AOF Events this Weekend - March 25 & 26. You're invited!

[Ken Nahigian]

 

Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup

Saturday, March 25, 2023, 9am - 11am

Location:  Near West Elkhorn Blvd & Hwy 99, map at https://goo.gl/maps/zw3Rwct9yR52. 

 A tidy stretch of Highway 99 runs two miles from Elkhorn Boulevard to Elverta Road -- our stretch! Sac-area freethinkers "adopted" it in July 1995. It's tidy because we have cared for it, nurtured it, lovingly rescued it from litter and debris, and received recognition for our work. One of our more successful civic efforts, it proves freethinkers can also serve the community.

 

So please join us! Enjoy a morning commune with nature, and do a deed for the environment and local area wildlife. The refuse we collect would otherwise ultimately be swept by the rain into tributaries and into the ocean, degrading habitat, and leading to a slow death for many sea creatures. (And Cal-Trans is now paying a stipend for our work!)

 

As usual, the stalwart activity captain will provide all safety equipment, including comfortable, natty hard-hats and gloves, stylish safety vests, collection bags, and handy trash pickers. The cleanup takes a scant two hours. Please dress for the season. It may be a good idea to bring a backpack or fanny-pack to carry 3 or 4 trash bags.

 

To get there, travel north from Sacramento on I-5. Take the "Highway 99 - Yuba City, Marysville" exit. Exit at Elkhorn Boulevard less than a mile north. Turn left, cross the overpass. Park in the park-&-ride lot if possible, or somewhere near it.

 

Contact for details:  916-447-2169 (Don Knutson), or see Contact Page

In case of rain, fog, excessive mud, rapture or locust plague, the Cleanup will be rescheduled. If unsure, call the Activity Captain (Don).

 

 

Madalyn Murray O’Hair - a Documentary  

Sunday, March 26, 2023, 2pm - 4pm

Location:  New Reason Center, 1300 Ethan Way, Rm 675, Sac., map at https://goo.gl/maps/RwiUgEJ5ESHRhrPu8

 She was not a pleasant person by all standards -- detractors called her "Mad Madalyn". But the real story of Madalyn Murray O’Hair, the truth behind the curtain, is ever so much more nuanced and interesting than Saint Patrick’s. Madalyn’s adult life was dark, funny, scary, poignant and powerful.

 

You might best know her for Murray v Curlett, the lawsuit that brought down the policy of mandatory prayer and bible reading in Baltimore public Schools. Join us to learn the secret history. Perhaps you will evolve a new conclusion, freethinker that you are.

 

From Variety.com:

“Godless in America,” produced by U.K. indie October Films for the BBC and the Sundance Channel in the U.S., follows the ongoing struggle of American atheists interwoven with the story of Madalyn Murray O’Hair, the founder of American Atheists, who was murdered in 1995 at age 76.

 

As usual, we will have a lively group discussion after viewing this documentary, with an opportunity to say just what you think about Madalyn & her legacy. We will be “all ears”!

 

Contact for details:  Email "programs (at) aofonline (dot) org", or see Contact Page.

Park free in the lot. This is an in-person event, so be aware of COVID risks.
You may bring personal snacks & nonalcoholic beverages - or snacks to share as you wish.