HAT Meeting, 5.5.10

The May 2010 HAT meeting was held today. There were 17 people present. As always, there was much discussion, much give and take among the membership.

As for the hard news, the membership voted to raise dues to $12 annually, starting in January 2011. A Public Affairs Committee, chaired by Ron McDaniel was established. Members are urged to contact Ron regarding violations of church/state separation, or other issues the committee might like to focus upon.

Herb reviewed the meeting held at his house earlier this month. There was a concern raised that the word “rationalism” found in our bylaws in section II could be misunderstood as “rationalizing” and thus asked for it to be changed to “reason.” This applied only to our chapter’s mission statement and not the bylaws. There is a procedure which has to be followed to change the bylaws.

Marilyn Clarke gave a presentation based upon an article from Harper’s Magazine from December 2007. “Hot Air Gods” by Curtis White was the essay she used.

In the “Readings, Quips, and Quotes” section of the meeting, I read the poem “Blackbirds” by Julie Cadwallader Staub.

Stan Simpson announced he will be holding a gathering at his house in the near future. I will pass along the information on this gathering once I have it.

I invited the membership to attend Church of the Restoration tomorrow morning for the 11:00 service. I think each organization will be able to benefit one another.

Please add your comments below by clicking on “Comments.” I look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow at Restoration.

Freethought Calendar for May

May 2010 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers

Sat., May 1, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St. showing of a film will follow playing of “Castle House Rag” by our piano duo, Gail and Dan.

Sun., May 2, 2:00 pm
HAT Planning Session, at Herb’s house, 3414 E. 85th Pl.

Wed., May 12, 7:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Mid-Month Social, Campus Grill, 3148 E. 11th St.

Sat., May 15, 2 pm
HAT Chapter Meeting at Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard.

Wed., May 19, 11:20 am
ALGAE at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan Rd.

Thurs., May 20, noon
Contest deadline for “Everybody Draw Muhammad Day.” Mail your drawing to HAT, P. O. Box 571127, Tulsa, OK 74157. Winners will be recognized at Food and Fellowship gathering.

Sat., May 22, 11:30 am
Food & Fellowship at La Hacienda, 4518 S. Peoria.

Sun., May 23, 1 pm
Tulsa Atheists Meetup, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center

There is a possibility a meeting will be held (in the first full week of May) at Bill Dusenberry’s to discuss action to be taken in regard to “Everybody Draw Muhammad Day,” May 20.

Due to low attendance, Secular Singers is suspended for the summer. We will resume in September, provided there is sufficient interest.

Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)