Theme Speakers: 

Liz Walker, co-founder and executive director of EcoVillage at Ithaca since 1991 has brought an ecological village from vision to reality.  Her lifelong experience as a grassroots organizer for peace, social justice, and environmental groups has made her thoroughly versed in the daily practice of conserving energy, building community, resolving conflict, and appreciating spiritual connections.  She is the author of EcoVillage at Ithaca:  Pioneering a Sustainable Culture.  Liz has visited communities and/or spoken in Denmark, Hungary, Senegal, Findhorn (Scotland), Thailand, the Philippines and Japan. Her talks will share lessons in community living, stories and practical solutions to our crises in environment and in community locally and in other parts of the world.  Liz is an upbeat, realistic, positive, can-do person who is bound to inspire you to take home hope and ideas.  Her life partner, Jared Jones, will share in some of the presentations.

Theme Talk: Creating a Sustainable Culture

led by Liz Walker in cooperation with Jared Jones

Sunday - Introduction to EcoVillage at Ithaca - a "living laboratory" for sustainability
Monday - The "Eco" aspect - Green building/green energy
Tuesday - The "Eco" aspect - Land & Food
Wednesday - The "Village" aspect - Building Community through Careful Communication
Thursday - The "Village" aspect - Building Community through art & celebration
Friday - Lessons Learned/Bringing it Home

Minister of the week:

 

Rev. Libby Smith is half-time chaplain at Unitarian Universalist House, a small personal care and nursing home in Philadelphia, and half-time consulting minister to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lower Bucks in Fairless Hills, PA.

 

 

Youth Coordinator: Mary Heafy

Floater:  John Smith

Youth Leaders:

              Carole Mills

              TBD - Edie Crane & Toby Dills

              Junior High - Melinda Hildreth-Honkala & Victor Finizio

              Senior High - Jennifer Whitten & Richie Dawkins 

NEW This Year:  LOAS II Service Project

Ever notice peeling paint that needs replenishing at Star?  Ever want to give back to the island you love?  Nora Schmidt in coordination with Keith Noyes, Director of Operations and Maintenance, will be overseeing our first LOAS II service project.  Bring your painting clothes and help paint the doctor’s cottage!  This is not a children’s activity and is for experienced painters. If you’re interested, send Nora an email at noeyda@juno.com or join in on island.

 

Workshops:

    Making Sense of All That Jazz (designed for non-musicians and musicians) - Robin Schmidt
      Covenant Circles - Myra Aaronson and Arthur Eves
      The Renewable Power Revolution - What's Out There and How You Can Make a Diference - Tom Blum & David House
      Tai Chi Light - Albert Chu
      Soap Stone Carving - Candis Dixon
     Our Whole Lives (OWL) for Adults - Gary Kunz and Kelly Schnur

 

A Starburst is a one-day, one-hour long workshop.  We have several planned at 4:00, so drop in and see what’s happening.  To plan in advance, if you’d like to learn basic harmonica from virtuoso Don Schmitz, bring $6 to purchase a harmonica from him.  If you’d like to get help with a project in progress or to learn from the very start how to knit from Dr. Alison, aka Doctor Knit, bring needles and yarn.  The good doctor will also have a small supply to purchase.

 

Making Sense of All That Jazz led by Robin Schmidt

This workshop will be an overview of jazz for the non-musician and musician alike.  It is for those who are completely unfamiliar with jazz as well as those who already enjoy it.  We will cover a brief history of jazz and some key jazz musicians, some basic jazz theory and analysis (don’t get scared), and of course we’ll do lots of listening to the music.  Commentary from the group will be encouraged on the music we listen to.  I’ll ask some general questions to spark discussion: What particularly stands out about this recording?  What makes it interesting (or not…)?  We’ll get into discussions and address more specifics from there.  A playing component will not be part of the workshop as it is intended at least as much for non-musicians as for those who do play; however there will of course be opportunity for playing jazz outside of the workshop for those who want to.

 

Covenant Circles, led by Myra Aaronson and Arthur Eves

Covenant circles are small groups that commit to meet each day to share and to reflect deeply on a topic that changes daily. They are opportunities to experience intimacy, individuality and universality. One group will meet in the morning, one in the afternoon. The groups will be closed to new members after the first session in order to build trust and deeper connections within the group. Myra and Arthur have led covenant circles at their congregation for several years. They will be happy to share with you how to get them started in your own religious community.

 

The Renewable Power Revolution - What's Out There and How YOU Can Make a Difference.

Join Tom Blum and David House in an exploration of the various solutions to our nation's energy problems.   The technology exists to fully power our nation using non-fossil fuel sources.  This workshop will examine various technological solutions available to effect the transformation in a timely manner.  Suggested roles played by business and government in implementing these solutions will be presented.  We will discuss case studies of how individuals can make a difference by transforming their homes, towns, regions and even the nation into a zero emission powered culture.   Bring your ideas to present on how you think individuals can make a difference in an end of workshop brain storming session.

 

Taichi Light led by Al Chu

Taichi Light is a simplified version of the Chinese traditional Tai Chi.  Easy to learn and simple to practice.  Only 15 minutes a day.  But to get any benefit, you still have to practice!  Wear comfortable, loose clothing, and shoes (sneakers, not sandals). TaiChi Light for Young People – Workshop leader Al Chu has generously offered to lead some intergenerational TaiChi classes.  A great opportunity!

 

Soapstone Carving led by Candis Dixon

Stone carving on a rocky island is a journey inward to discover what is hidden. Persistence and strong hands, coupled with a trust in the process, bring forth a delightfully smooth, pocket-sized talisman by week's end. Tools and band-aids are provided, stone for a small fee.

 

  

Adult Our Whole Lives (OWL) led by Gary Kunz and Kelly Schnur

Our Whole Lives is built upon four core values: Self Worth, Sexual Health, Responsibility, Justice and Inclusivity. Participants are encouraged to use these values in decision-making concerning their own sexuality and relationships. Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to explore and learn to articulate their own values.