Author: Jim Lyttle, PhD

No, lawyers are not offering to prepare your will for free.  This will be a debate about the existence of free will.  Is it true that all of our decisions could have been predicted by someone who knew every detail of our past and the state of all the cells in our body?  Can we really make our own choices, or are we only kidding ourselves?  This is important because, among other things, it affects the degree to which we can morally punish offenders for their actions.  Three of our many erudite members will debate the topic and seek your input.  Each panelist holds a Ph.D. (University of California; Western Michigan University; York University). Come to cheer for your side!  The winner gets … nothing, really.  Bragging rights, I suppose.

On Sunday, October 2, 2022, we will gather in person at Somers Lounge within the campus of the College of St. Scholastica. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the festivities begin at 10:00. The presentation starts with some announcements and a Five-Minute Reflection from one of our members. After the presentation, some of us will head downstairs for brunch and conversation in the student cafeteria (all you can eat for less than $10). We’ll save you a seat!

Tomorrow Picnic @ Lincoln Park
This Saturday Pavilion Party

Tomorrow we will gather at 5:30 pm for the final picnic of our 25th Anniversary year!  Pack a snack and come on down to Lincoln Park at West 3rd Street and 25th Avenue West.  We can visit Elephant Rock or walk the Lincoln trail or just sit around under the gazebo talking about the news of the day and catching up with one another. No matter what, a good time will be had by all.

And don’t forget, this Saturday, September 24th at 1:00 pm we will gather at the lovely home of Our Flounder, Bil van Druten, to drink wine and share tasty desserts at his fourth-Saturday Pavilion Party.

Happy Hours | 4 – 6 pm
Thursday, Sept. 1
Mexico Lindo

10:00 am at the College of St. Scholastica

The Final Exit Network supports individuals who elect to manage their own end-of-life experience, including selecting the time and method of their own “self-deliverance.”  This program will review the principles and methods of the Final Exit Network, and will provide ample opportunity for questions, answers and discussion.  Further information (handouts) on the Final Exit Network will be available. 

Charles Gessert, MD, MPH served as a Senior Research Scientist in the Essentia Institute of Rural Health in Duluth, MN from 2000 until his retirement in 2013.  His research interests included a wide range of clinical and public health issues: end-of-life decision-making; the use of feeding tubes in advanced dementia; and improving our understanding of the normal lifespan.  He is currently active in teaching, local community action, and advocacy for health care reform.  He amuses himself by planting trees and researching local craft beers.

On Sunday, September 4, 2022, we will gather in person at Somers Lounge within the campus of the College of St. Scholastica. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the festivities begin at 10:00. The presentation will begin after some announcements and a Five-Minute Reflection from one of our members. After the presentation, some of us will stay for brunch and discussion. We’ll save you a seat!

25^th Anniversary Picnic | Wednesday, August 17^th

5:30 p.m., 2931 Greysolon Road (218) 724-4176

We will gather Wednesday, August 17th, at 5:30 pm at the corner of Greysolon Road & 30th Avenue in Duluth to celebrate 25 Years of Success! Why not grab a bite to eat and join your freethinking friends? Remember to park anywhere on Greysolon Road but NOT on 30th Avenue!