It has been nearly a month since Bob and Julie Mayhew and I returned from our trip to Amherst N.Y., where we attended the International Academy of Humanism, World Congress, "Toward A New Enlightenment." It was most enjoyable and I am still excited about the experience. For me it was very gratifying to be among so many freethinkers (there were over 600 who registered for the congress). I will refrain from saying much more about the trip at this point because the three of us will give a short report on the trip at the December 8th dinner.

For the last few years the Board has been putting on this dinner instead of our usual meeting with a guest speaker. So please come and come hungry, I look forward to some good food and lively conversation.

We will be having our annual membership meeting and social in February. At that meeting we will elect board members. For that reason I ask that any member that would like to serve as a board member, contact any of the current board members so we can announce it by the deadline in January. We need to fill a couple of vacancies so please give it some thought.

Also, in my message last month, I stated that we would vote on a change in the by-laws "at the next general meeting." That is incorrect. This is a matter we will vote on at the February annual meeting.

Finally, I would like to recommend that you check out the latest edition of the periodical Mother Jones, "God and Country. Where the Christian Right is Leading Us." It is a very good issue.

Thanks to everyone for your support of our chapter.

--Robert Lane
President, HoU