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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.themountainrlc.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Inc
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TZID:America/New_York
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TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
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DTSTART:20260308T070000
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DTSTART:20261101T060000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260504
DTSTAMP:20260406T043155
CREATED:20241118T195332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260117T160513Z
UID:10000071-1777593600-1777852799@www.themountainrlc.org
SUMMARY:The Highlands Retreat
DESCRIPTION:The Highlands Retreat is an annual weekend-long gathering of the LGBTQIA+ community and their friends celebrating recovery and those interested in finding out what recovery has to offer. \nThe Retreat offers the perfect blend of workshops and activities as well as an opportunity to meet and fellowship with others in recovery from different parts of the country. \nThe Highlands Retreat Website \nRegistration\nRetreat dates: May 1 – 3\, 2026 \nRegistration status: Now open! \nRegistration deadline: April 17\, 2026 \nFees\nDouble Occupancy: $270 + tax \nSingle Occupancy (limited availability): $410 + tax \nTent Camping/Commuting: $120 + tax \nAll participants must pay a REQUIRED $45 program fee. \nClick Here to Register!\nIn our registration system\, select “Other Retreats” then your “2026 The Highlands Retreat” package. \n 
URL:https://www.themountainrlc.org/event/the-highlands-retreat/
CATEGORIES:Public Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T160000
DTSTAMP:20260406T043155
CREATED:20260325T134038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T134038Z
UID:10000139-1777726800-1777737600@www.themountainrlc.org
SUMMARY:Farm Event: Community Meet and Greet
DESCRIPTION:Rain Policy\nAll of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet! \nRefund Policy\nIf you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know\, at the latest\, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP by emailing farm@themountainrlc.org. For both options\, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event.
URL:https://www.themountainrlc.org/event/farm-event-community-meet-and-greet/
CATEGORIES:Farm Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260507
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511
DTSTAMP:20260406T043155
CREATED:20251109T180048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251109T180048Z
UID:10000120-1778112000-1778457599@www.themountainrlc.org
SUMMARY:Global Firewalk Gathering
DESCRIPTION:9th International Firewalk Gathering\nThe 2026 Gathering: Americas Edition\nCelebrating Family & Kinship\nMore Information and Registration
URL:https://www.themountainrlc.org/event/global-firewalk-gathering/
CATEGORIES:Public Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260515
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260518
DTSTAMP:20260406T043155
CREATED:20241118T195515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251109T181616Z
UID:10000072-1778803200-1779062399@www.themountainrlc.org
SUMMARY:Spring GSV Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Check back in 2026 for more information! \nGay Spirit Visions Website
URL:https://www.themountainrlc.org/event/spring-gsv-retreat/
CATEGORIES:Public Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260522
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260526
DTSTAMP:20260406T043155
CREATED:20241118T195821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260315T223338Z
UID:10000074-1779408000-1779753599@www.themountainrlc.org
SUMMARY:Homecoming
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our 46th Annual Gathering of Members and Friends. \nWe will gather for three days of in the extraordinary natural environment of The Mountain\, renewing old connections and making new ones! Along with wonderful workshops\, entertainment and our Annual meeting\, we will speak of current projects and possibilities for the future. \nWhat to Expect \nUpdates and tours of Mountain programs and facilities.\nCapital Campaign: Roots and Wings​\nOther Activities \nAnnual Meeting\nEndowment Dessert Reception\nMemorial Service\nWorship Service\nHikes on Mountain trails\nGathering on the deck to enjoy Blue Valley\, watching birds floating on the air currents as we enjoy conversation with previous and new friends. \nClick Here for the Homecoming Schedule!\nWhen\nProgram: May 22 – 25\, 2025\nRegistration status: Now open!\nRegistration Deadline: May 8\, 2026 \nFees \nAdult Double Occupancy: $130/person/night\nAdult Single Occupancy (subject to limited capacity): $200/person/night\nAdult Bunkhouse: $110/person/night\nYouth 12-17: $85/person/night\nChild 4-11: $65/person/night\nToddler 0-3: Free\nCommuter: $60/person/night \nRegister Here!\nIn our registration portal\, choose “Other Retreats” \n 
URL:https://www.themountainrlc.org/event/homecoming-2/
CATEGORIES:Public Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260523T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260523T160000
DTSTAMP:20260406T043155
CREATED:20260325T132033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T132033Z
UID:10000130-1779541200-1779552000@www.themountainrlc.org
SUMMARY:Farm Event: Forage and Feast
DESCRIPTION:Come roam the edges of the mountain meadow and old growth forest for delicious\, nutritious wild plants and mushrooms. Here we will learn the skills to identify and sustainably forage these wild foods. We will learn of the traditional uses and legends behind these natives. Then join us at a table outside on the farm and allow us to prepare these nutritional powerhouse foods for you. During this demonstration you will establish proper preparation and cooking techniques and will even leave with a few recipes. Taste\, discover\, connect and be with nature. \n\nBYOB possible\nLearn to identify wild edibles and their toxic lookalikes\nLearn to sustainability forage and harvest wild edibles\nLearn traditional uses\nLearn Appalachian legends and lore\nLearn how to prepare your harvest\nLearn traditional and modern cooking techniques\nLeave with nutritional wild recipes\n\nRain Policy\nAll of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet! \nRefund Policy\nIf you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know\, at the latest\, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP by emailing farm@themountainrlc.org. For both options\, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event.
URL:https://www.themountainrlc.org/event/farm-event-forage-and-feast-2/
CATEGORIES:Farm Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260527
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260602
DTSTAMP:20260406T043155
CREATED:20250303T203018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260228T174654Z
UID:10000092-1779840000-1780358399@www.themountainrlc.org
SUMMARY:Journey Through Grief with Grace
DESCRIPTION:Dates: Arrive by 5 pm on May 27\, depart after breakfast on June 1\, 2026\nLocation: The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center\, located up in the beautiful Smokey\nMountains near Highlands\,NC. \nJoin us for a transformative 4-day retreat designed specifically for mothers who have experienced the profound loss of a child due to addiction\, fentanyl poisoning\, or issues related to mental health or suicide. This retreat offers a safe and nurturing environment to connect with other mothers who share similar experiences\, and to explore pathways to loving connection with our children and renewal of our broken hearts. In order to assure an intimate and emotionally comforting container\, we are limiting the number of participants to 16 women. \nWhat previous attendees have shared:\nThe waterfall trip helped me to let go of my guilt with the water. So many things that Charlotte said and did. Life changing revelation provided by Charlotte was helping me to & “make friends with my grief”. This grief will be with me forever. I had never thought to make friends with it. This has been the greatest gift in helping with my pain and sadness. \nThe grief retreat was truly life-transforming. It helped me move from a place of anger to one of acceptance. Hearing feedback from other mothers who had also lost a child was deeply healing—because we shared the same experience\, it was rooted in empathy\, not sympathy. We laughed\, we healed\, and the ceremonies guided me through remembering\, releasing\, and renewing. My grief was reframed—from a space of lonely sadness and isolation to one of connection\, bonding\, and emotional freedom. . In everyday life\, it can be difficult to talk about a child who has passed—people often don’t know what to say and can become uncomfortable. But at the retreat\, the other moms truly listened. They welcomed stories and memories of our children with open hearts. Being able to share and be heard with genuine care meant so much to me. \nAttending the Journey through Grace retreat was cathartic. It was absolutely the best thing I have done for myself since the passing of my son. It would be wonderful to live life everyday the way I lived those six days at the retreat. If this becomes an annual event\, I will be there. \nThe Journey through Grief with Grace retreat is a must attend for anyone experiencing the debilitating and overwhelming sadness of losing a child. Being surrounded by others who share the same loss is like being wrapped in a warm and comforting hug. Charlotte leads the group with kindnesss\, strength \, compassion and grace\, herself. This retreat has changed the cycle of grieving that I was experiencing. I departed the retreat filled with hope for the future\, with decreased guilt surrounding the loss of my son\, and with a profound love for my sisters in grief. \nThe retreat was an amazing experience for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to find new ways to process my grief. I felt very connected with my daughter across the veil which brings me comfort particularly in the days when the sadness seems heavier. Being immersed nature felt energetic and healing. It was a honor to witness the vulnerability and be in the presence of such amazing women. \nWhat to Expect:\nSacred Sharing Circles: Engage in heartfelt conversations with other mothers in a supportive and compassionate setting.\nRituals and Ceremonies: Participate in meaningful rituals and ceremonies that honor your child and support your healing journey.\nConnection with your loved one: Community blessings and remembrance of our children will awaken and deepen your personal connection with your child across the veil.\nSound Bath: Experience the deep healing and restoration with tibetan bowls. A truly enriching and expansive soul bath.\nDrumming Circle: Vibrational and somatic healing occurs when we rhythmically express our feelings with drums\, rattles\, dancing\, and chanting. A group from Wayfarer’s Chapel in Dillard\, Georgia will just us for a night of drumming on the full moon.\nCreative awareness: Express your emotions and memories through creative art and writing experiences.\nMindfulness and Gentle Movement Practices: Learn mindfulness\, meditations\, and gentle movement techniques to cultivate presence\, calm\, and emotional resilience.\nHealing with Nature: Honor the sacred grounds of these ancient mountains\, meditate near lichen said to exceed 1000 years of growth\, walk amidst the forest to open your heart to life.\nChakra Healing: Explore how your energetic body holds and transforms your grief into love. \nBonus Opportunities:\nAn introductory Zoom call will occur on May 13 at 7:00 pm Eastern time for all registered participants. The collective ‘circle of grace’ will begin forming at that time\, as we each prepare for this transformative journey. The Zoom link will be made available once payment has been made in full.\nTwo virtual sessions will be offered by Charlotte following the retreat designed to support ‘re-entry’ into our daily lives\, and to encourage ongoing practices to support our personal Grief with Grace journeys. \nOne on One Support:\nCharlotte is available for one on one sessions following the retreat; participants will receive a ten percent discount off the price of the sessions. \nRetreat Highlights\nNourishing Meals: Savor three healthy and delicious meals daily that support your well-being throughout the retreat. Special dietary needs can be accommodated. \nLodging: The on-site lodge will be dedicated to our retreat\, providing a nurturing space to connect\, rest\, and restore. The price of the retreat for five nights is based on shared lodging. Each room has at least two twin beds and a private bathroom. Mountain temperatures are typically mild and cool in the evening but can be a bit warmer mid afternoon. \nAbout Charlotte Starfire:\n \nStarfire is a mystic\, a writer\, public speaker\, trauma-informed yoga\, mindfulness and meditation practitioner\, a ceremonialist\, ritualist\, workshop facilitator\, spiritual intuitive guide\, and grief educator. These lifelong skills have helped her navigate her deep grief after the loss of her son\, Janaka Jaya\, at age 37 from fentanyl poisoning after years of suffering from substance use\ndisorder. \nCharlotte is focusing on supporting parents in grief through her work as a Group Leader in Love in The Trenches\, as well as developing in-person wellness retreats for mothers seeking pathways to transform their painful grief into self- love and compassion. She recently retired from a career in international trade financing\, and is currently writing several books and poetry with her beloved son as her ‘muse’ across the veil. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northeast Georgia along with her senior Corgi named Shambo\, and her service dog\, Emma\, a golden doodle. \nAbout Dori-Moreno:\n \nDori Moreno-Korn lost her daughter\, Mia Justice\, in March of 2022 at the age of 23. Mia battled with anxiety\, an eating disorder\, and eventually a substance use disorder. She sought recovery several times; however\, after five years\, she passed due to an accidental overdose. \nIn the three years since Mia passed\, Dori has participated in and led grief support groups for parents with the same type of loss\, fundraised for advocacy organizations and is finishing her David Kessler Grief Educator certification to provide support to anyone experiencing grief. \nMia was an artist and\, therefore\, in celebration of Mia’s life\, Dori works to publish and share Mia’s art; a story of a young woman who despite substance use disorder lived with great passion and many loves. \nAt this retreat Dori would like to help us all celebrate and honor our child’s whole life and to speak their names while we heal our own hearts. \nAbout Betsy Winter:\n \nBetsy Winter has been teaching and providing services in the area of mind-body-spirit connection for over 30 years as a massage therapist (now retired)\, yoga instructor\, meditation and vibrational (energy) and sound practitioner. In her career as a Developmental Specialist at a Children’s Hospital\, she helped parents\, children\, and staff cope with stress\, grief\, and difficult life circumstances. These experiences and tools have assisted her as she navigates her own grief process since her son died 3 years ago. Betsy is registered with Yoga Alliance as a 200 hour E-RYT and a 500 hour RYT yoga instructor sharing Kali Natha Yoga\, a lineage yoga taught by Ma Jaya. \nBetsy’s career as a healing arts professional spans over three decades\, primarily in the field of early child development and neonatal care. Other healing modalities include Healing Touch\, Therapeutic Touch\, Reiki\, and the use of the Himalayan Singing Bowls and tuning forks to help balance the body-mind and promote health and feelings of well-being. She started massage therapy programs for pediatric patients at 2 different children’s hospitals. She now chooses to focus on yoga because the skills learned in yoga are easily incorporated into everyday life and provide so many benefits. One can expect her classes to promote stress-reduction\, enhanced selfcare\, and greater strength and flexibility….and certainly a lighthearted and fun atmosphere. \nA Special Event\nRetreat participants will have a special treat one evening. A private sing along concert by Sweet Charity Playing It Forward. Uplifting music to soothe our hearts from songs we all know including Top 10 Soft Rock\, Classic Rock\, Folk and Country favorites. \n  \nCost and Transportation\nThe cost of the retreat which includes 5 nights of shared lodging\, a private bathroom\, and three meals daily\, plus an enriching learning and sharing curriculum is $1750. Private rooms may be available on a first come first available basis for an extra cost of $350. \nTransportation costs and arrangements on your own. Shuttle service is available from the Asheville Airport and the Atlanta Airport. Asheville is closest\, but there are more limited direct flights there. Participants will be supported in coordinating and sharing shuttle services. \nPlease reach out for financial assistance. We hope to have donations to offer limited discounts for those who are facing financial challenges to attend. If you are interested in assistance\, please email Charlotte at Charlotte.Starfire@gmail.com. \nSpaces are limited to 16 registrants ensure a deeply enriching experience. An initial non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at the time of registration. Final payment is then due by April 30\, unless specific arrangements are discussed and approved by Charlotte. Please register early to secure your spot. We look forward to welcoming you to this special retreat where you can find solace\, strength\, and a renewed sense of hope. \nContact Information: For more information\, please contact Charlotte Starfire at 813-833-7776 or Charlotte.Starfire@gmail.com. \nClick Here to Register!\nWhen prompted\, select “Other Retreat”\, then 2026 Journey Through Grief With Grace. \nPlease consider ‘paying it forward’ to assist others with financial challenges to attend. Tax deductible donations to offset the cost of a mother’s attendance can be made directly to The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center\, a 501c3. Please consider a generous donation. When making a donation through PayPal\, select “Starfire Scholarship Fund – Private” from the dropdown menu. PayPal charges a ~2.5% fee on your donation. If you want the full amount to go towards a scholarship\, please mail a check to our PO Box and put in the description line that it’s for the Starfire retreat.
URL:https://www.themountainrlc.org/event/journey-through-grief-with-grace/
CATEGORIES:Public Events
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