Increasingly women's stories are being shared, but their own distinct voices remain missing or difficult to access. Desiree Smelcer will host a lively conversation with Pauline Weger and Alicia Williamson, PhD, co-authors of BRAVELY, a curated collection of stories and sourced quotations from trailblazing American women representing history through today.We'll discuss why capturing women's own words is vital to changing national conversations, how overlooked voices are inspiring today’s up-and-comers, and what makes a quotation resonate with modern audiences. Pauline, a social entrepreneur and inventor, and Alicia, a former university professor of women’s studies, have spent the past five years conducting original research and writing about women’s voices. Their work is published in three books as well as digitally on Quotabelle.com, a patented tech platform they envisioned and created.

This virtual event is sponsored by Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley where Bravely and the companion guided journal are available to purchase.https://www.odysseybks.com/event/bravely-book-and-journal-launch

An Author Talk with author Richard “Deej” Webb who will discuss his book Boats Against the Current. Deej will chat about his book and do a live reading then take questions from viewers. Boats Against the Current tells the real story behind the famous novel and its tragic hero, debunking the long-held belief that the book was solely inspired by the Fitzgerald's time in Great Neck, across the Sound in Long Island, and lays out enough information about the fascinating Mr. Lewis that it is difficult not to believe that author Webb has located the true inspiration for one of the most captivating and iconic characters in American literature, the great Gatsby himself. Illustrated with a fantastic array of never-before-seen photos from the Lewis family, as well as the scrapbooks of the Fitzgeralds, period newspaper clippings, and a myriad of compelling stories about Scott, Zelda and their fantastically wealthy neighbor. A companion book to the documentary Gatsby in Connecticut: The Untold Story, Boats Against the Current also recounts Webb's own journey of making the film with fellow Westporter and filmmaker, Robert Steven Williams. Sign Up Here: https://bit.ly/3aoeynh

Zoom Program: Declutter and Organize Your Closet

Wed., March 31 at 6:30 PM.

Intimidated by the idea of pulling everything out of your closet? Have no fear, we’ll use a minimal mess technique that allows you to declutter your closet without worrying about ending the night with your bed hidden by a pile of clothing you still need to sort through.
​Set up your device near your closet (you don’t need to aim the camera into your closet) and get guided through the process of creating a closet that makes getting dressed take less time with less stress. We’ll also discuss shopping techniques that will save you from buying clothing destined to clutter your closet. You don’t need any special organizing products, but you do want boxes (or bags) that you can fill with clothing you want to donate or sell.   Sign up here --> https://bit.ly/3sgaYTy