January:

President Larry Buhrow presided over his first meeting of his term. We had new member Scott Ford speak to us about Objectivism. It is a philosophy of thought promoted by author Ayn Rand and others.

Rand's philosophy is in the Aristotelian tradition, with that tradition's emphasis on metaphysical naturalism, empirical reason in epistemology, and self-realization in ethics. Her political philosophy was in the classical liberal tradition, with that tradition's emphasis on individualism, the constitutional protection of individual rights to life, liberty, and property, and limited government.

While Scott's topic was complex for the hour or so allotted for the meeting, it did generate some interesting comments from the audience. There was also some interest in exploring the topic in depth at separate meeting.

Left unexplored do to time constraints was if Objectivism could complement or conflict with Humanism.

February:

We had the pleasure of hearing from Evelyn and Julian Gawiser, parents of member Peggy Shecket. They told stories of living during the Great Depression and being involved with a secular group in Cleveland. They also told how they raised their children in a secular way.

March:

Frank Zindler, Editor of American Atheist Press, talked to us about ethics without Gods. He used an essay he wrote several years ago to help explain the concept of evolutionary psychology.

April:

Bryan Johnson gave us an informative talk about Estate planning. He talked about “Living Wills” and “Power of Attorney” and why it was important to have them before we become too sick or die.

May:

We had the pleasure to meet with Cathi Steele and Louz Figerora of the Mid-Ohio Workers Association. The group is a non-profit organization run and funded by volunteers. They represent the thousands of low wage workers in Central Ohio who are not covered by Union contracts or Federal Labor Laws. These include seasonal workers, domestics, and temporary workers who make a large part of the workforce yet have no one to help them when needed. The MWA also tries to provide beneifts for these workers that they normally can't get or afford. Some of the beneifits include seeing a Doctor or Lawyer for free and food and clothing. The MWA also needs volunteers to help sign-up more workers, raise money, and help provide beniefts. For more information call the MWA at 614-262-0567..

June:

Warren Wolf, a long time member of HCCO, talked to us about the Humanist Institute and its leadership training program. Over 3 years, during 2 weekend sessions and one 5 day session a year, students study Humanism through books and class discussions. To get a certificate of completion, the student must complete a paper on a Humanist topic of their choosing.

The Institute and its program is operated by the North American Committee for Humanism, a collection of the major Humanist groups in the US and Canada. If you are interested in more information on the program visit their website: http://www.humanistinstitute.org/

July:

Member Earl Wurdlow led a discussion about how we can try to engage more people within our humanist framework.

August:

HCCO held one of our favorite meetings - the Humanist Coffeehouse. Various members showed their creative talents by reading poems, prose, and showing off their art work. It is good to know we are a creative lot.

September:

We took time out to express our remembrances of Larry Reyka who had passed away on September 6th.

October:

Had a panel discussion about the new Humanist Manifesto 3. Larry Buhrow, Roger Marcum, and Doug Berger picked sections to introduce then we took comments from the audience.

November:

David H. Bodiker from the Ohio Public Defender.s Office, described the work the office does to provide defendants, competent legal council particularly in Death Penalty cases. He gave the historical background and current legal issues about the Death Penalty.

December:

OSU astronomer Marc Pinsonneault led us through the theory and techniques used to determine the types of stars and planets in our galaxy. New telescopes, computers, and sensing instruments have provided the means to pinpoint distant planets and even uncover details of their chemical consitituents. Soon humanity may have knowledge of how many worlds and solar systems like ours populate the Milky Way.

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