Reflections on Summer Celebration 2021

On June 19, we held our first live event since the Pandemic. About a dozen women gathered at HOWL to celebrate summer with a pot luck supper and campfire*. I felt underprepared going in… I hadn’t brought a story or song to share. But as it turns out, we ended up simply “being social” with one another (I left early, so there may have been some stories and songs later). Just being with other women, without the need for masks or social distancing, was quite a novelty for me. We had fun sharing a meal together, then afterward, roasting vegan marshmallows (“Dandies” brand, which two of us brought… I got mine at the Jericho Market). Somehow, as often happens, we had just the right balance of dishes, including mac & cheese, veggie burgers, a big salad, a delicious tofu dish, and an amazing sweet potato and peanut butter soup. Plus challah, gluten-free bread, and garlic oil. We talked and talked. Some took a tour of the gardens, while others (like me) spent some time marveling at the diversity of chickens in the enclosure. Such beautiful plumage! As we enjoyed our supper, a pair of horses grazed nearby. They live nearby and are doing their part to help us maintain our 25 acres of pasture land. Meg, one of our caretakers, was responsible for planting the beautiful gardens, and for keeping the paths and campsites mowed so we can welcome campers. There were three visitors camping that weekend, and two of them joined us for the celebration. It was great to have visitors to our land once again! Though our emergence from the Pandemic is proving to be slow and, at times, tentative, I am observing the wonderful beginnings of a return to life that’s a lot more “normal”. As I start to attend social events, like this one, where people are unmasked, I am finding a quiet joy in seeing facial expressions, and most of all, smiles.

– Michele Grimm

Bonfire, 2018

* We had advertised it as a “bonfire”, but realized that “campfire” makes more sense. One year, without meaning to, we had a true bonfire. When we lit the fire to start the ceremony, it was so large we couldn’t hear the person who was speaking, for the sound of the flames. We got it down to a manageable size quickly, but it was a bit unnerving!

Black Lives Matter – Ways to Help

Organizations to support through volunteer work or donations:

Many of these sites maintain their own lists of organizations and ways to help.

Vermont 

  • ACLU: American Civil Liberties Union Vermont
  • Vermont Racial Justice Alliance: Under the leadership of a people-of-color led Steering Committee and assisted by a network of individuals and organizations across Vermont, the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance advocates for the implementation of State and local policy mitigating the direct impact and dismantling the root (systemic) origins of racism in Vermont. 
  • Peace & Justice Center Vermont: In response to the killing of George Floyd and countless others, the Peace & Justice Center has compiled this list. They especially encourage white people to take responsibility to change our racist, broken systems.

National  

  • Ways to Help: Simple list of different ways you can help.
  • Black Lives Matter: The national umbrella of the Black Lives Matter movement, donations to BLM go toward programs and actions across the country, focused on ending white supremacy and state-sanctioned violence.  Did you know that BLM was founded by three women?
  • Campaign Zero: Campaign Zero is a national advocacy organization that uses data-based research to inform policy solutions aimed at eliminating police violence.  
  • How to Become a Better Ally: In the United States, Black people have lived through a long history of racial injustice and senseless, institutionalized violence. This isn’t their battle to fight alone. Here’s how you can help in the fight for equality and racial justice.p in the fight for equality and racial justice.
  • Police Use of Force Project: How police use of force policies can help to end police violence. 

Bail Funds 

  • The Bail Project: With offices or partnerships in cities from coast to coast, the Bail Project is one of the largest and most established bail funds.  
  • National Bail Out: Working to end systems of mass incarceration by bailing out Black Mamas and organizing to end money bail and pretrial detention.  

Organizations to follow on social media: 

COVID-19 Announcement

Like many small businesses and nonprofits, HOWL has been monitoring the rapid evolution of COVID-19. We care deeply about the community in which our land is located, and the health and safety of our visitors is our top priority. We also understand and fully support the need to “flatten the curve” in an effort to give our health care providers the best chance to serve those in need.
That is why we have decided to cancel HOWL events and overnight visits through April 30, 2020. This closure is effective today, March 19, 2020. All events scheduled during that time frame will be cancelled or rescheduled. Any guests who have made reservations to stay in the guest room between now and April 30 will be issued a full refund.
Foundation Yoga for the HOWL Foundation, originally scheduled for March 22, has been rescheduled. The new date is May 3 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Williston Federated Church in Williston, VT. Check back for more details in the weeks ahead.
We will not be accepting any new overnight guest or Hipcamp reservations until further notice. Reservations beginning May 1 or after will remain on the books, but this is subject to change based on future recommendations from the CDC.
If you would like to come visit the land for the day, walk the trails, and soak in the beauty of HOWL, you are welcome! We will have guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 posted at the farmhouse.
Please stay tuned for future updates, but most importantly, stay healthy, and take care of your local community members in need.
Sincerely,
Cindy, Glo, Lani, Michele & Stephie
HOWL Collective

Ukelele Workshop with Clare Innes! Saturday, February 22

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Ukelele Clare–teacher, shenanigans instigator, and merriment-maker–is coming to HOWL!  Saturday, February 22, 10:00-11:30.   Learn the basics of playing the ukulele in this light-hearted beginner’s workshop. You don’t need to know anything about music to learn how to strum, make chords and sing a song. All you need is a sense of adventure and a song in your heart. A limited number of ukuleles available to borrow or purchase at the workshop. Reserve a uke in advance by emailing ukuleleclare@gmail.com or bring your own.  $10 (donation to HOWL).

BYO lunch if you’d like to linger after the workshop in the afterglow of ukelele glory!

Fall and Summer Events, 2019

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Camping:  Fall Foliage Fun / Retreat Destination – We are now on Hipcamp!  It’s easy to book a campsite – try it out!  Or email howlvt@gmail.com or call 802-434-3953 to arrange your visit.

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October 20, Sunday, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Kombucha Workshop at HOWL

Why pay $4 a pint for kombucha? Learn how to do it yourself!  (Click the link above to learn more).  Equipment & ingredients to take home are included in the cost. Cost $20; more if you can, less if you can’t. RSVP to howlvt@gmail.com to reserve a space, or just drop in; we’ll have plenty of supplies available. Led by Michele Grimm.

October 11, Sunday, 5:00 – October 13, Sunday, 4:00 PM

The Women Who Run With the Wolves

Come engage collectively with the wild woman archetype. This weekend workshop will include readings from Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ “The Women Who Run With the Wolves” as we use expressive arts, authentic movement, dream work, and ritual to re-root ourselves with our own inner fire. Held on Women’s Land, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to tap into the wellspring of inner knowing.

This workshop deals with the archetype of wild woman, the format intentionally allows for individuals to identify with, reject, question, and explore what that means for them personally. It is open to women identifying, trans-women, non-binary/non-gender specific. HOWL allows individuals to self-identify. All voices will be honored and held safely. (Stay tuned for a 3rd workshop in Montpelier open to CIS and trans-men who also wish to engage with their anima)

The nitty gritty: HOWL has 3 available bedrooms. One of which can comfortably sleep 2, or cozily 3+. This large room will be prioritized for groups. There is ample camping all over the property, and is highly encouraged, but come prepared for chilly mountain nights! The room reservations are first-come first serve.

This workshop is by donation, and 100% of it will go to Huntington Open Women’s Land, to ensure that there will always be land for women to root and roam freely. Suggested donation is $15 per person per night, sliding scale. HOWL is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers.

To keep costs low, I would like to make this a potluck style event – bring a big dish to share, and some personal snacks for yourself -pack in/pack out style
Please email Lisa.Scanlon@goddard.edu if you have any questions or cindyfeltch211@gmail.com  to make a room reservation.

October 3, Thursday, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Reach Magazine Launch Party

 

Come celebrate the launch of the brand new Reach Magazine at a Live Story & Poetry SLAM at Soapbox Arts Gallery!  This new magazine features stories, art, and wisdom from inspiring women.

TELL YOUR STORY OR POEM!

Modeled after The Moth Podcast live story slams, this will be an open mic performance event. Place your name into a hat for the chance to perform your own five-minute story or poem in a supportive, safe, and fun environment.Featuring
  • Performances from comedic stars Tina Friml and Josie Leavitt
  • Pop-up shop with Elmore Mountain Therapeutics
  • Raffle:  All raffle proceeds will be donated to HOWL!
Price of admission includes a free draft drink from Zafa Wines x Shacksbury Cider’s CoCellars.Admission
  • General Admission $7.00
  • “Ruth Bader Ginsburg” Admission $13.00 ( includes a copy of Reach Magazine’s debut Issue No. 1 )
  • “Oprah” Admission $15.00 ( includes a Reach T-Shirt designed by Beenanza Design and printed by New Duds )
  • “Beyonce” Admission” $25.00 ( includes a a copy of Issue No. 1 and a Reach T Shirt )

September 21 – 22, Sat-Sun
Camping Weekend for All Women, at HOWL

3 PM, Saturday, Sept 21, through 4 PM Sunday, Sept. 22

Bring your gear, good friends and good cheer:  HOWL is holding an open house camping weekend for all women, on our unique women’s land in Huntington, VT.  Camping under the stars, communal campfire with stories, songs, and s’mores.  Hiking on Sunday morning if there’s interest.

Bring your own camping gear and food: tent, sleeping bag, pad, warm clothing, flashlight, etc.  Bring  bug dope and don’t forget your daily tick check. Also, be prepared for a bit of rain — this is Vermont!  If camping is not your thing, we may have a limited availability for guests in the house — please call to reserve a room. HOWL will supply filtered water, lovely outhouse, communal fire ring, firewood, and supplies for s’mores!

Cost: $15-$45 per person, sliding scale. We are a small not-for-profit, and appreciate your generosity!   Make your donation Here or bring it to the camp-out.

Please RSVP to confirm campsite or room, at HOWLVT@GMAIL.COM

September 15, Sunday, 4 – 6 pm
Collective Meeting at HOWL
Potluck 3-4 pm. Meeting starts promptly at 4.  All women are welcome to attend to learn more about our organization and the volunteer opportunities available. Write us at howlvt@gmail.com to RSVP.

August 18, Sunday, 4-6 pm
Collective Meeting at HOWL
Potluck 3-4 pm. Meeting starts promptly at 4.

July 27-28, Sat-Sun
Camping Weekend for All Women, at HOWL!

Bring your tent, sleeping bag, warm clothing, food, good friends and good cheer — HOWL is holding an open house cam

ping weekend for all women, on our unique women’s land in Huntington, VT.  Camping under the stars, and communal campfire. Stories, songs, and s’mores at night, and optional hiking on Sunday morning.

When? Starting at 3 PM, Saturday, July 27, through 4 PM Sunday July 28

HOWL will supply wood, campfire site, lovely outhouse and limited water… and s’mores…

You should bring your own equipment and food. Beware the ticks, bring appropriate bug dope and don’t forget your daily tick check. Also, be prepared for a bit of rain — this is Vermont! If there will be a complete rainstorm, our raindate will be August 3-4, a week later.

If camping is not your thing, we may have a limited availability for guests in the house — please call to reserve a room.

Please RSVP to confirm campsite or room, at HOWLVT@GMAIL.COM

Cost: $15-$45 per person, sliding scale. We are a small not-for-profit, and appreciate your generosity!

Hope to see you at HOWL this summer!

July 21, Sunday, 4-6 pm
Collective Meeting at HOWL
Potluck 3-4 pm. Meeting starts promptly at 4.

June 16, Sunday, 4-6 pm
Collective Meeting at HOWL
Potluck 3-4 pm. Meeting starts promptly at 4.

June 15, Saturday, 10 am – Noon
Kombucha Workshop at HOWL
Why pay $4 a pint for kombucha? Learn how to do it yourself!  (Click the link above to learn more).  Equipment & ingredients to take home are included in the cost. Cost $20; more if you can, less if you can’t. RSVP to howlvt@gmail.com to reserve a space, or just drop in; we’ll have plenty of supplies available. Led by Michele Grimm.

Alix Dobkin plays to a packed house

 

Alix Dobkin 30 yr saga

Ordinarily, April at HOWL conjures images of dreary skies, bare fields, and road ruts and wash-outs that have even veteran mud-season drivers dreaming of the day they’ll live on a paved road.  Not so this April, when the legendary Alix Dobkin entertained a sell-out crowd in HOWL’s community room.  April at HOWL?  Now I’ll think of a packed house of laughing women, two festive cakes baked by Stephie, and of course, the whole room singing along with Amazon ABCs.

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