Speakers for September

  Our Sunday services at 11:00 a.m. feature a different guest speaker each week, either a member of our congregation or someone from the surrounding community. We address a variety of topics, from literature and history to politics, religious thought and social issues. We welcome suggestions for speakers, please contact Donna Orchard donnaforchard@gmail.com

September 2

Speakers: KOSI AVOTRI
Title: Suicide Cause and Prevention in 2018
Summary: .Kosi Avotri will review medical literature on adult and pediatric suicide and suggest some prevention measures. Born and educated in Ghana, Dr. Avotiri is a graduate of the University of Ghana and is Board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has practiced in Dayton, Ohio; Gadsden, Alabama, Laplace, Louisiana and currently practices in Mobile. Kosi began attending UU churches in 2001 and became a member of the New Orleans UU church.
Introduction: Donna Orchard


September 16

Speaker: THELMA TOPPER
Title: Chernobyl; Thirty-two Years On
Summary: Having visited recently Chernobyl, Ukraine, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, Thelma Topper will describe what she learned about the effects of the Chernobyl disaster years later. A member of this Fellowship, Topper has been an avid traveler all of her life, first leaving the shores of her native England to ‘go abroad’ on family vacations as a child. She has given talks at the Fairhope Library, the Mobile Audubon Society and at the Fairhope Fellowship. Thelma’s adventures have taken her to such diverse places as Ethiopia, Mongolia and Greenland.
Introduction: Anne Armstrong

September 30

Speaker: CAROL FURMAN
Title: Birding 101: What to Look For in Indentifying Birds
Summary: Carol Furman’s interest and knowledge in the species of other habitats grew as she discovered the amazing diversity of birds that pass through Alabama. In this presentation, she will explain what to look for in identifying birds. With degrees in biology and marine science, Carol came to Fairhope for a job in Auburn’s Marine Fisheries Lab in 1998. She is also an
accomplished painter of birds with paintings on display in numerous coastal area art galleries.
Introduction: Jane FInger

September 9

Speaker: CASI CALLAWAY
Title: Coal Ash and Clean Water
Summary: The ash left over from burning coal is filled with toxic chemicals and heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury and more. Alabama Power stores that ash in an unlined pit surrounded by the Mobile River twenty-five miles north of Mobile Bay. Casi Callaway, the Executive Director of Mobile Baykeeper, will explain why it is so important to learn about and become engaged in their efforts to ensure clean water, clean air, and healthy communities. Says Callaway “I am proud to be working to ensure my child, your children and our grandchildren get a cleaner Mobile Bay, Gulf beaches, rivers, creeks and more.”
Introduction: Riva Fralick

September 23​

Speaker: MIKE TURNER
Title: The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence
Summary: Columbine. Orlando. Las Vegas. Parkland. Over 500,000 people have died due to gun violence in the United States over the past 50 years. The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence brings together songwriters and musicians across
the country to create a positive national moment of collective remembrance for the victims of gun violence, supported by action. Now an award-winning topical songwriter and performer, Mike Turner will use spoken word and original song to review aspects of this multifaceted gun violence issue from gun control to personal responsibility, the choice between
good and evil, and collective action to address the tragedy of gun violence. After twenty-seven years as a Federal law enforcement officer, Turner is retired in Fairhope.
Introduction: Carl Couret