Our band of West Michigan Theosophists and Friends have decided to put together a package over the next few months to unfold after Labor Day. This will include the weekend of the 7th, 8th and 9th of September 2001. We are also planning activities previous to the weekend. We have chosen this time as it will coincide with the already festive atmosphere of early autumn harvest time in Michigan - color changes - a time of stirring energy leading up to the holy Autumnal Equinox, and also, here in Mecosta County ( home base for our GREAT LAKES BRANCH  -   AMERICAN SECTION ) it is the weekend of the 28th annual Wheatland Music Festival. So, for those interested in rewarding themselves with first class music, in between theosophical fraternization and discussion, we move forward with this action.

Concerning the Music Festival: It is important to note that our Great Lakes Branch of the TS is NOT associated with the Wheatland Music Organization and that there is a charge by the Music Organization to attend the Music portion of this undertaking (10,000 + people attend the Festival on 160 acres). Note that the weekend tickets sell out often by late June or July. It would be best to buy tickets as, or through, a member of the music organization during the month of May or early June 2001. You may contact me (John Rau) at the Great Lakes Branch, if you are planning to take part in our theosophical endeavor and would like me to handle the Music Festival ticket transaction for you. The 3 day event last year was $50 per person, I suppose it will be the same this year. The mission of the Wheatland Music Organization is to serve as a resource center for the preservation and presentation of traditional music and arts. Their contact information is - W.M.O., PO Box 22, Remus, MI 49340 (989) 967-8879, wmo@wheatlandmusic.org , www.wheatlandmusic.org .

Concerning our theosophical gatherings to be held near the Festival site: these will be, as always, informal, open to any and all, and free. It is not necessary to attend the Festival to take part in our theosophical talks and fraternization. There are those who will be taking part in the festival - especially on Saturday the 8th. This Music Festival is well managed and safe. Ticket holders are allowed to camp on the site where there are health-inspected food vendors, vegetarian and other, in permanent buildings. It is easy to drive in and out of the Festival if one decides to camp there, or stay elsewhere and drive to the site at your pleasure.

 We will be bringing in a speaker from the  INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS of the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY  to join us during this event. In Mecosta County, Theosophists and other interested folk will be able to visit our funky little farmhouse and 5 acre hilltop that my wife Alex and I call “Iswara Garden” for coffee, tea, a cool drink, discussion, fresh air and a bonfire. Our rustic country home is very small with one toilet, one shower and old plumbing. However, we have hosted large day groups here before. There will be a few tent spaces available at Iswara Garden during the event on an application basis. Priority will be given to those most in need and those we need as helpers. If demand requires, we can bring in a chemical toilet. There are nearby hotel / motel accommodations in Big Rapids and in the Canadian Lakes Area. Feel free to contact me, or any others at our Branch if you need further information or help concerning how to handle your visit.