Discussions on Toms River, Urban Revitalization and Superstorm Sandy
The Legacy Project at County College of Morris (CCM) this Fall Semester will be looking at the environment and how we relate to it with online discussions on Toms River, urban revitalization and Superstorm Sandy. All events are free and offered through Zoom.
The first program features Dan Fagin, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning book “Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation.” In his book, Fagin details how a cluster of childhood cancers developed in the seaside community of Toms River after chemical companies had buried leaky drums in open pits and discharged billions of gallons of acid-laced waste into the town’s river. The book was named “a new classic of science reporting” by the New York Times and received The New York Public Library’s Helen Bernstein Book Award. His talk takes place Tuesday, September 13, at 7 p.m.
Next is Howard Gillette who will discuss his book “The Paradox of Urban Revitalization,” focusing on the chapters about Camden and Newark. In his book, Gillette shares how revitalization created another urban crisis centered on growing inequality and civil unrest. His talk takes place Thursday, September 29, at 12:30 p.m.
Finally, Dr. Diane Bates will discuss her book “Superstorm Sandy: The Inevitable Destruction and Reconstruction of the Jersey Shore.” In her book, Bates explores why people build in areas subject to repeated natural disasters. Drawing on a variety of insights from environmental sociology, she looks at both the unique character of the Jersey Shore and the more universal ways that humans relate to their environment. Her talk takes place Tuesday, October 25, at 7 p.m.
To register and obtain the Zoom link to these events, email legacy@ccm.edu.
Dr. Michelle Iden, Legacy Project co-director, expressed gratitude to the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) for its support of the programming. “The NJHC COVID-19 Grant Program award allowed us to expand our programming to a virtual audience, welcoming members of the larger community to our events,” said Iden.
The Fall Semester Legacy Project programming is supported by a $5,000 COVID-19 Grant. The Legacy Project is an interdisciplinary initiative at CCM that brings engaging lectures to the college community and general public.
