What do NPR host Tom Ashbrook, Boston Globe film critic Ty Burr, author Anita Diamant, and Defending Jacob author William Landay have in common? All four writers and journalists are Newton residents, and all will headline the second annual Newton Inspires—An Evening of Ideas and Community, sponsored by the Newton Schools Foundation (NSF).

The free community event will take place Wednesday November 14, 7-9:30 p.m. at Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Road.

Leaders representing an array of fields and interests will address topics ranging from business, education, science and medicine, journalism and the environment, to sports, literature, arts and entertainment. Participants choose three 30-minute speaker sessions from among 18 speakers. At the end of the evening, participants and speakers gather to reconnect over coffee and dessert.

The event is free and open to the public and speaker sessions fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended. To view the full list of speakers, to register or for additional information visit the NSF website or call 617-559-6120.