A Newsletter for Friends of Camphill Communities California CommunityVoices Issue 36 • May 2010 A community tribute to South Pacific S “Bali Ha’i may call you, any night, any day…In your heart, you’ll hear it call you…Come away...Come away.” ’m singing this song over and over in my head until another overtakes the melody: “You have to be taught to fear and to hate.” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s lyrics have a way of anchoring themselves in my head and not letting go. Our community has been practicing a medley of songs from South Pacific for weeks. Inspired by the passing of one of our beloved founding members, Ary King, the songs are a celebration of her life as well as a gift from the community to our supporters and friends. Initially, the medley was performed as part of our community Mardi Gras celebration. A more polished version was sung at the memorial service for Ary. Most recently we sang for the Camphill Association’s regional meeting hosted by Camphill I Camphill California women and men (above) practice South Pacific California on March 12th. More performances are on the way! Breaking into song is something that all Camphillers thoroughly Sasha Voitoff and Sarah von enjoy. Whether during our Eichhorn sing “Some morning gathering, afterEnchanted Evening”during noon art program, evening practice for South Pacific. celebrations or festival events, singing is an important component of everyday life. “I love listening to music while I’m singing along,” says Frans von Hooff. “I like having a solo. It makes me feel excited, says South Pacific soloist Sasha Voitoff. “Singing in groups helps me tune in with others,” remarks Bryan Zecca. And then of course there are other components of singing, particularly if you can’t use your voice. For Charles this means tapping your hand on your helmet. For Daniel, this means dancing or even jumping up and down. Jonathan likes to sing phrases like “da, da, da, da,” and David likes to sit in the audience and cheer everyone on. Only Lee seems reluctant to participate— “not Lee”—but then again, Lee always shows up for every song. In South Pacific, Coleman walks back and forth to evoke a band of men howling the lyrics to “There is nothing like a dame.” Sarah dances around the stage as Nellie while the chorus sings “I’m as corny as Kansas in Autumn…” Do you like to sing? Even if the answer is no, don’t be surprised if you find yourself breaking into a tune during your next visit to Camphill Communities California. In Memory, Gratitude & Love: Ary King n February 1st our much-loved colleague, founder and friend died at the age of 73. Ary King was Camphill California’s administrative guru, fundraising maven, events manager, airport chauffeur, tour guide, and much, much more. Ary gave herself the title “Special Projects Coordinator” which only minimally describes her multi-faceted responsibilities and the talents, skills and enormous generosity of time and spirit by which she executed her tasks. Her expertise as an office manager and administrator was instrumental in creating a successful, efficient business model for Camphill California that has allowed us to develop and grow during the last decade. Over the years, Ary coordinated and developed fundraising events, wrote appeals, edited the newsletter, and created many publicity materials. Ary also served as our board secretary, and facilitated relationships with many organizations in the Santa Cruz community. However, most of all we remember the little things that she did for us—transporting community members to and from the airport, keeping track of birthdays, sending out condolences, and hosting guest speakers and visitors at her house. We remember her extending a loving hand wherever she could and always bringing laughter and wit to her daily interactions with others. During the three-day vigil we held for Ary after her death, friends and community members created cards to honor her memory. Former colleagues, friends and family members sent many heartfelt thoughts and thanksgivings in her honor. Some of these are included on this page. We are privileged to have had Ary in our lives for more than a decade and cherish the ways she continues to touch our lives. O 2 M AY 2 0 1 0 Memories of Ary “…Ary was a beautiful person, dedicated, quiet, subtle and a very loving woman—she was a noble character, I know Frans, like us, was very fond of her—we will miss her…” —Dominique van Hooff, mother of Camphill adult resident, Frans van Hooff “…To me—and to so many others— Ary was…at the center of the soul of Camphill California…I always carry her in my heart with gratitude and love.” --Mary Douglass, sister of Camphill California resident, Lee George “Dear Ary, Thank you for the work you have done and thank you for the newsletters you have done and good luck on your journey up in heaven. I miss you.” —Love, Sarah von Eichhorn, Camphill California resident Special drawings After Ary’s death, community members created handwritten cards and messages that were placed on her casket in tribute for her outstanding service and commitment to Camphill during the last decade. & Exciting Events News at Camphill Completion of Linden House: We have a new house! In January our oldest adult resident, David Kreezer, moved into Linden House, named after the Linden tree that stands in back of the new home. This home will expand our supported living program and meet the needs of David as he ages and needs one-on-one care. The 1200 square foot house is carefully constructed to efficiently use every inch of space. All the windows are large Linden House, our newest home, is beside the weaving workshop, in the backyard of Ishi house. It is surrounded by the beautiful Ishi gardens and has an ocean view! and south or east facing, except the two smaller ones, making the building energy efficient through passive solar heat and plenty of natural light. Every inch of the 3 bedroom/two bath house is utilized for living space or storage, including a surprisingly large pantry on the David Kreezer enjoys his new bedroom in his new home, north side of the house Linden House. that is vented to stay cool all year around. Hot water is on demand. The kitchen is outfitted to handle the cleaning and distribution of vegetables during the season. We are very proud of our new little house and excited that it will expand our program size! Arrival of Aaron Noble: On March 1st we welcomed our newest community member, Aaron Noble. Aaron, 25, is enjoying his new home and work life. He participates in all of the workshops each week: the land, garden, weav- ery, and is the newest member of the lunch café team. He enjoys community meals and is now enthusiastic about foods that he never before dared to try! Although the transition from living at home to living in community was monumental for both Aaron and his mom, Vicki, his close proximity to both parents allows for frequent visits. Along with opportunities for his dad (Jonathan) and mom to share a meal or volunteer time in the workshops, Aaron is experiencing a newfound freedom, independence and an exciting opportunity for growth and increased self-expression. Camphill California’s newest adult resident, Aaron Noble. personal Waldorf Visit to Weaving Studio: In February we were thrilled to welcome a group of third graders from the Santa Cruz Waldorf School to our weaving workshop. Weaving is part of the handwork curriculum for third grade Waldorf students. During their two-hour visit the children were introduced to the many different fibers used by Camphill California weavers. They enjoyed the chance to weave on all the looms with help from some of our expert weavers. As a special treat, weaving co-manager Laura Waldorf 3rd graders get to touch all of the weaving fabrics used in the weavery. Here, Ryder demonstrated they watch fabric being woven on an inkle spinning with her table loom. spinning wheel. Camphill Moments: Every quarter our website will feature a new Camphill moment. Moments are a glimpse into everyday life at Camphill. Visit our website often so that you don’t miss a moment of life at Camphill California! Donations: You can now sign up online to make a monthly donation to Camphill Communities California. For just $10.00 a month you can provide vital support to our residential, day and supported living programs. Thank you very much for your support. Did you know???? All print and online newsletters are now available online at www.camphillca.org!! C O M M U N I T Y V O I C E S 3 The Pulse of Community Life Serving with Dedication and Devotion alk around Camphill California any time of day or night and you will see adults (“friends”) and caregivers, working, eating, talking, resting and laughing together—side by side. Each year caregivers come to Camphill California to fulfill a one, two, three, or longer year commitment to live and work in the community. This June marks the end of a two-year period of service for three young caregivers: Jade, Peter and Carri. All came to Camphill California after working as young co-workers at Camphill villages on the East coast. During the last two years at Camphill California they have provided outstanding service as caregivers in the day and residential programs. W An Opportunity for Responsibility and Challenge For Jade, Camphill was her first experience in community living. After spending two years at Camphill Copake (in upstate New York) she knew that she still had more to learn and also felt ready to take on more responsibilities and challenges. Camphill California’s much smaller size offered the opportunities she was looking for. Jade says cooking, knitting, felting and growing vegetables are some of the many practical skills that she has learned and cultivated while living at Camphill California. In addition to co-managing the large house of Ishi, Jade has co-managed lunch café for the last two years—baking up delicious dishes for community members, families and guests each week. In addition to Jade’s exceptional organizational and managerial skills, she strives to build relationships among Camphill communities in North America. To this end, she was instrumental in launching the first Camphill California community exchange between women residents of California and Copake: Maria Logan and Sarah von Eichhorn. Recently, Jade facilitated a one-week visit from career Camphiller and caregiver Wanda Root, a member of Camphill Copake. The visit included a talk, workshop and group mentoring session with senior caregivers. Although her departure will be a great loss to Camphill, Jade is excited about her July marriage and pursuit of a nursing degree (she may also work as an EMT, Emergency Medical Technician, or ERT, Emergency Room Technician, during her studies). What will she miss most about Camphill California after she leaves? “Never being alone—always having someone close by,” says Jade, “I will miss the quirky interactions and random comments between people that happen each day.” A Chance for Deep and Lastling Relationships If unpredictable comments and repeated phrases provide the music of daily living at Camphill, this music gives meaning to the work of each day. Co-worker Peter explains that his work as a gardener, cook and caregiver (to name a few of his many 4 M AY 2 0 1 0 Camphill Copake co-worker Wanda Root embraces Camphill California co-worker Jade Soto. During her weeklong visit to the community, Wanda helped Jade prepare lunch café, a weekly Friday gathering for all community members. roles in the community) brings him meaning, satisfaction and fulfillment. He describes the many ways that he has matured during his time at Camphill California: “I’ve gained many skills,” says Peter. “My self-confidence has grown and I am proud of who I am and what I do.” Peter, (whose father serves on the board of the Camphill Foundation) visited Camphill California for extended periods before making his two-year commitment to the community. During this time he discovered a joy for cooking and gardening; developed deep and lasting relationships with the friends; and has fulfilled his desire to familiarize himself with Anthroposophy, the spiritual philosophy of Rudolf Steiner that inspires the work and life at Camphill. Peter is uncertain about his plans for next year but is looking forward to his trip to Europe this summer where he may visit other Camphills in the United Kingdom. If he does leave Camphill California for other pursuits next year, he will greatly miss the friends he’s made: “I will especially miss Lee George,” says Peter. “We have a special connection.” Another Two Years! Carri who is also completing her second year at Camphill California tears up every time she talks about the many things she’s learned while living and serving the community: a deeper sense of compassion, a greater ability to love and be loved. “You get to know everyone really well,” says Carri, “Living with people gives you a new and deeper understanding of who they are. You develop an inner strength as you learn how to work through challenges together.” After spending two years at Camphill California, Carri felt ready to explore other models of community living. This summer she planned to work as a caregiver at a therapeutic farm in Vermont that serves adults with mental illness and substance abuse. Carri’s countless contributions to community living are evident through her capacity to learn from others, to help others and to build relationships. What would she miss the most? “Can it be one person?” she asks. “I’m going to miss Coleman (Schott). We have developed a really strong connection.” Happily, Carri has decided to stay another two years! She and Coleman will perform some songs together this summer—stay tuned for more details. Camphill adult resident Lee George works with Camphill co-worker Peter Harrington in the Marimi Garden. A Spring Awakening at the Camphill California Garden By co-worker Jan Philipp Filmer Oh God make strong my hands today… Each day after the morning gathering, Camphill California’s garden crew gathers in front of the little garden shed and recites their morning verse: ...that I can feel the life within them. Oh God make strong my mind today, that I can do my best. Help me to be awake. Afterwards the crew divides into small groups to work on daily garden projects. These vary from weeding, planting, harvesting, cutting hedges and picking berries (in the summertime) to taking care of Greenspace, the small neighborhood park at the end of Fairway Drive. After two hours we gather again in front of the shed to have a snack break before going back to work to finish the day’s projects. The weather is decisive for the kind of work we do and allows us to vary our daily tasks. On rainy days the garden crew meets in the herb room located in the attic of the barn next to our second large house, Marimi. Here we process, package and deliver our special herb mixes and oils: the Camphill California Culinary Mix1 and the Camphill California Herb Tea Mix2, and calendula, lavender, pineapple sage and St. John’s Wort oils3. It is great to use products that we once planted in our gar- The Ishi garden crew takes a “tea break” after spending the morning cultivating the lush flower and herb gardens. den and watched grow and ripen. The houses enjoy garden teas during snack time while herbs add wonderful flavor to community meals. Oils are often put in baths or used topically for healing purposes. With the end of the wintertime and all the rain during the past months, our garden undergoes a change—an awakening. Not only do the plants awake anew but so do we as we plant new life with our hands. Although I work in other workshops, for me the week begins on Monday with the garden crew. It is the liveliness of nature that I experience in the garden that helps me to be awake for the day and during the week. 1 Ingredients for culinary herbs: parsley oregano, rosemary, sweet marjoram, winter savory, thyme 2 Ingredients for tea: anise hyssop, spearmint, peppermint, lemon balm, lemon verbena, chamomile flowers, yarrow flowers 3 All oils are made from flowers in the garden. An effusion is used with olive oil as the medium. The Marimi garden blossoms from the careful planting and weeding by the land team. C O M M U N I T Y V O I C E S 5 Community vs. Community Building by C O L E M A N LY L E S , P R E S I D E N T “It is a characteristic symptom of recent history that humans contrive to create social problems for which there are no solutions.” —Rudolf Steiner, Symptom to Reality in Modern History Knowledge of the Spirit or Rudolf Steiner, awakening to community, which is the English title of a lecture cycle he gave in January 1923, is the social challenge of our time. Steiner understood that humankind had evolved beyond the point where it could enjoy the luxury of sleeping through life and having everything turn out all right. It was imperative that people take matters into their own hands consciously, with deliberation, and an understanding for the implications if they failed to do so. How do we respond to Steiner’s social challenge today? What is it we must awake to if we are to navigate the infinite complexities and problems that constitute contemporary social life? In a word it is knowledge of the spirit that must be taken into account not only for purposes of religious or spiritual gratification but also for purposes of social life in all its aspects. Unless we cultivate an appreciation of the spiritual dimensions of day-to-day earthly existence and its challenges, we will not find effective solutions for the social ills that plague our time. F and we gain effective insight into art, architecture and culture and how they can be organized to meet the needs of body, soul and spirit. This awakening to the reality of spirit knowledge as an effective force for practical existence is essential to community building. It creates a social life that is imbued with the understanding that we are responsible for the affairs of humankind and the earth. Community building delivers the means to act on these responsibilities. It is the difference between being awake as opposed to being asleep, between building communities that are self-aware and those that are not. Steiner, Rudolf, Awakening to Community, Anthroposophical Press, 1974 Community members enjoy a movement workshop lead by Jaimen McMillan, founder of the Spatial Dynamics Institute. Conscious Community Living Community building requires the intentional development of human relationships toward a specific end. For the Camphill movement, community building creates an awakening to the practical application of spiritual knowledge or Anthroposophy, which informs every aspect of our work and life. Creating ritual forms that bring meaning and consciousness to the tasks or daily life is an essential ingredient for conscious community living. Daily morning gatherings, regularly scheduled meals, seasonal songs and festival celebrations are examples of the ways that everyday life at Camphill is composed of social forms and arrangements that illuminate and inform our knowledge and understanding of human nature and the world. With this knowledge we realize ways to manage our farms and gardens, we learn medical remedies and therapies to heal and remediate, 6 M AY 2 0 1 0 The mission of Camphill Communities California is to provide a nurturing and dynamic residential community where adults with developmental disabilities live, learn and work together with professional caregivers and volunteers. Please visit us at our new website www.camphillca.org and make a tax-deductible donation or mail your gift to Camphill Communities California, P.O. Box 221, Soquel, CA 95073. We deeply appreciate your interest and support. Thank You! Benefactors ($5,000 and above) C.Zecca Foundation Julie George David and Mary Jo Lang Michael McDonell and Reimi Kobayashi Roddey Reid, Jr. Hal and Lydia Rosen Steven and Susan Rosen Dominique and Walter van Hooff Charlotte Voitoff Wainwright Trust Patrons ($2,500-$4,999) Camphill Foundation Tim Folger and Wendy Weil Gustav and Gabriele Hertrich Rosemary B. Hewlett Sponsors ($1000-$2,499) Lynn E. Barr Luise Custer Feshbach Family Fund Roy A. and Annie Folger Granite Construction Inc. Luise Hathaway Roby Harrington Jon and Vicky Jones Stephen and Deborah LeCover Liz and Don Maruska Patricia Moncada and Eric Cohen David Schwartz and Ronald Sanchez Peter and Laura Shumaker Marjorie Swig Philanthropic Fund Zalec Familian and Lilian Levinson Foundation Sustaining Members ($500-$999) Mary I. Baldwin Elizabeth Barber Bruce and Ruth Cowan Jeannine Gibson Carol Jeffries Gerald and Jackie Kehle Coleman and Katherine Lyles Mary Ann Neis Roddey Reid III Camphill Communities California wishes to thank the following individuals, foundations and corporations whose donations were received between May 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010. Dale and Roswitha Robinson Gayle Robinson Ronald Sanchez Jerry Schwartz, CFP Supporting Members ($100-$499) Adolphus Jr. and Emily T. Andrews Fred and Judy Barber David Barlow and Carol Cole Elfi Beck Daniel Bittleston Flora and Elliott Bloom Lisa Bloom Diane Bouchet and Richard Roullard Charles and Jane Boyer Antone and Mary Brazil Kathleen Brazil Denise Brazil de Castro Betsy Burton Thomas Butz Jose and Toni Cerrudo Wendy Chapler Julie Cheever Stephen and Johanna Cohen Matt Covington Donald and Valerie Cravitz John and Susie Crawford Daryl V. Dichek and Ken Smith Patricia Dinner John and Mary Douglass Katrina Frey John and Linda Gemello David Gershan Raymond Gibbs, Jr. Peter Hammond and Frank Johnson David and Kate Hartzell Bill and Betsy Herman Gerben and Jill Hoeksma Imperial Courts Tennis Club Ton and Thelma Jue Richard and Diane Klein Brian Langstraat Micheline and Jean Le Gall Tom and Almut Lilley Daphne Lison and Alan Kay Tom Love John S. Lyles Maya Macardle Bill and Palma Madsen Beverly, Goyo and Misha Martin Kathleen H. McKenna Myra McPherson Fred and Cheryl Mitouer Michael E. Navolio Jane Nydorf Jane Ny Marci Palatella David and Leslie Plumlee Stanley Schwartz Silverwood Faculty Fund Hanne Skov Aileen and Bill Souveroff Uwe and Liselotte Stave Marilyn and Don Sweet Charles Tygiel Rose Tygiel John Paul von Eichhorn Gail Wainwright Steve and Sharon Wainwright Richard and Ann Walenta Cynthia Weber Deborah Wechsler and Jeff Mabert James Werner and Daphne MacNeil Glenn Yarmeak Stephen Zipperlen Contributing Members (up to $99) Irene Alonzi Applied Business Systems Susan H. Baron Patrick and Penelope Barrett Lynn and Gene Bennion Annette BlackmanBarkan Sue and Joe Carlomagno Eddie Castro Don Cohon Ruth and Mike Cole Diane and John David Wallace and Lorraine Dimson Desiree Douville Cathi Forbes Judith Fried and Bob Scowcroft Nina and Howard Gorbach Richard and Alyssa Gorton Laurel Henson Elizabeth Howe Pi-Ching Hsu Joseph Illick Bernadette and Samuel Jaeger Susan Jean Julien Melissa Kay Tim and Maria-Elena Larcher Eva Leuthold Lynnet and Noel McDermott McGraw Hill Community Partners Employee Giving Campaign Pat McVeigh Ed and Shirlee Miller Rogelio and Dolores Moncada Richard Diamond and Alice Kaswan Annelies Navolio Toni Nillasca Judy Olsen Simone and Janine Renaud Gene and Claire Roberts Jeff Roloff Joseph and Marilyn Rousseau Howard Schrager Jerry Schwartz Leslie Snow Caroline Reid Sorell Steve Spitalny Linda Stevens and John Bowers Shawn Sullivan Martha Tygiel Contributions in Memory of: Bob Anthony's Brother & Tahoe Jane Cochran Abe Gerstein Mort Rogo Barbara Rose Stephen and Deborah LeCover Robert Lee Alexander Elizabeth Barber Barbara Barker-Edwards Dianne Arruda Cathi Forbes Toni Nillasca Silverwood Faculty Fund Leslie Snow Ary King Stephen and Deborah LeCover Daphne Lison Judy Olsen Joseph and Marilyn Rousseau Hanne Skov Nicky Palatella Marci Palatella Captain & Mrs. A.C. Lyles John S. Lyles Jessica Robles Richard and Diane Klein Jean Lyles Jeff Roloff Susan Rosen Steven Rosen Shirley Schwartz Stanley Schwartz Steven Rosen Susan Rosen Jules Tygiel Stephen and Johanna Cohen Luise Custer Wallace and Lorraine Dimson Pi-Ching Hsu Joseph Illick Jane Nydorf John and Linda Gemello Roy Roullard Diane Bouchet and Richard Roullard Contributions in Honor of: Co-workers, House of Ishi Stephen and Deborah LeCover Friends of the House of Ishi David Schwartz and Ronald Sanchez Claudia Beck Elfi Beck Annette BlackmanBarkan Luise Hathaway Gustav and Gabriele Hertrich Gayle Robinson Aileen and Bill Souveroff Phil Bowhay Peter and Laura Shumaker Evan Folger Roy A. and Annie Folger Tim Folger and Wendy Weil Lee George Michael E. Navolio Steve and Linda Goldfarb Peter and Laura Shumaker Judith Bluestone James Werner and Daphne MacNeil Alyssa Gorton Richard and Alyssa Gorton Alex George Annelies Navolio Noelle Renee Johnson Stephen and Deborah LeCover C O M M U N I T Y Lynn Poirier Pat McVeigh Scotia Reid Flora and Elliott Bloom Liz and Don Maruska Coleman Schott Antone and Mary Brazil Kathleen Brazil Denise Brazil de Castro Judy Sweet Marilyn and Don Sweet T. Alex Schneider, Patty Moncada Bernadette and Samuel Jaeger Edith Tobin Adolphus Jr. and Emily T. Andrews Charles Tygiel Paul and Linda Worthman Dominique van Hooff Simone and Janine Renaud Frans van Hooff Micheline and Jean Le Gall Lynn and Gene Bennion Jose and Toni Cerrudo Walter van Hooff Bill and Palma Madsen Walter & Dominique van Hooff Ed and Shirlee Miller Cynthia Weber Nina and Howard Gorbach Wiley West Lynn E. Barr Bryan Zecca Susan H. Baron Gerald and Jackie Kehle Kathleen H. McKenna Rona Weintraub Christine Zecca Sue and Joe Carlomagno V O I C E S 7 Camphill Communities California P.O. Box 221 Soquel, CA 95073 Community Voices Issue 36 • May 2010 A Newsletter for Friends of Camphill Communities California Editor Elizabeth Lee Barber Contributing Photographer Martin Fredewess Assistant Editor Pauline Zenner Designer Kathleen Roberts Design © Camphill Communities California 2010 2010 Calendar of Events May 20–21 Camphill Association of North America Meeting Camphill Triform, New York May 22 Regional Board Members Meeting Camphill Triform, New York May 31 Save Our Shores Beach Clean-up Seacliff State Beach, Aptos, California June 16 Camphill California Board Meeting San Francisco, California June, 2010 TBA Mount Shasta Vacation for Camphill California Friends July 1 New Fiscal Year Begins August 1–8 Summer Vacation for Camphill California Friends Camphill Communities Worldwide are dedicated to social renewal through community building with children, youth and adults who have developmental disabilities. The international Camphill movement includes over 100 communities in 21 countries across the world, and 10 are in North America. For More Information (831) 476-7194 info@camphillca.org www.camphillca.org