We are in the midst of a complex ecological crisis that provokes a wide range of reactions. Mindy Blank and Jeff Scannell will guide aspects of "Extinction Cafe"—a space dedicated to sharing emotions that arise in the face of the climate emergency and for welcoming the collective grief—as an important way to build support and move forward from a deeper place of connection, acknowledgement, and empowerment. This is a space open to all that may emerge as we process together, whether that's tears, laughter, numbness, anger, silence, hope, or anything in between.
Please note the library will be open for this event only. No other library services will be available.
Here is the link for carpools. Please post rides here! Thank you
https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/ejn9kp
Continue the conversation on Wednesday, February 19 12-1 pm at a Brown Bag Discussion in the East Montpelier Room of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Mindy Blank is the Executive Director of Community Resilience Organizations (CROs), a nonprofit that helps communities address vulnerabilities and harness their place-based strengths by supporting local resource sovereignty and building social connectivity. She earned a Masters degree in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School, taught at the former Green Mountain College, and worked as an Energy Analyst at the International Energy Agency in Paris developing processes for governments to systematically decentralize electric grids. Carrying Czech roots and an upbringing on the Mississippi River, Mindy descended for the first time upon Vermont in 2008 and currently resides in Bethel.
Jeff Scannell, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, specializes in trauma, anxiety, stress, anger, depression, self-judgement, relationships and addictions. He has been a Conscientious Objector, a Civil Disobedience prisoner, a homeless advocate, and a founding facilitator for (M.E.N.) Men Evolving Nonviolently. In addition to working as a psychotherapist he has served as the Education Coordinator for the International Society for Ecology and Culture, a lecturer in Transforming Systems with Joanna Macy, Ph.D at the California Institute for Integral Studies, on the National Board of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, and the faculty at New College of California's graduate program in Culture, Ecology and Sustainable Community.
The next talks are:
Tuesday, March 31 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Bill McKibben
The Climate Movement, Close to Home and Far Afield—How Can We Get Big Change Fast?
Montpelier High School Auditorium
Tuesday, April 28 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Alan Betts
Climate Crisis: Facing Uncertainties with Vision
North Branch Nature Center
Wednesday, May 13 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Beth Sawin
Systems Ideas and Practices for Tumultuous Times
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Hayes Room
The first talk in the series on January 14 is now available online:
Roger Hill
Changing Climate - The Latest and Some Things Unforeseen
1 hour and 23 minutes
https://www.orcamedia.net/show/roger-hill-climate-change-latest-and-some-things-unforeseen
Thank you to sponsors: Hunger Mountain Co-op, Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Unitarian Church of Montpelier, Montpelier High School, Center for Sustainable Systems and North Branch Nature Center.
Dec 18, 2024, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Ecstatic Dance VermontDec 20, 2024, 7 to 9 PM
Live Holiday Album Recording with Emalou & The BeatDec 21, 2024, 5 to 8 PM