Vermont Public Community Calendar

In honor of Earth Day, meet artist-activist Diane Burko who has traveled the globe searching for evidence of humankind’s impact on the natural world. Exploring the intersection of art and environment, Burko discusses her creative practice, and her critical engagement with the scientists, people, and environs that inform her Amazon series, featured in BCA’s exhibit "Human Impact".

Join us in person or register in advance for the Zoom livestream at >> https://zoom.us/webinar/register/5617707361304/WN_KDDyKBpUTUeRp5qlCWyIAA

Join Springfield area Tai Chi Vermont-certified instructors to mark World Tai Chi and Qigong Day at this fun, FREE event!

Players from across the globe in 80+ nations come together at 10 a.m. on the last Saturday of April each year to educate the world about the profound benefits of tai chi and qigong. You can think of World Tai Chi and Qigong Day like the New Year's Eve ball drop ... except instead of midnight celebrations, it's waves of flowing qi moving across the time zones as the planet turns, from New Zealand to Hawaii. From Springfield, Vt., Sue Rubel and Jo Bregnard will lead you in qigong movements and different tai chi forms. Come practice, follow along and connect with other tai chi players!

We'll meet in-person at Studio Momentum, Edgar May Health Center's group exercise space, or online. Those who register for the online option will get access to the recording. Those attending in person should bring a change of footwear for practice--outdoor shoes are prohibited from the studio space.

Remember to clear your practice space, wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe and -heel shoes for practice, have a full water bottle with you, and let us know if you have any additional questions by emailing jo@jobregnard.com. We look forward to practicing with you--all are welcome!

Thank you to Edgar May for providing a location for this event.

On Tuesday, May 5 at 7 pm the Center for Communication in Medicine will host a free SpeakSooner Community Education webinar: Facing the Challenges of Healthcare Decisions: The Role of Patients, Families and Providers.

A serious diagnosis affects patients, families, and providers. Studies in the medical literature show that effective communication can improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Yet, difficult decisions in the face of serious illness can sometimes be clouded by a well-intentioned desire to protect one another. At such times, family dynamics can play a role in how healthcare decisions are made.

Our panel of experts - Zail Berry, MD, MPH, FACP helped to found the Fletcher Allen Health Care Palliative Care Program - now part of the University of Vermont Medical Center - and served as medical director until 2004; Stephanie Davidson, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist at City of Hope with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and couples as they navigate the emotional and relationship challenges associated with medical diagnoses. She is a cancer survivor; Matthew Loscalzo, LCSW, APOS Fellow and Professor Emeritus, Supportive Care Medicine at the City of Hope-National Medical Center; Fidel Rubagumya, MD, MMed, MPH, Dartmouth Cancer Center Global Oncology Visiting Research Scholar and director of research at Rwanda Military Hospital; and Pamela Simon, MSN, CPNP, CPON launched the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program at Stanford Health - will share their experience and perspectives on the role that patients, families and providers can play when navigating the complexities of difficult healthcare decisions.

Audience Q&A will be offered via chat. The webinar is free and open to the public. Registration at speaksooner.org.

The League of Women Voters of Vermont, in partnership with Kellogg-Hubbard Library presents the second in its 2025-26 Lecture Series. This season we look at voting rights and access to the ballot.

The second program, on Wednesday, December 10, at 7:00 pm, presents Prof. Alec Ewald, who teaches constitutional law and U.S. politics and constitutional law, in the Department of Political Science at UVM He will present a history and impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, including recent decisions of the U.S. Supreme Curt that have limited its reach.

The League of Women Voters of Vermont Lecture Series, in its tenth season, is designed to bring outstanding speakers to discuss contemporary issues related to democracy and social justice.

This will be a virtual presentation.