The public is invited to see humorist, author, and local radio-show host for ‘A Conversation with Colin McEnroe’ in West Hartford Center on Thursday, February 21, at 7 p.m., free of charge.

By Joy Taylor

Colin McEnroe is a household name in Connecticut, and he holds many titles.

Chances are you’ve read McEnroe’s column in local newspapers (Courant, New York Times, Connecticut Post, and others), or seen him moderate a panel at the Connecticut Forum or Watkinson School. Or perhaps you have heard his afternoon show on WNPR, the local public radio station. It’s very likely you’ve laughed out loud, (or screamed and even cried) when reading or listening to his insight and wit on politics, music, popular culture, and just about anything in between.

McEnroe will be appearing here in West Hartford when the John P. Webster Library’s “Living in Spirit” lecture series welcomes him to address the issue of the uptick in “fake news” in the media and in our communities.

The humorous title of McEnroe’s talk, Truth Decay: The Gravity of the Cavity in Our Veracity belies the more somber concern that our “ability, as a society, to agree on the differences between truth and falsehood has been steadily degraded,” said McEnroe. “It may surprise you to learn how old the problem is.” McEnroe adds that he does plan to end the evening with a note of hope.

John P. Webster Library Director Jennifer deSimas calls McEnroe “one of Connecticut’s local treasures.” This event is open to the public, she said.  

“First Church, West Hartford and the JPW Library welcome people from all backgrounds and beliefs to explore what faith means in the here and now. How do we live out our beliefs, and still find common ground? It can be difficult to do, but we’re thinking that even while we explore the history and effects of this topic – fake news – we’ll eventually find a place, even if it’s a small place, where we agree. We need more opportunities to talk openly with each other and that’s what we try to do here,” said deSimas.

The event is free and takes place on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m., in the main meeting house of First Church. Please register for this free event here.  Contact the JPW Library for more information at 860-232-3893.

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