Memphis Democrat
April 27, 2006

This is Suzanne writing about a week of many happenings at Dancing Rabbit. On Monday our first large visitor group of the season arrived. They are a great group and it has been a lot of fun getting to know them. We had an action-packed schedule of workshops this week for visitors including such topics as organic gardening, vegan cooking, herb gardening, alternative energy, consensus decision-making and Dancing Rabbit history and structure. Evening events included a game night, singalongs, swing dancing lessons, and a fire circle.

Our visitors and a group of college students from Knox College were here for one of my favorite annual events. Although only a handful of our members are actually Jewish it has become a community tradition here to celebrate Passover Seder. We celebrated a bit late this year as some folks were out of town earlier. We set up tables in the courtyard—four rows of tables for almost fifty people, perhaps the largest Seder here yet. Cecil did a beautiful job as master of ceremonies for the event. Several people cooked food for the potluck meal and it all tasted great. We drank delicious home- brewed fruit and vegetable wines from Sandhill and many of us stayed up late playing games and talking in the community building. Celebrating holidays with so many loved ones and new friends is one of the best things for me about living in this community and I look forward to many future celebrations.

While we had many exciting arrivals this week we also said goodbye to two dear friends. Susan and Erik, who have been members of our community since 2001, left Dancing Rabbit this week. Susan and Erik have contributed so much to our community and we will really miss them. Erik helped to take care of all of our vehicle problems and we will sorely miss his expertise. Many people will miss Susan’s “treat of the month club” –twice a month she would make the most delicious cakes and pastries and deliver surprise treats to folks belonging to the club in exchange for DR hours (our local currency) or cash. Due to health concerns, they are moving to a climate that will suit them better. They left three days behind schedule leading us to hope that maybe they were not leaving at all! But unfortunately the moving van pulled away Sunday morning as we all waved goodbye. We wish them all the best.

Ironweed coop finally planted all of it’s asparagus with the help of the visitors and area college classes and got started on planting trees in their orchard. They are still looking for straw and hay for mulching so if you have any to spare please give us a call.

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