2012

If there is anything certain about our future it is this: we are entering a period of rapid change—so rapid, in fact, that it’s unprecedented. All around us, our environment, resources, financial systems, and political systems are in chaos. And unlike many generations before us, we don’t have a clear view of what’s in store for ourselves and our families, or how to prepare for it. But there’s a silver lining to the dark clouds: all the disruptions we’re experiencing give us a chance to make a transition—to build the kind of communities, and the kind of world, in which we want to live.Many of us are facing change in our personal lives, too. Some of us may be seeing our nests grow empty as children grow older. Others may be just starting families, facing retirement, launching new careers, or—in these rough economic times—leaving old ones. There are so many ways our lives shift. Change does not have to be frightening. It can lead to renewal.

That’s why our 2012 All Star Family II theme is Transitions: Building Resilience in Changing Times. During the week guest speaker Philip Ackerman-Leist will show us how communities are banding together to build resilience--creating local food systems that can sustain them; developing plans for secure, safe and renewable energy supplies; strengthening their local economies; discovering simplicity; and reconnecting with neighbors in whole new ways.

Ackerman-Leist teaches environmental studies at Green Mountain College, where he directs the Farm and Food Project. He is also author of Up Tunket Road, the inspiring, honest and at times humorous account of his own efforts to build a sustainable life. For seven years he and his wife lived without electricity or running water in an old cabin in the beautiful but remote hills of western New England. Slowly forging their own farm and homestead, they took inspiration from their experiences among the mountain farmers of the Tirolean Alps and were guided by their Vermont neighbors, who taught them about what it truly means to live sustainably--not only to survive, but to thrive in a fragmented landscape and a fractured economy. Ackerman-Leist is also author of an upcoming book on how to build local food systems.

All Star II 2012 Minister of the Week: our very own Megan Kelly

Each 18+ child out of high school must register separately. Registrations postmarked on or before March 10, 2012 will be given priority. Registrations postmarked after March 10 will be accepted, space available. The room & board deposit and conference fee are refundable until May 15, 2012. All letters, (acceptance, waitlist, volunteer job, boat letter, etc), will be sent via email, so please remember to include your email address when registering.New this year! Helpful fee calculator: For assistance tallying your check amount, try the new fee calculator.

How to make out the check: Please submit ONE CHECK payable to “All Star II Conference”.

Registrar contact information: Please mail the completed Star registration form and ONE CHECK payable to “All Star II Conference” to: Ron Cordes, 3 Jeffrey Circle, Bedford, MA 01730, 781-275-6181 registrar@allstar2.org.

Notifications: All letters, (acceptance, waitlist, volunteer job, boat letter, etc), will be sent via email, so don't forget to include your email address on your blue registration form. If you do not have an email address, please include a self addressed stamped envelope with your registration and we will snail mail the letters to you.

Financial aid: Financial aid assistance is available to individuals with need through the The Ginny Levine Shoalership Fund. For information and an application, click on The Ginny Levine Shoalership Fund or contact Mary Ellen Mellen, 81 Grouse Lane, Perkinsville, VT 05151. Phone: 802-795-0033 financial.aid@allstar2.org. All inquiries and awards are kept confidential.

Boat schedule: Depart Portsmouth, N.H. aboard the Thomas Laighton on Saturday, July 7 at 2:25 p.m. Depart Star on Saturday, July 14, at 8:45 am. (Times subject to change.)