Memphis Democrat
October 18, 2001

Many of us have been deeply affected by the United States decision to begin bombing in Afghanistan. I think we all hope for a quick end to violence and the building of peace for everyone.

As usual, it was a busy week. Though we can see things beginning to slow down. Garden intern Masha left for her home in rural Pennsylvannia, though she threatens to return for November. Scott and Laurel, who have been with us all season left to visit Laurel's father in Illinois and then head to park jobs in Florida. Little Tom shortly before he left got word that one of the poems he wrote about his experience here was going to be published in the prestigious Iowa Review. We were sad to see them all go.

We now have a small enough group to eat in the trailer. And it just in time because its getting chilly to be eating and cooking outdoors. A class from Truman State came for an afternoon, and after their tour they helped us break down the outdoor kitchen and move what we needed into the trailer. We really appreciate their enthusiastic help.

We also had a tour of lovely ladies who came via OATS bus. They brought us towels as a gift. When we had an American Sign Language learning night that evening, we used the towels to teach the word "nice."

Thanks to: Mary Jo and Charles Marlow in Memphis called us and let us pick pears from their huge tree. During Abbie's fiddle lesson, Danette Clatt gave us some of last year's seeds. Earl Forker in Rutledge and Kurt carried out a deal made during the Fall Festival to purchase lumber. Kurt walks around starry eyed now imagining what he's going to build with all that wood.

We received a call from Laura Schenk about a patch of native grasses on some land that's never been plowed near Memphis. I went up and met with John to see the land. The Schenks didn't have the native plants I was looking for but I enjoyed walking in their big bluestem and indiangrass, and getting to know John.

If anyone has a dresser they would like to donate or sell, please let us know. Susan is installing a loft into her cabin, Bella Ciao and will finally have room for a dresser. Thanks to everyone who thinks of us and offers us what they do not need.

Skyhouse finished putting in light tubes, which are long tubular skylights that funnel the natural light into the building through the roof.

Kurt and Alline were socialites this week. They hosted a film night at their place of several documentaries including some short films made about Dancing Rabbit a few years back. They also invited everyone over for a "coffeehouse." They served baked goods and hot drinks. People talked, read poetry, and listened to a taped version of Alline's appearance on KMEM.

Cecil, Mark, Megan, Daniele and Brendan biked to the Dog and Gun. From all reports it was very muddy there. The traffic on the road was as it is only on Dog and Gun weekends. We know most of those folks were from out of town, but we ask that people respectfully share the road with their bicycling neighbors.

Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is a nonprofit and a residential community that demonstrates ecological sustainability in Rutledge, MO. We have tours the first and third Saturday of the month at 1pm and the next tour is October 20th. Please call first at 883-5511.

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