On the night of December 17th, the ASP community suffered a terrible loss when our friend and legal advisor Craig Disbrow was killed in a house fire. We are collecting donations to help his family.

In addition to aiding us with our nonprofit and pending 501c(3) status, Craig was a regular observer to council meetings. Always quick to share the benefit of his experience, be it sage advise or an amusing anecdote, he was a valued and respected friend to our community.

Craig was also a talented musician, performing at our first Northern Exposure festival, and later that day drumming with another act, an experience he often spoke of fondly.

Whether or not you had the chance to meet him personally, our entire community owes him a great debt for his service as legal advisor, and those of us who knew him personally grieve the loss of our colleague and good friend.

The family has decided to hold services after the holiday, but we encourage all the members of our community to light a candle, raise a glass, or otherwise keep Craig and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

*UPDATE*
Craig's disabled sister Mary Lou was living with him, although she was not at home when the fire took place. We all know times are hard, and it looks like insurance was one of the areas where belts had been tightened. She lost everything in the fire, and is in dire straits. The ASP community is seeking donations to help the family cover funeral costs, and help get Mary Lou back on her feet. Anything you could give would help.

A Sacred Place is nestled in the outskirts of Canaan, New Hampshire within the Indian River Valley. It is situated on forty-one (41) acres of natural beauty and ecological diversity ranging from vernal pools, streams, and wetlands to fields and forest. It is open to all who wish to connect with nature in a respectful manner.

The intention of A Sacred Place is to create an environment where diversity, tolerance and forbearance combine to promote awareness, understanding and enlightenment. Within this peaceful, secluded setting, all people of goodwill are welcomed. They may spend a day, a weekend, or a year at work, play, study, and/or prayer in harmony with the Earth. We also provide an opportunity for hands-on experience of responsible land use and food production for those wishing to experience these cycles. We believe that embracing nature in a personal way nourishes and restores balance to one's body, mind, and spirit. It is in this sanctuary that people may gather to connect and strengthen their bonds of community where the expression of individual spiritual perception is not only respected, but also embraced and celebrated.

A Sacred Place is administered by its founder, Auntie Shema, and the Council of Elders who help maintain the land and oversee the activities held here. As of the spring of 2011, ASP is an officially recognized nonprofit organization in the state of New Hampshire. We are currently working on achieving full federal 501(c) status.