Our 30th Anniversary Year: Celebrating the Goodness that is Wellspring!
As 2009 draws to a close and we begin preparing for the guests and events for the coming year, we look forward to celebrating 30 years of connections and community in this special place called Wellspring. The bounty of the summer garden is harvested, the beds have been put to rest for the winter, and already new seeds are beginning to sprout in tiny planters in the greenhouse to help nourish us come spring. In this winter time of cool mornings and warm fires we reflect on the goodness of life that happens here and all of the people who participate in the on-going cycles of creation on land nestled against the Navarro River, redwoods and vineyards.
We invite you to join this 30th Anniversary year in a variety of ways over the coming year, including our Anniversary Celebration Weekend, June 11-13 - a weekend of community fun as old friends and new gather to share and create memories as Wellspring begins its fourth decade. Make sure to visit our website and the programs page of this newsletter to note updates, special programs and rates to help you and your extended communities enjoy and share Wellspring this year.
Come for a quiet winter retreat; join us again in the summer fun at the swimming hole; return to share apple pressing and harvest rituals in Autumn, and re-discover your connections to the people and the place that so many of us are grateful to call home.
RETURN Standing in the clear Navarro, tiny fish surround my feet, curiously nipping at them. The rocks are smooth from years of rushing winter storms. I’ve arrived again where I’ve begun; this place I call home, where inspiration is born and healing is nurtured among the trees. We as family belong to this land- resilient land which will last far beyond reprieves… Land preserved for us to love, to enjoy; open land, freely waiting for our return. By Roslyn Ball, a longtime guest & former Wellspring Board member |
 Jenny& John Long with cousin Meilani, pictured in the Wellspring garden with our Elvis Scarecrow. Created by Terry and Ismael for the Mendocino County Fair, Elvis won not only 1st Place, but “Best of Show”. Wellspring vegetables & flowers won 20 ribbons as well! ROCK ON WELLSPRING!!! |
New Board President, Jenny Long – An Introduction
by Daphne Macneil, Board Member
A BIG THANK YOU for
the on-going work of our
terrific Board of Directors
and a special thanks to
our
Interim Treasurer,
John Long who continues
to offer his time and
expertise to support
Wellspring's financial
sustainability.
• • • • • • • •
THANKSGIVING
We are grateful for all our
guests – those who
enthusiastically return each
year and those who come
to
discover Wellspring for the
first time!
I first met new Wellspring Board member, Jenny Long in 1985. Jenny, her sister Elisabeth and parents John and Karla Long, were participants in a Family Camp at Wellspring, with Nancy Poer from the Rudolf Steiner College leading the morning parent groups. My two daughters quickly latched on to Jenny and Elisabeth. Picture it: 4 little blondes bobbing in the swimming hole, climbing the tree stumps, visiting on each others cabin porches. Inseparable. Jenny had already been coming to Wellspring for several years, beginning at age 2; she learned to swim in the swimming hole and even found her passion for gardening in Wellspring’s garden.
Over the years, Wellspring has been a “touchstone for me and my family. I’m delighted to reconnect with Wellspring now,” says Jenny, having joined the Board in July of this year.
Jenny started attending Wellspring Board meetings in the spring, contributed thoughtful comments and astute questions. She served on the Planning Committee for the Harvest Weekend this fall, guiding the enthusiastic harvesters in apple-picking and cider pressing as well as planting garlic. Jenny is looking forward to growing and promoting Wellspring’s sustainability initiatives, strengthening connections with our stakeholders and community. Jenny lives in San Francisco, working as project manager for a small green real estate company.
Wellspring Mission
TO PROVIDE A SACRED SPACE IN A UNIQUE SETTING FOR
RENEWAL OF THE SPIRIT AND
FOSTERING SUSTAINABILITY OF THE EARTH
Volunteers Needed!
Want an inexpensive getaway?
Need work-study or community service credit for school? Want to help Wellspring?
Come volunteer on your own or with a small group and stay for free!
New and Continuing Staff
by Tim Boeve, Board Member
The Wellspring Board of Directors, in consultation with Managing Director Terry McMillan took the very satisfying action of hiring a new staff member, Laurie Adams, who will help with Wellspring programming and outreach. She will also serve as the host of the Iona Earth House. She began her part-time role in the middle of October and has already made her presence felt at Wellspring. Before taking on the position, Laurie worked in a volunteer capacity this summer with staff and board members, leading the Planning Committee for the successful Harvest Weekend held at in early October.
Laurie comes to Wellspring with both practical and professional experience as a group facilitator and a licensed, ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Her vision of her ministry is very much in line with the mission of Wellspring as it seeks to provide a sacred space for renewal of the spirit and fostering sustainability of the earth. Laurie has been involved in a wide variety of collaborations including leading religious services, retreats for women’s cancer support groups, strategic planning events, permaculture design work, deep ecology, InterPlay, and other group experiences both in the US and Argentina. She previously served as Lead Spiritual Care Coordinator for Hospice of the East Bay.
Continuing on at Wellspring is office assistant and Yoga instructor, Kristen Walker, who has been an invaluable member of the staff for several years. Scott Rosko remains a vital part of the staff as our gardener, part-time cook, as well as assisting in overall care-taking with Ismael Sanchez, who serves as the all-around handy man and fixer of every conceivable maintenance problem at Wellspring. Alongside these staff members, Terry McMillan, continues in her overall leadership capacity doing a lot of just about everything to keep Wellspring a welcoming, active retreat and event center. Under Terry’s guidance, our kitchen crew churns along, turning out delicious and healthy fare provided by our very capable cooks, Pilar Duran and Lilia Jimenez, who also serves as Wellspring's primary house keeper. We are happy to note that Lilia’s daughter, Beatriz, along with our 2009 interns and other seasonal staff members, have all signed on for “another tour” in 2010… so we will have well-trained, familiar faces to welcome our guests!
The Wellspring Board is very pleased with the addition of Laurie to our staff and looks forward to a bright future for our organization under the care and oversight of all our very gifted and dedicated staff…new and continuing!
2010 Wellspring Sponsored Programs....
& Partnership Retreats open to the public
-Visit the Events page for program registration, more information, additional offerings and programming updates-
Feb 12-15 Wellspring Winter Art and Movement Weekend
Register at: wellsprg@pacific.net Program information: kathleenthompson482@comcast.net
Mar 5-8 Yoga in Balance, Spring Retreat with Kristen Walker
Program information: kwyogabalance@yahoo.com
Mar 12-14 "Anahata" -a model of guided movement integrating body, mind, heart and spirit for deep
emotional un-blocking. A silent retreat lead by Noris Binet
Program information: nbinet@aol.com
Apr 9-11 Standing on Holy Ground -Empowering faith communities in their work for a sustainable
world. A Wellspring retreat facilitated by our founder Rev. Todd Evans and Rev. Laurie Adams
May 21-23 Hum Drum: A Singing and Drumming workshop -renewing the spirit, regenerating
community, relinquishing fear and shouting out with drumming and singing.
Lead by Terry Garthwaite and Barbara Borden.
Program information: terrygarthwaite@sbcglobal.net
Jun 11-13 Wellspring's 30th Anniversary Celebrations! Come help us celebrate Wellspring
past, present, and future... with workshops, music, great food, and hoopla!
See information below.
Jul 5-11 Returning to Our Roots -A camp for all ages to reconnect to the natural world through
NEW!! art, crafts, permaculture projects, out-door cooking and stargazing fun! Stay tuned...
Aug 1-7 23rd Annual Art and Music Camp -a cherished retreat for participants of all ages
to explore painting, mixed media, self-discovery through art, pottery, singing,
drumming and more!
Sep 16-19 Wellspring Annual Harvest Weekend! Enjoy the Mendocino County Fair and get your
hands in the good Wellspring dirt as we harvest the Summer's bounty, make home-made
crafts, and celebrate the season with music and community.
Call our office at 707-895-3893 or email wellsprg@pacific.net for more information,
or visit the Events page for details as they become available.
| 30th Anniversary Specials . . . Share the Goodness of Wellspring and Enjoy!
Bring a Friend/Send a Friend: $30 off a two night stay (per party) if you are on our email mailing list and bring or send a new Wellspring guest. Come Early/Stay Longer: For any weekend group or personal retreat, stay Thursday or Sunday night for $30 off same lodging(January-May 1)! Also valid midweek for a third night. Early Bird Discounts: $30 off program cost for early registration (see website for specific early bird dates)! |
Registration Form and/or Sign up for mailing list or more information Name(s) _________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________ City: _________________ State: ____ Zip: _________ Phone: __________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________ ____ Winter Art Retreat Registration Lodging: ___
Improved: ___ Rustic: ___ Commuter: ___ |
Winter Art and Movement Weekend -
Friday Feb. 12 to Monday Feb. 15, 2010
Price includes: 3 nights accomodations, all meals, instructions and art materials - with morning movement classes and afternoon painting classes. Take time-out for yourself, to deepen your art practice with uninterrupted time in an idyllic peaceful setting.
*** 30th Anniversary Early Registration Discount for adults - booking by January 15, 2020!
To register: wellsprng@pacific.net
IMPROVED LODGING RUSTIC LODGING COMMUTER |
Skill Level: All skill levels are welcome.
Classes are individually geared to each student’s interests and abilities. We will be exploring a variety ways to approach painting and will be working with mixed media including acrylic, encaustic and collage.
Art program information: kathleenthompson482@comcast.net
A parallel youth art and drama workshop will be offered to allow adults and kids separate class time to focus on art.
Kathleen Thompson, M.F.A. (San Francisco Art Institute) is the recipient of the Richard Diebenkorn Painting award, Gamblin Fellowship, John and Ann Marion painting award, & fellowship to the Vermont Studio Center.
Noris Binet (Sonoma County Artist & Anahata Instructor) will offer guided movement classes integrating body, mind, heart and spirit geared specifically for artists to delve deeper into the artistic process.
Wellspring 30th Anniversary Celebration Weekend -
Friday June 11 - Sunday June 13, 2010
Mark your Calendars & Reserve your Favorite Cabin Now!
All the Best of Wellspring…Hiking, gardening, swimming...from poetry and face-painting to beach art-Take time to find a quiet place to nourish your soul!
Festivities will commence Friday evening and will include a Saturday evening celebration with slideshow, Campfire and music with past and present performers. A Special Free Sunday Brunch for those staying for the weekend and for those who can only come for the day. Come help us formally usher Wellspring into its fourth decade!
2010 Fundraising Goals:
Wellspring 30th Anniversary
General Fund
We have raised 20% of the funds needed for our Basketball
Court resurfacing & outdoor lighing project....
let's keep bounding along!
Wellspring is a 501c3 charitable non-profit
• • • • • • • •
Winter at Wellspring....
a chance to slow down, listen to the inner life,
take a break for a private retreat in the redwoods,
and enjoy a yoga class or silent meditation.
2010 Wish List items:
Chairs, straight back or cozy (no rips or stains)
3 Sofas (no rips or stains)
Lamps (safety important)
Hanging Light Fixtures
Dressers, night stands, side tables
Folding chairs, picnic tables and benches
Dining Room table & chairs--“rustic” or “country”
Comforters, duvets, pillow shams and dust ruffles
Bath Mats
Dish Towels, Dish Towels, Dish Towels!
Aprons
Large stainless, heavy bottom stock pot with lid
Canning racks for glass jar canning
Canning jars, bands and new lids
Wine, champagne and beer glasses
Sustainability at Wellspring
by Linda Mollenbauer-Meyskens, Board Member
THANKS TO ALL OUR GENEROUS DONORS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE “ADOPT A TOILET” PROGRAM,
WE NOW HAVE ALL LOW FLOW TOILETS AS WELL AS LOW FLOW SHOWERHEADS!
HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS WE ARE WORKING ON SUSTAINABILITY AT WELLSPRING:
******************
WATER CONSERVATION
Besides the low flow toilets and showerheads, we have recently put up water saving tips by all our faucets. We regularly monitor for leaks and maintain a rainwater catchment pond for watering the garden. We mulch the garden in order to preserve water and slow evaporation.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
We buy paper products made from recycled materials and use rags rather than paper towels for cleaning. Our wastebaskets are lined with reused plastic grocery bags. We use plastic and glass products that we can recycle. We buy in bulk and reuse packaging. Our recycle program includes recycling glass, metal, plastic and paper and composting our produce and garden waste.
POLLUTION CONTROL
Our organic garden is a source for fruits, vegetables, and flowers. We use hormone free food and try to purchase pesticide-free, local products whenever we can. Our movable chicken coops help our chickens fertilize the garden while they produce eggs. We use as many environmentally friendly products as possible.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
At Wellspring, carpooling is encouraged. We have solar outdoor lighting and our wood lot is managed sustainably. We unplug major appliances throughout the cabins when not in use.
ECOSYSTEM STEWARDSHIP
Wellspring is part of the Anderson Valley Land Trust, which protects the natural beauty of this property from development permanently. It provides Hendy Woods with a conservation buffer zone and creates more wildlife habitat. Watershed stewardship includes protecting the steelhead spawning area, maintaining our trails and encouraging their use to minimize erosion, and keeping the river clean.
We keep outside lighting to a minimum for night sky conservation. We keep costs low to maintain accessibility for all income levels and have educational activities that promote conservation.
We are dedicated to improving our eco-friendly facility and sustainability projects as on-going priority at Wellspring!
UPDATES: The Spiritual Dimenson
by Todd Evans, Founder
THIS PAST SUMMER Wellspring experimented with having short term “spiritual hosts” available to groups throughout the summer. These volunteers engaged with guests, introducing them to the resources of the Iona Earth House which included a meditation room, library, and prompts to encourage inner reflection. In some cases groups requested the spiritual host lead thanksgiving circles before meals or be a guide at the labyrinth down by the swimming hole.
Wellspring is a beautiful venue for
weddings & other special events…
….the grounds, the facility, the
guest cabins…the catering!
Call us! 707-895-3893
We are very grateful to Marjorie Smith, Lizann Bassham, Shoshona Devoraha, Tim Boeve, Laurie Adams and Mary Jane Mahoney for volunteering their time as hosts this past summer. We also want to thank Terry Ehret for her help building the labyrinth.
The Iona Earth House will have a conversion this winter in time for the New Year. The Board has approved converting the back room into a permanent meditation room with its own entrance. This beautiful room which is light and airy with a skylight, will be available to all guests as well as to small groups wanting a sacred space in which to gather. The small library of earth-based books on spirituality will also be moved to this space.
New staff member Reverend Laurie Adams will serve as on-going spiritual host and live in the front of the Earth House (see above article on Laurie and new staffing). The envisioned changes are part of an overall effort to recognize the interrelated web of life
and spiritual dimension, which so many retreat guests
experience at Wellspring. Come visit !
WELLSPRING FOUNDERS
Todd & Marge Evans
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jenny Long, Tim Boeve, Daphne Macneil, Benna Kolinsky,
Linda Mollenhauer-Meyskens, Mike Turgeon, Tom Meyskens
STAFF
Terry McMillan, Managing Director
Ismael Sanchez, Facilities Manager
Laurie Adams, Programming, Outreach
Lilia Jimenez, Housekeeper/Cook
Kristen Walker, Office Assistant
Scott Rosko, Gardener
Pilar Duran, Cook