Living Room Conversations: Addressing Antisemitism in our Community
2023-01-25 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
CHANGE TO ZOOM: REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://beverlypubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/hold-for-graham-2/
Is antisemitism really so bad on the North Shore? What is antisemitism, anyway? And what can my community do to fight against it? Bring your curiosity and thoughts to the Heathmere Center for Cultural Engagement’s next Living Room Conversations “Addressing Antisemitism in our Community.” Rabbi Alison Adler (Temple B’nai Abraham, Beverly) will start us off by sharing her insights. After that we will break up in to small, facilitated dialogue groups to delve deeper. Come and bring a friend, Wednesday January 25th, 7-8:30pm in the Sohier room of the Beverly Public Library. Free and open to all! Co-sponsored by The Human Rights Committee of Beverly, BPL, Heathmere and Temple B’nai Abraham. Email info@heathmere.org for questions.

Race Amity Documentary & Dialogue
2023-03-01 19:00 - 20:30
Join Heathmere Center and the Beverly Public Library for our March conversation on “Race Amity.” We will view a 50 minute documentary about the history of race amity in the US. Following the film we will engage in a facilitated dialogue about what cross-racial friendships mean for us today. Black history does not end with February! Wednesday March 1, 7-8:30pm, Sohier Room, BPL (Main). Free and open to the public. For more information contact: info@heathmere.org

Living Room Conversations: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging work in Beverly, Thursday April 27, 7-8:30, Sohier Room
2023-04-27 19:00 - 20:30
Come engage with Beverly’s new Director of DEIB, Wangari Fahari! We will begin by hearing from Ms. Fahari about her plans and hopes for our city. We will then spend time in small, facilitated dialogue groups talking together about what we would like to see happen in terms of advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. What ideas do you have? What are your hopes and/or worries about making Beverly a more inclusive and diverse city? These are both challenging and ripe times for growth and change. Come practice curious listening and generous speaking skills in order to strengthen the dialogue culture of our city. 7-8:30pm, Sohier Room, Beverly Public Library. Questions: info@heathmere.org

Race Amity North Shore Festival
2023-06-11 13:00 - 15:00
Heathmere and the Town of Danvers are bringing you a fantastic line-up this year to celebrate and draw awareness to the power of cross-racial friendships to advance racial equity!

Afro-Jazz Vocalist, Wangari Fahari

Flamenco Dancer, Eve Costarelli

Danvers High School Jazz Sextet

Cross-racial friendship interview with Charlie Desmond & Dave McKenna

Interactive Dialogue Exercises

Poetry Performances

And more. . .

This family-friendly event is free and open to all! Come join in the festivities, Sunday June 11, 1-3, on the Lawn of the Peabody Institute Danvers Public Library.
Support provided by Danvers Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council

Conversation Table at Beverly Farmers' Market
2023-06-26 15:00 - 19:00
Stop by our Conversation Table at the Beverly Farmers’ Market for tips on engaging in challenging conversations. We will have Touchstones, tips and prompts to share that will help you navigate difficult dialogues. Come alone or bring a friend!

Living Room Conversations: Beverly Village for Living and the Arts
2023-09-27 18:00 - 20:00
Heathmere and the Beverly Public Library are excited to roll out the first of our fall Living Room Conversations series on Wednesday September 27, 6:30-8pm, in the Sohier Room of the Beverly Public Library. We are thrilled to be partnering with Harborlight Homes and Beacon Communities to discuss the new Beverly Village for Living & the Arts that is being developed in the old Briscoe building. We will begin the evening hearing about plans for and progress on the Beverly Village. We will then gather in small, facilitated dialogue groups to explore in more depth what role affordable housing and the arts can play in building strong communities. We use the Living Room Conversations model to help folks not only dig deeper into the topic at hand, but also practice speaking in a way that others can listen, and listen to create mutual understanding and connection. Whether you are a regular attender or a newbie we hope you can join us! Free and open to the public! Questions: info@heathmere.org

Living Room Conversations: Seeing & Living as White, pt. 1
2023-10-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Peabody Institute of Danvers Library, 15 Sylvan StreetDanvers, Danvers, MA, 01923, United States
The first in a 3-part Living Room Conversation series using dialogue to help white North Shore residents explore in more depth their own racial positions, assumptions and experiences. Participants will also be encouraged to form community connections that support their racial justice work. Join us for a guilt-free exploration of what’s in the invisible back packs of whiteness we’ve inherited.
Free and open to all!
Questions? info@heathmere.org. Registration encouraged
Funding provided in part by Mass Humanities

Living Room Conversation with Beverly's DEIB Director, Wangari Fahari
2023-10-19 18:30 - 20:00
Join Heathmere and the Beverly Public Library as we invite Wangari Fahari, Beverly’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging for our October Living Room Conversation (Sohier Room, BPL, Main). Join us in conversation around successes, challenges, and hopes for the future of how Beverly can better serve all people who call it home. Free and open to the public! Email info@heathmere.org with questions.
We use a Living Room Conversations format to offer small, facilitated dialogues on a variety of topics where diverse residents can learn about and discuss challenging topics. Our dialogues help participants speak in a way so that others can listen and listen in order to connect more deeply with others. We believe these conversations are a great way to cultivate trust and build a dialogic culture, recognizing that mutual understanding, not agreement, is the foundation of any healthy community.

Living Room Conversations: Seeing and Living as White, pt II
2023-11-09 18:30 - 20:00
Join us for the 2nd of our 3 part-series, “Seeing and Living as White,” where we will delve deeper into how our lived experiences as white people are formed. These conversations are aimed at helping white people explore in more depth their own racial positions, assumptions and experiences and to reflect on how these impact their racial justice work. Dialogues will take place at the Peabody Institute Public Library of Danvers from 6:30-8pm. This series is free and open to all and you do not need to have attended the first one to attend this one. Questions? info@heathmere.org
Registration: https://danverslibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/living-room-conversations-2/
Funding provided in part by Mass Humanities.

Living Room Conversations: Home Energry
2023-11-29 18:30 - 20:00
Come join us for a “Living Room Conversation” about home energy! Hear from Green Beverly experts and engage with your neighbors on home energy best practices. 6:30-8pm, Beverly Public Library (Main)
The Heathmere Center for Cultural Engagement uses a Living Room Conversations format to offer small, facilitated dialogues on a variety of topics where diverse residents can learn about and discuss challenging topics. Our dialogues help participants speak in a way so that others can listen and listen in order to connect more deeply with others. These conversations are a great way to cultivate trust and build a dialogic culture, recognizing that mutual understanding, not agreement, is the foundation of any healthy community.
Free and open to all!
Co-sponsored by Heathmere Center, Beverly Public Library and Green Beverly.
Questions? info@heathmere.org

Living Room Conversations: Seeing and Living as White
2023-12-14 06:30 - 20:00 | Peabody Institute of Danvers Library, 15 Sylvan StreetDanvers, Danvers, MA, 01923, United States
Join us for our third “Seeing and Living as White” Living Room Conversation aimed to help white folks explore in more depth their own racial positions, assumptions and experiences and how these impact their racial justice work. This session will focus on ways to move forward in one’s own racial justice journey. This event is free and open to all! (You do not need to have attended previous sessions.) Questions: info@heathmere.org
Heathmere’s Living Room Conversations series uses small, facilitated dialogues to encourage diverse residents to learn about and discuss challenging topics. Our dialogues help participants speak in a way that others can listen and listen in order to connect more deeply with others. These conversations are a great way to cultivate trust and build a dialogic culture, recognizing that mutual understanding, not agreement, is the foundation of any healthy community.

Living Room Conversations: "Seeing and Living as White," part 1
2024-03-21 18:30 - 20:00
If you missed our 3-part series in Danvers in the fall, now’s your chance to catch it in Beverly!—co-sponsored by Heathmere, Beverly Human Rights Committee, Beverly Public Library, and the City of Beverly. This series will use facilitated dialogue to help white North Shore residents explore their own racial assumptions and experiences and consider how these impact their racial healing and justice work. The aim of these sessions is threefold: to reflect in a supportive and brave environment on what it means to be white; to learn curious listening and dialogue skills; and to build community connections that supports on-going racial justice healing work. Each session will be composed of 10-15 minutes of an interactive teaching exercise. The rest of the time will be spent in small, facilitated dialogue groups where residents will have the chance to practice deep reflection and curious listening skills. Hope to see you there! Questions: info@heathmere.org

Living Room Conversations: "Seeing and Living as White," pt 2
2024-04-11 18:30 - 20:00
Heathmere, in partnership with Beverly Human Rights Committee, the Beverly Public Library, and the City of Beverly, will offer a 3 part Living Room Conversations series, “Seeing and Living as White.” This series will use facilitated dialogue to help white North Shore residents explore their own racial assumptions and experiences and consider how these impact their racial healing and justice work. The aim of these sessions is threefold:

to reflect in a supportive and brave environment on what it means to be white

to learn curious listening and dialogue skills

to build community connections that support on-going racial justice healing work

Each session will be begin with a 10-15 minute interactive learning exercise. The rest of the time will be spent in small, facilitated dialogue groups where residents will have the chance to practice deep reflection and curious listening.
Free and open to all!
Thursday April 11
6:30-8pm, Sohier Room,
Beverly Public Library.

Living Room Conversations: "Seeing and Living as White," pt 3
2024-04-18 18:30 - 20:00
Join us Thursday April 18 in the Sohier Room of the Beverly Public Library for our final “Seeing and Living as White” series. (You do not need to have attended previous sessions.) This series uses facilitated dialogue to help white North Shore residents explore their own racial assumptions and experiences and consider how these impact racial healing and justice work. The aim of these sessions is threefold:

to reflect in a supportive and brave environment on what it means to be white

to learn curious listening and dialogue skills

to build community connections that support on-going racial justice healing work

Each session will begin with a 10-15 minute interactive learning exercise. The rest of the time will be spent in small, facilitated dialogue groups where residents will have the chance to practice deep reflection and curious listening.
Co-sponsored by Heathmere, the Beverly Human Rights Committee, the Beverly Public Library, and the City of Beverly
Free and open to all!
Registration Recommended:
https://beverlypubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/hold-for-graham-33/

Community Art & Peace Circle
2024-06-08 12:30 - 15:30
All are invited to Heathmere’s free, family-friendly event: “Community Art and Peace Circle.” Local artist and educator, Luba Shapiro Grenader, will guide children, youth and adults in peace practices like meditation and dialogue, and engage them in making art about peace. We will hold this gathering on the 4th floor of the Porter Mill Studios during their “Second Saturday Open Studios,” on Saturday June 8, 2024. We will hold 2 1-hour sessions: 12:30-1:30 and 2:30-3:30pm. Questions: info@heathmere.org
Funding provided by Creative County

"An American Story: Race Amity and the Other Tradition," Documentary & Dialogue
2024-06-17 18:00 - 20:00
Come learn about Race Amity, a celebration of our multicultural community, and an opportunity to elevate kindness, respect and civility across racial and ethnic differences. We will view the short documentary and engage in facilitated dialogue to understand better how forming friendships across race/ethnicity can help strengthen racial justice and healing in our communities! Email info@heathmere.org for more information.
Free and open to all! 6-8pm, Monday June 17, Gordon Room, Peabody Institute Library of Danvers.
Stay tuned for more details about the North Shore’s 7th annual Race Amity Multicultural Festival this July, co-sponsored by Heathmere and the Town of Danvers.

Living Room Conversations: What is Race Amity? Documentary & Dialogue
2024-06-26 06:30 - 20:00
Come view a short documentary about the history of Race Amity and then join in a facilitated conversation about how we can all work together across racial divides to promote racial justice and healing.
Heathmere’s Living Conversations Series uses small, facilitated dialogues to encourage diverse residents to learn about and discuss challenging topics. Our dialogues help participants speak so that others can listen and listen in order to connect more deeply with others. These conversations are a great way to cultivate trust and build a dialogic culture, recognizing that mutual understanding, not agreement, is the foundation of any healthy community.
Free & open to all! Questions: info@heathmere.org

Race Amity and Multicultural Festival
2024-07-13 13:00 - 15:00
Join Heathmere and the Town of Danvers for our 6th annual Race Amity & Multicultural Festival! Race Amity, an official holiday in Massachusetts, promotes awareness around, and celebration of, historical and contemporary friendships that cross racial/ethnic divides. We are excited to feature: Greek music, Afro Beats dancing, a Beverly High School band, a multi-racial youth panel, and more! Come bring your whole family—including pets—to this free event that promotes joy and friendship across difference. Rain location will be Danvers High School Atrium—check our Fb page for updates. Questions? Email: info@heathmere.org

Beverly Living Room Conversations: How do we deal with our political differences?
2024-09-19 06:30 - 20:00
When was the last time you had a productive conversation with someone who doesn’t share your political views? With the election approaching, having a curious, honest and respectful conversation might seem even scarier. But don’t worry—Heathmere is here to help you connect!
Come hear a bi-partisan interview with Mindy D’Ippolito, Beverly Human Rights Committee Chair and Elliott Margolis, “Conservative Corner,” host. We will then break up into small, facilitated dialogue groups to practice strengthening our listening skills and conversation muscles!
Free and open to all! Thursday Sept 19, 6:30-8pm, at the Beverly Public Library. Questions? Email Lauren.

How do we deal with our political differences? Beverly Living Room Conversations
2024-09-19 18:30 - 20:00
This free, 3-part series will focus on how we can name and acknowledge our differences while at the same time work together to build a better community and a stronger democracy.
We will begin by hearing from local community leaders & residents who will share stories about how they came to hold the political views they do and their hopes for bridging political divides and differences. We will then gather in small, facilitated dialogue groups to share our own stories and experiences in order to deepen connections and collaborations in our own communities.
Come for one or come for all!
Sept 19: “Our Political Autobiographies”
Oct 17: “Our Core Political Values”
Nov 7: “Our Hopes and Dreams for the Future”
Thursdays 6:30-8pm, Beverly Public Library. Co-sponsored by Heathmere Center for Cultural Engagement and Beverly Public Library.

Disability and Accessibility Danvers Living Room Conversations
2024-09-25 18:30 - 20:00
Our Living Room Conversations use small, facilitated dialogues to invite diverse residents to learn about and discuss challenging topics. Our dialogues encourage participants to speak so that others can listen and listen in order to connect more deeply with others. These conversations help cultivate trust and build a dialogic culture, recognizing that mutual understanding, not agreement, is the foundation of any healthy community.
We will begin each session with a 10-15 minute presentation on a topic related to accessibility and disability. We will then gather in small, facilitated dialogue groups to explore how we are impacted by experiences of, and challenges around, disability in our own communities.
Come out for one or come for all! ASL interpretation provided.
Wednesday September 25: “How do we define disability?”
Wednesday October 23: “What is accessibility?”
Wednesday November 20 “Communication and Disability”
These free events are open to all and are held at the Peabody Institute of Danvers Public Library. Co-sponsored by the Town of Danvers, with funding provided my Mass Humanities.

Living Room Conversations: How do we deal with our political differences?
2024-10-17 18:30 - 20:00
Join us for the 2nd in our free series that is focusing on how we can name and acknowledge our differences while at the same time work together to build a better community and a stronger democracy.
We will begin with an interview of 2 Beverly residents, Thom Adorney (registered Independent, educator, community volunteer) and Michael Chiusano (a semi-retired advertising photographer who now shoots portraits and personal work), who hold different political views to help us understand how they came to hold the political views they do and their hopes for bridging political divides and differences. We will then gather in small, facilitated dialogue groups to share our own stories and experiences in order to deepen connections and collaborations in our own communities.
Our theme for this month is: “Our Core Political Values”
Thursday October 17, 6:30-8pm, Beverly Public Library. Co-sponsored by Heathmere Center for Cultural Engagement and Beverly Public Library.

Danvers Living Room Conversations: "Accessibility & Disability"
2024-10-23 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-11-20 18:30 - 20:00
Our Living Room Conversations use small, facilitated dialogues to invite diverse residents to learn about and discuss challenging topics. Our dialogues encourage participants to speak so that others can listen and listen in order to connect more deeply with others. These conversations help cultivate trust and build a dialogic culture, recognizing that mutual understanding, not agreement, is the foundation of any healthy community.
We will begin each session with a 10-15 minute presentation on a topic related to accessibility and disability. We will then gather in small, facilitated dialogue groups to explore how we are impacted by experiences of, and challenges around, disability in our own communities.
Come with your questions! Come with your experiences! Our theme for Wednesday October 23: “What is accessibility?”
ASL interpretation provided.
These free events are open to all and are held at the Peabody Institute of Danvers Public Library. Co-sponsored by the Town of Danvers, with funding provided my Mass Humanities.

Living Room Conversations
2024-11-07 18:30 - 20:00
Gather for a post-election dialogue that continues our theme, “How do we deal with our political differences?” Join us for the 3rd in our free series that is focusing on how we can name and acknowledge our differences while at the same time work together to build a better community and a stronger democracy.
Our theme for this month is: “Our Hopes and Dreams for the Future”
Thursday November 7, 6:30-8pm, Beverly Public Library. Co-sponsored by Heathmere Center for Cultural Engagement and Beverly Public Library.
Free and open to all!

Community Peace & Art Circle
2024-12-19 18:30 - 21:30 | Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States

Community Peace and Art Circle
2025-02-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Temple B’nai Abraham Beverly, MA, 200 East Lothrop Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
The Heathmere Center for Cultural Engagement and Temple B’nai Abraham invite you to an art and dialogue reflection circle with local artist and educator, Luba Shapiro Grenader. This free event will begin with a short meditation, followed by a time to create our own images of peace, and a discussion to share our hopes and ideas. You do not need to be an artist–just someone willing to enjoy putting color, shapes and lines on paper!! Come experience the healing power of art and connecting with others. Monday Feb 17th, 7-8:30pm, Temple B’nai Abraham, Beverly, MA. Open to all ages. Funding through Mass Humanities and Creative County Initiative (ECCF). Please register here Questions? Email: info@heathmere.org

Neighborhood Conversations: "Accessibility & Disability"
2025-03-31 08:00 - 17:00
We are very excited to be holding a 3 part “Neighborhood Conversations” series on “Accessibility and Disability.” The aim of this facilitated dialogue series is to reflect on what it means to be a city that fully embraces and recognizes the agency of differently-abled people.
At each event we will hear from speakers whose lived experiences will invite us to consider, on both a personal and city level, how we can create a more caring community for everyone. We will then gather in small, facilitated dialogue groups to explore questions that will help us connect more deeply with others in our community.
Wed April 2: Neighborhood Conversations: “Accessibility and Disability, pt 1.” What is the Children’s Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf? Come learn from Dr. Karen Hopkins, Executive Director/CEO, Children’s Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf about how we can celebrate and support their mission. ASL interpretation provided
Wed April 9: Neighborhood Conversations: “Accessibility and Disability, pt 2.” Dr. Jennifer Hall is an Artist Philosopher living and working with mobility differences and chronic pain. Jen will invite us to reflect on: “What does it mean for differently-abled persons to feel like they are cared for and fully belong to our community?” Please note: this event is offered via Zoom only.
Wed April 23: Neighborhood Conversations: “Accessibility and Disability, pt 3.” Areeba Khan, MS, ATP; Director of Assistive Technology, Northeast Arc. Come learn how we can better support individuals in our community to become more independent members of society.
Co-sponsored by the Beverly Public Library, Beverly Human Rights Committee, and the City of Beverly.
Funded in part by Mass Humanities.
Email Lauren@heathmere.org for more information

Neighborhood Conversations: "Accessibility & Disability," pt 1
2025-04-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Please join us in our newly re-branded “Neighborhood Conversations” series (formerly, Living Room Conversations) on “Accessibility & Disability,” at the Beverly Public Library.
The aim of this 3-part facilitated, dialogue series is to reflect on what it means to be a community that fully embraces and recognizes the agency of differently-abled people.
Come join us as we hear from speakers whose lived experiences will invite us to consider, on both a personal and city level, how we can create a more caring community for everyone. On Wednesday April 2, we will learn from Dr. Karen Hopkins, Executive Director/CEO, Children’s Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf about how we can celebrate and support their mission. Free & open to all!! Registration recommended
ASL interpretation provided
Co-sponsored by Heathmere, Beverly Public Library & Beverly Human Rights Committee
Funding provided by Mass Humanities

Neighborhood Conversations: "Accessibility & Disability," pt 2
2025-04-09 18:30 - 20:00
Join us via Zoom this Wednesday, April 9, for the second in our “Neighborhood Conversations” series on “Accessibility and Disability.” The aim of this facilitated dialogue series is to reflect on what it means to be a city that fully embraces and recognizes the agency of differently-abled people.
At each event we will hear from speakers whose lived experiences will invite us to consider, on both a personal and city level, how we can create a more caring community for everyone. We will then gather in small, facilitated dialogue groups to explore questions that will help us connect more deeply with others in our community
For this second dialogue, we will hear from J.D. Martz, Chair of Danvers’ Accessibility Commission, on his work advocating for accessibility.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO RECEIVE ZOOM LINK:
https://beverlypubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/hold-for-graham-59/
Co-sponsored by the Beverly Public Library, Beverly Human Rights Committee, and the City of Beverly.
Funded in part by Mass Humanities.
Email Lauren@heathmere.org for more information
