Summer Hors d’oeuvres and Her Story with Sam Beck of Dandelion Discoveries

Tuesday, June 24, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Shalom Spirituality Center

After decades of hosting Seasonal Breakfasts at Shalom, marking the Solstice and Equinox dates with a shared morning meal and an engaging speaker, we have now transitioned into greeting each season with hors d’oeuvres in the afternoon! Instead of squeezing in the time before work or other morning obligations, join us later in the day for heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a featured speaker.

“Her Story” for the Summer will feature Samantha (Sam) Beck, the founder of Dandelion Discoveries Nature School. Sam will be sharing about what inspired her to start this wonderful endeavor! Dandelion Discoveries offers various programs for kids (ages 3 -10), including Summer Nature Play Camps and Nature Play Experiences. These programs nurture the growth of the whole child (mind, body, and soul) through play-based learning in nature, so they may grow into innovative life-long learners and kindhearted stewards of the earth. Starting in Summer 2025, Dandelion Discoveries will offer these programs based out of Shalom Spirituality Center. Click here to learn more and register your child to participate in Dandelion Discoveries.

Sam Beck is a Clarke University graduate who has worked as a naturalist with the Iowa DNR at the Mines of Spain and Maquoketa Caves. She is a licensed K-12 Iowa teacher, a Certified Forest School Teacher and Director, and is CPR and First Aid Certified. She and her husband, Alex, love spending time outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and camping with family, and Nash, their spoiled dog. Sam is also passionate about art and loves to work in her ceramic studio.

$15 per person; please register online at shalomretreats.org or by calling 563.582.3592 by noon on Tuesday, June 17.

Since Shalom does not employ a dietician, and to best serve your dietary needs, please inform us of any diagnosed food allergies, including wheat and dairy (NOT food preferences), seven days in advance. If you have specific dietary needs, please contact Margie Gassman at 563-582-3592.

To accommodate vegetarian diets, fruits and vegetables are served with every meal. Food desired beyond a typical omnivore diet is the guest’s responsibility (including but not limited to gluten-free, pescatarian, vegan, or low-glycemic). Requests for diet preferences or changes made to the kitchen staff at the time of serving will not be honored unless arrangements have been made ahead of time.