The 2021 Morrill Lecture series begins again in August.
A program of River Valley Commons, the lectures are intended to foster community and a sense of connectedness with others; inspire people to see the world differently; grow knowledge and critical thinking around important topics; and share a spirit of optimism and hope and the belief that we can all make a difference in our communities. These themes are all reflected in this season’s lectures.
The 2021 line-up kicks off Aug. 16 with Dr. Mandy Morrill giving a talk on “The Power of Our Sibling Relationships Throughout Life.” Mandy is the program director for Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Valparaiso University. She is also the sister of Josh Morrill, for whom the lectures are named. She’ll explore how our sibling relationships play a significant role in our emotional development, sharing stories of her relationship with Josh.
On Sept. 20, Sue Futrell, essayist and author of “Good Apples: Behind Every Bite,” will explore the relationship between fostering resilient local food and farming, fostering a vibrant, healthy democracy, and the ways they are woven together in our history and culture in her talk, “A Democracy of Apples.”
The final lecture on Oct. 4 will feature author Nickolas Butler and his talk, “GODSPEED: The Practice & Ethic of Craft,” where he will discuss the frenzied writing of his newest novel “GODSPEED.”
Lectures begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Octagon Barn, E4350 Horseshoe Rd., Spring Green. Pre-ordered dinner from Wander Provisions beginning at 5:30 p.m. Visit morrilllectures.org to learn more, register for free tickets, order dinner, or donate to the series.