At our Meetup we usually have time to chat and meet new friends and some time for a directed discussion or a formal presentation.

While we encourage you to RSVP our Meetup site, you may just show up. Look for our "Meetup" signs and our room at the back of the restaurant and just walk in and join us. We will be happy to welcome you! You may order food, beer, wine, and soft drinks or nothing at all.

Click here for a map & directions to our Meetup

The restaurant is about nine blocks south of the Lloyd Center MAX Station, just east of the intersection of Burnside Street, Sandy Blvd. & 12th Street. TriMet bus lines 12, 19, 20 & 70 stop nearby. Parking is free in the lot behind the restaurant and on the street.

“Trying to Understand” By Attorney Karen Mockrin – October 17, 2011

In her presentation, Karen Mockrin pointed out that both sides of the church/state debate can cite historical evidence that supports their side. In fact, then, as now, there were a variety of views about the proper relationship between church and state, and we can benefit by understanding all sides of the issues. She talked about the Constitution and the First Amendment and explained what factors influenced decisions about the final wording.

She also looked at decisions made throughout our history and talked about what caused them to be made the way they were. After her talk, the whole group had a lively discussion.

Special Report on Religious Hospitals at our Meetup – Aug. 15, 2011

Photo by Steve Eltinge

Chapter member Laurence Resseguie was concerned about the merger of Southwest Washington Medical Center and (Catholic) PeaceHealth in Vancouver. He knew that when Catholic hospitals merge with other hospitals, they generally insist that the (merged) hospital follow Catholic dogma. Laurence does not want his end-of-life directives to be ignored because of the hospital's religious doctrine, so he inquired about the hospital’s policies. He also investigated to find out if the local ambulance service would take him to the hospital of his choice. He reported on his findings at our August Meetup, after which we had a vigorous discussion!

For more information about hospital mergers placing health care under church control, click here.