Humanism
An outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.
The Villages Humanist Club discusses all topics of general human interest and encourages open minded conversations. Speakers are Villages Residents or subject matter experts from outside the Villages.
The Villages Humanist Club is a chapter of the American Humanist Association.
The Humanist Club meets on the first, second, third and fourth Sunday of the month at 10 AM at the Canal Street Recreation Center. Social time starts at 9:30. The second and fourth Sunday of each month is a dedicated “social Sunday” which features mini-talks and focused small group discussion time. Villages Resident or Guest ID is required to attend.
The Humanist Club collaborates with the Free Thinkers Club, which meets on the second Thursday of the Month at Bridgeport Rec Center at 2:30 PM and the fourth Thursday of the Month at Aviary Rec center at 3:30 PM. Go to the Freethinkers Club page for information on topics and speakers for Thursday meetings.
Humanists and Free Thinkers Club Board (in no particular order)
Jim Laurent
Jim Bucko
Steve Post
Bill Womart
Bo (George) Goldsmith
Bud Webber
Peter Irwin
Karen Salzano
Contact us at villageshumanists@gmail.com
Humanist Club Schedule
2026
Feb 22 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Circle
Hosting: Scott Roberts
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Topic: Cannibalism: when is it legal or ethical?"
Description: In the 1884 case of Regina v. Dudley the British Attorney General rendered a decision that changed Anglo-American legal history. In this case the Court rejected the defense of "absolute necessity," which defense had previously exonerated shipwrecked sailors from criminal prosecution who had resorted to eating a fellow crew mate in order to survive. In this talk, I give the background to this fascinating legal case.
Bio: Scott Roberts is a Humanist Club member
Feb 22
Humanist and Free Thinkers club Happy Hour,
Sunday Feb 22, 4:30-6:30 PM
Join us at the Lake Sumter Landing "Train Station" (north of the square on Lake Sumter)
BYOB and small snack or buy something at the bar hut
Bring a friend! Join the dancers on the square afterwards if you like.
Mar 1 Sunday 10:00 Humanists
Hosting: Bo Goldsmith
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Bo Goldsmith
Title: Do we have free will, or is this an illusion?
Description: The long standing debate about the existence of cognitive free will has, in recent years, been impacted by new information on neural connection networks in brain function. Current pros and cons of free will advocacy and skepticism will be presented for discussion.
Bio: Bo Goldsmith retired to The Villages after a 50 year career in medical laboratory and clinical research, patient care, and education of medical students and resident physicians. He is not a neuroscientist by training, but he can read.
Mar 8 Sunday 10:00 Humanists Social Sunday (DST Starts)
Hosting: Karen Salzano
Location: Canal Street Rec Center 1513 Canal Street
Speaker: Karen Salzano
Title: The Thrill of Not Knowing All the Answers.
Description: How our society expects everyone to know the right answer all of the time and that’s just not possible. What is brought out is that not knowing is the impetus for further investigation and revelations.