By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Innovative community people who have challenged themselves and impacted others will aim to inspire attendees at the first “TEDxHillsboroughLibrary” program on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the program room of the library at 379 South Branch Road.
TED is an acronym for technology, entertainment and design. The worldwide program is usually a speech or presentation intended to stimulate thinking in science or popular culture. Hundreds of talks by thinkers and doers are available on the Web.
TEDx is a program designed to support independent organizers all over the world in creating events in their community to encourage conversation and connection.
At TedxHillsboroughLibrary, presenters will offer stories and challenge the audience “to learn about how what we do every week — sports, arts, eating, educating, creating and serving — can change people and the world in which we live,” according to the organizers.
The Hillsborough Public Library Advisory Board is sponsoring the event to “help library patrons to expand their knowledge and talents, make informed decisions, enrich their leisure hours and enhance their daily lives.”
Nishat Ruiter, one of the organizers, said, “The Advisory Board wanted to establish an exciting event that can inspire our community to discuss, collaborate, and engage with each other on ideas that matter. Inspired by watching TED talks, the HPLAB members realized that the TEDx format was ideally suited for the Hillsborough library — our community living room — to utilize.
She said the focus of hosting a local TEDx event is the audience experience.
“We are not presenting ‘lectures’ but rather encouraging ourselves to learn something new, experience a new perspective and grow,” she said. “It will showcase how individuals close to home have made impacts on themselves and to the community they serve. This is why we chose the theme. Growth matters, and are excited to choose our library for this first event.”
HPLAB member Leslie Wise added, “TEDxHillsboroughLibrary will offer inspiration and camaraderie. Under a license granted by TED, the Advisory Board has put together a slate of speakers from different areas of the community to show more of what Hillsborough is and what we can be together.”
In addition to speakers, a light lunch and snacks will be included. The entire program will be videotaped.
Tickets are available for $25 per person on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, and to buy tickets, go to: https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/15361
“We hope that TEDxHillsboroughLibrary inspires, encourages and leads to new experiences and shared growth in our community,” said Ms. Ruiter.
The HPLAB will be organizing future workshops based on the TEDxHillsboroughLibrary talks to follow through on ways that the community can continue the process of learning together, Ms. Ruiter said.
Here are the planned speakers:
— Jon Knox, owner/operator with his wife, Kim, of Dogwood Farms, in Hillsborough, who will share his story and love affair with food. Their CSA (community supported agriculture) model connects small farms and farmers to the surrounding communities.
– Lori Sweeney, a scientist, teacher and author, who carved her own story out of her own experience of adversity in school. After years of being bullied, she transformed painful memories into a self-directed, transformational approach, changing her life and the lives of those around her.
– Christopher Prince Boucher, a creative entrepreneur and explorer. He’ll take the group through his steps and answer questions for discovering success. He has had in creating brand strategy, web applications and marketing campaigns for leading brands like History Channel, United Healthcare & Monique Coleman.
– Joel Handler, director of technology in Hillsborough schools, has been instrumental in implementing technology as the means of learning. He has observed how changing the way school classrooms work to be creative and interactive leads to more in-depth collaboration and more engaged students.
– Emily Goshey, whose biggest lesson has come from her work with middle school youth. Serving as a facilitator, she has helped young people to cultivate a desire to change the world in an environment that combines spirit, respect and diversity with service.
Having witnessed the power of the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program in places as diverse as Atlanta and Tajikistan, she currently helps to support two groups in central New Jersey.
– Jorge Lee, chief instructor and director of operations for more than 200 students of ATA Legacy Martial Arts in Hillsborough. Mr. Lee believes the success of his school is due to the focus on developing character and conduct through martial arts.
– Scott Strunk, for more than 30 years as a teacher, performer and recording artist, he has helped hundreds of drummers of all ages achieve a foundation of technique, musical knowledge and passion for drumming. Through his continuing work with students, he finds lessons not only impact their music, but shape their lives. He believes learning drumming can help determine direction, remove obstacles and add balance, discipline and self-awareness.
