St. Albans OLLI

with Mary Danko, Director of Fletcher Free Library; President of NE Library Association

Examine intellectual freedom as the right of library patrons to access, explore, and express information freely, protected by the First Amendment. Understand how this principle as fundamental to public libraries, promoting open access to information and supporting efforts to resist censorship. Review the basic principles of the First Amendment and intellectual freedom, while connecting these concepts to the core values that guide our public libraries—even when they challenge us or make us uncomfortable.

with Tom Messner, Field Announcer, VT Lake Monsters; Former NBC5 Chief Meteorologist

Discover how a Vermont Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame member transitioned from a well-known TV meteorologist to a successful businessman. Explore his journey as a partner with the Vermont Lake Monsters baseball team and experience his role as host of a video podcast that spotlights Vermont startup companies.

with Michael Wood-Lewis, Co-Founder & CEO of Front Porch Forum

Connect with the story of Front Porch Forum, which since 2006 has helped neighbors across Vermont towns build stronger communities. Discover how more than 240,000 members among the state’s 270,000 households actively use this platform in countless ways. Join FPF co-founder Michael Wood-Lewis as he shares insights from leading a dedicated team of 30 Vermonters serving every town in the state.

with Preston Fuller, Disc Golf Enthusiast; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Pastor

Dive into one of the fastest-growing sports in the world—Disc Golf. Explore its history, unpack course design, and master the basics of playing this low-cost sport that gets you out into nature.

with Beth White, Pilot in Command

Hear Beth White share her remarkable journey into aviation, sparked by a daring thought: “If Beryl Markham could fly solo across the Atlantic in the 1930s, why can’t I?” Follow her path as she earns her pilot’s license, meets an unexpected 80-year-old airplane mechanic mentor, and survives breast cancer, leading to a renewed life purpose. Discover how she now fosters the next generation of aviators, builders, and innovators by providing hands-on opportunities in aviation. Beth will be joined by some of the fabulous WOMEN BUILD PLANES team members—the Modern Rosies.

with Christina Fearon, Former Fleming Museum of Art Curator of Education

Marvel at powerful dragons, misty mountains, and intricate jade carvings as we explore how nature has shaped China’s artistic traditions. Discover how artists use visual metaphors to communicate ideas and reflect cultural values and beliefs. Join us to uncover hidden meanings within the materials and decorative elements of Chinese art forms.

with Mark Isselhardt, UVM Extension Maple Specialist

Explore the deep cultural roots of maple syrup in Vermont, a tradition that predates European arrival in North America. Uncover the surprising history of continuous innovation and technological advancement behind this iconic product. Examine how Vermont has grown to produce three million gallons of syrup in 2025, and consider what the future holds for this evolving industry.

with Luis A. Vivanco, Professor and Chair of Anthropology, UVM

Join cultural anthropologist and environmentalism scholar Luis Vivanco in an interactive, participatory lecture that traces the history and background of wildlife films. Examine techniques for critically analyzing these films through shared clips and collective discussion. By the end, gain a deeper appreciation for the genre’s power—and pitfalls—as a form of environmentally committed media.