The Friends of the Rochester Hills Public LIbrary (RHPL) invite you to an evening of entertaining and informative speakers, beverages and food, and a silent auction. Because alcohol will be served, participation is limited to guests aged 21 or older. Suggested attire: Smart Casual.

Each guest will be entitled to:

• Attend two, 45-minute presentations by informative speakers
• Enjoy a strolling dinner and beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks), and desserts
• Bid on an array of silent auction items

The Evening's Program

6:30 Doors open - enter through South Entrance; check in; receive schedule

6:45 Enjoy a strolling dinner and beverages; silent auction bidding begins

7:30 Attend first presentation choice

8:15 Enjoy beverages; silent auction bidding continues

8:30 Attend second presentation choice

9:15 Enjoy desserts and beverages; final silent auction bidding

9:30 Silent auction bidding closes

9:45 Silent auction winners announced

10:00 Event concludes

2018 Presenations

Presentation 1: 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.

Presentation 2: Going Grammando: A Linguist's Look at Language Peeves

Is it acceptable to use "impact" as a verb? 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.

Presentation 3: Michigan Lighthouses, an Aerial Photographic Perspective

Michigan boasts more lighthouses than any other state and John Wagner has photographed them all. Discover how John captures his remarkable aerial photos of these uniquely beautiful sentinels that line our shores while piloting his Cessna.

Presentation 4: Detroit in World War II

When President Roosevelt called for America to become the "arsenal of democracy," Detroit stepped up in a big way. History professor and author Gregory Sumner chronicles the wartime sacrifices and contributions of the Motor City as it forged thunderbolts for the front lines.

Presentation 5: The Thrill of the Track

For those who love speed, nothing is more exhilarating than motorsports. Hear about the evolution of the sport 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.

Presentation 6: The World of Bees and Beekeeping

With responsibility for pollinating 90% of the world's food supply, bees are one of nature's treasures. 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.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Participation is limited to guests aged 21 or older because alcohol will be served.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You may email the organizer with questions at winewitwisdom@rhpl.org.

What's the refund policy?

Sorry, no refunds.