What we’re about
The essence of humanism is this: we look to human experience (including the results of scientific inquiry), rather than divine revelation, for guidance on how to live well. So in making our life choices, we rely on scientific facts, and we listen to our own inner voice, to friends, and to wise men and women of all persuasions. For more on humanism, see the page "About Humanism".
We are a group of people who enjoy seeing each other regularly, having a supportive fellowship, and learning together. Those who drop in for one event are always welcome; we hope some will stay and become friends. We have borrowed the motto of the international Sunday Assembly movement:
Live Better, Help Often, Wonder More.
Our meetups fall into three classes. First, we have regular gatherings on the first and third Sunday of each month. These consist of potluck, sometimes a presentation, and discussion. The discussion may get somewhat philosophical at times, but there is always a pragmatic question at the heart of it. Second, we often participate/volunteer, as a group, with other organizations. Third, we like to have fun together, and many of our meetups are just about enjoying a good time with like-minded friends.
In our discussions all points of view are welcome; we require only that every participant be respectful, tolerant, civil and willing to learn.
Upcoming events are described below. If you would like to suggest an event (ideas are always welcome!), please contact any member of the planning group (Sue Buckholz, Jim F, Tracey, Gerald Kozak, Diana Munson, Martha Pullen, Susan Tucker).
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Presentation: What’s So Special About Warblers?Norwich Public Library, Norwich, VT
What’s so special about warblers?
Our own Tom Sherry will be presenting.
You may know about New World wood warblers because of their diversity, brilliantly colorful Spring migration, and challenges to identification in Fall. But, what is a warbler? Most warblers that breed in North America are long-distance migrants, which “disappear” after they migrate south, which prompted much of my research on their winter ecology in the Caribbean region, especially Jamaica. Ecological and evolutionary studies are pealing back layers of mystery, like onion skins, to reveal a lot of surprises, and to address such questions as, why are they so hard to watch (fidgety?)? Where did they come from and when? Why are they so diverse and so colorful? How can so many similar species occupy habitats like northern hardwood forest? Why are warblers so abundant in the Caribbean region during our (northern) winters? Come experience awe about birds and bring your own questions!***
Professor Sherry taught at Tulane starting Spring, 1989, after extensive studies at Dartmouth College (undergraduate, MS degree, and post-doc) and UCLA (Ph.D. dissertation). He is married with two grown children, and enjoys gardening, watching birds, hiking, and camping, and cooking. His research has focused on understanding the population and community ecology of migration, especially long-distance migration of New World wood warblers (Parulidae) wintering in the Caribbean region. He has worked in Jamaica since 1986. Another research interest is foraging, feeding ecology, and diets, mostly focusing on birds that eat insects. Since studying tropical birds extensively, including both migratory birds wintering in the Caribbean and resident tropical birds, he is now working on a book on the evolution of specialization in tropical insectivorous birds, and consequences of this specialization for understanding biological communities including the vulnerability of tropical organisms to global change. In most of his teaching and research, Professor Sherry is passionate about addressing climate change and other environmental threats.
Professor Sherry has taught a variety of courses at Tulane, including Vertebrate Morphology, Population Ecology, and Evolution.
See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_W._Sherry, https://www2.tulane.edu/~Sherry27/vitae.htm***
Where: Norwich Library Community Room
We will be in the community room at the Norwich Library.
- Food: Bring something to share if you like
- Coffee will be provided, Cups/Utensils: Carry in/Carry out
- Zoom available on Request
