By Danielle M. Crosier – Vermont Maturity.
DORSET — Since 1996, the independent non-profit Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) has had an intellectually stimulating and culturally vibrant history of engaging and immersing participants in discussions of current and historical issues, a deeper understanding of varied topics, and hands-on workshops.
“We want to introduce Green Mountain Academy to people who don’t know about it,” said Executive Director Gloria Palmer and – because of the platform’s presence, following, reach, and exposure – Palmer is generally surprised when people don’t know about it. Outreach is always on her mind.
Palmer described the Green Mountain Academy demographic as, “Mature, often retired. Well-educated and well informed. People who have time to engage in cultural, social, and educational programs.”
The most consistent trait though, she added – is having that spirit of inquiry.
“I would describe our demographic as curious – and having a thirst for knowledge and new experiences. They are true lifelong learners,” added Palmer.
Although known throughout the Southern Vermont Region for its diverse and enriching programming, the onset of the pandemic truly changed the expected reach of GMALL.
“COVID pushed us into online learning, and we had to transition very quickly,” recalled Palmer, “but the beauty of that was that we saw people from all over the country signing up. And, I was surprised. It was – interesting and encouraging, and I would like to grow that audience a little bit more.”
Palmer is hoping to introduce those not familiar with the organization to its extensive and eclectic resources, “There is just something for everyone. There really is.”
Palmer stressed that, over the years, the organization has hosted playwrights, chefs, historians, economists, political scientists, novelists, journalists, painters, linguists, filmmakers, photographers, scientists, activists, musicians, archeologists, naturalists, actors, singers, adventurers, poets, elected officials – and more.
In trying to bring dynamic material and presentations to the platform, Palmer said that she looks for those with an expertise in the subject matter, and those who are truly passionate “because that passion comes through, and they can make it interesting.”
From its locally-based, hands-on, Creativity Workshops such as the recent beaded crochet jewelry, needle felting, ceramic mug, mandala pottery, fused dichroic glass, collage art, and weaving workshops (and upcoming drumming, bike repair, and woodworking workshops) to its deeply intimate Culinary Offerings – cooking classes, often held in the kitchens of local homes and farmhouses – Green Mountain Academy programming offers attendees the opportunity and the structure to really immerse themselves in an activity.
Recreational programming, such as specially-designed “longevity” yoga classes, are also available locally. Pickleball, for instance, is taught by Palmer herself, who fell in love with the sport after it was offered as a clinic at the Academy.
“In the beginning, we had a tennis professional who was teaching it,” laughed Palmer, “and I decided that I liked pickleball – so much – that I should get certified. And, I did. And, in just the past three years, we’ve introduced about 150 people who are new to pickleball to our clinics.”
Many of those new pickleball enthusiasts now attend workshops and other Green Mountain Academy events, “And, that’s another way of introducing GMALL to people who would not typically come to our lectures, but now they know more about us.”
Locally-based programming is worthy of a visit, Palmer noted, “Manchester is a culturally vibrant town. There’s just so much to do. You can participate in our programs, but you’ve also got the Southern Vermont Arts Center, Hildene, Merck Forest, winter sports, golf, fishing – and great places to stay and eat and shop.”
She encourages visitors to book events with friends, or in groups, and get to know new friends while they’re in the area. This is a place where friendships form, and develop.
Film is another popular offering through Green Mountain Academy, “For instance, we screen independent documentary films and the annual interactive Manhattan Short Film Festival in the fall” – one of Palmer’s personal favorite events.
“The Manhattan Short Film Festival is usually 10 short films from all over the world,” said Palmer. “Some are very serious; some are very funny. They all touch you in some emotional way. But, the great part is that it’s all interactive because you can vote for your favorite film and your favorite actor – I love it. People love it. They come out of the theater and they’re grateful for the experience.”
Palmer noted that the Manchester community does not have a movie theater, “but Green Mountain Academy has tried to fill that void a little bit with some entertaining cultural film programs like National Theater Live from the London stage. We also have Great Art on Screen, which will be happening this winter, and those are incredible documentaries. They’re stunningly beautiful, and they’re another favorite of mine. I just really enjoy those.”
Participants who sign up for online classes (e.g., writing classes), presentations, lectures, or discussion groups are unbound by geography.
Participants simply enroll, and receive an email link the day before the event begins. Then – they simply click, and go.
Attendees of the online discussion groups are wide ranging, said Palmer, with many participating from out-of-state. The discussion groups are interactive, socially stimulating, culturally enriching, and intellectual in nature – and cover a wide breadth of topics.
”One of the things I try to promote, particularly on social media, is that some of these are Zoom lectures, which means that – no matter where you are – you can attend. But,” clarified Palmer, “if we have a live in-person lecture where people can actually attend, we also have GNAT (Greater Northshire Access Television) do the livestream for us, as well as videotape. We have an extensive library of years worth of taped lectures.”
During the livestream events, participants with online access can post their questions directly to the forum and a representative or moderator will bring them to the table during the Q&A session.
New this past year, Vermont Conversations was added to the agenda.
The series of four discussion panels was available in person or online. Topics included issues relevant to Vermonters, now and in the future. Other Vermont presentations included state parks, folklife, and climate change.
“With Vermont Conversations, we wanted a signature event, and Vermont has always been a popular topic,” said Palmer. “But, there are serious issues facing the state, and we saw it as a way to delve into those and engage the audience in a Q&A, where they could have a say. And, we were hoping that would spur some action. There are also success stories that we wanted to share.”
Additionally, Green Mountain Academy will continue its collaboration with the Manchester Historical Society in offering local history talks, and music programming through collaboration with Manchester Music Festival and their growing partnership with Southern Vermont Arts Center.
“And, the Southern Vermont Writers Conference is a brand new initiative to us – and an exciting one,” said Palmer. “We have people who are signing up for a week’s stay in lovely Manchester.”
The conference, co-founded by the creative vision of local novelist Caren McVicker and local freelance writer Kim Place-Gateau, will be hosted by Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning and held at the Equinox Resort and Spa during the week of March 30, 2025.
“This conference takes things to a new level for us – and for the community,” Palmer said. “It made sense for Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning to be the organizational support behind this project, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of it.”
A full description of Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning’s offerings are available in the organization’s seasonal catalog of lectures and workshops, but can also be found online at greenmtnacademy.org/.
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