Teens in cyberspace, trees and the soil, trains in Hollywood, art and democracy are among Winchester Academy’s upcoming programs.
Beginning Feb. 13, six programs will be held at 6:30 p.m. Mondays in the Waupaca Area Public Library. Two other programs will be held at different locations, one of which will be held on a Saturday. All programs are free, open to the public and preceded by refreshments and conversation at 6 p.m.
• Feb. 13 – Tim Riley, executive director of the Appleton Compassion Project, a community art project and exhibit involving 10,000 students, will explore the overlapping fields of neuroscience, contemplative practice, art, and public education.
• Feb. 20 – Mark Dawson of Sand Creek Consultants in Amherst will explain phytotechnologies – how plants can rejuvenate contaminated soil and groundwater,
• Feb. 25 – A panel discussion on what teens are doing in cyberspace is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Waupaca High School, E2325 King Road. High school guidance counselor Jeff Dolski, attorney Tom Johnson, computer science teacher Mark Polebitski, and two students will examine the uses and abuses of Facebook, Twitter and texting. English teacher Patrick Phair will serve as panel moderator.
• March 5 – Dr. Kent Hall, retired professor of biology at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and coordinator of the Aldo Leopold Audubon Society Bluebird Trail, will describe conservation measures that have helped the once-threatened species of bluebirds grow to a vigorous population size.
• March 19 – Jack Rhodes, retired college administrator and movie scholar, will discuss the passenger train in classic Hollywood films. Using scenes from mysteries, musicals and comedies, Rhodes will present the American romance of the rails.
• April 2 – Professor Susan McFadden of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will contrast narratives of fear and hope and explain how innovative community programs can nurture a good life in old age, even when individuals are living with the diagnosis of dementia.
• April 30 – Caroline Levine, professor of English at University of Wisconsin-Madison and author of Provoking Democracy: Why We Need the Arts,, will explain how artists can be effective catalysts for change and democratic freedom.
• May 7 – In a special presentation at Trinity Lutheran Church, 206 E. Badger St., the Waupaca High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dan Wolfgram, will present a narrative history of American musicals.