Well, we had a terrific meeting last Sunday. We finished up watching the tape of the Fernandez-Lowder debate, we had some wonderful snacks, and we met several new members. Overall, it was a fun couple of hours. Our conversations lasted long enough that we eventually came in contact with members of CUUP -- the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. Nice folks. Dressed in lots of black.
We talked for a bit about the planned trip to the Three Colleges Observatory in Alamance County. Our main concern was the logistics of the trip. We decided that it would be best for the group to congregate in Burlington at 6:00 on Saturday, December 13. Once we have gathered, we can consolidate our vehicles and travel out to the observatory for a nice couple of hours of looking at the Universe.
The most important thing for us to remember about this trip is that it will be cancelled if the weather is bad. Everyone who plans to come out for this needs to call the Observatory information line:
336-334-3242
After 4:30 that afternoon, the staff will place a recording, saying whether they evening's activities will proceed. Do not forget to call this number before heading to our rendezvous.
We decided to park in the Wal Mart shopping center in Burlington, and gather near the Office Max store, where it should be relatively easy to find each other. Here are the directions to our gathering point:
From points West of Burlington:
Take I-40 East to the Elon College exit (at mile number 141). At the light, turn left. At the second light, turn left.
From points East of Burlington:
Take I-40 West to the Elon College exit (at mile number 141). At the light, turn right. At the first light, turn left.
After the last turn, the Wal Mart shopping center will be on your right. When you turn into the parking lot, Office Max will be on your right. I will be there in my gas-electric hybrid car, so it shouldn't be hard to find the group. Once we gather and decide who rides with whom, I'll lead the group to the observatory.
On Sunday, Dec. 21, the Piedmont Freethough Association will gather to celebrate the proper holiday for this time of year -- the Winter Solstice. We will be gathering at a reserved section of the Golden Corral restaurant in Greensboro on Wendover Ave. at 5:30 for supper and conversation.
Directions for those to the East of Greensboro:
Take I-40 West to the Wendover Ave. exit (mile number 214). At the light, turn left. At the second set of lights (next to the Courtyard by Marriott hotel), turn right.
For those to the West of Greensboro:
Take I-40 East to the Wendover Ave. exit (mile number 214-A). At the light, turn right. At the first light after turning (next to the Courtyard by Marriott hotel), turn right.
Once you're in the restaurant complex, turn left at the first crossroad. Golden Corral is to the right, about 100 yards along the road.
Hopefully, we'll have a great crowd, like many of us saw last year!
Reminder: Because of the special events for the month of December, there will be no meeting at the Unitarian Church. Our next meeting at the church will be Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004.
