The Kearsarge Valley Transition Initiative invites area residents for an early-evening conversation over drinks and hors d’oeuvres on Tuesday, November 12, at Graze Sustainable Table, 207 Main Street, New London. Discussion of “Sustaining and Growing the Local Economy and Why it Matters” will be led by David Lantz, owner of MJ Harrington Jewelers in Newport, on the importance of buying locally, spending our money locally, keeping jobs in the community, etc.

This is the second in a series of monthly Tuesday-evening conversations planned by the Transition Initiative to encourage local residents to think about how their communities can be more sustainable and resilient and how residents can make a difference in keeping their community strong and healthy.

The event will start at 5 PM with informal conversation, a glass of wine or a cocktail, and specially-prepared Graze hors d’oeuvres. At 6 PM, Lantz will share his thoughts about the difference it has made to both his 65-year-old family-run company and to the community of Newport by staying local. There will be a short break at 6:30 PM for a return trip to the hors d’oeuvres table, and then an opportunity for follow-up discussion and continued conversation until 7:15 PM.

Since Graze is usually closed on Tuesdays, and in order to prepare sufficient food, it is suggested that those interested in attending call Graze at 526-2488 by end-of-day the preceding Friday to make a reservation; please ask for Jason or Jamie when RSVPing. The cost is $15 per person for food, with a cash bar.

The Kearsarge Area Transition Initiative encourages the nine towns in the Kearsarge Valley, including Andover, to develop a greater reliance on local resources – food, energy, and human resources in particular – to address the impacts of such global issues as economic insecurity, environmental instabilities, and dependence on non-renewable energy. For more information about the Transition Initiative, visit its Web site at KearsargeTransition.wordpress.com and check upcoming events at Meetup.com/Transition-Kearsarge.