CVEF's Talk of the Towns Highlights Unique Talents in the Community

Talk of the Towns, a “Ted Talks” style, in-person event , was held in Durham on March 23. The informative and educational evening was hosted by the Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation (CVEF). The 60 or so people who attended were treated to presentations by four (very varied) speakers.

First up was Schuyler Beeman, owner of Arbor Farm in Guilford, CT. His humorous recounting
of his journey from youth, through college, professional theater (including animal handler), back
to his Guilford hometown where he now raises goats, coaches swimming, attends grad school
and performs his own cabaret show delighted the audience.

Turning to the serious side, Dr. Alison O’Neil educated the group on all the things stem cell research can do for us. She particularly focused on neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Parkinson’s, but also addressed questions about chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Prior to coming to Wesleyan in 2018, she was involved in stem cell research at Harvard and MIT.

Peter Marteka's long journalism career is perhaps best recalled by his 22-year, award-winning
nature and hiking column for the Hartford Courant. Still hiking – and still writing about it for
Connecticut Magazine – Marteka encouraged us all to get out there and take advantage of the
miles of trails and hikes in the Nutmeg state.

Locals look forward to the Durham Fair every September, many focused on the Main Stage
entertainment lineup. Fair Entertainment head Wendy Manemeit (accompanied by Marigold, the
Durham Fair cow), regaled the group with her 27-year history of managing this task. Who the
entertainment is, what their demands might be, how they treat her staff, it was all on the table,
with lots of tales and laughter offered up. It was a great end to a rewarding evening.

CVEF holds Talk of the Towns every two years. For more information, follow us on social media
and at www.coginchaugvef.org

The Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation was founded in March 2008 as an independent education foundation. The mission of CVEF is to promote excellence, innovation and creativity through education for the community and to encourage lifelong learning in Durham and Middlefield by awarding grants and supporting programs.

*Press release provided by Betsy White Booz/CVEF Communications Committee. Photos provided by Martin Anderson/CVEF Communications Committee.