Thanks to all the volunteers who contributed their artwork for the Poster Contest. 

It was a tight contest, as we had many excellent submissions this year. After much deliberation, the winning piece was “Harvest Moon” by Denise Kupiszewski, shown above. (See more on Denise at www.themudpeddler.com.) This art will be the basis for the posters and t-shirts for this year’s Bluemont Fair—to be held September 17-18, 2016.
     The Bluemont Fair is a country fair that draws thousands of people to the historic village of Bluemont, Virginia each September. The Fair gives everyone the opportunity to visit the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains to enjoy all kinds of food, juried crafts, interactive exhibits, local beer and wine, excellent music, and so much more.
     And this year we are very pleased to announce that the Bluemont Fair will include an exciting and educational Indian Village (with elements from The Gathering), where we will be celebrating the harvest with Native American dance, regalia, and living history exhibits, set among traditional wigwam and tee pee dwellings.
     We hope to see you all in September!

     Many schools teach their K-12 students that all Indians are dead. According to Indian Country Today Network, studies show a stagger 87 percent of references to American Indians in all 50 states portray them in pre-1900 context, which means students are graduating high school without even basic knowledge we Indians are still alive.
      Our goal is to raise awareness and raise $27,850 to help bring 14 artists and logistics to work with a core group of 30 students, ages 5-12 years old and seven teachers. The Primary Audience is 45 PK-6 graders ranging from 2-12 years old. The Secondary Audience is parents, artists, community and general public. ​
     Sanctuary on the Trail™ has initiated a new Art in Nature™ educational program with the Village Montessori School in Bluemont, Loudoun County Virginia called, "Artists Teaching Children to Raise a Village." Artists will serve as guides in helping point students and teachers to discovering truths about Virginia's Indians and Indigenous culture with hands-on-experience outdoors.
     Participating Students are from the Village Montessori School in Bluemont, Va. The Montessori school curriculum inspires children to reach their highest potential and develop a love of learning by focusing on the full development of the child, including their physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth. 
     Most of the adult artists are already pre-selected. To be added to the Artist Waiting List, please email info4TheGathering.org.
     To Volunteer email us at info4TheGathering.org or call us at 540-554-8730.
     Art in Nature™ is a 501(c)3 non-profit outreach initiative hosted by Bluemont resident and Native American Indian artist René White (Feather) president of Sanctuary on the Trail™ Inc.
     Founded in 2010, our vision and mission is “Helping Leaders First” and acknowledging Indigenous to the world to “Reduce Suffering in the World.” 

The Gathering 2015 volunteers made 1,000 prayer ties for our military veterans serving in the four directions.
     Close to 200 veterans of all ages, who attended the grand entry on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1, received prayer ties made the traditional way using Native American locally grown tobacco.
     Rather than burn these remaining prayers, which is a tradition (as the prayer ties go up in smoke towards the heavens/Father Sky, so do the prayers) these prayers are on their way to the Rotary Peace Conference being held in Californian next week. 
     Veterans and those who know a veteran attending the peace conference will physically receive prayers made here in Virginia. Supplies are provided for people in California to also make prayers for vets.
     "This Turtle Box will carry our east coast prayers to the west coast as we remember our veterans into this new year," said Rene' White retired Air Force Lt. Col and executive director for The Gathering 2015. "May all our veterans receive peace as they work to protect our freedoms around the globe,"
     The theme for the Calif. peace conference is, "Connecting Leaders and Conflict Resolution Experts with Solutions to Create a Culture of Peace."

     For schedules for upcoming gatherings check out www.HarvestGathering.org or The Gathering on facebook.

    Who wants to help?  50 more volunteers are needed to help plant this all exciting seed of possibilities called, "The Gathering."

• Pre-Set Up Monday - Thursday Oct. 26 - Nov. 29
  
• Kidz Harvest Fest - Oct. 30
• Plug-In 4 What's Needed - Oct. 30 - Nov. 1
  

Dennis Banks attended the volunteer meeting last Friday Oct. 16 at the Aloft Hotel in Winchester. We had a pot luck, Mr. Banks sang songs and autographed his book, CDs and DVDs.   

    The Gathering is an educational, celebration of agri-culture featuring a traditional Native American Harvest Dance, 14th Annual Virginia Gourd Festival, 64 vendors and exhibitors, 45 gourd classes, food, fun and fellowship and much, much more at the Clarke County Fairgrounds located at 890 West Main Street Berryville, VA 22611 on Oct. 30 - Nov. 1.
     Volunteers will experience this historic event behind the scenes. Next Volunteer Meeting is this Friday, Oct. 23. Sign up to hear more.

OPTION 1.  Call 540-554-8730 to volunteer    
     OR
OPTION 2.  Apply Here.

    On Nov. 4, 2015, the 93d Signal Brigade is sponsoring the Joint Base Langley Eustis observance in honor of National American Indian Heritage Month. This will mark the annual national celebration of the role of American Indians in allspeaksp segments of life in this Nation.
     This year’s theme is “Growing Native Leaders: Enhancing Seven Generations.”
     "On behalf of 93d Signal Brigade, it is my privilege to invite you to be our guest speaker. It will be a great honor if you are able to accept our invitation," COL Frank J. Snyder Commanding SC for the 93d Signal Brigade said in a letter to Rene' Locklear White (Feather) The Gathering executive director.
    White who is a retired Air Force officer and female Native American Indian accepted the invitation (letter below). 
      The Army program will take place on Nov. 4, 2015 from 1330 to 1500.

Special thanks to Vicky Moon with The Middleburg Life, a newspaper in Middleburg, Virginia covering local news, sports, business, jobs, and community events.
   Middleburg earned a reputation as the "Nation's Horse and Hunt Capital" and is located midway between the port of Alexandria and Winchester, Virginia.
   Middleburg Life covers Middleburg and the surrounding communities of Loudoun County, Virginia.