Contributed photo Dancing Feather Foundation members gather in a light-hearted mood. Pictured, upper row from left, are: Lisa Brody, Jillian Rahm, Jamie Noeth and Sophia Singher. Lower row, from left: Diane Lorina and Will Conway. (Click for larger image)

Dancing Feather: the dream behind the dream

By MARY GREENE

MONGAUP VALLEY — When asked how the Dancing Feather Foundation came into being, founding member Jamie Noeth became reflective.

“I always wanted to have a center that provided not only wellness, but educational workshops as well,” she said. Last December, “I had a dream that let me know the timing was right. In the dream, it was as though the whole thing had already been accomplished. I woke up and it was like—wow. After my waking state of goosebumps, I knew it was time to do it.”

And do it she has, with fellow initiators Will Conway (grant developer), Diane Lorino (massage therapist), Sophia Singher (Reiki Master), Jillian Rahm (artist), Lisa Brody (yoga teacher) and Clint Partridge and Rita Whitebud (workshop facilitators). Noeth is a holistic chiropractor, practicing from her Body, Mind and Spirit office in Mongaup Valley, also the present headquarters of Dancing Feather Foundation.

The name seemed to drift into being much as the organization did. Noeth remembered that “dancing feather” was an original Lenape Indian meaning of “Mongaup,” although Mongaup is also associated with a Dutch word meaning “large opening,” referring to the Mongaup River, which empties into the Swinging Bridge Reservoir. “Dancing Feather” struck a chord, and the group had a name.

The foundation has been giving workshops since last winter and has recently been incorporated into a not-for-profit organization. The foundation is now looking to form a board of directors.

Dancing Feather quickly became involved in the county-wide Sullivan Renaissance beautification efforts.

“Rachel Keebler, of Cobalt Studios, let us know about the project,” said Conway. “We had an impromptu meeting at Blanche’s [Diner] the next morning, and we were on our way.

“We started a little late, so we started doing everything in a hurry,” he said.

	Contributed photo A drumming circle, sponsored by Dancing Feather Foundation and led by drummer Mz. Imani, is emblematic of the many forms of healing and expression fostered by the foundation. (Click for larger image)

Hurry or not, the group has accomplished a great deal. In addition to a pavilion constructed near the Exxon Station on 17B, the group conducted a litterpluck; a planter project with a local girl scout troop; is planning a “Paint the Town” party on July 7; a Community Pride Day in Collins Field on July 14; and is currently involved in “the refurbishing of several homes on 17B.” For one reason or another, property owners have not been able to keep up, and Dancing Feather has painted, removed debris, mowed the lawns and done some landscaping.

“Networking is the key,” said Conway. “We want to serve community.”

“Through Sullivan Renaissance we have really gotten to know the movers and shakers in the county,” said Noeth. “It’s had a snowball effect.”

Are they competitive?

Not at all, they replied, smiling, but “If we were to win [the $20,000 Sullivan Renaissance Award for best beautification efforts], we would create a wildlife preserve along the Mongaup River.”

Here, then, is the dream behind the dream.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time,” said Noeth. “What inspired me is that a lot of the land around the reservoir is being bought out by developers. Sullivan County is an area known for its beauty, and we want to ensure there will still be beauty, and wildlife, left.”

Goals for the preserve would be to provide walking paths so people could enjoy sanctuary without disrupting habitat, to maintain the property long-term and monitor land use. Noeth also envisions a small museum on the spot. There are “up to 75 acres” that could be preserved, she said.

In the meantime, the foundation is developing a workshop roster and a core group of facilitators and teachers. They are reaching out to community to see what interest there is in topics such as creative writing, herbology, cooking, introduction to dousing, Native African sacred healing, Native American beading and gazing into the night sky (all workshops scheduled for this summer).

“There are an awful lot of people with talent, and with spiritual leanings, in this area, on both sides of the river,” said Singher. “We hope to become a gathering place for local people. There is already so much diversity being offered. And different ways of healing, from African drumming, to using herbs, or writing.”

“Our aspirations for workshops go to the ends of our imaginations,” said Conway. “Since we are getting Tanglewood in our backyard, we figure we’ll become Omega West.”

He was joking. Wasn’t he?

To learn how to become involved in Sullivan Renaissance projects, or offer or take workshops, write PO Box 415, Mongaup Valley, NY, 12762, call Dancing Feather Foundation at 845/583-6151 or e-mail drjamie@warwick.net. The Body, Mind and Spirit Wellness Center can be reached the same way.