Greetings from Eastwind! Nov. 2004 Newsletter

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Greetings from Eastwind!
Welcome to the first EastWind Community Newsletter! The Eastwind Community Newsletter is a quarterly email account of recent and upcoming events at EastWind, news, commentary, artwork, poems, and a some information on our community made products.

We hope you enjoy it.

Eastwind Launches it's first online store!
By Kenneth
Eastwind Crafts, the retail devision of Eastwind, is pleased to announce The completion of www.EastWindCrafts.com. We now have an easy and convenient way for our customers to purchase our products. Please check it out and give us some feedback!

In addition, EastWind is having a grand-opening internet only special. Family Sized Olefin Rope Hammocks, normally priced $99.00, are now on sale for a limited time for only $69.00 . Be sure to check it out at www.EastWindCrafts.com.




The 2004 Halloween Party!
By Deborah
The Halloween party was really cool! Lots of costumes, lots of goooood food. Lots of great dancing. Beautiful decorations, and a scary kickoff by Kaia, Jaden , and your’s truly doing a fine rendition of Shakespeare’s best witch scene. (in my humble opinion, of course.)



EastWind Launches a New Business:
EastWind Drums!
By Kenneth
EastWind is proud to announce the launch of a new business, EastWind Drums. Our first product is Ashiko hand drums.

EastWind Ashiko Drums are all hand crafted and unique. The Ashikos feature goat skin heads, beaded ropes, and are made from recycled wood. Dimensions include a 9" drum head, with a 24.5" tall shell.

Each drum is lovingly crafted and hand tuned by our craftsmen and women. Each Ashiko has it's own unique voice.

Eastwind members are delighted to be involved in the creation of a product that promotes gathering and community.

Visit www.eastwindcrafts.com to learn more and buy your own.



Eastwind recently had a photographer and reporter from the National Geographic. Kaia, our resident 10yr old reporter turned the tables and interviewed writer Alan Mairrson. Enjoy!

Your Local Reporter interviews your National Reporter
By Kaia
Name: Alan Mairrson


How did you become a National Geographic reporter?

I started in 1990. They were giving writing tests for people who wanted to work for them, and I took it and passed.

How often do your stories get printed?

When I was younger, I got more printed more often. A feature story a year, and a lot of little stories. Now that I have children, I don't do as many. I do more editing now.

What are a few of the stories you have written about?

10 years ago I did my first story with Maria about migratory beekeepers. 11 years ago I did a story about the huge flood in the Midwest, the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. I did one on the everglades too.

Where is the farthest you've gone to do a story?

I did a story about Jerusalem once, that's the farthest I've gone. Maria has gone to the south pole and Africa.

What do you do when you aren't being a reporter?

I spend most of the time with my family. I have an 8 yr old daughter, Emma, and a 6 yr old son, Caleb. I also do a lot of bike riding. And I read a lot.

What do you like most about being a reporter?

Well, learning about new things and meeting new people. If you are a reporter you get to ask everyone questions, and especially if you work for national geographic, people are more open and friendly. Everyone has heard of NG, so they trust you.

What do like least about being a reporter?

Trying to figure out what the "story" is, instead of just writing down facts. Sometimes it's hard to figure out what to write, and how to write it. Also, being away from my family for a long time. I don't like being away from home long. A week is okay.

How long have you been a reporter?

For 14 years. I started working for NG in 1990. It was my first job as a reporter.

Have you planned what your next story will be about?

No. Sometimes I think of things to write about. Sometimes my editors do. I don't always take all the stories I get asked to do anymore. This one sounded good though.

Is there anything else you'd like to talk about?

Yes, Maria and I would both like to tell you how much we are grateful to you for inviting us. Thank you very much for that.



Autumn 2004 FEC Conference wraps up at Eastwind.
By Kenneth
Many of our friends from fellow FEC Communities (http://www.thefec.org) have just left or home, following the FEC conference hosted here at eastwind.

Many new and exciting developments occurred. A task force was created to purchase a community shared bus to promote travel to and from various communities. In addition, it was agreed to create of a new class of FEC membership called Allied Communities.

Visit thefec.org to learn more about the FEC and how it helps and supports the Communities movement.