At this point in the year of
course we already know the framework of our bookings in the coming
months. It will be again a nice combination of returning and new groups
(schools, church organizations, art and music groups, work camps,
personal development, our children and youth camps, even midwives).
A
Feldenkrais course in German planned for the end of September is open
for enrollment. The Feldenkrais method has proven invaluable for
physical rehabilitation but it can be useful to anyone who wishes to
move more efficiently.
Then we have the pleasure of hosting single
guests and families interspersed through the year. Regarding groups,
two to three times each year we agree to accompany a group based at
Casa Cares, helping with the planning for a week of more to introduce
Tuscany. This typically includes Florence (walking tour, Uffizi,
Academy), Siena (professional guide), San Gimignano, Lucca, Pisa,
Assisi (into Umbria), a local weekly market, the Chianti area, an
Italian lesson, and thematic introductions as requested. Any person
interested in our help in organizing such a group, of course tailored
to particular needs and requests, should contact us for details
including costs.
This year marks progress in our commitment to
environmental care. We are determined in the next couple months to go
forward with a large fotovoltaic installation. Finally the federal
government is offering financial incentives for such projects of
alternative energy production. The electricity produced by solar panels
will go beyond covering our needs and permit us to sell the surplus
into the national grid. Steps like this have permitted us to be listed
by Lega Ambiente, a large national organization, in their booklet of
hospitality structures “recommended for commitment to defense of the
environment”.
In June Antoinette and I plan to participate in an
international conference on Eco-theology planned for the Greek Orthodox
center on Crete. We are also involved with a board of the national
federation of Protestant churches in the planning of the bi-annual
meeting of ECEN, the European Churches Environmental Network. This
board was asked be hosts to perhaps 150 participants. It will take
place outside of Milan at the end of September.
Regarding staff, from
June on we are looking for volunteers. Ideally we would find persons
able to stay at least three months. They should be ready to help with
the basic domestic and gardening chores and be able to contribute to
community living. Interested parties are requested to contact us for
more information. Fortunately at the moment we are blessed with an
excellent foursome: Anne and Fabian from Germany, Pernille from
Denmark, and Adam from the United States.
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