Many of you have contributed to the Haitian Relief efforts over the past months. The congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom, sponsors of Wisdom House, lost six sisters in the earthquake and the school for deaf and blind children was destroyed. A temporary school has been constructed with tents and the students are able to come together for their education. See photos here.

If you wish to contribute toward these restoration efforts, you may send your donation payable to Daughters of Wisdom - Haiti to either of these addresses: Daughters of Wisdom / Development, 385 Ocean Ave., Islip, NY 11751 or to Wisdom House - Haiti, 229 E. Litchfield Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759. Your gift will make a difference in the present and future lives of these children. Thank you.

Sound and Music Alliance Plans for the Future

Melinda Gardiner, pictured here, is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Sound and Music Alliance (SAMA). The Board and nearly 90 participants met at Wisdom House in April to set future directions for the organization. The organization's mission follows.

SAMA is a professional association dedicated to the use of the transformative power of sound and music throughout the full spectrum of life cycles.

SAMA affirms the diversity of disciplines that utilize sound and music and advocates its use in health, education, research, technology, science, and the holistic arts. SAMA promotes the professional development and welfare of its members. SAMA upholds a code of ethics applicable to its membership. SAMA advances harmonious collegial relationships, ethical behaviors, and professional competencies.

SAMA acknowledges the timeless bond between sound and life, and honors the indigenous, traditional, historic, scientific, and aesthetic wisdom from which sound and music methods, practices, and knowledge evolve.

SAMA recognizes reputable and responsible sound and music disciplines, educational programs, practitioners, and products. SAMA affirms the value of both qualitative and quantitative research. SAMA serves its members, the public, institutions, employers, and policy makers through its support of excellence in education, practice and research. ( See www.SoundAndMusicAlliance.org )

Melinda Gardiner, RN, CMP is also the Executive Director of the Music for Healing and Transition Program, Inc. (www.mhtp.org ).

Rich Answers: Sister of St. Joseph Theresa Fonti Discusses the Ministry of The House of Bread, Hartford

Sister of Saint Joseph Theresa Fonti (r) was interviewed by Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti about the sevices of the ministry of The House of Bread in Hartford. The interview will be part of the program, "Rich Answers" which airs on WRCH 100.5 FM on Sunday morning from 5:30 am - 6:30 am. Sr. Jo-Ann is the Wisdom Correspondent for The Conference of Churches which sponsors this weekly program. The interviews with Sr. Theresa will be aired on Sunday, April 25 and Sunday, May 2.

In Celebration of Earth Day 2010

The story of the universe is now being told as the epic story of evolution by scientists. We begin to understand our human identity with all the other modes of existence that constitute with us the single universe community.

The one story includes us all. We are, everyone, cousins to one another. Every being is intimately present to and immediately influencing every other being. We see quite clearly what happens to the nonhuman happens to the human. What happens to the outer world happens to the inner world. If the outer world is diminished in its grandeur then the emotional, imaginative, intellectual, and spiritual life of the human is diminished or extinguished. Without the soaring birds, the great forests, the sounds and coloration of the insects, the free-flowing streams, the flowering fields, the sight of the clouds by day and the stars at night, we become impoverished in all that makes us human. (Thomas Berry, The Great Work, 2000)

Art & Spirituality Forum: 'The Artist: Shaman or Showman'

At Wisdom House: Symposium of the Sound and Music Alliance

Joshua Leeds and Lisa Rafel were the co-producers of the Symposium of the Sound and Music Alliance held recently at Wisdom House. Joshua Leeds, a sound researcher, music producer and educator, has published "Through a Dog's Ear," "The Power of Sound," and "Sonic Alchemy." He is an authority in the field of psychoacoustics, which studies the effects of music and sound on the human nervous system(http://www.joshualeeds.com/). This symposium drew close to 90 participants from the USA, Canada, UK,Australia and Puerto Rico.

An Apology for the Recent Spam

Dear Friends,

The email list of the person who tends our blog was hacked into recently. This, therefore, affected the subscribers to At Wisdom’s Table.

The problem is being addressed. We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused you.

Sincerely,

Sr. Rosemarie Greco, DW

Administrator

Wisdom House

Sharon Charde: 'Writing Your Grief: A Retreat Day for Parents Who Have Lost Children'

On Saturday, April 17, Sharon Charde will lead a retreat day titled, "Writing Your Grief: A Retreat Day for Parents Who Have Lost Children" at Wisdom House from 9:30 am - 5 pm.

The day day will give parents an opportunity to see how writing can be a transformative act to help them move forward in the process of surviving the death of their child. The day will be led by poet and retired family therapist, Sharon Charde, whose son Geoffrey died 22 years ago.

The fee is $45, which includes lunch. Participants may bring a friend for $25, payable with registration. Payment can be sent to Wisdom House, 229 East Litchfield Road, Litchfield, CT 06759.

For further information, call Wisdom House, 860-567-3163, email
programs@wisdomhouse.org or visit www.wisdomhouse.org.

Sr. Jo-Ann Introduces the Labyrinth to Local Cadettes

Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti (far left) led an information program about the labyrinth for Cadette Troupe #40104 on April 6. The girls and their leaders learned about a variety of labyrinth designs, viewed a video about the making of Wisdom House's seven circuit labyrinth, walked the labyrinth, and enjoyed refreshments as part of the program.

Rich Answers: Victoria Christgau on Future of The Connecticut Center for Nonviolence

Sr. Rosemarie Greco (l), Wisdom Correspondent for the Conference of Churches, recently interviewed Victoria Christgau (r) of Litchfield at the offices of the conference in Hartford. Their conversation focused on the vision and hopes for The Connecticut Center for Nonviolence which was founded by Ms. Christgau. The interview will be aired, between 5:30 am -6:30 am, Sunday, April 11 on WRCH 100.5 FM as part of the weekly program, "Rich Answers," which is sponsored by the Conference of Churches.

Artist Florin Firimita Honored for His Role as Teacher and Mentor

Artist Florin Firimita recently was awarded the Scholastic Gold Medal for teaching from the Alliance for young Artists and Writers (Scholastic). This national medal is awarded to recognize teachers' roles as instructors and mentors.

Florin will receive the award during a ceremony at Carnegie Hall on June 9. He is also invited to a day of behind-the-scenes arts and culture events, where he will meet with other artists, writers, designers, art gallery directors, teachers, and New York City cultural leaders.

Florin has exhibited his work in our Marie Louise Trichet Gallery and in 2008 he was a panelist at our Art and Spirituality Forum.

We congratulate him for this distinction!

Sister Mary Fahy: Exploring 9 Personality Types Formed by Inheritance and Environment

Mercy Sister Mary Fahy will give a program on the "Introduction to the Enneagram,", April 9-11 at Wisdom House. The program will explore nine different personality types formed by inheritance and environment. Participants will deepen their awareness of themselves gain greater understanding of others, and of how this affects their relationship with God. For further details, visit www.wisdomhouse.org or call 860-567-3163.

Master Drummer John Marshall Leads Workshop at Wisdom House

Master drummer John Marshall recently gave a drumming workshop at Wisdom House. For John, "The transcendent art of drumming brings spirit, culture and commmunity into sharp focus. It happens in the hands and heart."