Greenwich Reads Together Program Receives State Humanities Grant

From Greenwich Library.

Greenwich Library announced that it has received a $1,500 grant from the Connecticut Humanities in support of Greenwich Reads Together. The grant will fund Greenwich Reads Together programming in October 2014 including an author visit, an examination of politics and the Olympics and a film, as well as numerous discussion groups for children, teens and adults. Greenwich Reads Together is a community-wide reading experience that engages all of Greenwich in exploring a single book.

This year’s book, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, is currently #2 on the New York Times Combined Print and E-book Best Seller List. Throughout the month of October, (the complete schedule is below) the Greenwich community will have multiple opportunities to engage in activities centered around the book. Additional programs throughout the community include rowing demonstrations at the Greenwich Water Club, a story-telling event at the Greenwich Historical Society, a film screening and discussion at the Greenwich Arts Council, as well as a panel discussion on the development of rowing in our area presented by the Retired Men’s Association.

“Now in its fourth year, Greenwich Reads Together continues to grow and bring our community members into conversation with each other,” said Barbara Ormerod-Glynn, Greenwich Library Director. “We are thrilled that this grant from Connecticut Humanities allows us to present these opportunities for more discussion.”

Greenwich Reads Together 2014 is supported by Connecticut Humanities, Friends of Greenwich Library, Greenwich Library Board of Trustees, Anne F. Jeffery and Rotary Club of Greenwich.

Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is a non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities that funds, creates and collaborates on hundreds of cultural programs across Connecticut each year. These programs bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to express, share and explore ideas in thoughtful and productive ways. From local discussion groups to major exhibitions on important historical events, CTH programs engage, enlighten and educate. Learn more by visiting www.cthumanities.org.

About the book and author

The Boys in the Boat celebrates the 1936 U.S. Olympic eight-oar rowing team—nine working class boys who stormed the rowing world, transformed the sport, and galvanized the attention of millions of Americans.

Against the grim backdrop of the Great Depression, these young men reaffirmed the American notion that merit, in the end, outweighs birthright. They vanquished the sons of bankers and senators rowing for elite eastern universities. They defeated the sons of British aristocrats rowing for Oxford and Cambridge. They reminded the country of what can be done when everyone quite literally pulls together.

At the emotional heart of the story is Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not for glory, but to regain his shattered self-regard and to find a place he can call home. The crew is assembled by an enigmatic coach and mentored by a visionary, eccentric British boat builder, but it is their trust in one another that makes them a victorious team.

Drawing on the boys’ own diaries and journals, their photos and memories of a once-in-a-lifetime shared dream, The Boys in the Boat is a portrait of an era, a celebration of a historic achievement, and a chronicle of one extraordinary young man’s personal quest.

Daniel James Brown is the author of two previous nonfiction books and was a finalist for the B&N Discover Award for Under a Flaming Sky. The Boys in the Boat has been on bestseller lists across the country, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and NPR. Brown has taught writing at San Jose State University and Stanford. He lives near Seattle.

About Greenwich Reads Together

Greenwich Reads Together is a community-wide reading experience which will engage all of Greenwich in exploring a single book. Several community organizations are leading this initiative including Greenwich Library, Greenwich Arts Council, Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich Alliance for Education, Greenwich Pen Women, Greenwich Public Schools and private schools and Friends of Greenwich Library. Last spring, almost 20 community organizations and more than 3,000 Greenwich residents participated in events around Julie Otsuka’s When the Emperor Was Divine. Numerous adult, children and teen book discussions were held across Greenwich. For more information, visit www.greenwichreadstogether.org.

Here is the schedule of events:

Opening Event: A Conversation with Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss

Tuesday, October 14, 7 p.m.

Greenwich natives Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are principals of Winklevoss Capital and active Bitcoin enthusiasts. Tyler and Cameron graduated from Harvard University with degrees in Economics and received their MBAs from Oxford University. They are also NCAA rowing champions and members of the 2008 US Olympic Rowing team who co-founded the Brunswick School Rowing team. Moderated by Greenwich attorney, longtime rower and builder of rowing shells Miles McDonald, the Winklevoss twins will share their Olympic experience, as well as discuss their rowing craft and the role of coaches in their training.

Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

Learn to Row

Saturday, September 27, two sessions: 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

In The Boys in the Boat, Joe Rantz learns how to row in the University of Washington’s beloved barge and eventually gained enough experience to find victory on the highest stage. Learn how to row with experienced coaches and fall in love just like Joe did. Free, but registration is required by calling (203) 661-4033 ext 200 starting August 15. Ages 12+, swimming experience is recommended.

Greenwich Water Club Boathouse, 49 River Road, Cos Cob

Panel: The Development of Rowing in the Greenwich area

Wednesday, October 15, 10 a.m.

The Retired Men’s Association of Greenwich will present an hour-long look at the development of rowing and crew, as a sport, in the local area. Coaches, rowers and other individuals, involved in the evolution of the sport, will speak out and discuss its significance to the community. Open to men and women, no registration is required. Refreshments served.

First Presbyterian Church, 1 Lafayette Place, Greenwich

Film as Propaganda in 1930’s Nazi Germany

Wednesday, October 15, 7 p.m.

Artist, actress and ground-breaking filmographer Leni Reifenstahl is a prominent figure in The Boys in the Boat, as one of the major protagonists who assisted Hitler’s psychological preparation of the German populace for war during the 1930’s. This program will screen portions of Reifenstahl’s film masterpiece Triumph of the Will (1934), which came to exemplify the iconography of Nazi Germany as well as introduce audiences to entirely new ways of experiencing film. Presenting the film and its background will be Paul Master-Karnik, Ph.D., who has taught history and the film courses at Rutgers and New York Universities. Free, but reservations are required by calling 203-862-6750; more info at www.greenwichartscouncil.org; seating is limited.

Greenwich Arts Council, 299 Greenwich Ave., 2nd Floor

Rowing: What it Takes

Thursday, October 16, 7 p.m.

Heidi Hunsberger, the Assistant Director of Rowing at Greenwich Water Club, will discuss the craft and competition of rowing, as well as the importance of teams.

Byram Shubert Library, 21 Mead Avenue, Byram

Story Barn: Victory

Friday, October 17, 7 p.m.

Story Barn is a unique way to experience oral tradition. Each performer tells a five-minute tale (without notes) based on a true story. Sometimes happy, sometimes sad, often ironic and always entertaining, the stories illuminate the human condition through personal experience. In conjunction with Greenwich Reads Together, the Greenwich Historical Society will host a Story Barn based on the idea of “Victory.” Storytellers will focus on teamwork, struggle and perseverance–all themes woven throughout The Boys in the Boat. Get ready for an evening of standup, standout stories straight from the heart. If you would like to tell your own story or know anyone who can spin a mean yarn, please email agreco@greenwichhistory.org by October 12.

Doors open at 6:30 P.M.; show begins at 7P.M. Members: $15; nonmembers: $20. Admission includes beer, wine and snacks. For tickets, visit www.greenwichhistory.org or call 203-869-6899, Ext. 10.

Greenwich Historical Society, Vanderbilt Education Center, 39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob

Politics and the Olympics

Monday, October 20, 7 p.m.

As the Executive Producer of NBC Olympics, Jim Bell is uniquely positioned to discuss how politics affect the Olympic Games. Although they are frequently touted as apolitical, the Olympics offer a global stage to create a lasting image for the host country, either positive or negative. Bell will share with us some of the challenges and successes of covering every Olympics since the 1992 Barcelona games.

Prior to this role, Bell was Executive Producer of NBC News’ TODAY show. With more than 24 years of experience producing some of the highest-profile sports and news programming on television, Bell has created, managed and overseen original content of every type and is a leader within NBC’s senior production ranks. His 7 ½ year tenure as the Executive Producer at TODAY was the longest in the show’s history and he has been a critical part of NBC’s coverage of the Olympics since 1992. Bell and his family live in Greenwich.

Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

Film: Seabiscuit

Friday, October 24, 8 p.m.

With Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, William H. Macy. Directed by Gary Ross. This year’s Greenwich Reads Together choice focuses on the US rowing team that lifted Depression-era spirits during the 1936 Nazi Olympics. Seabiscuit was an underdog horse who also lifted 1930s spirits in his epic race against the favored War Admiral two years later. (2003- 129 min.)

Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

Closing Event: Author Talk

Tuesday, October 28, 7 p.m.

Author Daniel James Brown will join us in the Cole Auditorium at Greenwich Library for a discussion of The Boys in the Boat. Daniel James Brown is the author of two previous nonfiction books and was a finalist for the B&N Discover Award for Under a Flaming Sky. The Boys in the Boat has been on bestseller lists across the country, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and NPR. Brown has taught writing at San Jose State University and Stanford. He lives near Seattle.

Registration is required as seating is extremely limited. Registration opens on Thursday, October 16 at 9 a.m. To register online, visit greenwichreadstogether.org. To register in person, please visit Greenwich Library. To register by phone, please call (203) 622-7910.

Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

Discussion Groups

Organize your own group or join with our community to explore The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics at one or more of these discussion groups.

Junior Book Club

Thursday, October 16, 4:30 p.m.

Students in grades 4-6 will read the Greenwich Reads Together companion book, A Strong Right Arm by Michelle Y. Green. Mamie Johnson is determined to be a professional baseball pitcher. In a sport that’s determined by white men, there is no place for a black woman. Mamie doesn’t give up from the time she insists on trying out for the all-male, all-white Police Athletic League until she realizes her dream and becomes one of three women to play in the Negro Leagues. Pre-registration required, limit 20 participants. Register and pick up a book at the Children’s Room Desk or call (203) 622-7940 for information.

Meeting Room, Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

Middle School Book Club

Thursday, October 23, 4:30 p.m.

Students in grades 6-8 will read the Greenwich Reads Together companion book, Outcasts United: The Story of A Refugee Soccer Team That Changed a Town: Adapted for Young People by Warren St. John. Outcasts United is the story of a refugee soccer team, a remarkable woman coach and a small southern town turned upside down by the process of refugee resettlement. It’s a tale about resilience, the power of one person to make a difference and the daunting challenge of creating community in a place where people seem to have little in common. Pre-registration required, limit 20 participants. Register and pick up a book at the Second Floor Reference Desk or call (203) 622-7915 for information.

Meeting Room, Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

Greenwich Public Schools
GHS will hold Greenwich Reads Together Day on Tuesday, October 28 with programs for students, faculty, and staff, culminating in an author visit from Daniel James Brown. The day will conclude with a faculty and staff discussion moderated by GHS Headmaster Chris Winters and a student discussion led by GHS student book club Cover to Cover. A number of Social Studies and English teachers are incorporating The Boys in the Boat or Outcasts United into their classes this semester.

Student discussions and group activities not open to the general public will take place at Central, Eastern and Western Middle Schools. Activities will be held for younger students at the following elementary schools: Glenville, ISD, Julian Curtiss, New Lebanon, North Mianus, North Street, Old Greenwich, Parkway and Riverside.

On October 24, Superintendent William McKersie will join with the Greenwich Pen Women to lead a book discussion on Boys in the Boat for Board of Education and Town Hall employees.

The Friends of Greenwich Library will host a drop-in book discussion on Tuesday, October 14 at 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend. No registration required. For further information, call Anne Shafqat in the Friends Office at (203) 622-7938.

Meeting Room, Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

The Byram Book Club will meet Tuesday, October 14, at 3:45 p.m. For more information, please call (203) 531-0426.

Community Room, Byram Shubert Library, 21 Mead Avenue, Byram

Cos Cob Library will offer two book discussions which are open to all, but aimed primarily at adults. The Thursday Evening Book Club will meet on Thursday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m., and the Brown Bag Book Club will meet on Wednesday, October 15 at 12 p.m.

Cos Cob Library, 5 Sinawoy Road, Cos Cob

The First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich will host a discussion of The Boys in the Boat on Sunday, October 19, at 11:15 a.m. The public is welcome, no reservations required. For further information, call Carolyn Hahn-Re at (203) 869-8686.

2nd Floor Church Chapel, First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, 1 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

Christ Church Greenwich will host a discussion of The Boys in the Boat on Sunday, October 12, 10:10 a.m. For further information call Jean Tredinnick (203) 869-660 etc. 13.

Parish Hall, Christ Church Greenwich, 254 E. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

The Sholom Center at Temple Sholom will host a discussion of The Boys in the Boat at its weekly Lunch and Learn program on Tuesday, October 21, 12-1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. To RSVP, contact Lori Baden at (203) 542-7172. Lunch will be served.

Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

The International Book Club is open to adults on Tuesday, October 21 at 5 P.M. in partnership with the Alliance Francaise of Greenwich. For more information, please call (203) 531-0426.

Community Room, Byram Shubert Library, 21 Mead Avenue, Byram

The Greenwich Rotary Club will hold a discussion on Wednesday, October 22 at 1:30 p.m., after their regular weekly meeting.
Hyatt Regency Greenwich, 1800 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich

The Perrot Memorial Library will host a discussion of The Boys in the Boat on Wednesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome, no reservations are required. For more information, call (203) 637- 3870.

Rand Room, Perrot Memorial Library, 90 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich

In addition to the above listed programs, there is a student essay contest with cash prizes sponsored by the Rotary Club of Greenwich and a book donation drive for the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich organized by the Greenwich Alliance for Education.