The beer will be flowing and Mother Nature glowing as we celebrate an evening of moon dancing under the wonder of October skies! Enjoy a sunset at Independence Grove, a Lake Country Forest Preserve.
CANCELLED!!! GRIEF RETREAT
SUNDAY, November 2, 2025
1:00-5:00 p.m.
Intentionally and Soulfully
Navigating our Grief and our love
Join us for a day of being seen, heard,
and held in a healing space
~whatever your grief or loss, you are welcomed~
A Grief Retreat with honoring rituals, meditation, movement, music and tools for living forward. Special guest and certified grief educator, Patti Shaffner, will facilitate this experience along with Donna Brooks, LCSW.
"When we grieve together in community, we express not only our pain but our deep, deep love. Being held in community in our griefs, whatever their origins, helps us to be seen and heard and feel the relief and support of others~each with their own griefs too. We can use this time to invite us into softening our grief and allowing it to guide us with more vitality for the lives we are still living."
~Patti Shaffner
Please bring a photo or memento that represents your grief for our Honoring Altar. Please dress for comfort. Bring any blankets/wraps that will help you be as comfortable, safe, and empowered as possible in this space. Bring a journal and pen.
Tea and light refreshments will be available.
$ 50 - $ 80 offering welcomed for this experience.
RSVP via email by Oct. 24 to Donna Brooks along with payment to reserve your space.
Ways to pay: Mail or drop off check or cash to Donna Brooks
Venmo: Donna-Brooks-52 Zelle:224-623-1527
LOCATION: Office of Donna Brooks, LCSW & Crystal Street Space, 214 Crystal Street, Cary, IL
www.DonnaBrooksTherapist.com
Intentionally and Soulfully
Navigating our Grief
Whatever your loss & grief, you will be seen and heard.
A Grief Retreat with honoring rituals, meditation, movement, music and tools for living forward. Special guest and certified grief educator, Patti Shaffner, will facilitate this experience.
Please bring a photo or memento that represents your grief for our Honoring Altar. Please dress for comfort. Bring any blankets/wraps that will help you be as comfortable, safe, and empowered as possible in this space. Bring a journal and pen. Tea and light refreshments will be available.
$40 - $60 offering welcomed for this experience.
RSVP via email to Donna Brooks along with payment to reserve your space.
Ways to pay: Mail check or drop off cash/check to Donna Brooks
Venmo: Donna-Brooks-52 Zelle:224-623-1527 Paypal: DonnaBrooksTherapist@gmail.com
A note from our special guest and grief work facilitator, Patti Shaffner –
"When we grieve together in community....we express not only our pain...but our deep, deep love.
Being held in community in our griefs, whatever their origins, helps us to be seen and heard and feel the relief and support of others...each with their own griefs too. We can use this time of thin veils....to invite us into softening our grief....and allowing it to guide us with more vitality for the lives we are still living."
BYO food or check website/FB page for what food truck is serving up the yums at Scorched Earth!
We’ll provide the musical vibes!
Looking forward to the food and vibe at House of Bogini. Check out the menu!
Sasha is beautiful and so talented. Come check out what she has created at House of Bogini!
Let’s enjoy some chill time leading up to the week of gratitude and the holiday season!
12/12 at MSO!
Donna Brooks & Nick Horcher ~ IRONWOOD
Contemporary & classic folk-rock-Americana.
Soulful music spanning genres and generations.
Donna Brooks & Ironwood “Tracks” EP
5 Original Songs
STREAMING on all major music platforms!
Join us for the FINAL EVENT we will host in this Crystal Street Space. All future events will be at fabulous spaces…I just don’t know where yet! 😍
WINTER SOLSTICE
SOUND MEDITATION
Sunday, December 21, 2025
5:00-6:30 p.m.
Let us step deeply into the Advent time of year on this darkest winter solstice day celebrating the season of Light! Candles, colorful light and our beautiful spirits will ensoul the space as we reset and replenish in a Sound Meditation led by Megan Mosteller of Coralmegana Sound Healing.
Waves of tranquility will wash over you, allowing your Light to shine forth; soothing, calming, healing and connecting you with Self and Source.
Please bring a pillow and/or blanket for your warmth and comfort.
Tea and light refreshments will be available after the sound meditation experience.
Location: Crystal Street Space, 214 Crystal Street, Cary, IL.
Please RSVP with your offering by Dec. 17 to reserve your place.Offering: $ 35 -$55 Cash or check to Donna Brooks, Zelle 224.623.1527. Venmo Donna-Brooks-52
Join us in the back room…THE BRANCH…for some post holiday merriment at Phase 3!
How to Be Sick
by Toni Bernhard
Book Discussion & Exploration of Practices
This book is an excellent Buddhist-inspired perspective on illness.
You will glean many gems for bringing a more accepting perspective to life.
Pick up a copy of this book and begin reading and engaging in some of the meditations and exercises within its wise pages.
We will gather for discussion, guided meditation and practices on this theme, and a chance to share insights gleaned.
Tea and light refreshments will be available. LOCATION TBD (Barrington area).
PLEASE RSVP by January 2, if you plan to attend.
Please email Donna your contact information: DonnaBrooksTherapist@gmail.com
Www.DonnaBrooksTherapist.com
Come enjoy the vibe of Valentine’s Day EVE…music, a meal, happiness, LOVE!
A benefit for the McHenry Country Nature Conservancy!
Vendors, yummy edibles, drinks, and art galore in celebration of the LAND!
We will provide the music. A wonderful event in support of a noble cause!
Enjoy an autumn Saturday in downtown Arlington Heights and some HEY DAY time with Ironwood at Hey Nonny!
Come enjoy good eats and drink under the cover of October skies as Ironwood brings the music!
Join us at MSO as we shuffle into autumn!
Donna Brooks & Nick Horcher ~ IRONWOOD
Contemporary & classic folk-rock-Americana.
Soulful music spanning genres and generations.
Donna Brooks & Ironwood “Tracks” EP
5 Original Songs
STREAMING on all major music platforms!
BALANCE
An Autumnal Equinox Silent Retreat
Sunday, September 21, 2025
1:00-6:00 p.m.
1:00 ~ Gathering & Welcoming
1:30 ~ Qi Gong with Ginger Benning
2:15 ~ Silent Retreat Contemplation with Donna Brooks
Followed by silence and mediation in nature.
4:15 ~ Drum Circle with Karen Tlusty
5:30 ~ Closing Share Time
Location will be in Schaumburg. Offering $40 - $60
Details will be shared when RSVP & offering are received.
BYO outdoor chair or meditation cushion/bolster (cabin has seating).
Bring a journal and whatever food/drink will best sustain you.
We will provide light refreshments and tea.
Dress for comfort and time in nature!
RSVP to Donna Brooks along with your offering.
Cash or check in person or Zelle 224.623.1527
Venmo: Donna-Brooks-52
www.DonnaBrooksTherapist.com
McHenry County Conservation District EVENT!
Join us at this McHenry County Conservation District event!
Craft beer, food trucks, music & hiking!
Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area
TICKETED EVENT ~ Please purchase tickets in advance through MCCD.
1520 Crystal Lake Road, Cary, IL
The beer will be flowing and Mother Nature glowing as we enjoy sunset serenading you under the wonder of September skies! Enjoy the beauty of Independence Grove, a Lake Country Forest Preserve!
Enjoy a gorgeous evening at Phase Three…may be outside….may be inside….always good!
Qi Gong Foundational Movements
First Fridays 10:00-11:00 a.m.
With
Certified Qi Gong Practitioner Ginger Benning
Offering monthly Qi Gong Classes at Crystal Street Space
September 5, November 7, December 5
No class in October
Certified Qi Gong practitioner, Ginger Benning, will offer opportunities to learn about Qi Gong and practice foundational movements. Come check out Qi Gong and see if it feels good for you!
Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese healing art involving meditation, controlled breathing, and movement exercises.
Offering $15-$25 per class.
RSVP to Donna Brooks along with your offering of $15 - $25.
You can reserve a space at all 5 sessions $75 - $125.
Cash or check in person or Zelle 224.623.1527
Venmo: Donna-Brooks-52
Join us for “Sunday Kickback” at Scorched Earth! Take it easy this Labor Day weekend and enjoy a Sunday afternoon out…you’ll still have Monday!
Join us at the new outdoor stage at Crystal Lake Brewing! 6-8 p.m.
Join us at the BMO Harris commuter lot near corner of Station St. and Grove Ave. for a night of music and community! Ironwood is playing one long set of glorious tunes under a summer sun!
Food truck and outdoor space if weather allows…indoors are cool in every way if we have another hot one!
If indoors, we’ll be in “THE BRANCH” back room!
Bring a picnic or order from Sunset Pavilion. A gorgeous Wednesday sunset on Lake Zurich! Our music will add to the finery!
Enjoy Summer Sounds at Harmony Park in downtown Arlington Heights and then stroll on over to Hey Nonny for some after hours music. Outdoors if the weather is agreeable.
Enjoy some outdoor beer garden time at “The Doodle” in downtown Barrington ~ right by the Metra NW train stop! Come chill and enjoy a great smash burger with the bestest fries…or the other yummies they serve. Looking forward to sunset chilling on a Sunday with ya’ll!
Enjoy outdoor music under a pavilion at this lovely farmer’s market. We’ll play the acoustic stage 5:00-6:30 followed by another musical act on the main stage at 7!
Ironwood’s DEBUT at Scorched Earth! See you there!
Bring a picnic or order yummy bites from Sunset Pavilion. A gorgeous Saturday sunset in June…so near the summer solstice! Our music will be icing on the cake!
JOIN
Join us outdoors on their new stage at Crystal Lake Brewing. Just a hop, skip and jump from the Metra NW train line!
Join us for small plates, drinks, summer chill time and Ironwood music at AROMA!
Ironwood is back at beautiful AROMA in Crystal Lake in May, May, the lusty month of May!
Music, food, drinks all in beautiful downtown Crystal Lake just a hop, skip and jump from the Metra NW train line!
Back at the fabulous “BRANCH” room at Phase Three for music & yummy beer (lots of variety). BYO foodie stuff and enjoy the vibe at Phase Three!
Qi Gong Foundational Movements
Friday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m.
with
Certified Qigong Practitioner Ginger Benning
Certified Qigong practitioner, Ginger Benning, will offer two opportunities on April 25 to learn about Qigong and practice foundational moves.
Two offerings to choose from:
11 AM - 12 PM
Or
6 PM - 7 PM.
Qigong is an ancient Chinese healing art involving meditation, controlled breathing, and movement exercises.
Dress for comfort!
Offering $15-$25 due at time of RSVP. Please email DonnaBrooksTherapist@gmail.com and send your offering to secure your place at either the 11 a.m. or 6 p.m. class.
Offering via cash/check to Donna Brooks
Zelle 224-623-1527 or Venmo Donna-Brooks-52
Join us for dinner, drinks and music lakeside!
Spring will be springing and we’ll be making some sweet sounds at MSO!
Spirit Circle Drumming
Spring Equinox Energy
Friday, March 28, 2025
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Nurture your spirit with rhythm and meditation in our Spirit Circle Drumming
This Crystal Street Space Event will take place at “the cabin” in Schaumburg ~ directions/details will be sent when you RSVP with your offering.
Based on a blend of traditions, Spirit Circle Drumming draws on our most ancient roots to raise group energy in a playful and joyful way. No experience is necessary! This is a safe place to connect with your deepest wisdom, honor your inner guidance and create more love and light for yourself and the universe. You are welcome to bring your own drums, rattles, or rhythm instruments. A limited number of shared instruments will be available.
Donna Brooks, LCSW & Crystal Street Space welcome Karen Tlusty-Rissman, a musician, astrologer, artist and ceremonialist. She weaves the common threads from many Earth-centered traditions as well as astrology, aromatherapy and energy work to provide participants with a direct connection to their inner Source.
Suggested donation: $ 20 - $ 30
RSVP and payment due by Thursday, March 13
Venmo: Donna-Brooks-52 Zelle:224-623-1527
Tea, water and light snacks will be available after circle.
Enjoy a hike and picnic dinner prior to the circle!
Turn, turn, turn into spring on the Vernal Equinox with Ironwood at Lindy’s Landing!
Enjoy dinner, drink and some tunes from 6-9!
