FFRFMCC

Vigilance for Correcting State/Church Violations
2016-10-12 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, 1828 Old Naperville Road, Naperville, IL, United States
FFRF Attorney Ryan Jayne to speak in Naperville, Illinois
This Wednesday, October 12, the Humanists of West Suburban Chicago will host Ryan D. Jayne to speak on the topic of “Vigilance for Correcting State/Church Violations.” Ryan is an attorney and the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Diane Uhl Legal Fellow. Ryan will examine recent FFRF complaints in the Chicago area, including a case he handled last year in Naperville involving a high school coach praying with his team, as reported on the front pages of the Naperville Sun on December 11 & 13, 2015. Ryan will also discuss several of the most common state/church complaints FFRF receives, particularly in public schools, and will equip attendees with effective violation-halting means.
This event is free and open to all freethinkers. You are invited to bring your personal perspectives and questions about local situations into the discussion. The program will be hosted by the Humanists of West Suburban Chicagoland.
When: Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, 1828 Old Naperville Road, Naperville, IL
For more information please email info@ffrf.org, or call 608-256-8900.

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Second Saturday Coffee House Presents: A Prarie State Companion
2016-10-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL, 60077, United States
The Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago hosts the Second Saturday Coffee House: A Prairie State Companion.
Not going to the FFRF National Convention in Pittsburgh this weekend? Well, you could always enjoy the Second Saturday Coffeehouse instead!
It’s an election year, so October’s Second Saturday Coffeehouse will present “A Prairie State Companion,” with sketches, stories, and songs. Ken Novak, Vicki Elberfeld, Susan and Joe Burck, and JoAnn Hoeppner will present a musical and comedic look at the upcoming election, including a visit from one of the candidates.
Also, artful storyteller Vicki Elberfeld will share a humorous account about her own “spiritual” journey away from religion.
This event will take place on Saturday, October 8th, 8:00pm at the Ethical Humanist Society, 7574 N. Lincoln Avenue in Skokie. Doors open at 7:30. The cost is $8.00 at the door and will include refreshments.

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Freedom From Religion Foundation National Convention - 2016
2016-10-07 - 2016-10-09 | IL
The 39th Annual Freedom From Religion Foundation National Convention will take place Oct. 7th – 9th in Pittsburgh, PA.
This year’s line-up of speakers is outstanding, and will include physicist Lawrence Krauss, evolutionary biologist Jerry Coyne, philosopher (and one of the “Four Horsemen of New Atheism”) Daniel Dennett and author Susan Jacoby.
The convention will be held at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown. FFRF has arranged for a block of rooms to be made available to convention attendees for a discounted rate of $159 per night, single or double room occupancy. When making reservations, you may use the special discount code “Freedom From Religion Foundation.”
To register online for your spot at the convention, please click here.

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Challenging Religious Beliefs Discussion Workshop #2
2016-09-24 11:00 - 13:00 | North Branch Pizza & Burger Co,, 4520 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL, 60025, United States
The FFRFMCC is pleased to announce we will be continuing our discussions on “Challenging Religious Beliefs,” which we began last spring. The objective of these workshops is to assist non-theists by facilitating a group discussion among fellow freethinkers, allowing them to share their thoughts about how best to address various talking points often posed by those of religious faith.
RSVP
Space is limited, so if you would like to participate in our 2nd workshop on “Challenging Religious Beliefs,” please click here to RSVP on our Doodle poll.
Admission: $10 per person suggested donation (to help cover food/drink/venue costs).
Our first such activity last May generated a great turnout, lively discussion, and some very rational counterpoints to religious positions regarding the compatibility between religion and science, and whether belief in a god is necessary for morality.
The summary of the May discussion workshop can be found here. The topics for our September discussion will be presented at the start of the event
The activity will begin with a session addressing two separate religious talking points. If more than one discussion group is required due to attendance size, we will then bring all attendees together to summarize what each group talked about.
At the conclusion of the workshop, we will then segue into our September meetup social, which will be a luncheon of bottomless pizza, salad and soft drinks, and more great secular conversation!
Find us in the Wabash Room at North Branch Pizza & Burger Co.

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3rd Quarter Board Meeting
2016-09-12 19:00 - 21:00 | IL
Quarterly Board Meetings are where Board Members discuss the budget, events, membership, and courses of action as the Metropolitan Chicago Chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

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Call for Volunteers for the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
2016-08-24 13:00 - 18:00 | St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, 4939 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60641, United States
The FFRFMCC would like to pass on a community service volunteer project to those who are interested.
The service will be a free kidney disease and diabetes screening for individuals in need through the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. This will run in conjunction with a food pantry that operates at the same location, and will offer free medical tests and consultations with a doctor or nurse for those who utilize the pantry.
The organizer of this screening contacted the FFRFMCC as she would very much like to have non-theists volunteer for this project.
Date: Wednesday, August 24th, 2016
Time: 2:00pm – 6:00pm (volunteers arrive by 1pm)
Place: St. John’s Lutheran Church & School, 4939 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Free parking is available
Volunteers should arrive by 1:00pm for a brief training. Work will include:
– Greeting and directing people around the event site
– Aiding with registration and other non-technical duties
– Translating for non-English speakers (Many different languages are needed here! Polish, Spanish, Russian, Filipino, and more)
Training may also be provided to some to assist with the urinalysis or BMI/waist circumference stations, or to administer the blood pressure or blood sugar tests. Volunteers will also do some light packing-up at the conclusion.
As an FYI, volunteers will be allowed to receive the free medical screenings as well.
For those interested, please click here for more information and to sign-up as a volunteer with the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois.

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Final Summer Meetup in 2016 - FFRFMCC
2016-08-22 18:30 - 21:30 | Leona’s Restaurant, 6935 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL, 60626, United States
Please join us as the FFRFMCC hosts its final summer meetup of 2016. This will be a dinner social and all are welcome!
Date: Monday, August 22nd, 2016
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Place: Leona’s Restaurant in Rogers Park, 6935 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60626
The chapter will provide appetizers, but attendees will be responsible for their entrees and drinks. As an FYI, Monday nights are 1/2 price pizzas at Leona’s!
Free parking is available in the restaurant’s lot.
An RVSP is required by Sunday, August 21st.
To reserve your spot, please click here to RSVP on our Doodle poll. Or you may contact me directly.
Thanks, and hope to see you there!

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Celebration for the Restored Statue of the "Great Agnostic" Robert Green Ingersoll
2016-08-10 - 2016-08-11 | Peoria, IL, United States
A Two-Day Celebration for Robert Green Ingersoll
Dinner Party, Wed. Aug 10
Statue Restoration Dedication Thurs. Aug. 11
(Ingersoll Birthday)
Peoria, Illinois

More information about the the dinner and the restoration dedication is available here.
This is the FFRF article about the restoration.

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FFRFMCC Panel Discussion - "Challenging Religious Beliefs"
2016-05-22 15:00 - 18:00 | Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL, 60077, United States
One of the more frequently discussed topics among freethinkers is: “How can we effectively respond to questions and talking points from the religious when confronted with their beliefs?”
As rationalists, one of our objectives is to inject critical thinking into everyday conversation. Since most non-theists have friends and family who identify with a religious faith, sometimes conversations with them can veer in a religious direction. For those of us who are openly secular, listening to friends, family and acquaintances bring up the subject of their religious beliefs can often be a complicated and uneasy situation. How do we respond? Should we respond?
The FFRFMCC would like to help non-theists be more comfortable in these situations by hosting what we hope will be a series of productive discussion panels regarding how to rationally address questions most often posed to non-theists by the religious. These panels will involve participants gathering in groups with a facilitator, where freethinking individuals can each contribute to compiling rational responses designed to challenge unsubstantiated beliefs – those which the religious have typically come to accept as an undeniable truth.
To kick-off our first discussion, we will attempt to tackle the following questions/talking points often brought up by the religious:
1) “Science and religion are definitely compatible. One can certainly believe in both evolution and a created universe from the hands of God.”

2) “How can a person be moral, or even find purpose in life, if they do not believe in God?”
The role of each group’s facilitator will be not to lecture, but simply encourage discussion, keep participants on topic, and document the discussion points. This will be a group participation activity, with everyone being responsible for providing their input on what they consider the best way(s) to respond to dogmatic beliefs. The purpose is to not only allow individuals to share their viewpoints, but also discover alternative arguments they may not have previously thought of in tackling a complex subject. The session will conclude with each facilitator presenting the results from their respective groups to all participants.
So please join us for what will be a fascinating, educational, and challenging afternoon. And if you have any like-minded, freethinking friends or family members, you are welcome to invite them!
Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the discussion!
Cost: Free!

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2016 FFRFMCC Darwin Day Celebration
2016-02-13 15:00 - 19:00 | Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skoke, IL, 60077, United States
For this year’s event, we are pleased to present the 2009 feature film, “Creation,” starring Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin and Jennifer Connelly as his wife Emma. The film is a dramatic and captivating portrait of Darwin as he is driven to finish “On the Origin of Species,” despite efforts from those who seek to prevent its publishing, including his devoutly religious wife.
The film will begin at 3:30pm and conclude at 5:30pm. This will be followed by a dinner social including grilled chicken, deli sandwiches, salads, dessert and soft drinks.
Cost is free, but donations will be gladly accepted.

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2015 FFRFMCC Winter Solstice Party!
2015-12-20 11:00 - 13:30 | IL
This year’s Winter Solstice party will include a delicious Sunday brunch buffet, fun, cheer, secular socializing, and a holiday trivia contest — with prizes! Advance reservations are required.

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FFRFMCC November Meetup
2015-11-19 19:00 - 21:30 | North Branch Pizza & Burger Co,, 4520 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL, 60025, United States
The FFRFMCC will be hosting a dinner meetup on Thursday, Nov. 19th from 7:00p-9:30p in the Wabash Room at North Branch Restaurant in Glenview.
The full menu will be available with each attendee responsible for their own food/bar tab.
Join us for an evening of secular socializing!

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Shelley Segal in Concert - Hosted by the FFRFMCC
2015-11-01 15:00 - 17:00 | The Rock House, 1150 Central Ave., Wilmette, IL, United States
The FFRF Metropolitan Chicago Chapter is proud to bring Australian singer/songwriter Shelley Segal to the Chicago area!
An artist, activist and explicit storyteller, Shelley uses her music not only to express the way she sees the world, but to create the world she wants to see. Desirous of all expressions, she flirts with elements of jazz, folk, pop, blues, reggae and electronica, imparting a pure joy about music and its power. Her wonderful CD, “An Atheist Album,” includes such great songs as “I Don’t Believe in Fairies,” “Gratitude,” and her very first single, “Saved,” a folk protest song which has become an anthem for the freethought community.
Please join us for a FREE concert featuring the eclectic Shelley Segal.
Pizza will be provided. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Seating is limited. Advance reservations are required.

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A "Life Driven Lunch" with Dan Barker!
2015-10-25 12:30 - 16:00 | Maggiano’s Little Italy, 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Center East Ring Rd., Skokie, IL, 60077, United States
The FFRFMCC is hosting a special luncheon reception for FFRF Co-President Dan Barker on Sunday October 25th, 12:30pm at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Skokie. For complete details and to purchase tickets, please click here.

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Hostmonster website hosting expires 11/9/15
2015-10-01 | IL
Renew Hostmonster www.ffrfmcc.org website hosting – expires 11/9/15

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Presentation by Hemant Mehta
2015-09-15 18:30 - 22:00 | IL
We are pleased to announce the FFRFMCC will begin its 2015/16 educational series season with a presentation by “The Friendly Atheist” Hemant Mehta. His popular blog and podcasts appear on Patheos.com, and he is the author of “I Sold My Soul on eBay,” and “The Young Atheist’s Survival Guide,”
Hemant will talk about the changing demographics of millennials and the struggles they face as a result of losing their religious faith more quickly than any previous generation. He will address the question of why this is happening today and what it means for our country’s future.
The evening’s activities will begin with a pizza social from 6:30-7:30 PM, followed by the presentation at 7:30 PM. Hemant will then be on hand for book signings after the presentation.
Suggested Donation: $8.00
To RSVP, please click here

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The FFRFMCC Presents: "An Evening With Neil Carter"
2015-06-04 19:00 - 22:00 | Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL, 60077, United States
The FFRFMCC is proud to announce it is bringing Godless in Dixie blogger Neil Carter to speak to the secular community in Chicago! Neil was recently featured on the CBS Sunday Morning program segment, “Atheists: In Godlessness We Trust”
A member of the Clergy Project, he recently began work as the Group Development Director for Recovering from Religion. He is also going to be on the promotional team for the upcoming Reason Rally 2, which is currently being planned for the summer of 2016.
Raised in the predominantly Christian bible belt of the south, Neil spent two decades “passionately pursuing the ideals of evangelical Christianity.” At age 35, his views on religion changed, and will share with us his experiences being a non-believer surrounded by a culture of deep religious faith. He freely expresses his skeptical (and often antagonistic!) opinions about religion through his blog, and also by moderating a discussion group among over 450 atheists in Mississippi.
Neil will also talk about the reasons for the rapid growth of secularism in the U.S., as recently detailed in the latest Pew Forum research survey on America’s Changing Religious Landscape.
The presentation will be one hour in length, followed by a 1/2 hour Q&A session.
A “Meet & Greet” social will take place afterward in the EHS Community Room. Refreshments will be served!
To reserve your spot online, please click here to RSVP on our Doodle poll.
So please join us for an evening of freethought enlightenment!

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FFRFMCC Spring Business Meeting/Climate Change Presentation
2015-05-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Conrad Sulzer Public Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
The FFRFMCC will hold its Spring 2015 business meeting on Saturday, May 2nd to discuss Chapter activities, answer questions, and seek input from those who wish to be active in the Chapter’s mission. The meeting takes place from 1pm-2pm and will be followed by a presentation by Michelle Halle Stern from the Climate Reality Project. Ms. Stern will discuss climate change and how individuals can be more active in their communities to reduce its dangerous effects. This presentation will be from 2:30pm-4pm

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FFRFMCC "Non-Lent" Social Meetup
2015-04-02 18:30 - 21:30 | North Branch Pizza & Burger Co., 4520 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL, United States
Our annual event celebrating rationalism over superstition will take place in the Wabash Room at North Branch Pizza & Burger Co. in Glenview.
Our menu will feature an unlimited buffet of Louisiana Chicken Tenders, Pulled Pork Sliders, Cheeseburger Sliders, Veggie Pizza, Hummus & Pita, Fries and “Bottomless” Salad. Unlimited soft drinks are also included. Cash bar is available.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 1st.
Clear here to reserve your spot!
Come mingle with like-minded freethinkers!

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FFRFMCC 2015 Darwin Day Event
2015-02-15 15:00 - 19:00 | Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL, 60077, United States
Please join us as Mr. Tyler Keillor, paleo-artist from the University of Chicago who was responsible for sculpting the life-sized reconstruction of Tiktaalik, will be on hand to discuss the process used in fossil labs to make specimens ready for research and how paleo-art can help public understanding of natural history. Mr. Keillor has been preparing fossils, creating skeletal reconstructions, and sculpting flesh models of prehistoric life at the University of Chicago since 2001. He has also worked on exhibits at the Field Museum of Natural History. His presentation will be one-hour, including a Q&A session.
The presentation will take place in the EHS auditorium, with a dinner to follow in the building’s Community Room. Dinner will include grilled chicken, vegetable pasta, salad, appetizers and soft drinks.
General admission for this event will be $15.00 and includes all food and drinks.
Admission is payable at the door, but we ask that you please reserve in advance by Friday, Feb 13th.
You can RSVP by clicking here

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FFRFMCC "Meet & Greet" Reception for Richard Carrier
2014-11-02 14:00 - 18:00 | Hopleaf Bar & Restaurant, 5148 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
The FFRFMCC will host a “Meet & Greet” reception for historian, philosopher and author Dr. Richard Carrier on Sunday, Nov. 2nd in the private party room of the Hopleaf Bar & Restaurant in Chicago.
The reception will include a buffet of the Hopleaf’s famous sandwiches and mussels!
All food is included in the admission price of $20. A special open bar including 4 special drafts, 45 different bottle beers, top shelf liquor and wine is available from 2pm – 3pm for just $12 more. A cash bar will also be available in the private party room throughout the event.
Come and socialize with the fascinating Richard Carrier, who will also make himself available for book signings!
RSVP deadline is Friday, October 31st.
To register online, please click here

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FFRFMCC October Meetup
2014-10-15 18:30 - 21:30 | North Branch Pizza & Burger Co., 4520 W. Lake, Glenview, IL, United States
The FFRFMCC will be hosting Ms. Katherine Hilden, who will deliver a presentation entitled, “Con Man Interrupted.” In this she discusses her two year research project on the hypocrisy of religiosity, which included attending a Presbyterian bible study class, asking well-prepared questions, and adding relevant historical observations to the topics under discussion.
Her experience yielded results both fascinating and disturbing. So please join us for what will certainly be an interesting evening of secular discussion, dinner and socializing!
6:30 pm – Free appetizers/cash bar
7:00 pm – Presentation/Q&A
8:00 – 9:30 pm – Dinner & Socializing
To RSVP, please click here

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FFRFMCC Presents Paul Loebe of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation
2014-09-20 12:00 - 16:00 | The Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago, IL, 60630, United States
The FFRF Metropolitan Chicago Chapter invites you to a presentation by Mr. Paul Loebe, Special Projects Manager for the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
Paul will discuss complaint cases involving religious indoctrination and proselytizing that is prevalent in our U.S. military. The MRFF is a legal organization “dedicated to ensuring that all members of the United States Armed Forces fully receive the Constitutional guarantees of religious freedom to which they and all Americans are entitled by virtue of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.”
The presentation, taking place in Room 304 at the Irish American Heritage Center, will be one hour in length including a question and answer session.
Immediately afterward, a “Meet & Greet” social will take place in the Fifth Province Room Pub on the first floor of the Center until 4:00pm. This will include a buffet luncheon featuring salad and a variety of pizza. A full cash bar will be available.
To reserve your space online, please click here
So please join us for what will be a most fun and interesting afternoon of secular discussion and socializing!
RSVP deadline is Monday, September 15, 2014.
See you there!

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FFRFMCC Summer Picnic Social
2014-07-26 12:00 - 16:00 | IL
The Freedom From Religion Foundation Metropolitan Chicago Chapter will be holding a picnic social on Saturday, July 26th from noon – 4:00pm.
Deli sandwiches, grilled chicken, and beverages will be provided.
Guests are asked to kindly bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert if they are able.
Food, drink, games, relaxation, and good freethought conversation will be on tap with a Lake Michigan breeze!
All are welcome. Free admission! RSVPs are required by Thursday, July 24th.
For location information and to RSVP, please click here
See you there!

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FFRFMCC Business Meeting/Social Meetup
2014-05-28 18:00 - 21:30 | North Branch PIzza & Burger Co., 4520 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL, 60025, United States
Dinner social to be preceded by FFRFMCC business meeting – Open to all.
Business Meeting – 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Dinner Social – 7:00PM – 9:30PM (Full menu available, each attendee will be responsible for their own dinner bill/bar tab)
All are invited to attend either business meeting, dinner social, or both.
Click here to RSVP

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Roy Zimmerman Concert
2014-05-09 19:00 - 22:00 | Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL, 60077, United States
The Freedom From Religion Foundation Metropolitan Chicago Chapter is proud to welcome comedic singer/songwriter Roy Zimmerman for an evening of music and fun, where everything on the conservative agenda is fair game for laughs!
Join us as Roy puts to song his progressive leaning views on religion, creationism, same-sex marriage, guns, marijuana, abstinence, ignorance, war and greed.
Come and be a part of the Blue Dot Tour (www.royzimmerman.com), as Roy Zimmerman brings to the Chicago area his satirical edge to the struggle for peace and social justice!
To purchase your tickets online, please click here

Free Parking is Available!

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2014 Freethought Festival
2014-04-11 18:00 - 2014-04-13 12:00 | University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
Hosed by the Atheists, Humanists and Agnostics (AHA) of the University of Wisconsin

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FFRFMCC March Meetup
2014-03-12 18:30 - 21:30 | North Branch Pizza & Burger Co,, 4520 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL, 60025, United States
The March, 2014 FFRFMCC bi-monthly meetup will take place on Wednesday, March 12 at North Branch Pizza & Burger Company. Details and RSVP information TBD.

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FFRFMCC 2nd Annual Darwin Day Party
2014-02-23 16:00 - 19:00 | Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skoke, IL, 60077, United States
The FFRF Metropolitan Chicago Chapter invites you to celebrate science, reason and the wonder of our natural world by attending its 2nd Annual Darwin Day Party. Join us as we honor the birthday (Feb. 12th, 1809) of the “Father of Evolutionary Biology.”
For this year, our special guest will be Mr. Charles Darwin himself!
Portrayed by Living History Impersonator RJ Lindsey, “Professor Darwin” will take us through a fascinating one hour slide presentation highlighting his discoveries during his 5 year voyage on H.M.S. Beagle.
Dinner will follow immediately after the program, which will include a delicious buffet of Ecuadorian dishes from Restaurant Ecuador in Chicago. This will be in honor of Darwin’s trip to the Galapagos Islands.
“Professor Darwin” will also be joining us for dinner to mingle with the other guests and talk about his transition from a Christian in the Church of England, to agnosticism!
Admission price: $30.00 for FFRFMCC Supporting Members; $35.00 for non-members. Includes the Charles Darwin presentation, food, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 18th. To purchase tickets, please click here

So come and join us. All are welcome!!

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FFRFMCC January, 2014 Meetup
2014-01-15 18:30 - 21:30 | North Branch Pizza & Burger Co., 4520 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL, United States
Join us for good food and secular conversation.
Date: Wednesday, January 15th, 2014
Place: North Branch Pizza & Burger Co.
4520 W. Lake Ave. Glenview, IL
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Will you join us?
RSVP by clicking on the Doodle link here

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