Lamoille Valley OLLI

with Toni Mikula, Upland Game Bird Biologist

Delve into the world of wild turkeys through three engaging lenses: biology, cultural history, and wildlife management. Learn about turkey behavior, habitat needs, and the species’ remarkable recovery from near extinction. Discover how dedicated conservation efforts brought turkeys back to Vermont and how they continue to be managed today. Join us for a fascinating look at one of Vermont’s most iconic and resilient wildlife species.

with Mateo Block, Owner and Founder of Morrisville’s Prophecy Chocolate

Learn about the tropical origins of chocolate with a fascinating look at cacao cultivation, harvest, and fermentation in Peru and Mexico. Meet the farmers preserving heirloom cacao varieties and discover cacao’s exotic relatives – Macambo, Copuazu, and Cupui. Conclude the adventure by exploring traditional chocolate-making techniques and savoring a rich, authentic cacao drink crafted during the presentation.

with Melissa Jordan, Founder, Pollinator Pathway of Lamoille County; Denise Greene, Co-Chair, Pollinator Pathway of Lamoille County and Chair of Hyde Park Energy and Conservation Committee

Discover native ecotype and pollinator-friendly plants that support the survival of pollinators and other species. Connect with Pollinator Pathway of Lamoille County (PPLC), one of six Vermont chapters in a growing U.S. and Canadian network. Examine pathways through cities and towns to shorten the distance pollinators must fly for food and habitat. Join the pathway with two plants on a deck, a backyard patch, or a meadow. Access PPLC resources, workshops, and events. Discover why pathways matter, how to join, and how groups can support communities.

with Wolfgang Mieder, UVM’s Distinguished Professor Emeritus of German and Folklore; Awarded Cross of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany.

Explore enduring expressions within their historical contexts, highlighting how they continue to shape our understanding of democracy and the ongoing struggle for freedom. Several well-known American proverbs originated as quotations from historical figures, such as “Give me liberty or give me death” (Patrick Henry, 1775), “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Thomas Jefferson, 1776), “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty” (Andrew Jackson, 1837), and “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” (Abraham Lincoln, 1863), often cited as the best definition of democracy. More modern anonymous sayings include “Democracy is a process” (1882), “Freedom is indivisible” (1942, later popularized by John F. Kennedy), and “Freedom is not for sale” (1949). The proverb “Freedom is not given, it is won” (1967) was coined by Martin Luther King, Jr.

with AARP

Have you ever been approached with a fraudulent offer or been a victim of identity theft? The AARP Fraud Watch Network is working to empower you in the fight, with proven resources and tools to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud. By taking a few practical steps, you have the power to fight against fraud. This session will arm you with the latest data on fraud trends and provide tips and resources to protect yourself and your family. Discover common scams and how to spot and avoid them. Understand the tactics scammers use to target individuals and what to do if you or a loved one encounters fraud. Access resources to help protect yourself and your family.

with Will Gusakov, Master Timber Framer; International Restoration Craftsman

Experience the remarkable story of Notre Dame’s restoration with Will Gusakov, who spent six months in France rebuilding the cathedral’s nave roof frame. See vivid images, watch videos, and hear firsthand stories and insights from both the Normandy workshop and the Paris cathedral site. Discover background details about this Gothic and neo-Gothic masterpiece and explore the extraordinary craftsmanship behind the recreation of its historic timber frame.

with Neil Perlin, Astronomer; Space Exploration Enthusiast

Journey through the vastness of space in this awe-inspiring exploration of our universe. Begin close to home in our solar system, then travel outward past stars, galaxies, and superclusters to the very edges of the known cosmos. Gain perspective on the staggering scales of distance from trillions of miles to billions of light years. Discover how astronomers map and make sense of the immense structure of the universe we call home.

with Professor Paul Bierman, Geologist; Environmental Historian

Join Professor Paul Bierman for a captivating exploration of Greenland’s hidden past and its pressing relevance today. From Cold War military experiments beneath the ice to the island’s role in today’s climate and political landscape, this program weaves together science, history, and current events. Discover the little-known story of Camp Century, a secret U.S. military base buried deep in Greenland’s ice.