Do you miss letter writing?

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28: Juilliard School poetry teacher Samantha Thornhill is to share her insights on the forgotten art of letter writing in an evening of poetry and storytelling ahead of the ChewstickFoundation’s upcoming Weekend Retreat.

The reading takes place at Chewstick HQ at 28 Court Street on Thursday, October 4, Thornhill and will be followed by the screening of a “powerful” documentary.

The event introduces a “weekend of deepening” at the final Chewstick Foundation Retreat of 2012 on Paget Island, which will also include international guests Grace Cheptu and Bob Murray from North of Eden, who specialize in healing through the understanding of messages brought to us by our dreams.

Chewstick’s Deidra Lee Bean said: “Ms Thornhill has spent the last few months since her debut performance in Bermuda exploring the world and learning more about justice, letter writing and the implications of our flawed legal system.

"On Thursday she will share the story of a man on death row, denied the right to tell his own story. She will introduce the power of letter writing and share how for many who are incarcerated this is the only window they have to the world.

"The evening will be a mix of a documentary screening, poetry performance and discussion, as Ms. Thornhill shares how she met this incredible young man and her journey toward helping him."

The event starts at 6pm, entry is free, with donations accepted and opinions encouraged.

Her approach is interactive and inspirational as she strives to promote understanding of self, by encouraging sharing and expression through writing

Alongside Ms. Thornhill, The Fall Retreat 2012, promises to be the best ever, as Bob Murray and Grace Cheptu from North of Eden (NOE) in Vermont will also be participating.

NOE encourages poetry, musical expression, essay writing and song to help people tap into their dreams; seen as a journey to help toward personal healing. On The Retreat participants will have the chance to understand howdreams take us to a deeper story that must be explored.

Participants will be encouraged to share individual gifts and passions, learn about and cultivate their own personal story and destiny.

Chewstick’s retreats feature participant-led workshops, collaborations, group activities and quiet time dedicated to enhancing the overall process of personal and collective growth.

Bean added: “All participants have the chance to share their interests and talents through leading a workshop or by delving more deeply into expressing it during the free time.

"Along with Ms Thornhill’s, and the North of Eden workshops, there will be ventures into African drumming, song-writing, fitness, guitar, healthy cooking, time for self-reflection, and more. Participants always leave the Chewstick Retreat with new, deep, personal relationships and continue their collaborations and creative growth well beyond the focused weekends."

Space is limited for this event. Participants depart from the dock on Friday evening at 6pm and are returned to the mainland on Sunday evening at 2pm.

Bookings can be made via www.chewstick.org, by phone on 292-2439 or by e-mailing your information to [email protected].

Payments should be made by October 1 to secure space. Cash or Credit Cards accepted; please make checks payable to The Chewstick Foundation. Payments can be made Monday to Friday,9am-5pm at The Chewstick Foundation headquarters on the corner of Court Street and Elliot Street, or with a credit card over the phone by calling 292-2439. Pricing is as follows: General: $150 / Members: $100 / Under 18: $75 / Parent &Child (under 18): $150 ($50 each additional child)

To find out more about Ms Thornhill visit samanthaspeaks.com