Healing Happenings Spring 2001

Feb. 22: “Global Warming, Jobs and the Politics of Kyoto”, a talk by Eban Goodstein, based on his book, The Trade-off Myth: Fact and Fiction about Jobs and the Environment, Island Press, 1999. 5PM, Emerson Hall, Skidmore College, Saratoga, NY.

Feb. 23: A Women’s Circle. Facilitated by Mary Kochenour, M.Ed. Welcoming women of all ages and backgrounds. Creating a safe environment to nurture, honor, educate, and empower our selves. 6-8pm at The Shiloh Center, Pownal, Vermont. $5 donation appreciated. Info. 802-823-7258.

Feb. 27 - April 3: Thresholds - Shamanic Perception and Technique. A six-class in-depth introduction to ancient healing methods through contemporary understanding. Expand your concepts of time & space, fear & compassion, spirit helpers and altered states of awareness. Reiki I & II are not required but are helpful. Consecutive Tuesdays 6:30 – 9:30pm $120 at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School, Shushan, NY 518-854-7764.

Mar. 2 – March 31: Invoking the Source: The Ancient Feminine – The Worcester Center for Crafts announces its premier exhibition of 2001, scheduled to coincide with Women’s History Month, featuring the work of professional women artists from throughout the U.S. Curator Donna Hamil Talman says of the Exhibition, “Symbols of the divine feminine from the prehistoric era have not only become familiar within the women’s community, but the larger world as well. They concern Life’s universal themes: birth, family, death. While many artists in the past decade have borrowed images from ancient female-affirming civilizations for their work, few have made that theme their major focus while producing accomplished art. These latter are the artists included in this exhibition.” Reception, lecture and gallery talk by Dr. Elinor Gadon, March 22nd, Krikorian Gallery of The Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Road, Worcester, MA. Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-8pm; Fri & Sat 10am-5pm. More info: Nancy Morton at (508) 753-8183 ext. 3023, or www.worcestercraftcenter.org.

Mar. 3: Sweat Lodge at Spirit Hollow. Come experience a powerful spiritual and physical purification as well as an opportunity to deepen your connection to the earth and create community. Free. Facilitated by Emery Vaillant. Info: 802-447-3895.

Mar. 6 & 20: Women’s Meditation Group - Ongoing every other Tuesday. Meditation is intended to nurture and nourish women and discover peace and openness in the space of stillness. No experience needed. Fee $7/evening. at Fern Hill Cottage, 101 Dorr Dr., Rutland, VT. Call to register, 773-0003.

Mar. 11: Seeds of Change – An educational workshop for women in their peri-menopausal/menopausal years. We will discuss the history and uses of herbs, flower essences, and homeopathic remedies. You will learn the energy anatomy of the human body, and be trained in simple hands-on healing techniques. We will explore what it means to become a “wise-woman”, including creating rituals to celebrate this important passage. $50, includes S. Weed’s book Menopausal Years and a personal journal. Facilitated by Mary Kochenour, M.Ed., from 1-4pm, at The Shiloh Center, Pownal, Vermont. Info./register 802-823-7258.

Mar. 10: A workshop uniting Feng Shui and the Labyrinth - 9AM - 4:00PM in Bennington, VT. Presented by Carol Wheelock, M.ED, a certified Feng Shui Consultant, and Judith Joyce, Vice President of the Labyrinth Society, Labyrinth Consultant, workshop & seminar leader, speaker, dowser & Reiki Practitioner. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of living harmoniously with our surroundings. It offers guidelines for understanding the relationship between people & the spaces they occupy. Labyrinths are ancient sacred patterns that allow us to find our center, reconnect with our selves, each other & Spirit through walking meditation. Join us to experience the powerful, clarifying and healing combination of Feng Shui and the Labyrinth. Fee: $100. Bring your lunch and a floor plan of your living space. For more information call or email: Carol Wheelock (802-496-2306), ccwheel@accessvt.com; or Judith Joyce (802-496-9237), jmjoyce@spirit-matters.com by Thursday, March 9.

Mar. 17 & 18: Reiki II with Bonnie Hoag at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School, Shushan, NY, 518-854-7764 10am – 4pm each day. $300

Mar. 22: “The Ancient Feminine: A Healing Force for the Planet” – Lecture by Elinor Gadon, author of The Once and Future Goddess: A Symbol of our Time. 3-5pm., Clark University, 950 Main St., Worcester, MA followed by gallery talk at Worcester Center for Crafts, 6-8pm (see March 2nd listing).

Mar. 23: A Women’s Circle. See Feb. 23 listing.

March and April: Relaxation Retreats - Escape day-to-day stress and recharge your batteries with a weekend program that includes a therapeutic massage; foot reflexology; Avatar workshop taught by Licensed Avatar Master Jane Smolnik of the Crystal Garden Healing Center, Springfield, VT. “Introduction to Massage” class and additional stress-relieving activities. Limited to 10 participants. All-inclusive prices begin at $249 and include workshops and massages, two nights stay and healthful breakfasts at the House on Main Street, Williamstown, MA 413-458-3031.

March 29: Sacred Sound Concert – conducted by Kevin Michael, a gifted guide on the road of spiritual awakening. His exquisite and multi-tonal voice transmits the deep impact of Sacred Sound. He brings fun, love, and joy to all of his work. At the Friends Meeting House 173 N. Prospect St. Burlington, VT, 7-9PM. Suggested donation $20. For information call Charlotte at 802-436-1202 or Gabriel at 802-951-5948.

Mar. 30: The Shaman’s Path: Ancient Healing Techniques in a Contemporary Setting. Free Open Lecture. Since Upper Paleolithic times, shamans have utilized a variety of techniques to “see” the spiritual side of physical illness and then to actively aid others in healing. These ancient methods are profoundly effective for healing in today’s world and in connecting us with the universe. An historical overview of shamanism for healing and empowerment will be given as well as a brief shamanic journey demonstration. Presenters: Tracey Besmark and Emery Vaillant of Spirit Hollow. 7:30 p.m. Everett Theater, Southern Vermont College campus. Info: 802-447-3895.

Apr. 1: Intuitive Healing: An Introduction: What is it and how does it work? Learn more about this gentle method which can help us take greater responsibility for our well-being. 1 – 4pm $25 at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School, Shushan, NY 518-854-7764

April 3: Sacred Sound Concert – conducted by Kevin Michael, a gifted guide on the road of spiritual awakening. His exquisite and multi-tonal voice transmits the deep impact of Sacred Sound. He brings fun, love, and joy to all of his work. 88 Washington Ave., Cambridge, MA, 7-9PM. Suggested donation $20. For information call Charlotte at 802-436-1202 or Andrea at 617-492-4872.

Apr. 6: Contra Dance with Wild Asparagus in Bennington, VT. Drawing upon music from New England, the British Isles, and Canada, as well as classical sources, Wild Asparagus takes an original approach to the traditional dance music of our folk heritage. Using their unique blend of instruments, creativity, and skills, they offer an exciting and fun evening of dancing for all. Beginners instruction at 8:00pm, dance at 8:30 – 11:00 (all dances called). $8 at the door. Mount Anthony Union Middle School cafeteria, 640 Main Street (Rt 9), Bennington. Info: 802-447-2173 or sbeal@planetvermont.com.

Apr. 6, 7 & 8: Clearing Your Path to Manifestation. Lightgate Center for Body, Mind, and Spirit in Thetford, VT. Friday evening 7 - 9 overview. Workshop Saturday 10- 4 and Sunday 10 -3. This weekend long program will integrate the ancient wisdom of feng shui, the labyrinth, and the chakra system. Bring a journal and a floor plan of your living space. Contact Certified Feng Shui Practitioner Carol C. Wheelock at 802-496-2306 or Labyrinth Consultant Judith Joyce at 802-496-9237 for information. Contact Lightgate at 802-785-4226 for registration. I am also doing a workshop in Rutland: March 31 - Feng Shui Workshop at Mountain Yoga Studio in Rutland, 10 - 3.Learn how to balance energy flow and apply the bagua to your own living space. Bring your floor plan and lunch. Contact Certified Feng Shui Practitioner Carol C. Wheelock at 802-496-2306 for information and registration.

Apr. 7: ROWANwalk with Mary Kochenour. Reconnect with the forest through the vehicles of walking, facilitated ritual, and silence. l-4pm $25 at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY. 518-854-7764.

Apr. 7: The Shaman’s Journey. In this day-long workshop, participants will be introduced to the shamanic journey—an ancient method used to penetrate the hidden realities of myth and dream aided by drumming—for personal growth, empowerment, healing and a greater connection to the natural and spiritual worlds. 9am-4pm. $50 includes a light, vegetarian lunch. Taught by Tracey Besmark and Emery Vaillant at beautiful Spirit Hollow in the forest of Shaftsbury. Info: 802-447-3895.

Apr. 8: ROWANwalk with Mary Kochenour, M.Ed. Reconnect with the forest through the vehicles of walking, facilitated ritual, and silence, 1-4pm. $25. Trails near Williamstown, MA, Info./register 802-823-7258.

Apr. 14: Beekeeping workshop with Charles Andros, former NH/VT Apiary Inspector, from 1-3 PM on Saturday, at the Paul Harlow Farm on Route 5 in North Westminster, VT, 1/2 mile north of the I-91 Exit 5 ramp. Look for the “BEE” sign on the west side. Topic of discussion will be early spring management: locating apiaries, equipment, handling bees, feeding syrup and pollen supplements, mite treatments, making nuclei, reversing, and requeening. Bring a veil, if you have one, as we shall be opening some colonies. Rain date: April 15. To register by email: indena@sover.net or call 603-756-9056.

Apr. 14: Sweat Lodge at Spirit Hollow. See March 3 listing.

Apr. 20 - 22: Ganesh: Remover of Obstacles Workshop at the Woodstock Inn. Third Annual workshop with Kevin Michael, a powerful instrument of sacred sound and light, a gifted guide on the road of spiritual awakening, and a talented teacher who can facilitate you on your path of healing and remembering YOU ARE ETERNAL BEING. The mystery of Ganesh introduces the energies of Divine Mother (Parvathi), Divine Father (Shiva), and Divine Child (Ganesh). All obstacles to spiritual growth or physical manifestation can be addressed through the blessed power of Ganesh. For the participants, the spiritual gifts of purification and sacred awakening will be manifested by the fundamental and inspiring element of Kevin’s remarkable work - Sacred Sound. Kevin Michael will guide you through direct, beautiful, and safe experiences as you get in touch with the Ganesh consciousness. Free introductory evening April 19th 7-9pm at the Inn. 3-day workshop $333. Contact Charlotte 802-436-1202 or e-mail pogocha@aol.com.

Apr. 20-22: Sacred Geobiology/Earth Healing workshop in Bennington, Vermont, with Jennifer Vyhnak and Rich Dube. Learn how to dowse and cleanse areas of negativity, geopathic stress and pollution by working with devic/angelic intelligence and sacred geometry tools. If Findhorn, Perelandra, and the work of Machaelle Small Wright, Drunvalo Melchizedek and Slim Spurling interest you, this workshop is a great opportunity. Preregistration necessary. 802-447-2173 or pvq@planetvermont.com for more info. For a 130-page packet of information on the pollution clearing efforts, geopathic clearing, and work with the devas, please send $7 (US funds) to: Earth Transitions, 1726 Lemon Heights, Oceanside, CA 92056.

Apr. 21 (start date): Herbal Apprenticeship and Natural Healing Program with Jane Smolnik, Iridologist, Intuitive Healer, Herbalist on her 70 acre farm in Springfield, Vermont. Learn identifying, preparing, and using herbals, nutrition, cleansing, flower essences, aromatherapy, body systems and natural therapies. Call 802-885-5500 for brochure or visit www.crystalgardenherbs.com

Apr. 21: The Council of All Beings. Celebrate Earth Day by connecting with living earth in a deep, experiential way. This workshop, created by deep ecologists John Seed and Joanna Macy, engenders new respect for the non-human ones and helps us feel less alienated from nature. Through a series of exercises, participants are guided through a process of mourning the Earth’s pain, remembering their own rootedness in nature, and connecting with an ally in the natural world through mask making and voicing. Southern Vermont College campus, 9am-5pm. $50, includes lunch. Student discounts available. Co-sponsored by Spirit Hollow and SVC’s Everybody’s Earth Club. At least 2/3 of proceeds to be donated to a local environmental group. Facilitators Tracey Besmark and Emery Vaillant. Call 802-447-3895 for information packet.

Apr. 21 & 22: Reiki I with Bonnie Hoag at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY 518-854-7764. 10am – 4pm each day $150.

Apr. 22: ROWANworks Earth Day Celebration. Facilitated by Mary Kochenour, M.Ed. Forest near Williamstown, MA. 1-4pm. $25. Half of proceeds donated to Hoosac River Watershed Association. Info./register 802-823-7258.

Apr. 27: A Women’s Circle. See Feb. 23 listing.

Apr. 28: Healing Qi Gong. With Charles Meyers from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Center of Well Being, Saxtons River, VT. Pre-registration is required. Please call Suzanne at 802-869-4000 to register. $40.00.

May 5: “Change How You See, Not How You Look” - Body Celebration Workshops for Women, Saturday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., The Center of Well Being, Saxtons River, Vermont. $40. For a brochure and/or to register, please call Alison Hilber at 802-658-5313 or Suzanne Ruse at 802-869-4000.

May 5: Human health & the Environment with Elizabeth Call at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY 518-854-7764. 1-4pm $25.

May 6: Seeds of Change. See March 11 listing.

May 12: Filling the Well: A healing retreat for weary teachers at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY 518-854-7764. 10am – 4pm $50; financial assistance available.

May 13: ROWANwalk. See April 8 listing.

May 16: Senior Health & Wellness Festival – Second Congregational Church, Hillside Street, Bennington, VT, 9-2. Health, astrology and tarot readings, Reiki, massage, manicures, reflexology, live lamas, workshops on nutrition, safety, natural health, herbology, bellydance, and much more! Free and open to the public. For more info call Sue Hoag or Arla Foster, 802-442-1052.

May 18 – 20: Flower of Life Workshop in West Pawlet, Vermont with certified Flower of Life facilitator Cal Garrison. The workshop teaches a breathing system that can produce very profound changes on every level of a person’s life. It will also explore the science of Sacred Geometry, rekindle the memory of what we came to Earth for, remind us that the Shift of the Ages is returning us to a state of Unity Consciousness, and teach the MerKaBa Meditation. You can find The Flower of Life on the Web at www.floweroflife.com. For more information email minerva@sover.net or telephone 802-645-0049. $222.

May 19: Right Livelihood and Community in A Capitalist Culture: a symposium providing opportunity to expand understanding and community through lively, inspired dialogue at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY 518-854-7764. 10am – 5pm $25 vegetarian potluck lunch.

May 19: Sweat Lodge at Spirit Hollow. See March 3 listing.

May 20: ROWANwalk. See April 8 listing.

May 25: A Women’s Circle. See Feb. 23 listing.

May 26 & 27 and June 23 & 24: Being Quiet On The Land – An Overnight Retreat at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY 518-854-7764. 3pm – 3pm Come seeking stillness, discovery, and recovery, $75.

May 27: ROWANwalk. See April 8 listing.

May 30: Intuitive Healing, see April 1 listing.

June 2: Guided Imagery & Intuitive Healing with Kate Dahlstedt and Bonnie Hoag at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY. 518-854-7764 10am – 4pm $50.

June 3: Birdwalk & Breakfast Benefit for Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY 9am - noon $30 with bird enthusiast Rob Taylor. 518-854-7764.

June 7: Alien Invasion: a Cornell Cooperative Extension program with Horticulture Program Educator Laura McDermott discussing non-indigenous invasive plant species; at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY. 518-854-7764.

June 17: Lilo Kantorwicz-Glick, violin, and James Go1dsworthy, piano, perform a benefit concert for Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY in the Muse Room at the Sanctuary, 2 pm. 518-854-7764.

June 26: Dream Circle with Sequana Skye in the Muse Room at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School Shushan, NY. 518-854-7764 6 – 8pm.

Sep. 14-16: GREEN NATIONS GATHERING - Catskill Mountains of New York. This long weekend includes an herbal emporium, sweat lodges and workshops by several leading herbalists including Ryan Drum, Susun Weed, David Winston, Christopher Hobbs, Anne McIntyre, Stephen Buhner, Greg Tilford and more. Special guest is curandera and registered nurse, Elena Avila, author of “Woman Who Glows in the Dark”. Considered by many to be their “favorite” herbal conference, join us for a fun weekend of learning , networking and honoring the earth. Contact: Pam Montgomery, 1525 Danby Mtn. Rd., Danby, Vt. 05739 802-293-5996 or www.partnereartheducationcenter.com.

Ongoing: Bellydance classes – First and third Saturdays from 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm with Joslyn Jordan, Sisters of the Shawl Bellydance, at Hubbard Hall, Cambridge, NY. $12 for one class and $20 for two. Call 802-442-8647 for more info.

Ongoing: Yoga, the Five Elements, and Plants - Monday nights, 6-7:30 pm, at The Center of Well Being, Saxtons River, Vermont. “Join me for a cup of herbal tea and a yoga class that will enliven your connection to the creation cycle in nature. Through the seasons we will explore the gifts each season has to offer and find in ourselves our strengths and challenges in each season . The plants gift us with the support and wisdom they offer. The yoga poses allows for the integration and the opportunity for a deeply personal process of awakening.” - Virginia Voronin, Herbalist and Iyengar influenced teacher.

Ongoing: Tantric Dance Classes source the sacred mysteries of the Tantric Yoginis. Tantric Movement Meditations, Mudras, Mantras, Kundalini Awakening and Rising. Nourishment Guided by Mary Singing Wolf Tantric Yogini Dancer. Mondays, 7:30 – 9:00 pm at the Breen Mountain Creative Dance Center, Brattleboro, VT. $11/class. 802-254-4388.

Ongoing: Dream Group Forming - Using a Jungian orientation, we will share and discuss our dreams in a safe and supportive setting. Led by Janet Langdon, M.Div., psychoanalytic psychotherapist, in Putney, VT. Call 802-387-5547 for info.

Ongoing: Yoga - Sunday afternoons from 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. at the Center of Well Being, Saxtons River, VT. Please call Nancy Pavao Cline at 802-463-4407 for more info.

Ongoing: Yoga, the Five Elements, and Plants. Monday nights during March, April, May and June from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Center of Well Being, Saxtons River, VT. Call Virginia Voronin for information. $30/month or $10 for drop-in.

Ongoing: Drum Circle and Drumming community forming in North Bennington and Bennington area. Call 802-447-0009 for more information.

Ongoing: Dream Group forming using a Jungian orientation, we will share and explore our dreams in a safe and supportive setting. Led by Janet Langdon, M. Div., psychotherapist; River Road, Putney, VT 802-387-5547.

Ongoing: Word Play - A monthly reading and open mic held the second Saturdays of each month. Poetry, stories, essays, plays, etc. 7:00 p.m. reception, 7:30 reading, by selected authors, followed by an open mic. Papyri Books, North Adams, MA. 413- 662-2099.

Ongoing: Acoustic Jam/Song Swap - come to play or listen. First and Third Fridays of every month. Papyri Books, 49 Main Street, North Adams, MA. 413-662-2099.