newsbriefs
Reconnect at
Copper Hill Retreat
“F
orgive-Restore-Explore” is a
weekend retreat coming up
at Copper Hill Retreat (formerly The
Lodge at Lick Creek Lane), July 31-
August 2. The ecolodge and prop-
erty will be the backdrop for this weekend of reconnection
with self, awareness of nature and renewal of spirit, provided
by Alexandria and Sifu Walt of the Merchant Institute for
Health and Wellness in Moneta. Individuals, couples and
adult family groups are welcome.
Sifu Walt describes the retreat: “A moment of grace,
when one may emerge and see beyond beliefs, opinions and
concepts, allows a new beginning from a still point. Choose
your path, your guide will appear! Be aware that deep dis-
covery and healing processes are not one size for all…ask
questions and explore, with your heart leading the way.”
Alexandria and Sifu Walt provide holistic health and
wellness programs and workshops. Alexandria is a certified
Spiritual Life Coach, Transpersonal Hypnotherapist and Reiki
Master Teacher; Sifu Walt is a nationally certified and classical-
ly trained holistic tai chi, qigong and yoga teacher with more
than 35 years’ experience training and teaching as a certified
fitness trainer, nutrition specialist and wellness coach.
For more information or to schedule an event, visit Copper-
HillRetreat.com or call 540-309-8821. See ad, page 8.
We exist
Savoring the
to provide,
promote, and
Slow Road Home
advocate energy
F
loyd County author Fred First recently
conservation
released his second book, What We
Hold in Our Hands: a Slow Road Reader.
Association of Energy Conservation Professionals
In it, he focuses on the smaller, slower,
more permanent riches within our grasp—
Energy Saving Tip ____ _________
the quiet nature around us. First elevates
the simple, ordinary and local in a way that
Xeriscaping landscape designs focus
will bring a smile, a raised eyebrow, or a nod of affirmation. on water conservation by using native
His essays and hyperlocal homilies will be appreciated
plants instead of more exotic plants
by fellow biology watchers, grandparents, rural dwellers or
wannabes, and by those simply seeking a pleasant place to
and grasses that are not well suited
ponder for a quiet moment before bedtime. By sharing his to the local climate. Non-native plants
story, he guides us to celebrate in our own stories the many
will require more maintenance and
small blessings we hold in our hands.
The book also contains more than 50 of First’s nature and
more water to survive.
landscape photographs, offering us a richer participation in
subject and setting, to better share in the search for sense of
Natural Awakenings
place and a valid personal ecology. Proudly Sponsors AECP
Find out how you can help
First’s books are available at the Country Store and the Jack-
540-745-2838 • Fax: 540-745-2839
sonville Center in Floyd; signed copies can be ordered from
the author at SlowRoadHome.com.
aecp@swva.net • www.aecp.org
July 2009
9
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40