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| Current Clouds & Water Hermitage Zendo |
An
Invitation to Visit & Support our Island Retreat
by Neaka Kaizen (Valerie Grigg Devis)
For the first time ever, our 2016 Summer Sesshen will take
place at the “Clouds & Water” Island Hermitage: The dates are August 25, 26
and 27th. This will be a
wonderful opportunity to enjoy the tranquility the Island provides, and make
use of the Zendo & Hut masterfully built by Miles and transported to the
site by ferry during the past several years.
Each structure is placed to enjoy a waterfront view on the property
donated by Jonnie Paradiso. There are woodland
trails and access to a secluded beach within easy walking distance.
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| Zendo Interior showing empty windows & plywood floor |
Miles
went out to the Island last month and assessed what projects are most needed to
complete the site. There are two work
parties scheduled in June and July (see details below) and we would like to have
the following items (with approximate costs) in place by this August, if possible:
·
Restroom
Building with Compost Toilet (Top Priority!) $1800 · Roofing for the Zendo (currently tarped, needs weather protection)$2200
· Zendo Doors (now an empty opening) $600
· Zendo Flooring (now bare plywood) $600
· Paint, Stain, Sealers & other supplies $300
· Push Mower – A donation of a good push lawn mower would be appreciated!
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| Jean-Luc and Preston at the Ferry Dock |
These projects are very important, because they will keep the Retreat in sound condition for years to come. The costs are very modest, considering the value of the property & improvements already in place. And, to support your contributions, Jean-Luc & Valerie have a $4,000 “Match Fund” for Island Hermitage Improvements. For every dollar YOU GIVE, another dollar is added to it. This doubles your contribution-!! We want to recognize and thank our first two donors, who are helping get these projects underway:
·
Funds
for Restroom Outbuilding -
Alex Yuan
·
Labor
and Materials for Zendo Shoji Windows -
David (Dusty) Knobel
Here in the Pacific Northwest, the season for outdoor
projects is relatively short – and newly retired Miles has other projects he
would like to complete, after he finished this one. So let’s support his efforts to create a very
special place for all of us to meet together.
You can send your contribution to:
Open Gate Zendo c/o Koro Kaisan Miles
4123 Biscay St NW
98502-3513
To
get the Site ready, there will be several work parties going out to the Island soon:
JUNE
WORK PARTY: June 17 & 18th
JULY
WORK PARTY: July 22 to 24th
I
strongly encourage you to escape your routine and join others for one or more of
these work parties. You will find that doing so has its own
special rewards! If you are willing to
take part or help organize Work Parties, let Miles know.
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| Valerie and Maitri await the Ferry |
Neika Kaizen
