Updated June 12th, 2009--

 Om Reunion Project presents

RE:LEAF

Monday, June 15th until Sunday June 21st

Hello community! This will be the last mailer before the gathering starts. Time to start packing your your costumes, wings, and halos [or horns?!]. The next message from us will be the location sent ONLY to our members. Everyone is welcome to become a member... until midnight JUNE 13! 


In this email:
i) Last minute membership
ii) You may enter!

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 Om Reunion Project presents

RE:LEAF

Monday, June 15th until Sunday June 21st


RE:LEAF is almost here! By the time you read this it will be less than a week before Long Crew will be on the land! This year's Summer Solstice celebrations starts Monday June the 15th- that's less than 10 days away!

Have you got your Membership Yet? Have you figured out how you will be travelling? The location is around 2 hours North of Toronto - about 20 minutes South of Collingwood. Now is the time to put some intention into your plans for the Solstice.

In this email:
i) Membership Information & Drop in days
ii) Gate Hours
iii) Workshops & Theme Camps
iv) Entertainment Lineup
iv) Ambiance last call for submissions
v) Kitchen Licken!
vi) Land slideshow!
vii) Community Bus Ride?
viii) Some rules we all need to follow
ix) Long Crew update

MEMBERSHIP:
First off we would just like to remind everyone that while every single person out there is invited to join the community in the woods, we do require that everyone sign up in advance of the gathering.There are a number of really easy ways to sign up! First off you can register on our website by using credit card or paypal ($65 including paypal charge) at www.omreunionproject.org - Online signup will be available until Saturday June 13th at midnight!
For those that prefer to sign up in person, we will be having a number of drop in days ($63):

  - Tuesday June 9th Trinity Bellwoods Drum and Poi Circle: 8pm - 11pm.
  - Wednesday June 10th between 4 and 8pm at 343 1/2 Markham St. (NW of College and Bathurst)

REMEMBER: Sign Up In Advance- Don't get turned away at the gate! We also limit that maximum capacity of the gathering to 600 to ensure a very intentional community; don't delay, sign up today! Also, take note that We ask all members to volunteer a Five hour shift. This can be at Kitchen, Gate, or doing Foot Patrol/ First Response, or Logistics.

GATE HOURS:
We ask that everyone arrive at the gathering between certain gate hours which are:

Monday June 15th: Noon - 9pm
Tuesday, June 16th: Noon - 9pm
Wednesday, June 17th (Happy Birthday ORP!): Noon - Midnight
Thursday, June 18th: Noon - 9pm
Friday, June 19th: Noon - Midnight
Saturday, June 20th: Noon - 4:20pm

Arrival outside of these hours WILL result in your waiting until the gate reopens to gain access to the festival.

THEMECAMPS:
This year is looking really exciting for Workshops and Themecamps! Some of this years themecamps include an Art Tent, Fairy Circle, Acoustic Jam Space, Costume Camp, Circus, Hookah area and a Kiddie Camp! What kind of camp are you bringing with your friends? It's Not Too Late to Start Planning Now! Write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it People with children interested in being put in contact with other parents for Kiddie Camp please write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

WORKSHOPS:
We will have a wide variety of Workshops this year- Three Permaculture Workshops, Three on Hula Hooping, Contact Improv, a variety of Nature Walks and Hikes, Medicinal Plants, Biodiesel, electronic music, "God's Eye" weaving, Knitting, and Tarot. We even have someone who has offered to give free hair cuts! There is always time for more Workshops. Maybe you have something you wish You could share with the world? Write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text27041 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The week will be filled with exciting events! Bring your dancing shoes, or bare feet- Bring a Bathing suit, or just a towel, and Bring a costume for the Mermaid Parade or the Goblin March!


ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP:
First off, a big thanks to everyone who sent in their submissions! We are still going through some of the mixes, but wanted to release our most recent list of confirmed performers. We also just wanted to add that this is probably one of the most exciting lineups we've seen! It shows a very diverse selection of music from many aspects of our greater community.

Expect to hear some of the best music out there!

Without further adieu.....

Andromedan Sky
Aquapher
Aria - Live PA (myspace.com/ariaspace , youtube.com/user/ARTlab808 )
Azakite
C.O.I.-Live PA (Dubslingers, Dubplate.fm)
Cabin Boy Billy
Caktalfraktal
Caspar Project (casparproject.com, techgnosis.ca)
Crouching Tiger (Oya Collective)
Davy Boom (Shakti, omfestival.com)
Deception
Dharma Lab (dharmalab.com, Buffalo, NY)
Disko & v0ins (Get Bent! / Direkt Influence, myspace.com/v0ins)
DJ Mezmerize (myspace.com/dj_mezmerize)
Echobas3
Finegrind (Centre of Gravity)
Gavin Attwood
Hans Ohm (Archi-textures)
Jeremy C
LeeLee Mishi (Suma, sumantics.org)
Lexicon (Shakti Collective, Toronto)
Liquid Trees (myspace.com/orwatte, jasonlevine.ca)
Machine Elf (Oya Collective / Dream Vision Media - Peterborough)
Martin Fazekas aka evolve (breakandenter.net)
Mike (myspace.com/kn3ptune)
Kristian Sunflower (Suma, sumantics.org)
Nebula (Juggernaut Music)
Ombudsman (Mashdownmedia)
Purrpelle (aka violet)
Ron-Jon (Oya collective)
Safety Deposit Box
Sidenote + AKM (sensoria.me, dubslingers)
Spazzmonk
Sputnik (www.andreikalamkarov.com)
Sun Moon Earth Magic (myspace.com/sunmoonearthmagic)
Task (Foundation/PUSHER)
The Industrial Spies (theindustrialspies.com)
The Rhyme Travellers (Conscious Lyricists-Slept on Studios, Toronto. www.therhymetravellers.ca)
TiefFisch
Twist (GetHouse Cartel, Stick Figure DJs)
Will Fournier (www.myspace.com/willfournier)
Zumba (Suma, sumantics.org, zumbaland.net)

We will be adding some more people to this list as we make our schedule, so please check the website for up to date lineup info!

AMBIENT AREA:
Hmmmmmmmmmmm so we have received lots of submissions... and they are amazing !! but we need more original ambient music from you! please send it before Thursday june 11, 2009 ...we can also use more speakers...questions, submissions, comments This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

KITCHEN LICHEN:
Wise and willohms.the kitchen has not yet flown. We’re adding some people into our meal schedules, and if you would like to be one of them, by dazzling us and sharing some fine cooking, give us a shout. This Kind Kitchen, feeding all 500 of us, is a vegan kitchen, so’s we ask to take this in consideration for your donation. We’d like for you all to bring a 30$-40$ food donation. And as we all do this, it comes to enough for our huge pots to get filled. All kinds of things are welcomed, beautiful green vegetables, orange, juicy fruit, all shades and colours, grains and beans. Quinoa, millet, rice, Coconut milk. Breads, treats, things that you like to eat, bring em on down. Just be aware that it’s camping styles, and we can’t have Tofu or tempeh, or such things that need to be refrigerated. Alzo, we try our best to be a nut-free kitchen. We greatly look forward to meeting all of youse! Check out our newly updated website for more ideas. Or contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

LAND SLIDE SHOW:
Want to see what our wonderful new land looks like? A slide show can be found here: http://www.zumbaland.net/releaf_slideshow.html

WHAT ABOUT A BUS?
The gathering this year takes place from Monday - Sunday about two hours away from Toronto in the Collingwood area. We have a RIDE SHARE on the Om Message Board - http://www.omfestival.com/ommb BUT maybe YOU want to arrange for a school bus for members...? Look into it and let us know!

SOME GUIDELINES WE ALL NEED TO FOLLOW:
Are There Any Rules? Well, Yes. but we hope you will agree they make sense.

1) There is NO GLASS allowed on the land. Don't expect to buy your beer in the closest town, instead buy cans in Toronto or in Collingwood! You will be required to transfer anything in a glass bottle out of it before entering the land. Anyone who has cleaned up broken glass in grass will understand this.
2) LEAVE NO TRACE- That means Everything- If you bring it to the land you will be required to remove it- There is no Public Garbage or Recycling at Om Reunion Project- If you bring it in you bring it out!
3) IF YOU SMOKE CARRY A "BUTT MUTT"- We can't leave the land until every bottle cap and every cigarette butt is gone! In past years we have had to return to land after we had left to pick up cigarette butts!
4) Don't Bring - A generator or a sound system-
5) There are no private fires (hibachi's and propane stoves are OK)
6) We recommend you don't bring your dog- but if you do you must pick up after it

LONG CREW:
A big thanks to EVERYONE who has volunteered for long crew! We got such an incredible response we have had to close long crew signup for this year!

IN CLOSING...
As you can tell, this is turning out to be one of the most exciting Solstice Gathering we've ever had! The community response to everything from entertainment to long crew, to workshops and themecamps has been overwhelming! (in the good way!)

We look forward to seeing you all in the woods in our brand new location!

Your 2009 Re:leaf summer solstice gathering team!

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 Hello Orpies!

4 more weeks until RE:LEAF and everything is running smooth as butter … vegan butter that is!  We’ve just returned from a trip to our NEW site and it’s very exciting.  A lot of great visioning has begun around how we’re going to plan this year’s gathering at our new location and it’s a very inspiring time!  So what are YOU doing this year? We’re hoping that you too are thinking about how are you are going to participate to make this gathering even better.  A permaculture workshop maybe? A chocolate truffle theme camp? What about an art installation - we've got large sunny fields and lots of forest for you to fill! Free massages to all perhaps? Whatever your plans, REMEMBER … you must take the initiative independently and own your project!

This gathering is only as good as you make it!

Here are some more important updates that you need to know about:

01. Memberships
02. Make Re:leaf More Fun and Interactive
03. Ambiance Community Sound Installation
04. Entertainment
05. Community Art Nights
06. Long Crew
07. Community Kitchen
08. Volunteering - Important message
09. Land Slide Show
10. What about a bus?

MEMBERSHIPS:
Memberships are available online NOW at http://www.omreunionproject.org , so please don’t forget that if you plan on attending RE:LEAF you must register in ADVANCE as soon as possible.  The sooner you register, the better organized we can be to plan for your attendance.  Membership costs $63 + a paypal fee and requires you to do a 5 hour volunteer shift during the festival.  If you can't buy your tickets online, don't fret - there are two drop-in-days planned where you can purchase your memberships in person. These will take place at Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto, at the Tuesday evening Drum & Poi Circle on both May 26th and June 9th! Until 11:00 pm. Look for a sign and lights. Other drop in days will be announced soon.

MAKE RE:LEAF MORE FUN & INTERACTIVE!
What we really want to remind you in this message is that the gathering is made by the community.  That means that if you want a project to take place you need to bring the initiative to push forward that project.

We can provide times and spaces but it's you - Our members - who will make the magic!
Have you ever thought about leading a workshop?  Now is the time!

We can schedule you in a workshop area - either in a dome or in a field- and we can help bring people to your workshop but you need to tell everyone what kind of workshop or discussion you would like to facilitate.  This year members have already written in telling us they will be leading workshops ranging from Nature Walks to Electronic Music production.  We also will have have workshops on Knitting, Bee Keeping and Hula Hooping! Come to events about Wetlands, Chakra Dancing and Environmental Activism!

What would you like to lead? What would you like to attend? Our big open fields could use a kite making workshop.  Maybe there will be people at RE:LEAF with whom you would like to talk about politics, sexuality or spirituality? Maybe you want to put on a play, teach a skill or gather a singing group? If you lead it we will come!  Please write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it - please include the word "workshops" in the title of your mail. 

We will be  to having multiple daily classes in yoga and various meditative and healing arts - please contact us if you would like to lead one of these sessions.  There will also be a healing space with massage tables. If you are a healing practitioner who would like to share their healing modality please contact us to schedule a time in this space.  Please write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Our larger forest this year is well suited to all kinds of public theme-camps. What kind of a space can you and your friends bring to the festival?  Shared public spaces give us a place to create community. What form would you like our community to take?

Some of this year's Theme Camps (so far) include a Fairy Circle, a Family Camp, and various crews from different southern Ontario towns. There is still lots of time to plan a simple or more elaborate camp. How about a library, or a space devoted to meditation or to games or puzzles? Set up a hammock area or build your secret world under the sea. Now is the time to start brainstorming with your friends what you can create together! Please write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

AMBIANCE: a community sound installation
The plan is to be create an area that is for listening... a quiet place in the trees where you can wonder through the natural sounds of the forest combined with dynamic, inspiring and bizzare sounds being broadcasted from all around you.  You are immersed in a forest of sound and every where you wander you find new ways to experience the forest of floating fancies! 
 
PLEASE HELP US BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS PROJECT.

This installation is a NON-performance area and will broadcast a predetermined playlist of Ambient recording for your listening pleasure.

We are looking for recordings of music from electro-accoustic, to pure ambient elecronica, to field recordings, to sound collage.  Our goal is to have many many hours of original recordings that have been offered to the project.  WE NEED community submissions!!! (see below for details)  We are limiting submissions to ... NON-BEAT oriented music only - this is so we do not create much of a sound footprint with this project and so that we create an alternate space to the music already offered at the gathering.

We will give preference in selection to ORIGINAL composition; however, we will happily accept ambient dj mixes YOU have done, or specific collections of ambient sound collected by you. We are also considering some inspirational spoken word or poetry or stories, talks etc.  So if you think you have something that might be appropriate...(we want 96 hours of submissions)...PLEASE submit it or email us to ask questions: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Submissions should be MP3's with the highest quality possible (320kbps). If you prefer to use AIFF's or WAV's let us know and we will see if we can accommodate the space on the playback device. To Submit music please either send us an email with the link to the file through any current online source (dropbox, yousendit, soundcloud or FTP ...etc) please include any necessary passwords etc.  Please get in touch with any submissions, questions or comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
ALSO, we are looking for donations of old stereo gear to make this happen!!! We are looking for home audio equipment that is no longer used and still works and sounds good!  We need speakers, amps, speaker wire, and an old but working IPOD or similar Media player (maybe you have a new fancy one or the battery is dead but still works if plugged in).
 
PLEASE get in touch we need serious community support to make this happen...

ENTERTAINMENT:
The Entertainment Committee would like to thanks all of the artists that submitted proposals to perform.  There were more than any other year which is very exciting as it demonstrates the creativity and the participatory nature of our community.  Please be patient as we review all of the submissions and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
 
If you are still interested in submitting for an artistic installation for the stages or beyond please get in touch with This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Also we are still looking for people to participate in the video / VJ aspect of our stages.  Any video artist that would like to collaborate please get in touch with   We will also need more projectors for the event so if you have a projector please let us know! This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

COMMUNITY ART NIGHTS:
These are continuing every Thursday night until June 4th from 7:30-10:30pm - If you're interested in getting involved and connecting with others before the the gathering, we'd love your help at Community Art Nights. Together we’ll be painting mystical tapestries to decorate the stages, creating screen-printed flags, building thematic skins for domes and making beautiful things to decorate our new home in the forest. Our first set of tapestries are almost finished and we'd love your help painting more. We have a variety of things to do and all skill levels are welcome.

Art nights are happening at 165 Bathurst Street (at Queen) in studio 614. Buzz 0060 for entry.

We have art supplies for everyone but we would very much appreciate any donations of fabric, paints and any other art-making materials. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any questions.

LONG CREW:
Is one week of Om Reunion Project never enough for you? Do you want to get down and dirty with us? Everyone contributes to the gathering, but it's the long crew who put their time, their hearts and souls, and definitely their sweat into building up and tearing down the gathering. There are lots of jobs to do and can use help from members of all shapes, sizes, genders, and experience levels. Come out and play with the crew! For more information, or to notify us of your commitment, write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (include "long crew" in the title of your mail).

COMMUNITY KITCHEN:
Our outdoor vegan community kitchen runs on volunteers, donations, inspiration and sustenance in mind and body. With your $30 contribution of food we are able to feed the festival for a whole week! After rooting around in the cellar this spring, the kitchen magicians have found that we definitely need people to coordinate some meals and we are looking for people who can organize volunteers, facilitate a meal and keep the kitchen in order. Every year people surprise us with their skills and energy; consider making a meal with a kitchen crew of your friends! The alchemy that goes on in the kitchen has been able to produce some wonderful broths and nourishing creations to help bring us to a higher level during the solstice pinnacle.  Feel free to get in touch with us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can start planning.  

VOLUNTEERING - IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR YOU!
We’ve got an important job for you ORPies!  This year, we need enthusiastic, nocturnal gate ninja’s willing to donate 2-3 hours of their time (in lieu of the 5 hour regularly scheduled shift) to cover the gate during party hours…just in case.  Think of it as first response.  Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to hang out at the gate (walkie talkie, fire and rain shelter will be provided…you bring the fun!) and if anyone approaches, use the provided communication tools to contact the coordinators ready and waiting to deal with the situation.  It’s that simple.  So gather your posse and email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you’re interested.

LAND SLIDE SHOW:
Want to see what our wonderful new land looks like? A slide show can be found here: http://www.zumbaland.net/releaf_slideshow.html

WHAT ABOUT A BUS?
The gathering this year takes place from Monday - Sunday about two hours away from Toronto in the Collingwood area.  We have ride share on the Om Message Board - http://www.omfestival.com/ommb BUT maybe YOU want to arrange for a school bus for members...?  Look into it and let us know!


That's all for now folks! Thanks for reading ... and if you are interested in helping promote RE:LEAF in your area - check out our website for printable flyers!

See you at RE:LEAF!

-ORP

http://www.omreunionproject.org

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Greetings friends!

Mmm... smell that spring in the air! The cherry trees are blossoming, the bicyclists are out in force and we have all had our first tastes of the summer to be. As the leaves on the trees start to come out anew our thoughts turn to Re:leaf! Only six weeks until we are gathered together, celebrating! Let's solidify our plans for this years summer solstice. We’re truly looking forward to seeing all of you at

         Re:leaf

         Monday June 15th to Sunday June 21st.

We have a few announcements about getting your membership, community art nights, participating to the fullest and upcoming community events. We are also proud to announce we have selected an especially exciting location for this year's festival! 

Re:leaf is a members only event and memberships are now available for $63. Visit our website NOW! to obtain your membership or read on to learn about membership drop in days.

Have you seen our beautiful new flier? Help to spread the word about Re:leaf by distributing our electronic flier or read about promoting locally in your area. 

Location, membership, art nights, OH MY! 

i) Important land news!! (yay!)

ii) Open for love (memberships available)

iii) Creative flow (upcoming community art nights)

iv) A place to stand, A place to grow (getting involved)

v) Sights and sounds (entertainment)

vi) Reading material (Re:leaf booklet)

i) New land buzz - YES it's true! 

.....................

We are very excited to announce to you a very important piece of information!

        WE HAVE NEW LAND - AND IT'S AWESOME!!

The property we have selected is beautiful and new. Although our last two years at Wilderhaven have been amazing, we felt a sense from the community, and the land, that a transition to something alternative was necessary. We are listening to you! 

We scouted many options across the province before deciding on this one, which perfectly has all our desires:

- Beautiful mixed forest with many clearings

- Open sprawling fields

- Fresh spring fed swimming water on site

- Parking on site

- Pure clean drinking water on site

- Within a two hour drive of Toronto in the Southern Grey Bruce Region in the direction of Collingwood

More details to follow closer to the date; however, it is our hope that this will get the excitement flowing and help you make all the necessary preparations to be with us to turn over the new leaf of summer. 

As in the past, exact directions to the site will only be available to those with memberships.

ii) Your memberships - get them while they're HOT!

.....................

Re:leaf is a membership-based, community gathering. Membership is open and available to all who wish to participate. 

         Re:leaf membership is $63 + pay-pal charges. 

As part of your membership you are also required to donate some food for the gathering, as well as take part in a volunteer shift, either in the kitchen, at the gate, assisting with "logistics" or on first aid teams. Suggestions on food items and information on shifts will available soon.

A project as big as this requires us ALL to make contributions. All participants (and that includes organizers, long crew, performers, workshop leaders, theme camp facilitators, kitchen hands, the lovers, the dreamers, and that guy over there) are required to become members of the collective IN ADVANCE of the gathering. We DO NOT sell memberships at the gate, and if you are not a member in advance, you will not be granted entry. This is a strict policy, so make sure you get yours today! We each make Re:leaf what it will be. 

2009 membership entitles you to access to the land location, seven days of community building and camping in the beautiful Ontario wilderness, three meals a day from the wonderful vegan kitchen, two stages of delicious beats, a members un-talent show, workshops, swimming and soo much more!

Memberships are available either online at www.omreunionproject.org or in person (cash only) at one of our drop in days. 

There will be a drop-in membership day at the Trinity Bellwoods Drum and Poi Circle on June 9th. 

Check the website or look for an announcement coming soon about our other drop in days. 

iii) Community art nights - Share your creative spirit now!

.....................

COMMUNITY ART NIGHTS begin May 7th - Meet new friends and reconnect with people in our community by coming together to work on art projects for Re:leaf. Art nights are happening Thursday May 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and June 4th from 7:30 - 10pm.

Together we’ll be painting mystical tapestries to decorate the stages, building thematic skins for domes, creating art installations and making beautiful things to decorate our new home in the forest. 

We have a variety of things to do and all skill levels are welcome!

Art nights are happening at 165 Bathurst Street (at Queen) in studio 614. Buzz 0060 for entry. MAP

While we will have art supplies on hand, more supplies are always necessary! We would very much appreciate donations of fabric, paints, fine papers, fabric dyes, wool and other art-making materials. Loans of scissors and paint brushes are also appreciated. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any questions.

See you this Thursday!

iv) Getting involved - WE > I

.....................

LONG CREW - Is one week of Om Reunion Project never enough for you? Do you want to get down and dirty with us? Everyone contributes to the gathering, but it's the long crew who put their time, their hearts and souls, and definitely their sweat into building up and tearing down the gathering. There are lots of jobs to do and can use help from members of all shapes, sizes, genders, and experience levels. Come out and play with the crew! For more information, or to notify us of your commitment, write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (include "long crew" in the title of your mail).

KIND KITCHEN - Our outdoor vegan community kitchen runs on volunteers, donations, inspiration and sustenance in mind and body. With your $30 contribution of food we are able to feed the festival for a whole week! After rooting around in the cellar this spring, the kitchen magicians have found that we definitely need people to coordinate some meals and we are looking for people who can organize volunteers, facilitate a meal and keep the kitchen in order. Every year people surprise us with their skills and energy; consider making a meal with a kitchen crew of your friends! The alchemy that goes on in the kitchen has been able to produce some wonderful broths and nourishing creations to help bring us to a higher level during the solstice pinnacle.  Feel free to get in touch with us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can start planning.  

C.A.L.M. - The Centre for Alternative Living Medicine is the gathering's holistic haven, where people gather in a peaceful, healing environment for group yoga and meditation, and healers of all modalities share their treatments with the community. CALM is in need of leaders, health-minded participants and holistic health practitioners who are interested in promoting a relaxing, enjoyable and healing environment at this year's gathering. If you would like to contribute to health and healing at the gathering, or have an idea about what you'd like to see at CALM this year, we'd love to hear from you at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

THEME CAMPS - We are hoping for loads of theme camps this year. Hope you are too! Think of how fun it would be to hang out in a mushroom themed camp, or a dress-up camp, or a reading tent, or playing cards at a games table. Is there a secret world YOU can imagine that you wish you could find amongst the trees? Start creating the theme camp you'd like to build with your friends as a play space, or a fantasy getaway. What better avenue to let your imagination go wild? If you'd like us to secure a space for your theme camp, write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (include "theme camp" in the title of your mail). **NOTE: independent sound systems are prohibited and special arrangements are required before operating generators on site.

WORKSHOPS - We are also excited about the range of workshop ideas which have already been submitted! A few in line for Re:leaf include knitting, hula hooping, tarot, and chakra dance! Keep them coming. Anyone can lead a workshop, class or a discussion group. Start thinking of a skill you can teach or a topic you'd like to discuss. Everyone is an expert at something! What can you share or teach your community? Be creative! Tell us your plans at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (include "workshops" in the title of your mail). 

ART INSTALLATIONS - We are also entertaining proposals for special interest, video or spatial installations. If you have something special up your sleeve and think it could add an amazing twist to our time together, please get in touch with us, we want to hear from you.

PROMOTIONS - Om Reunion Project is a grassroots organization and we’d like to see Re:leaf grow. We would appreciate your help in promoting the solstice gathering in your neighborhood or community. Posters will soon be available to download from our website. Feel free to distribute our e-flier and get in touch of you’d like more info about promotions.

v) Stages - bounce, twirl, bust a move!

.....................

Thank you to everyone for submitting musical submissions! We will be confirming artists and line-ups SOON! If you still haven't sent anything in, don't worry - there's still time! So if you want to perform this year, please send all submissions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and include ALL of the following information: 

- Your name and performance name
- Contact info
- Style of music you are into
- Type of performance (Live/DJ/other)
- Technical requirements
- Music Sample (DJ sets, tracks, video are all good but usually LIVE sets are the best example of what you would do with your time. We prefer online links to your music [there are lots of amazing free services for posting your music online] BUT if you need to get us a physical copy get in touch and we will work something out)

NEW: AMBIENT SOUNDSCAPE - We are planning a new sound environment for this years gathering that is more focused on AMBIANCE and Sound Installation. As this plan is still in motion, please get in touch soon if you are interested in participating in this project. As this is designed to be an interactive installation start thinking of the things you may like to hear as you walk through the forest. Get in touch with your thoughts, ideas or sounds to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Deadline for submissions will be approximately Friday, May 15th, 2009 at 11:59:59pm.

vi) Re:leaf Booklet 

.....................

We are considering handing out a small booklet / information package at the gate. It would potentially contain a site map, set times, workshop information, and depending on outside submissions possibly also contain a few recipes, poems, tips and tricks, jokes, an almanac, puzzles, diagrams or charts, etc. Whatever you could contribute that would be compact but have a positive impact on someones life. 

Does this interest you? There will ONLY be a book this year if we get a volunteer with a background in desktop publishing to co-ordinate this venture! This project needs help by way of contributors, editors, layout / design. Please write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (include "Re:Leaf Booklet" in the title of your mail). 

Until we meet again ...

The Om Reunion Project is, at its heart, an exercise in fostering a creative community. Stay in touch with members of your community on the Om Message Board - www.omfestival.com/ommb.

REMINDER: COMMUNITY ART NIGHTS begin May 7th @ 7:30pm!!

Go to www.omreunionproject.org to get your Re:leaf membership NOW!

- Your 2009 Om Reunion Project Team!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Om Reunion Project is proud to announce this years summer solstice gathering:

RE:LEAF Monday, June 15th - Sunday, June 21st, 2009

Get excited, start brainstorming and book your time off NOW! - this years gathering is going to be the best one yet, we're sure of it!

The summer solstice is our time to reconnect with each other after a long and dark winter; its a time to celebrate, share and allow ourselves to grow under the solstice sun; our time to escape from the concrete jungle and gather together as our strong community once again in 2009.

Remember, WE > I

The budding of spring and the freshness in the air lend themselves perfectly to thinking about what you want to blossom on the land, lessons you want to grow in our hearts and minds and how you want to participate this year to the fullest. It's no secret that the people who have the most meaningful experiences every year are those who share some part of themselves with the community.

Think about how YOU have been inspired in life and how you might want to share that with someone else.

We are a community of activists - lets grow Re:leaf together!

-----------------

Things that make you go "Oooh!"

i) Forest dwellers (new home)
ii) Creative expressions (art)
iii) Fabulous fun (theme camps)
iv) Skill trading (workshops)
v) Healers needed (C.A.L.M.)
vi) Dirty love (long crew)
vii) Beep.boop.buzz (entertainment)


i) Our home in nature
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The Om Reunion Project crew is gearing up for land scouting season and we would really like your help to find the best place to have our community gathering. Our site provides the foundation for the gathering - the space in which we will live together, learn, play and enjoy. Finding the right piece of land is a challenge and we would love your help. Please see the bottom of this message for more information.


ii) Growing art
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What colourful art installation would you like to bring to be discovered by those wandering the path in the forest? It's wonderful to see what our members bring to share with the community. Get your friends together to start planning your own art installation. Trust us, it's totally fun! For guidance and information on forest art, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (include the word "art" in the title of your mail).

COMMUNITY ART NIGHTS begin May 7th - Meet new friends and reconnect with people in our community by coming together to work on community art projects for Re:leaf. Community art nights are a great way to get involved and contribute to the gathering. All skill levels are welcome! Weekly art nights will be happening Thursdays in Toronto throughout May and early June in the Trinity-Bellwoods area. Donations of paint, fabric and other materials are most welcome. More details will be available later this month.


iii) Developing a theme camp
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Is there a secret world YOU can imagine that you wish you could find amongst the trees? Start thinking of the theme camp you'd like to build with your friends as a play space for new friends to meet! If you can imagine it, you can build it! Pull out your tickle trunks, pillows, and fun fur - and set up a tent or camp in the forest for everyone to enjoy! Get those planning hats on now!

Of course, you're welcome to arrive and set up your theme camp on the fly, but if you want us to promote your camp in advance, or you have any questions, please write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (include the words "theme camp" in the title of your mail). Please note independent sound systems are not allowed and special arrangements are required before operating generators on site.


iv) Learning time
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Anyone can lead a workshop, class or a discussion group! Start thinking of a skill you can teach or a topic you'd like to discus. Everyone is an expert at something! What can you share or teach your community?

As with theme-camps, you're welcome to promote your workshop on the announcement board when you arrive at the gathering, but if you tell us in advance we can help spread the word on when your workshop will be, and get everyone excited in advance. Write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (include the word "workshops" in the title of your mail).


v) C.A.L.M. - Center for Alternative Living Medicine
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The CALM space is the gathering's holistic haven. It is a place shared by healers of all modalities who wish to donate their time and energy to provide community members with natural healing alternatives in a peaceful and safe environment. Learn about different healing modalities and experience a holistic treatment on your path to well-being.

CALM is in need of holistic health practitioners who wish to share their skills with the community. Do you practice massage, reiki, aromatherapy, reflexology, or other healing modalities? Would you wish to donate your time to create a relaxing and enjoyable environment for healing at this years gathering, or are you able to lend supplies such as massage tables, pillows, blankets or art? If you would like to provide treatments or teach others about your healing art we would love to hear from you at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .


vi) Long crew - we do it longer!
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Is one week of Om Reunion Project never enough for you? Do you want to get down and dirty with us? Everyone contributes to the gathering, but it's the long crew who put their time, their hearts and souls, and definitely their sweat, into building up and tearing down the gathering. There are lots of jobs to do and can use help from members of all shapes, sizes, genders, and experience levels. Come out and play with the crew! For more information, or to notify us of your commitment, write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (include the words "long crew" in the title of your mail).


vii) Sights and sounds
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Yes, it's about that time everyone! The crazy scientists in our Entertainment Research Division have been hard at work concocting a performance lineup that will keep music in the spotlight for this year's gathering. Expect to see some of your favourites from years passed, plus some exciting new additions! We are currently calling out to our community for anyone who may be interested in performing this year. Please send all submissions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and include ALL of the following information:

- Your name and performance name
- Contact info
- Style of music you are into

 ___________________________________________________________________________________

Om Reunion Project Summer Solstice Gathering June 15-21

Happy 2009!

Come and Celebrate the longest day and the shortest night of the year together with community, friends and family!
The crocuses are still buried under the snow, but deep in the earth they are quietly growing.
The nights are still cold but we can all see that the days are getting longer
The sun promises to return and shine and so do we!

Even though spring may seem at times a ways off, we have all survived the harshest months and we all deserve the joy of looking forward to sharing in the warmth of our greater community together. 

This Year's Om Reunion Project Gathering will take place from Monday June 15th through Sunday June 21st! - Save the Date!

The time has come to begin planning for this year's Summer Solstice gathering.

Start thinking about how you want to pARTicipate this year! Like all good things- The people who have the most meaningful experience of the festival every year are those who share some part of themselves with the community.

How Can I Get Involved?!?!

What colourful art installation would you like to bring to be discovered by those wandering the path in the forest?

Is there a secret world YOU can imagine that you wish you could find amongst the trees? Start thinking of the theme camp you can set up with your friends as a play space for new friends to meet!

Do you have a skill you can teach or a topic you would like to discuss? Anyone can lead a workshop, a class or a discussion group!

We can build stages, book music, and even plan meals for the community kitchen- but what makes the festival special each year are the contributions of the members.

We will all work together to make this the best year for the Om Reunion Project- But start thinking about how YOU can make it truly special for yourself and for your community!

For those of you who would like to get involved artistically before the solstice, we'll be hosting ART NIGHTS in Toronto, where you'll have a chance to work on specific projects for the gathering. These nights will be a great opportunity to work on community projects while reconnecting with friends from the gathering and meeting new ones. Art nights will begin in April, so keep your eyes open for more information coming soon. 

{Ours is a community of activists.} / {we>I} 

This gathering is a participatory event.  It is what you bring to it that will make it special for you and for everyone else. Think about how YOU have been inspired by previous gatherings/festivals and how you might share that with someone else.

What About The Land?!?!

Wilderhaven was a wonderful home but until a possible permanent site is found we are always looking for other land possibilities.

Remember, we are only a small group of people in a big big world.  We REALLY need YOUR help in finding new land locations!



Maybe you know of some excellent location, or a commune that could use some funds or upkeep work done?

We are hoping to have land for this year selected earlier than ever, and we are seriously considering new locations. 

Please send reasonable possibilities to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Please include as much information as possible (Phone number, acreage, distance to closest neighbours, address for us to search on google maps, etc.) Please include the word LAND in your title.

The requirements for land are as follows:

We need ideally at least 100+ acres (50 or 60 acres MINIMUM), preferably bordering areas with crown land, or few to no inhabitants.  Sound shadow is one of greatest concerns as we are great believers in bass.

Drinking water somewhere on site or a drive point for a well.

Swimming water on site or within a short walk.

Parking within walkable distance for approximately 150-200 cars

The land must be able to sustain 600 people for a week, which means there needs to be tentable space, preferably in a forest, and space enough for at least 2 stages and a kitchen.  A mix of clearings and not to dense of a forest, with a river or small body of water on site or nearby is ideal.

The land must be available for rent during the time of the gathering with a minimum 2 weeks before and 3 days after.  Land available for purchase will be considered if it is suitable.

The land should be between 1 1/2 and 5 hours from Toronto.

Some exceptions can be made for exceptional cases. 

What's this about Soundstages?!?!

We have already started to get plenty of inquiries about performing at this years gathering.  As we ramp up planning for this years festival our Entertainment Research Division Scientists will once again brush the cobwebs out of the lab and dust off the old turntables and start planning & programming this years entertainment.

We will be sending a general call out for entertainment submissions in the next month or so.  If you absolutely CANNOT WAIT to send in your submission, please feel free to email us demo's, myspace pages, bio's, tapes, records or whatever else you have to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  PLEASE NOTE If you send us an email now, please be sure to RESUBMIT your demo once we make our general call out!

In Closing...

The Om Reunion Project is, at its heart, an attempt to help foster creative community.

Stay in touch with members of your community on the Om Message Board

www.omfestival.com/ommb

Updates will also gradually be available at-

www.omreunionproject.org

- Your 2009 Om Reunion Project / Summer Solstice Festival Team!