Community Coffeehouse

12 March 2005

Over 140 gathered at Southern Md Higher Education Center to enjoy an evening of "Songs with Spirit and Stories with Heart". The purpose of the event was to increase awareness of local Native American heritage and culture, raise funds in support of the Piscataway Indian Museum for educational programs, and to bring community together. Over $1115.00 was raised for the Piscataway educational programs at the museum!

Sara Leeland presented the performers, starting off the evening with Joesph Norris. Joe sang a number of his own songs and told of his life experience as a descendent of both Native Americans and the English settlers that arrived in the early 17th century.

Natalie and Maurice Proctor, of the Cedarville Band of the Piscataway Indians, shared information about their heritage and led members of the audience in traditional dances.

Carol Marcy, of the Good Medicine Society, shared her poetry and sang the Lakota song of welcome to first morning's light.

Tom Wisner, "Bard of the Chesapeake", offered songs and drums. Audience members sang along, echoing the refrain to Chesapeake Born, Sunshine and other familiar songs.

This event was sponsored by Patuxent Friends (Quaker) Meeting and the Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Southern Md. Co-sponsors were Southern Maryland Peace, the Community Mediation Center of St. Mary's County, The Good Medicine Society, The Center for the Chesapeake Story (CHESTORY) and the Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO). It was truly a community affair! The Southern Maryland Peace display included The Peace Book, Peace on Earth flags, and bookmarks with this website.