Thank you for the opportunity to address some concerns regarding the upcoming move of Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community (BLMZC) to 76 Court Street (see Turning Point Nears Deal on New Home, October 4, 2024). A few letters to the Middlebury selectboard from concerned neighbors mentioned Gather, a program within BLMZC, and expressed concern that it is “more of a homeless hangout” and potentially harmful to the neighborhood and its children. I’d like to respectfully clarify what Gather, and BLMZC, are truly about.

Gather is not a “hangout” for any specific group of people — it’s a space where our entire community can come together and get to know each other, usually over a cup of coffee. It was created to address the growing public health crisis of loneliness and alienation. Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community offers a range of programs, including Gather, that focus on the well-being of all, fostering care, commitment, and connection among neighbors. Our goal is to create a space where people from all parts of the community — young or old, rich or poor, healthy or ill, regardless of beliefs, and whether facing housing instability or not — can grow in trust, respect, and mutual understanding. Gather is about bringing people together, not dividing us, and it operates on principles of hospitality, compassion and responsibility.

At BLMZC, we believe in the power of community life to heal, strengthen, and uplift everyone involved. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all, including children and families, while offering programs that promote mindfulness, well-being, and mutual care. Moving to 76 Court St. is part of our long-standing effort to support our community in tangible, meaningful ways.

I hope this clears up any misunderstandings. We look forward to continuing our work in Middlebury and welcome conversations with anyone who has concerns or questions. And of course, we invite everyone to visit BLMZC and Gather so we can get to know one another.

Joshin Byrnes

Founder and Guiding Teacher

Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community