutgers University
What is this entity, the soul, that the vast majority of people throughout the world believe exists? Science cannot prove or disprove the existence of God. Nor can it prove or disprove the existence of a soul that is unbuckled from the body at the point of death. But science can be useful in providing insights into the causes and consequences of these sorts of beliefs.
October 31, 1:00-3:30pm - October Program Meeting
Is Religion Good or Bad for Society?
Guest Speaker Tim Zebo
Some say, “Of course, religion’s good for society – it fosters a strong sense of community, feeds the hungry, houses the homeless and promotes the moral education of our children.” Others say, “Are you kidding? Religion deceives people about the true nature of reality, inspires sectarian violence, teaches dangerous and misleading sex education, and causes endless cultural disputes over abortion, gay marriage and stem cell research - of course, it's bad for society.” Drawing on recent social science research by the paleontologist, Gregory Paul, and the “Plan B” Initiative by Lester Brown, this multi-media talk will suggest a surprising new way to answer this question.
Tim Zebo received his PhD degree in Electronic Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, and was a long-time Bell Laboratories Member of Technical Staff before becoming an independent consultant. An avid Humanist, he also works to promote social justice and critical thinking. He was a founding member of Red Bank Humanists, and served as Vice President in 2004.
October 4, 2010 - Rutgers Humanist Chaplaincy Meeting - 7:00pm
Hope Needs Only Hands and Hearts:
An Evening with Marc Adams
Co-sponsored by the Humanist Chaplaincy at Rutgers University and Rutgers Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
Growing up the son of a fundamentalist Baptist minister is tough enough. Growing up gay in an environment where your parents, teachers and peers deem evangelical Christians as left wing liberals is an entirely different experience.
In an effort to save his own life, Marc Adams rebelled against his parents and attended Jerry Falwell's Liberty University to change his behavior from homosexual to heterosexual. His experience there jumpstarted his journey to self-acceptance and personal freedom.
Marc Adams is the author of nine books including The Preacher’s Son and Do's and Don'ts of Dealing with the Religious Right. His newest book is titled It's Not About You: Understanding Coming Out & Self Acceptance.
A Unitarian-Universalist for over a decade, his groundbreaking work includes HeartStrong, a nonprofit social justice organization providing hope and help to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students persecuted in religious educational institutions.
Marc's presentation covers an often dark side of life. He bridges the serious discussion with humor and all-encompassing human compassion. People from all walks of life who have heard Marc speak find themselves enlightened, uplifted, and inspired.
Find out more about Marc Adams at: meetmarcadams.com and heartstrong.org.
Saturday, December 19, 2009, 12:00 - 4:00 PM: HumanLight!
Madeline’s on Vosseller
518 Vosseller Ave.
Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805
Catered Buffet Dinner and Dessert
Cash Bar / Soda
Menu
Entertainment: Dave Smith, the One Man Sideshow. Dave is a juggler, musician and magician who has performed in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, on television and at many other venues around the country.
RSVP by December 10 to guarantee seating
Write an Essay for HumanLight on Reason, Compassion, or Hope.
Selected essays to be read at our2009 HumanLight celebration.
All essays will be published. (deadline for submissions: Dec. 7)
HumanLight Essay Flyer
Winter Solstice Weekend!
This year we are coordinating with American Atheists to create a full weekend of fun! After our HumanLight event, NJHN and AA are co-sponsoring a free BYOB party for adults at the Hampton Inn in South Plainfield. Discount available for an overnight stay. On Sunday, December 20, AA invites you to their Winter Solstice event at the American Atheists Center in Cranford, NJ. Details at the American Atheists website.
Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 2:00 PM: Arbor Glen Conference Center
 |
Guest speaker Fred Edwords will discuss the United Coalition of Reason (UnitedCoR), the New Jersey Coalition of Reason (NJCoR) and the response to the billboard/advertising campaign around the country. Following his talk, Fred will lead a training session for all interested in media and community outreach efforts. |
 |
Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 2:00 PM Arbor Glen Conference Center 100 Monroe Street Bridgewater, NJ 08807 |
| Directions to Arbor Glen |
Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 7:30 PM: Greg Epstein discusses his new book
Hickman Hall, Room 101
89 George Street
Douglas Campus
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
Map and Directions
Parking in lots 74A, 79, 79A and Douglas Parking Deck
The Rutgers Humanist Chaplaincy is hosting a talk by Greg Epstein as part of his national book tour for the release of Good Without God: What a Billion Non-Religious People Do Believe.
Greg is the Humanist Chaplain at Harvard University. The book describes his personal journey to embrace the lifestance of Humanism and how those who do not believe in gods or the supernatural can live fulfilling, ethical, hope-filled lives while contributing to the betterment of humankind and the health of our planet. It is also a unifying call to good people of every faith and belief system to work together toward these common goals.
We're asking everyone who wishes to bring a can of food to donate to the Rutgers Against Hunger campaign.
Watch a promotional video for Good Without God on YouTube
Watch an interview with Greg Epstein on YouTube
For more information, contact Barry Klassel, Humanist Chaplain at rutgershumanist @gmail.com or visit the Rutgers Humanist Chaplaincy website
Sunday, May 17, 2009, 2 PM - 4 PM: Annual Meeting
- Board of Directors Election
- Guest Speaker Martha Knox - Topic: PhillyCOR and the Future of Freethought in America
Arbor Glen Retirement Center
100 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
July 26, 2009: Annual Picnic! 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Schooley's Mountain County Park in Long Valley, NJ. Rain or shine.
Adults $10.00, children age 12-17 $5.00, and children under 12 are FREE.
RSVP by Wednesday, July 22, 2009 to NJHN at Comcast.net or call Lisa at 609-403-8238.
Please include whether you will bring a side dish or dessert to share.
Checks can be made payable to: New Jersey Humanist Network.
This year's picnic will again be catered by NJHN volunteers, and the menu items to be provided will include:
- hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, veggie burgers with buns
- garnishes and condiments
- baked beans and assorted hot dishes
- fruit juice, iced tea, a variety of soda and diet soda, coffee and hot tea, with milk, sugar, & sweetener
- All utensils
We are asking for picnickers to bring a cold side dish (potato, pasta, veggie salad, or your favorite) OR a dessert (pie, cake, cookies, fruit, or your favorite) to share with everyone. We do have an alcohol permit, so feel free to bring your own.
Bring your favorite picnic party games and get to know your fellow Humanists. Wear your favorite freethought apparel and win a prize! Games for the kids would be appreciated, especially in case of rain. The park offers many activities - details at the park's webpage. Pets must be restrained by a leash. The shelter is handicap accessible via a side access road.
(Sun) April 19, 2009, 11:00 AM: NJHN Families program - We will have a friendly spring gathering with a fun children's activity and lots
of adult chatting.
Visit our NJHN Families page for location and contact info.
(Sun) March 15, 2009, 11:00 AM: Flemington area NJHN brunch at Panera Bread (325 Route 202 South). Meet at the back near the rest rooms. The discussion will be decided by the group. All are welcome, no matter where you live. Future meetings may include post-brunch nature walks on the various trails in the Flemington area.
(Sun) March 15, 2009, 1:30 PM: NJHN Board of Directors meeting. All dues-paying members are welcome to attend and participate in the business of the organization. Please contact Harley Brown at njhn at rcn dot com for agenda/location info.
(Sun) March 15, 2009, 11:00 AM: NJHN Families program - Trip to the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West @ 79th Street, NYC. This will be a group activity, so when we see who wants to come along, we might arrange a carpool or have a meal before or after. There's a great IMAX film called Wild Ocean, but please be sure your young ones are ready for the IMAX experience.
Visit our NJHN Families page for RSVP contact info.
(Tues) March 17, 2009, 7:00 PM: Monthly Dinner - North Brunswick
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow humanists, atheists and freethinkers in your area.
Omega Diner (map & directions)
1337 US Highway 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ
(Sun) February 8, 2009, 11:00 AM: Flemington area NJHN brunch at Panera Bread (325 Route 202 South). Meet at the back near the rest rooms. The discussion will be decided by the group. All are welcome, no matter where you live.
(Sun) February 15, 2009, 1:00 PM: Darwin Day & Evolution Teach In at U Penn Museum of Archeology & Anthropology
NJHN will again join other local freethinkers to attend the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthrology's Darwin Day celebration. This is a FREE family-friendly event which includes talk, films, exhibit tours, a birthday cake, and "Darwin" himself! It's a lot of fun for young and old.
As 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birthday and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his groundbreaking work "On the Origins of Species," the U Penn Museum is celebrating a Year of Evolution, with public programs and events through May 2009, including a special exhibit to mark this occasion: "Surviving: The Body of Evidence", an interactive, multimedia exhibition about the process of evolution and its impact on people today.
Attend the Teach In with other humanists, freethinkers, and atheists by simply meeting up with us in the lobby at 1:00 PM.
(Tues) February 17, 2009, 7:00 PM: Monthly Dinner - North Brunswick
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow humanists, atheists and freethinkers in your area.
Omega Diner (map & directions)
1337 US Highway 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ
(Sat) February 21, 2009, 4:00 PM: DARWIN DAY 2009 - "Evolving a Genius: The Extraordinary Life and Creativity of Charles Darwin." Speaker: Professor Doug Schwartz, former President of the School for Advanced Research, Santa Fe, NM, and current SAR Senior Scholar at the University of Cincinnati.
This event will be held in the auditorium at the PeopleCare Center, Bridgewater NJ (see top of this page for a map and directions). All parking is behind the building. Refreshments will be served.
(Sun) February 22, 2009, 11:00 AM: NJHN Families program -
Darwin Day activities for the kids - including playing with this cool timeline!
Visit our NJHN Families page for location and contact info.
(Sun) January 11, 2009, 11:00 AM: Flemington area NJHN meet and greet at Paneras (325 Route 202 South). Meet at the back near the rest rooms.
(Sun) January 18, 2009, 11:00 AM: Phillipsburg/Easton area NJHN meet and greet at the Red Robin (intersection of Rte 248 and 33) in Pennsylvania. Meet in the party area in the front.
(Tues) January 20, 2009, 7:00 PM: Monthly Dinner - North Brunswick
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow humanists, atheists and freethinkers in your area.
Omega Diner (map & directions)
1337 US Highway 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ
(Sun) January 25, 2009, 11:00 AM: NJHN Families program - Resolutions: Think Globally, Act Locally
Like-minded families will gather to have an activity and discuss how to make the world a better place by starting very locally. Perhaps we will have a pot-luck food sharing, as that was SO successful for our Harvest Feast!!
Visit our NJHN Families page for location and contact info.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
4:00 - 8:00 PM
Morris County Cultural Center
300 Mendham Road (CR 510/24)
Morristown, NJ 07960
(map & directions)
Created by NJHN members, HumanLight is our secular winter celebration of our Humanist
ideals and sentiments: the positive vision of a peaceful, ethical, enlightened and happy world that we,
as humans, can bring about without reliance on concepts of supernatural entities.
This year's event features a Buffet Dinner and Dessert. This is a *BYOB* event.
NJHN member Patrick Colucci will be our emcee and
member and Humanist Celebrant Barry Klassel will be our featured speaker.
Musical entertainment will be provided by jazz saxophonist Michael Mahadeen.
Geology and paleontology fun for everyone provided by Professor Daniel O'Saurus.
November 19, 2008: Program Meeting (in the Cafeteria Area)
"The Science of Happiness" with speaker Gary Brill
September 24, 2008: Program Meeting
NJHN member Peter Schweinsberg will discuss The Ethics of Food.
He will cover the environmental impact of various foods, why secular humanists should care about animal welfare, and the advantages and disadvantages of vegetarian and vegan diets that some may propose to help reduce these environmental and cruelty-related problems. The goal of the talk is to help provide relevant information so that people will know how to make more ethical food choices based upon their available food options.
NOTE: NJHN will participate in the townwide garage sale in Belvidere, NJ on Saturday, October 4th. If you have garage sale items you'd like to donate, please bring them to the meeting on Wednesday night. Thanks!
October 22, 2008: Program Meeting
Group Discussion: What political issues relate to us as humanists?
With only two weeks left until Election Day, we'll discuss the issues of this campaign season and the impact of political rhetoric on our ability to reach consensus with those of differing viewpoints. Please join us for what will surely be a lively discussion!
October 26, 2008, 12:00 Noon: NJHN Families Group meeting
This meeting will be an activity and hike at Watchung Reservation. We loved using this site for our September meeting, so we will be doing that again! RSVPs to families at njhn.org appreciated!
Location: Watchung Reservation Nature Center
452 New Providence Rd
Mountainside, NJ 07092
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 7:30 PM: Monthly Program Meeting
Guest speaker Matt LaClair shares his "Raising Hell in High School" story about his efforts to preserve church-state separation and educational integrity in the classroom at Kearny High School.
Also: NJHN members will elect a slate of candidates to the Board of Directors for 2008-2010.
May 28, 2008: PeopleCare Center, 7:30 PM
Ron Steelman, President of Red Bank Humanists will speak about the
Red Bank Humanists Video Project and will show three videos:
What is Humanism?
Journeys to Humanism
About Red Bank Humanists
April 23, 2008: PeopleCare Center, 7:30 PM
Group Discussion--What should Humanists do to promote the general welfare?
We will talk about the fairness of various proposed tax systems after a general introduction given by Tim Ridge.
March 26, 2008: PeopleCare Center, 7:30 PM
We'll show Pledge of Allegiance Blues, a film by Lisa Seidenberg, which follows the story of Michael Newdow, the blues-playing atheist physician and lawyer who brought the landmark lawsuit to remove the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Supreme Court. The film uses The Pledge of Allegiance as a starting point to examine ideas of religiosity and patriotism in America - using the activist edge and sense of humor of both the filmmaker and her subject. Newdow, who grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, performs some of his original church-state separation ballads throughout the 72-minute documentary. We'll also discuss Newdow's current lawsuits to Restore the Pledge (challenge to "under God") and Restore the Motto (challenge to "In God We Trust").
February 27, 2008: PeopleCare Center, 7:30 PM
Guest Speaker Howard Young discusses the YD Cometary Impact Event. In October 2007, a ground breaking paper by Richard Firestone and others was published in the Periodical of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), hypothesizing that 12,900 years ago a comet (or possibly meteorite) entered the earth’s atmosphere and either smashed into North America or exploded above it, causing massive fires and floods. This impact has been named the YD Event, and is believed to have destabilized the Laurentide Ice Sheet, wreaked devastation over a vast area, and caused severe climatic disruption across the entire planet. How did this cataclysm affect the thinking of the survivors? How might established and cultured peoples have reacted to cataclysm? How might their reaction have left a religious legacy, still in existence today?
January 23, 2007: PeopleCare Center, 7:30 PM
Guest speaker David Silverman will provide an overview of current Church-State Separation issues.
January 13, 2008: Happy Humanists Variety Club
Snow tubing at Camelback Ski Area / Dinner at Pangea Restaurant (Poconos)
Tannersville, PA 18372
Info/Map
Join us for a fun day of snow tubing at Camelback in the Poconos, followed by a wonderful dinner together at Pangea Restaurant! Snow tubing is fun and easy - no skills are required. You get to ride down various slopes on individual innertubes and then ride back up on a lift to play some more! More information about snow tubing and height requirements for children at Camelback, and also the Pangea Restaurant's large number of menu selections and pricing can be found at these two links:
http://www.skicamelback.com/snowtubing.php
http://www.poconospangea.com/cuisine.html
You can either meet us directly at Camelback at about 1:45 pm, or you can carpool in with us -- and we do enjoy laughing and joking around a lot during the carpool! We will be meeting at 12:15 in Hopatcong and carpooling from there to Camelback. It is about an hour's drive from Hopatcong. If you are driving there directly, please note we are getting the 3-hour tubing sessions from 2pm to 5pm. There are also plenty of places indoors at Camelback to rest, relax, and grab a snack anytime you like. The cost for all ages for the 3-hr session is $22 (or $19 if we qualify for the group rate which so far looks like we will). Please note that Camelback requires a release form to be signed before snow tubing. It can be downloaded on-line at the above address and brought with you, or you can sign one after arriving.
**Important**: Apparently the afternoon snowtubing time slots fill up quickly on the weekends, so a group reservation of 25 spots has been made to ensure that all can get in. Everyone will be paying Beverly Lloyd directly for their tickets (note: checks are fine). Bev will need to call Camelback (and Pangea restaurant) sometime closer to the date to firm up the number of people, so please RSVP in advance to reserve a spot.
When you sign up for this event, please let Bev know whether you will be meeting us there or carpooling in with us, and we'll forward you the directions to the carpool meetup location on Northwood Road in Hopatcong. So come, laugh, be among friends, .......and have fun!!!!
RSVP to Beverly at 973-663-3555 or happyhumanists at verizon.net and include your phone number (for any last minute changes).
Join the HHVC Meetup Group to get event reminders!
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
Saturday, December 22, 2007
4:00 - 8:00 PM
Morris County Cultural Center
300 Mendham Road (CR 510/24)
Morristown, NJ 07960
(map & directions)
Created by NJHN members, HumanLight is our secular winter celebration of our Humanist
ideals and sentiments: the positive vision of a peaceful, ethical, enlightened and happy world that we,
as humans, can bring about without reliance on concepts of supernatural entities.
This year's event will include a buffet dinner & dessert, and NJHN member and HumanLight co-founder Gary Brill
will be our Master of Ceremonies. Classical string quintet String Theory returns by popular demand and
juggler Jen Slaw will entertain (and teach) young and old alike. This will be a *BYOB* event.
December 18, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Omega Diner (map & directions)
1337 US Highway 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ
November 28, 2007: PeopleCare Center, 7:30 PM
Group Discussion: The holidays are coming! What will you celebrate?
November 20, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Omega Diner (map & directions)
1337 US Highway 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ
October 24, 2007: PeopleCare Center, 7:30 PM
Group Discussion: Latest News and Secular Views
It’s all the rage these days - debating atheism v. theism – and the results are encouraging! More young people than ever before are rejecting organized religion, the “religious left” is fighting back against the “religious right,” the Secular Coalition for America is gaining strength and allies, and philosopher/author Sam Harris (The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation) has a provocative new view on how we “label” ourselves. Get the latest and share your views on these and other issues in the news.
October 21, 2007: 1:00 PM - Happy Humanists Variety Club
Pumpkin Carving and Wine Tasting with Pot Luck Fun!Hopatcong, NJ
Join us for a day of being a kid again and relax with some nostalgic October fun!
We'll start out the afternoon with a quick trip to a nearby farm where we'll each pick a pumpkin (or pumpkins!). Then we head back to Hopatcong where we'll carve pumpkins and roast and eat the pumpkin seeds, and taste some seasonal wines - all followed by a late afternoon pot luck meal! So bring your imagination and your favorite dish - be among friends, laugh, and have fun!
RSVP to Beverly at hhvcnj at verizon.net with your phone number (for any last minute changes), the area you are driving from (so to forward to you the directions) and your pot luck dish (note: this is a private residence, so dishes can be reheated but refrigerator and stove space is limited so dishes that are ok left unrefrigerated or not warming on the stove for a few hours - like salads, snacks, desserts, appetizers, or side dishes - are most helpful.)
Join the HHVC Meetup Group to get event reminders!
October 16, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Omega Diner (map & directions)
1337 US Highway 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ
October 16, 2007: 11:00 AM - Family Humanist Group
If you are looking for Humanist activities or a Humanist family community for your family with children ages 2-15 (or so), please consider joining our group of Humanist families meeting monthly in the Fanwood/Scotch Plains area.
The meetings will generally be on the third Sunday of the month from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (or so). Meetings will include children's activities, an outdoor activity (weather permitting), some organized adult discussion (with children playing supervised nearby), and lots of informal chatting opportunities with like-minded families. We are developing a group lending library of books for children and parents raising children in a Humanist family.
Topics for children's activities will include:
- Equality - everyone deserves to be treated well
- Superstition
- Science - critical thinking
- Solstices/Equinoxes - the science behind seasons and celebrations
- Enthusiasm for life - celebrating your uniqueness
- Evolution
- Nature - our connection to it and the importance of taking care if it
As our group grows and evolves, we might have more different types of activities to add.
We want our group to become a real community to give a sense of belonging to our children. We want it to grow to include educational topics for 8-13 year old children that would include: comparative religions, in depth study of Humanist values/principles, etc. Maybe even involve some sort of coming of age ceremony.
Our group is still in the formative stages and we welcome any and all input and contributions. Come plant and water what you want to see grow!
For more information about our meeting location, upcoming events or to get involved, please contact: Tamara Mount at
908-904-4901 or tamaramount at earthink.net or Mindy Quirk at 908-322-3461 or mindyquirk at yahoo.com.
Program Meeting
Topic: Preserving Freedom of Choice and Reproductive Health Care
Selina Winchester & Leslie Zucker of Planned Parenthood of Greater Northern New Jersey will discuss the latest issues facing advocates of protecting reproductive health and rights, including U.S. policy on international family planning, efforts in Congress to restrict federal funding for Planned Parenthood health centers, and the upcoming “40 Days for Life” protests by anti-choice reactionaries (targeting Planned Parenthood health centers around the country – including 2 NJ clinics).
September 22, 2007: 8:00 PM
Movie/Exchange of Ideas Night
Fischer's Dance Studio
341 Lakeside Avenue
Glasser, NJ (Hopatcong Area)
A Brief History of Disbelief, Part 3
The subject of atheism has sparked a major cultural and religious discussion in America. Best selling books, press reports and magazine articles are fueling the debate. The first ever television exploration of the idea that God does not exist was broadcast in England in 2005. This 3-part series is a personal essay by Jonathan Miller, author, lecturer, producer and director. Now at a time of growing debate over faith versus reason, it is being offered for the first time to viewers in America. Followed by a short film: Mr. Deity.
Join the discussion, bring your opinions! Bring your friends! As always, our showings are free of charge. We will have refreshments and lots of discussion. Please, it is not necessary to bring any food or house gifts. We plan to start the movies at around 8:00 pm, but feel free to arrive any time after 7:00 pm.
RSVP Katy and Russ Fischer or call 973-663-4646. They can also provide directions if needed.
September 18, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Omega Diner (map & directions)
1337 US Highway 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ
September 7, 2007: Freethought Book Club - 7:30 PM
It's fiction this month. We will discuss Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut.
From the publisher: Galapagos takes the reader back one million years, to A.D. 1986. A simple vacation cruise suddenly becomes an evolutionary journey. Thanks to an apocalypse, a small group of survivors stranded on the Galapagos Islands are about to become the progenitors of a brave new, and totally different human race. Here, America's master satirist looks at our world and shows us all that is sadly, madly awry -- and all that is worth saving.
New Location!!
Barnes & Noble Booksellers (map & directions)
869 US Highway 1
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
August 21, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Omega Diner (map & directions)
1337 US Highway 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ
August 12, 2007: Happy Humanists Variety Club event: The Bronx Zoo!
Time: 9:45 am at the Bronx Zoo -- or -- 8:00 am in Hopatcong where we'll carpool to the zoo.
Join us for a totally fun day at the Bronx Zoo! Once inside the zoo we'll be headed for some of the most popular exhibits like the Skyfari (skytram) to the Wild Asia Monorail (like a drive-thru safari but on a monorail), Jungle World (a lush indoor rain forest), Congo Gorilla Forest (where the gorillas can come right up to the glass so you can see them up close and personal!), and feeding time at the World of Birds (where the birds swoop down to catch live crickets!).
Some of us will be bringing our own lunches (there are picnic tables) and some of us will be buying our lunches at the zoo. Either way we'll be at the Dancing Crane Cafe where there is a beautiful view of ponds/marshlands with lots of pink flamingos and other water fowl.
You can either meet us in the Southern Boulevard Gate C parking lot at 9:45 am (we'll be holding a purple helium balloon near the entrance gate) or you can meet us at 8 am in Hopatcong where we'll be carpooling from there to the zoo.
Costs for the zoo entrance is $25 per person, children 3-12 $19, seniors (65+) $21. This is for their P.O.P. ("pay one price") ticket which will cover entrance to all of their exhibits, monorail, shuttle, skytram, etc. Parking fee is $10.
Things recommended to bring: water bottle, comfortable shoes
If you are planning on attending, please RSVP to hhvcnj at verizon.net as soon as you can, and please also include a phone number (especially a cell phone number) to reach you at in case of any last minute changes. Let us know whether you will be meeting us at the Bronx Zoo or Hopatcong (we'll forward the Hopatcong meet-up address and directions). I can be reached at home in the evenings at 973-663-3555 (Beverly Lloyd) if you have any questions.
Note: More information including maps and directions for the Bronx Zoo can be found by going to their website.
P.S. There are also lots of photos now up on meetup.com of the mule rides which can be seen by clicking here.
August 11 , 2007: 8:00 PM
Movie/Exchange of Ideas Night
Fischer's Dance Studio
341 Lakeside Avenue
Hopatcong, NJ (Glasser Area) 
"The U.S. vs. John Lennon"
In retrospect, it seems absurd that the United States government felt so threatened by the presence of John Lennon that they tried to have him deported. But that's what happened, as chronicled in directors David Leaf and John Scheinfeld's The U.S. vs. John Lennon.
The film starts with a familiar look at the former Beatle's troubled childhood, his outspokenness as one of the Fabs ("We're more popular now than Jesus Christ," etc.), and his eventual hookup with Yoko Ono, paralleled by the growth of political protest in '60s America, particularly against the Vietnam War. John and Yoko went on to stage their own peaceful demonstrations, like the Canadian "bed-ins," but these were largely harmless media stunts. It was when the Lennons moved to New York in the early '70s and took a more active role in the anti-war movement, making friends with radicals like Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, and Black Panther Party founder Bobby Seale, that the government got interested--and paranoid--and men like President Nixon, FBI director Hoover, and right-wing Sen. Strom Thurmond began actively looking for ways to silence him.
An array of talking heads weighs in, ranging from Ono and others sympathetic to Lennon's plight (Walter Cronkite, Sen. George McGovern, even Geraldo Rivera) to those on the other side, including Watergate conspirator G. Gordon Liddy. Though The U.S. vs. John Lennon is hardly impartial, it's safe to say that although Lennon was more an idealist than an activist, he was an influential celebrity whom Nixon viewed as a potential nuisance in an election year. And even once Nixon had won the '72 presidential race, the Immigration and Naturalization Service refused to drop its case. Why? "Anybody who sings about love, and harmony, and life, is dangerous to somebody who sings about death," says author Gore Vidal.
Join the discussion, bring your opinions! Bring your friends! As always, our showings are free of charge. We will have refreshments and lots of discussion. Please, it is not necessary to bring any food or house gifts. We plan to start the movies at around 8:00 pm, but feel free to arrive any time after 7:00 pm.
RSVP Katy and Russ Fischer or call 973-663-4646. They can also provide directions if needed.
August 5 , 2007: Annual Picnic! 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Schooley's Mountain County Park in Long Valley, NJ. Rain or shine.
Adults $10.00, children age 12-17 $5.00, and children under 12 are FREE.
RSVP by August 1, 2007 to NJHN at Optonline.net or call 732-658-6440.
Please include whether you will bring a side dish or dessert to share.
Checks can be made payable to: New Jersey Humanist Network.
This year's picnic will again be catered by NJHN volunteers, and the menu items to be provided will include:
- hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, veggie burgers with buns
- garnishes and condiments
- baked beans and assorted hot dishes
- fruit juice, iced tea, a variety of soda and diet soda, coffee and hot tea, with milk, sugar, & sweetener
- All utensils
We are asking for picnickers to bring a cold side dish (potato, pasta, veggie salad, or your favorite) OR a dessert (pie, cake, cookies, fruit, or your favorite) to share with everyone. We do have an alcohol permit, so feel free to bring your own.
Bring your favorite picnic party games and get to know your fellow Humanists. Wear your favorite freethought apparel and win a prize! Games for the kids would be appreciated, especially in case of rain. The park offers many activities - details at the park's webpage. Pets must be restrained by a leash. The shelter is handicap accessible via a side access road.
July 28, 2007: 8:00 PM
Movie/Exchange of Ideas Night
Fischer's Dance Studio
341 Lakeside Avenue
Hopatcong, NJ (Glasser Area)
Fidel
To some he is a champion of the poor and the powerless;
to others he is a ruthless dictator. He is often dismissed as a relic,
yet many revere him as a saviour. He is Cuban President, Fidel Castro.
Director, Estela Bravo allows the story to unfold through the words of Alice Walker, Sydney Pollack, Ted Turner, Muhammed Ali, Harry Belafonte, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Congressman Charles Rangel, Ramsey Clark, Wayne Smith, and others. Family and close friends, such as the Nobel Prize winning writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, also offer a window into the largely unknown private life of Fidel Castro.
Juxtaposing the personal and the anecdotal with the history of the Cuban Revolution and Castro's fight to survive the post-Soviet period and the continued U.S. embargo, this 91-minute documentary tells a story that has yet to be told on film. Without resorting to polemics, Bravo is able to surprise her audience as she reveals another side to the compelling figure of Fidel.
Join the discussion, bring your opinions! Bring your friends! As always, our showings are free of charge. We will have refreshments and lots of discussion. Please, it is not necessary to bring any food or house gifts. We plan to start the movies at around 8:00 pm, but feel free to arrive any time after 7:00 pm.
RSVP Katy and Russ Fischer or call 973-663-4646. They can also provide directions if needed.
July 17, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Omega Diner (map & directions)
1337 US Highway 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ
July 15, 2007, 11:00 am: Happy Humanists Variety Club of North Jersey hosts its inaugural event!
Looking for a couple of hours where you can just sit around on your ass?!
Then let your ass do all the work and join us for a fun day of mule rides in the Poconos!
Meet at:
Katy & Russ Fischer's
341 Lakeside Avenue
Hopatcong, NJ
Cost: $32 per person
Destination:
Pocono Adventures Riding Stable
Meadowside Road
Pocono, PA 18344
570-839-6333
www.pocono.org/ride.html
Important items to bring:
- water bottle
- long pants
- closed-toe shoes
- snack (a dry finger food like trail mix, chips, etc.)
- credit card (this is required by Pocono Adventures Riding Stable)
We will not be stopping to eat on the drive there, so you may want to plan on eating beforehand or bringing a snack to eat on the way. There are probably a few small-town-type shops on the main street in town that we may try to visit on the way back. Car pool for those interested. If it rains, we may be going to the Bronx Zoo instead.
To RSVP or for any questions, please email Beverly and Tommy Lloyd or call them at 973-663-3555.
If you are planning on attending, please let us know as soon as you can, and please also include a phone number where we can reach you in case of any last minute changes.
July 14 , 2007: 8:00 PM
Movie/Exchange of Ideas Night
Fischer's Dance Studio
341 Lakeside Avenue
Hopatcong, NJ (Glasser Area)
Part drama, part documentary, The Road to Guantánamo focuses on the Tipton Three, a trio of British Muslims who were held in Guantanamo Bay for two years until they were released without charge. In 2001, four Pakistani Britons, Ruhal Ahmed, Asif Iqbal and Shafiq Rasul and another friend, Monir, travel to Pakistan for a wedding and in a urge of idealism, decide to see the situation of war torn Afganistan which is being bombed by the American forces in retaliation for the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Once there, with the loss of Monir in the wartime chaos, they are captured by Northern Alliance fighters. They are then handed them over the American forces who transport them to the prison camps at the Guantanamo Bay base in Cuba. What follows is three years of relentless imprisonment, interrogations and torture to make them submit to blatantly wrong confessions to being terrorists. In the midst of this abuse, the three struggle to keep their spirits up in that face of this grave injustice.
RSVP Katy and Russ Fischer or call 973-663-4646. They can also provide directions if needed.
June 30 , 2007: 8:00 PM
Movie/Exchange of Ideas Night
Fischer's Dance Studio
341 Lakeside Avenue
Hopatcong, NJ (Glasser Area)
TerrorStorm: A History of Government Sponsored Terrorism
Throughout history, criminal elements inside governments have carried out terror attacks against their own populations as a pretext to enslave them. TerrorStorm reveals how, in the last hundred years, Western leaders have repeatedly murdered their own citizens while posing as their saviors.
TerrorStorm dissects false flag terrorism, a tactic having served our rulers well over the centuries, now polished to high art. The film describes several incidents of classic false flag terrorism--Hitler's torching of the Reichstag, the CIA overthrow of the democratically elected government of Iran, Johnson's Gulf of Tonkin, the Israeli attack on the U.S.S. Liberty, the July 7 London bombings, and more, all instrumental---thus revealing the murderous mendacity of government,
no matter the stripe.
RSVP Katy and Russ Fischer or call 973-663-4646. They can also provide directions if needed.
June 27, 2007: PeopleCare Center, 7:30 PM
Board of Directors election. We request all members of NJHN who can make this meeting to please attend and vote.
Discussion regarding organizational plans for the next fiscal year.
June 16 , 2007: 8:00 PM
Movie/Exchange of Ideas Night
Fischer's Dance Studio
341 Lakeside Avenue
Hopatcong, NJ (Glasser Area)
Determined to find the law that requires American citizens to pay income tax, producer Aaron Russo (The Rose, Trading Places), set out on a journey to find the evidence. This film which is neither left, nor right-wing is a startling examination of government. It exposes the systematic erosion of civil liberties in America since 1913 when the Federal Reserve system was fraudulently created.
Through interviews with U.S. Congressmen, a former IRS Commissioner, former IRS and FBI agents and tax attorneys and authors, Russo connects the dots between money creation, federal income tax, and the national identity card which becomes law in May 2008. This ID card will use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips which are essentially homing devices used to track people. This film shows in great detail and undeniable facts that America is moving headlong into a fascist police state.
RSVP Katy and Russ Fischer or call 973-663-4646. They can also provide directions if needed.
June 19, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Omega Diner (map & directions)
1337 US Highway 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ
June 7-10, 2007: American Humanist Association 66th Annual Conference, Portland, OR
Details here.
June 3 , 2007: 8:00 PM
Movie/Exchange of Ideas Night
Fischer's Dance Studio
341 Lakeside Avenue
Hopatcong, NJ
Ever since the events of 9/11, Rudy Giuliani has become a name recognized the world over. His role as mayor during that catastrophe elevated him to the status of an international hero. He went on to be Time magazine's "Person of the Year," receive a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth and become a key fund raiser and energetic campaigner for the Bush/Cheney administration.
Over the last year his name has been rumored as a popular choice for not only senator and governor but as America's envoy to the United Nations, the new director of the CIA and a number of other high-profile positions. He is also talked about as a favored candidate for the 2008 GOP Presidential nomination.
But what defined "America's Mayor" before he was catapulted to a kind of secular sainthood? During the only years Giuliani held office as an elected official, what was his record like? What was behind a Republican "New Urban Paradigm" in an overwhelmingly Democratic city?
With participants that range from the former police commissioner and schools chancellor under Giuliani, former New York mayors and conservative policy-makers to journalists, policemen, homeless people, artists and even Donald Trump. Giuliani Time presents a diverse, original and poignant perspective on this historical period in New York City and how the most famous event of all elevated a "lame duck" mayor to an international name--a name that is not going away anytime soon.
RSVP Katy and Russ Fischer or call 973-663-4646. They can also provide directions if needed.
June 1, 2007: Freethought Book Club - 7:30 PM
We will discuss the biography American Infidel: Robert G. Ingersoll by Orvin Larson.
Rediscover Robert Green Ingersoll (1833-1899)
From the publisher: Freethought flowered in the United States in the latter half of the 19th century, and its best known advocate was Robert Green Ingersoll, a lawyer and Civil War officer, who travelled the continent for 30 years, speaking to capacity audiences. Although his repertoire included lectures on Shakespeare, Voltaire and Burns, the largest crowds turned out to hear him denounce the bible, and religion.
Meet in the cafe.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers (map & directions)
319 Route 202/206
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
May 23, 2007: PeopleCare Center, 7:30 PM
Program Meeting: Group Discussion
Who is your Humanist Role Model?
May 15, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Chili's Grill & Bar (map & directions)
911 US Hwy 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
May 4, 2007: Freethought Book Club - 7:30 PM
We will discuss Natural Atheism by David Eller.
From the book: Dr. David Eller leads readers through "a short course on reason" into an intelligible discussion of the nature of proof, unreason, religion, and relativism. An account of how discoveries in anthropology resulted in a loss of certainty concerning human nature and destiny leads to an analysis of the concepts and issues of importance to Atheists: knowing vs. believing; Agnosticism vs. what has been called positive or negative Atheism; science vs. religion; toleration and truth. Reasons for separating religion from government are provided and the dangers of fundamentalisms of all kinds are exposed. Eller explains why Atheists should band together to spread their 'good news,' defend their common interests - interests which prove to be those of civilization itself - and help their fellow citizens adjust to living in a disenchanted world.
Meet in the cafe.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers (map & directions)
319 Route 202/206
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
April 25, 2007: Location TBA, 7:30 PM
Program Meeting: TBA
April 20-21, 2007: Harvard University Humanist Chaplaincy 30th Anniversary Gala/Symposium, Cambridge, MA
Details here.
April 17, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Chili's Grill & Bar (map & directions)
911 US Hwy 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
April 6, 2007: Freethought Book Club - 7:30 PM
We will discuss The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan.
Carl Sagan muses on the current state of scientific thought, which offers him marvelous opportunities to entertain us with his own childhood experiences, the newspaper morgues, UFO stories, and the assorted flotsam and jetsam of pseudoscience. Along the way he debunks alien abduction, faith-healing, and channeling; refutes the arguments that science destroys spirituality, and provides a "baloney detection kit" for thinking through political, social, religious, and other issues.
Meet in the cafe.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers (map & directions)
319 Route 202/206
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
March 28, 2007: Bridgewater Library, 7:30 PM
Program Meeting: TBA
March 20, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Chili's Grill & Bar (map & directions)
911 US Hwy 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
March 2, 2007: Freethought Book Club - 7:30 PM
We will continue to discuss The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins.
Richard Dawkins, in The God Delusion, tells of his exasperation with colleagues who try to play both sides of the street: looking to science for justification of their religious convictions while evading the most difficult implications—the existence of a prime mover sophisticated enough to create and run the universe, "to say nothing of mind reading millions of humans simultaneously." Such an entity, he argues, would have to be extremely complex, raising the question of how it came into existence, how it communicates —through spiritons!—and where it resides. Dawkins is frequently dismissed as a bully, but he is only putting theological doctrines to the same kind of scrutiny that any scientific theory must withstand. No one who has witnessed the merciless dissection of a new paper in physics would describe the atmosphere as overly polite.
Meet in the cafe.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers (map & directions)
319 Route 202/206
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
February 28, 2007: PeopleCare Center Auditorium, 7:30 PM
$5.00 suggested donation at the door
Book available for sale at the event for $24.00 (20% discount)
Guest speaker George Levine, Professor Emeritus of English at Rutgers University, will discuss the theme of his new book: Darwin Loves You - Natural Selection and the Re-enchantment of the World.
Charles Darwin saw a world from which his theory had banished transcendence as still lovable and enchanted, and Professor Levine shows that we can see it like that too--if we look at his writings and life in a new way. Levine shows that Darwin's ideas and the language of his books offer an alternative form of enchantment, a world rich with meaning and value, and more wonderful and beautiful than ever before. Without minimizing or sentimentalizing the harsh qualities of life governed by natural selection, and without deifying Darwin, Levine makes a moving case for an enchanted secularism--a commitment to the value of the natural world and the human striving to understand it.
Read Chapter 1 here (pdf).
February 24, 2007: 8:00 PM
Movie/Exchange of Ideas Night
Fischer's Dance Studio
341 Lakeside Avenue
Hopatcong, NJ
(map & directions)
Langston Whitfield (Samuel L. Jackson) is a Washington Post journalist. His editor provocatively sends him to South Africa to cover the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings, in which the perpetrators of murder and torture on both sides during Apartheid are invited to come forward and confront their victims. By telling the unvarnished truth and expressing contrition, they may be granted amnesty. Can the deep wounds of Apartheid be healed through reconciliation? Langston is deeply skeptical. He tracks down Col. De Jager, the most notorious torturer in the SA Police and tries to penetrate the mind of a monster, an experience that obliges him to confront his own demons.
Anna Malan (Juliette Binoche), is an Afrikaans poet who is covering the hearings for radio. As a white South African she is shattered by the accounts of the cruelty and depravity committed by her fellow countrymen. Anna and Langston must both question their sense of identity. Where do they each belong? How responsible are they for what is done in the name of their respective countries? The moving testimony of the victims affects them deeply. In different ways they are both estranged from their families, and their shared experience draws them ever closer to each other. It is a story charting the unfathomable depths of human cruelty and the redeeming power of forgiveness and love...
This film is the Winner of (the) Diamond Cinema for Peace Award 2004.
RSVP Katy and Russ Fischer or call 973-663-4646.
February 20, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Chili's Grill & Bar (map & directions)
911 US Hwy 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
February 2, 2007: Freethought Book Club - 7:30 PM
February 11, 2007: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Darwin Day Family Field Trip!
Charles Robert Darwin was born on February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, England. Darwin Day is an international celebration of science and humanity as exemplified in the life, work and influence of this great scientist. It is celebrated by people around the world who value the adventurous spirit and natural curiosity that scientists and explorers of all kinds share.
We will visit the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology for its Darwin Day and Evolution Teach-In.
The day will feature short teach-in talks, a Science Cafe discussion forum and a physical anthropologist's corner with plaster casts of hominid skulls and other bones. "Darwin" will be on hand, reading excerpts from his writings. There will be a film, an ongoing children's workshop, a birthday cake and badminton, reputedly a favorite game of Darwin's.
More information, including directions. This is a free event at the museum.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP via email or by calling 732-658-6440. We will try to arrange carpools.
Bring the kids and join us!
We will discuss The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins.
Richard Dawkins, in The God Delusion, tells of his exasperation with colleagues who try to play both sides of the street: looking to science for justification of their religious convictions while evading the most difficult implications—the existence of a prime mover sophisticated enough to create and run the universe, "to say nothing of mind reading millions of humans simultaneously." Such an entity, he argues, would have to be extremely complex, raising the question of how it came into existence, how it communicates —through spiritons!—and where it resides. Dawkins is frequently dismissed as a bully, but he is only putting theological doctrines to the same kind of scrutiny that any scientific theory must withstand. No one who has witnessed the merciless dissection of a new paper in physics would describe the atmosphere as overly polite.
Meet at the front of the bookstore, near the Cafe.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers (map & directions)
319 Route 202/206
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
January 31, 2007**: Bridgewater Library, 7:30 PM
Program Meeting: Group Discussion
Group Discussion: Have you "come out" as a humanist or atheist? Why or why not? When did you deconvert, what prompted you to do this, how did you go about it, and what reaction did you get? Share your story with us.
With recent books by authors Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins so much in the news these days, have we reached critical mass for the open expression of "atheist pride" in America today?
**Please note this is a meeting date change from Jan. 24th because of the unavailability of meeting rooms due to the Library's annual book sale. Refreshments provided.
January 27, 2007: 8:00 PM
Movie/Exchange of Ideas Night
Fischer's Dance Studio
341 Lakeside Avenue
Hopatcong, NJ
(map & directions)
"War i$ $ell" dissects the strategies of war propagandists -- soldiers armed not with guns, but with words, pictures and commercial advertising techniques in their battle to win hearts and minds.
How do you sell a war? How do the techniques of government propagandists, public relations consultants and commercial advertisers work, and why are they so effective? How did the United States become a master of domestic war propaganda over the course of the twentieth century?
If, as many claim, human beings are biologically "hard-wired" to wage war, why should propaganda be necessary at all? Is it possible to train people to critically evaluate, and ultimately resist, deceptive propaganda messages?
War i$ $ell uses archival films, television news coverage, propaganda images from WWI and the Iraq War and interviews with a diverse set of researchers to answer these and other questions in a lively, absorbing manner. Official selection: Big Muddy Film Festival, Wisconsin Film Festival, & Martha's Vineyard Independent Film Festival.
RSVP Katy and Russ Fischer or call 973-663-4646.
January 16, 2007: 7:00 PM - Middlesex County Atheists Monthly Dinner
Come out for dinner and camaraderie with fellow atheists in your area.
Chili's Grill & Bar (map & directions)
911 US Hwy 1 South
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
January 13, 2007: 8:00 PM
Movie/Exchange of Ideas Night
Fischer's Dance Studio
341 Lakeside Avenue
Hopatcong, NJ
(map & directions)
Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers
This is the story of what happens to everyday Americans when corporations go to war. Acclaimed director Robert Greenwald (Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, Outfoxed and Uncovered), takes you inside the lives of soldiers, truck drivers, widows and children who have been changed forever as a result of profiteering in the reconstruction of Iraq. Iraq for Sale uncovers the connections between private corporations making a killing in Iraq and the decision makers who allow them to do so. - iraqforsale.org
Regardless of the war, the administration, or the various sophistries for expending human lives as a matter of government policy, profiteering from it universally offends all citizens, whether they are Republicans, Democrats, Independents, other parties or no shows. - Charles Lewis, founder of the Center for Public Integrity
RSVP Katy and Russ Fischer or call 973-663-4646.
January 5, 2007: Freethought Book Club - 7:30 PM
We will discuss The End of Faith by Sam Harris.
From Natalie Angier's NY Times review:
Sam Harris presents major religious systems like Judaism, Christianity and Islam as forms of socially sanctioned lunacy, their fundamental tenets and rituals irrational, archaic and, important when it comes to matters of humanity's long-term survival, mutually incompatible.
Harris writes what a sizable number of us think, but few are willing to say in contemporary America: "We have names for people who have many beliefs for which there is no rational justification. When their beliefs are extremely common, we call them 'religious'; otherwise, they are likely to be called 'mad,' 'psychotic' or 'delusional.'"
Barnes & Noble Booksellers (map & directions)
319 Route 202/206
Bridgewater, NJ 08807