Noon Hour Philosophers offers something for everyone

Every Wednesday at noon during the academic year, dozens of people gather for the Noon Hour Philosophers speaker series. The programs are open to everyone and are held from noon to 1 at First English Lutheran Church.

Ken Melchert, owner of the Harp Gallery, has been organizing the speaker series for the past few years, following Mary Poulson's retirement as organizer.  Melchert, having known Poulson for many years, took over the reins when Poulson’s health was failing.

Mary Poulson and her husband John, started Noon Hour Philosophers in 1980. Weekly community speakers include area experts and scholars designed to stimulate thought and spirited discussion. Poulson organized the speaker series for more than 40 years, until shortly before she died in 2024 at 94.

During her 29-year career at Lawrence University, Mary was on the faculty and coached tennis, basketball, and fencing. In 1996, she was elected a charter member and the first woman to the Lawrence University Athletic Hall of Fame. After retiring from Lawrence, Poulson volunteered for Meals on Wheels, LEAVEN, the Fox Valley Girl Scout Council, the Appleton Ecumenical Network, and the annual Fox Cities Crop Walk. And, of course, she continued to organize Noon Hour Philosophers.

Poulson assured Melchert that the people she approached to speak rarely declined.  Melchert found it to be the same. “I have very good luck,” she told him. “People who have a passionate interest in something usually like to share it.  If they’re really interested, they tend to be good speakers.”

Programs encompass a wide array of topics relevant to today's world, including religion, nonprofits, politics, local community members, photographers, artists, and more. “There is no focus on philosophers,” Melchert said. “I had one philosopher last year, a philosophy teacher, but otherwise that term is kind of loosely applied.”

Although attendance varies by speaker, Melchert encourages attendees to attend all sessions. “A lot of times people come, and they didn’t think it would be interesting, but it turns out it was,” he said. “So I encourage people to come even if it’s not something that you think you’re interested in. You may be surprised. A lot of people are.”

Here is a list of upcoming speakers: 

Jan. 7: “How to Communicate with Non-Native Speakers” by Karie Mindock, Chair, English Language Learning Department, Fox Valley Technical College

Jan. 14: “Nienhaus Senior Activity Center” by Dawn Gohlke, Executive Director, and Mary Beth Nienhaus

Jan. 21: “Meet the New Dean: Chris Jenkins” by Chris Jenkins, Dean of the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music

Jan. 28: “World Relief Efforts and Community Support” by Gail Cornelius, World Relief Organization

Feb. 4: “Helping Veterans One Mission at a Time” by Lorraine van Kampen, Old Glory Honor Flights, WWII Veteran Program

Feb. 11: “Mentoring Matters: The Impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters” by Jaime Kriewaldt, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters

Feb. 18: “Brain Myths: Origins, Misconceptions, and Actualities” by Dave Bailey, Professor of Biology, St. Norbert College

Noon Hour Philosophers is held at First English Lutheran Church, located at 326 E. North Street in Appleton, at the corner of Drew and North.  Parking is available in the lot on the west side of the church. The Church provides access to Fellowship Hall, audiovisual equipment, and coffee for attendees.  All programs are free of charge.

Check Noon Hour Philosopher’s  Facebook page for current information or cancellations. 

If you have questions, a speaker suggestion, or are interested in speaking, please contact Ken Melchert at ken@harpgallery.com.