June Sangha News
5-29-2025
We’re grateful for an abundance of nourishing offerings in June!
- On Sunday June 1, Jean Esther will offer a half-day retreat open to anyone living with chronic illness/pain and/or disability.
- On Wednesday June 11, local teachers Adi Bemak, Jean Esther, and Michael Grady will offer a panel on aging, illness, and death.
- Rolling registration remains open for the June Residential Retreat with Rebecca Bradshaw and Zeenat Potia, with a few housing options still available!
- We’re pleased to host Wednesday night Dharma Talks with Michael Grady, Carla Brennan, and Tara Mulay.
- Affinity Groups, and Open Community Practice sessions meet regularly, and warmly welcome newcomers. Please note: The Chronic Illness/Disability Affinity Group will skip its June meeting, and Saturday Sangha is on Summer Break June-August.
June Sangha Spotlight: Cathy Repett
When it comes to keeping things running smoothly at IWM, “People don’t realize how much is going on behind the scenes,” says Cathy Repetti, volunteer coordinator. A self-described “people person,” Cathy mainly deals with coordinating the hosts for in-person and Zoom events and the people who clean the space at Eastworks and take care of the plants.
Cathy sends monthly emails to members who volunteer to host, keeping track of who’s hosting which event and lining up opportunities for the coming months. “I try to make it personal and engaging” – with an emphasis on gratitude for everyone’s contributions. “I’m always finding a different way to say thank you,” she says. If there are any newcomers, she’ll spend a little extra time orienting them and making sure they have what they need.
When there’s a big event she gets even more involved, handling the many volunteers checking in attendees, providing and setting up food, and doing other tasks that aren’t part of the usual routine. “I’ve always been a hands-on kind of person,” she says. “Meetings aren’t my thing. I’m better with tasks.” She likes problem-solving and will step in to help when others are feeling overwhelmed.
Several day-to-day tasks also fall within Cathy’s purview. First, she makes sure that the two volunteers who clean every week have all the supplies they need. Then, “There are things I just do,” like keep a supply of bottled water in the office, a change from the communal water cooler in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic. In addition, she coordinates a “little-known group of people who water and take care of the plants.” On occasion they’ll even take home plants that need a little extra TLC. “It’s very sweet,” she says.
Cathy understands that “volunteering is a form of dana,” a tangible way to express generosity of spirit. And whether it’s the first time hosting a residential retreat or the usual weekly dharma talks, at IWM, “There’s a solid group of people who, when asked, will jump in.” We can all count on Cathy to keep everyone on task and organized.
Volunteer Hosts
Seeking Hosts for June Dharma Talks and Beyond!
We are always looking for sangha members to add to our list of people willing to host (in-person / hybrid / zoom) our Wednesday evening Dharma Talks. It’s easier than you think! We will give direction and help you feel comfortable before you do it.
How it works: We send out an email monthly to our list of volunteers – if you are able, you sign up for a date and if not, you don't. No pressure at all. We would love to expand our pool of hosts, not only because more hands make less work, but it is a wonderful opportunity for sangha members to meet our teachers and become more involved. Please email [email protected] if you have questions, or to sign up for our volunteer email list!
Annual Potluck Picnic Sunday August 3!
Cathy sends monthly emails to members who volunteer to host, keeping track of who’s hosting which event and lining up opportunities for the coming months. “I try to make it personal and engaging” – with an emphasis on gratitude for everyone’s contributions. “I’m always finding a different way to say thank you,” she says. If there are any newcomers, she’ll spend a little extra time orienting them and making sure they have what they need.
When there’s a big event she gets even more involved, handling the many volunteers checking in attendees, providing and setting up food, and doing other tasks that aren’t part of the usual routine. “I’ve always been a hands-on kind of person,” she says. “Meetings aren’t my thing. I’m better with tasks.” She likes problem-solving and will step in to help when others are feeling overwhelmed.
Several day-to-day tasks also fall within Cathy’s purview. First, she makes sure that the two volunteers who clean every week have all the supplies they need. Then, “There are things I just do,” like keep a supply of bottled water in the office, a change from the communal water cooler in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic. In addition, she coordinates a “little-known group of people who water and take care of the plants.” On occasion they’ll even take home plants that need a little extra TLC. “It’s very sweet,” she says.
Cathy understands that “volunteering is a form of dana,” a tangible way to express generosity of spirit. And whether it’s the first time hosting a residential retreat or the usual weekly dharma talks, at IWM, “There’s a solid group of people who, when asked, will jump in.” We can all count on Cathy to keep everyone on task and organized.
Volunteer Hosts
Seeking Hosts for June Dharma Talks and Beyond!
We are always looking for sangha members to add to our list of people willing to host (in-person / hybrid / zoom) our Wednesday evening Dharma Talks. It’s easier than you think! We will give direction and help you feel comfortable before you do it.
How it works: We send out an email monthly to our list of volunteers – if you are able, you sign up for a date and if not, you don't. No pressure at all. We would love to expand our pool of hosts, not only because more hands make less work, but it is a wonderful opportunity for sangha members to meet our teachers and become more involved. Please email [email protected] if you have questions, or to sign up for our volunteer email list!
Annual Potluck Picnic Sunday August 3!
Please save the date for our annual IWM potluck picnic and appreciation event at Nonotuck Park in Easthampton, on Sunday August 3 from 1-4pm. Last year's event was a lot of fun in spite of the rain! We have a pavilion reserved in the park, we'll have lots of yummy food, and some sangha members will talk briefly about their experiences shepherding our small but mighty sangha. We will express our gratitude to all that help sustain us, including teachers and sangha stewards of all kinds, and have a chance to mingle and schmooze with sangha members we may know and those we do not know yet! All are welcome regardless of the length or depth of your relationship with IWM.
Community Dharma Stewards: Gratitude and Updates
Jennifer Delozier has recently stepped down from participation in leading open community practice sessions. The Community Dharma Stewards want to express our deep gratitude to Jennifer for her years of service to the sangha in this way.
In June we are beginning a series of offerings on Monday nights based on topics found in dharma books and articles that are significant for each of us. Please see the open practice page for details.
Downloadable Flyers
Community Dharma Stewards: Gratitude and Updates
Jennifer Delozier has recently stepped down from participation in leading open community practice sessions. The Community Dharma Stewards want to express our deep gratitude to Jennifer for her years of service to the sangha in this way.
In June we are beginning a series of offerings on Monday nights based on topics found in dharma books and articles that are significant for each of us. Please see the open practice page for details.
Downloadable Flyers