When we started camping–way back in 2001 when *cino was just an asterisk-shaped glimmer in our eyes–the idea was to camp every year in various locations. We camped in Pennsylvania that first year, and then in Michigan, West Virginia and Illinois. Finally, we landed in a very comfy spot at Russet House Farm in Cameron, Ontario, in conjunction with the biennial Practicing Resurrection conference. The conference will go on (watch for future info about the August 2012 event on the theme of the 100-Mile Imagination), but on this off year for Practicing Resurrection, we’re going to spread out once again, with ^camping events in Columbiana, Ohio and Three Rivers, Michigan.
Camping in Columbiana will take place July 7-9 at a lovely little spot called Lamppost Farm. Our friends Steve and Mel and their kids, whom we met through the first Practicing Resurrection conference in 2006, have cultivated a small homestead there. They’re looking forward to welcoming campers for conversation, exploration, camp fires and, for the stout-hearted who really want to know more about where their food comes from, chicken processing.
Camping in Three Rivers will take place July 28-30 at Maple Tree Meadows. With the help of many neighbors, our friend Karla has been prayerfully and contemplatively rescuing this historic farm from neglect. The dates for this opportunity just happen to coincide with the 2011 Huss Future Festival, a day-long event on July 30 full of art, live music, food, recycled goods for sale and imagining possibilities for *culture is not optional’s space at Huss School.
Facilities at both locations will be rustic, so come prepared to rough it. You can register now at the ^camping is not optional web site, for just $10 per night per adult (kids camp free with their parents). Space is limited, so register soon! We look forward to seeing you there.
Last modified: March 4, 2020
I enjoyed speaking with Rob this weekend at the Christian Community Development Conference in Indy. Although Karen and I are now in Michigan, we continue to receive news from a friend in Iowa. Ed is a friend with a public personality and his own radio show.
He had these words for the current Occupy Movement, words I thought you might find encouraging.
Dear Friends,
As the Iowa component of “Occupy Wall Street” grows, people ask me, “What’s the point of
physically occupying a public park, and how long will Occupy Iowa protesters actually camp
out?”
As I see it (and this is my view, not an official position), millions of Americans nationwide
have chosen to occupy our public spaces because a handful of big corporations now occupy our
government. How long will we stay? One sign I’ve seen nails it: “We’ll Occupy Wall Street Until
Wall Street No Longer Occupies Congress.”
Our physical, round-the-clock presence is essential to the strength and identify of this
movement. Camping is more than symbolic. It builds resolve. Detractors need to know we’re
serious. Others need to be inspired to join us. The tents, the signs, the constant flow of
people from all walks of life, even the porta-potties remind people that we are present,
determined and not going away anytime soon.
Sleeping in a cold tent beside two noisy roads under bright street lights isn’t camping for
fun. It’s camping that requires commitment, endurance and sacrifice. It’s camping to change the
heart, mind and behavior of America’s power elite. It’s camping to further mobilize the 99% of
Americans who are being sold-out, even as the wealthiest 1% pocket billions from bailouts.
Come join the occupation. Activities are happening across Iowa. In Des Moines, attend the daily
General Assembly at 6:00 pm in Stewart Square, E. 14th and Grand. This Wednesday, come to the
Polk County Courthouse at 11:00 am to support those of us arrested on October 9th. A large
crowd of supporters would mean a lot to me, personally, and to the others appearing in court
that day at 1:00.
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* Monday, This week on the Fallon Forum, Monday we’ll talk with Anuradha Mittal of the Oakland
Institue about efforts to stop corporate ag interests from building mega farms in Africa. We’ll
also talk with Andrew Rasmussen about Governor Branstad’s recently released education proposal.
* Tuesday, Admiral Dennis McGinn talks about the confluence of clean energy and the US military.
* Wednesday, Bob Mionske, an Oregon attorney, discusses Idaho’s bike law allowing cyclists to
regard stop signs as yield signs. Also, Ying Sa with Community CPA talks about the upcoming
Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit.
* Thursday, we get the pro side of the nuclear power issue from Chuck Conlen, director of
strategy, mergers and acquisitions for DTE Energy.
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This week’s Fallon Forum Freebie is a Ritual Cafe gift card worth $40 toward coffee beverages.
If you’re not a coffee drinker, they’ve got a wide range of other drinks, including a fantastic
assortment of teas. My favorite is Irish Blend. Anyone surprised?
Speaking of things Irish . . . Tuesday from 8:30-10:30 pm is the fusion of Celtic and Lebanese
culture: Irish Jam & Belly Dancing at Open Sesame, 313 E Locust. You’ll be pleased with how
well baklava and Guinness go together.
So, tune-in from 7:00-8:00 pm, Monday – Thursday at 98.3 WOW-FM and online. You can download
the Fallon Forum as a podcast, too. Thanks!
Ed