A Sanctuary for Peace and Healing...
Our mission as a non-profit organization is to sustain the Happehatchee Center as it provides environmental and healing arts education. We preserve and honor Happehatchee’s vibrant land as a way to make sacred connections with ourselves, each other, and Nature. Please consider supporting this mission by becoming a Happehatchee Community Member.
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Location
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Contact UsHappehatchee Center
8791 Corkscrew Rd. Estero, Florida 33928 (239) 992-5455 www.happehatchee.org happehatchee@gmail.com The Happehatchee Center relies on community support to sustain the grounds and fulfill the mission. Come on out, get involved in our mission and have a happe time! |
A letter from Happehatchee President,
Genelle Grant to all Happehatchee People:
The coffee mug on my desk has a colorful scene from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Now, pictures of San Juan show those historic streets flooded, broken, and dark. It’s been a week since Hurricane Maria devastated the Caribbean Islands. Reporters and government officials say that the people, agriculture, and economies there have been set back 30 years. Here in Southwest Florida, it’s been only two weeks since Irma blasted through and traumatized us all. People are recovering slowly. Many still walk around in dazed states. Electric and systems workers have arrived from all over this grand country to reconnect us. Parts of Bonita Springs are still flooded. Our friends in the Keys are returning to bare islands. At the Happehatchee Center, we were fortunate. The historic buildings and the River House had no damage (Those WWII barracks have weathered 70+ years of storms, undaunted.) However, the Caretaker’s porch was crushed. While sacred trees and bamboo provided protection, they paid the price. There are dozens of trees, some ancient, now toppled, with countless branches covering the park. In the past two weeks, volunteers have arrived to help. We have sawed and dragged limbs off of the paths and buildings into mountainous piles and out to Corkscrew Road. We cleared walkways and untangled ragged bamboo. Together we have mourned the loss of many majestically large pine, oak and palm trees. There is still much work to do, and we welcome any and all volunteers to help. Here we want to express our deep gratitude to you who showed up, despite your own challenges at home, to help Happehatchee in a time of overwhelming need. Ellen Peterson always said the most important part of activism is to “ Show up.” THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to: Richard with your chainsaw, truck and trailer, Myles as First Responder, Edric with positive energy and handy friends, Eve working everywhere, Lizz Cohoon and Stephanie Bravo with social media calls for volunteers and their help, Holley for reconnecting communications, Juli, Willow, Tom repairing the gate, Hunter with chainsaw, Geva, Naples Mom and two sons, Lauren, Derek, Valerie, Jewel, Breken, Ty, Kaley, Fredrick, Matthew, Jessica, Terry and Marlee reviving the Labyrinth, Patty back to business, and to all who worked, nameless and generous. There is more sunlight shining onto the Happe Land now. There are fewer trees and lots of stumps, broken bamboo, and piles of vegetation. While sustaining the Happehatchee Center and Park grounds is a ongoing challenge, we know that beyond this setback, with our blood, sweat and tears, and with your support, we will survive and thrive.
Eclipses. Cyclones. Cycles.
Ebb and flow. To die then grow.
In the Web of Life, We rise to glow.
With Gratitude and Love,
Genelle
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