Members Reflect on the Dedication Weekend (November 8 and 9, 2024)
For two days, members of our EcoVillage celebrated our Dedication Weekend – beginning with a public event in the Kearns Visitation Chapel on Friday afternoon, and continuing with a Land Acknowledgement and Tree Planting Ceremony on Saturday morning. There were informal meals together before and after the event. Below are what some members had to say about the weekend.
The large and small gatherings of the dedication weekend, full of hugs and laughter, were just a joyful first taste of what I hope we’ll experience on a regular basis in the coming years! – Kelly
The most significant moment for me was when I stepped into the Chapel of the Sisters of Divine Providence, and saw the forest of future home through their gorgeous Chapel windows. In that moment I internalized that “our community” isn’t just the ones with homes in Rachael Carson Ecovillage, “our community” includes the Sisters, the hospital, the University, our political representatives, and our region. I’m so excited and so thankful to get integrated into such a wonderfully diverse community! -Sarah
Two moments stand out: 1. I turned around and saw a hawk watching the land acknowledgement.
2. Stu saId , “So let’s raise a toast to Rachel Carson EcoVillage” perfectly timed to the pop of the champagne bottle I was opening. – Doug
It was so great to have leaders from La Roche University, McCandless Township, Allegheny County, our state senator and representative, and, of course, the leadership of the Sisters of Divine Providence taking part in our Public Dedication ceremony. And then there was the red-tailed hawk that we saw through the chapel windows riding the thermals over our building site. Perfect!
And, it was delightful to hang out with dear ones, longtime friends and new friends at Dedication Day including these three redheads. From right to left my wife of 41 years, Mel, our oldest son, Seth, who lives in Swissvale, and fellow Founder, Beth Watts who I met 44 years ago at UNC Chapel Hill along with her three housemates including Mel. – Stu
“I wondered how we could be celebratory after such a devastating election. But actually, the events of that weekend and spending time with the RCE community definitely helped me. It felt so good to be surrounded by like-minded individuals and a lot of positive energy.” – Judy T.
Meeting everyone in the flesh at the dedication ceremony filled me with joy—my grin was ear to ear. Sitting in the beautiful space of the Sisters’ chapel and seeing the RCE land beyond felt like a huge sigh of relief, an “of course” of the best kind. To hear Sister Michele call RCE countercultural and RJ say that working with RCE has led her to ask more of other projects was profoundly encouraging. Swimming upstream requires what many have called intestinal fortitude. To do it alongside the beautiful men and women of RCE is an honor and privilege that was never more clear to me than it was as we stood in a circle with that valiant little oak tree. I can’t wait to see our branches spread. – Victoria
I loved the outings with Founders I have never met before in person at the two scheduled events, at Prosource, and at the shared lunches after each event. I felt much closer to everyone because of them. It brought back fond memories of working together on fundraisers with everyone happy to be part of it and exhilarated by making a better experience for all. -David
-Judy Trupin, Founder and future resident of RCE, November 26, 2024