What’s Happening: February 2012

An Early Spring

A very mild winter transitioned into a very early spring as daffodils bloomed all over East Wind starting in the second week of February.  Later this February, elms and elderberries began to leaf out as an abundance of wild dandelions, chickweed, toothwort, and trout lilies began to flower along path sides and out from beneath the dead leaves that still carpet the forest floor.  We are just beginning to see the first sunburns and barefeet of the year, along with the first wild-harvested greens in our salads. 

Our greenhouse is up and running, filled with warm earthy smells and trays upon trays of veggies and herbs.  In our herb gardens, peppermint, tarragon, and other perennials are beginning to arise under the soft spring light.  We will soon be planting our spring potatoes, carrots, and onions in our vegetable gardens. The first signs of the spring and the start of the garden season have many East Winders in high spirits.

The Schwag Play RB

Locally renowned Grateful Dead coverband, The Schwag, played a free show at East Wind this February.  The Schwag are good friends of East Wind, and their visits are always welcomed with enthusiasm.  Many East Winders have attended Schwagstock, a local music festival run by The Schwag, to enjoy the music and good times, to vend our sandals, nutbutters, and crafts, or to help The Schwag by working the gate, stage, trash, or other odd jobs.  The Schwag played a great set in RB, our main kitchen/dining/hang-out area, and welcomed a few of our own to play and sing with them.  Many East Winders gathered to enjoy the good music and good vibes.

Validation Day

On February14th, East Winders celebrated Validation Day by sharing songs and poetry at a coffeehouse held in RB.  During the weeks beforehand, East Winders had fun making and decorating cards for each member and then writing positive, validating notes to each other to fill the cards.  East Wind celebrates Validation Day annually, and the holiday gives East Winders an extra opportunity to share their warm fuzzy feelings with those who they share their home.

Communal Art

Some East Winders have been spending their evenings working on beautiful collective murals to decorate our common spaces. The artists have already completed two beautiful works of art and begun a third even larger mural. Many East Winders enjoy creating and admiring art, and these newest communal works have brought beauty to their creators and to our community as a whole.