What would you like to see HCSV look like in 2013? Bring your best ideas. These will be recorded and passed on to the HCSV Board, Program Committee, or wherever they might help us do better in 2013.
As usual in HCSV there were as many different ideas as there were people.
The Humanist Community in Silicon Valley will celebrate our umpteenth Holiday Potluck. The theme will be ‘HumanLight’, a secular holiday celebrated since 2001 by secular folk. Ever since hominids figured out at the Solstice that the sun ceases to withdraw its light and warmth from the earth and every day is brighter, its return and promise of better days has been celebrated. This is a Holiday Potluck at the usual time and place of the Sunday Forums. Come early to help decorate.
Everyone is encouraged to share pleasant memories or elements meaningful to them from their own traditions or those of “The Old Country”.
There will be a Raffle, a Silent Auction of Hand Knitted Sweaters, an Early Buffet Potluck Lunch with music afterward for those who care to stay. There will be a piano for Classical Pieces and to accompany Carol Singing. Song Books are available with Solstice Carols.
Bring your memories, items from your traditions, and a festive potluck dish if possible.
Drinks and pizza will be provided.
Please contact Sena Havasy at senahav@gmail.com, Arthur Jackson, Chris Lindstrom or Sandy Smith with ideas, suggestions, encouragement, etc. You may also call the office for information at 650-964-7576.
Please bring an item or memory from your past holidays to share with the others present.
For more information on HumanLight see the web site. There is also an excellent article on the site by Patrick Colucci.
After being voted “Most Inspirational Psychology Professor” at UC Santa Cruz, she ditched academics to be a singer-songwriter. She writes, “In these times, we all need to be able to develop a second act to be happy and prosperous. This talk blends psychological, mythological and scientific perspectives, along with the instructor’s personal experience with change, to show you how to leave the past behind and re-create yourself. You will learn how to discard bad habits and old belief systems that no longer serve you, build the courage to go after your dreams, and persist through setbacks. You will be shown ways to establish a support system as you change, stick to your vision despite nay-sayers and self-criticism, and create a life that expresses who you truly are.”
You can view Michelle’s slides here. They also include information about her albums which are available on iTunes.
Humanist Community Forum (2012-12-16) – Reinvent Yourself: Creating a Life of Passion and Purpose (Dr. Michelle Chappell) from Humanist Community-SiliconValley on Vimeo.
Environmental benefits of solar power are well known. Financial benefits of solar in California are not as well understood. Mark Thomas and Rick Devlin will discuss these and other aspects of solar energy.
The cost of photovoltaic panels has dropped dramatically in the last 4 years, and is now less than 25% of their cost in 2008. With high, tiered residential electric rates in California, photovoltaic systems usually deliver excellent monthly cash flow if financed, or provide superb, low risk Return On Investment for a cash transaction.
Learn the details! View the presentation!
Humanist Community Forum (2012-12-09): Solar Energy (Rick Devlin) from Humanist Community-SiliconValley on Vimeo.
A Mind of My Own is a dramatic true story of one woman”s recovery from traumatic brain damage following a motorcycle accident in Greece. Facing far more than broken bones and physical impairments, this classical antiquity professor had lost what was most important to her: her ability to successfully use language. This insightful and moving memoir begins with her awakening from a coma and not recognizing family members and follows her journey of recovery. Using journal entries, medical records, letters, and more, she tells her story from multiple perspectives. In a process reminiscent of the literary ascent in Flowers for Algernon, her journal entries illustrate her remarkable journey and provide an intimate narrative of what it takes to become a whole person again after severe brain damage. Her successful step-by-step struggle to return to a normal life is a reminder of what the human spirit is capable.
Harrianne and her son, Lucas, are active in the Family Program at HCSV. We are very fortunate that she will be sharing her amazing story with us. Her book is also available at the Forum.
Humanist Community Forum (2012-12-02): A Mind of My Own: memoir of recovery from Aphasia (Harrianne Mills) from Humanist Community-SiliconValley on Vimeo.