Still with Us in the Stars

Dear Beloved Blog Readers of Mark Utter,

It’s been a year since our dear friend Mark dispersed back into the universe.

This morning, when I went out to walk our dog, it was still dark. I looked up—and for the first time this season, I saw the constellation Orion beaming down at me. Orion was an important character during the chapter of our lives when we were working on Mark’s movie. It felt fitting that here he was, looking down on us from the sky. Still present. Still there in the cosmos.

At lunchtime, Thomas joined me at Hula, and we sat at the table with one of Mark’s drawings. Somehow, we started assigning the different figures in the picture to parts of Mark that are still out there helping with things. The red one is addressing issues in Washington, D.C. The green ones are assisting Thomas when he travels to places like Montreal. We decided the orange one supports parties.

We propped Mark’s picture up on a windy day by the lake he loved so much.

Yesterday, Champlain Voices put on a fantastic Halloween Party. It all happened—games, dancing, costumes, socializing, laughter. Yes, Mark’s orange character must have been there too.

There are still more characters to name. So, whatever you’re missing in your life right now—something you’d like a little Mark Utter wise energy for—go ahead and claim it for your support.

Sending lots of love out to you all as we move forward without hearing Mark’s laugh on earth, reading his wise words, or dancing with him at a party. But I know he’s still with us. Connect in and you’ll feel him.

Have fun!

Much love to all,

Emily and Champlain Voices

One Month Later: Remembering Mark

Dear Beloved Readers of Mark’s Blog,

It’s been a month since Mark’s Memorial, and though life has pulled me in many directions, I’ve been holding that day close. To all who came, tuned in, shared love from afar, or have since watched the video — thank you.

What a remarkable, well-rounded celebration it was — full of laughter, tenderness, and a deeper glimpse into the many sides of Mark. We’re sure he loved it.

Hosted by Champlain Voices, the event was opened by their president, Ocean Streeter, setting the tone with strength and heart.

It meant so much to have fellow typers like Larry, Tracy (through Mark’s thoughtful, fun words about him), and Kris there — reminding us of the strong community Mark was a part of. Younger voices like Thomas Caswell and Rowan Riggs brought the house down with brilliance and energy. Rowan called Mark “the sparkle on the Jester of Joy” — a line I won’t forget.

The doodle that came to life as I sat with Rowan’s brilliant title for Mark — “the sparkle on the jester of joy” — during this week’s Green Mountain Self Advocates Leadership Retreat in Killington.

Freddy, aka Jernigan Pontiac, brought Mark’s cosmic energy of love right into the room — beautifully echoing my first memory of him as “the love monkey” in my very first puppetry class. A full-circle moment.

Jim Heltz, co-director of I Am In Here, reminded us of the life-changing movie Mark created. And Angie? She made everyone cry in the best way during her big Zoom moment. Paul Schnabel emceed the whole thing with such grace. Somehow, all the videos, transitions, and slideshows on my little computer worked — with a few sweet stumbles that kept it real.

Oh, so many wonderful people shared so much greatness. You can watch the full event on Town Meeting TV and find additional clips and photos on Mark’s Memorial Page.

Mark, we still can’t believe you’re gone. But your spark lives on in each of us. We’ll carry you forward, with joy.

All the best,
Emily and Champlain Voices

Utterly Mark: A Celebration of Voice, Vision, and Heart – April 23, 1–4 PM (In Person & YouTube)

Dear Beloved Readers of Mark’s Blog Posts,

As we prepare for Mark’s memorial, it’s been a joy to revisit the behind-the-scenes video footage of I Am in Here and my wedding, where Mark officiated with his signature humor and charm. We can’t wait to share some of these never-before-seen moments with you.

It’s also been a pleasure reconnecting with the amazing people Mark met during the making of his “life-changing” movie, including Freddy Solomon—aka Jernigan Pontiac—who will be sharing a story at the celebration.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Mark Utter on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 1:00–4:00 PM at the Main Street Landing Film House in Burlington, VT.

A heartfelt thank you to Main Street Landing for generously hosting this event as our Host Sponsor!

This celebration will feature stories, video tributes, and, of course, Mark’s signature humor and artistic vision. Friends, collaborators, and self advocates who knew Mark in many ways will share memories.

Can’t join in person? We are very thankful the event will be livestreamed and recorded by Town Meeting TV so more people can take part. [Click HERE for the livestream link.]

Want to share a thought?
Our speaker program is full, but there will be open sharing time during the second half of the event. You’re also welcome to send us something for our MC, Paul Schnabel, to read aloud.

Memorial Details

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: Main Street Landing Film House, Burlington, VT

What to Expect

1:00 – 2:00 PM | Reception in the Lake Lobby

  • Desserts and non-alcoholic drinks, hosted by Mark’s sister, Sheryl

  • A relaxed time to reconnect and share memories

  • A slideshow of Mark’s life may play in the background

2:00 – 4:00 PM | Program in the Film House

  • Presenters and video clips celebrating Mark’s life

  • Open sharing time for additional reflections

  • The joyful dance scene from Mark’s movie to close, with everyone invited to join in and return to the lobby for more conversation

We hope you’ll join us in honoring Mark’s life, humor, and unique way of seeing the world.

If you’d like to share something or contribute to the memory book, please reach out.

Looking forward to celebrating Mark together,

All the best,

Emily and Champlain Voices