Wine, Wit, and Wisdom

Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library’s Third Annual Wine, Wit & Wisdom

Tickets are now on sale for one of the Rochester area’s must-attend events, the Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library’s third annual Wine, Wit & Wisdom fundraiser. This year’s soiree is set for Saturday, March 12.

Taking place from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at the Main Library at 500 Olde Towne Road in downtown Rochester, the evening provides a lively mix of sustenance and knowledge for $50 per person ($60 after March 1). The Friends group — the library’s primary volunteer non-profit support group — inaugurated the series in 2014 and it has grown in popularity each year.

Get your Tickets

Registration can be done online via credit card at the library’s website by following the Friends of the Library link at the bottom of the home page to the Event Brite ticket service. Download a printable ticket order form to mail-in. Ticket order forms are also available at the rack near the library’s information counter and can be printed from the library’s website. Completed forms and checks can be dropped off at the information counter or mailed to the library (500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester, MI 48307).

Friends President Ron Meegan said, “This event has turned into a unique opportunity to make over the library into a convivial gathering spot for great food and interesting informational exchanges. We’re hoping to continue to grow the attendance level, based on the great word-of-mouth reviews of the 2014 and 2015 editions. We urge that everyone with an interest in helping the library make this a must-see event on their March schedule.”

The Evening’s Agenda

Attendees get to partake of a first-class strolling dinner, beverages (beer, wine and soft drinks) and a choice of two speaker presentations from six interesting and intriguing presenters from the world of the arts, dining and business. “Attendees also have the opportunity to bid on unique items,” according to Wine Wit & Wisdom Chairperson Theresa Meegan, “including a week at the Bel Air condo in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, a gourmet dinner for eight prepared by Library Director Christine Hage, as well as other services and entertainment opportunities in a silent auction”. Free parking will be available in the library lots. Scroll to the bottom for the full agenda timeline.

Topics and Speakers 

Behind the Scenes at Apollo Mission Control: Where were you on July 20, 1969 when Neil Armstrong took man’s first step on the moon? Harlan Neuville, a retired Delco Electronics engineer who worked on NASA projects, was in the mission control room, managing the space ship’s navigation and guidance systems. Neuville will share insider stories of the Apollo missions and the intensity it took to overcome their many challenges.

The Craft Beer Revolution: This year, it’s brew instead of wine. Ales, lagers, hops and grains. Chuck Osberger, of Frankenmuth Brewery, expounds on the factors that make for delicious craft beer. Local, fresh brewed beers continue to gain loyalty with consumers, elbowing out traditional imports and commercially dominant brands as they edge their way to the top of this David vs. Goliath industry. Come hear how the beer industry operates in the Mitten!

The Secret Code of Spirituals: Spiritual songs, such as “I Shall Not be Moved”, were vehicles for slaves to share their sorrows and sing of their hope for a better future. But they had more clandestine purposes as well. Dr. Gilbert Jackson, Director of the Jackson Chorale, will share how slaves used spirituals to convey secret messages as they sought their way to freedom.

Detroit Newspapers – Illustrious Past, Uncertain Future: From copyboy to special features and syndicate editor, John Smyntek’s 38 years with the Detroit Free Press gave him experience with the glory days of the newspaper industry and insight into its somewhat cloudy future. Smyntek will serve up a unique mix of Detroit newspaper history and prognostications about what might be on the horizon.

Appetizers: What, When and How Many: In a dilemma about appetizers or just on the lookout for new entertaining ideas? Join Chef Lynn Miller, author, cooking show host and Executive Chef for MexAmerica Foods, as she shares ideas and recipes resulting in the perfect formula for all occasions. Whether you are serving 10 or 100, Chef Lynn will give you tips for hosting a memorable event.

Ten World Events and How They Affected Rochester: A link between Rochester and the 1917 Russian Bolshevik Revolution? Who would have thought! This and nine more surprising ways world events have impacted Rochester over its 200 year history will be shared. Pat McKay, Supervisor of Interpretive Services at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, will use archival material from the museum to show how our community rose to meet global challenges.

What to Expect

The evening opens with the strolling dinner and beverages. It’s followed by the first of two 30-minute presentations by the six speakers. Question-and-answer periods conclude each presentation. After the first speaker, more food and beverages, and then the second round of presentations and Q&A’s are held. (Attendees choose two different speaker presentations to attend when they make their reservation; one different speaker per session). The evening concludes with dessert, coffee and announcement of silent auction winners.

• 7:00 Check in; receive schedule; enjoy a strolling dinner; silent auction bidding begins
• 7:30 Attend first presentation choice
• 8:00 Enjoy strolling dinner; silent auction bidding continues
• 8:30 Attend second presentation choice
• 9:00 Enjoy desserts and beverages; final silent auction bidding
• 9:15 Silent auction bidding closes
• 9:30 Auction winners announced
• 10:00 Event Ends

www.rhpl.org