Let’s gather again at the home of Our Flounder for Thinkin’ ’bout Drinkin’ on Scottish poet Robbie Burns’ birthday: Saturday, January 25th.  The fun starts in the late afternoon, around 4:00 pm. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will stay us thinkers from our anointed sounds.  Bring something to share: maybe something you’ve cooked (haggis?) or some spirits (Scotch?) to lubricate the dialogue.  Reflect, laugh, relax, and maybe complain about the weather.  Dr. Bill’s lovely home is at 2931 Greysolon Road in Duluth.  Remember, you can park anywhere on Greysolon, but not on 30th Avenue!  (218) 724-4176.

LSF Support for WE Health Clinic (formerly Women’s Health Center)

Matching grant opportunity: LSF members who would like to support the WE Health Clinic can make donations that will be matched by a grant from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (up to $1000). WE Health Clinic provides a range of reproductive health services, including family planning, and is the only abortion services provider in Northern Minnesota. Donations should be made out to “WE Health Clinic” and sent c/o Charles Gessert, LSF Treasurer, 4929 Lester River Road, Duluth, MN 55804. Donations to WE Health Clinic are tax deductible.

The FFRF grant applications were prepared by Jan Resberg, Sue Anderson, Bill Guse, and Charles Gessert.

January 15th, 5:30 pm

On Wednesday, January 15th, we’ll join our host Sue Anderson again at Valentini’s Vicino Lago (Valentini’s in the vicinity of the lake, or Valentini’s by the Lake) on London Road. Arrive at 5:30 pm to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and authentic Italian food. If you’re on a budget, you can try one of the little 9″ pizzas. Stay a little longer and you can sing along with Kevin Buck, musician. For over 85 years, Valentini’s has been a great place to share stories and spirits with other freethinkers and some of their friends.

1400 London Road | Duluth, MN 55805 | (218) 728-5900

Sunday, January 5th
“Civil Discourse”

It sure is hard to talk to strangers these days.  So, we end up spending time around people who agree with us.  But that’s no way to learn new perspectives on things.

And we already know what the solution is.  We should listen to others with the goal of understanding them instead of trying to change them.  There are even recipes available for how to “Speak Your Peace” from well-established local groups.

But how can we control ourselves and stay in a conversation when our discussion partners push our buttons?  How can we maintain our composure, keep cool, and continue to listen?

I’ll report what I’ve learned about this lately.  As a musical arranger, I’m interested in generating harmony (but never unison) among Earthlings.

  9:00  Coffee and Conversation
  9:30  Breakfast Buffet Available
10:00  Formal Program Begins

Duluth Radisson Harborview
505 West Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 727-8981

Let’s gather again at the home of Our Flounder for post-holiday drinking and thinking on Saturday, December 28th.  The fun starts in the late afternoon, around 4:00 pm. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will stay these revelers from their disappointed rants.  Bring something to share: maybe something you’ve cooked or some ‘spirits’ we can summon up to lubricate the dialogue.  We’ll reflect on recent impeachments, laugh with old friends, and maybe complain about the weather.  Dr. Bill’s home is at 2931 Greysolon Road in Duluth.  You can park anywhere on Greysolon, but not on 30th Avenue!  (218) 724-4176.

On December 18th, we will gather at the J.J. Astor Restaurant on the top floor of the Duluth Radisson Harborview.  Arrive at 5:30 to get a seat with a great view of the lights of Bentleyville, without the freeze-your-knees experience of being too near the big lake.  The food is good and this gathering is the closest thing to a Christmas party you’re likely to find for a group like ours.  Bring your good cheer and light up the season!