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Chester Lecture Series Brings Experts to the Community

Want to learn something new, but don’t have the time to take a course? The Lifelong Learning Lecture Series at Chester Village West begins again this April, starting with a lecture on the history and application of the First Amendment by Dr. John E. Finn, a professor in the Department of Government at Wesleyan University.

This is only the third season of the six-lecture series.

“Residents at the Village have always participated in lectures and active learning,” said Jenny Smith, external outreach coordinator for Chester Village West. “In late 2015 we saw an opportunity to partner with other organizations to host lectures at the Village that would be open to the community.”

Chester Village West reached out to the Wesleyan Institute for Lifelong Learning and Middlesex Hospital to start coordinating lectures that would be of interest to both residents and the wider community.

The lectures are free, and usually attended by about 30 people. The speakers’ fees and logistical costs such as event promotion are paid for by Chester Village West. There is a capacity for about 40, so those interested in attending are asked to reserve their seat.

Organizers have also started working with Wesleyan University Press to bring in authors who are Connecticut residents, especially those who can speak on topics related to Connecticut arts and history.

“We try to bring in people who will be able to speak about topics that will interest people and also relate to current events,” said Smith. “Our first talk this series is one we think will interest a lot of people, as it is about what the First Amendment is and what it means. We’re also bringing in a lecturer who writes a blog on global warming, which is also a big topic right now.

“We choose our speakers by taking a broad scan of lecturers in Connecticut who have something important to say,” Smith continued. “We look at authors, historians, the medical community, and observers of culture.”

Smith describes Chester Village West as a small, independent community of senior residents that aims to engage residents in all aspects of life.

“We provide different ways to stay connected and well, so that people can continue learning, to age well, and be successful in retirement,” said Smith.

The lecture series begins on Monday, April 3 at 4 p.m., with the lecture on the First Amendment. There will be two lectures a month through June; a full schedule can be found at www.chestervillagewestlcs.com. For more information, call 860-322-6455 or email chestervillagewest@LCSnet.com.