Friends of Rochester Hills Library’s Fifth Annual Wine, Wit & Wisdom Event Set for April 14

The question of the moment: Where can you hear great lectures on the Mackinac Bridge, pet peeves about the English language, our state’s legacy of lighthouses, Detroit’s role during World War II, the history of motorsports and beekeeping all in one evening that also includes a strolling dinner, beverages plus an exciting silent auction?

The answer is, at the Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library’s Fifth Annual Wine, Wit & Wisdom (WW&W) event set for April 14 at the Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd. in downtown Rochester.

WW&W has emerged as a must-attend event on the Rochester social scene. Here’s how it works: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Each guest will have the opportunity to attend two 45-minute presentations by informative speakers, sandwiched between a strolling dinner with beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks), and desserts as well as bidding on an array of silent auction items. The evening concludes by 10:00 p.m.

The event is a major fundraiser for the Friends, the library’s volunteer non-profit assistance group. Registration begins February 12. Payment is $55 per person; $65 per person after April 2. (Reservations will be held at the door; tickets will not be issued.) Suggested attire: Smart Casual. Because alcohol will be served, participation is limited to guests aged 21 or older.

“This event has evolved into a unique opportunity to make over the library into a convivial gathering spot for great food and interesting informational exchanges for a very special evening. We’ve seen attendance growth each year, based on the great word-of-mouth reviews of the previous four events,” said Ron Meegan, President of the Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library.

“Attendees also have the opportunity to bid on wonderful items,” at the silent auction, said Wine ,Wit & Wisdom Chairperson, Theresa Meegan. Among the most alluring is a gourmet dinner for eight prepared by Library Director Christine Hage, as well as other services and entertainment opportunities.

Registration can be done by completing a registration form available at the library info desk or by using a credit card Online with Eventbrite (transaction fee of about $5 per registration and all purchases are final; no refunds).

About the Presentations

Going Grammando: A Linguist’s Look at Language Peeves: Is it acceptable to have “10 items or less” on a grocery store sign? Anne Curzan, noted historian of the English language and frequent NPR guest, explains how language peeves have changed over time and her perspective on making judgments about “acceptability” in language.

The Mackinac Bridge – Then and Now: Nothing is more quintessentially “Michigan” than the Mackinac Bridge. How was this masterpiece constructed? Learn this, as well as what life was like before and after the bridge, from Kim Nowack, chief engineer for the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

Michigan Lighthouses, an Aerial Photographic Perspective: John Wagner has photographed all of the state’s lighthouses and will talk about his remarkable aerial photos including the intricacies of flying while photographing these beautiful sentinels.

Detroit in World War II: History professor and author Gregory Sumner chronicles the wartime sacrifices and contributions of the Motor City as it forged thunderbolts for the front lines.

The World of Bees and Beekeeping: Abi Saeed, entomologist and beekeeper at the Michigan State University Extension, provides insight into the highly organized work of queen bees, drones and worker bees; and what it takes to be a successful beekeeper. With responsibility for pollinating 90% of the world’s food supply, bees are one of nature’s treasures.

Motorsports: The Thrill of the Track: Hear about the evolution of auto racing in the U.S. and abroad. Marc Trahan, long-time Audi executive, shares this history and gives us an insider’s view into one manufacturer’s efforts in this high-energy sport.