All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the education programs of Billings Forge, Hartford Stage, and the Mark Twain House.

Submitted by Jenni French, Watkinson School

Watkinson School, Hartford’s oldest co-ed independent day school for grades 6-12/PG, announces the eighth season of “Freshly Squeezed with Colin McEnroe.”

Based on the premise that everyone loves a juicy conversation and in the best tradition of Connecticut conversation, Watkinson School continues this series of nimble, participatory and personal discussions hosted by Colin McEnroe. These low-cost lectures not only feature smart panelists discussing fascinating topics, they also include an optional pre-show community dinner in Watkinson School’s Feringa Dining Hall.

All of the revenue from ticket sales benefits the education programs of three shining Hartford institutions: Billings Forge, Hartford Stage and the Mark Twain House. The discussion series is generously sponsored by Fiduciary Investment Advisors.

The three events in the series include:

“The Normalization of Hate” – Oct. 2, 2019

“Hate” is the imprecise word we use to describe a group of ideas that have moved out of the shadows of American public life and into its center ring. At the core of these movements sits one common idea: that all people are not equal. We’ll discuss the challenges this moment poses to educators, politicians, business leaders and journalists.

“Laura Nyro was the Emily Dickinson of American Pop Music” – Jan. 29, 2020

Her most famous compositions – “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Stoney End,” “When I Die,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Eli’s Coming” – are jewels of mainstream music, and her covers of songs like “Jimmy Mack” and “Gonna Take a Miracle” are legendary. But she was uncomfortable under the spotlight and withdrew from it to become the Belle of Danbury. This will be a night of singing, reflecting and celebrating.

“100 (Across) is the New 80 (Down)” – April 1, 2020

Growing old gracefully used to be a gift. Now it feels like an assignment, as we hit the tai chi classes and crossword puzzles to keep our bodies and minds going. A frank and funny conversation about living longer and, ideally, better.

Watkinson’s Head of School Teri Schrader says, “We are so eager for parents, community leaders, educators—everyone who cares about the challenges we’re facing these days—to have the opportunity to think and talk together.  Amazing synergy has developed from our community partnerships with Billings Forge, Hartford Stage and The Mark Twain House; we are excited for that to continue.” To date, through the Freshly Squeezed program, Watkinson has donated more than $30,000 to the education programs at these institutions.

Fiduciary Investment Advisors Executive Vice President Mike Goss adds, “We are thrilled to continue to be the lead sponsor of this series with Colin McEnroe.  In addition to evenings filled with stimulating and thought provoking conversation, proceeds from these events benefit three important Hartford institutions, which is consistent with FIA’s community involvement initiatives.”

Hartford Stage Director of Education Jennifer Roberts comments, “We’re really excited to continue this partnership with Watkinson School and for the opportunity to tell more people in our community about Hartford Stage’s extensive education programs, which include not only bringing students to Hartford Stage, but also sending our teaching artists out into schools to work with students of all ages.” 

Forums are at 7 p.m. and are preceded by an optional pre-show light meal at 5:30 p.m .prepared by Chef Jon Birney.

Pricing Options:

1 forum with dinner and 1 wine voucher: $25

All 3 forums with dinner and 1 wine voucher per event: $50

1 forum (no dinner): $10

All 3 forums (no dinner): $20

All events are held in the Foisie Family Amphitheater at Watkinson School. Seating is very limited and general admission, so order today. Purchase tickets at brownpapertickets.com (search Watkinson School) or by calling 800-838-3006.

Watkinson School is Hartford’s oldest co-ed independent day school for grades 6-12/PG. Our next info session for prospective families is Oct. 4 at 9 a.m.