On March 23, St. Johnsbury Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) presents a talk titled "The Making of West Danville Vermont, Then and Now, 1781-2021" by Patty Houghton Conly and Jane Bolton Dimick Brown. The program will take us through the inspiration, preparation and organization used to collect, write and eventually publish a book designed to preserve valuable information for future generations. Their talk is based on their experiences in creating their award-winning book. In addition to offering information and helpful suggestions to others planning similar projects, whether large or small, Patty and Jane hope to demonstrate the importance of such documentation.

Patty, a lifelong resident of the Northeast Kingdom, has written articles for area newspapers, including the North Star Monthly, on a variety of topics such as the history of the Caledonia National Bank and the Danville Bank Robbery, and the history of the railroad's arrival in Danville and the Danville train station. Currently, she is executive director of the Danville Historical Society after having served as president for eight years. She also is a member of the Danville Train Station Committee which hopes to restore the 150 year old building for present users.

Jane has written articles for local newspapers, written and illustrated several children's books and co-authored an oral history of Cabot while working as an archivist for its historical society. Besides her work with the Danville Historical Society, she currently has a popular blog,"Joe's Pond Reflections" which incorporates stories, news and local history.

The OLLI spring series is held at Catamount Arts, 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury on Thursdays from 1:30 - 3:00, including time for discussion. The building is fully accessible.

To register, go to https://learn.uvm.edu/program/osher-lifelong-learning/olli-statewide/st-johnsbury/. Pre-registration is highly recommended. Since we cannot accept cash, if you do arrive without having registered, we will not turn you away but will provide instructions and an envelope after the program.

UVM sponsored non-credit functions/activities/offerings, whether held at UVM or at a non-UVM facility or location, are governed by the same health and safety policy in place at the time of the presentation. As such, UVM expects event participants, visitors and guests will be vaccinated. Masks are optional and welcomed.

May 21, 2024, 7 to 8 PM

May 24 to 25, 2024

May 25, 2024, 8 AM to 2 PM