Events at the PLOT 2023
Spring Equinox / Festival of Holi
Sunday March 19
Holi, a celebration originating in India, marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It’s a celebration of rebirth and new beginnings, and a time to let the bad and the negative melt away. It is also called the Celebration of colours… join us to be bedazzled by the joy that rises with spring.
The energy of the Holi celebration couples beautifully with the Spring Equinox Observation and Medicine Wheel teachings that came to the PLOT Sharing Garden through Cree Elder Grandma Amy Eustergurling aka Manchus S’kwao Earthworm Woman.
Both Holi and Spring Equinox celebrations acknowledge the turn of the season and the opportunity for new beginnings.
This Spring Equinox was dedicated to Cree Elder Grandma Amy for the vision of the Medicine Wheel, and to foster Loving Kindness and Peace in our hearts and in the world.
Thank you everyone for organizing such a beautiful, memorable Equinox Gathering today! So amazing that Grandma Amy started our Medicine Wheel ceremony 8 years ago today on her Birth Day! So great her children were with us today too. I loved getting coloured for Holi & celebrating Persian New Year today as well. Surrey is amazingly multicultural & we celebrated that beautifully today! The food was wonderful! My heart is full tonight as we enter official tomorrow! I have planted my new plants outdoors & they look lovely at my front door! Peace, healing & love to all!
Kat—heren Szabo
Work Party
One of our regular volunteers, Steve Chitty, was picking up litter around the PLOT gardens when a man approached him and asked if he was picking up garbage to be a good citizen. Steve replied that he thought he was a pretty good citizen but that he just wanted to collect the garbage. The man pulled out his wallet and tried to give Steve $50. Steve declined but the man insisted… Steve said ok, I will take the money and donate it to this sharing garden. The man pulled out another $50, and said in that case I will give you another $50.
When Steve returned to the garden to share his story he learned that another volunteer, Shayla, wanted to buy a purple plum tree to plant at the PLOT in her honour of her Mom. She was dying of cancer and she loved purple. Steve was so happy to gift the money for the tree!
Summer Solstice Celebration
Sunday June 18, Noon – 3
SUMMER SOLSTICE OBSERVATION
WHAT TO BRING: ~ Poem, short quote or a song if you wish ~ Drum, rattle, music maker ~ lawn chair ~ finger food to share ~ Water to stay hydrated Please note:
This solstice observation will include a special honouring for the life and spirit of Plot and Newton community builder and leader Katheren Szabo. Although she is very ill she plans to attend this living celebration of her life with her family.
We will also honour and remember our Fathers and Fathers Day
“My heart is full to bursting after such an amazing Summer Solstice Ceremony afternoon! So many dear,dear folks I love & who love me back attended & beautiful feelings flowed! So tired tonight but smiling deeply into my rooted toes & shining my love out through every pore of my being! THank you so very much to everyone who came out & shared the day with me & each other. A plum tree to be planted in garden in my memory! Hope the sweetness of each bite reminds YOU of how sweet life can be surrounded by friends & family! OK…so tired I must sleep! Thank you everyone & Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful Dad’s in our world!”
Clean up Day
Thanks to all who came out and participated in a pre Equinox PLOT clean up party! Complete with our very own Litter Picker Rambler, Canine Companions and a great pot luck. Plump apples ripening on the Medicine Wheel tree, with the sun shining there was sparkle everywhere.
Fall Equinox Celebration
Sunday September 17, noon
FALL EQUINOX Observation followed by Picnic and Activities
WHERE; At the Newton Medicine Wheel
WHAT TO BRING: lawn chair, or blanket to sit on, a snack to share, drum or rattle or music maker, water bottle. Bring a short poem or quote to share if you wish.
THIS EVENT WILL BE OUTDOORS SO PLEASE DRESS FOR THE WEATHER EVER GRATEFUL TO GRANDMA AMY for this amazing sharing healing space.
As part of the days events, PLAY WITH CLAY and creating a personal mandala using clay and natural materials with Jasmeen Virk.
Come early to help set up, place flowers or to just be on the land.
We acknowledge with gratitude that we live, love, and work on the unceded territory of the Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nation.
Earl Marriott Grassroots Green Club
It was a joy to host the Grassroots Green Club from Earl Marriott Secondary School. Members of the group cheerfully helped clear the flower beds around the Medicine Wheel and added a warmth to the energy of the gardens. These environmental stewards help to stir awareness in our communities and share regenerative ways to tend the land. Grateful for these ones stepping up.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Saturday December 17, 11:30 – 4
NOON TO 4 PM (DOORS OPEN AT 11:30 AM)
WHERE: IN THE NEWTON REC CENTRE ICE RINK BUILDING ROOM #4 FREE FAMILY EVENT. ALL AGES. ALL WELCOME. *OBSERVATION AT NOON.
TO FOLLOW: SNACKS, HOT DRINKS, MUSIC*, CRAFT CREATING: FESTIVE GREEN SWAG OR A CEDAR BUNDLE
*We will be treated to a special performance by Zena Tees on the Gǔzhēng.
WHAT TO BRING: ~A stone to place during the observation, ~BYO dishes,mug,cutlery ~ If you have garden greens to share for crafting please feel free to contribute ~ A finger food snack to share if you wish ~ If you wish a drum, rattle, or musical instrument ~A quote or short poem (perhaps related to your cultural traditions of the solstice) ~Warm coat for walk to Medicine Wheel.
We will begin our celebration @noon with the observance of the solstice in the way Cree Elder Grandma Amy taught us.
As a day to celebrate the return of the light, the Solar New Year, we also acknowledge the Solstice from our different backgrounds and lineages. If you wish, please bring a story of how your family heritage might honour the Solstice.
About 2 pm Zena Tees will give a mini concert of traditional Chinese folk songs on her guzheng. The mic will be open after for others wishing to share a song. ( see flyer for more information)
Craft a bundle or door swag or centerpiece from the greens that will be available and nibble on goodies, listen to music and enjoy the day.
Stones and felts will be provided to write messages on for anyone wishing to send out a loving message into the community. We offer this in honour of PLOT and community leader Katheren Szabo who has recently died. We will miss her laughter, strong advocacy and generous heartfelt contributions to the community.
COME EARLY AT 10:30 to help set up (~: * For those who wish to stay after, there will be a procession to the Medicine Wheel to place the stones about 4:30 pm.
We will also light a candle at that time for Katheren. Together we can vision her as well as our global community lifted in light, lifted in peace. A Celebration of Katherens life will take place at the PLOT in the new year in accordance with family wishes.
Following the Indoor Winter Solstice Ceremony and Observation, a group of friends and family of Katheren Szabo made their way to the Medicine Wheel to remember and honour the Life of PLOT member, Elder and Community Leader Katheren Szabo. The night was clear with the moon attending, a candle was lit, laughter and tears were shared, and the song ‘Light One Candle Pass The Light On’ was sung.
