I am also greatly looking forward to getting together with old and new folks in the Black Bear Family for the 40th anniversary of the Ranch. As is a frequent outcome of our Black Bear get Togethers, there will likely be new freinds to meet and to share with, and some will likely become new family members and stay a while at the Ranch to bring new life and energy.. Living at Black Bear Ranch, communally, has been a unique and mind expanding experience for so many of us who desire to increase our ability to live together on the Planet and to develop skills to take care of ourselves, each other, and the Earth. I feel blessed to be included in this as one family member. I often refer to the Black Bear Family Trust for some key tenants to help me remember how to be at Black Bear and what to expect.

There are some things I am both interested in and have to offer for the Black Bear Family Solstice -40th Reunionthat we're going to have at Black Bear Ranch this summer in June.

I think we should all be communicating now to help create the kind of event that we all remember as one that was reuniting, celebratory, constructive, safe for everyone, and productive on the physical, emotional, and who knows- could be even spiritually.

I like the suggestion of it being something other than just another party on the river where people mainly were getting toasted as a key goal. Someone mentioned it being a "no alcohol" event, which is interesting and could be appropriate. I'ld be into helping develop some group activities such as - food (planning, getting, preparing and clean up), work parties (before,during and/or after) , circles for all being in one place and sharing together, some group visioning circles, theater events, music, swimming, sweats, hikes, workshops, etc.. I am interested in what other folks think about these things and to see how we can best coordinate and work together.

I also want to be sure that there is a good connection and feeling with the current residents for this event and in general, as they are the residents of Black Bear now and they are the ones who are guiding the communal day to day living, work, sharing, and group decisions. We should figure out how we can best accommodate each others needs and goals at Black Bear, as reasonably as possible. This is a good medium for communal living anyway, as all of us are created equal and our voice is what we have in common.

Anyways, these are some of my thoughts initially. Please share what your thinking and let's work together to make the 40th a great event for all.

Peace and Love

Petey