Programs

We are all familiar with The Wizard of Oz from the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland.  But there is much more to the original book, as well as stage and other screen productions (have you heard of the character, Imogene the Cow?)  And, many believe what appears to have been a modern fairy tale for […]

Some family struggles after the death of my father, dealing with his dog, and an old New England house full of family things. An Encore! program from the Spring 2025 seminar Writing to Remember - Purple and presented by Suzette Jones.

As Smith College celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2025, learn about Sophia Smith of Hatfield, MA and the unusual circumstances that led to the founding of Smith College in 1870 and its opening in 1875.  This presentation includes a reading of the picture book Tea with an Old Dragon by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Monica Vachula. […]

Irvin Yalom is a psychiatrist and author who once said, "the physicality of death destroys us, but the idea of death saves us".  The wisdom of this statement is reflected in the paradox of the fragility of the human body and resiliency and life-affirming energy of the human spirit, a paradox.  I witnessed often over […]

Jane's musical journey starts in 1943 with "Pistol Packin' Mama" and a brown footstool "piano", and winds through a series of odd musical instruments.  A college romance (that led to marriage) began with the discovery that they had identical Hohner 64 Chromonica harmonicas.  A love of folk music, camp songs, and opera have run through […]

Interesting facts and stories about the 18th and 19th century industrial powerhouse, Springfield, MA, and the fascinating story of "The Monkey Wrench Building" and the Springfield Armory. An Encore! program from the Spring 2025 seminar History in the Pioneer Valley and presented by David Rothenberg.