Salon: Past Events

The presentation for the Salon of January 8th, 2017 "Science vs. faith in the Grand Canyon" will compare the young-earth models of a six-thousand-year-old Earth with the standard scientific model of the Grand Canyon, illustrated by views of the canyon and surrounding areas, and the rocks and fossils found therein. We will concentrate on why science and industry have chosen the scientific interpretation of the canyon, and the lengths to which young-earth creationists have gone to defend interpretations based on a literal reading of the Bible. There is a faction of creationists who admit a great age for the earth (old-earth creationists) and their views will also be noted. Plenty of time will be available after the 45-minute talk for questions and comments. Please note this salon will be held at the Community Center, 59 Winburn Way.

Len Eisenberg worked as an exploration and production geologist with Chevron Overseas, where he worked on exploration and production projects, mostly in Africa and Papua New Guinea. He now volunteer teaches in public schools and the community. Len hosts school programs for Briscoe Geology Park, and is on the Science Advisory Board at ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, and built the Briscoe Geology Park in Ashland, the Climb through Time geologic climbing wall at ScienceWorks, and the earth history walk at Oregon Hills Park in Medford. Len promotes the teaching of evolution using a family approach through evogeneao.com. His current research interest is giant floods in the 190-million-year-old Navajo Sandstone in Utah.

Join Cathy Noah, Editor in Chief of the Medford Tribune, at Suite 101, Old Ashland Armory, for a lively discussion of Journalism and the Internet. People have a lot of options these days for getting their news -- so many, in fact, that some think they no longer need the traditional sources of media. But dig deeper into that story and you'll find the news that you consume on social media or your favorite website likely originated with a traditional journalist. That's especially true at the local level, as Cathy knows well.

Geoffrey Riley, host of The Jefferson Exchange on JPR, will discuss the tendency in contemporary journalism to get opinions and not much more to make up a story... and to find just ONE other side, when there not only could be multiple views, but there could also be NO responsible alternative view. The lack of funding for investigative journalism in the country is likely to make the problem worse. Join the conversation at the Jefferson Center meeting room, Suite 101, downstairs at the Old Ashland Armory.

On Sunday, June 12th, from 4-8 in the Pioneer Hall, Ashland there will be a combined Jefferson Center Summer Social and Salon. The Jefferson Center's founder, Bob Semes, will our honored guest with a special presentation: “BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE: REFLECTIONS ON THE LATEST BOOKS REGARDING LIVING WITHOUT RELIGION, PLUS SOME THOUGHTS FROM THOMAS JEFFERSON.” This is a great opportunity to not only to meet and socialize with fellow Jefferson Center members but also to reacquaint with Bob or, for some, to meet him for the first time. We will have the usual pot luck….bring your favorite dish (serving 6-8) to be shared by all. Any dish will do, an appetizer, a vegetarian main dish, vegetable, or salad. Do not bring a meat dish (chicken, ham and roast beef) or desert……they will be provided as will the beverages (wine, beer, and water) although you are welcome to bring drinks to share. Please bring your own tableware (plate, utensils, and a beverage container) preferably non disposable.

The following mp3 files were recorded by Olena Black during the meeting:
Part 1
Part 2