Food and wine writer Warren Johnston, of Sharon, Vt., in a Sept. 2013 photograph. Johnston will be speaking about his “Raise Your Glass” wine column and share samples as part of the Tunbridge Public Library's Winter Evenings at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2018. (Sandy Johnston photograph)
Food and wine writer Warren Johnston, of Sharon, Vt., in a Sept. 2013 photograph. Johnston will be speaking about his “Raise Your Glass” wine column and share samples as part of the Tunbridge Public Library's Winter Evenings at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2018. (Sandy Johnston photograph)

Tunbridge — Winter brings on the urge to hibernate. The cold temperatures, lack of sunlight and impending storms make it easier to spend evenings indoors.

So what’s something that will draw people out of their homes and into a community gathering spot?

In Tunbridge, it’s the Winter Evenings Speaker Series. In its 14th year, the free program invites community members in Tunbridge and throughout the Upper Valley and Twin States to discuss their expertise with a wider audience. Six program, two each in the months of January, February and March, are usually held. This year’s series began on Jan. 5 with “Loggers and Their Contribution to a Healthy Forest,” a panel discussion with forestry consultant Paul Harwood and loggers Shane Young and Calvin Johnson.

“The central premise behind this was that while the Upper Valley offers a wonderful array of events, many folks don’t like to travel at night during the winter, so why not bring interesting people to Tunbridge?” author Jeffrey Lent, who helped start the speaker series, said in an email.

The series was well received and has become a town staple. Dozens of people from Tunbridge and beyond regularly turn out to hear their neighbors discuss topics that vary from sugaring to politics to sports to arts and more.

“Most of these people… we are passing every day on (Route) 110 here,” said Ben Wolfe, assistant librarian at the Tunbridge Public Library, where the series is usually held.

One memorable talk involved a panel of area sugarers. “You had a bunch of people talking about their craft who often didn’t get to talk about it,” Wolfe recalled.

The first person to speak at the series, which began in January 2005, was beloved author Howard Frank Mosher, who had published the novel Waiting for Teddy Williams in 2004.

“The place was packed with Red Sox fans, Howard fans, and an unusual number of boys,” Lent remembered. “Howard was always a grand showman but he certainly had a wonderful time that night.”

The speakers are all volunteers, Wolfe said, though they are reimbursed for mileage.

Past speakers who had a large turnout include Bill McKibben, Donald Hall, Madeleine Kunin and Sabra Field.

“From the beginning, and continuing to the present season, we’ve always included farmers or agricultural speakers, foresters, land-use specialists, and others, in an effort to reach the broadest possible audience, to be of service to our community,” Lent said.

Attendance has remained “robust, even when the winter is colder,” Wolfe said. “It’s not convenience that gets people together, it’s enthusiasm.”

Schedule

Jan. 19: Basketmaker and instructor Dona Nazarenko will talk about and show baskets.

Feb. 2: Food and wine writer Warren Johnston will speak on “Raise Your Glass” and share samples.

Feb. 16: VPR Bird Diva Bridget Butler will speak on “Bird is a Verb.”

March 2: Forestry consultant Paul Harwood will lead “Vermont’s Current Use Program: How does it work and what effect does it have on you?” with Orange County Forester David Paganelli and Tunbridge Lister Dan “Rudi” Rudell.

March 16: Artist and teacher Joan Feierabend will speak on “Art and the Creative Spirit.”

Editor’s note: All events take place at 7 p.m. at the Tunbridge Public Library, 289 Route 110. For more information, call 802-889-9404. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.

Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.