Special thank you!

Dear Drummers,

On April 26th, we deviated from our normal routine to gather at Campton Hills Park to celebrate Earth Day with the St. Charles Park District. We got some coverage from the local papers, and a few days ago, Pam, the organizer for the event, wrote me...

"Hi Lissa and the Fox Valley Drum Circle—

I set out to send you a proper, hand-written thank-you note but, guess what? Throughout all our cyber-conversations, I neglected to ask for your street address! I hope you'll find this note of e-thanks sufficient because, gosh, we sure appreciate all you did to make our Earth Day event a big success. Many people commented on how much they enjoyed the drum circle, both listening to and participating in it. Please pass our gratitude along to the other members of the circle; you all made for a fine afternoon of wonderful entertainment!

I know 2009 is a long way away, but we'd be flattered if you'd consider participating in the event next year, in whatever form it may take. In the mean time, take care. I hope our paths cross again soon—

Pam Otto
St. Charles Park District"

Ultimately, it is up to you...Would people be interested in next year's activities? I don't think Pam will need a firm answer until December/January, but it is something I'd like to discuss at an upcoming gathering. Please consider it and share your thoughts, especially if you participated in the Earth Day drumming.

Drums and Pox!

So I got enough outcry at the cancellation threat to reconsider...we WILL be drumming on Saturday! Woo-hoo! er.... Duh-da-da-dahm!

But I do want to warn you, Tyler had another chicken pox exposure and will potentially be contagious. I don't know for sure that he has it, but the pox is most spreadable the 2 days before spots break out. I just wanted to give fair warning. If you've had it or have been vaccinated, please come....I am looking at being house-bound AND without Sam for a while and would appreciate the company!

*hugs*
Lissa

The details:

WHEN: Saturday, May 5th
TIME: 4:00 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora (ask for the address/map if you need it)...if it's nice, we may be in the yard and have a fire in the fire pit!
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle


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Couple of HOUSE RULES:

1) RSVPs are appreciated. It's also helpful to know what sort of potluck contribution you think you might bring.

2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.

3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.

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Camping invitation

This invitation has been extended by Gill and Friends....

How would you like to share a campsite with other Kind Vegan Campers in DuPage County on a nice June weekend? group bonfires, singalongs, communal Vegan and RAW meals, hiking, etc.... We are looking at the weekends of June 20-22 or June 27-29. It will be kid and pet friendly, too.

And it only costs $15 per night (if you are a DuPage resident so someone else would have to reserve the sites since we live in Kendall Co) for a site of two tents/8 people...

Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Owned by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Blackwell has 60 campsites (available May through mid October, Friday and Saturday nights only), canoe access to the West Branch of the DuPage River, eight miles of multipurpose trails, access to the Illinois
Prairie Path, and fishing and boating on Silver Lake. Boat rentals are available. Camping fees are $10-$15 per night.

For detailed information on camping reservations, call (630) 933-7200 or visit "Camping in DuPage County Forest Preserves."

May Drumming

"Different drum sounds have different uses in music. For example, a jazz drummer may want drums that sound crisp, clean, and a little on the soft side, whereas a rock and roll drummer may prefer drums that sound loud and deep. Because these drummers want different sounds, their drums will be constructed differently."
~ Wikipedia

Perhaps that is the most interesting part about our drum circles...while each of us comes to drum, we all approach the drum differently. The drums we prefer, the rhythms, the voices...and yet, we can occasionally rise above simple cacophony and discover the truest meaning of harmony.

It is something that should be practiced often, and not just in drum circles!

Announcing the May gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!

WHEN: Saturday, May 17th
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle

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Couple of HOUSE RULES:

1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....

2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.

3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.

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Hope you can join us!