SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 1-3 PM

FLORIDA END OF LIFE OPTIONS
HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

 

Florida End of Life Options Executive Director Tony Ray will discuss the organization’s goal: that every Floridian would have a compassionate choice at the end of life. Florida End-of-Life Options (formerly Florida Death With Dignity) is a nonprofit, grassroots movement dedicated to changing the legal status of Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) in Florida. Supporters believe that Floridians facing a terminal illness deserve the same autonomy and individual freedom at the end of life that they enjoyed while healthy—and the group is working to make that possible. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, they raise awareness about all end-of-life options across individuals, organizations, and communities. Tony will also discuss the status of current legislative efforts in Florida.

 

 

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 6:30-8 PM
SOCRATES CAFE
HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

 

 

We have two timely topics on the Socrates Café agenda for September:  Elon Musk and  Islam’s Place in America. On the first, we’ll ask: Is there something wrong with someone having so much wealth? On the second, we’ll explore Islam’s impact on America.
      Both of these subjects can stir strong reactions, so we'll keep to the Socratic approach. First, define our terms—we can't discuss a question honestly until everyone agrees what it's actually asking. Second, use those definitions to work out our own position. Third, listen to what our fellow participants think. Only then do we reach step four: agreement, or principled disagreement. Please plan to join us. It will be interesting to discuss these issues in small groups of 6-8.

 

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27 1-3 PM
PROTEST MUSIC OF THE 50’s AND 60’s
HOBBY BUILDING EVENTS ROOM

 

 Our friend Dr. Rod Broker will be back for an informative and entertaining look at how protest music shaped our formative years. During the 1950s, the United States was marked by the early Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and concerns about nuclear weapons. Folk music became the primary genre for protest songs because its simple melodies made it easy for audiences to join in. The 1960s saw protest music become much more widespread as movements grew around civil rights, the Vietnam War, women's rights, and social change. Do you remember listening to Pete Seeger? Peter, Paul, and Mary? Bob Dylan? Joan Baez? There are so many more. Overall, protest music from the 1950s and 1960s showed how songs could become a powerful form of expression and activism, helping shape public opinion and support major social movements.  See you there!

 

 

 

DOING GOOD FOR GOOD’S SAKE

 

Donations of the following are welcome at any Sunday meeting:

1)  Used camping gear, clothing, shoes, towels and blankets for the homeless downtown and in the forest. Text/call Debby Levy 561-346-7401 for info.

2)  Brown paper for mailing packages and new/used bubble wrap for Freedom Library's EBay book sales,  proceeds support children's programs. Text/call Pat MacMurray 352-807-5664 for questions and info.

 

And if you have some time and inclination:  On Wednesdays September 2 and 16, you can learn how to crochet water resistant sleeping mats for the homeless using recycled grocery bags. Or you can support the crocheters by cutting bags into strips that are used in the process. Both the crocheting and the cutting can easily be done at home as well. Join Karen Henkel-Reeves at 9:30 am in the Art Room in the Hobby Building for a lesson.  For more info call  Karen at 352-854-9954 (no text).

 

LOOKING AHEAD TO OCTOBER

 

YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

 

Sunday, October 11, 1-3pm in the Hobby Building Event Room

It’s time to exercise our constitutional right to vote so we are pleased to welcome Wesley Wilcox, Marion County Supervisor of Elections, who will spend an hour with us for Q&A about the elections process. Wesley is a wealth of information about voter demographics, mail in ballots, early voting, provisional voting, poll watchers, the current state of political issues around voting, and our rights. His preferred format is simply to interact with the audience, so bring those questions!  He’s a straightforward kind of guy who believes that the role of the  Marion County Elections Office is to facilitate voting for all citizens.  

    In the second hour of our program, Judy Johnson from the League of Women Voters will be back with us to outline the pros and cons of the three amendments that are on the November ballot.  Voting may be one of the most important activities we undertake this year. Let’s get as much info as we can to make informed choices.

 

BANNED AND WOKE BOOK CLUB

Monday October 12, at 6:30 pm, Hobby Building Event Room The Book Club will reconvene to discuss Liar’s Kingdom: How to Stop Trump’s Deceit and Save America by Andrew Weismann. Many of us know Andrew, a former Assistant US Attorney and professor at NYU, from his regular commentary on MSNOW. Plan to join us for an evening of thought-provoking discussion. Weissmann proposes legislation that punishes election deniers.

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES, AND OUR DUTY OF CARE

Sunday October 25 1-3 pm, in the Hobby Building Event Room In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we welcome Shelby Kearns, Development Coordinator for CASA Marion, our local DV shelter and intervention center, to present Domestic Violence: Causes, Consequences, and Our Duty of Care.

Domestic violence often confounds the uninitiated. Why would someone enter into a violent relationship, let alone stay in one? This presentation will share research on the scope, causes, and consequences of domestic violence, along with stories that let the audience inhabit the perspective of victims—people who turn to CASA Marion because they're facing a false choice between safety and security. Life shouldn't mean choosing between food, shelter, and companionship on one hand, and living violence-free on the other.

Because domestic violence touches so many households, we'll learn how to safely help family, friends, and neighbors, and more broadly, how to promote peace.

Shelby previously worked at a domestic violence and sexual assault center in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she and her husband were stationed with the military.

 

 

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.