September, 2001

I was delighted to see so many students at my home for the kick-off celebration and initial planning meeting for the construction of our new cultural center. I'm sorry if you had to miss it—you missed good company and lots of great food prepared by our talented bunch of students.

In our short meeting we outlined some of the tasks that lay ahead this year, including many phases of construction and landscaping for our new building, marketing and promotion of our new center, and continued volunteer efforts to keep our present center growing and running smoothly until we move. In the coming weeks and months we will detail many jobs where volunteers will be needed, and provide sign-up sheets for each job. If you want to volunteer and be a part of this major undertaking for The Peaceful Dragon, there will be plenty for you to do whatever your skills (or perceived lack of skills!).

While there is much to be done, much has already been done and I'd like to thank several individuals for their help so far.

In our short meeting we outlined some of the tasks that lay ahead this year, including many phases of construction and landscaping for our new building, marketing and promotion of our new center, and continued volunteer efforts to keep our present center growing and running smoothly until we move. In the coming weeks and months we will detail many jobs where volunteers will be needed, and provide sign-up sheets for each job. If you want to volunteer and be a part of this major undertaking for The Peaceful Dragon, there will be plenty for you to do whatever your skills (or perceived lack of skills!).

While there is much to be done, much has already been done and I'd like to thank several individuals for their help so far.

First, our student Eric Kindberg. An attorney, Eric volunteered his valuable time to handle all of the intricate negotiating to secure the land purchase and to steer us through the closing, and he continues to guide us with legal advice (he's most professional—I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a business, real estate or personal attorney —even if he does charge you!).

Next, our student James Meyer. A professional appraiser, he prepared, at great savings to us, a very lengthy and detailed property appraisal report that helped make our financing possible. Next, our student Hank Kadel. A professional engineer with experience in construction, Hank has put in and continues to put in countless hours reviewing building plans and helping to make our project economically feasible.

I want to thank our accountant, Todd Lewis and his assistant Pauline, for initially suggesting we build rather than rent, and for helping put together our business plan. Next, a special thanks to our student Debbie Walsh. Having had a similar experience of her own, she was the one who suggested I go to the bank and SBA and ask for a loan NOW instead of waiting several more years, as the accountants and I thought would be necessary. She said you never know, they just might give it to you and she was right.

I also want to thank our realtor, Walter Sholtz of McGuire Properties, who has been one of the most helpful, professional and patient people I have ever worked with. Next I want to thank our former student James Atkins, an architect, for designing the attractive building. And I want to thank our former student Scott Swimmer of Swimmer Construction for coming on board as our general contractor. Scott will be overseeing the excavation and getting the shell of the building up for the rest of us to then complete. Because of his interest in The Peaceful Dragon, Scott has agreed to do his work at below market rates, helping to make this whole project possible.

Lastly, thanks to Shawn Hammond and many other students who have helped with bits and pieces in the design and planning stages to get us this far. With so many hard working and talented individuals sharing their skills, I really do think we'll create a great school and cultural center which we can all enjoy for many years - and perhaps generations - to come.

Update on New Building Construction
Starting this month, in each monthly newsletter we'll give a brief update of progress on the construction of our new building. On August 21st the construction plans were submitted to the building department for review. If all goes well, we should have building permits sometime around October 1. Then we will have a ground breaking ceremony and get to work! Directions to building site:

Of course there are many ways to get to the new location, but here are a couple of choices: From The Peaceful Dragon take Hwy. 51 South to 485 West.Ý Cross over 77, continuing on 485 two more exits to the last exit, Arrowood Rd. Make left on Arrowood, it becomes Brown Grier Rd. Go a mile or so to a traffic light, make left onto Steele Creek Rd. Go a couple of miles, cross through intersection of Westinghouse Blvd. Then shortly thereafter cross intersection of Sam Neely Rd. After Sam Neely you will see three buildings in a row on the right, then vacant woods until you come to a housing development on the other side. That vacant woods is the future home of The Peaceful Dragon. From uptown, take 77 south to Arrowood Rd. exit going West. Cross 485, follow above directions.

5th Annual Tai Chi and Asian Health Arts Festival, Saturday, September 8th Noon-6pm
Now more than ever we need to draw a crowd. The next few weeks and months will rapidly dissolve into last week, a month ago, last fall. With anticipation high for our new center, it is easy to lose focus on present needs. Use every opportunity now to support your school.

This festival is our big annual event. Take advantage of FREE lectures and demonstrations of tai chi, yoga, and shao-lin kung fu, but also try a delicious and healthy hot tea served in one of our exotic yi-xing pots; and browse the expanded offering of fine oriental gift and luxury items in our store for that "must have" addition to your home or practice.Ý Remember, you can now shop on line at our Online Store.

You can become a member for only $19.95 and receive our newsletter, discounts on workshops, and 10% off anything you buy. Ask one of our staff for details. Our famous veggie burgers will be cooking, along with many other favorites. Sign up for classes and get a discount. And of course we'll have our special drawing for a FREE YEAR of classes! There's something here for everyone. Please tell your friends, come and see us. Ý

Third Annual Mountain Tai Chi Retreat, Friday - Monday, September 21st - 24th
For the third year, our retreat is at the very peaceful YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. This is your last chance to make your plans to join in, relax and revitalize your spirit with a long weekend of concentrated training in tai chi, yoga, meditation and chi kung under the instruction of Sifu Sbarge—and a perfect opportunity to hone your skills in preparation for Grandmaster's workshop in November! The retreat is in the North Carolina mountains only a couple of hours from Charlotte. Lodging and meals are included in this comfortably rustic setting. Former retreat attendees give it high marks; it's definitely not an event to miss.

Click here for pictures from a previous retreat

If you've never done tai chi or the related arts, this is a perfect chance to discover how great they can make you feel. And if you're already a student of these arts, four days of intense uninterrupted training can help you break through barriers and reach new levels in your skill and understanding. Everyone is welcome: students, members, friends and family.

Hours are from 1pm Friday, September 21st - 4pm Monday, September 24h. Directions are available at The Peaceful Dragon or by calling the Assembly directly at (828) 669-8497. Make your reservations now at the front counter. $339 for students; $459 for members. (Remember, anyone can become a member for $19.95 and receive our member discount; or become a student and get the full student discount!

If The Peaceful Dragon has to cancel the retreat for any reason, everyone who registered will get a full refund.

Workshop with Grandmaster! Friday-Sunday, Nov. 2-4th
In case you still haven't heard, Grandmaster is returning to Charlotte! If you were at his last workshop two years ago, then you know you're in for a treat. If you missed the last workshop or you're new to The Peaceful Dragon, this is your chance to meet and train with your Grandmaster, a man who is truly a teacher's teacher, and one of the most gifted practitioners of martial artists, chi kung and meditation in America.

Click here for pictures from Grandmaster's previous visit

He will lead a three-day intensive workshop on tai chi, meditation and Shaolin Friday - Sunday, Nov. 2-4th. This workshop is for every Peaceful Dragon student aged 12 on up through our senior citizens. Students will split into groups based on interests, skill and physical condition. For example, senior citizens who practice tai chi will focus on tai chi practice and principles throughout the three days, while shao-lin students can work on a more physical mixture of shao-lin and tai chi.

All students will learn the exotic Yang style tai chi fan form—a beautiful and graceful form integrating healthful chi kung with unique combat applications! For details review the flier that was enclosed with last month's newsletter or enquire at the counter.

Here's the schedule.

Monthly discussion: Wed., Sept. 5
The topic is Meditation, and all students are welcome and encouraged to participate!

Cleanup day: Sunday, Oct. 28th
Mark your calendar now for this important day. Normally, this announcement would be under the volunteer banner, but this cleanup is necessary not only to maintain our center, but to prepare for Grandmaster. If you're attending the workshop, plan to attend this cleanup as well, and thanks!

New Class Schedule begins Monday, September 10th
Enclosed you will find a copy of our new class schedule. As always, changes are based on the current needs of the majority of our students. We apologize for any inconvenience it may cause to some students.

The biggest change is to meet the growing demand for evening yoga classes. Many yoga classes will now start at 6 instead of 5:40, with some scheduled even later. Additionally, there is a continued interest in more Shuai Chiao training, so we have again created two Shuai Chiao classes.

Please look over the new schedule carefully so you'll be at the right class at the right time. Note: If you wish to add Shuai Chiao to your current schedule, you must have a full membership. See Wes or George.

Young Dragons
Of course you will want to talk with your parents and teachers about what is appropriate for you, but any Young Dragons 12 or older will benefit from the unique opportunity to study with Grandmaster Frank DeMaria in November. Also, do not feel that there is nothing you can do as plans evolve and we begin building our new center. This is an especially vital time in your life to experience more adult responsibility and develop your Wu-de.

Desperately Seeking Copies
We are formalizing the committee for making copies of fliers, etc. If you are regularly or sometimes able to make copies at home or at work (we can supply paper), please see our cultural manager Wes as soon as possible.

Thanks to everybody who makes any kind of donation to the operation of The Peaceful Dragon . If you're not sure what you can do, just present yourself, let us know you are available, and we will find things for you to do. As the enormous project of building a new center goes forward, we certainly will discover things that need to be done that nobody has thought of. Maybe you will be the one to identify a need and show us how to fulfill it! Desperately

As always, a lot of bang for your buck. 40 words for $10. 40 more for $5 more. Give your text to George or Wes.

The colorful and diverse group that makes up our student population collectively has some insights to share, some wonderful stories to tell, and you may never find a better audience. Give your article to Wes, or to Michael, or email bmk@carolina.rr.com.

Vitamins and Herbs
If you're wondering what else you can do to maintain a better, healthier life, after the practice you have started with The Peaceful Dragon, after the lifestyle changes you have made to your diet, sleep, or maybe the company you were keeping, the answer is here NOW. Stop by the front counter and browse the catalog of vitamins and herbal supplements and health foods available from this high quality company. Sifu and Debra looked long and hard to find them and would not endorse a separate commercial venue in the tea house if they weren't convinced of its value. They use the products regularly, and so do many other students. You can't beat the prices or the quality anywhere else. Fill out the order form any time. Debra places group orders on the first of each month.

Monks eat rice and vegetables
Shaolin monks, who are historically among the strongest and healthiest martial artists in the world and whose mental clarity is far above average, eat mainly rice and vegetables.

At The Peaceful Dragon you can get great rice and vegetables plus way more: Delicious salads, sandwiches, dumplings, noodles, tofu, shitake mushrooms, steamed buns, and desserts.

Why are we reminding you of this? Because we need you to support your tea house. With our new center now under construction, we seriously need to generate more revenues from the tea house to help offset the heavy financial burden we face. You know you and your family need to eat somewhere anyway, so consider this fact: If every Peaceful Dragon student spent just $5 a week on food or tea here, the profit from that would yield an astonishing $3500 per month! And believe us, we can use it. Thanks for your generous support.

"Q: You said we have to prepare ourselves to enter the path. We cannot rush into it. We have to pause.Ý Could you speak a bit more about this preparation?

"A: In the beginning we have the feeling that the spiritual path is something very beautiful, something that will answer all our questions. We must go beyond this kind of hope and expectation. We might expect our teacher to solve all our problems, relieve all our doubts. But when we confront our teacher, he does not actually answer every question. He leaves many things for us to work out ourselves, which is a tremendous letdown and disappointment for us.

"Patience is necessary. ÝYou do not have to push yourself too energetically into the path but just wait, just allow some space, do not be too busy trying to understand åreality.' It is necessary first to see the motivation for our spiritual search. Ambition is unnecessary."

--3/4 excerpt from Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism
by by Ch–gyam Trungpa

To contact The Peaceful Dragon:

Call: (704)-544-1012

Write: The Peaceful Dragon
8324 Pineville-Matthews Road No.509
McMullen Creek Market
Charlotte, NC 28226

E-mail: comments and suggestions to staff@thepeacefuldragon.com