Virtual Programs
Culture, Politics & Fake News
Thursday, November 5 @ 6:30 pm 
What is the importance of international organizations such as the UN communicating to its stakeholders and the world at large a message of hope in the age of fragmented news and other disruptive events? Dr. Robert J. Petrausch, an expert in communications, board member of the United Nations Chapter of CT, and head of the public relations concentration in the department of media and strategic communications at Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y, will discuss his perspective on the importance of public diplomacy and communication that is vital for international organizations to succeed in the global age. He will also cover aspects of his new book from Kendall-Hunt Publishers “Leveraging Your High-Stakes Presentation in the Age of Speed.”
Bert terHart – Sailing Around the World Solo
Wednesday, November 11 @ 7 pm 
Minor Memorial Library in Roxbury hosts this program. Bert terHart is the first North American to sail solo, non-stop, west to east, around the five great capes, using only celestial navigation. Bert, a recipient of an OCC Challenge Grant, returned home this summer after 266 days at sea in his 46-foot sailboat Seaburban. We’re happy to welcome Bert zooming in all the way from British Columbia as he shares the story of this incredible adventure at sea. Please visit www.minormemoriallibrary.org to register for this event.
Politics of Sports Business
Thursday, November 19 @ 6:30 pm 
The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc globally in the sports industry. COVID-19 caused sports league seasons to be suspended and some sports organizations canceled 2020 events including the Olympics, the French Open, Wimbledon and minor league sports. No one knows where the sports world will end up once COVID-19 passes but three key trends lend insight as to how the sports industry will change. Evan Weiner is an award-winning journalist and recognized global expert of the “Politics of Sports Business.” He has a daily video podcast with the same title. He has been a radio commentator, TV pundit on MSNBC, NewsMax and ABC in the UK and United States.
Slavery in Litchfield County
Thursday, November 19 @ 6 pm 
Burnham Library in Bridgewater presents this virtual presentation and lecture by Peter Vermilyea. The pastoral hills of Litchfield County are inconsistent with the institution of slavery, a notion that is heightened by the fact that the county was the birthplace of prominent abolitionists John Brown and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Yet slavery existed in Litchfield County for over 100 years and, in some ways, left an indelible mark on the region’s history. By looking at the experiences of a few individuals, this lecture will examine the origin and nature of slavery in Litchfield County and the county’s complicated history with abolitionism. Peter Vermilyea teaches history at Housatonic Valley Regional High School and Western Connecticut State University. A graduate of Gettysburg College, he is the author of Hidden History of Litchfield County (The History Press, 2014) and the recipient of the 2015 CultureMax Award. Go to www.burnhamlibrary.org to register.
