Climate & Cuisine: A Panel Discussion Featuring Author & Climate Scientist Mark Easter
Arlington Reads Stirs It Up with Author Mark Easter
Be part of an inspiring evening as we officially introduce Arlington’s Climate Action Plan and explore how our everyday food choices shape a sustainable future. Enjoy a dynamic panel discussion featuring Mark Easter, author of "The Blue Plate: A Food Lover's Guide to Climate Chaos," along with local experts who will unpack the connection between climate, community, and the food system.
Before the panel begins, visit the Climate & Cuisine: Open House, to speak with local climate-focused organizations to learn about community programs, resources, and ways to get involved. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, engage, and help build a healthier, more resilient Arlington.
Event Schedule:
5:00 p.m.: Climate & Cuisine: Open House
6:00 p.m.: Welcome, Introductions & Presentation
6:15 p.m.: Presentation by Author and Climate Scientist Mark Easter
6:30 p.m.: Panel Discussion
- Mark Easter, Author and Climate Scientist
- Imani Black, Founder and CEO of Minorities in Aquaculture
- Samantha Kuhn, Executive Director of JK Community Farm
- Gina Chersevani, Chef and Owner of Buffalo & Bergen
7:15 p.m.: Audience Q&A and Author Signing with Mark Easter
Books will be available for purchase courtesy of One More Page Books.
REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED: First-come, first-served seating. By registering, you will receive event updates.
The event will also be livestreamed and available as a recording on Arlington County's Youtube channel; please register to receive the online link.
For questions, please contact LibraryPrograms@arlingtonva.us
- Date:
- Wednesday, February 25, 2026
- Time:
- 6:00pm - 7:45pm
- Location:
- Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium
- Library:
- Central Library
- Audience:
- Events for Adults Good for Adults Age 55+
- Categories:
- Author Talk Community Resources Health, Wellness & Food Sustainability & Environment
- Calendar:
- Arlington Public Library
About the Author:
Mark Easter is a Colorado-based ecologist and author. His book, "The Blue Plate: A Food Lover's Guide to Climate Change," explores the production, consumption, and disposal of many of our favorite foods and offers a thoughtful and nuanced analysis of these foods’ impacts on the environment. "The Blue Plate" won a gold medal from the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and was a finalist for a 2025 James Beard Media Award and The Colorado Book Award.
Imani Black is an African American oyster farmer building a career in the rapidly growing aquaculture industry. She was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and her love for conservation and restoration on the Chesapeake Bay started at a young age. Imani comes from a long family history of watermen from Rock Hall, Crisfield and Cambridge, MD that dates back over 200 years. Through her love for her career, Imani founded Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA), a nonprofit organization that strives to empower and support the underrepresented demographics in the aquaculture industry. Over the past 5 years, MIA has focused its efforts and resources toward supporting women of color in their aquaculture careers, starting with Imani’s demographic which is also least engaged in this space. Overall, Minorities in Aquaculture is recognized as an impactful network focused on sustainable seafood education, aquaculture workforce development.
Samantha Kuhn is the Executive Director of the JK Community Farm. While in college at the University of Tennessee, Samantha worked with a local community garden and fell in love with their mission. After graduation, she returned to Virginia, and presented the idea of a local community farm to her dad, Chuck Kuhn with JK Moving. JK Moving was excited to expand their corporate giving and make a sustainable, charitable impact on their community. Samantha is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and is passionate about fresh, local food.
Gina Chersevani is an expert voice in the spirits industry - she has earned numerous accolades, including a Rising Star Award from the acclaimed StarChefs. She created her own version of an authentic soda shop, Buffalo & Bergen — which opened in 2012 within Union Market — and has grown to include locations in Capitol Hill, Cleveland Park, and (coming soon) in Arlington, Virginia.
This year's Arlington Reads series is held in partnership with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). Should you wish to donate food items to AFAC, we will have donation boxes available on-site. See AFAC's most needed food items.