This photograph was taken by member Robb Evans.
Meet the Presenters of
MILE Winter 2021-2022 mini- session
click on Presenter photos for introductory video
Scroll Down for Upcoming spring Presenters
January 25 (1:30 – 3:00)
Prof. Iris Bork-Goldfield,
Traveling Memories:
A Family History (East Prussia, Germany, NY, Argentina)
Prof. Iris Bork-Goldfield,
Traveling Memories:
A Family History (East Prussia, Germany, NY, Argentina)
East Prussia, Moisling, Müncheberg, Berlin, New York, Hamburg, Terezín…. Please join me on my genealogical journey following my Jewish family—the Alexanders. It was in 2015, just after my mother’s death, when I finally looked more closely at the old and yellowed family tree that I had inherited from my aunt some years ago but had nonchalantly set aside.
Our family tree was compiled in 1938 in America by Henry Alexander, at a time when his relatives in Germany were being persecuted and murdered. Ships’ records, old address books, letters, photos, government records, and my interviews with relatives in Germany, the U.S., Israel, Argentina, and Brazil helped me assemble a family story that stretches over 200 years and follows relatives from Prussia to New York and back to Berlin, Hamburg, Theresienstadt, Israel, or Latin America. Why did they emigrate to the U.S.? Why did some of them return to Germany? What lives did they live?
Our family tree was compiled in 1938 in America by Henry Alexander, at a time when his relatives in Germany were being persecuted and murdered. Ships’ records, old address books, letters, photos, government records, and my interviews with relatives in Germany, the U.S., Israel, Argentina, and Brazil helped me assemble a family story that stretches over 200 years and follows relatives from Prussia to New York and back to Berlin, Hamburg, Theresienstadt, Israel, or Latin America. Why did they emigrate to the U.S.? Why did some of them return to Germany? What lives did they live?
February 8 (1:30-3:00)
Prof. Jesse Nasta,
The Bemans’ Struggle: Middletown’s Nationally-Significant 19th-Century African American Community and the Fight for Freedom in the Era of Slavery
This program will provide an introduction to Middletown’s remarkable African American history, with an emphasis on the Beman Triangle neighborhood. Beginning in the 1820s, this free, property-owning African American community established the Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church. (One of the first African American churches in New England, the congregation will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year). Led by the African American abolitionist Beman family, this church and neighborhood became a center of free Black life and activism in New England, serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad and attracting anti-slavery and civil rights activists from across the state and the region, such as Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. Participants in this program will gain insight into the national and even global significance of Middletown’s small but determined pre-Civil War African American community.
Prof. Jesse Nasta,
The Bemans’ Struggle: Middletown’s Nationally-Significant 19th-Century African American Community and the Fight for Freedom in the Era of Slavery
This program will provide an introduction to Middletown’s remarkable African American history, with an emphasis on the Beman Triangle neighborhood. Beginning in the 1820s, this free, property-owning African American community established the Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church. (One of the first African American churches in New England, the congregation will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year). Led by the African American abolitionist Beman family, this church and neighborhood became a center of free Black life and activism in New England, serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad and attracting anti-slavery and civil rights activists from across the state and the region, such as Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. Participants in this program will gain insight into the national and even global significance of Middletown’s small but determined pre-Civil War African American community.
February 22 (1:30-3:00)
Phil Devlin, (no video necessary for our own Mile member and treasured speaker)
Baseball and Michelangelo
My experiences with Michelangelo's work first came about through playing baseball. My 1965 Little League all-star team from Windsor Locks won the world championship at Williamsport on August 28th of that year. On the very next day all 8 teams went via charter bus to New York City to attend a Mets vs SF Giants baseball game, where we got to meet with Willie Mays and other big league stars. Then the teams spent the next two days at the NY World's Fair in Flushing, Queens. One of those exhibits was the Vatican Pavilion. Here was Michelangelo's Pieta on exhibition. Seeing the Pieta close-up triggered a much unexpected, moving reaction in me. This experience prompted a lifelong keen interest in Michelangelo. I have learned a lot about "Il Divino." I will share anecdotes and stories about him and his works that few people are aware of. At the end of the presentation, I will circle back to baseball and draw a parallel with a Hall of Fame baseball player who most embodies Michelangelo's character traits.
Please consider joining me for this talk about one of the most interesting human beings who has ever lived.
Phil Devlin, (no video necessary for our own Mile member and treasured speaker)
Baseball and Michelangelo
My experiences with Michelangelo's work first came about through playing baseball. My 1965 Little League all-star team from Windsor Locks won the world championship at Williamsport on August 28th of that year. On the very next day all 8 teams went via charter bus to New York City to attend a Mets vs SF Giants baseball game, where we got to meet with Willie Mays and other big league stars. Then the teams spent the next two days at the NY World's Fair in Flushing, Queens. One of those exhibits was the Vatican Pavilion. Here was Michelangelo's Pieta on exhibition. Seeing the Pieta close-up triggered a much unexpected, moving reaction in me. This experience prompted a lifelong keen interest in Michelangelo. I have learned a lot about "Il Divino." I will share anecdotes and stories about him and his works that few people are aware of. At the end of the presentation, I will circle back to baseball and draw a parallel with a Hall of Fame baseball player who most embodies Michelangelo's character traits.
Please consider joining me for this talk about one of the most interesting human beings who has ever lived.
Get Excited! Invite Friends to join MILE!
Together you can look, listen and learn with this
Spring 2022 Lineup of Presenters and Introductory Videos
CLICK ON PRESENTER PHOTOS FOR INTRODUCTORY VIDEO
Together you can look, listen and learn with this
Spring 2022 Lineup of Presenters and Introductory Videos
CLICK ON PRESENTER PHOTOS FOR INTRODUCTORY VIDEO
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Tom Callinan, The first Sate Troubadour of CT will open our Spring semester with a
Bit O'Erin.
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Tom Callinan, The first Sate Troubadour of CT will open our Spring semester with a
Bit O'Erin.
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Galen Abdur Razzaq, a distinguished jazz flutist, will perform and discuss
Women in Jazz.
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Galen Abdur Razzaq, a distinguished jazz flutist, will perform and discuss
Women in Jazz.
Thursday, March 3, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Lucy Antek Johnson will give a book talk: Toscanini, The Maestro, My Father and Me
based on her and her father's memory of Toscanini. Her father was the first violinist in Toscanini's orchestra.
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Lucy Antek Johnson will give a book talk: Toscanini, The Maestro, My Father and Me
based on her and her father's memory of Toscanini. Her father was the first violinist in Toscanini's orchestra.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Prof. Herbert Arnold will use the beloved German chivalric epic: Parzifal
to explore a world of adventure, heroism, romance and then masterfully weaves this to our world today.
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Prof. Herbert Arnold will use the beloved German chivalric epic: Parzifal
to explore a world of adventure, heroism, romance and then masterfully weaves this to our world today.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Maggie Johndrow has been on television and in Forbes magazine teaching about finance, and now she comes to MILE withher presentation on
Money Matters: Demystifying Personal Finance and Investing
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Maggie Johndrow has been on television and in Forbes magazine teaching about finance, and now she comes to MILE withher presentation on
Money Matters: Demystifying Personal Finance and Investing
Starting Thursday, March 10, 2022, 9:30-11:30 video will be coming soon
Great Decisions is back with moderator Bud Sielaff (presently via Zoom but possibly live)
Mar. 10: Changing Demographics
Mar. 17- Outer Space
Mar. 24- Climate Change
Mar.31- Russia
April 7-Myanmar and ASEAN
April 21- Open Discussion
Great Decisions is back with moderator Bud Sielaff (presently via Zoom but possibly live)
Mar. 10: Changing Demographics
Mar. 17- Outer Space
Mar. 24- Climate Change
Mar.31- Russia
April 7-Myanmar and ASEAN
April 21- Open Discussion
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Thursday, March 10, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom Prof. Jerry Conlogue and Ron Bennett: Where? How? Why? When? and What? about Mummies Around the World. |
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Dr. Karen C.P. McDermott will talk about
Wine and Winemaking: A Journey from Vino Lover to Vintner
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Dr. Karen C.P. McDermott will talk about
Wine and Winemaking: A Journey from Vino Lover to Vintner
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Kim O'Rourke will present: Talking Trash: What's in, what's out: How to Recycle Right.
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Kim O'Rourke will present: Talking Trash: What's in, what's out: How to Recycle Right.
Thursday, March 17, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
video will be coming soon
Susan Daniels,RN from Midddlesex Hospice and Palliative Care will be presenting:
Plan Your Grand Finale: A Lighter Look at One of Life's Certainties
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
video will be coming soon
Susan Daniels,RN from Midddlesex Hospice and Palliative Care will be presenting:
Plan Your Grand Finale: A Lighter Look at One of Life's Certainties
Tuesday,March 22 (Malkata Palace)
Wednesday, March 23 (Amarna and Phaistos)
Thursday, , March 24, (Greek Palaces and Assyrian Nimrud Palace)
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Our MILE grand traveler, Nancy Rogalsky, will moderate the viewing of these Great Courses videos on the
Architecture of Power ,
Dr. Steven L. Tuck PhD, Professor of Classics and chair of the Department of Classics at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio will be our guide
Wednesday, March 23 (Amarna and Phaistos)
Thursday, , March 24, (Greek Palaces and Assyrian Nimrud Palace)
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Our MILE grand traveler, Nancy Rogalsky, will moderate the viewing of these Great Courses videos on the
Architecture of Power ,
Dr. Steven L. Tuck PhD, Professor of Classics and chair of the Department of Classics at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio will be our guide
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Professional actress Michèle LaRue will perform a story from America’s Gilded Age and Progressive Era followed by a Talk Back.
The Bedquilt – A Quilting Bee in Our Village
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Library director Tom Piezzo returns to MILE with a fascinating Book club talk:
Homegoing: a novel by Yaa Gyasi.
Eight generations of a Ghanan family’s journey, and the legacy of slavery
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Library director Tom Piezzo returns to MILE with a fascinating Book club talk:
Homegoing: a novel by Yaa Gyasi.
Eight generations of a Ghanan family’s journey, and the legacy of slavery
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Thursday, March 31, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom video will be coming soon Christi Moraga, Mile member, presenter and curriculum committee co-chair will present a virtual tour of the Wadsworth's recent exhibit: By Her Hand, Italian Women Artists from 1500-1800 |
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Astronomy Prof. Kristen Larsen of Central CT State University will present on:
A New Eye on the Universe: The James Webb Space Telescope
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Possible field trip if Covid restrictions allow or a virtual presentation
Possible field trip if Covid restrictions allow or a virtual presentation
Thursday, April 7, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
video will be coming soon
Atty. Brendan Daly from Czpiega Daly Pope and Perri firm will speak about Trusts:
What is a Trust? and How can one avoid probate?
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
video will be coming soon
Atty. Brendan Daly from Czpiega Daly Pope and Perri firm will speak about Trusts:
What is a Trust? and How can one avoid probate?
Monday, April 11, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Dr. Brad Heim, DDS. will talk about
Dental Missions of Mercy in Connecticut and Guatemala
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Dr. Brad Heim, DDS. will talk about
Dental Missions of Mercy in Connecticut and Guatemala
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Anthony Valerio presents Chat with an Author and highlights from 3 of his books:
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Anthony Valerio presents Chat with an Author and highlights from 3 of his books:
- BEFORE THE SIDEWALK ENDED: A WALK WITH SHEL SILVERSTEIN,
- SEMMELWEIS: the Women's Doctor,
- ANITA GARIBALDI, a biography.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Mile member and Space ambassador, Stevan Akerley will present on:
Space and Exploration
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Mile member and Space ambassador, Stevan Akerley will present on:
Space and Exploration
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
State Ranger, Kristin Lessard will give us a virtual tour of Weir Farm in Wilton, CT
Getting to Know Weir Farm National Historical Park
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
1:30-3:00pm LIVE PERFORMANCE at MxCC
Roger Tincknell returns to entertain us and accompany us with
Songs from Pete Seeger to Peter, Paul and Mary
1:30-3:00pm LIVE PERFORMANCE at MxCC
Roger Tincknell returns to entertain us and accompany us with
Songs from Pete Seeger to Peter, Paul and Mary
Thursday, April 21, 2022
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Liz Burke will speak on
Evelyn Longman: a Sculptor's Art and Career
1:30-3:00pm via Zoom
Liz Burke will speak on
Evelyn Longman: a Sculptor's Art and Career
"Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul." ~~ Samuel Ullman