In April 2018, I’ll be leaving my writing studio for several speaking engagements.

POLITICS: 1964, a Watershed Year in Vermont Political (and Cultural) History.

In 1964, the Republican Party lost its tight-fisted grasp on Vermont politics, starting the swing of the political pendulum from Vermont as bastion of conservative republicanism to a state with a highly diversified political climate featuring progressive and even radical politics. What happened in Vermont back then may illuminate what’s happening to the Republican Party nationally today.

The Rockingham Historic Preservation Commission is hosting this program, which is funded by the Vermont Humanities Council Speakers Bureau.

The Details: Monday, April 9at the Rockingham Free Public Library, Bellows Falls. Starting at 6 PM. Free & Accessible.

TRANSPORTATION & TRANSFORMATION: Getting from Here to There: The History of Transportation and Settlement in Vermont

In this very popular talk, I trace the development of transportation and the transformation of the Vermont landscape.

The difficulties of traveling in Vermont played a significant role in the state’s settlement, development, culture and politics. But Vermonters weren’t always eager to have good roads. Opposition began in 1753, when the Abenaki joined forces with the French to protest the building of a British military road along an established Abenaki trail. Resistance to new roads has continued ever since, from the Green Mountain Parkway to the building of the interstates. Given this opposition, how is it we now drive cars in all seasons, in all weathers, in all corners of the state? With what results?

The Details:

• Monday, April 16 at the Maclure Library, Pittsford, VT 05763 starting at 7 pm.
• Wednesday, April 25 at the New Haven Community Library, 78 North Street, #2, New Haven, VT 05472, starting at 7 pm.
• Supported by the Vermont Humanities Council, both these programs are Free & Accessible.

LOVING MIDDLE AGE

In The Middle Ages I blog about the joys and discoveries of middle age, which will be the topic of my keynote address at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Annual Meeting. 

The Middle Ages typically refer to the historical period in Europe that began with the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire followed by the invasion of the barbarians. These Middle Ages are generally divided into three periods: Early, High and Late. I argue that human Middle Ages in the contemporary era progress in reverse, beginning with the departure of the barbarians, when the kids leave the nest. The High period takes place anywhere from the ages of forty to eighty, when those with good health and a little money can enjoy life as never before. Unlike history, humans don’t advance away from Antiquity, but head toward it. I will talk about the joys of aging and preparing for Antiquity and Beyond.

The Details: Tuesday, April 24 at the Brattleboro Country Club, from 5:30 – 7:30. Tickets are $20 per person, a reception of hearty appetizers will be served.  For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Barb Henry (802) 257-0688 or email barb-dave.henry@comcast.net.

WRITING YOUR OWN OBITUARY

I will be giving a noontime talk about how to write your own obituary as part of Brattleboro Area Hospice’s It’s A Gift To Those Who Love You – their multi-day celebration of National Health Care Decisions Day.

Participants will learn how to write an obituary – their own or for a loved one. We will examine the parts of a conventional obit and then learn how to personalize it so that readers gain a sense of the purpose and personality of the person who has passed. Writing you own obituary is also a chance to see what you’ve done so far, and what’s important to do in the time you have left.

The Details: Friday, April 27, Noon to 1 PM at the River Garden, Main Street, Brattleboro VT. Free & Accessible. More information at Brattleboro Area Hospice – and there’s lots going on that week, including talks about funerals and burials, advance care planning workshops, music, theater and more!

ONGOING WRITING CIRCLE

The Rosefire Writing Circle provides writers of all levels with a prompt, a supportive environment, immediate feedback and enormous encouragement to discover your stories, find your voice and free your imagination. 

The Details: We meet most Fridays from 1-4 in Newfane. Sliding scale $15 – $30/session. Participants become eligible for discounted editorial and tutorial services. Location disclosed upon registration. Contact me for more information and/or to register.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

Other upcoming events, speaking engagements and workshops are always posted on my website and emailed to subscribers to my weekly blog. Don’t miss another post or announcement: please subscribe today.

TO BOOK MY SERVICES

To book my Speaker’s Bureau talks, Reading & Discussion Programs, or Literature & Medicine, please contact the Vermont Humanities Council.

To book all other talks, facilitation and workshops, contact me. I’m glad to work with you to create the event or workshop that suits your needs.