Transition COMMUNITY POTLUCK and GATHERING

Saturday, April 2, noon to 2 pm

Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Hayes Room, Montpelier

Open to all!  Free and family friendly.

Come to the "hearth" of the transition community! Meet neighbors and friends for sharing, discussion and support around issues of the transition.

Please bring a generous potluck dish, and your own plate, mug, utensils and napkins. Please LABEL all the ingredients in your potluck dish. There will be a Networking Table, so bring transition-related information or flyers to share. Donations of serving spoons needed. Check your supply and donate your extras!

THERE WILL BE NO COMMUNITY POTLUCK IN MAY OR JUNE – time to be out in the garden!

WE HOPE TO HOLD POTLUCKS OUTDOORS LATER IN THE SUMMER, AND WE WILL RESUME INDOOR POTLUCKS IN THE FALL.

We are looking for a coordinator for the summer potlucks.

Sponsored by Transition Town Montpelier. For information call Annie McCleary, 456-8122

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Shelter Forum: Working Group of Transition Town Montpelier 
Saturday, April 2, 2-4pm
Kellogg-Hubbard Library in the Hayes Room 
(directly after the Transition Montpelier Potluck which runs noon- 2 pm)

For all those interested in building efficient, resilient and locally made structures.  Let’s make Central Vermont a vibrant grassroots architectural scene!

Food related structures - greenhouses/root cellars/kitchens                          
Solar based design ­  light/heat/energy(wind/hydro/bio)                         
Local natural materials ­ straw bale/clay/wood/stone                        
Integrated systems  composting/wastewater/heat/energy/food production                       
Subtle energy design ­ feng shui/ vastu/ geomancy  
Efficiency and Conservation – strategies, technology, reskilling, small is beautiful

Forum Goals:

1. Connect & network those interested & working on sustainable building issues. 
2. Find out what people are most interested in.
3. Identify possible goals (short/long):

a. Increase the resiliency/sustainability of Vt buildings.
b. Increase designer’s and builder’s knowledge/skill.
c. Create vibrant grassroots architectural scene.
d. Connect builders/designers to increase synergy and advance state of the art. 
e. Bring your ideas!

4. Introduce possible projects:

a. Bring your ideas!  We have a growing list to present.

We are looking for people who are inspired to be a part of the organizing group for the Shelter Working Group
For more information contact Ben – bfg(at)naturaldesignbuild(dot)us – 454-1167

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Mad Pie Hoedown
Old Time Square Dance and Live Pie Auction
Fundraiser for the Village-building Convergence

April 9, 7pm
Plainfield Community Center (above the co-op)
Music by Her Majesty's Streak o' Lean, calling by Jennifer Steckler, with surprise Auctioneer.  Suggested donation $5-10 

Village Building Convergence is a 12 day event with workshops, projects, panel discussions, celebrations, and more. VbC is offered by donation.

Contact us for questions or to volunteer  jennifer@twinpondretreat.com

www.vbc-vt.org

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Complex Simplicity:  Off-grid, Mortgage-free Living in Vermont

Thursday, April 21, 6 - 8 pm
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Hayes Room, Montpelier

Transition Presentation Third Thursday at the Library Series

Come hear the story of one family’s dream of striving for sustainability.  View the beautiful photos of the creation of an off-grid, wind/solar-powered, low-cost, mortgage-free, earthen home, using hand tools and human power from more than 500 volunteers. Meet a hand-full of these volunteers who helped make this dream a reality.  We will also explore the ripple effect of life without debt as it pertains to work and play.

Jim Malloy currently works on a biodiesel project, displacing 1 million gallons of fossil fuel a year with biodiesel made from waste restaurant oil, while living in the foothills of Vermont surrounded by a small orchard.

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Freedom Through Frugality: Spend Less, Have More

Thursday, May 19, 6 – 8 pm

Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Hayes Room, Montpelier

Transition Presentation Third Thursday at the Library Series

Are you stressed about money? Worried about being in debt or getting in debt? Are you concerned about global changes in our environment and economic systems? Do you think that it's possible to have a great life while living on a small ecological footprint? Frugality -- the deliberate use of your resources of time and money -- can bring you peace of mind, personal freedom, and a way to live ethically on our small planet.  

Author Jane Dwinell, a Montpelier native, has lived frugally for over 25 years (with partner and children) -- in the country, in town, and in the city. Because of their frugal way of life, she and her partner, Sky Yardley, were able to retire from paid work 5 years ago, and have been spending their time traveling, gardening, and helping to rebuild New Orleans.

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Village Gathering Skill Share Convergence

Kick-off event of the 3rd Annual Village-building Convergence

June 10-12

Twin Pond Retreat in Brookfield, Vermont,

*Now looking for Workshops and Demos*

Mark your calendars for an exciting grassroots Skill Share Convergence happening in Central Vermont! It's the Village Gathering and it is happening June 10-12 at Twin Pond Retreat in Brookfield, Vermont, it is also the kick off event of the 3rd Annual Village-building Convergence.

See website for details www.vbc-vt.org

VbC still needs volunteers during the event!! 

The Village needs you!!
Have you got skills? Or energy? Or excitement about skills and energy? 
Village-building Convergence (VbC) is about actively building community connections and realizing the strength and beauty of our power when we work and play together. The Village Gathering is the weekend skill-share event that kicks off VbC. We need folks to help volunteer with these events.  In order to be inclusive to everyone in our community, VbC will be powered by donations and volunteers. We can use all sorts of help, from setting up to serving food to making sure speakers have everything they need. 
If you would like to lend a loving heart and helpful hand to VbC, please contact Sarah at sarah.vecci@gmail.com,            802-454-1117      .