Rationalists of East Tennessee Newsletter - December, 2009 – written by Dave Buck

LOCAL EVENTS:

On Saturday, November 7th, Donna Maxwell coordinated a successful RET pickup (40 bags were filled), with the help of Schera, Ted, Phil, Sharron, Carl, and Morgan. Donna plans to hold the next trash pick-up on our 2-mile stretch of 140 (Lovell Road exit area) in the spring of 2010. We’re counting on our members to volunteer for this activity, which supports our community as well as our organization. It’s easy, takes 2 hours, and we all have a great time. Thanks Donna!

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL RET BUSINESS MEETING - Sunday, January 24, 2010

Location: Normal meeting place at Pellissippi State:

Time: 10:00 for conversation and refreshments, officially start meeting at 10:30

Agenda: Summarize 2009, vote for officers and board members, treasurer's report, and then discuss goals for 2010.

All members or people wishing to join RET are requested to attend this meeting. Remember to bring your annual dues! Only paid members will be allowed to vote.

Dues:  Individual - $35 annually, life member - $500 one-time, student or low income - $15 annually, subscription - $15 annually. You can also choose to mail your dues in advance to Rationalists of East Tennessee, P.O. Box 51634, Knoxville, TN 37950.

While you’re paying your dues, consider making a donation to RET.

Remember that just the room reservations alone are $50 a pop. It takes

14 members’ dues just to cover the cost of our meeting space! Then there is the expense of invited speakers, social events, advertisements, and technical equipment. How much would you be willing to spend per month or per meeting on this organization? Please support RET and remember, your donation is tax exempt!

RET NOVEMBER CALENDAR:

Sunday, December 6th - Roundtable

Topic: Challenges in Bioenergy

Time/location: 10:30 - 12:30, Pellissippi State, Goins Bldg., Cafeteria Annex

Discussant: Dr. Brian Davison, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Please note: No children's program is being held this meeting.

Sunday, December 13th - Skeptic Book Club

Book:  “Ben Franklin’s Web Site: Privacy and Curiosity from Plymouth Rock to the Internet” by Robert Ellis Smith, 2001 Discussion Leader: Chuck Janack Time and location: 4:00 to 6:00pm, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 8029 Kingston Pike.

December 19th - Winter Solstice at Colleen and Greg’s!

A celebration of the changing seasons on the longest night of the year to welcome more sunshine! Enjoy music, games, a bonfire, food, and friends! Colleen and Greg will provide the food, salads, soft drinks, ice, and fun! Bring any alcohol you wish to consume. Bring your friends and family!!

RSVP by going to http://riverten.com/solsticeparty.html where you can also find directions. They need to know how much food to purchase so please RSVP.

Dec 20th - No Philosophy Sunday roundtable this month! Regular roundtables resume the first and third Sundays of January. See our calendar on www.rationalists.org for more information.