Discover Cedar Hill - Primary Blog

2009-06-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything."

~Albert Einstein

Last week was one of the most memorable weeks for me at Cedar Hill. Regional YMCA's bring in teenagers to participate in Mission Atlanta, offering service to the communities surrounding Atlanta. Cedar Hill was chosen as one of the sites and on Monday morning, 14 young people disembarked from a shuttle bus. Since Cedar Hill does not conduct youth programs on a regular basis, I was not quite sure what to expect, nor did they (I'm sure of that!).

I felt that while they were indeed here to work hard, they also needed to walk away with an understanding of how fragile this world is they are inheriting. We talked about everything from the importance of composting, organic gardening, what it means to be a "locavore" and the connection between Earth and Spirit. The group was particularly interested in having Srs. June & Kathryn, the founders of Cedar Hill, talk to them about the nine nonprofits they have initiated in Forsyth County. The sharing that afternoon was beautiful to watch, these young people were truly here to listen and learn.

We made sure we had fun too - after building a compost bin on Monday, we enjoyed an edible compost ice cream social with all the components needed to sustain a compost bin in the garden: strawberries for the kitchen scraps, pretzels and banana chips for the dry materials; green coconut for the grass clippings, gummy worms, and crushed chocolate cookies which represented the final product of the composting cycle. These teens worked in the heat and the rain and I am grateful to them. So, Gabe, Karen, Ryan, Jared, Christina, Ryan (yes, there were two), Sara, Wisdom, Riley, Ethan, Javarious, Natalie, James and Kevin - THANK YOU!

MEET LOJUANA HOWARD

2009-05-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart"
~Elizabeth Andrew

When it comes to volunteers, Lojuana Howard is the cream of the crop! After retiring in Florida, Lojuana moved to Georgia six years ago. She's been a part of Cedar Hill for several years after attending a Winter Solstice gathering. She says she knew she found a home here. Lojuana comes to Cedar Hill every week and takes on anything that needs to be done - from working in the office, the library, the gardens or helping with special events - Lojuana jumps right in. She is a tremendous source of inspiration to me, always willing to share insights and wisdom.

Lojuana has also facilitated the drumming circle as well as programs ranging from mandalas, herbs and candle making. As we move into exploring our expansion of the herb gardens here at Cedar Hill, you can bet Lojuana will be part of the group offering new and exciting programs.

As an added bonus, Lojuana brings her mother, Anna Lawrence, known affectionately as "Gigi" to help. Anna moved to Georgia from Florida 1 1/2 years ago to be with Lojuana. What a team!

If you'd like to volunteer at Cedar Hill, please visit the Hands on Forsyth website at www.handsonfoforsyth.org
or call the office to discuss all the opportunities available - 770-887-0051.

WOMEN'S FALL FESTIVAL

2009-05-01T12:59:00.001-07:00

"Volunteers are love in motion!" (Author Unknown)

The Women's Fall Festival is coming to Cedar Hill September 25-27. This exciting event will offer camping, workshops, vendor arts & crafts, vegetarian meals, open-mic night, drumming and much more!

We're pleased to introduce Jessi Evans, the coordinator, who came to Cedar Hill several years ago and we've found we are kindred spirits. Jessi's energy, warm smile and enthusiasm is contagious - she has coordinated all the details for the festival and continues to find ways to make this event a memorable one. For all the details, please visit the MySpace page Jessi set up to spread the word. We look forward to seeing everyone at the festival!

HAPPY SPRING!

2009-03-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

What a glorious week-end!

Friday, volunteers from an adult spirituality group at Good Shepherd Church spent the afternoon weeding, pruning and mulching the circle garden at Cedar Hill. It was wonderful to spend time with them as we worked, enjoying the camaraderie and sunshine. Many thanks to Betty Broderick for setting this up and bringing the group here.

Other volunteers came on Saturday, helping to clear the vegetable beds, loading nutrients into the beds (translated: horse manure!) and planting cool weather vegetables. Once again, seeing all the hard work taking place, with visions of the Earth's bounty to be shared at our retreats and Fried Green Friday Dinners, warms my heart. We continue to explore the slow food movement, particularly embracing the "locavore" principle and the principles of permaculture. Having faith that we will have all we need for body, mind and spirit, I know that Cedar Hill is truly a sacred place.

Now that the evenings are staying lighter longer, be sure to come early for the Fried Green Friday Dinners (next one is March 27) or the Read & Feed (April 8) to explore the gardens and the grounds. And if you see anything that needs to be weeded, please feel free to relocate the errant rascals!

Happy Spring to All! Now go plant something...

READ & FEED

2009-03-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Come join us on Wednesday, April 8 to walk the grounds of Cedar Hill, enjoy a delicious four course meal and engage in a lively discussion of Barbara Kingsolver's internationally-acclaimed book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.
http//www.kingsolver.com/home/index.asp

The fee is $20.00 for the event, and you can reserve your place by calling 770-887-0051 or e-mail Kat Stratton at kat@discovercedarhill.org. Cedar Hill now accepts Mastercard/Visa/Discover for events. The evening will begin at 6pm and space is limited.

We're hosting this evening as part of the Key Ingredients: America by Food Smithsonian Exhibit taking place in Dahlonega at North Georgia College and State University. For more information regarding the exhibit, visit:
http://www.georgiafoodtour.org/tour/dahlonega.html

Y'all come,hear?

PRAYER CIRCLE

2009-03-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, the power of prayer is beyond words. When so many of us hold an intention, the outcome can be phenomenal. We ask you to join our prayer circle at Cedar Hill as we seek guidance, funding and volunteers to sustain the future of this sacred place.

Please consider the following intentions in your daily prayer/meditation life, knowing that Cedar Hill is here for the community.

We are asking for prayers to secure a salary for Burma Parks, our chef. The federal program she is currently working under is facing a downturn in the economic crisis and elders like Burma are being told they may no longer be funded. This is absolutely essential for Cedar Hill to be able to provide a living wage for her. Serving nutritious meals at Cedar Hill is such an integral part of the body-mind-spirit experience, particularly as we realize the importance of serving foods grown locally and in season.

Cedar Hill is asking for prayers in setting our vision into action for the green job training program. We'll share more as time goes on - right now prayers are needed to give our grant writers, board of directors and staff the heart and wisdom to work together to implement a plan that will benefit our community and Cedar Hill. Keep in mind that we are envisioning a plan for the highest good of all. Green jobs are the future - they will ensure the survival of our society and provide a new way of living. As a center of spirituality, ecology and Earth education, it's so important for Cedar Hill to be a part of this. Right now people are suffering spiritually through depression, financial loss and stress. To come learn a trade that gives them a sense of well-being not only for themselves, but for the well-being of the planet, is a step toward spiritual healing on so many levels.

I am grateful for your prayers.

Heart-to-Heart,
Kat

What a week-end!

2009-02-23T12:49:00.000-08:00

Our monthly locavore dinner, known as Fried Green Friday, continues to bring new friends to Cedar Hill. This past Friday, the laughter and camaraderie was extraordinary! We tried a new recipe, Portobello Pot Pie, which received rave reviews from our guests. We invite you to join us for our next dinner, scheduled for March 20 at 7pm. A five course meal for $20.00, one of the best deals in today's economy!

Speaking of mushrooms, Tradd Cotter of Mushroom Mountain in SC, will be with us on May 21 for a full day workshop entitled Gourmet & Medicinal Mushroom Cultivation. Tradd says this is truly a life changing experience perfect for teachers, gardeners, chefs, naturalists and the curious. You'll learn different methods to cultivate mushrooms, design mushroom gardens, recycling, and composting with fungi. All participants will receive 5 lb. of spawn and a log to take home. For more information about mushrooms, go to Fungi Perfecti http://www.fungi.com/to learn about Paul Stamets, a dedicated mycologist and author. The website for Mushroom Mountain is fascinating with photos of mushrooms and lots of info. Visit http://www.mushroommountain.com/

We have gardening opportunities here for all you folks with green thumbs - do you want to spend some time outside helping to prepare the gardens at Cedar Hill for the spring? We have seeds to get in the ground and would appreciate your help as we anticipate the gardens coming alive with spinach, lettuce and other goodies from the earth. If you have a couple of hours and would like to join us, call me at 770-887-0051.

To view a monthly calendar of Cedar Hill programs, visit:

http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=kat.cedarhill%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York

Prayer Circle

2009-02-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

In looking through the Internet for retreat centers with a mission and vision similar to Cedar Hill, I came across one that offered such a wonderful way to bring all its supporters together. They have the One Hundred Women Program which started as a way to support Tallgrass Retreats Center in Kansas. They described it as a "space for grace" - what a wonderful way to describe the coming together of community. This is an opportunity to bring all of our supporters into a day-to-day relationship with Cedar Hill. As we move toward sustainability for this sacred place, we will need "all hands on deck" as my father would say to us kids growing up.

I've been thinking about this since receiving several notes from folks over the holidays expressing regret that they were not able to offer financial support in response to our appeal letter; however, they would pray for Cedar Hill. Do you know the power behind these words? I'm so grateful that they would think to include Cedar Hill in their daily prayer life.

In order to bring everyone into this Space for Grace, I'd like to propose that we send out prayer requests to you as we move forward with specific projects we are working on this year, Brilliant Ideas, as our friend Charlotte Evers calls them. We will describe and explain what our needs are for the project, asking you to be present in the birthing process. So whether you can make a financial donation, a monthly pledge, know someone who can help or offer daily prayers, please know that your support at any level is deeply appreciated.

Programs for February & March

2009-01-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

We have so many new offerings that we would like to share with you. We've added websites for you to visit for several of the presenters and invite you to check them out.

Centering Prayer w/Ahna Carlson on Thursday, Feb. 19

Fried Green Friday Dinner on Friday, Feb. 21

Bread Making & Sprouting w/Jean Schilling on Saturday, Feb. 21

Prosperity Workshop w/Julia Griffin on Saturday, Feb. 28
Julia's website is: http://www.onetrueself.com/
Energywork Skills w/Ahna Carlson on Sunday, March 1

Gospel of the Beloved Companion
w/Jehanne deQuillan on Saturday, March 7

Laconneau, Level 1 w/Jehanne deQuillan on Sunday, March 8
For more information regarding Laconneau, please visit:
http://www.laconneau.org/

Spring into Fitness with Pilates Monday, March 9
The Pilates Point website is: http://www.thepilatespoint.com/

Financial Wkshp w/Robert Landreth Saturday, March 14

Sacred Circles Spring Celebration Sunday, March 15

Call for details or look for the detailed calendar by e-mail!

Our Earth Literacy Series (starts Feb. 10) can be found at North Georgia College & State University
www.ngcsu.edu/ce

And remember, we know have access for credit card transations in the office. We welcome your calls in the event you need further information or would like to be added to our e-mail list. Contact Kat at 770-887-0051 or kat@discovercedarhill.org

Winter Feast for the Soul, and more...

2009-01-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

"What nine months does for the embryo
Forty early mornings will do
For your growing awareness"
Rumi

An event that is happening worldwide, the Winter Feast for the Soul is a 40-day spiritual practice period for all people from January 15 to February 23. The most important part of this commitment is that one finds a way to create deep peace inside oneself for 40 minutes each day for 40 consecutive days. Some ways could be prayer or meditation, walk a labyrinth, yoga or tai chi, reflection with sacred texts, journaling, writing or painting. Of course, the labyrinth at Cedar Hill is available for those on a spiritual journey and we welcome you to utilize this spiritual tool.

The mission of A Winter Feast for the Soul is to support individuals around the world in making a commitment to daily spiritual practice for forty days. It only takes a few committed individuals to change the world. For more information, please visit their website at: http://www.winterfeastforthesoul.com/

Offerings at Cedar Hill for spiritual growth:

Spa for the Spirit Day
Buddhist Study Group
Individual Retreat
Labyrinth

Call for more information or see the website.
We're working to secure a program schedule that will bring together all aspects of the body, mind, spirit connection. If you have any suggestions, please let us know. What are you looking for in your life? Cedar Hill is here for you.

Make your reservation soon for the Fried Green Friday Dinner on January 16 - only $20.00 for a 5-course meal. We now accept credit cards in the office by phone or in person.
This month's menu:
Appetizer - Hot cheddar bean dip with crostini
Soup - Provincial Country Vegetable
Entree - Eggplant Parmesan (eggplant grown at Cedar Hill)
Dessert - either Fruit Cobbler or Raw Apple Cake

Note: Logo art of A Winter Feast for the Soul by Ted McCoy, Ketchum ID

January Events!

2008-12-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

The new year is upon us and we have several programs coming up designed to help make those all important changes in your life. Whether it's financial empowerment, making time to gather with friends or looking at a healthy lifestyle, Cedar Hill is offering ways to greet this New Year.

On January 16, the wildly popular Fried Green Friday Dinner Club will gather at 7PM. This event has become a social outing for so many people, who not only bring their friends, but make new ones during the course of the evening. We're doing our best to bring you not only a delicious five-course meal, but ensuring that menu items are grown and purchased locally. We're really into this LOCAVORE thing now! You can call to make your reservation (we now take credit cards by phone or in person). The evening is $20.00 per person.

Saturday, January 17 9:30am-12:00pm
SECRETS OF HOW TO GET A 720 CREDIT SCORE...AND KEEP IT!
Why should you attend this class?

You can learn secrets the Credit Bureaus don't want you to have
Empower yourself with knowledge
How to stop those "pre-approved" credit card offers
Uncover the mystery of the Black Box
Prevent Identity Theft from happening to you

Robert Landreth, local credit expert and author is teaching this fun and action-packed class. He guarantees that no one will fall asleep and everyone will leave with a new mindset about credit. Robert is a Partner in Education and teaches Continuing Education classes for the Georgia Association of Realtors.

All monies will be given to Cedar Hill. Seating is limited. Fee is only $19.00

For more information about Robert, click on this link:

www.CreditManagementAssociation.com

January 17 10am-Noon Reading Group

This month's selection is "The Nympho and Other Maniacs" by Irving Wallace. As always, this group enjoys a spirited discussion, no matter what the book is. Come join them to enter the wonderful world of books.

Reiki Gathering - we will post the date for the gathering, either the 4th or last Thursday of the month. Or you can call us at 770-887-0051 for information.

Continuing with our series for better living:

February 21 9:30am-12:30pm Fresh Bread & Sprouting Workshop

Join Jean Schilling, local business owner, wife, mother, grandmother, as she introduces you to sprouts and the cardiac friendly bread (no oil, no dairy). Faced with concern for her husband's cardiac disease, Jean is working to help reverse this through sprouts and bread - we invite you spend a few hours in the kitchen with this delightful lady as she shares her story. All supplies included.

Would you be interested in a Pilates class at Cedar Hill? We have an opportunity to present this through a local instructor. What is Pilates? An innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates. These exercises are gently, encouraging natural alignment and posture, while strengthening and toning muscles. "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness",(Joseph Pilates), is a lesson we all can learn. If you would be interested in joining a class, please let us know what works for you: day/evening, particular day of the week? And for more information regarding Julia Anderson, the instructor, please visit her website at:

http://thepilatespoint.com

A Convenient Way to Contribute

2008-12-15T06:34:00.000-08:00

Cedar Hill has discovered a convenient way for friends and supporters to contribute to the sustainability of the center. Your gifts can help all year round through FirstGiving.

Your gifts make it possible to expand our programs as we search for offerings that will provide a service for the community. At this critical time in our planet and society's history, people are yearning for re-connecting to Earth and ways to live a more simple, yet fulfilling life.

We are trusting in your faith in Cedar Hill, as we have for the past 13 years. Your gifts of financial support, as well as time and expertise are greatly appreciated. Many of you include Cedar Hill in your daily prayer life and this is a gift warmly accepted by all of us here.

You may now donate to Cedar Hill online using your credit card – just click on

www.firstgiving.com/npo/19131

By sharing this with others, you have the opportunity to introduce Cedar Hill to your friends and family, but also create your own Cedar Hill page with personal testimonials. Then ask your family and friends to make a donation on your Cedar Hill website. You can set your own fundraising goal and perhaps create your own fundraising activity.

Firstgiving.com is a secure donation site, used by many reputable nonprofits. It’s easy to do, and you will receive an immediate receipt for your records.

Or you can send a check for your end of year gift to Cedar Hill. Our mailing address is 6625 Highway 53 E., Ste. 410, PMB 207, Dawsonville, GA 30534. (Yes, it is different from our physical location). Donations may also be made through the office with a credit card (a 3% fee is included).

For more information, contact us at 770-887-0051 or info@discovercedarhill.org.

Thank you for your gift! Cedar Hill Enrichment Center, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, depending on generous donations from individuals who believe our mission. All contributions are tax-deductible.

What's in a logo?

2008-11-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

Let us offer a few words of explanation about the name "Cedar Hill" and our logo. From the earliest times in recorded history, the cedar has been considered a sacred tree. Palaces in ancient Egypt were built of cedar. Throughout the ages cedar has been a symbol of peace, of grace-timing, anointing, perfect faith and preservation. Evergreen is a reminder of the richness and fullness of life.

The Cherokee people who once inhabited these hills of North Georgia used cedar in their sacred ceremonies. The tree was a symbol of Ancient Wisdom. both bark and leaf symbolized strength, nurturing, cleansing and purification.

In Cedar Hill's logo, the curved lines represent the hill upon which the cedar trees stand. The shorter line on the left symbolizes the letting go of old hurts and fears that block our spiritual growth. The larger line on the right symbolizes that great leap forward in faith.

Looking carefully at the touching trees, you might detect the "dance of the spirits."

We invite you to Cedar Hill, to walk this beautiful land, to experience the serenity awaiting you and just sit in the stillness.

Labyrinth featured in Southern Living

2008-10-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Walking at your own pace, letting go of stress and issues in your life while feelings of anger, hurt, confusion dissipate - how can this all happen? Just
by walking a labyrinth. Labyrinths all over the world are being discovered and
re-discovered.

The labyrinth has only one path so there are no dead-ends as with a maze. Walking a labyrinth can connect us to nature and to an ancient tradition experienced by religious and spiritual pilgrims throughout history.

Labyrinths are now being used in schools, hospitals, prisons and many public areas. We’re currently living in a “maze time” of confusion, dead-ends and false starts. Reconnect to your inner self by walking a labyrinth which helps bring us into a “labyrinth way of life”, knowing there is only one path, one way.

Come, bring a group, your family or walk alone...experience this ancient universal spiritual tool.

The article on Cedar Hill’s labyrinth, published in the April 2008 edition of Southern Living, can be read in its entirety on our website at www.discovercedarhill.org.

We're having a POTLUCK POTTING PARTY & You're Invited!

2008-07-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

In preparation for our Plant & Rain Barrel fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, October 19, we need help with the following items: bags of potting soil, donations to help purchase potting soil, and volunteers to pot up the plants we'll have for sale. You don't need a green thumb. Just come on Sunday, August 3 at 5pm, bring a dish to share and have some fun! Some of the plants for potting are Redbud trees, Devil's Walking stick, sedum, raspberries, obedient plant, yarrow and yellow archangel. We'll nursery them over until the sale on October 19.

Call to let us know you're coming - 770-887-0051. We'll set a place for you at the table!

2008-07-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

The class you've been waiting for!

Charlotte Evers will be conducting a Level I and II Reiki class on August 8-10. Please see our website for more info and how you can register.

WHAT IS AN ECO-PILGRIMAGE?

2008-04-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

Cedar Hill is planning an eco-pilgrimage in February 2009 - what exactly is an eco-pilgrimage? We will visit the Yucatan, touring a environmental reserve and learning about the culture. Sound interesting? Stay tuned...more info to follow.

Double Workshops April 12th

2008-04-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

There are still spaces available for the double workshops on Saturday, April 12!

MEDITATION & DREAM EXPLORATION WORKSHOPS
Saturday, April 12
Investment: $35.00 each
If you take both workshops, you enjoy a $5.00 discount
Dream Exploration 10:00am-1:00pm

Every night we dream and we are free from the constraints of our conscious mind. We enter into a world of inner images that is profound, yet mysterious and perplexing. Ancient cultures viewed dreams as messages from the divine, messages that can heal and transform. We, too, can experience the transforming power of our dreams.

Join us for a morning of exploration into the world of dreams˜where we will examine our dreams, view them from different perspectives, and learn to invite their wisdom into our lives.

After completing this program, participants learn to:
- Understand the benefits of paying attention to dreams
- Apply practical techniques to help remember dreams
- Individually examine their dreams from multiple perspectives
- Work with a partner in a non-invasive manner to gain insight into their dreams
- Tap into dream solutions to creatively solve problems
- Experience the joy of Self discovery

Meditation Session
2:00-5:00pm

Inside of every human being, there is a deep reservoir of stillness, wisdom and peace. Meditation helps to quiet the activity of the mind so we can access this inner world and bring it forward into the activities of our daily lives. Through this inspired practice, we connect with a part of ourselves that remains steady in all circumstances. This course offers instruction in various meditation techniques, how to incorporate meditation into modern lifestyles, breathing techniques and meditation practice. This class is designed for people who are new to meditation and for experienced meditators who want to refresh their practice.

After completing this program, participants learn to:
- Understand the benefits of meditation
- Set an intention for their meditation practice
- Create a place for meditation in their homes
- Establish a regular and reasonable meditation practice
- Quiet the mind using various techniques
- Develop an awareness of the role of posture, the breath and sound during meditation

Facilitator: Leigh Moore, President of Bridge Career Management, Inc. is a Human Resources Consultant, Career coach, Meditation Teacher & Trainer with more than 15 years experience. Leigh began practicing meditation in 1983 and credits meditation with helping her remain calm and centered during the challenges of life. Leigh has over 1000 hours in meditation courses and training and traveled to India several times to deepened her meditation practice. In addition to meditation, Leigh has years of study and training in dream work. She has personally received profound messages in her own dreams that have guided her in making important life decisions. She recommends meditation and dream work as a way to successfully access inner guidance and manage the uncertainty and anxiety that our society and culture frequently evokes.

SACRED CIRCLE invitation from Nancy Amestoy:

You (and anyone else you'd like to invite) are invited to come experience Satori with us in our Sacred Circle at Cedar Hill on Sunday, April 13, at 2:00.

In the chapter of A New Earth that Eckhart Tolle & Oprah were disscussing Monday night, Tolle talks about what happens in our Circle each time we gather. He says,

"Satori is a moment of Presence...In the stillness of Presence, you can sense the formless essence in yourself and in the other as one. You are relating at a level deeper than thought and emotion. In fact, at that level there is a true coming together, a true joining that goes far beyond relating. Knowing the oneness of yourself and the other is true love, true care, true compassion."

Looking forward to being in Presence and Oneness with you on Sunday!

Looking for a way to beat those tax day blues?
PAMPER YOURSELF WITH HERBS
Tuesday, April 15
10:00am-12:00pm
$35.00 (includes all supplies)

Pamper yourself on tax day with this hands-on herbal workshop to pep up that dry, winter skin. You will learn how to make your own bath salts, hand lotion and peppermint liniment. Bring a spare sock to class to learn how to make your own warm fuzzy for hours of comfort. With Spring calling us outdoors, all you gardeners will need this for those sore, achy muscles that come at the beginning of the season.
Facilitator: Lojuana Howard

HOW TO AVOID FINANCIAL CRISIS
Sunday, April 20
1:00pm-4:00pm
Investment: $15.00 includes lunch

Offered through AgeLess with the generous support of the Forsyth County United Way, facilitator Ron Whelan, a veteran of the reverse mortgage industry, has spent the last 30 years helping seniors and their adult children make decision about their parents and eventually about themselves. This program will enlighten the attendees to all the options, new and old, available to them in this process. Many Boomers (and Beyond) have avoided decision-making around financial issues that will affect how, and where, they age.

You'll learn about:
- Beginning the financial dialog with family members
- The financial "check up" each generation needs to have
- Making the residence choice
- Examining the "what ifs"
- How to avoid making decisions in "crisis mode"
- Going beyond wills and powers of attorney
- Steps to avoid "survivor stress"
- Things change: what is appropriate today may not work tomorrow

Reiki Gathering - Thursday, April 17 & Thursday, May 22 6-8:30pm

Reading Group - April 26 from 10am-Noon (in the Guesthouse Library)

Drumming Circle - will reconvene on May 24 7pm

The following workshop was rescheduled from February as part of the Earth Literacy series offered through North Georgia College and State University www.ngcsu.edu/ce or call 706-864-1918 to register

Tuesday, April 29
Creating Curb Appeal workshop
(using drought tolerant and native plants,
learn how to create beautiful curb appeal for your home)

Award-winning landscape designer and Gwinnett Master Gardener Shannon Pable will cover basic maintenance tips and how to avoid "high maintenance landscapes", mulching, staying ahead of weeds, basic desing principles, selecting plants and a few pointers on xeriscaping to deal with the drought.

Are you interested in a Buddhist Study Group?

Carol Shumaker is interested in coordinating a study group on Buddhism, which many of you indicated in the Cedar Hill Survey you were also interested in exploring.

Anyone wanting to participate is invited to come to an organizational meeting on Sunday, May 4 from 2:00-4:00pm. If you are interested in pursuing exploration into the Buddhist tradition, please respond directly to senashumaker@aol.com. Put "Buddhist study group" in the subject line. Prior to the first meeting she will send a bibliography to those who express an interest. This bibliography will simply be a starting point and not definitive.

At the organizational meeting the group will decide exactly what to study, how to study (e.g., does everyone read the same book or perhaps different books could be read and reports given; will the group take field trips to Buddhist centers; will practicing Buddhists be invited to speak), how long a commitment will be required, how long each session will last, and other matters of format and content the group deems appropriate.

Hope to see you on May 4th.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 3 - Resolving Issue with the Historic Women in Our Lives

May 10 - Mother's Day Celebration: Hearing Plants & Listening to Mother Earth

May 17 - Chippers & Chairsaws - 9am-Noon
sign up on Hands on Forsyth - www.handsonforsyth.org

Bring your Scout Troop, garden club, civic organization and help clean up the woods and woodland paths due to the recent storms!

May 17 - Labyrinth workshop & walk
Featured in the April issue of Southern Living, the Cedar Hill labyirnth is a wonderful tool for walking meditation or dealing with stress. Beginning at 3pm, we will gather to explore the labyrinth together, there will be time to walk the labyrinth and share your experience, if you'd like. A potluck supper will follow. Suggested donation: $10.00

Are you planning a special birthday? Looking to have a "girlfriends" week-end? Does your staff need a well-deserved retreat day? Now is the time to call us for information on how Cedar Hill can take care of your needs. Spend a night or two, walk the labyrinth, experience the serenity and hospitality of Cedar Hill. Let us take care of you!

TO REGISTER:
Call 770-887-0051 or on-line at info@cedarhillenrichment.org
or use the attached registration form.
Located at: 5735 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, GA

CEDAR HILL...Connecting Earth & Spirit
Cedar Hill Enrichment Center is a 501-C-3 nonprofit organization and is not financially supported by any church organization or religious congregation. We depend on workshop/retreat fees and your kind donations to maintain staff, buildings and grounds. Your donations are welcome and are tax deductible.

I’m Wishing For A…

2008-04-08T20:54:00.001-07:00

The scope of programming and facilities that Cedar Hill offers to its community requires a great deal of resources to maintain. Although our yearly budget covers some of this, your contributions and support are critical to the ongoing success or our organization. Please consider donating financially or with your time to help sustain Cedar Hill's vital work.

Our Current "Wish List" :

Native plants and shrubs
New roof for woodland cottage
Dishwasher for Guesthouse
New blinds for Guesthouse windows
Sliding door for closet in barn
New handicapped accessible sink for guesthouse bathroom
Solar light for Cedar Hill sign
Solar lights for driveway entrance
Color copier
HP laser printer for office
Office supplies such as ink cartridges and office paper
DVD/VCR player
Gift certificates for seed purchases
Mulch
New floor for guesthouse kitchen floor

Thanks for donating on behalf of Cedar Hill!

Living Wreaths - April 5th; Pampering with Herbs - April 15th

2008-04-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Attention all Master Gardeners, Garden Club and Georgia Native Plant Society members - you can receive a $5.00 discount on these upcoming workshops!

LIVING WREATHS
with Hall County Master Gardener Lojuana Howard

Saturday, April 5
10:00am - 12:00pm
$35.00 (includes all supplies)

Learn how to easily create a beautiful living wreath with flowers, herbs or lettuce. These indoor lovely gardens can grace your table or kitchen counter while serving your family fresh grown items. Create a lovely wreath of succulents to fill a sunny location in your kitchen. You can create unlimited varieties that will brighten your home!

PAMPER YOURSELF WITH HERBS
with Hall County Master Gardener Lojuana Howard

Tuesday, April 15
10:00am-12:00pm
$35.00 (includes all supplies)

Pamper yourself on tax day with this hands-on herbal workshop to pep up that dry, winter skin. You will learn how to make your own bath salts, hand lotion and peppermint liniment. Bring a spare sock to class to learn how to make your own warm fuzzy for hours of comfort. With Spring calling us outdoors, all you gardeners will need this for those sore, achy muscles that come at the beginning of the season.

Southern Living Magazine Features Cedar Hill Labyrinth

2008-04-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

On newstands now, Cedar Hill is featured prominently in the “Georgia Living” bonus section of Southern Living’s current issue (April 2008). The labyrinth is available daily for individuals and groups to walk. Please just call ahead if you are coming!

Hot off the press: Spring 2008 Events

2008-04-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Spring 2008:

April 6 Breath of Life Meditation
April 12 Meditation & Dream Exploration Workshops
April 15 Pamper Yourself with Herbs
April 19 Expanding Your Body Consciousness
April 20 How to Avoid Financial Crisis
April 26 Yoga Retreat for Women (with Pat Cail)
April 27 Plant, Rain Barrel, and Bake sale
May 3 Belk Charity Day, 6:00-10:00am, tickets-$5
May 3 Resolving Issues with the Historic Women in our Lives (with Sara Martin)
May 10 Hearing Plants & Listening to Mother Earth (with Julia Griffin) Celebrate Mother Earth this Mother’s Day!
May 17 or 24 “Chippers & Chainsaws” - Volunteers needed for woods clean-up. Register through Hands On Forsyth.
May 31 Learn to Develop or Enhance Your Psychic Abilities Using a Three Step Process (with Debra Joyner)
June 14 Basket Weaving (with Jan Stansell)

Ongoing:

Sacred Circle - 2nd Sunday of the month, 2-4pm
Reading Group - 4th Saturday of the month, 10am-Noon
Drumming Circle - 4th Saturday of the month, 7pm
Reiki Gathering - Thursday, April 17 & May 22 6-8:30pm

REVIEW OF PAST EVENTS

Sacred Circles Second Sunday 2:00 - 4:00pm More Info

Reiki Clinic Third Monday 7:00 - 9:00pm More Info

For other ongoing events:

Contact Cedar Hill Enrichment Center at 770.887.0051 or info@cedarhillenrichment.org

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

2008-04-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

Come find out where your gifts and talents fit into the community of Cedar Hill. As a small nonprofit organization, we depend on our volunteers to continue our ongoing ministry. Where can you picture yourself?

Gardening – planting, weeding, mulching, creating new gardens, design ideas, what plants can be used to maintain our dedication to native and drought tolerant plants

Administrative – answer phones in office, put together hand-outs needed for programs

Cedar Hill library – sorting and logging in new books, maintaining the extensive book list, contacting clients to retrieve books

Labyrinth – maintain the area around our beautiful Cretan labyrinth, mowing the labyrinth during spring and summer season, weed around the stones, plant new flowers around the entrance

Regular maintenance of buildings – cleaning gutters, caulking around windows, checking filters for A/C, carpet cleaning, windows cleaned, plumbing, painting

Special Events – volunteers are needed for fundraising events held during the year – planning, set up and clean up