Committee Meeting notes
from April 2008
by Mohabee; edited by Matrix

The meeting last weekend was attended by five of us (John, Steve, Mohabee, Les, and Hollis). Because of the small group size, we chose to hold an informal meeting--no leaders per se, but we all shared equally and discussed the matters of importance on the agenda.

--A roofing contractor will be called in, to make a repair estimate for the Main Hall roof. Mohabee will call three contractors to look at the roof, and make an assessment.

--It was agreed that the Steering Committee's membership will include "active" members only--those who attend meetings regularly.

--There was much concern about the lack of activities or events at Starland. The discussion included the "big picture" of participation in general (open camping figures are also down, from previous years). The income from the past three events (Winter Faerie Gathering, and the two Massage Weekends), was disappointing.

--Mohabee led two Labyrinth Walks last month, for daytime visitors. The first Laby Walk, for the CMG (April 6), attracted 12 participants, many
from the Morongo Valley. The second walk, held April 12, was a private one, that had 8 participants.

--David, a candidate for residency, has offered to lead massage training workshops, along with yoga and meditation workshops at Starland. John and Steve will talk with David about his residency, and also the workshops he wants to lead.

--Hollis will serve as substitute host for three weekends in May, while Mohabee is away from Starland. Tom will be here for the Work Weekend (May 9-11), and the two Open Camping weekends (May 16-18 and 23-25). Mohabee will check with David, to see if he'll be available to take phone calls and emails to Starland. Mohabee will be absent May 9 through May 21, and then May 23-27.

--Concern was raised about the dwindling amount of money in our bank account. Rent from the residents contributed most of the income of recent months. On the plus side, the utility usage has gone down considerably, and other expenses have been kept to a minimum.

--The PayPal system at Starland's website has been restored.

--The next Work Weekend (May 9-11) will focus on straightening up the wood piles and the tool storage shed. Hollis volunteered to oversee this Work Weekend. Food and accommodations will be provided at this Work Weekend, to those who volunteer.

--The Aristocrat Trailer will be moved temporarily, behind the Main Hall, so that repairs can be made to it. Steve volunteered to oversee the repairs, though no specific date was set for this.

--Two cabins, to be built behind the Main Hall, and a septic tank for the East Plateau, were discussed. In addition, plans for the solar water heater, and repairs to the two hot tubs were also reiterated (from previous meetings). Matrix is unavailable to make repairs to the hot tubs, or to connect the solar water heater to our shower room and hot tub. Since
neither hot tub works, they will remain out of service, until they are repaired.

--Tim, a new neighbor to Starland, in 29 Palms, offered to visit Starland in the near future, and has offered some volunteer time as a handyman. He was unavailable to meet with the Steering Committee this time, but may visit Starland in the near future. Tim currently lives in Georgia, but recently acquired property in 29 Palms. Tim is an expert in fund-raising,
and has talents in solar electric technology.

--Next two meeting dates: August 9 & 10, for the Summer Meeting, and Nov. 8 & 9, for the Fall Meeting. We will continue the 10:30 AM start time on Saturday, for both meetings.

The December Work & Play Weekend
Why is "work" fun?
by Matrix December 10th, 2007

Talk about fun! Well actually, we worked really hard... why do we do it, I kept asking Gary, a new friend and Starland enthusiast. He and I did most of the repair on the house roof during a very chilly weekend. Why is work fun? I don't know... it's different when you feel you are "doing" something great or important.. and/or maybe because you are doing it with friends and its a kind of sociability? Whatever the reason, it seems healthy in many ways.

On Saturday, Gary and I almost finished the roof patching job, but had to leave some work for Sunday. The house is such a wreck. We found a mummified cat in an upper roof space! We'll probably make a shrine to it. We're thinking of mouse-proofing the house next chance we get. Anyway, what work we did on the house was tested that very evening, a storm moved through and brought snow flurries right through late Sunday morning which of course melted upon impact. We still had water leakage from the roof, but seemed less than before. By noon we were back on the roof to finish sealing every possible leak we could see. We used a whole five gallon bucket of 208 roof cement! That roof can't leak now.. Mohabee will report later on this.

Saturday meanwhile, Hollis -long-time Starland enthusiast, was beginning the install on a brand new dish-washer in the kitchen. Mohabee always on-hand, helping all of us find stuff and tools to get the job done. After I came down from the roof, I helped Hollis finish the dish-washer install... I had no idea I was going to be a roofer and and a dish-washer installer! The dish-washer install was a success, a minor miracle.

Before the sun went down after Saturday's hard work we (Geppetto, Gary, Mohabee, and I) rewarded ourselves with a soak in the large hot-tub while Hollis baked chicken for dinner. Later we relaxed with good food, company, and a little arts and crafts fun.

Sunday we awoke to snow flurries until noon, but that didn't keep Gary from going outside to cover the water heater of the Shower Building with additional insulation. I stayed in the Main Hall all toasty and warm doing arts and crafts with friends and just watched Gary from inside do his thing... why was he smiling? After he finished, he came in with snow flakes on his shoulders! By noon, the flurries had stopped and the sun resumed shining, we were back on the roof together finishing the leak repairs. Meanwhile, Steve, Geppetto, "3," and Tom assembled three shelving components in the Main Hall to hold loose accoutrements used in the Main Hall. Work finished early Sunday... so back back into the spa we went and later, our last meal of the weekend together.

I forgot to mention the awesome "groovy" flea market we discovered Saturday while on a roofing materials run into town. I'll post more pictures later. It's right behind the Barr Lumber supplies at highways 62 and on the 247. Mohabee and Gary stand at the entrance. It's like a "flea market village." Some of the vendors seem to both either live there or have permanent booths... its extremely artsy-fartsy. I bought a pair of jeans for only $10 and a pair of desert storm fatigues for the same. I also bought a Fire Rescue knife for only $9 too! Its totally awesome! We couldn't stay long because we wanted to finish the roof job before leaving Starland for the weekend, but I plan to return for a shopping spree to buy presents.

Here's a link to some info about this fresh little market place.. http://www.capturemydesert.com/photo/4506

Here's more info..
Sky Village
Outdoor Marketplace
Elizabeth Carr, Co-Owner
7028 Theater Road
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
(760) 365-2104
Business consists of a cafe and outdoor marketplace, including permanent vendors and tailgaters.
Open Saturday & Sunday year round (except Christmas).

Always, something to smile about and discover at Starland.

Upcoming Events in December -see the Calendar of Events

Matrix presents and leads a fun, but soul-making group massage journey. Please see our Massage Weekend page.

Volunteer Work Weekend (Dec. 7-9)

Winter Solstice at Starland (Dec. 21) A special program with a local chapter of friendly Pagans!

Winter Faerie Gathering (Dec. 23-Jan. 1) Reservations and pre-payment required.
Bring your skirts and other "billowing" clothing--this time we're having both a structured program of community-building workshops, but we'll also inspire art, dance, and music to be part of the program, too!

Donation requests
See also Wish List

Please check with us if you have something. Contact us.

Thanks

Starland's Contact Information:

Website: www.starlandcommunity.org

Phone: 760-364-2069 (reservations, directions, and general information)
Please leave a message, if we don't pick up the call--we'll call back as soon as we are able.

Or for General Inquiries email us. For directions, make a reservation to visit us..