What's Happening: March 2014

Spring

Small signs of spring began to show themselves this month, with daffodils, trout lilies, and toothwort in bloom by the end of March.  Cold temperatures and even snow persisted through the month, though many days were sunny and pleasant.   The greenhouse is warm and full of life, with onions, peppers, lettuces, brassicas, herbs, and other plants getting a head start on the growing season. Grapes, blueberries, strawberries, carrots, potatoes, chamomile, and hops were planted in the garden this month. Baby animals are plentiful on the ranch; little goats, cows, and chicks are experiencing their first spring.  Milk, cheese, and yogurt production are up. 

Planning for the 40^th Land Day

East Wind will be celebrating its 40^th Land Day this May 1^st- 4^th.  Many former members, people from other communities, and friends will be joining us during this four day celebration.  The festivities will begin with a Beltane celebration on May 1^st, followed by an East Wind Renaissance Faire on the weekend of May 3^rd and 4^th.  Entertainment will include a play written and performed by East Winders, fortune telling, a magic show, a scavenger hunt, juggling, fire spinning, music, a Maypole ceremony, a catapult, sack races, court jesters, traditional food and drink, costumes and decorations, a time capsule to be opened on the 50th anniversary, a group photo, face painting and hair braiding, an apothecary, workshops and demonstrations, tug-of-war, mud wrestling, jousting, a dragon log, and more.  East Winders have been busy with preparations for the festival, including play rehearsal, home brewing, costume design, site preparation, bow making, etc.  There is still much work to be done, and even more fun to be had.

What’s Happening: Winter 2013-14

A Long Winter

East Winders endured one of the coldest and snowiest winters in recent memory.  Snow that usually melts away after a day or two covered East Wind in a blanket of white for much of the winter.  While there is still a lot to be done during the winter, these months are definitely a slower and less productive time in community.  Some people struggle to find things to do for work and fun, though many folks enjoy the downtime.  When not working, many East Winders spend a good portion of their time staying warm and socializing in our main common spaces.  The winter is also a great time of the year to get out in the Ozark woodlands; East Winders enjoy hiking, forestry, and hunting, among other pursuits. 

Waiting List

By the end of February, everyone on the waiting list for membership and a room has either received a space or declined to join at this time.  East Wind has maintained a continual waiting list for almost two years now, as we have continuously been at population capacity (which is the same as the number of bedrooms in the community: 73).   At certain points while the waiting list was in effect, male applicants were waiting for nearly a year for a space, though the average wait was generally only a few months.  Now that the waiting list is caught up for the time being, visitors will be able to transition to provisional membership and receive a room after three weeks with no additional wait.  We usually receive a high influx of visitors during the spring and summer, and all rooms are full currently.