Mountain Matters A Moment on The Mountain |
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Thank you for being a part of The Mountain |
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In order to ensure you are staying up to date, follow the steps below. . Find our most recent Mountain Matters in your email and right click it . Select "label as" . Make sure that the boxes Update, Social, and Forum are not selected That's it! Enjoy your Mountain update!!!! |
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Greetings, Mountain Family, Matthew DeMond here from the Development Team, trying to find the words to convey my deepest thanks and congratulations. When I began this job, I was very excited to meet and speak with all the wonderful folks who help make this retreat the incredible sanctuary it truly is. However, not even a week after I began, the Covid quarantine took over all of our lives, causing a mad scramble for a new routine and a new way of reaching out to those willing to support The Mountain and its mission. The incredible outpouring of love I received has left me slightly short of speechless. We were able to raise close to 35,000 in just 20 days during our May Matching Campaign, which was enough to cover operating costs, as well as several new purchases for increased health and safety measures such as PPE, thermometers, hand washing stations, and disinfectants. This wouldn’t have been possible without the countless contributions our beloved family was able to provide, and it's because of your care that The Mountain stays strong and continues to thrive. To me The Mountain is more than just a job; it is a way of life that has embraced me. The Mountain’s mission to enrich lives inspires me every day to be the best partner, father and leader I know how to be, and when I feel like I have reached my limits, The Mountain provides. With its beautiful bounty of friendly faces and fantastic views, I am left feeling fulfilled and uplifted. Thank you so much to everyone who has made The Mountain the exemplary retreat it continues to be because of your generous spirit of giving, we get to keep sharing this sanctuary with the world. Many on staff have spent this time in isolation trying to make The Mountain experience as unique and enjoyable as possible. The many enhancements that have been made over this time inspired us to wonder what our capacity for personal and facility enrichment could look like with your continued support? We have asked staff what their wildest dreams are to add to our Mountain Wishlist. In hopes that this momentum of self and campus care can continue to take the guest experience to new heights, this wishlist ranges from everyday needs all the way to exceptional extravagance in the hopes that you, our believers, can help us continue to grow into the 21st century. With inspiration from Charles Sterner and the rest of the Development team we have created a new Monthly Mountain Manifester program that allows us to slowly chip away at our greatest needs. If only half of our donor base contributed $5 a month, we would reach our total yearly goals before July! With the extra contributions through the year, we would be able to grow into a truly exceptional establishment. While we all are taking this time to make sure The Mountain remains an exemplary retreat, we must recognize there is always room for improvement. Once again, thank you to everyone who has welcomed me into this wonderful family and shown me the true meaning of selfless giving. I look forward to growing together! |
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The Mountain's 2020 Annual Meeting |
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The Mountain Hosted an online annual meeting through Zoom this year with pre-recorded segments from staff of The Mountain addressing their various department's 2019 reports. The meeting was well attended and widely viewed on Facebook live. For those who missed this event, a video recording is avaliable for those interested. |
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We appreciated the feedback and we believe it went well overall. Creating recorded broadcast for those who can not attend future in-person meetings is something we would like to pursue further for next year as well. |
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MountainCamp 2020 AnnouncementDear Campers and Camper Families, I hope you remain in good health and I thank you so much for your patience as we navigate what a pandemic means for The Mountain and MountainCamp. While information regarding community health restrictions for our summer will continue to take shape and change throughout the coming months, one thing has become clear. Any MountainCamp program we are able to offer would not resemble the program you registered for. As a result, we are taking the following steps: MountainCamp youth programs at The Mountain are suspended in 2020: This includes the camp that your camper is registered for and any other of our previously advertised youth programs in June and July. Possible new programs for Mountain campers in 2020: It is possible that we will be able to offer new programs this summer that may include family camp for MountainCamp families and some youth programs toward the end of the summer. When we are clearer on what any experience at camp can be like this summer, we will announce any programs that we are able to offer via email, on our website and on Facebook. Summer 2021: We are planning on operating our summer 2021 programming. Please visit our website for continued updates on all programs. We are confident that together we will work through this, and MountainCamp will be back to provide the lifelong memories, friendships, and confidence boosts our kids so desperately need, now more than ever. Thank you for your patience and support. See you at The Mountain soon, Megan Quattlebaum Van Der Linde Programs Director If you are a family registered for Summer 2020, complete this form Here For Refund |
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For this 41st year of camp, when we can not physically be together, we are launching a new adventure for us with Celebrate MountainCamp online. Be ready to celebrate the camp we all love and hold dear with challenges for our campers, intergenerational interactions, live broadcasting and much more! Celebrate MountainCamp will be primarily broadcasted on the MountainCamp Facebook and Instagram pages. Stay tuned as we announce more in the next week and kick off Celebrate MountainCamp on June 14th, 2020! Find MountainCamp on: Facebook and Instagram Announcement-"Special Rate Package for MountainCamp Families! June 1 - July 25, 2020 We know it was hard to hear and has been wearing on all of our hearts that we could not be together at MountainCamp this summer. But we don't want you to miss the opportunity to still enjoy our beautiful mountain this summer. We built a simple, affordable package for our MountainCamp camper families to be able to enjoy our property and the beautiful town that we call home. These rates apply only to household families of campers who were registered for 2020 or attended 2019 camp but had not yet registered for 2020. We are offering your household family a stay in our camp bunkhouses for $100 per night (upto 5 people). To keep it simple and affordable, we will not be offering programming, meals or linens as a part of this package. At this time, our kitchen is currently closed. You can request sheet and towel sets at an additional $5 per person. Call Guest Services to book at 828-526-5838." Attention Intergenerational Camp Registrants! We are hopeful and planning for your arrival at the end of July! As we want to be able to make this program work for as many people as we can in our safety and comfort levels, we continue to keep ourselves up to date on local and state guidance. We realize that the ability to be open does not translate into comfort for all to be together, so I will be sending out an email to the people enrolled/ registered at the beginning of July to talk as a community on how we can do Intergenerational Camp this summer in a way that serves each of us well. Be on the lookout for that. If you are still on the fence about attending this program, go ahead and enroll yourself on our registration system so that you can be a part of the email and conversation. I look forward to what we come up with for our time together! Megan Quattlebaum Van Der Linde, Mountain Programs Director" |
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Join the Adaptive Living series, a virtual program sponsored by The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center What is this program all about and why are we doing it? “Adaptive Living: From Fear to Love - Pathways to Progress”. It Is Free - - with donations to The Mountain welcomed “Adaptive Living: From Fear to Love - Pathways to Progress." Is offered to help The Mountain recover from its $500,000 loss in Covid-19 program cancellations. The coordinator and presenters are doing this pro bono. Every dollar goes to The Mountain.Beginning at noon on July 1st and for eight Wednesdays thereafter, our OLLI-recognized keynote speakers (Drs. Rita Brodnax and Dudley Tower) from our sell-out Fall Institute will introduce content, facilitate discussion, and encourage new practices during the nine sessions. Why attend…? To elevate our minds and hearts so we are more adaptable, productive, and committed to a higher level of personal development in this rapidly changing world. Enroll Now Here Donate Here Thank you! |
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Adaptive Living: From Fear to Love - Pathways to Progress The Mountain is offering a nine-week Virtual Learning Series. This program seeks to to elevate our collective hearts and minds so we are more adaptable, productive, and committed to a high level of personal development in this rapidly changing world. | | |
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Intergenerational Camp! July 26 - 31 A Summer Camp experience for all ages! In this program The Mountain welcomes everyone to join in the fun of a MountainCamp experience. Adults and families come together for workshops, crafts, hiking, campfires, music and singing, storytelling, time for relaxation and reflection. Individual adults, parents, children, grandparents… all are welcome! | | |
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A More Beautiful World Week, Formerly the Sustainability & Climate Justice Conference A deep part of us knows that the Earth's climate is intricately connected to the political, social, and spiritual climate. This week offers a radical take on earth healing that rewrites the climate narrative. This is not just an ideas workshop. Be prepared to do inner work, to release the despair narrative, and to activate an empowered hope for planetary healing. | | |
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Visual Arts Week August 20 - 26 Join fellow visual artists for our first annual gathering to retreat and explore together. Enjoy workshops and time on your own to create in the splendor of waterfalls, grand vistas and deep woods. | | |
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Road Scholar - From Farm & Forest to Fork September 27 - October 2 Join local experts in experiencing all things native: you’ll learn plant identification, engage in hands-on application of natural gardening practices, help remove invasive plant species and even harvest some of the foods that you will eat during the program. | | |
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UU Fellowship of Athens Biennial Retreat October 2 - 4 Gather with us at The Mountain for fun, fellowship, and connecting opportunities. Enjoy a variety of workshops, hikes for all ages, worship and sharing food together while relaxing in the beauty and serenity of Little Scaly Mountain. Come share a memorable weekend with your UUFA family. | | |
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SUUFI October 4 - 9 Why Attend SUUFI 2020…? Personal growth from compelling program elements. Dr. Dudley Tower, founder of Dynamic Aging Institute and central figure in Furman University's OLLI programs is set to join Dr. Rita Brodnax as co-presenters for 2020 SUUFI. | | |
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From Our Friend Lee Knight |
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For anyone who missed Lee Knight's Zoom Concert in May, there is now an audio link to this performance on our media resource page. https://www.themountainrlc.org/media-resources While we're very saddened about the suspension of MountainCamp this is a way for folks to get a dose of MountainCamp nostalgia! Lee was so moved by the overwhelmingly positive response to this concert that he wanted to make the songs performed available in a high quality recording for friends of The Mountain. Lee was gracious enough to enable us to digitize his 1985 recording of his first album "Let it Shine," featuring many notable Appalachian inspired camp songs that will be familiar to many who attended MountainCamp. We thank Lee for the many years of joy and entertainment he has brought to The Mountain, along with this opportunity to deliver this album to you. Sales from this album will benefit The Mountain at this time . https://www.themountainrlc.org/product-page/let-it-shine-an-album-by-lee-knight For high school and college graduates Lee wanted his album to be free; therefore, we created a coupon code, use code: "Lee's Love" to get this digital album free if you are in high school or college. Below is a recent performance that Lee did with Wu man! Over the years they have played together as part of Wu Man and Friends, performing at Carnegie Hall and even did a two-week tour of China. Get a taste of Lee's music and history! |
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Offerings from friends of The Mountain - Spiritual Companionship |
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In these challenging and changing times with many distractions, we can easily miss the invitations of Spirit//the universe//the still small voice within, guiding us towards meaning and purpose. Consider making time to intentionally pull attention inward, and explore with a spiritual companion. Nancy Bragg and Berry Shepherd are spiritual companions, who completed the interfaith Spiritual Guidance program at the UU Retreat Center in Rowe, MA. They are graciously offering monthly one-hour, one-on-one spiritual companionship sessions through July to those who donate to The Mountain. Sessions are available for a sliding scale donation to The Mountain of $25+/session (going WNC rate is $50-$60 per session). |
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Mountain Musings Community Address |
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In Remembrance of Tom Warth |
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Tom Warth, who was Director/CEO of The Mountain for 20 years, died on May 20, 2020. He had been in failing health over the past year and is survived by his wife Jane, also a long-time Mountain staff member, his son Todd, and his grandson Hayden. The Warth’s other son, David, died earlier this year from cancer. Plans for a memorial service for Tom are on hold due to the pandemic. |
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In Remembrance of Russell Hunnewell |
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It is always hard to find the words and say goodbye to someone that gave so much of themselves to a place you love. Our friend and former Facilities Director Russell Hunnewell passed away on June 3, 2020. The unexpected and suddenness of his passing hits home and hits hard. Russell was a huge part of The Mountain for many years. Before he was an employee Russell was a guest, a volunteer and a donor. He and his friend Jim spent many years visiting the Mountain and making a difference by donating their time, treasure and talents. Russell always believed that a place like this is rare and much needed in our society. Although, he secretly loved to see his name on the board in the dining hall, he let his actions speak louder than his words. When Russell started work at The Mountain in 2016 as the Facilities Director he immediately brought his energy, generosity and love to everything he did. He worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Mountain, taking the lead on replacing the Great Room and Dining Hall windows, resurfacing the lodge deck and countless other projects. Russell also loved adopting volunteers and spending the summer working with the ASCENDERS. He believed “The Ascender program is something every young man and woman should have available” and that “Our summer camp teaches the values of life. All stuff my parents did not teach.” He often worked day and night to give special attention to guests, he was never too busy to help, and cherished the opportunity to lead a fire-lit labyrinth walk. Although our friend will be missed, he will always be part of our community, our hearts and our Mountain. -Ted Wisniewski |
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Call to Faith in Turbulent Times - A Call to Love & Right Action |
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Some Mountain staff recently participated in a local protest demonstration to stand in solidarity with those affected by systemic oppression. Protestors stood to oppose a system that emphasizes oppression, policing, and imprisonment at the cost of health care, education, and restorative justice. The day was well attended, and the feeling of local community banning together in solidarity was expressed by many. Started by a concerned citizen, Leah Grace Craig organized this protest the night before via social media. With little prep beforehand, low expectation with a short notice for turn out, and rumors of unrest, it was a successful demonstration of a peaceful and respectful protest. The Highlands Police Department turned out in support, passing out face masks and sunscreen to protesters. Additionally they walked the streets to support group safety throughout the entirety of the demonstration. Thank you to Kevin FitzPatrick for capturing the event with his photography. |
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Greeting Mountain folk and family, This is Tanner. I've worked with The Many Hands Peace Farm for the past three years, and I've been helping manage The Mountain's newsletters, website, and social media for the past year. I want to help you stay informed, spiritually uplifted and feel connected to The Mountain even if you can't be here physically. My aim is to empower this community, one that is connected deeply to this rock we all hold as scared, a space that can be used for and by all to advance in your personal lives and to champion the mission of The Mountain. That mission is: to enrich lives, foster an appreciation of the natural world, honor the interconnectedness of all things, and inspire people to build inclusive, meaningful, sustainable communities throughout their lives. It's a role I am humbled to undertake and committed to as I continue to discover the inherited history and connections that have been passed on here. It’s truly beautiful to see and be a part of. These past few months have been a challenging time for many of us I'm sure... At times I've found myself overwhelmed even here on The Mountain. I find myself wondering what can I do to stop the world from seemingly coming unhinged? Perhaps it's all part of a larger process and one we can't fully see without faith. I recently received an email from Aly Tharp, with "Create Climate Justice" who has been connected historically to our Climate Justice Conference. That program is now evolving to become A More Beautiful World Week. I highly suggest you consider coming to be a part of this week if you feel called as an activist and community catalyst. It's a chance for us all to practice what we preach here at The Mountain. A powerful program of transformation is being built day by day, and I get ever more excited and hopeful to be able to see and tell about this vision. I’ve attached Aly’s Create Climate Justice’s newsletter below, and suggest you subscribe to that as well for potent information and inspiration. In the latest email she touched on: “As people of faith, we must bear witness to this moment. That means that we must name hard truths, but that we also must act.” This got me pondering the role of people of faith? What does this mean, how can we bear witness and stand in truth? What does right action look like right now? We all know truth has the power to set us free. But it comes with the burden of integrity. Which can be hard to bare alone. I believe as social animals that need one another to survive we are having to face the momentum and patterns that brought us here with a new collective consciousness that brings to light the choices that were made in the past. We now are examining that history together, we have choices to make in how we relate and to stand together in integrity. For as what one suffers the whole suffers. I feel we need faith, especially in each other at this time. Let us have faith in ourselves first, to invest in our own fortitude to be able to stand up, to help others to stand besides us to bear any burdens. The farm taught me with many hands work becomes play and we can lift impossible burdens that otherwise would crush us alone. Faith, to encourage each other to play our roles and do our jobs to the fullest. Here on The Mountain we've taken full advantage of this time period of potential ruin, we’ve been investing in ourselves and campus with the faith that it will be with recompense when you, our guests, can return to see what your investments and faith in us have yielded. We've been proactive and lucky enough to secure a payroll protection loan to the end of the month. But this still leaves a large looming pit of doubt and obscurity to The Mountain’s fate that we must have collective courage to journey. At a time when so many businesses were forced under lockdown and foreseeable closure from Covid -19. Current events have become a situation that can leave many without hope, vision or faith for their own futures. What can we do against such injustices and hardships? Are our actions having affects? Am I investing myself properly and fully in my local soil to plant and harvest what will sustain the future? Part of my job has me affixed to the drip feeds of social media. With consistent floods of information, it can leave one feeling paralyzed at times. Combine that with emotional tidal waves from unexpected life events that can come crashing in, it can leave us feeling uprooted from our sources, homes, and families... I wanted to turn to the importance of faith as Aly mentioned… As a center for Unitarian Universalist I wanted to reflect more into this pool of wisdom, of those who practice the concepts of love and faith as a verb and an applied art form to embody. I was not disappointed in my search, an amazing thing about internet and the collective consciousness it represents is that any experience you have is most likely a shared one that we can learn deeper empathy through. The Greenville UU Fellowship addressed many of my deep feeling with a Call to faith and a Call to love. With many of you perhaps missing your congregations at this time I wanted to share this excerpt from their covenant circle readings.
"Courage is just fear that has said its prayers. We can be afraid and brave at the same time, and praying helps. And by praying I simply mean connecting with what is larger than us, with what we truly believe at the core, in the gut, in the heart, whether it is the God of our understanding, or the spirit of love and compassion, or just human decency and dignity that we believe in. To pray is just to steady ourselves. It is to ask for help from a deeper source, and to be reminded of this one important thing: We are not alone in this. We are not alone in anything." - Rev. Elea J. Kemler I found additional readings and resources taken from the UUA, after delving into the topic of faith in turbulent times that I've share here for those that it resonates with. So thank you for being out there as I write this in faith that you are there for us. We are here for you. To hold the space on The Mountain to create the stories you want to share and be heard from The Mountain top with the faith that your actions create deep currents of change. Thank you. |
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What's Growing Down Below From The Many Hands Peace Farm |
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Spring is swinging into summer all around. We've been seeding, weeding, and grabbing as many handfuls of dirt as possible. What's new? We've welcomed new bees onto the farm. You may ask what happened to last year's bees, and I'm here to say that they died...It was not for lack of honey but likely from stress and disease caused by virroa mites. It is disheartening, but we learned a lot in our first year of having bees. For me, it's been an incredibly humbling venture to be a steward for 3 boxes each containing over 50,000 sisters. And we vow to be beekeepers not bee buyers. Send your good buzzing vibes. We've loved having volunteer help on the farm, and they inoculated over 40+ new shiitake logs. |
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The Cashiers farmers market is back in action, and it feels so good to feel the community connections and see so many familiar faces albeit with extra precautions. - Joey Kyle, MHPF Manager |
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Planting The Plateau Teaming up with Many Hands to help the local food banks |
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Plant Against Food Insecurity This Summer The Food Pantry of Highlands, Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, and the Many Hands Peace Farm invite members of the Highlands-Cashiers community to Plant For The Plateau this summer. On the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, numerous families face food insecurity. Many people struggle to make ends meet with our area’s slower economy during the winter months and when unexpected events, like the COVID-19 pandemic, arise. During the summer months planting fresh vegetables to donate to the food pantries allow these organizations to allocate those needed dollars towards other products. This year, to create a synergetic community effort to plant, these organizations are encouraging everyone to PLEDGE, PLANT, EMAIL, HARVEST. The idea is simple, pledge and plant one or more of the following needed crops: tomatoes, squash, peppers, corn, onions, potatoes, carrots, and beans. Then email PlantForThePlateau@gmail.com with a list of the vegetables you pledge to grow, date planted, expected harvest date, and whether you plan to donate to the food pantry in Highlands or Cashiers. This information will then be added to a live Google Document for both pantries to access so they can keep an eye on projected inventory and consider this while budgeting. Then, harvest and deliver your crops. It is that easy. To encourage community gardening, a Facebook Group named PLANT FOR THE PLATEAU is available, where local farmers and gardeners, including the farmers of the Many Hands Peace Farm, can share tips and tricks. If you would like to join the effort but don’t have room to plant a garden, the Many Hands Peace Farm (MHPF) has field space to plant but needs your help! Located at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, MHPF is an educational farm dedicated to teaching apprentices and guests about the concepts and techniques of regenerative agriculture. Members of the plateau eager to lend an extra hand can contact the MHPF at 828.526.5838. Don’t like the idea of dirt underneath your fingers? There are still plenty of ways to help. Both the Food Pantry of Highlands and Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry are always in need of volunteers and donor dollars. If you don’t have either the time or money to spare, share information from the PLANT FOR THE PLATEAU Facebook Group or from the Facebook page of either food pantry and the MHPF to spread awareness about this community effort. On the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, fighting food insecurity requires both the seeds of love and nutrients. Help us plant both this season. |
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Kitchen Confidential From our Dining Hall to Your Kitchen |
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Quarantine Cooking Edition: The kitchen crew has been hard at work giving our dining hall and kitchen some TLC. We've donned our maintenance hats and are all feeling handy with a paintbrush and sander. We can't wait for you to see it! We've also been thinking through procedures and changes for keeping you and our community safe while continuing to provide exceptional food and service. For the time-being, we will switch from self-serve to "cafeteria-style" to ensure the food and equipment remains safe, and we'll be providing some additional outdoor dining spaces. We'll continue to uphold our sanitation processes as directed by the Health Department and will monitor what other improvements could help us confidently provide a great dining experience. We're eager to get serving again and looking forward to cooking for guests in a few days. It's been fun to trial these changes with some staff lunches and it's got us thinking outside the box when it comes to our menu, as well as reaching for those items tucked in the back of our cupboards. At a recent staff lunch, we had a special treat prepared by Bonnie - Apple Delight! A quick and delicious dessert, we wanted to share it with you here. I'd love to hear how it goes and see some photos of your creations or other things you're whipping up at home right now! Head over to The Mountain Facebook Page and show us what you're up to. Apple Delight - Preheat oven to 350F.
- Lightly grease an 8x12x2 inch baking pan.
- Pour 1 - 20 oz can crushed pineapple, undrained, into pan.
- In medium bowl, mix 3 cups sliced, unpeeled apples.
- 1/4 cup sugar and 2 Tbl lemon juice.
- Place on top of pineapple. Sprinkle fruit layers with 1 box yellow cake mix, dry. Top with 1/2 cup melted butter (or margarine), another 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 cup pecans.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 350F, then cut with knife into serving portions to allow juice to rise to top.
- Bake 30 minutes longer.
- Serve warm (great with vanilla ice cream!) or cold.
Enjoy! Peace, Love and Chow ~ Jenn Tuft PS: The Mountain Kitchen is currently in search of team members for the 2020 season. If you or someone you know loves cooking, working in a team and supporting The Mountain's mission, please email me at Kitchen.Manager@TheMountainRLC.org |
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We would look forward to the opportunity to present and share with more UU congregations while services continue to be online. Have your congregation reach out to us to inquire about having staff from The Mountain drop in for a Q/A. Contact our Development Department for further connection. Matthew.Demond@TheMountainRLC.org |
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Get Grounded Meditations with Terry Ashley |
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Terry Ashley - I seem to be happiest when I’m grounded–– literally—butt, back, or belly on the ground. I love being eye-to-petal with a plant- with nothing but my camera between us. What could ever be better than crawling through a field of red poppies and golden buttercups and recording their colors splashed over the landscape? And close-ups from these positions—What magic to zero in on a drop of dew clinging to a sprig of moss! I love lying on the ground and gazing up at a nodding trillium. How else could I ever do it justice? The next best thing to being grounded is bring captivated by the cellular structures of some of these same plants while I’m peering at them through the light microscope. This lets me see inside leaves, stems, and flowers. The cell’s micro-structure determines their function- their adaption to their environment. Between the macro and micro images the possibilities are endless. When I combine the two types of images, I call them “Botanical Chords”. I have recently collected these into a book: Botanical Chords and Harmonic Notes, which is available through my website: terryashleybotanicals.com |
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The Dwarf White Oak Grove- June 1, 2020 Today I took Gypsy to the Dwarf White Oak Grove at The Mountain. She had never been and, as I expected, she was totally in awe of the place. It was a joy to share it with her. The timing was good. I wanted to visit again before the canopy closed. The contorted branches and new leaves against the sky spoke of suffering, endurance, and hope.
People ask me if I “can really hear plants talk”. Listen, but not necessarily with your ears, and you too can hear them speak. Perhaps you should start by looking at a cross section of a log of a dwarf white oak. Compared to a redwood the diameter isn’t large, but notice how close together the rings are.
It is by counting the rings (one for every year), that their age is determined. Before Europe even knew of the existence of the Americas, some of the oaks at The Mountain were already over a hundred years old. Look at their silhouettes- at the contorted shapes of their branches. This is the result of centuries of conversations between the trees and the wind. If you eves dropped on a storm, you could certainly hear them talking. In such a case, the leaves are the instrument, and the wind the musician, a might storm- a fierce racket. But the echo of the storm is here for you to “hear” with your eyes. The force of the wind twisted and bent the branches. Listen and you can hear their whispered murmur.
Life on the top of a mountain has other consequences. Lightening has struck them many times. Look for the results. A bolt hit some and burned one side- sometimes destroying the center core. Yet they refused to die. Notice the unstruck side
has continued to thrive, putting out new branches. Surely, if you listen, you will hear a song of survival. This is especially true if you visit them in the spring, when the new spring green leaves, are joining the course of hope and renewal. I’m sure there are birds, mammals, and insects that are grateful for the sanctuary they provide. Listen closely and you may catch a glimpse of some of their songs of thanks. All this is just a reminder that plants do speak so tune in and listen! |
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We are looking for you! Building a Mountain Network Quarantine time for many has been a time to invest in yourself, turn inward, and further develop what you want to bring to the world. Being you is a gift you get to share with the world! At The Mountain we have had the honor of hosting so many unique and diverse groups and individuals that we wanted to put together a resource for people like you to connect with others who may be nearby. Below you can find a link to a new local talent and resources page. This is intended to be an online community database for those looking to connect and share their skills and talents with the wider Mountain community, and to further communication, skill sharing, bartering, trading and commerce locally. We hope that when we resume programming, this page can be used to connect individuals who are interested in gathering individuals to help with their own programming and events. The Mountain aims to be the container for community building, connection, growth and development that enables positive ripples in your lives. |
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It is stories like these that are core to The Mountain experience of inspiring people of all ages, transforming lives, and building a more compassionate world. Thanks for being a part of it. If you have a Mountain Memory or story you wish to share with The Mountain community, please share at: tanner.csonka@themountainrlc.org |
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If this appeals to you and you'd like to share your unique offerings with The Mountain community you can fill out the form below to be added to this page. |
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The New Online Mountain Store Wear Your Mountain Pride! |
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We now have an online store where you can support The Mountain from abroad! Represent your mountaineering spirit with our "Ancient Oaks & Good Folks" shirts or enjoy a morning brew in a Mountain mug. Decorate your dorm with the Mountain poster collection. Go get outside at night with some solar lighting camping gear. Your support of The Mountain through our store is felt and appreciated during these times. | | |
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Our Instagram account is new, so follow us; @themountainrlc and tag your favorite Mountain memories with #themountainrlc! We'd love to see your pictures. |
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Bellow you can find more about how your congregation can connect with The Mountain. Under Media Resources you can find posters for upcoming programs, as well as text from events to copy and paste into your own newsletters or mailings. You'll also find presentations and social links. Let us know if you would like a visit from a Mountain representative to engage with your congregation. |
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The Mountain is a Membership Organization. As such, we value your contributions to keep our doors open to all. If The Mountain has enriched your life in any way, please express your appreciation in the form of a financial contribution. Give through our website or the old-fashioned way, with a check. Thank you for your support. Please consider: Donating to The Mountain's Annual Fund or becoming a Mountain Member. Just over 25% of our budget comes from contributions. This enables us to help keep programming and camps affordable to all and better fulfill the mission of The Mountain. We thank you for your support! We hope you had a merry May, We look forward to seeing you on The Mountain. |
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