SUNDAY OCTOBER 5, 1-3 PM

OTOW HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL NEWS REPORTING

 

Jennifer Hunt Murty, the Owner/Publisher of the Ocala Gazette and Ocala Style Magazine, will join us for a discussion of The Importance of Local News Reporting. Prior to moving to publishing in 2018, Jennifer had a seventeen-year career as a paralegal. This background gives her a unique perspective on investigative reporting. She has covered some of Ocala’s biggest news stories, including the unusually high number of inmate deaths in the Marion County Jail. She also investigated the Marion County School construction and procurement controversy, which revealed manipulation and violations of district policy. Her reporting raised serious concerns about the integrity of the vendor selection process. Is there freedom of the press in Ocala? Come join us and bring your questions.

 

SUNDAY OCTOBER 19, 1-3 PM

OTOW HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

EVOLUTION AND SOCIAL DARWINISM

 

Freethinkers’ own Glenn Cohen, Professor Emeritus at Florida Institute of Technology, will compare Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, a scientific theory describing biological changes in species over time through natural selection, with Social Darwinism (this seems to have had a resurgence now among conservative thinkers) which is a social and political ideology not endorsed by Darwin that suggests that societies can justify inequality, imperialism, or lack of aid to the poor because “survival of the fittest” allows the human race to evolve. For example, Nazi Germany used social Darwinism and eugenics to justify racial hierarchy and genocide. As Freethinkers, it is important for us to be aware of the difference in today’s political climate. No doubt the discussion following this presentation will be quite lively!

 

MONDAY OCTOBER 20, 6:30-8 PM

PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEETING
OTOW HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

 

Thank you to Carol Himes for stepping forward to chair the Program Committee.  Carol, who is also our treasurer and a member of the Steering Committee, will be ably assisted by Tricia Christian and Jane Wahrberg who have volunteered their time and talents as well. Our thanks to them and the rest of the committee. Everyone with an idea for a program, a speaker, or  an activity is welcome to attend this meeting. We have a great head start on 2026, and we’d be grateful for your input. Hope to see you there!

 

MONDAY OCTOBER 27, 6:30–8 PM
BANNED AND WOKE BOOK CLUB
HOBBY BUILDING EVENT ROOM

 

 

Have you ever been caught up in a Catch-22? Captain Yossarian is a US Army Air Corp bombardier stationed in Italy during World War II, and the absurdities of bureaucracy follow him everywhere. Join us when we discuss Catch-22, Joseph Heller’s 1961 novel which earned a place on the banned book list in many school districts and communities, and this satire is still controversial today.
    Here’s how to join in: buy the book, read the book, come to the Banned and Woke Book Club meeting on Monday, October 27. Bring your opinion.  Everybody has one!  Register at the Sunday, October 7 meeting or email Glenn Cohen at gcohen608@troycable.net to get on the list.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

 

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2, 1–3PM

HOMELESSNESS IN MARION COUNTY
HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

 

 

On November 2, we will host Roberta Cincotti, Continuum of Care Manager for Marion County, who will be our speaker on Homelessness in Marion County. Roberta was formerly the Executive Director of the Atlantic County New Jersey Agency on Aging where she expanded services for older adults and vulnerable populations. In her position in Marion County, she works to support collaborative efforts that assist individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. She is committed to blending compassion with structure to create lasting, positive impacts for our community. Roberta holds a degree in Business Administration and a Juris Masters in Law.

 

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 16, 1–3PM

FRIENDSGIVING
HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

Come join us as we celebrate Friendsgiving with all our freethinking friends! Bring a dish to share—the fun of a potluck is never ending!  Register by contacting Debby Levy at DL72588@gmail.com or text 561-346-7401. An extra added plus this year is that Debby will be available to take any Friendsgiving leftovers to use to feed the homeless  in downtown Ocala where she has volunteered on Monday evenings for many years.