By Melissa Knific
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Q: What do a chef and a Broadway performer have in common?

A: They're both booked to speak at this year's Town Hall Lecture Series.

Sponsored by the Montgomery Woman's Club, the 2003-04 line-up includes journalist Steve Roberts, author William Bennett, retired White House chef Henry Haller, antiques appraiser Frank Loomis and actor Ben Vereen.

The series, which is designed to promote cultural awareness and encourage discussion, has raised more than $1 million.This is the series' 41st season.

• Sept. 24-25: Reporting everything from antiwar sentiments of the '60s to President Reagan's historic trip to Moscow, journalist Steve Roberts will give "An Insider's View of Washington." He and his wife, television journalist Cokie Roberts, now write a nationally syndicated column. Through his media experience, he will discuss how politics affect American lives.

• Oct. 22-23: Intellectual guru William Bennett, who studied philosophy and earned a Harvard law degree, will speak on moral and cultural issues facing the United States. Named one of the 25 most influential people in America by Time, Bennett served as "drug czar" for former President Bush.

• Nov. 19-20: If you think being the president is challenging, try preparing his meals. Henry Haller, who served as the White House's executive chef for 22 years, is the third speaker in the series. Originally from Switzerland, Haller has made appearances on PBS, CNN and Good Morning America and has also published The White House Cookbook.

• Feb. 18-19: Is It Antique Yet? Maybe Frank Loomis, antiques collector, dealer and appraiser can answer that question. From 1986-1991, Loomis hosted, wrote and co-produced the PBS show for which his lecture is named. He also has nearly 20 years of teaching at the University of Cincinnati under his belt, as well as two books.

• March 24-25: Broadway's Chicago and television's Roots have featured the acting of Ben Vereen. Although a truck accident almost took his life, he managed to make a miraculous recovery and become an Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actor. In his lecture, Vereen proclaims that anyone can overcome adversity.

Lectures take place at 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at the theater at Paramount's Kings Island, and at 8 p.m. Wednesdays at Sycamore Junior High School auditorium.

Cost is $80. Only subscriptions to the entire series are sold.

Current ticket holders will receive a brochure by mail. Priority will be given to those who renew by May 16.

New subscribers, and for more information, call 684-1632.Tickets will be mailed by July 11.

Proceeds go to scholarships and other educational projects in the Sycamore school district.

E-mail mknific@enquirer.com