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or click here for the Korean translation of this information. Five Oaks was built by volunteers whose vision was to create a Centre that offered a simple lifestyle. This was meant to remind participants that many people in our world live with much less. Our founders also believed that work is as sacred an activity as worship. As you read this, you will note that these traditions continue. a. There are private washrooms in each wing of the main building upstairs and downstairs, and one shared washroom downstairs. Out of consideration for others, please monitor your time in the washroom since people may be waiting. We are in the country on a cistern system and treat water as a scarce and precious commodity. b. Guests are asked to make their beds when they arrive and to strip them when they leave. (The mattress covers and quilts stay on the beds.) Please put the sheets and towels in the designated locations at juncture of Wings B and C, and across from the Grand River Book Store in Wing A. c. It is a great help if at the end of your meals, you bring your dishes to the counter at the front of the dining room – and, if you leave your rooms and meeting spaces in the same state they were in when you arrived. d. To help Five Oaks conserve energy, please close windows and turn off lights and fans when you are not in your bedroom, meeting room, or a washroom. We ask that the last person in a public space in the evening turn out the lights. e. Worship is offered in the chapel 15 minutes before each meal, at 7:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. Anyone may attend. You will find meditation sites on the property as well. f. Meals are served at 8:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Coffee, tea, juice, fruit, and cookies are available at all times. g. The Grand River Bookstore in Wing A of the main building is open every weekday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. h. There is a guest phone in the front hall of the main building: see instructions there for long distance calls. Phone messages can be received during office hours and are picked up occasionally off hours at 519-442-3212. For any life-threatening emergencies, call 911. The phone outside the lower level of the Chalet is available for emergencies. Please use a cell phone for needs beyond what we can accommodate. i. Internet access connections are available to you at 4 locations in the main building. j. A staff person is on site or on call after hours. Check the white board in the hallway outside the main office to find out how to reach them. Don Robinson, our chaplain, can be available for pastoral care. k. All buildings at Five Oaks are non-smoking sites. Butt buckets are supplied outside most entrances. l. Five Oaks has a strict Alcohol Policy. If you wish to use alcohol as part of your event, speak to the Operations Manager, Karen Brooks. m. For their safety, please ensure that children are supervised at all times. We provide bags for diaper disposal- please ask at main office. Do NOT leave dirty diapers in bathrooms or bedrooms. n. We unfortunately are unable to accommodate guests’ pets, so please leave your pets at home. o. Five Oaks strives to provide a safe environment for all, so have both peanut-free and scent-free policies. Please do not bring nut products to Five Oaks Centre, and avoid the use of toiletries that create any kind of odour. p. Please dispose of needles in Sharps container provided - ask host for further direction. q. To ensure safety, shoes must be worn at all times in the public rooms and hallways. Please bring appropriate footwear for indoor and outdoor use. r. Check the sign on the back of your bedroom door to learn of your nearest fire exit. Locate the nearest fire extinguisher. If the fire alarm goes off, leave your room immediately, close the door, leave the building and meet at the lamp post across the parking lot (for further information please read the IN CASE OF FIRE (red) sheet in the Guest Information binder in your bedroom.) s. Guests may burn candles with the permission of our onsite host or program leader. We ask you to use beeswax candles only which can be purchased in the Grand River Book Store. We can normally provide you with candle holders and snuffers and appreciate you arranging for these before your visit. |