The Recreation Park Community Center announces an intriguing twice-a-week event series, "Talk of the Neighborhood." Taking a cue from the field expert-centric "Talk of the Nation" on National Public Radio, the series features local personalities presenting, demonstrating and discussing topics related to their areas of expertise. To get a feel for what subjects were of interest to local residents, TOTN volunteers distributed surveys door-to-door and electronically over the summer, and the results helped direct the series' schedule.

For example, local author ("Ypsilanti: A History in Pictures," "Ypsilanti in the 20th Century," "Ypsilanti Fire Department: 100 Years") and AnnArbor.com contributor James Mann explored the early history of Ypsilanti in Monday's "Talk of the Neighborhood."

Some upcoming highlights from the "Talk of the Neighborhood" series:

• November 16: "Splendid Singers" - WEMU music director and program host Linda Yohn explains what makes great American singers like Louis Armstrong, Rosemary Clooney and Michael Feinstein so special.

• December 2: "Portrayal of the Elderly in American Films" - Eastern Michigan University professor Ian Andrews examines images of the elderly in films for the young, from animated Disney movies to live-action films like "Harold and Maude," "About Schmidt" and "The Bucket List."

• December 16: "Serendipity and Strategy: Book Choices for the Child You Love" - Eastern Michigan University professor and librarian Margaret Best shares insight on selecting books that get young people excited about reading, talks about the role of humor, and gives advice on finding books for specific ethnic and subject interests.

• December 21: "Michigan Opera Theatre Sampler" - MOT vocalists Maria Cimarelli and Mark Vondrak, accompanied by pianist Joseph Jackson, present a revue of songs from the American songbook, including classics by Jerome Kern, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin, plus some holiday songs and sing-a-longs.

• January 20: "Music Night" - Mostly-acoustic music by artists from a variety of genres. Talent is still being booked for "Music Night." Acoustic/low-volume acts interested in performing may contact Georgie Pachella at gfp2@juno.com by November 15.

"Talk of the Neighborhood" is staffed entirely by volunteers. Help is still needed to distribute schedules, secure financial support, and assist with event set-up/tear-down and check-in. Email Georgie Pachella at gfp2@juno.com to get involved.

Complete monthly schedules, program descriptions and presenter bios are available at the "Talk of the Neighborhood" web site, the Recreation Park Community Center (1015 North Congress, Ypsilanti), and many area businesses. "Talk of the Neighborhood" events occur on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m., with individual admission for $5 and 10-program passes for $30, both available at the door.

Chrysta Cherrie is the entertainment producer/copy editor for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at chrystacherrie@annarbor.com or 734-623-2526, and follow her on Twitter @chrystacherrie.