Lamoille Valley OLLI

with Sara Reed – 2024 Fulbright Recipient, Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research 

Social Studies teacher Sara Reed’s presentation will illustrate the story of historic slavery from its beginning, with the invention of agriculture about 8,000 years ago, to its current form: modern slavery. She will discuss both its changes and continuities and, in particular, the forms it takes today: descent-based slavery, debt bondage, contract slavery, forced labor, sex trafficking, child soldiers, and child marriage. She will explain what makes people vulnerable to this condition and will examine the rising new abolitionist movement.  

with Charlotte Brynn – Executive Director, The Stowe Swimming Hole

Join Charlotte Brynn for stories from the sea as she recounts tackling some of the world’s most challenging marathon swims while on her quest to achieve the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming: Swimming Around Manhattan 28 miles, Swimming the Catalina Channel 20 miles, and swimming the English Channel 21 miles. Battling cold waters, big waves, freight tankers, sharks, and jellyfish. You’ll be on the edge of your seat and inspired to stretch for your dreams too.

with Eric Hanson – Biologist, Vermont Center for Ecostudies 

In this program, Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) biologist Eric Hanson will discuss the amazing recovery of loons in Vermont over the past 30 years, the threats that they face, and the conservation actions that have brought them back. Eric will explore their fascinating behaviors and natural history from territorial takeovers to visual and verbal communication. The VLCP is a program of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

with Christine Hadsel – Director, Curtains Without Borders 

Over the past 25 years, Curtains Without Borders has documented and conserved all 198 pieces of historic stage scenery in Vermont—well, not quite all. Hyde Park Opera House was conserved in the 1990’s, and there is still one woodland scene in a barn in Sutton that needs to be treated and installed. This talk will focus on curtains in northern Vermont, with side trips to other parts of the state.  

with Loren Polk and Molly Nesselrodt – Director and Assistant Director, Stowe Free Library 

Stowe Free Librarians Loren Polk and Molly Nesselrodt will discuss how a library collection is built and the dangers of book bans and other challenges. By sharing insights on how books are carefully selected to meet the needs and interests of the community, they will address the growing issue of book bans and challenges, exploring the impact these actions have on access to diverse perspectives and the freedom to read. With a focus on the importance of intellectual freedom, Loren and Molly will highlight the dangers of censorship in libraries and schools. This conversation will emphasize the critical role played by libraries in fostering an informed and open society.  

with Robert Wyatt – American Music Specialist 

Back by popular demand from his audience in Lamoille County, Robert Wyatt will travel through the second half of Porter’s prolific career. (Lamoille OLLI’s time constraints denied its audience the full story.) Porter’s life on Broadway and in Hollywood—40 years that produced 33 stage works and the music for 23 films. Rare archival film clips and recordings of original cast members, including Ethel Merman, Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong, and Bing Crosby are featured, along with Porter himself singing and playing “You’re the Top”—which he was.

with Katheryn Wright – Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Digital Humanities, Champlain College

The lecture offers relationship advice for how to connect–and perhaps disconnect–with artificial intelligence. Many of us are in the “getting to know you” phase of our relationship with AI where we are learning more about the strengths and limitations of this potentially transformative technology. Explore the practical uses and ethical implications of generative AI, the type of AI that focuses on content creation, by considering the broader implications of its integration into our daily lives.  

with Jaclyn Comeau – Biologist, Vermont Fish and Wildlife  

Join Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s black bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau for a discussion about Vermont’s black bear. The presentation will cover black bear biology, ecology, and their status in Vermont, along with specific steps Vermonters can take to better coexist with these animals.