From Dr. Arnot's "backpack broadcasting" to William Saroyan's earthy prose

From Pastry to Politics on Pennsylvania Avenue and Camera Creativity to Economic Ingenuity...

... an exciting 72nd season !

PROGRAM NOTES FOR 2008-2009

San Joaquin Valley Town Hall's 72nd season opens with Dr. Bob Arnot. One of America's most recognized physicians, Arnot is known for his inspired humanitarian work as the former medical editor and special foreign correspondent for NBC news. The topic for Dr. Arnot's October 15, 2008 lecture is Danger in Darfur.

November 19 transports us from African plains to the San Joaquin Valley... Honoring the centennial year of Willliam Saroyan's birth, four distinguished scholars will discuss the impact that Fresno's celebrated author contributed to the literary world.

January 21, 2009 brings renowned author, director, and film maker Ric Burns to the SJV Town Hall stage. Burns, who worked with his older brother Ken to create the popular PBS series, The Civil War, will share his views on condensing history into award-winning works that are both educational and entertaining.

On February 18, 2009 we travel from the world of Hollywood to the White House kitchen. Presidential pastry chef Ronald Mesnier will share his 24 years of Pennsylvania Avenue cooking experiences -- and perhaps some favorite White House recipes- with our Town Hall audience.

Roland Fryer, Jr. is a professor of economics at Harvard University. In January 2008, he became the youngest African-American to receive tenure from Harvard. On March 18, 2009, Professor Fryer will be at the Town Hall podium in Fresno ...Named a rising star by Fortune magazine in the dynamic field of economics, Fryer applies economic theories to issues of race and discrimination.

To close the 2008-2009 season, we welcome Jeff Greenfield to the Saroyan stage on April 15. As Senior Correspondent for CBS News and an award-winning journalist, Jeff Greenfield will present a thoughtful and inspiring discussion on America's newest president.

... a magical adventure for Valley Town Hall in 2008-2009. Join us on October 15 for Act One: Dr. Bob Arnot!