Shamanic Training Programs at Vermont Sacred Sites
This program will take place rain or shine. Please note, below, items you may wish to consider bringing, climate, hiking, and other conditions. Also, our waiver and emergency contact information below, you should copy and paste into a word document and return to us, signed. All transportation is provided for you from our starting & ending point, here at the Center of Light, in Ascutney, VT. Transportation to the Center, and some meals are your responsibility, as outlined in the program descriptions. Each day, please plan on being ready 15 minutes early so you have time to settle in or load our vans before we begin class, ready to begin, or leave at the stated times. Bring snacks/refreshments you may need between meals outlined. Bring plenty of water daily. We will make sure you have ample opportunities to purchase water in stores, or bring your own bottles to refill in motels, gas stations, etc, or in some cases, natural springs. We keep a display area with many CD's, books, and musical/sound healing instruments including Native American flutes and drums, crystal and Tibetan bowls and bells, didgeridoos, etc, for sale. We collect 6% VT sales tax on all sales. Zacciah or his assistants will be glad to help with these at the beginning or end of each day we are here. Some times, such as before a practice, Zacciah may be unable to assist. Many more instruments may also be up at the barn in our stock room, and you are free to browse. Visit www.sunreed.com if you wish some idea of the types of instruments we carry, many for the sound healing professional, or call us if you wish to be sure something is in stock when you are here. Those needing directions, motel, B&B, or campground accomodations, may note those at bottom of this letter. Special TO BRING: You may wish to bring a drum, rattle, camera, notepad, pack, sunscreen, bug repellant, lots of water, snacks, sacred objects, tobacco, a journal, a small portion dried or picked flowers, food, nuts, grains, or other special offering items used to make gift offerings to the spirits of each place we visit; also, backpack, satchel, or something to carry any of these items in, including water, etc for the trip. You may find a hiking staff useful, the sliding/foldup type are best for our purposes with limited luggage. We also suggest a swimsuit and towel for this trip. LUGGAGE: We ask you to bring no more than one large suitcase and a hiking size backpack, to insure maximum room efficiency on this tour. If you need additional space, PLEASE NOTIFY us. Please insure we have your emergency numbers, full address and phone and email contacts, etc. for you. Please provide your cell number if you have one...this may be useful the entire trip! Zacciah's is below, and here: 802.254.1467 Zacciah uses his cell phone ONLY for private calls except during outdoor or away programs where others may have a need to reach me. I will ask that you honor this. We are also attaching a waiver for participating in the program. We need it signed and returned to us before the start of the program. You may fax or mail it. Below is more information on preparation for and participation in the program. EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM: Check to see that we have all of this info before you arrive! Last Name _____________________ First Name _______________ Street Address________________________________________________________ City__________________________ State_____Zip Code_______ Country________ Tel. # with Area Code_______________ Fax # _____________ Cell ____ _______(opt.) Emergency Contact and Telephone Number_________________________ (Relationship) __________________________ E-Mail Address____________________ Cell Phone _____________________ Special Requirements ____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Please print distinctly!! mail, fax, e-mail to: The Center of Light Zacciah Blackburn P.O. Box 389 220 Hidden Glen Rd. Ascutney, VT 05030 USA Phone : (802) 674-9585 Fax 802.674.9586 E-Mail info@sunreed.com group, or other such emergency: Zacciah's cell number: 802.254.1467 Zacciah/Center number: 802.674.9585 Again, note discretionary use of my cell phone above. For those arriving early whom want to find quality dining in the area, we will list close restaurant/food options at the bottom of this mail. For meals not included in this program, we will be stopping places with plenty of convenient choices for lunch. We will outline for you at the beginning of the program any days in which we may need to travel with a lunch. According to where you are staying, or just down the road from us, we can suggest places to get great sandwich/lunch items. This will be part of our itinerary time anytime we need to stop to take a lunch with us. Weather/Clothing/What to bring: This program is offered in the summer months of Vermont. Weather is traditionally mild, but anything can be expected. We have had much hotter than normal summers recently, with more rain than usual. It typically is 70-80 degrees (F), with comfortable humidity during the day, though daylight temps have been ranging in the mid to upper 70's to low to mid 90's, with far higher than average humidity. It may get fairly cool after daylight hours (night time temps as low as 40's to 70's,) though we will not be outside after daylight at any location. Temperatures can rise or fall rapidly, especially on mountain peaks. And, it can be warm in the sun, and cooler in the woods or near water locations we visit, as well as in changing altitude from river levels to mountaintops (Mt Mansfield can be 20 degrees cooler than valley floor level, with significant winds and wind chill factors.) Especially at this location, you may wish to dress in, or have 1-2 extra layers, to cover all possibilities. Packing raingear & a hat is a good choice, also. You may wish sunglasses. And, bringing a change of clothes on days we may be high on a mountain, or forecast of rain, may be beneficial. Sunscreen is recommended. Insect Repellant: Insect problems are not usually big this time of year, but we have had more bugs, later than usual, in recent years, due to the high moisture of spring & summer. I would recommend something. Be educated and aware of tick control. While Lyme Disease is not a big problem in VT, it does exist. Ask us if you are unaware of control procedures for this. You may wish to bring a swimsuit and towel. While there is not an immediate plan of time swimming during the program, there may be an opportunity. We, also, have excellent shallow swim holes in our brook and gorge running past our property. Other spots abound close by if you are staying in the neighborhood. You will be responsible for some meals, esp. lunch and dinners (see itinerary.) Most days we will stop in a town for lunch at a good restaurant, with other choices close by. Bring AMPLE water and snacks as you feel you need them between the stops for meals. We are not likely to be in towns for bathroom or meal or water breaks during most day time activities before or after lunch. If we pass through a town, and you have a need, we will accomodate it! We will spend extended times in natural areas (2-6 + hours at a time.) We will have paper, but may be near no facilities. If you wish local weather forecasts, go to www.noaa.gov and click on the weather information, Ascutney, VT (05030), or Burlington, VT, 05401, for best weather forecast resources online. We will advise you if any special conditions are forecast. HIKING: The locations we are working in have none, little, or moderate hikes for the most part. (Some are very close to the parking areas.) Some hikes are less than a few hundred feet, if stated as "no hiking." Others are on fairly neutral trails, fields, or old logging roads. We have outlined time and type of hikes in itinerary for each trail. Anyone reasonably fit and used to some form of consistent outdoor physical activity is not likely to find these more than mild to moderately challenging. Some individuals, however, have found our hikes challenging. We are giving you full disclosure of this, so you may make an informed decision. We have had some say we make the hiking sound more rigorous than it is. Again, anyone with significant outdoor hiking or exercise regimes are not likely to find most of this hiking a great challenge. If you do not feel relatively physically fit, we recommend you speak with us and your physician before engaging in our outdoor programs. While we take great care in insuring your well being, these are programs in outdoor natural and wilderness settings, and, ultimately, you must assume full responsibility for your physical & emotional well being to participate in our programs. There is several hikse which some may find more significant of a challenge, though we consider them moderate to lightly challenging for someone with considerable outdoor hiking experience. One is across the face of Mt. Mansfield. We will drive up a well maintained road to a parking lot near the summit. The hike courses 1.25 miles across a maintained trail, with an overall rise of 8-900'. With this, we will be atop the 4393' summit of Mansfield for some of our ceremonies. Some portions of the trail have a steep grade. Some portions of the trail go over rocky or boulder like surfaces, enough that one will want to walk with caution, and may have to get down on one's bottom to scurry up or down a handful of times. A hiking staff may be beneficial for this and some other trails. Please contact us if you feel any of these may present any problem for you. Many locations are very close to roads. We may experience mud. Good, comfortable hiking shoes are highly recommended. Bring (and drink) plenty of water. And judge your need for snacks, knowing a lunch break will be coming. Again, there may be need one or two days to pack a lunch. Very nice sandwich/salad/soup/quiche shops are delis will be available to us, and if we do not expect to have a lunch stop in a town, we will call in to have sandwiches made and pick them up on the way out. Evening/morning Meals: We are engaging in intuitive outdoor ceremony with a group of hikers whom may have different levels of physical prowess in wilderness terrain. This requires some flexibility in time, etc. It is possible some events may take longer than anticipated. We ask you be open for this. Note meals information in itinerary. Before/after our trip: For a variety of dining experiences in the town of Springfield, look below (other choices exist close by, in Ascutney, Claremont, Windsor, and most villages & towns in the region.) We will recommend those on request. There are currently two very good reasonably priced restaurants in Claremont, one with music 1x/mo, the other has 2 weekly music happenings, very good. Top of Page In Ascutney, at the NE corner of the only light in town, is the Red Barn Cafe, good for breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soup, salad, quiche, coffee, teas, etc. The best two restaurants in the immediate area are in Claremont: Sophie and Zeke's 50 Pleasant Street, Claremont, NH 03743 The Bistro Novuveau Cafe MOVED 236 Washington Street Claremont, NH 03743 (603) 542-8000 http://www.bistronouveau.com/ Fast food, family, and pizza restaurants abound in Claremont, esp. on Washington St, the main shopping area of town. In Windsor: The Windsor Station (802) 674-2052 http://www.windsorstation.com/ In Springfield: 56 Main St. Used to be great, new owners, still a relaxed atmosphere, but with mixed quality food at reasonable cost. On the right 1/2 block before the only downtown stop light, as you drive into town. 56 Main St 885-6987 The Hartness House: the star of Springfield social atmosphere, elegant atmosphere, though the quality of food depends on the current chef, from very good to mediocre at moderate to high costs. Dinner only, unless staying there. A little more difficult to find, recommend calling for directions. Our last encounter there was excellent. 885-2115 The best Chinese in town. About 4 miles from I-91, at the second blinking yellow light, just as you enter the downtown district, on the right: Oriental Palace Restaurant 12 Clinton Street Springfield, VT 05156 802-885-1144 Across on the right from that only traffic light in the center of town, next to the movie "complex" (our twin theaters!) Good to moderate quality, reasonable to moderate prices. Penelopes~McKinleys Restaurant & Bar (downstairs to the restaurant) 30 Main Street On the Square Springfield, VT 05156 802-885-9186 A few family restaurants and sandwich and pizza shops are in town, also. Follow the main thoroughfare (rt 11) to 1 mile after the central light in downtown Springfield, and the Springfield shopping plaza will have a McDonald's and Friendly's. You will have passed 3 pizza and sandwich shops on your way into town. Jonathan's is just past the light without turning, River St., on the left. Food stores: There are several convenience stores in each local town. The Ascutney Market, n. about 1 mi. on Rt. 5 from Rt. 131 has best selections in our village, including a small deli. Major grocery stores are in the Springfield plaza if you want to stock up on items for those "brownbagging" meals. There is a health food co-op about 2 miles straight out from downtown light/Main St, becomes River Road, co-op on the right, past the Springfield Plaza (continuing straight past that light.) Claremont has several large supermarkets, and 2 small private natural food stores. White River Jct has a great co-op, Hanover, NH has 2 supermarket size co-ops. Vermont is loaded with high quality restaurants and Inns, many in the quaintest locations.... if you want to drive a little further for any variety of dining pleasures, talk to me. *********************************** Again, I look forward to seeing you, and working with you for this program. Sincerely, Zacciah Blackburn The Center of Light P.O. Box 389, Hidden Glen Rd. Ascutney, VT 05030 USA Phone : (802) 674-9585 Fax 802.674.9586 E-Mail: info@sunreed.com Web site: www.thecenteroflight.net Emergency numbers; if you need us before your arrival, get lost from the group, or other such emergency: Zacciah's cell number: 802.254.1467 After hours: Zacciah's home number: 802.674.9585 I use my cell phone ONLY for private calls except during outdoor or away programs where others may have a need to reach me. I will ask that you honor this. Top of Page *************************************** Directions to Center of Light, Zacciah Blackburn's: In general, from southern New England or points S. or W.beyond, take I-95 or an E/W highway to I-91, which roughly parallels the Connecticut River from New Haven CT to Canada. From Montreal or points west, in Canada, travel to Burlington VT area, usually via I-89, and south to I-91. From Boston area, and points east, depending on location, may travel best via I-90, Rt 2, or I-93 to I-89 in Concord, NH, to I-91 in White River Jct, VT. If you need assistance from other points in W.NY or W., central, or NW VT, let me know. In general: from Bennington/Manchester, VT, Albany NY area, take Rt 7 in Bennington to Rt 11 in Manchester, VT, to I-91,and travel N. 1 exit to exit 8 and follow directions below. *** From Rutland, VT, take Rt 103 through Ludlow to Rt 131 east til you pass under I-91 and follow directions below. *** In Vermont, once on I-91, take I-91 from points north or south to Exit 8: Exit 8, Ascutney, near mm 52 (40 min N. of Brattleboro, VT, 20 min S. of White River Jct, VT/W. Lebanon, NH, and I-89 Jct from Concord, Manchester, NH, or Burlington VT, etc.) ***From I-91: Exit east, on Rt 131, toward Ascutney, Claremont, NH, Ct. River, Rt 5; Travel 1/4-1/2 mile east; at the light, Rt 5, turn right, South; Travel 1/4 mile to Hidden Glen Rd., on the right, a small dirt road; turn right. Travel 1/4 mile to the end of the road; We are the only house at the end of the road. Go past the house to barn complex. Park here, and come back to the house. If this parking lot is full, turn around, and you can park just before the bridge, just below the house. If this is also full, or if you have a handicapped condition, park in the driveway to the house. Entry is through the glass porch on the east end of the house, from front or back. If you need assistance, call: 802.674.9585 ***************************************************************** Top of Page For accomodations, Most current information is at: http://thecenteroflight.net/Accomodations.html Following info may be outdated: a local motel, newly renovated, oder model (Folks have given very mixed reviews of there stay here.): Yankee Village, less than a mile away, on Rt 5, Ascutney $55-79 overall 802.674.6010 877.9YANKEE (hi speed internet, refrig/microwave/tv in room.) The Hartness House has a good rate for Center of Light, a little less than: The Holiday Inn Express has provided us a discounted rate of $85-95, varies, double, as available. Please ask for the "Center of Light" room rate. Holiday Inn Express closest quality motel, 12 minutes. 818 Charlestown Road Springfield VT 05156 802-885-4516 fax - 802-885-4595 800-holiday E-mail: hixpress@aol.com Claremont Motor Lodge, 5 minutes (not highest quality, but generally acceptable. Rates were $55, changed, possibly just for summer months.) Beauregard, off Rt 131 connector to Ascutney 603.542.2540 White River Jct, VT, West Lebanon, NH 15-20 minutes: Airport Economy Inn 800.433.3466 Best Western 802.295.3015 Ramada Inn 802.295.3000 Days Inn 603.448.5070 Super 8 802.295.7577 Rates given for Columbus Day weekend, 2004, and peak fall foliage season for the region. Current rates will be different, but this gives you a sense of comparative costs. To assist, some local accomodations would include following rates; phones listed above, or phone, location/proximity, is on line at this link: http://www.thecenteroflight.net/Accomodations.html These are all within 15-20 minutes away: Holiday Inn $85-95/night/double, Center of Light rate The Hartness House has a good rate for Center of Light Abby Lynn, $65.-75 for 1-2 persons Best Budget Inn, Claremont, NH $55-67/1 person, $62/72/2 persons, dependent on weekend Claremont Motor Lodge, $79/89, 1/2 persons Economy Inn, Lebanon, NH 1-$55., 2-$62.50, fall foliage, 2/$75. Days Inn, $89-115/1 person, 2/$129 Top of Page ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We will send you a waiver upon registration in this or other outdoor programs. Or, you can cut below, or cut and paste into a word document to send us: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WAIVER: MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO US NAME ______________________________________________________ RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK I am aware that during the expedition, workshop or activity (hereafter referred to as ‘Activity’) in which I am participating through Zacciah Blackburn, and The Center of Light, in Vermont, and arrangements made through those individuals and organizations, I may incur certain risks, including but not limited to, the dangers of traveling in high altitudes, hiking, swimming, mountain climbing, travel by air, boat, automobile, bus or other conveyance, loss or damage to personal property, injury or fatality due to high altitudes, accident or illness in a remote place without medical facilities, water damage due to leaking bags or other containers, exposure to inclement weather, forces of nature and other risks and dangers. In consideration of, and as part of payment for the right to participate in the Activity and the service provided by and arranged for by Zacciah Blackburn, and the Center of Light, in Vermont, I hereby assume all risks and release and waive all claims against Zacciah Blackburn, and the Center of Light in Vermont, and its employees and representatives and will hold them harmless from any and all liability, action, cause of action, debts, negligence, claims, demands and damages of every kind or nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, contingent, consequential or otherwise, against them, which I now have or which may arise out of, or be brought by a third party in connection with my participation in the Activity or any other activities arranged by, through or with Zacciah Blackburn or the Center of Light. This agreement shall serve as a release, assumption of risk and hold harmless provision for me, my heirs, including any minors, participating in these activities. I have read and agree to these terms and conditions. Zacciah Blackburn and the Center of Light relies on this release in allowing me to participate in these activities. Date _________________________ Signature _____________________________________ Please mail to: The Center of Light P.O. Box 389 Ascutney, VT 05030 If registering late in the program, bring to program, or fax and bring original: 802.674.9586
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Zacciah
Blackburn, Director Phone: (802) 674-9585 Fax: (802) 674-9586 e-mail: info@sunreed.com
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Instruments Page Creation & Design: Zacciah, the Center of Light |