Among the programs author Velya Jancz-Urban has scheduled this season are two that Newtown Bee readers may want to note: the first will be Thursday, November 5, at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street in Newtown; while the other, on Tuesday, November 10, will be at her 1770 home in Woodbury, which served as the primary setting of her novel, Acquiescence.

In 2011, Velya Jancz-Urban and her family bought a foreclosed farmhouse in Woodbury, unaware of what the house would reveal. Behind the walls, surprises and secrets waited to be exposed.

Moving into the 1770 farmhouse ignited Ms Jancz-Urban’s interest in the colonial era. This became the spark for her novel, Acquiescence.

While researching her novel, she became obsessed (in a good way) with Colonial women.

In Ms Jancz-Velya’s entertaining and informative presentation, “The Not-So-Good Life of The Colonial Goodwide,” even history buffs will learn a thing or two. Guests will hear what life was really like for New England’s colonial women. In an era when underwear hadn’t been invented, Ms Jancz-Velya challenges, what did women do when they had their periods? Were there early American birth control methods?

“The Not-So-Good Life of The Colonial Goodwife” not only makes audience members laugh and grimace, it also honors our foremothers. It’s not about quilting bees and spinning wheels. It’s an interactive one-hour presentation about the little-known issues faced by New England’s colonial women.

There is no charge for the program at C.H. Booth Library, which will run 6:30 to 8 pm. Registration is requested, however, and can be done by calling 203-426-4533 or by visiting chboothlibrary.org.

Donations are requested for the program at the author’s home, to cover the cost of refreshments, including organic herbal Women’s Tonic Tea, that will be served.colonialgoodwife@gmail.com. Directions to her home will be returned with registration confirmation.

Registration is required and can be done by sending email to