February

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FEBRUARY

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Renaissance
rebirth,
child of the dark age,
resurrection of Eleusinian wisdom,
from darkness to light,
a new birth,
whispering…
freedom.

Death And The New Birth
Past, Present and Future

The close of the Middle Ages we see the signing of The Great Charter, The Black  Death sweep through Europe , Another Hundred Years War, and The Fall of Constantinople.  Yet out of the ashes we see the bath of a new age, the Renaissance, ushering in an emphasis on human potential and achievement through Humanism, a cultural revival in the arts and the growth of the Age of Discovery, always  pushing forward to the exaltation of the Individual. This era is rightly set down in the annals of history, alongside the means by which these records came to be — and the wisdom of preserving and sharing them with posterity.

In truth, what changed was naught less than all things. The power to peruse books — or, failing that, to have their contents recited by one who could — opened wide the gates of knowledge. Yet, there was another cause, oft overlooked by modern fancy, which merits your contemplation. I shall leave it with you awhile, that you may ponder its nature.

That cause — indeed, the very cornerstone of our progress — was none other than the Printing Press, that great and noble invention which hath sealed and safeguarded the wisdom of ages past.

Though oft maligned as a Dark Age, this period was in truth a contraction of time — a season of quiet strength, wherein communities took root and traditions grew firm. It afforded the peoples of that age the leisure to reflect, to forecast, to reckon the workings of nature. Verily, it was upon this foundation that the Renaissance was raised, and thus it bore its noble crown.

From that path emerged the age of the awakening mind, the refinement of all things, and the rise of new inventions — the seeds of both the industrial and technical eras [1500–1700].

From 1510 to 1879, the era of Gabriel witnessed the Reformation, Enlightenment, Revolution, Early Industry, and a new spiritual awakening. Inventions gave birth to mechanics, mass production, and automation.

From 1869 to 2248, we live under Michael, industrialization flourished; Modernity and Technology rose; and once more a spiritual awakening stirred.

Western History quickened its pace. Old ways gave way before a ceaseless tide of progress. The sharing of knowledge through books gave rise to commerce and trade; and the material world, in turn, challenged the monastic life of the Church.

Nobility and kings ascended, yet these too were destined to be contested.

What then set all this in motion? Was it the monks’ invention of the clock, to rouse them at appointed hours, which led men to wonder why the sun’s rising shifted with the seasons? Was it the sovereigns, wise and powerful, who kept granaries full and order firm? Or was it the spirit of adventure and commerce — the compass, the rudder, the lateen sail — that steered men toward distant shores? Or perchance, the Rights of Man, which once granted a small liberty, emboldened men to claim far more? We start our transition through four major events that usher in the Renaissance into Italy and over time throughout Europe.

Professor Burke will take us on a voyage through these histories — not merely recounting names and dates, but revealing the souls and minds behind them; how one deed led to another, by chance or design, by necessity or inspiration. Thus, from the final fortnight of January, through all of February, and into the first fortnight of March, we celebrate this period in History. Each Friday evening, Professor Burke shall lead you on a journey through the late Middle Ages unto the Reformation through the Late Renaissance — unfolding the events that have borne us from thence hither and back again.

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.Late Gothic, Early Renaissance, Early Reformation  1250–1500 

Full History and Lecture Series 

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The Renaissance, the iron hand in the velvet glove..

History Lecture Series

The Renaissance, a cultural revival of classical art, literature, and humanism (c. 1300–1600), varied by region. Below are key countries, regions, or houses with their approximate start years, based on significant humanist or artistic developments:

Italian Renaissance – 1300: Began in Florence with Petrarch’s humanism and Giotto’s art; spread to Venice, Milan. De’ Medici family key patrons.

British Renaissance – 1400: Early humanism under Henry V; flourished later (1500s) with More’s
Utopia and Shakespeare. Tudor house central.

French Renaissance – 1450: Sparked by Italian influence post-Hundred Years’ War; Francis I’s patronage (e.g., Leonardo) and Loire chateaux. Valois house.

Northern Renaissance (HRE/Germany/Netherlands) – 1450: Driven by Gutenberg’s press (c. 1440) and Erasmus’s scholarship; spread to Germany, Low Countries. Habsburg house.

Spanish Renaissance – 1490: Fueled by Columbus’s voyages and unification under Ferdinand/Isabella; El Greco’s art. Habsburg dynasty.

Polish Renaissance – 1500: Influenced by Italian humanism; Copernicus’s heliocentrism and Kraków’s cultural peak. Jagiellon dynasty.

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The Renaissance, the iron hand in the velvet glove..

The Renaissance, a cultural revival of classical art, literature, and humanism (c. 1300–1600), varied by region. Below are key countries, regions, or houses with their approximate start years, based on significant humanist or artistic developments:

Italian Renaissance – 1300: Began in Florence with Petrarch’s humanism and Giotto’s art; spread to Venice, Milan. De’ Medici family key patrons.

British Renaissance – 1400: Early humanism under Henry V; flourished later (1500s) with More’s
Utopia and Shakespeare. Tudor house central.

French Renaissance – 1450: Sparked by Italian influence post-Hundred Years’ War; Francis I’s patronage (e.g., Leonardo) and Loire chateaux. Valois house.

Northern Renaissance (HRE/Germany/Netherlands) – 1450: Driven by Gutenberg’s press (c. 1440) and Erasmus’s scholarship; spread to Germany, Low Countries. Habsburg house.

Spanish Renaissance – 1490: Fueled by Columbus’s voyages and unification under Ferdinand/Isabella; El Greco’s art. Habsburg dynasty.

Polish Renaissance – 1500: Influenced by Italian humanism; Copernicus’s heliocentrism and Kraków’s cultural peak. Jagiellon dynasty.

 

 

FEBRUARY SCHEDULE Februa ~ Renaissance

February is the month of rebirth and romance — or at least the month that reaches toward them. The maple syrup harvest begins in the cold and the first warmth comes slowly. The Book Festival is the great intellectual event of the season — authors, readings, workshops, and the PEACH library at its most alive. The Valentine’s Dance is an evening to remember. The Sadie St. Patrick Dance closes the month in the spirit of the turning year. The Renaissance is the history theme — the New Birth, the rediscovery of the classical world, the explosion of art and thought that changed everything. February is a good month to be alive and curious.

I. Festivals & CelebrationsAll participants check in with Club Leaders the day before each event at 4PM. Potluck Dinner at 6PM.

Apothecary Lecture — February 1st, 7PM. The Art of Medicine and Healing — Apollo. Lecture Hall.

Maple Syrup Harvest — Begins early February. Farm, Sugar Shack. Tapping the maples, collecting the sap, boiling and bottling the syrup outside in the early morning air. The whole community is welcome to help and to taste. One of the quiet pleasures of the year.

Valentine’s Day Couples Dinner & Dance — 2nd Weekend in February. 7PM–11PM. Swan Factory and Atrium. A formal dinner followed by dancing. The concert band plays. Couples only — or come and find one. Dress is elegant.

Book Festival — February. The annual celebration of books, authors, and the written word. Author visits, workshops, readings, the bookbinders and printmakers on display, the library at full capacity. Check the full schedule via the Newsletter and the Library.

Sadie St. Patrick, President’s Day Dance — Last Saturday in February or First Saturday in March. Swan Factory and Atrium. An evening of Irish and American music, dancing, and good company. The year is turning toward spring.

 

II. Clubs All clubs on regular winter hours. No Classes during Book Fair week — check schedule. Members, Studio at will unless noted.

IIa. Fine Arts — The spring performance season begins to take shape. Shakespeare selection for June confirmed. Dance, Theatre, and Music in full winter rehearsal.

Dance and Movement Club — Time: 24/7. Topic: Skilled Members. Location: Dance Studio Northwoods.

• Practice: Traditional Dances — Jig. S, 1PM–4PM.
• Couples Dancing Lessons: T, 7PM–8PM. S, 4PM–6PM.
• Ballet & Stretching: T, 4PM–6PM.
• Eurythmy: F, 10AM–Noon. Curative: F, 1PM–5PM (appointments only).
• Personal Dance Studio: M–W, 1PM–3PM, 3PM–5PM. Sign Up.

Film & Photography Club —

• Film Work — Time: F, 7PM. Klint Art Building Theatre.
• Film Friday — 8PM. Topic: Ingmar Bergman — Renaissance themes. Saturday Matinée 2PM. Location: Klint Art Building Theatre.
• Film Class — Time: D, 4PM–6PM. Topic: Motion. Location: Lower Level — Klint Art Building.
• Photography — Time: Studio open 24/7 to members. Dark Room 8AM–10PM.

Music Club —

• Concert Band Performance Rehearsals — Time: T–W–R, 4PM–9PM. Topic: Valentine’s Dance. Spring Programme. Lower Level — Klint Art Building.
• Epic Concert Band — Time: Friday 7PM–10PM. Topic: Sight Reading.
• Choir Rehearsals — Time: R, 7PM–9PM. Topic: Practice & Warm-ups. Chapel.
• Chamber Ensemble — Time: M, 7PM–9PM. Topic: Rehearsals & Sight Reading.
• Wind Ensemble — Time: T, 7:30PM. Topic: Rehearsals & Sight Reading.

Painting — Time: T, R, 2PM–5PM. Topic: Oil & Gouache. Location: Klint Art Building.

Theatre —

• Winter Theatre Club — Time: T–W–R, 4PM–9PM. Topic: Spring Shakespeare preparation. Location: Theatre — Klint Art Building.

IIb. Folk Art

Bakers Club — Time: Monday 4PM. Topic: Fish preparations. Winter baking. Location: Cafeteria.

Book Binding — Time: Winter Store Hours T–W–F, 10AM–4PM. R, 10AM–8PM. Saturday Classes 9AM–Noon. Topic: Geometrical Leather Punching. Book Fair participation. Location: Big House. Closed Mondays. No Classes During Book Fair.

Cordwaining — Time: Winter Store Hours T–W–F, 10AM–4PM. R, 10AM–8PM. Saturday Classes 9AM–Noon. Location: Bog House. Closed Mondays.

Culinary Arts Club — Class I — Time: Wednesday, 10AM–Noon. Topic: Fish. Class II — Time: 2nd and Last Wednesday, 1PM–5PM. Topic: Fresh Salmon — cleaning and preparation. Dinner. Location: Cafeteria.

Folk Arts Clubs — Time: M–W–F, 9AM–Noon. Topic: Craft Class — Puppets, Needlepoint, Doll Making, Tissue Paper. Location: Klint Art Building. No Classes During Book Fair.

Field Trip — Time: F–S–D, 1PM–4PM. Topic: Winter nature collecting. Cookie-making and tree-tapping preparations. Location: Meet-up at the Skilled Shed.

Sewing Club — Time: M–W, 9AM–Noon and at will. Topic: Quilting. Spring costume preparations begin. Location: Klint Art Building.

Stained Glass — Time: S, 11AM–2PM & W, 5PM–7PM. Topic: Lamps, Windows, Individual Creations. Location: Swan Building 4th Floor. No Solo Studio.

IIc. Skilled Art All shops on regular winter hours.

Blacksmithing — Time: T–W–R–F–S, 9AM–4PM. Journeymen Only. Topic: Bending Metal. Upsetting. Horse Shoes. Saturday Class 1PM–4PM. Demonstrations last Friday of month 4PM–6PM. Location: Studio Buildings. No Solo Studio.

PEACH Farm & Garden Club — Time: Sun up till sun down. February Farm Meeting 7PM. Maple syrup harvest underway. Animal care daily. Location: Farmer’s House.

Glassblowing — Time: M, W, 4PM–8PM. F, 2PM–6PM. Topic: Fixtures and Lighting. Location: Swan Factory. No Solo Studio.

Masonry & Mosaic — Time: Between 8AM and 7PM. Closed all Holidays.

Pottery & Ceramics — Time: T & R, 1PM–4PM. Topic: Glazes & Kiln. Location: Studio Buildings.

Printshop & Printmaking — Time: T–R, 9AM–Noon. S, 9AM–Noon. Topic: Book Festival participation. Studio. Location: Printer’s House, Post Office.

Woodworking — Time: W–F, 1PM–4PM. Topic: Building, Drawing, Design, Layout, Carving. Location: Studio Buildings.

IId. Educational

Book Club —

• Adult — Time: R, 7PM. Topic: Shakespeare. Location: Lobby. No Meetings during Book Fair.
• Tots — Time: 2nd and 4th Sunday at 2PM. Topic: Fairy Tales — puppet troupe. Location: Mom and Tots Room.
• Children — Time: S, 2PM. Topic: Reading aloud by the fireplace. Location: Library.
• Teens — Time: F, 4PM. Topic: Shakespeare. Location: Library Conference Room.

Business Club — Time: Adv. M–W, 3PM. Beg. M–W, 4PM. Location: The Cabin.

Father & Sons Club — Time: M, 7PM–9PM. S, 10AM–4PM. Topic: Energy. Maple Syrup. Location: Farm & Admin.

Goethean Science — Time: S & D, 9AM–Noon. F, 7PM–9PM. Topic: Week 2 — From Art to Science. Week 3 — Goethe’s Epistemology. Week 4 — The Goethean Way of Thinking. Location: Dance Studio In the Woods, Lecture Hall I.

Home Life Club — Office Hours: T, R, 10AM–Noon. Group Meetings — Time: 7PM, 2nd Wednesday. Topic: Prepping. Location: The Cabin.

Lecture Series — History of Western Culture — Topics: The Renaissance.

• History of Western Civilization — Time: 7PM, 1st and 2nd Wednesdays. Topic: History of the Renaissance. Location: Theatre. Speakers: Professor James Burke & Alexander Archiver.
• Art History of Western Civilization — Time: 7PM, 1st and 2nd Mondays. Topic: History of European & American Theatre Arts. Location: Theatre. Speakers: Professor Knestor Jackdaws & Alexander Archiver.
• Philosophy History of Western Civilization — Time: 7PM Wednesdays. Topic: Renaissance through Reformation — Humanism, Martin Luther, Thomas More, Machiavelli. Location: Theatre. Speakers: Alexander Archiver & Keith Woods.
• Religion & Spirituality Series — Time: 7PM, 1st Sunday of the Month. Topic: TBA. Location: Chapel. Guest Speaker: Rev. Bergmann.

Mom & Tots — Time: M–W, 9AM–Noon. Topic: Regular Schedule — Inside Play, Baking, Storytime. Location: Admin Building Play Room & Patio.

Writer’s Club — Time: 2nd Saturday 1PM–3PM. Topic: The Bard — Shakespearesque. No Meeting During Book Fair.

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III. Sports & Movement All winter sports in session.

Dance Studio In The Woods — Open to all performers at various times. See Dance Club Schedule.

Father & Sons — Energy, Maple Syrup, Archery. With permission others may join.

Field Sports, At-Will — Hiking, snowshoes, cross country, ice skating. Equipment available M–D 8AM–6PM.

Spatial Dynamics — Saturday mornings. Tiny dancers 9AM–10:30AM. Ages 16 and up 11AM–12:30PM.

Sun Walkers — Daily, 10 minutes before sunrise. Chapel Door. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Sunset Watchers — Daily, 1 hour before sunset. Track Stands. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Yoga — Dance Studio In The Woods. Independent Group. M–F 8AM–9AM.

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1. Spiritual Services — Sundays 7AM, 10AM, Noon. Holiday Services — check schedule.

Ásatrúarfélagið Magnus Hjaltason — Asatru. Revered Thomas Graham — Lutheran. Father Timothy Meadows — Catholic. Revered Rosemary Bergman — Christian Community.

Apothecary Lecture — February 1st, 7PM. The Art of Medicine and Healing — Apollo. Lecture Hall. Open to the Public Without Distress.

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1. Administrative Regular Business Hours, 9AM–5PM. Meetings, Thursdays 2PM, Conference Room.

Office of the President — Contact Nancy Dean for scheduling and appointments.

Community Events Committee — 1st and 3rd Weeks, Thursday 1PM, Library Room 1.

Elder’s Club & Guardians — Thursdays, 4PM, Conference Room. Potluck dinner.

Festival & Seasonal Events Calendar Committee — Members meet M–W–R, 9AM–Noon (by appointment). All participating leaders meet the night before each event at 7PM. Potluck Dinner at 6PM.

Guardians — First Thursday of the month, Noon–4PM. Lunch served in the Conference Room.

Maintenance — Regular hours. Emergency number for after-hours only.

Residents — Keep a watchful eye. Report to police if necessary, always notify maintenance immediately. Never speculate. We want everyone to remain safe without Eris or Discordia.

 

IV. Businesses All Businesses Closed Mondays — Some Closed Sundays. The PEACH is not automated — call first.

Bicycle & Ski Co-Op — Winter Hours: T–W–R–F–S 2PM–8PM. D, Noon–6PM. Cross Country Ski Rental and Ice Skating. Studio: Do-it-yourself bike building F–S–D. 24/7 Emergency Bicycle & Skate Repair Box. Closed Mondays.

Café Four Seasons — Winter Hours: T–W–R–F–S 10AM–9PM. Sunday Brunch 11AM–2PM. Saturday Morning Breakfast 8AM–11AM. February Menu: Swiss & French. Dinner 4PM–8PM. Closed Mondays.

Charlotte “Lotte” Gallery — Library Hours 9AM–5PM. S, 9AM–2PM.

Daughters of Asclepius Apothecary — Winter Store Hours: T–W–R–F–S 10AM–6PM. Field Trips and Preparation S, Noon–3PM. Home Visits & Delivery: 11AM–4PM. Closed Sundays & Mondays.

Daughters of Asclepius Clinic — Winter Clinic Hours: T–W–R–F, 9AM–3PM. Home Visits After 4PM (appointment only). Closed Sundays & Mondays.

Four Winds Co-Op — Winter Hours: T–W–R–F–S 9AM–9PM. D, 11AM–4PM. Inventory in February. Closed Mondays.

Four Winds Co-Op Bakery — Winter Hours: T–W–R–F–S 7AM–2PM. D, 7AM–Noon. Closed Mondays.

Fensalir Thrift Shoppe — Winter Hours: T–W–R–F–S 10AM–4PM. Closed Sundays & Mondays. Drop-offs by appointment. 10% off with any theatre ticket.

Mason & Mosaic — Irregular Hours, CALL. Closed all Holidays.

Musicians — Strolling musicians available throughout February. Valentine’s Dance entertainment. Contact Nancy Dean.

Post Office — Regular Hours M–F 9AM–4PM. S 9AM–Noon.

Print Shop — Monthly Newsletter. Book Festival participation.

St Crispin’s Cordwaining — Winter Hours T–W–F, 10AM–4PM. R, 10AM–8PM. Saturday Classes 9AM–Noon. Closed Mondays.

Swan Glass Factory — Winter Hours: M–F 9AM–4PM. Closed Lunch Noon–1PM.

Tè Chay Tea Room & Confectionery — Winter Hours: T–W–R–F–S, 2PM–10PM. D, 11AM–9PM.

• In The Closet: Chess Boards, Backgammon, Mancala, Hounds and Jackals, Hnefatafl, Scrabble, Cribbage, Go, Chinese Checkers, Tarot.
• Bookshelf full of Poetry and Short Stories available at all times.
• Tuesday 6:30PM till close — Chess, 6 tables.
• Wednesday 8PM till close — Live Open Poetry, 6 tables.
• Thursday 6PM till close — Candlelight Conversations, 12 tables.
• Saturday [TBA] — Conversation With The Author, 10 tables.
• Sunday 11AM–2PM — Musical Trios, Duets, Solo.
• Sunday 2PM–4PM — Trivia, 10 tables.
• Sunday 4PM–6PM — The Stoics.
• Sunday 6PM–9PM — Epic Poetry Reading.

Vidar & Seshat Book Binding — Winter Hours T–W–F, 10AM–4PM. R, 10AM–8PM. Saturday Classes 9AM–Noon. Book Festival participation. Closed Mondays.

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VII. Community Events

St Joseph Winter Friday Meal — Chicken Chili Dinner — Every Friday, 4PM–8PM. Factory Hall. Ash Wednesday through Lent: Fish Fry Dinner. Adult Meals $10. Child Meals $5. Bring your own wine. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Chapel — Sundays & Holidays. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Eurythmy — Friday 10AM–Noon. 1PM–5PM Curative (appointments only). Dance Studio in the Woods.

Sun Walkers — Daily, 10 minutes before sunrise. Chapel Door. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Sunset Watchers — Daily, 1 hour before sunset. Track Stands. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Yoga — Monday 10AM–Noon. Dance Studio in the Woods. Open to the Public Without Distress.

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VIII. Resources & Classes Members & Guests only, with exception.

Family Education — Family Gardening at will. Maple Syrup Harvest. Home & Community Walk-in Wednesdays 4PM–9PM.

Goethean Science — S & D 9AM–Noon. F 7PM–9PM. From Art to Science through Goethean Way of Thinking. Lecture Hall I and Dance Studio In the Woods.

History Lectures — History of Western Civilization: The Renaissance. 1st and 2nd Wednesdays 7PM. Theatre. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Languages — Latin & Celtic. W, 9AM–Noon. Audio in Library. Independent meet-ups at the Tea Room.

Library & Charlotte “Lotte” Gallery — Hours: M through R 9AM–5PM. F 6PM. S, 9AM–2PM. Book Festival — full programme. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Newsletter — M–F 9AM–Noon. Monthly Newsletter released weekend of the 15th. Volunteers welcomed.

News & Radio — Music and books based on season. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Philosophy Lectures — Renaissance through Reformation. Wednesdays 7PM. Theatre. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Radio — Chapter A Day — February: Shakespeare. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Salon Rambouillet — Roman Book Club continuing. Valentine’s Dance preparations. Book Festival sessions. Contact Nancy Dean.

Spiritual Wisdom — Pagan, Christian Groups, Junto Club. Check schedule. Open to the Public Without Distress.

Strolling Musicians — Throughout February. Chapel, Swan Factory at Lunch, Dance Studio In the Woods, Art Lobby, Admin Lobby, Elder Building, Tea Room, Café, Kindergarten, Grounds.

Studio — Open to all members based on skill level and attendant present.

IX. MISC — Announcements Outside & Inside Organizations News & Hosted Events

~Catholic Church — Winter Friday Dinners — Chicken Chili through Ash Wednesday, then Fish Fry through Lent. Factory Hall. Suggested donation. Bring your own wine. Open to the public.

 

X. Addendum — What’s New, Proposals, Updates, Topics.

Proposal – Prepper Store. “The Sutler” (zoetelaar) Update – Mission Statement. Updates – UP Expansion — Long-Term SEEDS Community Goal. Proposal – Basque Shepherd — Community Recruitment Goal. Ongoing – University Partnership & Academic Credit Goals. Update – Guardian Selection & Governance. Update – Time Banking. Update – Volunteer Guidelines. Topic – Our Foundation Relationship. Ongoing – Community Outreach & Partnership Goals. Updates – Theatre Development Goals.

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End Note February is the month that teaches patience. The maple sap runs slowly at first — cold nights, warm days, a trickle before a flow. The Renaissance took two hundred years to bloom. The Book Festival reminds us that good ideas need time on the shelf before they’re ready. The Valentine’s Dance is the reward for surviving winter with grace. Spring is coming. It always comes. There is, as always, never nothing to do at the PEACH — and in February, the most important thing to do is read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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