St. Albans OLLI

with Mark S. Breen, Senior Meteorologist and Planetarium Director, Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium

Uncover how the weather shapes our world and captures our attention through its ever-changing extremes. Explore the forces that drive our skies with meteorologist Mark Breen of the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium. Drawing on over 40 years of experience, Mark reveals where the weather gets its energy and how it creates the patterns that bring us calm days, fierce storms, and everything in between. Learn to distinguish fact from misinformation as he unravels the fascinating dynamics behind today’s weather extremes.

with Amy Panetta, MA Music Educator and Ethnomusicologist

Experience how music serves as the soundtrack of our lives, guiding us through joy, sorrow, and life’s most meaningful moments. Discover how it connects families, communities, and cultures. Explore its healing power to awaken memory, regulate emotions, and support well-being. Understand how music embodies both science and art in motion. Celebrate the profound impact of music on daily life and uncover how it continues to shape human expression.

with Charlie Hancock, Franklin & Grand Isle County Forester; Conservation Leader

Spend time with County Forester Charlie Hancock for a conversation about the forests that define our shared landscape in northwestern Vermont. Explore what makes our woodlands unique, examine the challenges they face, and discover how we can serve as stewards of this remarkable resource respecting the members of the diverse community of life that calls it home.

with Rebecca Rupp, Ph.D., Cell Biologist; Biochemist; Prolific Science Author

Trace humankind’s long and conflicted relationship with alcohol. Discover drunken monkeys, Sumerian beer, the dark side of rum, and how Madeira wine fueled the American Revolution. Learn about Johnny Appleseed’s alcoholic apples, Prohibition, and the tragic story of wood alcohol and find out why Mae West was wrong when she said, “Too much of a good thing is wonderful.”

with Mary Val Palumbo, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner; UVM Professor Emerita

Examine the powerful connection between lifelong learning and brain health. Explore how mental stimulation, learning new skills, and engaging in social activities support cognitive function and protect against age-related decline. Through interactive discussions and practical tips, gain strategies for weaving learning into daily life. Understand the science behind brain health and gain tools to take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy aging brain.

with Laura V. Trieschmann, Vermont State Historic Preservation Officer

Discover the work of Vermont’s Division for Historic Preservation and its programs. Learn how they preserve and rehabilitate historic buildings while promoting Vermont’s heritage and landmarks. Explore ways to uncover little-known parts of our Brave Little State and recognize the history and potential within all buildings.

with Larry Trombley, Retired Social Studies Teacher

Delve into the history of French Canadian migration to New England to work in cotton mills across the region. Examine the prejudice they faced and discover how the rhetoric surrounding their presence mirrors language used about Mexican immigrant workers in the U.S. today.

with Savanna Crossman, Owner of Heart & Soil Farm

Join Savanna Crossman for an inspiring exploration of agronomy and the art of growing local flowers in Vermont’s challenging climate. Learn how to test and interpret your garden soil, plan crops effectively, and adapt to the state’s distinct growing seasons. Discover practical tips and valuable resources to help small-scale flower gardeners cultivate healthy, beautiful blooms year after year.