Humanists New Mexico upcoming events

HIKE: Oso Grande Constitutional Walk for Hikers (Tuesday, April 07, 2026)

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:30:00 GMT

*Please carefully read the entire posting before signing up.*

Oso Grande, Ursa Major, Grande Ours – it all means the same thing! A Big Bear. In this case a big walk up Bear Canyon.

Our walk will begin at El Oso Grande Park, just east of the intersection of Morris and Osuna. We’ll proceed up the north side of the park, safely cross Juan Tabo, ascend a ramp road and enter the extended canyon. The adventure will go out to near the Mama Bear and Cubs statues and turn around. The total distance will be about 3-1/2 miles with about a 300 foot gain over the course of the walk. We’ll move at a constitutional pace of about 1-1/2 to 2+ miles per hour, finishing in about 2 hours. Most of the walk is in the arroyo dirt along social paths. This is a great opportunity to work the balance muscles needed for hiking while ascending a mild grade.

If desired at the time by the group, we can extend the walk to the Emery Trailhead and make it about 5 miles.

MEETING PLACE: at Oso Grande Park opposite from CNM, north side just east of Morris and Osuna. On weekdays, there is no problem parking near the corner.

Please keep cell phones silenced during our hike.

NOTE: Hiking involves risks. You need to be sufficiently fit and properly equipped with poles, hiking boots, sun-protective clothing, water, nutrition and sunscreen. You are responsible for your own safety.

CANCEL: The promise of rain or adverse weather and road conditions will cancel this event.

IMPORTANT: If you sign up, please remember that the leader has you on a list and you have a responsibility to keep him informed of your plans so as not to cause delays and confusion on the day of the hike if you don’t join us at the meeting place. This can be done by text or call to his phone or comments on the Meetup posting.

Questions? Contact Derek 310-870-3133.

Codenames Online (Thursday, April 09, 2026)

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:30:00 GMT

HSNM Events Calendar

Codenames is a fun 2-team word game that's a bit like Password but much more interesting and enjoyable for both the game itself as well as socializing with teammates. Years ago I used to play the table-top version but playing online is much better!
You can play using your computer or your phone.

Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm MT

(Optional) Register in Meetup:

https://www.meetup.com/group-hsnm/events/

(Computer steps: Tap "Log in" at top right, log in, scroll down to "Events" list, find the "Codenames Online" you plan to attend, tap on it, then tap Attend Online.)

Players that are new to Codenames are very welcome.
You can take a look at it here: codenames.game
But it's much easier to learn by doing and we're happy to teach.

We have 5 committed Codenamers already. The minimum to play is 4 (2 per team). So we'd like more players! This event is simply opening it up to all you humanists. We hope to reach at least 3 per team (total of 6).

Start here:

We use Google Meet to communicate while we're playing.

Here is the link: https://meet.google.com/izo-rfpw-cwq

If you're new to Google Meet, I recommend spending about 10 minutes ahead of start time to prepare and test your microphone and speakers. Video isn't needed.

If you're on my invitation email list:

You'll receive an email with two links sometime in the afternoon of the event. One is the link to the Google Meet meeting which never changes. The other is the link to the game itself which changes every week.

Those not receiving my email reminders:

It's easy to join us and you're totally welcome!

Just join the Google Meet meeting using this link:

https://meet.google.com/izo-rfpw-cwq

Then, at game-time, I'll provide the link for the game itself. Easy!

To be added to the email invitation list:

Send a request to my email address: gstelle@gmail.com

Fun addition: Add your own words!

Once you see how the game works you're welcome to tell me words you'd like to see appear in the grid. I've been doing this already. That's how words like "SWAMP COOLER" and "HUMANIST" got there!

--David (The Gaming SIG of HSNM)

OPEN DISCUSSION: WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? (Saturday, April 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

You have a head full of ideas, and we want to hear them. Join us for an open discussion that's exciting, respectful and wide-ranging.

UNHOLY ROLLERS BOWLING SIG (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Join the Unholy Rollers the third Wednesday of every month at Silva Lanes on Eubank. Just show up at the front desk and look human. A bowling angel will find you and direct you to Bowling Salvation! Approximate cost: $10-13. No skill required. IT'S BOWLING!

Pondering at the Pub (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Join us at Quarter Celtic Brewpub to discuss everyday practical philosophy with other humanists over a beer or two (or your fav beverage). Every 3rd Wensday of each month.

Bounce ideas off each other about life, your own or in general. Maybe throw in a bit of psychology, and of course humor too, as we enjoy sharing each other's points of view. Potentially enlightening! And you are engaging; you are participating in life.

Come with a topic you'd like to talk about or just join the conversation.
Religion and politics are okay if pertinent, objective and limited.
An academic perspective, if you have one, is always welcome.

We'll grab a table either inside or on the patio. Order a meal if you like. They have good Irish food.

You can just show up or, if you like, tell me you're coming using Meetup. To do so go to Meetup calendar. Then log in (top right). Then find the 3rd Wensday and tap on the event. Then tap Attend and go from there.

Dave Stelle

Codenames Online (Thursday, April 16, 2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:30:00 GMT

HSNM Events Calendar

Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm MT

(Optional) Register in Meetup:

https://www.meetup.com/group-hsnm/events/

(Computer steps: Tap "Log in" at top right, log in, scroll down to "Events" list, find the "Codenames Online" you plan to attend, tap on it, then tap Attend Online.)

Players that are new to Codenames are very welcome.
You can take a look at it here: codenames.game
But it's much easier to learn by doing and we're happy to teach.

Start here:

We use Google Meet to communicate while we're playing.

Here is the link: https://meet.google.com/izo-rfpw-cwq

If you're new to Google Meet, I recommend spending about 10 minutes ahead of start time to prepare and test your microphone and speakers. Video isn't needed.

If you're on my invitation email list:

Those not receiving my email reminders:

It's easy to join us and you're totally welcome!

Just join the Google Meet meeting using this link:

https://meet.google.com/izo-rfpw-cwq

Then, at game-time, I'll provide the link for the game itself. Easy!

To be added to the email invitation list:

Send a request to my email address: gstelle@gmail.com

Fun addition: Add your own words!

Once you see how the game works you're welcome to tell me words you'd like to see appear in the grid. I've been doing this already. That's how words like "SWAMP COOLER" and "HUMANIST" got there!

--David (The Gaming SIG of HSNM)

TOPICAL DISCUSSION (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Join us to discuss a topic chosen the month prior. You don't have to research the topic ahead of time, but some members like to stretch their awareness of the topic ahead of time. And feel free to suggest a topic for the following month.

Codenames Online (Thursday, April 23, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:30:00 GMT

HSNM Events Calendar

Codenames is a fun 2-team word game that's a bit like Password but much more interesting and enjoyable for both the game itself as well as socializing with teammates.

For details, go to the Events Calendar and tap on Codenames Online this coming Thursday.

HUMANIST SPEAKER SERIES: Matthew Campen, PhD (Saturday, April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

“Nanoplastics on Your Mind” by Matthew Campen, PhD

Confused about the effects of nanoplastics on the brain? That’s understandable. Articles and rumors are everywhere. In April, we get the facts from Dr. Matthew Campen, a leading researcher into the neurological effects of nanoplastics. Dr. Campen’s research expertise extends beyond nanoplastics to inhaled pollutants like ozone, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide, which can cause toxicity beyond the lungs, including neurological effects. Many thanks to Margaret Viers for suggesting the topic.

Bio: Dr. Matthew Campen is a Distinguished Professor in the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy. He received his bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and psychology from Virginia Tech, then completed an MSPH and PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Campen moved to New Mexico and worked for several years as a toxicologist at the Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute. In 2009, he moved across town to accept a faculty position at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy.

Dr. Campen has been instrumental in establishing multidisciplinary, programmatic research programs at UNM, including several NIH-funded centers, such as the UNM Center for Metals in Biology and Medicine and the Southwest Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Innovations. His research expertise is largely focused on how inhaled pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide can cause toxicity beyond the lungs, including neurological effects. He began researching the problem of nanoplastics about 5 years ago and found that the science at the interface of plastics and human health was immature. He has worked to better understand the nature of exposures, dosimetry, and toxicity using approaches that incorporate real human/clinical samples.

Codenames Online (Thursday, April 30, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:30:00 GMT

HSNM Events Calendar

Codenames is a fun 2-team word game that's a bit like Password but much more interesting and enjoyable for both the game itself as well as socializing with teammates.

For details, go to the Events Calendar and tap on Codenames Online this coming Thursday.

UNHOLY ROLLERS BOWLING SIG (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

UNHOLY ROLLERS BOWLING SIG (Wednesday, June 17, 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT

HUMANIST SPEAKER SERIES: Dr. Gabriella Blakey (Saturday, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

Next up in our Humanist Speaker Series at the Albuquerque Museum is Dr. Gabriella Blakey, Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools.

For more information, email Paul@humanistsnm.org.

HUMANIST SPEAKER SERIES: Candace Gorham (Saturday, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 16:30:00 GMT

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

Next up in our Humanist Speaker Series at the Albuquerque Museum is Dr. Candace Gorham, president of the American Humanist Association.

For more information, email Paul@humanistsnm.org.