Service: Committee Meeting (Grand Rapids)
Thursday, February 9, 2012, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Schuler Books, 3165 Alpine Ave. NW, Walker, MI, View Map
Description
CFI Service Committee is meeting to discuss and plan upcoming events. Join us to add your ideas!
Additional Details
The Service Committee is a program of CFI Michigan that is working to support CFI’s mission by translating humanist values into action for the common good of humanity. The Committee is working to provide opportunities for members to engage in community service and outreach throughout the year.
If you would like additional information about upcoming Service Committee projects or have questions - please contact Cindy Krieg: Email or call 616-698-2342.
Cost: Free
Contact: Cindy Krieg, , 616-698-2342
Darwin Day - Life on Earth! Exhibit (Bloomfield Hills)
Friday, February 10, 2012, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave. , Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, View Map
Description
Join CFI–MI at the Life on Earth! exhibition presented by Cranbrook Institute of Science on February 10 to celebrate Darwin Day! Join fellow CFI Members for a meet and greet 8:00pm in the lower lobby outside of the science shop.
Cranbrook Institute of Science explores the vast diversity and mysterious beauty of life forms on Earth, diversity’s importance to humanity, and how mass extinctions and evolution have shaped its history through geologic time to the present in the Life on Earth! exhibition. Produced by Cranbrook using its own life science collections, as well as specimens on loan from other museums, universities and private collections, Life on Earth! immerses the visitor in the splendor of life and explores the degree to which the growing human population has transformed the Earth for human welfare.
Features within the exhibit include a Wall of Life, The Human Population Extension (a nearly real-time clock that monitors humanity's growing numbers), and more.
Other optional activities will also be available:
- Natural Selection is showing in the planetarium at 7pm. Admission is an additional $5.00, not included with general admission into the museum.
- The observatory is open from 8:30 - 10:00pm, weather permitting, and is free of charge.
Additional Details
View Parking and Accessibility Information
Cost: $5.50 (after 5:00pm). Individuals are responsible for purchasing their own tickets at the door.
Contact: Wissam Charafeddine, , 313-516-9749
Darwin Day - Charlie’s Evolution Emporium (Grand Rapids)
Saturday, February 11, 2012, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Calkins Science Center - 3rd Flr, GR Community College, 226 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, View Map
Description
Join us for a celebration of Darwin Day at Charlie's Evolution Emporium!
Enjoy FREE interactive science activities for kids and adults, FREE Darwin Day cake and more!
In Partnership with the Grand Rapids Community College's Dept. of Experiential Learning & Biological Sciences Dept.
Schedule:
- 10:00am–11:00am: Open House: Interactive science activities & experiments for all ages!
- 11:00am–12:00pm: Large Group activities, including: 'Mimicry in Tropical Butterflies', presented by Dr. Matt Douglas and GRCC students.
- 12:00pm–1:00pm: Open House: Interactive science activities & experiments for all ages! A repeat of earlier activities for late arrivals, and a chance for everyone to do some additional activities!
- 1:00pm–3:00pm: Darwin Day Movie in Auditorium. Movie TBD.
Darwin Day Cake, beverages and other refreshments will be available throughout the event – catered by GRCC, provided by CFI Michigan.
Additional Details
This event is Kid Friendly and open to the public! Bring a friend or neighbor to share in the fun.
Cost: FREE
Contact: Jennifer Beahan, , 616-698-2342
Darwin Day - Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids)
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 10:15 am – 12:00 pm
Schuler Books and Music, 3165 Alpine Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, View Map
Description
Café Inquiry is a casual event starting with a short 10-15 minute introduction of the day's topic followed by open discussion. At 11:15 we will break for coffee/brunch and a chance to socialize.
This week we will celebrate Darwin Day - our discussion will focus on Charles Darwin, his life, his discoveries and the impact they have had on society.
Members are welcome to propose and schedule a topic which would be of interest toward establishing a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. Please contact Geoffrey Saint if you have a topic that you would like to discuss at an upcoming Café Inquiry.
Additional Details
To find the group go to the meeting room located in the back left corner of the bookstore (not the café).
Cost: Free. Snacks & Beverages are available for purchase.
Contact: Geoffrey Saint, , 269-365-0846
Darwin Day - Discovery Day at MSU (East Lansing)
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
MSU Natural History Museum,, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, View Map
Description
Join CFI–MI and the Mid-Michigan Atheists & Humanists (MMAH) at Michigan State University's Darwin Discovery Day to celebrate the life of Charles Darwin. This visit is co-hosted by CFI–MI and Mid-Michigan Atheists & Humanists (MMAH).
The Michigan State University Natural History Museum presents its annual Darwin Discovery Day on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, 1-5 p.m., with an afternoon of discovery inviting young and old alike to explore backyard curiosities and extraordinary natural science specimens from around the globe.
Visit the website for more specific information about the available activities!
At 3:00pm join us for a meet and greet with CFI–MI and MMAH members in the Community Gallery.
Meet us for dinner after the event at Brody Square dining hall on the Michigan State University campus. Look for the CFI signs!
See "additional details" for information regarding parking and menu options.
Additional Details
View Parking and Accessibility Info For the Museum
Bring change for meters if you intend to park on the MSU campus for dining at Brody Square with us.
View Brody Square Menu Options
Cost: Free, $5 donation encouraged
Contact: Jim Hong, , 517-914-2278
Darwin Day Celebration (CFI Grand Valley)
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Kirkhof 2270 - GVSU, South Campus Drive, Allendale, MI, View Map
Presented by Ed Brayton, Co-founder, Michigan Citizens for Science
Description
Come celebrate the birthday of Charles Darwin, father of the theory of evolution.
Watch some great documentaries, enjoy some birthday cake, and a lecture by our local Ed Brayton, founder of freethoughtblogs.com. His topic will be: 'The Dover Trial and the Evolution of the Anti-Evolution Movement'.
About the Speaker
Ed Brayton is a journalist, commentator and speaker. He is the co-founder and president of Michigan Citizens for Science and co-founder of The Panda’s Thumb. He has written for such publications as The Bard, Skeptic and Reports of the National Center for Science Education, spoken in front of many organizations and conferences, and appeared on nationally syndicated radio shows and on C-SPAN.
Ed is also a Fellow with the Center for Independent Media and the host of Declaring Independence, a one hour weekly political talk show on WPRR in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His blog Dispatches from the Culture Wars is featured on Scienceblogs.com.
Additional Details
This event open to everyone.
Cost: FREE
Contact: Ellen Lundgren, .
Service: Renewing Retired Racers: Dog Food and Blanket Drive- ongoing until March 15th
Monday, February 13, 2012, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Various Locations, , Grand Rapids, MI,
Description
Help racing greyhounds get off to a right start in retirement by donating food and blankets to nourish them to health and keep them warm before they are adopted by their forever families!
Collection will run now through March 2012.
Donate Purina One Smart Blend Lamb and Rice Formula ONLY (red bag) and gently used blankets.
Drop off at CFI Meetings at the Women's City Club (254 E. Fulton Street), at the CFI Office on 44th St. (3777 44th Street SE)
Food and blankets will be given to Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan adoption group.
Additional Details
The CFI Michigan Secular Service Program provides opportunities to support CFI’s mission by translating humanist values into action for the common good of humanity. The Program is working to provide opportunities for members to engage in community service and outreach throughout the year.
If you would like additional information about upcoming Service Program projects or have questions - please contact Cindy Krieg: Email or call 616-698-2342.
Cost: blanket or dog food donation
Contact: Amy,
Secular Family Network- Playgroup (Grand Rapids)
Thursday, February 16, 2012, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Centerpoint Mall, 3665 28th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI, View Map
Description
Join like-minded parents for our Secular Family Network playgroup.
Parents-looking for like minded individuals to share conversation with who don't mind a couple of kids running around? Then this is for you.
Please join us for our first playgroup at Centrepoint Mall's children's play area. It's not busy on weekdays, and a nice space for the kids to play during the winter. The play area is most appropriate for toddlers to five year olds, but we welcome parents of any age children to join us! Event hosts will be at the location the entire time, but feel free to stay as long as you'd like! This is designed to be fun and flexible for whomever would like to attend.
Look for the parents in the CFI shirts, and stop by and say hello!
Subsequent events will follow, based on interest and availability. Dates and times are subject to change. If you are interested in hosting a parent/kid friendly event in your area, or know of a great venue, or have any other suggestions, please contact us!
Cost: FREE
Contact: Tiffany and/or Jameson Ewigleben, , 571-431-8364, 616-350-9414 (please call the 571 number to leave a message, if needed).
Café Inquiry (Muskegon)
Thursday, February 16, 2012, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Coffee House, 255 Seminole Rd., Muskegon, MI, View Map
Description
Café Inquiry is a casual event starting with a short 10-15 minute introduction of the day's topic followed by open discussion.
Please contact Tim Hamlin if you have a topic that you would like to discuss at an upcoming Café Inquiry.
Cost: Individuals are responsible for purchasing their own food/beverages.
Contact: Tim Hamlin, , 231-282-0571
Skeptics In The Pub (Lansing)
Saturday, February 18, 2012, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Michigan Brewing Company, 402 S Washington Sq, Lansing, MI, View Map
Description
ATTENTION: This is a new location. Michigan Brewing Company is located in downtown Lansing. Just one block south of our previous location, Kelly's Irish Pub.
This is a great opportunity for skeptics to talk, share ideas (and yes, drink) in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. We discuss the issues of the day and whatever else is on our minds. But most of all, we have fun while promoting skepticism, science, and rationality.
Don't drink? Don't let that stop you from joining us! Some of the world's most famous skeptics are teetotalers, and we are happy to have you!
Remember that drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. If there's one thing science has taught us, it's the effects of alcohol on the human body.
To find the group, look for table signs bearing the Center For Inquiry logo.
Cost: Individuals are responsible for purchasing their own food/beverages
Contact: Nichole Anderson-Whitinger, , 517-920-9190
