
Much Gratitude for Service at SCOL
Members of our Sangha are graciously stepping up to help at SCOL. To create the conditions for spiritual retreats at our wonderful rural facility much effort is required, including cleaning, cooking, grounds and trail maintenance, replenishing supplies, general repairs, hauling drinking water, and much more. As we are still recruiting for a second full-time caretaker, volunteer help has been crucial in getting ready for our full schedule of retreats.
Before and during the month-long Personal Practice retreats several volunteers offered tremendous service. Carolyn Nowosielski, Bruce Niemann, and Rick McMonagle came during the second week in February, in the snow, to prepare the retreat center and grounds for our month-long event. It was the first retreat of the year, and we would not have been ready without them. Carolyn Peck and Lama Kathleen came several days before the retreat to organize cloisters and prepare food in advance. We did not have a cook for the first five days of retreat, so Cynthia Irvine and Carlolyn Peck made sure we were all wonderfully fed. Special thanks go to Albrecht Enders, Bill Spangle, and John Jennings for handling repair jobs and shoveling several inches of snow, even though they were technically on retreat.
More recently, Jennifer Chang and Cynthia were here to prepare for an outside group retreat beginning this Friday. They cleaned the entire facility, including reorganizing the walk-in refrigerator and pantry. Rick McMonagle returned to organize the South basement shop and do grounds work…in the rain. At the time of this writing, Bill Spangle is here repairing a cabin that was invaded by ground squirrels. Dora is continuing her dedicated efforts with native plant restoration.
Without all this service, the current and upcoming retreats would not be possible. It is truly practice in action. Thank you all so much. If others have the time and desire to contribute at SCOL, please email us at or fill out an SCOL Volunteer Interest Form available at KCC.
Blessings to all, Vicki Fields, SCOL