SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2, 1-3 PM

OTOW HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

HOMELENESS IN MARION COUNTY

 

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, 1-3 PM

OTOW HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

FRIENDSGIVING!

 

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. Please include information about the dish you will be bringing. An extra added plus this year is that Debby will be available to take any unclaimed Friendsgiving leftovers to use to feed the homeless in downtown Ocala where she has volunteered on Monday evenings for many years. Registration is more than half full, so please register today if you would like to join us!

 

DOING GOOD FOR GOOD’S SAKE

 

If you’re cleaning out your house and find camping gear, clothing, or food that you no longer need, please bring them to the next Freethinkers Sunday meeting.

Freethinkers Debby Levy and Roland Campbell will make sure these items go directly to people in need. They are part of a group that provides a weekly hot meal to the homeless in downtown Ocala—a project Debby has been a part of since 2016. What we aren’t using, others will treasure.

 

Freethinker Karen Henkel-Reeves supports the homeless by making water resistant sleeping mats. She crochets used plastic grocery bags into 6’ x 3’ mats, supplying them to organizations that serve vulnerable populations. A few crafty OTOW women have learned the technique. All that’s required is a “Q” crochet hook, plastic bags, and your time. You can take a class in mat-making in the Hobby Building Art Room from 9 am-12:30 pm on Wednesdays November 5, November 19, December 3 and December 17. The group is also looking for volunteers to help sort, cut, and roll bags.  For more information, contact OTOW resident Betty Webb at bettyscraftpalace@gmail.com. Bring your plastic grocery bags to Karen at any Sunday meeting.

 

 

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 DECEMBER 7, 1–3PM

THE SHROUD OF TURIN

SEPARATING FACT FROM FAITH
HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

 

 

Few artifacts have inspired as much fascination—or controversy—as the Shroud of Turin. It is the most studied object in history, examined through decades of scientific testing in fields from chemistry to forensics. Yet its deep religious significance makes objective evaluation difficult. Come hear our own Domenica Genovese explore what science has revealed, why debate still rages, and what mysteries continue to defy explanation despite rigorous investigation.

 

SUNDAY JANUARY 4, 1–3PM

FROM PRAIRIES TO RIVERS

FLORIDA'S LIFEBLOOD IS WATER
HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

Join us for a presentation by Lars Andersen, renowned outdoorsman, naturalist, and author of Paynes Prairie, The Great Savanna: A History and Guide. Drawing on years of experience exploring Central Florida’s rivers and prairies, Lars will share his knowledge of the region’s history, wildlife, and ecosystems and the role of water in Florida's story. He will also address the challenges posed by a changing climate and what it mean for the future of the area’s natural resources.

 

The Freethinkers Florida Club at On Top of the World meets twice a month in the Hobby Building Event Room for presentations, discussions, and social time. If you are coming from outside On Top of the World, please email  FreethinkersFlorida@gmail.com for information on entry through the gate.