Our free programs are on Mondays beginning at 6:30 PM.
If cancellation is required, an announcement will be made on
Lakes 92.7FM, WILW 96.3FM and Facebook.
OUR MISSION
Winchester Academy’s mission is to enrich the community by providing free, intellectually stimulating, informative, and engaging programs.
The name "Winchester Academy" implies a building and physical structure, but there is none. The Academy is a voluntary organization with a Board of Trustees comprised of area citizens that fosters lifelong learning based on ideas originating in Scandinavian folk academies. The Academy offers, on average, twenty-five programs annually. There is no membership required for attendance at programs. All are FREE of charge and open to the general public. Programs are usually held at the Waupaca Area Public Library on Monday evenings at 6:30. Other venues and days of the week are occasionally used for special seminars and musical programs (e.g., churches, or other sites that can accommodate larger crowds). Some programs might include controversial subject matter, but the Academy takes no position and seeks to provide balanced and reliable information.
Winter / Spring Series
Our cookie sponsor for this series is Nancy Nelson.
Apr 15, 2024
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6:30 pm
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Waupaca Area Public Library
What Makes the Human Brain Unique?
Andre M. M. Sousa, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience at UW-Madison. Sousa will present and discuss the differences between the human brain and the brains of other primate species. This program will include the discussion of brain size, number of neurons, brain connectivity, and overall organization of the circuits that govern some of our most complex behaviors. He will also discuss how the differences we observe are generated throughout development. Finally, Sousa will discuss how some of the differences that likely underlie cognitive differences might have made our brains more vulnerable to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Diane Forsythe sponsored this program.
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Apr 29, 2024
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6:30 pm
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Waupaca Area Public Library
Growing up Farley: A Story of Addiction, Love, and Forgiveness
Tom Farley, grew up in Madison, WI and graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Marketing. He began his career in banking and finance, living and working in the New York City area. From 1999 to 2012, he ran The Chris Farley Foundation, a nationally recognized non-profit dedicated to substance abuse prevention. Like his brother, Tom was successful in opening the “eyes and ears” of youth audiences through the powerful and effective use of humor. In 2008 he wrote “The Chris Farley Show”, a New York Time bestselling biography of his late brother, the actor and comedian Chris Farley.Tom chronicles his lifelong journey with his brother, the late actor Chris Farley. Touching on lessons learned from Chris and his struggles with addiction, Tom begins by speaking about his brother’s addiction and the effects it had on his family, and specifically, himself. He talks about how we all play roles as first responders to our friends and loved ones suffering addiction and mental health concerns. Tom discusses his own journey in recovery and his work as an advocate for those with substance use disorders. He relates stories about the pandemic and touches on how it has affected so many substance use disorder survivors and beyond; focused on how we can find healing and connection in the midst of fear and tragedy. Using humor, the family gift, Tom approaches these difficult topics with compassion, generosity, and aplomb. Not to be missed. Tom Farley is the New York Times bestselling author of “The Chris Farley Show, a Biography in Three Acts.”
Pat and Mary Phair sponsored this program.
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