Lehigh Valley Humanists

March: Slaughterhouse-Five: A Novel
Slaughterhouse-Five, an American classic, is one of the world’s great antiwar books. Centering on the infamous firebombing of Dresden, Billy Pilgrim’s odyssey through time reflects the mythic journey of our own fractured lives as we search for meaning in what we fear most.
Paul will be moderating this month. Hope you can join us for some thoughtful discussion.
Upcoming books:
April: Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice by Adam Makos (Jim)
May: Christianity Made Me Talk Like an Idiot by Seth Andrews (Jim)
June: The Scheme: How the Right Wing Used Dark Money to Capture the Supreme Court by Sheldon Whitehouse and Jennifer Mueller (Steve)
June: Book Selection Month: Please bring a book to recommend.
July: A History of the World in 6 Glasses Paperback by Tom Standage (Roxanne)

We'll kick off the 2023 season with an April's Fool Day cleanup! Be ready to fill our trash bags with the winter's crop of discarded masks and McD's burger boxes. It may be chilly, so bring a sweater or jacket. As long as we can avoid the rain we'll be in good shape.

Thanks to the dynamic duo, pictured above, who made our last 2022 event a success. We managed to complete two of our three sections, so we'll have to spend extra effort this time on the hill.

Look for our enthusiastic group under the tree at the entrance to the Lil-Le-Hi Trout Nursery parking lot. Remember to bring your "grabber" of choice. I'm partial to Harbor Freight blue (read that as "cheap"). They're on sale now for $2 each.

And, of course, the boilerplate...

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Adopt-a-Highway is one of the ways our group gives back to the
community. The road we maintain is one which is heavily used by local
people and visitors alike because of the park, hiking and biking
trails, fishing locations, the Indian Culture Museum, and proximity to
the hospital. Keeping it looking nice allows travelers a better
experience, and our signs let them know it is our group that cares
enough to do the work. Please come lend a hand!

We go rain or shine as long as it's not a downpour. Dress for the weather but stay optimistic. We usually have plenty of sunshine and camaraderie!

PennDOT supplies bags, gloves and vests so all you need to bring is
yourself and a pick-up stick if you have one you prefer. Expect a short safety meeting before we head out.

There is an overflow parking lot just 100 yards to the east of our paved lot on the opposite side of Fish Hatchery Road. It's a gravel lot, but only a short walk from there to our "Assembly Tree". So, don't be discouraged if the paved lot is full.

Contact me ([masked]) if you need more info.

After an eight-month hiatus, we’re getting back on track with our in-person Sunday Speaker series.

Details
What Humanists Stand For
Our talk for April is called “What Humanists Stand For”: a discussion of what humanists typically do and not do, a little history of humanism, ways to upgrade our humanism by building a lifestyle of embodied values and an opportunity to add your ideas for the benefit of our group. [No one person can define humanism.]

Our speaker is Jim Palmquist, a six-year member of LV Humanists and newly elected to our Board of Directors. Last year, Jim gave a talk on the basics of humanism, including definitions, leading organizations in the movement and finished with a report on the Freedom from Religion Foundation Annual National Convention in 2021 in Boston.

Join us in person for this event at the Soft Machine Gallery, 105 Ridge Ave., Allentown. Social time will be from 10:30 to 11 AM with the talk starting soon after opening remarks. Afterward, we’ll find a local restaurant for lunch and further discussion.

The CDC classifies the Lehigh Valley as low risk; so, it is a great opportunity to meet in person and have a community gathering. Zoom link in comments for anyone that cannot attend in person. We will record the talk and post it on our YouTube channel for later viewing.

We are in the process of finding a new permanent meeting place. This month, join us at one of the potential locations: the Soft Machine Gallery at the corner of Linden St. and Ridge Ave. Street parking is available (free on Sundays if there are meters) or at the north end of the America on Wheels Museum lot on N Front St.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Pres. Trish Cipoletti

Join other LVHers for an online hang out of friendly conversation gaming and movie discussion. Watch the movies on your own before the event, or just come to chat about the movies and series you've been watching....and play some fun online games.

This month we'll chat about two films The Wonder and All That Breathes.
Watch one or both, or just come for good conversation and fun games for a couple of happy hours!

After the movie chat our usual game line up will include Jackbox Party Games: Murder Trivia, Quiplash and other party games (each participant will need a second device : smartphone or tablet connected to the internet and device to run Zoom)

Brian will lead us on Zoom. Use this LINK to join the Zoom call.

Movie Synopses:
The Wonder (2022)
(streaming on Netflix)
In 1859, an eleven-year-old girl, subsisting on the manna from heaven alone, is fast becoming a tourist sensation. In a small Irish village, the girl has not eaten anything in months and yet survives on her faith in an almighty God. From neighboring villages, they come to bear witness to Anna, the power of God. Fresh from the horrors of the Crimean War, Lib Wright is an English nurse who is called to the village to observe Anna. She is joined on the scene by skeptical journalist Will Byrne who is sure that foul play is at hand. As the pilgrims pore through the small town, young Anna and the ever-questioning Lib grow closer. The very thing that brought them together - the miracle of Anna’s starving - is now threatening to tear them apart.

All That Breathes (2022)
(streaming on HBOMax)
Against the darkening backdrop of New Delhi's apocalyptic air and escalating violence, two brothers devote their lives to protecting one casualty of the turbulent times: the bird known as the black kite.

It's time for the bi-annual clothing swap and donation drive!

Time to go through your closet and ask yourself - Do I need this anymore? Does it add value to my life or weigh me down? Do I even wear this nowadays? Will I ever wear that gift sweater? Does this fit or suit me?

Bring your old (or new and unworn) garments and accessories to give them new life. Let's swap clothes and give away the rest!

Let's meet up, check out each other's old clothes, shoes, and accessories, taking things we like to reuse them, reduce waste, and lessen our environmental impact; and then we'll pack up whatever is left and donate** it to those who need it more than we do. You can then enjoy a stroll along the water, have your own little picnic lunch, or take a hike along the paths if you'd like!*

What we are accepting/what to bring:
-CLEAN used or new clothing, accessories, and/or shoes for people of all size, shape, gender, and age
-family and friends who would also like to participate

Hope to see you there! Bring friends; everyone could benefit from a closet cleaning and swapping!

NOTE: Please make sure that your old garments/accessories are WASHED and CLEAN, free of animal dander and hair, and, if possible, free of scents (mild detergent okay, but unscented is even better). This will ensure cleanliness for all and help reduce issues for those with allergies while sorting and "shopping" and also help us get clothes accepted at donation sites.

*These suggestions are for your own enjoyment; this event itself is for the clothing drive and is not "official" for any strolling, picnicking, or hiking. Have that fun at your own risk! :)
**The donation organization we will be donating to is GreenDrop, which supports the American Red Cross, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the National Federation of the Blind, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia.
https://www.gogreendrop.com/

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LVH SHIRT SALE INFO:
Shirts being sold are pictured above! That's the front and back.

Tee shirt pricing:
Active members (dues paid)
-$15
Inactive members and non-members
-$25

Acceptable forms of payment are cash, Venmo, PayPal, or check.

Shirts are unisex, green fabric with yellow screen print.

Sizes available:
Adult S
Adult M
Adult L
Adult XL
Adult 2XL
Youth M
Youth L
Youth XL
SIZES ARE LIMITED, so I suggest you please let me know the sizes desired so I can make sure we have it! (Many Adult S M L, less of all others. I don't know what exactly will be available then as sales continue, but if you contact me, I can put sizes aside for you!).

Let's help out The Downtown Bethlehem Association in cleaning up Bethlehem!

YOU MUST SIGN UP TO REGISTER VIA THE LINK BELOW TO PARTICIPATE; simply "attending" via Meetup here will NOT get you registered to participate in this event.

I've signed up for this area, but you can choose whatever you want if there is a slot available: Broad Street - Guetter Street to New Street
Hurry; slots fill up fast and are already half full!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b48a5ae2aab9-historic2#/

As usual, PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP if you cannot make it, INCLUDING the SIGNUP GENIUS so that the DBA can fill your spot.

From their website:

In conjunction with Earth Day, we will be hosting our annual Historic District Clean-Up. The purpose of this event is to encourage community involvement in keeping our city's Historic District beautiful, clean and inviting for everyone!

All ages are welcome. Volunteers under the age of 16 years MUST be accompanied by an adult. Join your neighbors in helping to make a difference in our community!

All volunteers will receive goodie bags courtesy of Downtown Bethlehem Association. Please indicate your shirt size.

DATE: April 23, 2023

REGISTRATION: 9:00 AM at The Luckenbach Mill 459 Old York Road

April: Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice by Adam Makos
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE • From America’s “forgotten war” in Korea comes an unforgettable tale of courage by the author of A Higher Call.
“In the spirit of Unbroken and The Boys in the Boat comes Devotion.”—Associated Press • “Aerial drama at its best—fast, powerful, and moving.”—Erik Larson
Devotion tells the inspirational story of the U.S. Navy’s most famous aviation duo, Lieutenant Tom Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown, and the Marines they fought to defend. A white New Englander from the country-club scene, Tom passed up Harvard to fly fighters for his country. An African American sharecropper’s son from Mississippi, Jesse became the navy’s first Black carrier pilot, defending a nation that wouldn’t even serve him in a bar.
While much of America remained divided by segregation, Jesse and Tom joined forces as wingmen in Fighter Squadron 32. Adam Makos takes us into the cockpit as these bold young aviators cut their teeth at the world’s most dangerous job—landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier—a line of work that Jesse’s young wife, Daisy, struggles to accept.
Deployed to the Mediterranean, Tom and Jesse meet the Fleet Marines, boys like PFC “Red” Parkinson, a farm kid from the Catskills. In between war games in the sun, the young men revel on the Riviera, partying with millionaires and even befriending the Hollywood starlet Elizabeth Taylor. Then comes the conflict that no one expected: the Korean War.
Devotion takes us soaring overhead with Tom and Jesse, and into the foxholes with Red and the Marines as they battle a North Korean invasion. As the fury of the fighting escalates and the Marines are cornered at the Chosin Reservoir, Tom and Jesse fly, guns blazing, to try and save them. When one of the duo is shot down behind enemy lines and pinned in his burning plane, the other faces an unthinkable choice: watch his friend die or attempt history’s most audacious one-man rescue mission.
A tug-at-the-heartstrings tale of bravery and selflessness, Devotion asks: How far would you go to save a friend?
Jim will be moderating this month. Hope you can join us for some thoughtful discussion.
Upcoming books:
May: Christianity Made Me Talk Like an Idiot by Seth Andrews (Jim)
June: The Scheme: How the Right Wing Used Dark Money to Capture the Supreme Court by Sheldon Whitehouse and Jennifer Mueller (Steve)
June: Book Selection Month: Please bring a book to recommend.
July: A History of the World in 6 Glasses Paperback by Tom Standage (Roxanne)

Help the American Red Cross save lives through their SOUND THE ALARM campaign! We will be sharing fire-safety tips and installing free smoke alarms throughout Allentown, PA. Everything is provided -- equipment, supplies, training (no prior experience needed), even light breakfast snacks & lunch. You will be working alongside experienced Red Cross volunteers, local fire department personnel, community leaders, and more. Children and teens under 18 can participate with a parent or guardian or a signed waiver.

Event is rain or shine, Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9am to 3pm.
Meet at the Schweder Fire Station, 419 E 4th St, Bethlehem, PA 18015 at 9am.
** We'll meet in Bethlehem but we'll be installing smoke detectors throughout Allentown **

This event is being coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley. I've created the Lehigh Valley Humanists Team but each person needs to register (create an online account) with the Volunteer Center. Fair notice: you'll be required to enter your date of birth, phone #, and zip code but not your full address.

Use this URL for the event page then scroll down to Express Interest and select "Join a team". You will be asked to register then you can search for the LVH team: Volunteer Center LV - Sound the Alarm

This is my (Ellen) first time participating with this event so I don't have more details to share. However if you have a specific question please post it in the comments and I'll reach out to the ARC Volunteer Coordinator.

Join us in supporting the Monocacy Farm Project!

We will be walking around, checking out plants for sale, looking at vendors, and enjoying the day. Family and guests welcome! A great place to find last-minute gifts for Mothers Day!

Please note: We will arrive around 11am and venture around 11:10 am. Please look for me in my green LVH shirt. It's okay if you arrive late, but know that we will not have a meeting place post 11:10.

Please only RSVP to this event if you will meet with the group at 11am, but, since the festival goes from 11am-3pm, please feel free to go to this event yourself at any time if you cannot meet up!

Side note:
Do you want an LVH shirt? Please message me, and I can bring you one for this event! Please note size and amount in your message (we have limited amounts left of Adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL (only 1 or 2 left!); Youth M, L, XL).
Pricing: $15 if dues paid, $25 dues not paid/non-member

From Monocacy Farm Project's website:
It’s time to embrace spring, get outside and jumpstart the growing season! To help you do just that, our third annual Spring on the Farm event is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 13.

The day will include a sale of a wide variety of plants direct from our greenhouse (sure to sell out), local food and craft vendors, farm tours and an opportunity to learn about beekeeping on the property.

All proceeds from this and all the day’s events benefit Monocacy Farm Project. Parking and admission are free. As the day approaches, keep an eye on our Facebook event page for late-breaking updates, vendor profiles, plant availability and more!

https://www.monocacyfarmproject.org/spring-on-the-farm

Please do not attend if you have any contagious illness symptoms.

May: Christianity Made Me Talk Like an Idiot by Seth Andrews
Seth Andrews wasn't an idiot during his thirty years as an evangelical Christian. He wasn't unintelligent, nor did his IQ shift when he ultimately left religion entirely. He considered himself thoughtful, moral, reasonable, and at least as smart as the average person. In other words, he wasn't an idiot. Yet strangely, he often sounded like one. In any other context, Christians would likely smirk, scoff, or recoil at many of their "normal" beliefs and practices: reenacted Easter crucifixions, eating monthly communion "flesh," singing hymns about being washed in blood, and the embrace of a Bible containing scripture verses about golden hemorrhoids, apocalypse dragons, and human sacrifice, So what gives? Are these notions embraced only because they're familiar? Do they make any sense? And do they cause otherwise reasonable people to sound like idiots? Seth Andrews admits that, for himself, the answer was a definite yes. For everyone else? Read the book and decide.
Jim will be moderating this month. Hope you can join us for some thoughtful discussion.
Upcoming books:
June: The Scheme: How the Right Wing Used Dark Money to Capture the Supreme Court by Sheldon Whitehouse and Jennifer Mueller (Steve)
June: Book Selection Month: Please bring a book to recommend.
July: A History of the World in 6 Glasses Paperback by Tom Standage (Roxanne)