Deep Travel: Hosted by David Leff

The Town of Simsbury continues its "Gifford's Green Conversations." Named in honor of Simsbury's own Gifford Pinchot (1st Chief of the U.S. Forest Service), these forums address key environmental issues, providing overviews of specific green initiatives and "conversations" on how the town can become more "green."
 
"We are happy to continue this exciting environmental series. Simsbury is taking the lead in promoting clean energy and green practices. These conversations are an important component of those efforts," said Deputy First Selectman John K. Hampton and founder of Gifford's Green Conversations.
 
The next forum will be held on Thursday, September 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the program room at the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street.
 
Hosted by Collinsville resident David Leff, essayist, poet, and lecturer, the topic is: Deep Travel.
 
Are you a deep traveler? Do you seek connections among the diverse phenomena you encounter daily? Join us for a journey that goes deep rather than far.

The adventure will begin with Henry David Thoreau on his epic trip along the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. But you'll also explore how your own ordinary journeys can probe the confluence of natural and cultural environments, how you can see the world in four dimensions, in time as well as space. Deep travel is about mindful looking, about journeys that go below the surface of the ordinary to find wonders hidden in plain sight.
 
The restless eyes of ancient shepherds connected the dots in a night sky of chaotic stars and formed them into images and stories that captured the imagination and infused their world with meaning. The deep traveler does the same with the landscape around him. Deep travel is a methodology that will enrich a trip anywhere. Start deep traveling and awaken while you are fully awake!

Leff, an author of numerous essays, columns, and stories for the Hartford Courant, Appalachia and other publications, is a former Deputy Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. He is a member of the Collinsville Historic District Commission and was chairman for more than 20 years. He is a veteran volunteer firefighter, and a Boy Scout merit badge counselor.
 
For more go to: http://davidkleff.typepad.com/home/
 
This program is free and all are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
 
For more information on "Gifford's Green Conversations" and all of Simsbury's green initiatives, please visit the town web site http://www.townofsimsbury.com or contact John Hampton, JHampton@simsbury-ct.gov.