St. Johnsbury OLLI

Dr. Elizabeth Dow – Teacher, Librarian, Archivist

When you de-clutter your office or clean out your attic, basement, garage, or old aunt’s apartment, you always find stuff you do not want. Next time that happens, before you throw it out, consider whether it has historical value. This program will explain how to tell.

Patricia Anderson – Tai Chi Enthusiast and Former Yoga Teacher

Golden Ball Tai Chi, based on ancient Tai Chi and QiGong systems, is designed for aging adults. It promotes better balance, stimulates circulation, and helps relieve arthritis symptoms. Participants report improved quality of life, increased relaxation, and greater confidence in outdoor activities like walking. Enjoy a sampling of movements and explore these beneficial practices.

Michelle Acciavatti – Natural Deathcare Worker and Founder of Vermont Forest Cemetery

Michelle Hogle Acciavatti has been a part of the natural burial movement in Vermont since 2016. In 2023, she opened Vermont Forest Cemetery, which is the first cemetery dedicated to natural burial and the first conservation burial ground, as well as the first and only forest cemetery in Vermont. The unique approach of Vermont Forest Cemetery integrates burial, conservation, art, learning, and community to inspire a sense of reciprocity with the earth, give back to the land that nurtures us during our lifetime, and connects us to our mourning needs. In this presentation we will view a documentary that features the first burial at Vermont Forest Cemetery and look in depth at the environmental and emotional benefits of natural burial for individuals and communities.

Miss Lucy Neel Nulhegan – Education Director

Including the use of a short powerpoint and artifacts, Miss Lucy will present the situation of Abenaki living in Vermont today. As the Nulhegan Education Title VI Indian Education Director she works with the Cultural Center in Holland, VT to connect with local school children as well as anyone interested in Abenaki culture and maintaining it. Cannon-Neel is also a leader in the Food Sovereignty program which helps supply food for tribal members in need. They maintain a buffalo herd and cull two a year to provide meat; they also maintain gardens. The Abenaki peoples were among the earliest settlers in what we now call the State of Vermont.

Henekis Stoddard – Associate Director at Umbrella Inc.

In this workshop strengthen your understanding of what Healing Accountability is and how this is an approach used for intimate partner violence prevention. Explore the nuances on this topic that can cultivate compassion and engage in thoughtful conversation that will expand your thinking on how we can all play a role in creating safer communities.

Belinda Emmons – Nature and Wildlife Photographer

Belinda will showcase my photography of Birds that she captured with my her in the New England area. This presentation will open your eyes to always look and listen and become more open to the Nature around us.

Susan Kuecker

The Battle of Cedar Creek fought in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in October, 1864 was regarded at the time as an important battle assisting in the re-election of President Abraham Lincoln. There were more Vermont troops at this battle than any other battle in the Civil War. All Vermont Regiments played important parts in the battle. Attend and find out what Vermont soldiers did at this almost forgotten battle.

Frances Hersey – Former Librarian

The program will attempt to define and explain what restorative justice is in our community, as it addresses the human needs of revenge on the part of victims of crimes, and forgiveness and apology on the part of the perpetrators.