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HomeMy WebLinkAbout16-01 Comments (2)Mountain Ketreat LearningCenter, - ...e Inc. 20 Yams OF COMMUNITY � "90A February 22, 2002 Mr. Eric Lawrence Frederick County Planning Department 107 North Kent St. Winchester, VA 22601-5000 Re: The Mountain Leadership School at Middletown Conditional Use Permit # 16-01 Dear Eric: Please be advised that The Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers, Inc. wishes to keep open its application for Conditional Use Permit # 16-01 for The Mountain Leadership School at Middletown. As we discussed by telephone today we are proceeding in the following manner: I) We are updating our land use and building plans 2) We are developing a list and descriptions of the type of leadership programs we plan to offer 3) We are defining our constituent market including the number of participants we anticipate in an average year 4) Once we have completed the above, we will be available to meet with residents in the immediate vicinity of the subject property, to share with them our plans, listen to their concerns and respond as appropriate. We anticipate these meetings to be held sometime before the middle of April. 5) Once we have met with the residents and completed our final plan we will be asking for the required public hearing on our CUP application. We anticipate requesting such before September 1, 2002. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to call me on 828-526-5838, EXT. 218. We are looking forward to continuing this process and to ultimately becoming an active member of the community. We appreciate your assistance in this process. Tom Warth President/CEO CC: Richard Rothman r Ab�m 'V' t7- I.1 , -'F B 2 � 2.002 POED. Box 299 + Highlands, NC 28741 + (828) 526-5838 • fax (828) 526-2511 email: mountain@dnet.net * web site: http://themountain.uua.org/mountain/ ;4L# LOCATION MAP 301 Chapel Lane (Road No. 627) Hites Chapel United Methodist Churcmi 150 Chapel Lane, Middletown, Virginia Mailing Address: 5275 Middle Road, Winchester, VA 22602 Land Use Resolution Whereas, the Mountain Leadership Center of North Carolina has proposed construction of a school on 43 acres along the banks of Cedar Creek near our church; and Whereas, the rural character of our community, with its farms, orchards, single-family homes and small churches would be forever changed by the insertion of this school into its proposed remote location; and Whereas, a high influx of traffic on our rural roads will endanger car and school bus drivers and passengers, as well as pedestrians and animals; and Whereas, the proposed school will threaten the fragile and precious environment in and along Cedar Creek with large septic drain fields, bright campus -type lighting, and increased automobile and charter bus exhaust filmes; and Whereas, future farm and home water needs may be compromised by the large projected demand for the school, Therefore, the Administrative Council of Hites Chapel United Methodist Church, meeting on October 30, 2001, respectfully calls upon all Frederick County elected and appointed officials to turn down the request for any and all changes to current zoning regulations pertaining to land along Chapel Lane by the Mountain Leadership Center. Lydia Marshall, Chairperson Bill Lineburg Rev. Robert C. Blinn 1.. s r. T 7 �ui�.iIni tiati;i � ouncil Lay Mealier Pastor Decal bc, Fred . Co , P4- 00 1104101 F,$A, facsimile TRANSMITTAL Name: Richard Rothman Fax: 706-398-4005 From: Eric Lawrence Date: May 16, 2002 Subject: Mountain Retreat CUP Pages: 2 Comments: Ili Richard: Attached is the Planning Commission schedule and submission deadlines. In order to schedule your CUP application for a Planning Commission meeting, you will need to provide me with a letter requesting placement on the agenda as well as any new information, buy the "CUP/RZ CUT-OFF" date. I would also note that this item should be presented to the Commission no later than September 4, 2002, and to the Board of Supervisors no later than September 25, 2002. I hope you find this information to be useful. Thanks. -Eric Eric R. Lawrence, AICP, CZA Interim Planning Director Frederick County Department of Planning and Development 107 N. Kent Street Winchester, Virginia 22601 540.665.5651 540.665.6395 fax elawrenc@co.frederick.va.us facsimile TRANSMITTAL Name: Richard Rothman Fax: 706-398-4005 From: Eric Lawrence Date: September 25, 2001 Subject: LDC Pages: 3 Comments: Hi Richard. Attached is: copy of Newspaper article; school definition. Regarding the purchase of a Zoning Ordinance, please submit a check for $27.00, made payable to Frederick County Treasurer. Once the check is received, we will mail the Ordinance to you. Please contact me with any questions. -Eric Eric R. Lawrence, AICP, CZA Deputy Planning Director Frederick County Department of Planning and Development 107 N. Kent Street Winchester, Virginia 22601 540.665.5651 540.665.6395 fax elawrenc@co.frederick.va.us -Markets Northern Virginia Daily •Classifteds D1 Winchester Saturday, September 22, 2001 Controversy surrounds church retreat plan Some fear campus will host homosexual events held at another of the group's facilities By Kevin Killen A nonprofit organization looking to build a facility outside Middle- town, which would focus on educa- tion and leadership, is coming under fire because of some contro- versial groups that have attended retreats at another of its facilities. The Mountain Leadership Schools, a proposed three -building campus affiliated with the Unitari- an Church, would be built on a 45- Qacre plot near Chapel Lane and k Road, which is close to Cedar Creek, according to Moun- Groups create economic alliance Approval of memo joins IDA, EDC in business development By Craig J. Heimbuch The Winchester Industrial Devel- opment Authority earlier this week approved a memorandum of under- standing with the Winchester -Fred - tain Retreat and Learning Centers' President Tom Warth, who outlined the planned facility for the Freder- ick County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission on Fri- day. The purpose of the campus, which includes three 15,000 -square -foot buildings and is estimated to cost between $5 million and $8 million, would be to "embrace the diversity of life to create an environment to energize people to work for positive change," Werth said. Under the plan, the campus — which would consist of an academic building, a 16 -room guest lodge and a faculty lodge — would focus on educating youthe and adults about leadership and how to better pro. mote ethical behavior and human interaction through various pro- grams. It is the latter that has many in the area concerned. Theproject, albeit in its early stages, has already come under fire from local neighbors because of past retreats that included lesbians and gay men. Back Creek District Supervisor Margaret B. Douglas said she has already been phoned by residents who have accessed the group's Web site. This is not the place for this," she said some of the residents have stated. "These people are mad, and will fight you on it," she said. Warth said that although some of those programs are held at a North Carolina facility, the Middletown campus would not hold retreats involving homosexuals. "We are not in the retreat busi- ness, we just want to build a facili- ty which brings all walks of life together for leadership and educa- tion," he said. Gainesboro District Supervisor Sidney Reyes agreed with Douglas, saying, "until I hear more about what it is you want to do here in a public hearing setting, I can't sup- port this." Besides the retreat issue, other planning problems has were addressed. The group proposed to cut down on water and waste by installing a compost toilet, which works similarly to those at camp- grounds. Mark Smith, an engineer with Greenway Engineering, said that may not be approved by the Vir- ginia Department of Health. With a conditional -use permit, for which the group has applied, if any violations are seen, the county has the right to cancel the permit, according to Deputy Director of Planning Eric Lawrence. "It wouldn't really be feasible to spend this kind of money,go through all the proper channels, and then have a violation shut you down," he said. Planning Commission member Robert Morris said he "likes" the idea of a campus, but Werth will "have to figure out how to address these issues before moving on." Smith suggested Warth "take at least a year, and hold educational meetings in the community so that people really know what you are about" Commission member Gregory Unger told Warth, "you have to have support of the neighbors with this project. Without them, it's going to be tough." Also, the project may have some Comprehensive Plan issues, which could cause strife for the appli- cants, Lawrence said. Warth is scheduled to appear before the commission Oct. 3, at which time the conditional -use per- mit will be on the agenda, he said. Waith said later that he "appreci- ated" the feedback. Woman to serve three months for sex with minor By Kevin Killen Commonwealth's Attorney Glenn Williamson said that at the time A White Post woman was sen- of offense, the minor had stayed at Loomis' house overnight on tenced Monday in Frederick County Circuit Court to three more than one occasion, with the months in jail for having sexual offenses taking place in the relations with a minor child. Dawn Marie Loomis, 25, of morning. Public Defender William 2044-39 Fairfax Pike, faced two Crane, Loomis' attorney, told the court that his client was not counts of carnal knowledge with a male child 13 to 15 years of totally at fault because the child age, and was originally sen- had been accused of other rela- tionships with other females in tenced to serve six years. the area. However, Judge John R. Pross- er said since the case lied some "This wasn't a regular child, it un>}sualcucymetapceg, pyo• l -- is kn,awn that he W1* umcat- tirUt pYt § 165-145 ZONING § 165-145 A. TYPE A — A mill located on a single parcel of land used for the sawing or processing of standing trees or their wood or timber, harvested only from that parcel or only from parcels immediately contiguous thereto. B. TYPE B — A mill for sawing or processing of standing trees or their wood or timber. SCENIC AREA— An open area, the natural features of which are visually significant or geologically or botanically unique. [Added 4-9-19971 SCHOOL [Amended 10-27-19991: A. Without residential component: any building used for organized education or instruction in any branch of knowledge. This school does not contain rooms where overnight lodging and meals are provided to students. B. With residential component: any building used for organized education or instruction in any branch of knowledge. This school does contain rooms where overnight lodging and meals are provided to students. . SEARCH AREA— A geographic area in which a commercial telecommunication facility site may be located that would satisfactorily cover a targeted area and/or hand-off with its neighboring sites. [Added 4-9-19971 SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY— A structure containing separate storage spaces of varying sizes leased or rented as individual leases for the purpose of storing personal property and household goods. SEMITRAILER — Every vehicle of the trailer type so designed and used in conjunction with a motor vehicle that some part of its own weight and that of its own load rests on or is carried by another vehicle. [Added 6-9-19931 SERVICE STATION— Any premises primarily used for supplying gasoline, oil, tires, accessories and services for automobiles at retail directly to the motorist or consumer. Repair uses are accessory to the other retail services provided. SETBACK — The required distance between a building or structure and a lot line. 16681 9-1-2000 facsimile TRANSMITTAL Name: Rob Kinsley Fax: 540.459.6193 From: Eric Lawrence Date: September 17, 2001 Subject: CUP Application Pages: 9 Comments: Hi Rob. Attached is the CUP application we discussed. Additional information may be obtained from Saturday's Winchester Star Q haven't read the article yet, but understand it was a through report.) Thanks for providing me with your comments regarding this project. Please contact me with any questions. -Eric Eric R. Lawrence, AICP, CZA Deputy Planning Director Frederick County Department of Planning and Development 107 N. Kent Street Winchester, Virginia 22601 540.665.5651 540.665.6395 fax elawrenc@co.frederick.va.us iso, many of being taken er corpora - said. nations are :Laurin said, uld be used y of purpos- help pay for :help pay for amilies who rmarked for n be sent to ed Cross of rick "­unty, ive, ach- TM pport group relatives of ig and emo- ;, is open to olved with !d with reac- disorder, at - and behav- is, lilies experi- .e challenges tdopti- - and It m par - rents raising it ineet at 6 at Market Methodist nester, and :overed dish _ be provided rillation, call lil tell <i shen- to "llelp- n be tcixed e-mailed to er•stttr.com. Is" appears 1nn10 11- seKers m Expression By STAR TRAYLOR The Winchester Star Her sight may be failing, but Dolores Sekel is thank- ful she still has the ability to paint. Her art is no small feat as macular degeneration has made her legally blind and rheumatoid arthritis has crippled her hands. Sekel's art work is on display in the atrium of Lord Fairfax Community College through the month of September. The German-born artist has been painting for 15 years, She took up art when arthritis put a stop to playing piano and golf. "When I paint, I don't feel the pain," she said. Sekel moved to the United States from Hamelin, Germany, in 1954 with her husband, George, a diplo- mat. They live in Strasburg and have a winter home in Florida. She uses watercolors, oils, charcoal, and pastels in See Art Page B3 "The Song of the Gypsy" is one of Dolores Sekel's works on view at Lord Fairfax Community College. its budget that would allow it to cover operating costs without having to resort to short-term borrowing before the twice -a - year tax collections come due. The fund balance should al- so provide money for a "rainy day designation," Judge said. "This is kind of '.for the un- knowns," he said. Committee member John Staelin said he didn't think the policy's proposed 1 percent of the original budgeted expendi- tures would be enough for the rainy day fund. Michael Hobert, the other committee member, asked why the county needed a rainy day fund when it has never had one before. Staelin said the goal is to estimate revenues as close to the correct amount as possible. jects. For larger projects, he said debt issuance will be con- sidered when subsidized finan- cial terms are available. ® The county shouldn't fund current operations from the proceeds of borrowed funds. To help the county mini- mize debt, it may use alterna- tive funding sources, such as the Virginia Public School Au- thority and the Virginia Re- sources Authority. 0 A full disclosure policy re- garding every annual financial report and financial official statement or offering docu- ment. The committee hopes to have the fiscal policy ham- mered out by December. Committee members present in the Board of Supervisors meeting room were Hobert and Staelin. L�aders4 iD �choal Tanis to Aid the ��1nn����ty By TIM ALLEN The Winchester Star A potential leadership training school wants to be a part of the Frederick County community, especially in light of Tuesday's tragic events at the Pen- tagon. "I wish we were already up there so we could be more involved in helping," said Shelley Jackson Denham, director of Milestone Learning Center in High- lands, N.C. Denham is leading the effort to open a branch of the leadership cen- ter near Middletown on Cedar Creek. Denham said the plans call for a youth and young -adult center, which will look at issues of justice and lead- ership in hopes of building a better America. She said assistance in times of crisis would provide a great opportunity to show the public what the Mountain Leadership School is all about. 9 CA le% oinu Th-ireats hilvestl. citud From Star Staff Reports Winchester police are inves- tigating two bomb threats that occurred Thursday night. Lt. Leonard "Lenny" Millhol- land said a male caller used a Paper Mill Road pay phone at 5:36 p.m. to call a store to say "All stores in Winchester will be blown up (Friday)." "Anytime you get a call on illi- 1r 1 in i- l--, " AUL `4Anytime you get a bomb threat, it re- quires a fire department to respond.99 — Lt. Lenny Millholland the court system will not toler- ate such threats after America's worst attack in 60 years. The other bomb threat was similar and called in around the same time period , Millhol- land said. Millholland said. "Anytime you get a bomb threat, it requires a fire department to respond and the business has to be searched." Anyone with information The proposed location of the center is on 43 acres on Chapel Lane, which branches off Minebank Road. The center would have an academic building housing classrooms, office space, and community rooms; a guest See School Page B3 Teen-ager IS WING0910 of Reported nn W__ " 9 The Frederick County Sheriffs Department is in- vestigating the shooting of a teen-ager Friday night in the Heritage Hills subdivi- sion. Initial reports are that a 14 -year-old male suffered gun shot wounds at a house on Haven Terrace off Sense- 71- ' leged shooting, a Greenwood ambulance speed away, after someone was carried out on a stretcher. Neighbors said they heard shots around 10:15 p.m., after some arguing. The Frederick County Sheriffs office would not SEc-nr7CA;- 9 !�f'-hn lodge for as many as 68 resi- dential students; and a faculty lodge with eight small apart- ments. The proposal requires a con- ditional use permit from Fred- erick County because of the residential housing component in a Rural Areas (RA) zone. The plan came before the Historic Resources Advisory Board in August because of some concern about three his- toric structures on or near the property. "We are invested in that his- tory. We want to take good care of the historic value and open that part up to the public," Denham said. The HRAB stipulated in its .recommendation to the Plan- ning Commission that the Mountain Leadership School maintain the historic integrity of a log cabin on the property SUKpl her artwork, which is moder- ately priced. She only does orig- inals and she's hoping she'll sell some, but not so much for the money. "I hope people will buy them so I can paint some more. Oth- erwise, I'd have all them sitting at home," she said, Her paintings are displayed at LFCC every September, She said she does not have a favorite subject. "What I paint, right at that moment, I love," she said. She specializes in florals and landscapes. She no longer does portraits because of her vision impairment. Tn _,;,+ c110 71CPC a YYIAf�'lll- and submit a preliminary ar- chitectural assessment for the entire historic area. Eric R. Lawrence, deputy planning director, and Maral Kalbian, an architectural histo- rian, said the learning center should have minimal impact on the historic property in the area. However, Kalbian said the center should preserve the his- toric structures on site because the area could have significant value as a historic district. The Planning Commission should consider the conditional use permit Oct, 3. Although the school is affil- iated with the Unitarian Uni- versalist Association, Denham said it teaches a secular mes- sage. "We want a very focused arena for training to illustrate how people can live together from Page B1 H o w e fit and embrace each other's di- verse values," Denham said. She said the center will seek businesses, churches, and schools to participate in its pro- grams. Denham said the Mountain Retreat and Learning Centers Inc,, the parent company for the leadership center, was look- ing to expand nearer Washing- ton, D.C. "Because the heart of our government is in Washington, we wanted to provide an av- enue for leadership in the area of American justice and civili- ty," she said, Denham said the land was donated for the school by a property owner, who did not want to be named, She said the beauty of the land and the environmental quality would also be pre- served. from Page B1 Mill in two weeks, she said. times takes art classes She recently won several "I'm crazy, I really am. I al - awards for her art in Florida ways forget that I'm so handi- art shows, where she some- capped," she said. �� Ast Aft Fiw.. V19 30 Min6te Express Workout - Tanning - Massage Therap Join NOW for just One Pollair. iii . called girls foul names, he said. Negotiating and keeping open channels of communica- tion with members of the 'Board of Supervisors will be critical to the School Board's continuing success, he said. "I remember about 10 years ago, it was a battle with every budget," he said. "You can't tell wira LI u ing is going to have a problem for the schools, we have to be able to say to the planning de- partment and the Board of Su- pervisors `this is what it's going to do,"' she said. Besides growth, Straub's platform also includes a pledge to increase teacher salaries to be more competitive with area school systems. She is also concerned that the Frederick County Public THE WINCHESTER STAR the Board of Supervis to do or else it will pushing contest." And as an indepen tified public account controller for DK Iii Services, Howett sait help board members the budget process wit ease. Howett has a bath Schools system is teachers to tailor clan cess on the statewi dards of Learning teE than teaching and based on textbooks. "If you have textb should be teaching t] said. "You shouldn't1 test." Straub served as tary of the Sherar School Choral Boos X-1�� From the Greek word plc Picovers a broad range of pro or enhance body structure. to bottom lifts, more and r plastic surgery to help improve the And thanks to medical advances: mai q/ -A., i o ,tc,o-« 4%,w ttvc r. 7)y.ir? 7)iAEeZA- 70 L 7Q �,..* r v CF�-�� Grt,�� r 9-A3/;rau 14 . A V` v� t utl.✓i�a �,i lwc.ja • rc ado 1-S UY C /61 - o -T� -6 WS&- riEGEIVED SEP 2 1 Zool -"T n�: Pi AhWNirinFI/ROPMFM1 1116 IVIULtIltaill IN.VLIVaL anu LGaiimi8 1—vumi3, 1111.. 20+ YEARS OF COMMUNITY IILLP./ I III" UII La I 111.U11LQ1 bAJI r,1 [)rL&j LASE Ce�,MA va Welcome to Te M Retreat & Learning Centers, Inc, "Making a difference" on a mountain top in Western North Carolina! About MY ilestone Learning The Mountain What's Newl Learning Center Retreat Center for 0, r Programs Facilities -. , An Elderhostel site - Residential Community Got Involved A boLi' 71i}p- oil ul!,iJh to, i I P", J I III -11LOtli li),V) I V -C Last updated on September 16, 2001 Web Design by Walita Olson (D 2001 The Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers, Inc. 1 of 1 9/20/2001 10:27 AM IIIc 1VIVLL11La111 I\ 1L -- C UIIIL I IV61a111J LILLY.ii111VuI1LaI11L,cIILCLo.UIriauuly rnn.1IulII MiItf"kff'ano, Leamino Home About The What's Leaming Retreat Center for .` Page Mountain ,WWI Center Center Leadership l� Re �� sIltent3al Got Programs facilities Community Involved on re atlonz etreats cuviyes at I ne ountain �nviro-Scope ro ram Calendar kc g"ff!@PW6 .4 C M� k..Y' The Retreat Center offers a variety of adult and family programs. To register for any of these classes, c k, k or call The Mountain Office — (828) 526-5838 — for more information. September 6 - 9, 2001 September 19 - 23, December 20 - 23, 2001 _. .._. _. December 23 - 26, 2001 _ �- 'L -- ----- ; : -- 2001 January 25 - 27 2002 - January 25 - 27, 2002 ;a September 26 - 30,_ 2001 l October 5 - 7, 2001 1 } z A _ _ ru„ . F _ September 19 - 23, December 20 - 23, 2001 _. .._. _. December 23 - 26, 2001 _ �- 'L -- ----- ; : -- 2001 January 25 - 27 2002 - January 25 - 27, 2002 ;a September 26 - 30,_ 2001 April 19 - 21, 2002 October 5 - 7, 2001 1 } z A _ _ ru„ . F _ 'October 26 - 28, 2001; November 2 - 4, 2001 December 20 - 23, 2001 _. .._. _. December 23 - 26, 2001 _ �- 'L -- ----- ; : -- Dec. 28 - Jan. 1, 2002 j.. January 25 - 27 2002 - January 25 - 27, 2002 ;a February 1 - 3, 2002 April 19 - 21, 2002 N� a Thursday, September 6 - Sunday, September 9 The conference will bring together teachers and wisdom -keepers from South and North America. Their work integrates ancient and contemporary wisdom teachings and healing practices and uses the mesa, a living system of medicine work that is similar in some ways to the medicine wheel of the North American Indians. The work is based in shamanic teachings, including the basic understanding that we are part of a world of living energy and are connected with all that exists here on Pachamama (the Andean name for Mother 1 of 5 9/20/2001 10:27 AM tuc 1VIUMILain -- �uuiL I IUrlauia uuP.r r 111V U11La11I%,G11LG1 autLupgnia. it ui it Earth). Native Voices gatherings regularly feature Oscar Miro-Quesada, a Peruvian -born transpersonal psychologist and teacher of cross-cultural ceremonial shamanism. He began his studies over 30 years ago with two of the legendary wisdom keepers of South America—Don Benito Corihuamman from near Cusco and Don Celso Rojas from the northern coast of Peru—and has been deeply initiated into ancient healing traditions of the Andes and of coastal Peru. For more information, call Anita Stewart at 404-373-1219 or e-mail her at VJi o' Wednesday, September 19 - Sunday, September 23 This retreat will provide opportunities of connecting intimately with other men who love men in spirit, mind, body, and soul. Come revive and renew your gay spirit. 3!�c,k Irc e to register, or for more information, contact Bruce Parrish at (404) 874-8258. �CJ Wednesday, September 26 - Sunday, September 30 The Institute and Gathering offer the experience of an all -women retreat where women can strengthen their talents and renew their energy in a supportive and safe environment. For more information, contact; y ;; at 828-645-6629 before 9:00 pm. October 5 - 7, 2001 Retreat participants will have an opportunity to: $250 includes room/board/program fee • Understand work as spiritual service—particularly spiritual practice, gifts and purpose • Examine de -limiting beliefs and personal or work place challenges to spiritual growth • Celebrate and affirm your commitment to integrating spirituality in your daily life • Receive a companion manual to oro book For this retreat: • Bring an object important to your spiritual journey that you will give away • Read he Pa `ri for ' ; t.. r,„s ; and review some of the exercises • Bring favorite quotes, readings and meditations that have inspired your journey Linda Ferguson, Ph.D. — President of New Paradigm Consulting, Linda is author of i I1� '� '� �b� �� „r, I,ce (to order from -e book store, use ISBN 155212498-3). She is an experienced workshop leader and trainer, and is one of the co-founders for ' E `vJiPd Ir)sti Ute. Linda is also a professor of management at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. Dawn Oparah, M.A. — Vice-president of Amadi Leadership Assoc., Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in spiritual and community development. She is a national trainer and speaker on a variety of human development topics. Dawn also provides personal and group coaching on spiritual awakening. She is also one of the co-founders for 2 of 5 9/20/2001 10:27 AM I III 1V1UU11La111 1\Lx. %_, -- -vuuit l lu8La111J 11LLI1./auu1Lprm3.11u111 REGISTER by AUGUST 1 to assure lodge or cabin rooms—rooms assigned after August 1 are on a first-come/first-served basis. If you're interested in participating in this program, click here to r= i ;r, or e-mail F_.Mini 1 r. _i;, for more information. ,u .) Te!) t. �y} �y of t' oti Lion t ?aVe. I r eR October 26 - 28, 2001 $145 for adults; $70 for Thinking about having a church retreat but you just don't youth have time to plan all the activities, recruit the workshop leaders and other volunteers? Let The Mountain do the work for you! Join UUs from around the region and hike in the fall colors, outdoor and indoor activities and community. All you have to do is pull together a group from your church to come. Discounts will be available for UU congregations that have not had a retreat at The Mountain in the last three years. If you're interested in participating in this program, click here to r: c is.xr or e-mail -i hc- 1n for more information. November 2 - 4, 2001 This weekend of spirited fun, laughter, exploration, companionship at The Mountain is a special time for gay men of all ages to be together in community. A unique time in the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a place where you will feel welcomed and appreciated. Weekend Activities: • Workshops and Discussion Groups • Hikes • Visiting Highlands and local waterfalls • Challenge Course If you're interested in participating in this program, click here to _ r:ai,tc , or e-mail _-- ry ioui oain for more information. The December 20 - 23, 2001 Celebrate the Solstice at The Mountain. Each day will celebrate one of the four elements — earth, air, fire and water with related crafts and a meditative evening vespers service. Separate adult and children's crafts times will be spent making candles, nature journals. Childcare will be provided during portions of the program while other portions will be intergenerational. If you're interested in participating in this program, click here to ._c;is;r, or e-mail The, i14our!tain for more information. 1 0M.1 i Fl 1.11) Marl, Ch.A un -s ws December 23 - 26, 2001 Every tradition and religion celebrates light in the dark winter months. Come to The 3 of 5 9/20/2001 10:27 AM iuc ivivuuLaui i�-- r UUXL i iugiauia uuY.iiuivuu�auiccu�cia.vi�i auuitFsui3.uuiu Mountain for a celebration of Christmas, and celebrate light in the dark. Vespers will be celebrated each evening with a special Christmas Eve candlelight service. Christmas day will be spent caroling at a local nursing home, decorating the Dining Hall for the afternoon feast and culminate with the traditional Mountain gift exchange (bring one gift to share). Give yourself, your family and your friends a gift this holiday season and enjoy the simplicity of Christmas at The Mountain. This program is intergenerational. If you're interested in participating in this program, click here to F: j ,r, or e-mail Th: I�tcu i<aii; for more information. f December 28 - January 1, 2002 Celebrate New Years at The Mountain. More information to come soon. If you're interested in participating in this program, click here to or e-mail "I'he lVr-nunijin for more information. January 25 - 27, 2002 You've heard about how much fun the youth have when they come to The Mountain for a CON. Now it's your turn! Join The Mountain staff and guest workshop leaders for the first ever Adult CONference. Morning and afternoon workshops will focus on spirituality, creativity, nature and community. Enrich your life through fellowship and shared experiences. Rejuvenate in the serene natural beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. If you're interested in participating in this program, click here to _ ;tr, or e-mail i fie PJIou i-9in for more information. January 25 - 27, 2002 This retreat will provide opportunities of connecting intimately with other men who love men in spirit, mind, body, and soul. Come revive and renew your gay spirit. For more information, contact Bruce Parrish at (404) 874-8258. t 1 pia H .iM -f. kit 1 V i h, s R "1 a ,r February 1 - 3, 2002 In the spirit of Babette's Feast, feast yourself to a weekend of film history and a cooking class. Learn just enough about film criticism to impress your friends! Watch and discuss films of meaning and depth. Then spend the afternoon with the chef in cooking class preparing a special dinner that your group will enjoy that evening. A wonderful way to 4 of 5 9/20/2001 10:27 AM suc Lvivuuaus s�cx.i,�, -- r uust i svrscuis� ss«Y.iiuivuutausccucio.viSiauustYsus�.i.wu spend a winter weekend at The Mountain. If you're interested in participating in this program, click here to rt •:-;into , or e-mail The Mountain ntain for more information. April 19 - 21, 2002 Intimacy – Loyalty – Common Interests – Communication... all the things that make up long-term partnerships and long-term friendships. Join lesbian women of all ages for a weekend exploring "Staying Power." Enjoy spirited fun, laughter, exploration, companionship and dancing at The Mountain during this special time together in community. Revel in the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains at a place where you will feel welcomed and appreciated. Our 9th annual event will feature Susan Johnson, Ph.D., author of Staying Power., Long -Term Lesbian Couples. Susan will lead programs examining relationships, with insights on maintaining long-term relationships — whether between partners or friends. Susan is a warm, safe, irreverent woman who speaks the truth with kindness and humor. If you're interested in participating in this program, click here to ;: . i ; {:, or e-mail The Mojntain for more information. �i ��, 1 i. �•_�i�r.ii, �� f., n. � .� � _l 1. - J�i,�Pe.. r;^1tI81ll- 5 of 5 9/20/2001 10:27 AM l nt; 1Vluuii La111 1\(X.LV -- rximual i\L;Fv1L uiI stn o� Laarptin Home Abotd The WhICS Leaming Retreat Center for Page Fountain NevslCenter Center t.uaderahip ftsidential fiat Programs facilitlus Communttyr Involved 11111.//111V Ull La111�.G11LG1 J. Vlb'/ V Cf_ caiitpu3.11u111 Irak��� . s %1i�l.,.i i-. F, Orli �", d1�°a.#�w �C.Is"p'�.Is III Viii'=E' !; The Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers (MR&LCs) has been given a gift of 45 acres of land near Middletown, Virginia by a member of the Unitarian Universalist congregation in Fairfax, Virginia. MR&LCs plans to develop the site as a second campus that would serve as the headquarters for Milestone Learning Center (MLC) and the Learning Center for Leadership (LCL). At their meeting in November 2000, members of MR&LCs Board of Trustees approved the undertaking of a feasibility study by staff to consider all aspects of developing the Virginia Campus, and Trustees have been continuously updated and enrolled in the progress of the study. Trustees and staff believe that the addition of the Virginia property will further The Mountain's mission, "to embrace the diversity of life, creating an environment to energize people to work for positive change." The property's location is key to pursuing the full potential of both Learning Centers as they grow to serve a continental audience. Some of the benefits of developing what is currently being called "The Mountain Leadership Schools at Middletown": e. The Winchester -Frederick County community is within 500 miles of 50% of the total population of the United States and it is a 10 -minute drive from two major interstate highways. This increases the ease and speed with which participants can travel to the Mountain Leadership Schools at Middletown (versus getting to The Mountain on rural mountain roads). Because of population diversity and density, significantly more potential participants are within a 6 -hour driving radius from this site. Proximity to the "heart of the nation" will allow MLC and LCL staff and students to cultivate interest and engage in hands-on training experiences. In addition, there are many organizations located in Washington, D.C., that either currently are or may become allies and partners of MLC and LCL. Geographic proximity increases opportunities for shared program, funding and training endeavors. Because of the philosophical approach to the overall use of the land at the Virginia site (including building design and materials), the Middletown campus will be a place where participants will experience first-hand the issues of sustainable living. This will teach and promote ethical behavior toward the environment. With a professional theatre in Middletown and other arts centers within reasonable distance, the Virginia Campus allows access to arts centers and faculty while avoiding the financial and administrative investment in building an Arts center -a savings of up to several million dollars. A By relocating to Middletown, MLC and LCL would be close to the high tech region of Northern Virginia, and thus be better able to implement distance learning components into their trainings. This has thus far been unavailable in the mountains of rural North Carolina. Moir-, 4 t IE\, t Jiro 1 'rl _ "'I"; Until the offer of the Virginia property was given to MR&LCs, it was intended that MLC, LCL and the Mountain Residential Community would all be located at the base of the Mountain on the 12 -acre "cabbage patch" land acquired in 1999. By moving MLC and LCL to Virginia, the "cabbage patch" will have more space for the Residential Community and gardens. The land is currently zoned for agricultural use. The Mountain has filed for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for zoning purposes and will be engaged in all of the processes 1 of 2 9/20/2001 10:33 AM ^"^IV^VUllLatu "°^�°—'`"""" "`*"' ""p'' ,�—°""LV""^,^, Use Permit (CUP)for zoning purposes and will baengaged inall nfthe pn' -;omoo required toobtain such aConditional Use Permit. The was issued in local papers at the time of the formal filing of the CUP. If approval is granted, it is expected that the fundraising and site development will take place over the next 2 to 3 years. Watch /�������1���_����and this website for further information aothis project progresses. 2 of 2 9/20/2001 10:33 AM Shenandoah County Please provide the mailing addresses ChapelLane for the properties located in Shenandoah County adjacent to the subject site on Chapel Lane in Frederick County. Thank you. RICHARD R O T H M A N, F A I A, AIC P LAND PLANNER September 6, 2001 Mr. Eric R. Lawrence, AICP Deputy Director Department of Planning and Development 107 North Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601 Re: Conditional Use Permit Application Dear Mr. Lawrence: Please find enclosed the application of my client, The Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers, Inc. (MR&LCs), for a Conditional Use Permit for development of The Mountain Leadership Schools at Middletown. Also enclosed is a check payable to the Treasurer of Frederick County for $125 covering both the $75 application fee and the $50 refundable sign fee. Please do not hesitate to contact the applicant, Mr. Tom Warth, President and CEO of MR&LCs, at 828-526-8797 for further information. Sincerely, RICHARD ROTHMAN & ASSOCIATES, LTD Richard Rothman CC." Mr. Tom Warth, The Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers, Inc. Mr. Mark Smith, Greenway Engineering SEP 0 7 2001 T- rF PI ANN11NIr,/0FVFI_QPMENT 1929 PLUM NELLY RD • RISING FAWN. GEORGIA • 30738 PHONE: 706-398-4000 • FAX: 706-398-4005 RMROTHMAN@CS.COM CUP Application for The Mountain Leadership Schools at Middletown Eric — Please send copies of the Agenda for the public hearings to the following people Richard Rothman 1929 Plum Nelly Rd Rising Fawn, GA 30738 Tom Warth PO Box 1299 Highlands, NC 28741 Mark Smith Greenway Engineering 151 Windy Hill Lane Winchester V-A 22602 Thanks! GREENWAY 151 Windy Hill Lane Winchester, Virginia 22602 Fouruled in ign September 4, 2001 Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. 2897 Martinsburg Pike Stephenson, VA 22656 Re: Mountain Schools at Middletown Dear Mr. Orndoff: On behalf of our client, the Mountain Schools at Middletown, and in preparation for the Conditional Use Permit that has been filed for the October 3, 2001 Frederick County Planning Commission meeting, an informal presentation about this project and our client's history is being held at: Greenway Engineering, 151 Windy Hill Lane, Winchester, Virginia Conference room Date: September 21, 2001 Time: 12-1:30PM. A light snack will be provided This informal information session is being presented to help the Planning Commission members and Board of Supervisors be well informed about this Conditional Use Permit and our client's background history. We are hopeful that many of you can attend this informational session about a new member of our community. Sincerely, Greenway Engineerin Mark D. Smith, P.E., S. President Cc: Eric Lawrence - Frederick County Department of Planning �i5 I e-�f -er �s ►�'ta,i (ems �_ -a,�l I I�-C' F� P_�Qf1Y11 vYl vri15SK�Y1 `P'L�C,r J File #3050/MDS/dls Engineers Surveyors Telephone 540-662-4185 FAX 540-722-9528 of 5ur1/U1sCJi5 5. riECEIVED SEP 11 2001 —OT OF PLANNING/DEVELOPMENT