“To enhance the social, energetic and intellectually stimulating atmosphere that is unique to Wintergreen,” the resort says it is moving toward creating a “Wintergreen Speaker Series.”

An August 14 email to the Wintergreen community outlined their plans and sought input via a link to an online survey. The announcement also asked for volunteers from the community to help manage the new effort.

Wintergreen Resort’s new lecture programs will be open to all, not just members of the resort. The location of the monthly presentations could alternate between Stoney Creek and the mountain.

With the resort providing support such as, “newsletters and website, access to venues, and administrative support,” a “tentative model” for this program would be a monthly evening get-together from 7-9 pm, the announcement said.

“To encourage the sense of community we would start with appetizers, light snacks, and a cash bar,” the email offered. “An engaging presentation would be followed by Q&A to stimulate conversation and connections with others.

"Presentations will cover a variety of topics with broad interest, such as local history, the arts, nature, current events, and business.”

The resort management consulted with an ad hoc advisory group, reviewed other resort community programs, looked at the faculty lecture series at the University of Virginia, and considered the varied professional organizations.

The email asked readers to volunteer to help.

Volunteers to form a steering committee for this program (“A guiding force to keep us on track”) are wanted. Assistance with the “nuts and bolts” of each program such as “setup and takedown, welcome guests as they arrive, etc.” is also sought.

Those with questions or comments about this proposed program are invited to email events@wintergreenresort.com.