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The two Fortieth RDNA Anniversaries
Information Page
Updated on May 20th, 2003
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The two Fortieth RDNA Anniversaries
Information Page
Updated on May 20th, 2003
Reformed Druidism began back in late April 1963 at Carleton College Campus in Northfield, Minnesota as a protest against mandatory attendance at religious services. Students decided to design and start their own religion and attended their own services with gusto. The requirement was soon dropped, and we naturally took credit. After that, people felt that Druidism was a good complement to thier own spirituality, and it has continued ever since then. Every ten years, we hold an anniversary reunion, and you're invited to come and join us. Perhaps 2000 members have participatd in the RDNA in the past, about 70% being Alumni of the Carleton Grove. Most RDNA members also interacted with either the Sci-Fi Club, Folk Dance Society, Drama clubs or the SCA: Society for Creative Anachronism (Medieval enthusiasts).
Interestingly, some actually took it rather seriously. In fact, several other major Druid movements can trace their origins distantly back to a few members from the RDNA, including: Ar nDraiocht Fein (ADF), Henge of Keltria; and some smaller groups, such as the Order of Mithril Star and Reformed Druidic Wicca.
And yet, the friendly RDNA at Carleton continues to pursue a search for awareness in a playful manner, quietly protesting dogmatic religion, exploring religious truth through observation of nature's cycles and examining the world's differnt faiths and belief systems.
Bring any ribbons or robes (i.e. bedsheets), if you wish, but plain clothes are fine and acceptable. Wear some flowers, so we can spot you. Bring any readings, poems or stories you'd like to read.
Lodging issues are addressed further down on this page. I highly recommend that the people who attend the May Reunion book a hotel reservation early. Naturally, those attending the June Reunion should book early with the Alumni Affairs office to reserve a dormitory room & meal plan (which is FAR FAR cheaper & convenient than hotels & resturants!) at http://www.carleton.edu/alumni with Alumni Office.
The members of ADF, Henge of Keltra, Order of the White Oak and all our other offshoot organizations are also welcome, of course. It's a family reunion. And yes, you odd-ball Druids out there are welcome to come along, too.
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I hate chain letter pyramids, but if you have contacts with other RDNA members or interested Druids/Scholars, please feel free to refer them to this page. Some overlap can be expected, but I'll be especially having difficulty reaching the past 1st & 2nd Orders from Carleton, and people from other RDNA Groves who weren't from Carleton. Go through those old yearbooks, diaries and alumni phonebooks by year, and share the news with a few others. If you'd like to post an ad in a magazine or newsletter, that would be fine also. Contact mikerdna@hotmail.com for more information on assisting. But, if only 2 people show up, that'd also be fine with me. It's not a numbers thing. :-)
Here's a sample blurb to post.
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First Celebration in MAY, the Primary Anniversary
It was a big success from May 1st to May 4th. The full archived schedule of events of the completed May Reunion can be viewed at Old Anniversary site. It was quite good fun, with 35 attendees and a dozen events. We hope and expect the June Reunion to be even bigger.
Second Celebration in JUNE, the Secondary Party
If you could not make it in May, you could always choose to attend the Annual 2003 Carleton Alumni Reunion, which is on the Midsummer, conveniently enough. I suspect the June meeting will be potentially even larger in attendance than the May meeting which had over 30 people. I couldn't decide which I wanted to participate in, so I chose to attend both (since other research commitments bring me to Northfield then, including the release of my third full-length movie). The schedule will firm up by May 17th, but some events will happen on all 4 days. Attend those that look interesting to you.
No reservations are needed (unless you're staying in the supercheap dormitory facilities with cheap meals, so sign up with Alumni Affairs properly, and checkmark the "Druid Reunion" on the application form) so just show up and jump in. In general most Druid meals will be with the general alumni body, but at the Druid picnic on Saturday, everybody should BYOB, BYOF and BYOMI (musical instruments) so we can have a fun potluck, no matter how few (or many) arrive. Please somebody bring musical instruments and songs to share! Until you arrive, you won't know who's there, including yourself. Dress cooly (Avg. temp is 92F in day and 80F at night) in clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, and be prepared for mosquitos. Sensible footwear recommended. The Solstice (Mid-Summer) activities are still loosely scheduled, and will be quite simple, and alternative activities & sites will occur in case of rain. Friends & family are welcome.
Our events will be listed in the standard schedule of Alumni activities (we may also attend related groups' activities like arb-walks and folk-dancing). A full list of events will be on a schedule when you show up. Ask for "THe Druid Reunion Schedule." The difference for June will be: no current students, more Alumni events, more mosquitoes!, 95F weather, & cheap on-campus housing. Non-Alumni should carefully arrange lodging, & contact me if you are at all puzzled. If you're really strapped for funds, I do have FREE space in an extra reserved room in 1st Floor of Goodhue with 2 beds and room for 3 people on the floor. First called, first reserved. ;)
Thursday, June 19th:
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Fire preparation, lodge building & sanctification of site will actually begin at 8:30pm and sweats will begin around 10:30pm or so. You're welcome to help the setup. If you arrive after a sweat has already started, just sit by the fire quietly until the men and women inside the lodge finish, and then you can join when the next one begins after a short rest. About 5-7 people can fit into the lodge at one time, and the moderate sauna-like conditions last 20-25 minutes. If you have led one before, and would like to learn how, contact mikerdna@hotmail.com to arrange details or to ask questions. Location: Druid's Den not too far from Hill of Three Oaks. |
Saturday, June 21st
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NOTE If the final editting of "Drake's 7" is not sufficiently completed in time, then we'll show our 2 hour 1995 movie "Gatorr: The Rabbit Warrior" which is a humorous & bizarre barbarian spoof of a young lad seeking his lost sister, fighting a band of rogues, and finding spiritual enlightenment from the Lepus Monastary in Uzbekistan. This was also filmed entirely on campus with a mostly Druidic crew and cast. Location:Boliou Art Hall's small movie theatre. |
Sunday, June 22nd
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Three of the current Archdruids at Carleton will run events in May, but likely will be absent in June.
Merri is:weberm@carleton.edu
Steve is:crimmins@carleton.edu
Corwin is:troostc@carleton.edu
Alumni Affairs's Reunion Site
is at http://www.carleton.edu/alumni/reunion.html (and register for June online there, be sure to click the box for "Druid Reunion" under special events there, or on your mailed registration form) and their phone number is 1-800-729-2586. Late sign-ups in June can sign in at the Sayles Hill registration desk; ask for Druid Reunion Sign-up board.
BY PLANE from anwhere in the world to Minneapolis
Minneapolis/St. Paul ("MSP" is the airport code for online searches) is a major hub for flights, and is the headquarters of North West Airlines (NWA), which often offers the best rates when booked a month early. www.travelocity.com or www.nwa.com are the best places to book, in my opinion.
Save on Airfare
Carleton College has selected Northwest Airlines as the official carrier for Reunion 2003. If you travel to Minneapolis/St. Paul between June 17 and 26, you are eligible to receive an additional 5 percent discount off the lowest applicable fare. Northwest Airlines offers non-stop flights from many cities to Minneapolis/St. Paul and connecting flights from most others. For the lowest fares available from your departure city on Northwest Airlines or any other carrier (as well as special discounts on rental cars), call Carleton Collegefs preferred travel agency, Northfield Travel/Carlson Travel Network, at 1-800-533-2054; fax 507-645-6225. (If calling from outside the continental U.S., call 507-645-6631.)
Hours: weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-noon (CDT). Please identify yourself as attending the Carleton College Reunion. Or, your local travel agency can access the Northwest Airlines discount by calling Northwest Meeting Services at 1-800-328-1111 weekdays 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (CDT)
BY BUS from anywhere in America to Minneapolis
Greyhound Bus Lines
www.greyhound.com Information: 800-231-2222
St. Paul Depot: 166 West University Avenue
To speak with an agent: 651-222-0507
BY TRAIN from anywhere in America to Minneapolis
Amtrak Passenger Services
www.amtrak.com Information: 800-872-7245
Because trains to Minneapolis/St. Paul generally arrive late at night, you should plan to stay overnight at a hotel or motel near the station and then come to Northfield the following day by cab.
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You have four options to get from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport to Northfield (about 35 miles). You can rent a taxi ($60 one-way) , renting a car, or take the Co-op Bus from the College during the school year, the more difficult Jefferson Bus (year-round), or take the free special Summer Alumni Chartered buses (June 19-22 and just say you are meeting your alumni friends in Northfield). See the details below.
Once in Northfield, you donft really need a car, as the area around Carleton is a very walkable place, and parking is a real hassle. Parking will be available at May Reunion (such as the Rec Center, early in the morning), but absolutely impossible at June Reunion (you'll have to park at a really distant place).
BY CAR from Airport to Northfield
At the Airport or in Northfield you can rent a car ($50/day but note that there is very limited legal parking on the campus, although temporary parking is sometime possible at the Lower Arb parking lot or the Recreation Center near Lyman Lakes on campus)
Directions from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
It is only about a 45-minute drive from Minneapolis and 60 minutes from Rochester.
Please note: Road construction is planned for the exit area of I-35 & Highway 19 (Northfield exit #69) starting early April through mid-September 2002. Please plan for delays and watch for posted detour signs. For updates from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, see www.dot.state.mn.us
Caretenders Northfield Van Service Shuttling between Northfield and Airport
This service needs at least 48 hour prior reservation, but can handle between 1 and 12 people at a time, with the price changing to refelct the number of passengers. Example: Price for 2 people roundtrip is about $100 total, this seems a good bargain and operates year-round. Call at 507 664-3859.
CO-OP BUS from Airport to Northfield
Website: webapps.acs.carleton.edu/student/transport/details.php3?id=1
During the normal school year (i.e. Sept to June 5), the Co-op bus offers weekend transportation between Northfield and various locations in the Twin Cities for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and visitors to the college. All riders, including subscription holders, must make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance to be guaranteed a seat.
Telephone Number 507-646-4499
Transportation to and from Minneapolis/St. Paul airport is available every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the academic year, except during the first and last weeks of classes and mid-term breaks (2003 Spring Term Mid-term Break is Sat May 3rd to Mon May 5, so coming Friday May 2nd is possible by Carleton transportation only). There is a $20 round-trip charge for this service. Reservations are made upon receipt of payment. It also stops at Downtown MPLS, Mall of America, Macalester and St. Olaf on its circuit route. So don't get off at the wrong place!
If you reserve a space in the airport car, the driver will meet you in the Baggage Claim Area near Carousel No. 5 before the scheduled departure for Northfield. Tell us your airline, flight number, arrival time, and the date, and the driver will be looking for you. The driver will be wearing a Carleton College jacket or shirt for identification. Trips to the airport leave from Willis Hall.
Friday (May 2nd okay)
Carleton 1:30 pm 5:30 pm 10:30 pm
Airport 2:48 pm 6:48 pm 11:48 pm
Carleton 4:24 pm 8:24 pm 1:24 pm
Saturday (not May 3rd because of Mid-term break)
Carleton 10:00 am 1:30 pm 5:30 pm 10:30 pm
Airport 11:18 am 2:48 pm 6:48 pm 11:48 pm
Carleton 12:54 pm 4:24 pm 8:24 pm 1:24 am
Sunday (not May 4th, because of Mid-term break)
Carleton 1:30 pm 7:30 pm
Airport 2:48 pm 8:48 pm
Carleton 4:24 pm 10:24 pm
JUNE SUMMER REUION AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE
The luxurious motorcoach shuttle service is available for $35 round trip between the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and Carleton College at specific times:
Remember to allow one hour for travel time between Carleton and the airport. Pre-registration is necessary using the reunion registration form; if no one has registered in advance for a particular shuttle time, a shuttle will not be provided. If you are arriving in St. Paul by train, you will need to take a taxi to the airport (approx. 30 min., depending on time of day).
When you arrive at the airport, proceed to the lower baggage claim level and check in at the Carleton information booth (look for signs and the maize yellow and blue balloons). Carleton students, dressed in reunion shirts, will assist you.
[Please note: if your flight is delayed and you miss the last Carleton shuttle, your options include renting a car, or taking a taxi (approx. $60 one-way). Commercial bus service (Jefferson Lines/etc) is available on a limited schedule between the airport and the Big Steer truck stop at I-35 and Hwy 19 (8 miles from Northfield), with coordinated transfer to a Northfield Transit bus. For more information call 1-800-451-5333.]
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JEFFERSON LINES (a more difficult Bus choice, but year-round)
Commercial bus service with routes extending from Minneapolis to Dallas, serving eleven states in the heartland of America. Service is available in the Northfield area to points along the Interstate 35 route, which includes the Minneapolis Greyhound Terminal and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The bus stops at the Big Steer Travel Center located on Highway 19 just west of Interstate 35. See the website below for more information. (See the Northfield Transit site for information on buses available between Northfield and the Big Steer Restuarant.)
Telephone Number 800-451-5333;
Local Agent (Big Steer Restaurant): 507-645-6082
From this area, 5 miles from the heart of Northfield, you can catch the $1 Northfield Transit shuttle (507) 645 7250 to anywhere in Northfield. Call about an hour before you want to get picked up, or schedule a pick-up up to 2 days in advance.
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Northfield Taxi
Service is provided in Northfield and can make trips to the Twin Cities. Call the number below for rates and availability.
Telephone Number
507-645-4447
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Northfield Transit Mini-Bus
Telephone Number:
507-645-7250
Northfield is walkable, and on the map to the right, you can walk anywhere to anywhere in 90 minutes, but if youfre at a distant hotel, you might appreciate this service.
This amazing mini-bus service is operated by the City of Northfield. It provides service anywhere in Northfield for $1. Call the Dial-A-Ride number listed to schedule a pickup. Two-hour advance reservation is requested.
Website http://209.163.42.1/administration/transit.htm
Good Carleton Campus Map
http://www.carleton.edu/visitors/maps/campus/CarletonCollege.gif
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Carleton is one of the top five small liberal arts colleges (only 2000 undergraudate students), yet it is set in a sleepy college town of 14,000 people, with 800 acres of oak savana, flood plain forest, swamp, and prairie & upland forest with the scenic Cannon River running down the center with two lakes.
The Arb is used extensively as an outdoor classroom by a number of Carleton courses, particularly in Biology and Geology. The Arb has been a State Game Refuge for decades, and it serves a valuable role in providing habitat for species of diverse natural communities. As ecological restoration proceeds in the coming decades, the conservation value of the Arb will be substantially increased.
The most common recreational use of the Arb is by casual visitors who come to walk, run, ski, fish, or simply enjoy being outdoors. There are occasionally organized athletic events in the Arb, and both Carleton and St. Olaf teams use the Arb as a training facility for cross-country running and skiing.
Adjoining corn fields, golfcourses and cemetaries greatly extend the green zone, and it therefore constitutes a major migration corridor for deer and waterfowl going north and south. It is rich with many mammals, reptiles and birds , much to the delight of the Druids.
Wefll likely use the Hill of Three Oaks for dawn meetings, the fire-ring at the "Druid's Den" (or maybe the nearby Hill) for the bonfires, and the massive Stone Circle will host the Beltane maypole, 40th service and picnic. The June 40th service will likely be at the Hill (less bugs). Check update.
Monument Hill was where the first service was held in 1963. Stewsie Island now has an inlaid labyrinth (Lilac Hill is now mostly gone). The Druid Archives is in the basement of Gould Library. Japanese Garden is behind Watson Hall. In 1999, we were amazed by the sudden appearance of the massive Stone Circle,that is located in the upper Arb, just to the right of the three-path intersection on letter 0 and number 3 on the graphic to the graphic to the right. It is important to find this for several of the Druid Events at both Reunions. Directions:To find it from the Hill of Three Oaks: face due south and leave the Hill and go to the paved road going and down a slope into the forest (THe Druid's Den wooden gate will be on your left; right as you enter the trees, so don't enter Monument Hill's paved loop by mistake!), cross the first concrete bridge over an often non-existent brook, and staying on the paved road go up slope of the oak-savanah to a nice lookout bench facing Evans Hall (known as "Postage Stamp Prairie"), then go about40 yards fruther on the paved road and notice a dirt road on the left side of the path (east), take the rough wide dirt-rock path up for 60 yards, and you'll see the stone circle on the right (at the edge of the grassy fields). It's about 8 minutes on foot from the Hill of Three Oaks (nearly due south as the crow flies).
Much has changed in the Arb over 40 years, so walk around and note the transformation by Grounds crew!
Detailed 800 Acre Arboretum Forest Map (.pdf)
http://www.carleton.edu/campus/arb/arbmap.pdf
Northfield Hotels
(use www.mapquest.com to locate)
Everyone needs to find lodging or go camping for the May celebration. However, the June celebration offers Alumni & family a chance for real cheap on-campus lodging with meals. Non-alumni should find a hotel, or contact Mike, who'll claim to be attending with several extra "cousins" and siblings (which is technically true...)
Archer House 212 Division Street (507) 645-5661 (800) 247-2235 Adjacent to campus, quaint & folksy. $70-120.
College City Motel, 875 Highway 3 North (507) 645-4426 Cheap, reasonable. 1 mile from campus, $50-65
Country Inn Motel, 300 South Highway (507) 645-2286 (800) 456-4000, about 800 yards away, $70-90
AmericInn Motel & Suites, 1325 Bollenbacher Ave., (507) 645-7761, About 2 miles away, $65-80
Super 8 Motel, Highway 3 South (507) 663-0371, (800) 800-8000 About 3 miles from Campus, $60-80
River View Legacy Motel, Highway 3 and St. Olaf Ave. (507) 645-9980, about 1.5 miles from campus, $60-80
Dundas (an adjacent town)
Another Time, 305 Railway Street, (507) 645-6367
Summer Reunion Weekend Housing
How much does it cost? If you come for the whole weekend, stay on campus and purchase all meals, the cost is $170 per adult. Additional costs include fees for the airport shuttle ($35 round trip), Golf ($40) and the Children's Program ($75 for the weekend). Alumni celebrating their 50th, 55th, 60th or 65th reunions receive complimentary housing and meals.
When do I sign up? Registration forms are mailed to everyone in March, 2003, and online registration opens March 3. Register by May 1 for a special discount; final deadline is June 2.
Where will we stay? We recommend you stay on campus; early registrants are much more likely to be housed with their class. Hotel rooms in Northfield are limited. The 40th and senior reunion classes stay in residence halls with air-conditioning. The 5th and 10th, due to their large numbers, stay in Evans and Goodhue, respectively. Rooms are assigned on a first-registered, first served basis.
What should I expect from a dorm room? The dorm rooms are clean and spare, with twin beds. Sheets, blanket and pillow, and towels/washcloth are provided. There are generally either no hangers or very few hangers in the closets. We will have a quantity of fans for rent for the un-airconditioned residence halls. We do not have irons, ironing boards, or blow dryers. Each room has a phone; refrigerators are located in the hall lounges.
A variety of housing options is available for alumni attending Reunion 2003. For those who prefer to stay on campus, reunion classes will be housed together in residence halls whenever possible; register early for the best chance to be housed with classmates. Overflow/late registrant housing will be in Musser. If your registration form and payment are postmarked by May 1, 2003, we will confirm your residence hall assignment in advance. Check-in begins Thursday, June 19 at 3 p.m. (residence halls will not be open before that time); check-out is noon on Sunday, June 22.
Please note that residence hall accommodations feature bathrooms down the hall from your room (except Davis, Severance, the Townhouses, and Evans, which have private/semi-private baths). A linen packet, including sheets, blanket, pillow and towels, is provided for each bed. Residence halls are not air-conditioned (except Davis, Nourse, Watson and the Townhouses); all beds are twin-sized.
We encourage you to bring the following items if you think you might need them: reading lamp, hangers, small fan, alarm clock, and extra blankets or pillows if needed. Irons are not available. Fans are available for rent at Sayles-Hill Registration.
On-Line Registration Possible
Please Click Here for alumni registration. Be sure to click "Druid Reunion" under Special Events that you'll be attending.
Non-Alumni & Impoverished Druids
If you are not an alumni, and wish to stay in Campus Housing, do call me first, and I'll see if it can be arranged, otherwise if things don't work out, you'll have to book a hotel room. (Which isn't so bad).
Just in case, I've also reserved two extra rooms at my own cost for crash space for those who are either non-alumni or just can't pay for a room (which is about $40 barebones cost "per bed" for weekend, I believe) and other eventualities (such as rain drowning out some secret campers) and storage. There is also the option of hiding in the woods and camping (which is frowned on by authorities, under no circumstance build a fire except in established fire-rings).
For either free room (no board) and camping options write me to coordinate at mikerdna@hotmail.com. It's on a first come first serve basis, and you may possibly have to share the room with several people of undetermined gender.
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Housing Assignments (May change depending on registrations. The largest residence halls are assigned to the largest classes.) The Druids are not organized enough to stay in a particular dorm together, so please choose whatever dorm you feel comfortable with, yet I believe Goodhue, Myers and Watson are closest to the Arb action, and I'll be staying in Goodhue with "Sandy the Wonder Pooch" and my wife Hachi. A list of where everyone will be staying should be available at check-in time.
Class of Housing Assignment
1963 Davis
1968 Davis (upper)
1973 Severance
1978 Burton
1983 Myers
1988 Parish House and other off-campus houses
1993 Goodhue
1998 Evans
Carleton's Cancellation Policy
Full refunds will be issued if we receive notice of cancellation before 5 pm on Monday, June 9. No refunds will be made after that time. Carleton cannot make partial refunds of the weekend package price. Call 1-800-729-2586 to cancel.
www.northfield.org/ "Cows, Colleges & Contentment"
www.northfieldchamber.com/pages/tourism.html
www.northfieldchamber.com/pages/lodging.html
Did I mention there's an Irish Pub called "The Contented Cow" on a small alley on Division Street (near 7th st), at one end of a small pedestrian bridge over the Cannon river that is literally covered with hundreds of cast iron Druid Sigils? Built in 1997-ish.
The other claim to fame for the town, besides two of the top ten small liberal arts colleges (Carleton & St.Olaf), is that they foiled the last bank-robbery attempt by the Jesse James gang in the 19th century, with great bloodshed.
Suggested Websites for the Reunion
http://www.oocities.org/mikerdna/anniversary.html Up to the week current information on how the May & June celebration plans are here
http://www.carleton.edu/visitors/ Information on visiting Carleton and finding a place to stay. Don't forget that camping and crash space!
Alumni Affairs's Reunion Site is at http://www.carleton.edu/alumni/reunion.html and their phone number is 1-800-729-2586.
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