Lectures and Presentations

Douglas Library, Route 44 in Canaan presents a talk by author URSULA McCAFFERTY on Friday, November 16 at 7 p.m. The long-time Canaan resident will discuss her new book, "Acorn Academy," a compilation of her memoirs and anecdotes about raising five children in Cornwall. Refreshments will be served; for more info call 860-824-7863.

Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge presents MUSHROOMS OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND with natural historian Bill Yule on Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m.-noon. This slide-illustrated lecture will be on the biology and ecology of fungi, with a focus on the fungi commonly called mushrooms. The most common poisonous and edible mushrooms will be illustrated and described, concluding with the hobby of mushroom hunting. Participants should be aware that completion of this workshop would not be sufficient to enable them to go into the woods and pick wild mushrooms to eat. The importance of fungi and their role in the environment will be explored with a discussion on identifying poisonous mushrooms. Cost is $15 members, $20 non-members; registration is required. To register or for more info, call 413-298-3926.

CT Authors and Publishers Association presents THE BUSINESS OF SMALL PRESSES—Self-Publishing and Submitting on Saturday, November 17 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Fisher Hall at Tunxis Community College, Routes 6 & 177 in Farmington. Poet and master teacher Faith E. Vicinanza has founded or co-founded several nontraditional writers’ support groups committed to breakthrough results for their members. Guests are welcome; for more info call Brian Judd at 800-562-4357, or Evora Jordan at 860-693-3757.

Orion House, 123A Sharon-Goshen Tpke. in West Cornwall hosts VERDI: COMPOSER AND PATRIOT, a series of three talks by Jeffrey M. Engel devoted to the operas of Verdi, which were written during Italy’s struggle for independence. The second talk in the series will be given on Saturday, November 17 at 4 p.m. For more info call 860-672-6222.

Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth St. in Hartford hosts the GREATER HARTFORD TELLABRATION on Saturday, November 17 at 8 p.m. This annual event, celebrated the same weekend around the world, brings together storytellers from throughout the state. This benefit performance is presented by the CT Storytelling Center and CHS, and sponsored by the National Storytelling Network. Admission is $8; for more info call 860-236-5621.

Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth St. in Hartford presents STORIES FROM THE HEART on Sunday, November 18 at 2 p.m. Multi-media storyteller and master puppeteer Marilyn O’Connor Miller weaves miraculous folk and fairy tales from many lands to delight children and adults alike. Engaging and delightfully imaginative in her use of languages, accents, dialects and character voices, Marilyn presents Piccolo, Tiffany and other friends in this touching performance. Admission is $6 adults; $3 seniors, students and youth (ages 6-17); free for members and children under 6. For more info call 860-236-5621.

Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents "ALASKA—AN RV ADVENTURE" on Sunday, November 18 at 2 p.m. Join filmmaker John Holod as he takes the exciting journey from British Columbia all the way to the Arctic Ocean. In 1973 at the age of 20, Holod traveled 1,400 miles of dirt road up the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks by Harley Davidson motorcycle. Over 25 years later, he returns to trace his original route, this time by motor home. Tickets are $6.50-$7.50; for more info call 860-987-5900.

Litchfield Community Center, Route 202 in Litchfield presents CORTNEY DAVIS, author of "I Knew a Woman: The Experience of the Female Body" on Sunday, November 18 at 2 p.m. Ms. Davis, a poet and nurse practitioner, will be reading and also be available for book signings. Her book provides a fascinating look not only at how women’s bodies work, but also at a medical professional’s emotions. Free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served.

Tunxis Community College, Routes 6 & 177 in Farmington presents EASTERN WOODLAND CULTURE on Monday, November 19 at 1 p.m. in Fisher Hall. Shane "White Raven" Long, a community and cultural outreach specialist for the Mohegan Tribe, will give a talk on Mohegan Indian migration and other Connecticut tribes. Long will also share his knowledge of tribal artifacts, tools, toys, musical instruments, stories, singing and dancing. Refreshments will be served. Requested donation is $2; for more info call 860-679-9526.

Kent Library, 32 North Main St. in Kent presents ANDY STRAKA, author of "A Witness Above" on Tuesday, November 20 at 4 p.m. Come meet this new author to the mystery genre. For more info call 860-927-3761.

Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St. in Kent hosts its book discussion group on Tuesday, December 4 at 4 p.m. Judy Sullivan of the English Department at Western CT State University will lead a discussion on John Irving’s "A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY." For more info call 860-927-3761.

Simsbury Public Library, Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury hosts a meeting of its Book Discussion Group to talk about the book "PLAINSONG" by Kent Haruf in the Conference Room on Thursday, December 13 from 7-9 p.m. All are invited; join the group at any time. Free; for more info call the Reference Desk at 860-658-7663.