Atheists and Other Freethinkers

Description:
Forceful Speeches! (whatever is topmost in members' minds) "Hot deals! (annual silent auction of member-donated articles) "Cool Food too ! (a potluck of salads, beverages, and desserts).
All this, and jovial camaraderie, are to be found at AOF's August meeting! This annual event promises to fill your belly and excite your brain. It also offers a marvelous opportunity for you to do your part to boost AOF's sagging treasury and perhaps even acquire for yourself an unexpected "something to treasure" With so much going on, you may even need a planning list! Details on each aspect of the event follow.
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Silent Auction "Whereas we have previously donated to other endeavors, the AOF board chose to use proceeds of the 2007 auction to give a "summertime boost" to the organization itself. You can help us to maintain our low membership fee just a bit longer! Please bring along a few items to contribute to the auction. Possibilities: gift certificates to local eateries or museums, books, music, artwork, collector's items.. (A donor may assign a minimum bid to an item.) Previous years have shown freethought-related items to be the most popular, but donate articles you think will appeal to an attendee of any bent. We encourage you to bring at least 3 items to make the auction worthwhile, but don't forget also to be discriminating, as this is not a garage sale, and you must be prepared to take all items home right away if they are not sold.
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Potluck "Bring along an enticing item for the salads/desserts table. Rather than the usual light refreshments of a regular meeting, the ideal for the August Sizzler is to jointly assemble a simple and refreshing "summery" meal for all. AOF will supply cold beverages, ice, and setups. Members supply the fare with their favorite hot weather dishes. When it comes to the food, think think "cool" (Note: the room has no means to maintain any hot items.)
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Oratory "No such limits on the heat of the oratory! Members are warmly invited to prepare and present speech contributions to the August program. What is on your mind?!! Let us know, by preparing in advance a small speech (or two) for delivery at the meeting. You will qualify for the drawing of a special prize in each of our two time-limited categories, A and B. Category A is a brief "sound-off" of just a minute or so (2-minute maximum), and B is an actual short speech (5-minute maximum). Abide by the time limits and follow the "rules" in order to qualify for the prize(s). Do you have LOTS on your mind? If so inclined, you can sign up to talk in both categories.
Oratory Instructions: Note: although you may quote briefly from other people, your oral contribution should be your own creation. Priorities: If there are more willing speakers than time to allot, then we assign priority to speak as follows: 1) to AOFers who have already submitted - or who mail in by August 5 - the "entry form" that was distributed at the July meeting. 2) to those who phone in to the voice mail number (916-447-3589) on Aug 11 with their name, phone #, and exact title and category (A or B) of each planned contribution (speak clearly!) We will be able to print a small "program" of these advance planners. Of course, you can wait and sign up on the day of event, but beware: these last comers will be added to the program only if there is time.
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Oh yes, besides the auction items, favorite cool dish, and text of your speech(s), please don't forget to bring your checkbook or stuff your wallet with a bit of cash so you can do some shopping!

Location/Address:
Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community, Room 10
2791 24th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818-3255

Map URL:
maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=2791+24TH+ST,+sacramento,+ca&ll=38.553602,-121.48349&spn=0.011897,0.025299&t

Parking instructions:
Street parking and the Sierra 2 parking lot off of 4th Avenue and 24th Street.

E-mail contact:

Phone contact:
916.447.3589

General Meeting Information:
AOF meetings are open to the public and are generally held on the second Sunday of the month, from 1:30 - 4 PM at the Sierra 2 Community Center, Room 10. Note: The months of February and October are exceptions, since AOF co-produces two public education events: (1) an outdoor faire in October - "Sacramento's Freethought Day" (2007-10-07), and (2) a science and humanity celebration - Sacramento's "Darwin Day Educational Gala" (2008-02-10). Watch the newsletter for details.