coop
June 2004
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S w e e t Ta s t e of S u m m e r
Co-op’s Common Ground
Summit Report (through stewardship practices and wise management of acequias) and the establishment of wildlife corridors that allow safe passage for wildlife. A number of common issues and ideas surfaced that suggest future gatherings at which we identify and refine priorities for action to advance our shared common ground values.
Antonio & Molly Manzanares of Shepards Lamb by Robyn Seydel early two dozen farmers, ranchers, environmentalists and numerous interested community members came together for the Common Ground Summit at La Montanita Coop’s 15th Annual Celebrate the Earth Festival in mid-April. If the focused concentration of the participants amid tumultuous festival atmosphere and the high-spirited buzz afterward is any indication, this landmark event was a tremendous success.
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Members of the group began the important task of forming and rebuilding relationships strained due to conflicts over
1. Water: The New Mexico Acequia Association, representing traditional community-based acequia irrigation systems, has broad ecological and social benefits to bioregions through local communities. Their continued leadership in securing water rights to the land, maximizing watershed health, bringing back riparian species (including beaver), and protecting uplands is paramount to the Common Ground vision. The existence of many excellent organizations that address the importance of clean, free flowing, wild, non-commercial water and its careful use in New Mexico is testament to the clarity with which this important resource is viewed. Creating and sustaining relationships between these groups, farmers and ranchers is again paramount to the Common Ground vision.
understand more of the issues out on the landscape and builds camaraderie and the relationships necessary to achieve long-term success. This can be expanded to include wildlife corridors, watershed areas and wilderness. 5. A New Mexican Food Culture: Educating outside the existing circle to the mainstream public about such a long-term vision is paramount to building a movement for a New Mexican landscape with protected family farms that feed New Mexicans within a matrix of healthy watersheds and interconnected wildways. Borrowing a quote from Susan Morgan, Forest Guardians Rep at the Summit, "Show how we already do and can better co-exist with other critters in the landscape.” 6. Action and Funding: The proven leadership and innovative actions of the Common Ground participants will inform and stimulate environmental grantmakers to answer the calls of the biodiversity crisis by funding a new conservation ethic that promotes ecological recovery within agricultural lands and across the entire landscape. 7. Cooperative Building: As ground breaking as many are saying the Common Ground Summit was, it couldn’t have happened with-
2. Farm Bill Reform: The necessity for Farm Bill reforms that address the inequities and needs of New Mexico farmers and ranchers is urgent. The next Farm Bill (and there almost assuredly will be a
A number of common issues and ideas surfaced that suggest future gatherings at which we identify and refine priorities for action to advance our shared common ground values water, land use, wildlife and wilderness. Participants found powerful ties in their common love of the land and many expressed interest in continuing the dialogue using conservation-based agriculture as a methodology to integrate our need for food with nourishment of soul that wildlife and wilderness provide. Since we are in the midst of the busy farming season it was suggested that we piggy-back our next gatherings on to meetings that pertain to work already on our collective plates where we could support one another. Follow-up notes and letters have gone out to all participants and are included below. It was noted by many of the participants that there were people and organizations that would have been good to have as part of the group. To that end we have asked participants for their additions for future gatherings. The Executive Summary of the event was written by Dan Imhoff, author of “Farming with the Wild” and our facilitator. I have edited together the notes from Dan, JoAnn Baumgartner, Executive Director of Wild Farm Alliance and Jean–Marie Aguerre. In the spirit of cooperation we, at La Montanita, hope to support the continuance of this important work and are honored to be of service in finding common ground for the benefit of all. Executive Summary If there were any hard feelings or animosities looming among attendees at the Common Ground Summit, they were hard to detect. Participants spoke with sincerity, urgency and respect. Many ideas and challenges surfaced, and when viewed as a whole, they can be pieced together as a call to arms to forge a new future for New Mexico. Such a future would favor strings of organic farms (permanently protected against future development) in the Rio Grande Valley that provide most of the food needs for Albuquerque and beyond. This conservation ethic should extend throughout all of New Mexico's agricultural communities and layer in the critical need for watershed protection
next Farm Bill) will be negotiated in 2006 or 2007. It will take that long to organize a working coalition in New Mexico that is well tied in with national organizations working on this issue. Scotty Johnson at Defenders of Wildlife in Tucson (520) 6239653 (x103) is working to bring together regional and national coalitions to ensure that farming with the wild concepts are well represented. Lets make sure New Mexico has a strong voice. Molly Manzanares mentioned her work in this area. How can we support this effort?
a landmark
gathering
3. Wilderness, Watersheds and Wildlife Corridors: Interest was expressed in linking agricultural land trust work with present proposals to establish or expand critical wildlife corridors. The potential for synergy between the New Mexico wilderness, water and agricultural groups and farmland protection initiatives would greatly deepen the ecological integrity of such a vision. 4. Wildlands, Rio, Bosque and Farm Tours: As we have much we can teach and learn from one another we could have our gatherings out on the land as part of a wildlands, farm, ranch or river valley tour, followed by a potluck and organized conversation. Several NM groups already find benefit in using this method of keeping meetings interesting. This also helps people to
Courtney White of Quiriva Coalition out previous successful work on a common ground vision of many of the people and groups that participated. It is this work that the summit built upon and that has readied us for the next steps that involve some of the most challenging issues the globe itself will face in decades to come. As Deb Hibbard of Rio Grande Restoration said “we need to find the “and” instead of the “or.” Building and re-building relationships, seeing each other as allies, and creating and utilizing paradigm shifting solutions is the work the Common Ground Summit has begun and with your continued cooperation it is the work we will continue.
JUNE: MEMBER APPRECIATION
DISCOUNT SHOPPING & MEMBER SURVEY MONTH Members watch your home mailbox for your member survey. Complete your survey AND BRING IT IN TO EITHER COOP LOCATION ANY DAY BEFORE JUNE 30 for a one time SHOPPING TRIP at a 10% DISCOUNT. Your COOP membership must be current.
environment special A Community - Owned Natural Foods Grocery Store La Montanita Cooperative Nob Hill 3500 Central S.E. Albuq., NM 87106 265-4631
bioremediation helping nature heal herself
Valley 2400 Rio Grande Blvd. Albuq., NM 87104 242.8800
by Mary Lou Singleton ioremediation means using biological organisms to fix ecological problems. Through bioremediation we can work with the creatures with whom we share the planet to clean and revitalize polluted soil, air and water. Athough the word bioremediation is often specifically applied to the use of bacteria and protista to decompose and transform pollutants, the field also encompasses healing the Earth with plants (phytoremediation) and fungi (mycoremediation).
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Administrative Staff: General Manager: C.E. Pugh 265-4631 ce@lamontanitacoop.com Store Team Leaders: Michelle Franklin/Nob Hill 265-4631 John Mulle/Valley 242-8800 Accounting/Toni Fragua 217-0108 Computers/Info Technology/ Ahmed Elmaghlawi 232-8202 Human Resources/Sharrett Rose 217-0105 Marketing/Edite Cates 217-0106 Membership/Robyn Seydel 217-0107 Co-op fax line: 217-0104 or 265-6470 Co-op Board of Directors: President: Pat Janney Vice President: Marshall Kovitz Treasurer: Ken O’Brien Secretary: Julie Hicks Lon Calanca Eric Chrisp John Kwait Trout Rogers Martha Whitman Store hours at both locations: Mon. thru Sat.: 7a.m. to 10p.m. Sunday: 8a.m. to 10p.m. Membership Costs: $12 for 1 year $200 Lifetime Membership Co-op Connection Staff: Managing Editor: Robyn Seydel memb@lamontanitacoop.com Layout and Design: foxyrock inc Advertising: Robyn Seydel Printing: Vanguard Press Membership information is available at the Co-op, 3500 Central S.E. (Nob Hill location), or 2400 Rio grande Blvd. N.W. (Valley location) Membership response to the newsletter is appreciated. Address typed, double-spaced copy to the Managing Editor, memb@lamontanitacoop.com email: bod@lamontanitacoop.com website: www.lamontanitacoop.org Copyright © 2004 La Montanita Co-op Supermarket Reprints by prior permission. The Co-op Connection is printed on 65% post consumer recycled paper. It is recyclable.
The Co-op Connection is published by La Montanita Co-op Supermarket to provide information on La Montanita Co-op Supermarket, the cooperative movement, food, nutrition, and community issues. Opinions expressed herein are of the authors and are not necessarily those of the newletter or the Co-op.
CO-OP YOU OWN IT
the legal limit. I decided to install an outdoor mushroom bed in a gulch leading to the beach. The following year, after the mushroom beds were colonized with mycelium, the coliform count had decreased to nearly undetectable levels. This led to the term I have coined “mycofiltration,” the use of fungal mats as biological filters, which has become my passion and my vocation." Paul Stamets has also successfully cleaned soil polluted by diesel spills using oyster mushrooms. The mycelium (the underground
Although so much of our culture's health philosophy centers around trying to eradicate bacteria, they remain our best allies in healing the Earth and our bodies. Surrounded by antibacterial soaps, hand creams and sprays, and offered antibiotics (literally translated as "against life") every time we have a sore throat, it can be difficult to remember that the bacteria are our bodies' and the planets' primary healthcare providers, cleaning the soil and water so larger life forms can thrive. The following story illustrates the power of our one-celled friends to solve enormous environmental problems. Bacterial Balance In 1975, Hanahan, South Carolina suffered a massive ecological blow when 80,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked from a military fuel storage facility right outside the town. The fuel soaked through the sandy soil and soon reached the underground water table. By 1985, the drinking water of the town was contaminated with toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene, and more pollutants were continually leaching out of the soil around the spill into the groundwater. Scientists analyzing the problem discovered that bacteria living in the soil where the fuel had leaked were actively consuming the toxins from the spill and transforming them into carbon dioxide. They speculated that by adding nutrients to the spill area they could stimulate the metabolism of the bacteria and accelerate the breakdown of the toxic waste. In 1992, government researchers created ways to infiltrate nutients into the contaminated soils and started feeding the bacteria in the soil. Within a year, contamination in the groundwater had dropped by 75%. Near the infiltration zones the success was even greater. Ground water that a year ago had contained more than 5000 parts per billion toluene now contained no detectable traces of the chemical.
Although so much of our culture's health philosophy centers around trying to eradicate bacteria, they remain our best allies in healing the Earth and our bodies. Generally, we should avoid the rampant bacteria-bashing that so pervades our society. Sometimes, however, pollution consists of the overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria. When species get out of ecological balance, such as the case of thousands of cows grazing (and leaving manure) near rivers and streams, friendly bacteria can lose their niche, resulting in the overgrowth of unhealthy forms of bacteria. Fecal coliform bacteria contamination, stemming from too many big mammals in too small an area, repeatedly plagues most human-populated areas of the world. The overgrowth of fecal coliform bacteria poses a serious health threat to people and to the ecosystems in which they reside. When good bacteria lose their competitive edge, they can't effectively clean toxins from soil and water, making conditions ripe for other invasive organisms to over-populate the area, pushing out the native species of what was once a healthy ecology. Friendly fungus, or mycoremediation, offers a solution to the problem of too much of the wrong kind of bacteria. Fungus Among Us The antibacterial properties of fungi are well known. Long before the discovery of penicillin, fungi have helped maintain the microbial health of the world. Most of the bacteria that are harmful to animal life are also harmful to fungi. To protect themselves from these bacteria, the fungi create chemicals and metabolic processes that repel, inhibit and kill bacterial overgrowth. We can elicit the help of fungi to clean unhealthy bacteria from our soil and water through the process of mycoremediation. Mycoremediation pioneer, Paul Stamets, states: "When I moved to my waterfront farm on Skookum Inlet, Washington state, I inherited six Angus cows. An inspection showed that the outflow of water from my property was jeopardizing the quality of my neighbor’s commercial shellfish beach, with the bacteria count close to
fibers that make up the bulk of the fungus) breaks down the fuel into harmless hydrogen and carbon and the fruiting body of the mushroom is completely safe to eat. You may be thinking, "This is all very interesting, but how does it apply to my life? I thankfully don't live over a super-fund site and I don't keep cows." Improving the health of your own little plot of land is one necessary step toward cleaning up the planetary ecological problems we all face. Backyard bioremediation can clean your household greywater, pull heavy metals out of your soil and break down the chlorine, perfumes, dyes and other chemicals that invariably make their way into our personal environments. The bacteria, plants and fungi needed for small scale bioremediation are readily available for minimal cost. Because of their ubiquitous nature, bacteria, fungus and soil critters are the easiest bioremediators to nurture and add to your yard and garden. A vibrant compost pile teems with bacteria breaking down food and yard waste into beautiful, dark humus. Feeding, turning and watering your compost pile all add to the microbial health of your soil. If your compost pile seems "dead," borrow a bucket full of healthy compost from a friend and mix it into your pile. With a good mix of green and dry organic matter, a little water and some time, the bacteria from your friend's pile should take up residence and multiply. If you enjoy camping, bring home small bags of humusy soil from the forest floor and add these wild soil bacteria to your compost pile as well. Consider improving the vitality of your garden by periodically moving the compost pile from one site to another. One of the best continued on page 3
cover photos by Edite Cates
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june 2004
environment special New Mexico Volunteers for
happy trails The New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors (NMVFO) is an all volunteer organization that has been organizing groups of individuals to participate in projects that improve New Mexico's back-country hiking, bicycling and horse trails along with other outdoor public recreation areas since 1982. The projects vary widely in complexity and exertion. Each is classified in one of three levels – moderate, intermediate or strenuous (indicated by pulaski ratings) – to help volunteers understand what to expect and to help match their capabilities with the tasks. All projects involve outdoor physical activity in a variety of weather conditions, and all have activities that can be tailored to meet individual tastes. All are welcome to volunteer but for safety reasons please don't bring pets on projects. A parent or guardian must accompany children under 18. If you have any questions, please call the project leader or the office at 884-1991 or 1-888-836-5553 for more information. Project details are subject to change at the last minute, so call the project leader or the office a few days before the scheduled start to get the latest information. Late breaking information is also posted on their website,www.nmvfo.org on the HOT NEWS! page. Volunteers should bring work gloves, sturdy boots or shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, rain gear, hat, sunscreen, snacks and water. If you are camping, bring camping equipment (e.g., tent, sleeping bag, flashlight or lantern, etc.), warm clothing, plates, cup, eating utensils and food (except for provided meals). On overnighters NMVFO provides some meals (again check with office or project leader). The VFO or hosting agency will usually provide all tools unless otherwise noted. For more information go to www.nmvfo.org or call them at 884-1991 or 1-888-836-5553 National Trails Day Saturday, June 5, 2004 • Kid-friendly project! NMVFO Board of Directors Bill Velasquez bvelasquez@gardnerzemke.com, 505-881-0555 A national day to celebrate trails and the people who work on them! There will be several projects in the Sandia foothills. Agua Piedra Barrier Free Trail Saturday, June 12-June 13, 2004 Shirley Kennedy, shirlken350@yahoo.com, 505-471-8018 Join them in the high mountains near the Sipapu ski resort to repair and paint a bridge, install fire rings, and do minor trail maintenance on a trail the NMVFO built several years ago.
Rio Capulin Trail Backpack Project Friday, June 18-June 25, 2004 Ray Peale trpeale@msn.com, 505-473-9670 Backpack approximately 5 - 6 miles up the Rio Capulin Trail on the western slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to correct several problems with a potentially dangerous trail. City of Albuquerque Open Space Saturday, June 19, 1998 Carol Kepler, candgkepler@comcast.net, 505-296-0402 Spend the day in the Elena Gallegos Open Space Area doing follow-up work on some of the projects that were begun on National Trails Day.
Cleaning Greywater Backyard bioremediators can also use friendly bacteria to remove pollutants from household greywater, rendering it safe for watering food crops. Greywater from bathing, hand-washing and laundry may contain unfriendly bacterial growth as well as chemical pollutants from soaps, perfumes, synthetic clothing and other sources. The best way to get rid of contaminents in our greywater is not to put them in there in the first place. Make sure you use only biocompatible soaps (Bio-Pac and Oasis work well for our alkaline desert environment) and avoid synthetic dyes, perfumes and chemicals in your daily activities. Even the most eco-friendly lifestyles, however, exist in the context of a polluted world, and most household greywater could use some cleaning before using it to grow food and medicine.
Volunteer for the Outdoors, help improve our trails.
all are welcome
muck into a tank or old barrel filled with lava rock. Porous lava rock provides a better home for the pond scum bacteria than smooth gravel because the bacteria make homes in the nooks and crannies. Sand can also work well. Channeling the greywater through such a gravel-filled filtration tank innoculated with the helpful
out of a healthy, well-designed greywater wetlands should be clean enough to drink. The best phytoremediation wetland plants include water hyacinth, duckweed, cattails, horsetails, sedges and bull rushes. These plants are available at any water garden nursery, but can also be harvested locally. Look in drainage ditches, irrigation ditches, and stock ponds or other boggy, marshy sites. Plants that have already naturalized to outdoor living are more likely to thrive in a constructed wetlands environment. Wetland plants primarily clean greywater by providing oxygenation, which fosters healthy bacterial
bioremediation bacteria of the muck will break down particulate matter and improve the microbial balance of the water.
If you are watering inedible plants, fruit trees or food that grows well above the root and ground level, you can run your greywater directly into well-mulched soil and the bacteria and fungi should happily transform any pollutants into plant food. To grow leafy greens and root crops with greywater, you should first run the greywater through a bio-filtration process to remove coliform bacteria and other contamination.
Mesh bags full of straw and inoculated with mushroom mycelium can also be placed in a filtration tank to clean greywater. Mushroom spores are somewhat harder to obtain and cost more than local pond scum, making this option less user-friendly than bacterial filtration. For those with an affinity for growing mushrooms and sources for ordering spores, however, mycelial mats are a superior way to clean grey water. Mycelial mats also provide an invaluble tool for cleaning water polluted with petrochemicals. If you are using parking lot or street runoff to irrigate plants, first diverting the water through mycellium-inoculated mats and beds will catch the pollutants, neutralize them into harmless metabolites, and grow edible fruiting mushrooms at the same time.
The black, mucky soils of wetlands, from river shallows or healthy ponds, host innumerable bacterial helpers which can be transported to your home to clean your greywater. Take a small bucket down to the shallow edge of your favorite wetland or river and scoop up a few quarts of the goo. Pour the
Running greywater through a constructed wetlands using water plants in addition to bacteria to clean the effluent is the best way to feel completely secure about using greywater to irrigate food crops. The water flowing
june 2004
Fenton Lake State Park Project Saturday, June 26-June 27, 2004 Jean Shaw, JeanShaw28@aol.com, 505-243-4925 Join them for a weekend in the Jemez Mountains as we return to Fenton Lake State Park. You’ll be doing trail maintenance on an existing one mile cross-country ski trail near this picturesque high mountain lake.
projects vary widely
Wetland plants primarily clean greywater by providing oxygenation, which fosters healthy bacterial growth and suppresses the growth of harmful microbes. ways to prepare a spot for next year's garden is to place upon it this year's compost pile. The soil under a healthy compost pile is always rich and full of life and nutrients. Compost piles attract other soil organisms, with earthworms and other soil builders and aerators taking up residence under the pile. The compost pile will also attract friendly fungi, forming the myco-rhizobial (fungal-bacterial) symbiotic network so necessary for healthy plant growth. Together, the fungi and bacteria will clean and tranform petroleum and chemical residues that makes their way into the soil through plastic, car exhaust, and run-off from asphalt-shingled roofs.
Wild and Scenic Rivers Project Saturday, June 19-June 20, 2004 Sally Porter, sport60@msn.com, 505-298-5197 The NMVFO has been maintaining trails at this magnificent spot in northern New Mexico every year (but one) since the group began in 1982. Help spruce up the spectacular trails leading into the Rio Grand Gorge.
growth and suppresses the growth of harmful microbes. Water plants also pull chemical contaminants out of the water and into their bodies. What they are unable to metabolize stays in their tissues, so plants used in bioremediation should not be eaten as they may contain heavy metals and other pollutants. Countless other bioremediation methods and techniques are available for use on a backyard scale. If you are interested in bioremediation consultation for your home and garden, you can contact Mary Lou Singleton at 505-344-1939. If you would like to further research the topic, the following resources are a good start. GAIA'S GARDEN: A GUIDE TO HOMESCALE PERMACULTURE by Toby Hemenway FROM ECO-CITIES TO LIVING MACHINES by John and Nancy Jack Todd
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consumer news
Assaults on Organic Standards by Ronnie Cummins, Organic Consumers Association ver the past few weeks America's organic standards have again come under heavy attack. Under the Bush Administration, first the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) announced on April 14 that they would no longer monitor or police "organic" labels on non-agricultural products, literally opening the door for unscrupulous companies to put bogus organic labels on products such as fish, body care products, pet foods, fertilizer and clothing.
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Corporate agribusiness and the biotech lobby have apparently decided that strict organic farming practices and the booming organic market constitute a threat to their bottom line, and have called on their friends in the Bush administration USDA to degrade organic standards and prepare for a restructuring of organic production so as to facilitate the use of industrial agriculture practices such as pesticides, antibiotics, non-organic feed, growth hormones and even genetically engineered animal drugs.
organic?
In the case of seafood and body care products, the marketplace is already starting to become flooded with products bearing the organic label, even though the production methods (industrial fish farms) or content ("organic" shampoos with organic claims based upon added water) in many of these products violate traditional organic principles. Besides giving the green light to bogus organic labels the new USDA
"scope policy" penalizes genuine organic companies that have begun sourcing, certifying and labeling their products as organic.
USDA's NOP announced on April 28 controversial new directives/guidance statements on national organic standards including: "Organic" Crops Raised with Pesticides?
The USDA has now stated that as long as the farmer and the organic certifier don't know the specific ingredients of the pesticides applied to the "organic" plants, the crops can be sold as "organic." To make matters worse, it is not required by law for pesticide companies to list the ingredients on their products (it's considered proprietary information), so the farmers rarely know what the specific ingredients are. "Organic" Dairy Cows Injected with Antibiotics and Synthetic Hormones?
The USDA has announced that individual cows can be treated with any kind of drug at any time, including synthetic growth hormones, but milk can only be sold from that cow 12 months after that treatment. The problem with this directive is that it opens the door for split operation factory style dairy farms, where organic and non-organic dairy operations are carried out simultaneously, and hundreds if not thousands of "organic" dairy
cows are kept in intensive confinement. Not only are industrial sized dairy farms bad for the environment, but they inevitably give rise to sick cows who have to be treated with drugs. Of course many of these drugs build up in the body fat and are released in the milk and meat from these animals.. If this new directive is allowed to stand, organic milk could potentially contain residues of drugs and hormones. Mercury and PCBs Allowed in "Organic" Beef?
The USDA also stated on April 28 that non-organic fishmeal can be fed to cattle and the beef can still be sold as "organic". Fishmeal is used as a protein supplement on conventional cattle ranches, but it frequently contains mercury, PCBs and other synthetic chemicals. Mercury and PCBs are "bioaccumulators" meaning they are concentrated and stored in the "meat" of the animal. It is of the utmost importance to stop the degradation of organic standards by the USDA and head off the takeover of the organic market by corporate agribusiness and biotech interests. The Organic Consumers Association was formed in response to the USDA’s first proposed national organic standards that severely threatened all organic standards. At that time over 300,000 consumers joined together to safeguard organic standards in the largest response to a federal action since the Vietnam War. Now the OCA is once again launching a national campaign called SOS--Safeguard Organic Standards to make sure that strict organic standards are maintained and that organic monitoring, certification and policing extends to the full range of consumer products, including body care, clothing, pet food, fertilizer and other items. To find out more, get involved and donate funds to support the campaign contact them at www.organicconsumers.org or TAKE ACTION and sign the petition to Anne Veneman at: http://www.organi ccon sumers.org/sos.cfm.
Action Alert: Love to EAT FISH? Tell EPA to enact a strong mercury rule that reduces mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants and protects the health of our nation's children!! In our March 2004 edition of the Coop Connection we asked people to contact the EPA about their proposed rule on mercury contamination. Thanks to those of you who did and the hard work by Physicians for Social Responsibility including comments from 500,000 public health and environmental advocates, the EPA has extended the public comment period for an additional 60 days before they review all of the comments and come to a decision about the rule. If you have not already taken action to reduce mercury emissions, NOW IS THE TIME. Organizations dedicated to public health and the environment are committed to engaging 1 MILLION activists to speak out on this issue. Join the million! Let your voice be heard! In late January, Bush’s EPA proposed a weaker, polluter-friendly mercury rule that will result in more mercury in the environment, in the food chain and in our bodies for years longer. Let the EPA know that a weaker standard for acceptable levels of mercury in the environment may help polluting corporation but are not good for public health. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can result in impaired brain development in fetuses and young children. Affected children may suffer deficits in fine motor skills, learning capacity and memory. According to the National Academy of Sciences, more than 60,000 children born each year may suffer from learning disabilities due to mercury exposure before birth. Pregnant woman have already been told they should not eat tuna, swordfish and other large sport fish more than twice a month. We also know mercury levels in farmed salmon are also considered “high.”
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Mercury released into the air falls into lakes and rivers and eventually enters our food supply through contaminated fish. It has so far contaminated 10.2 million acres of lakes, estuaries, and wetlands and 415,000 miles of stream, rivers, and coastline. 45 states have issued specific fish advisories due to mercury contamination, and 19 states have issued statewide fish advisories for mercury in freshwater lakes or rivers. Instead of requiring all power plants to install Maximum Achievable Control Technologies (MACT) — the most health-protective standards available — to reduce mercury air emissions, the agency has indicated that it supports a cap-andtrade system strikingly similar to the Bush Administration's 'Clear Skies' pollution legislation that has stalled in Congress. Currently, coal-fired power plants emit approximately 48 tons of hazardous mercury every year. Using state-of-the-art pollution control technology, some utilities are already cost-effectively reducing mercury emissions by as much as 91 percent over uncontrolled levels. The medical and municipal waste industries have already demonstrated the feasibility and success of strong regulations by cost-effectively reducing mercury emissions from waste incinerators by 90 percent. Visit www.MercuryActionNow.org to learn more in-depth information on the health effects and sources of mercury, as well as the latest developments on EPA's rulemaking.
Send your comments to Environmental Protection Agency, Docket OAR-2002-0056 Mercury Comments, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave N.W., Washington D.C. 20460. To submit a comment electronically, go to http://www.mercuryaction. org/getactive.html.
june 2004
consumer news
Chemical Trespass: Corporate Culpability report released in mid-May shows that government and industry have failed to safeguard public health from pesticide exposures. While for many of us this information is nothing new, the “body burden “ levels based on data collected by the U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control (CDC), though assessed by the government as “acceptable,” are nothing short of staggering.
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EPA considers “acceptable” for a long-term or acute exposure. Chlorpyrifos, produced principally by Dow Chemical Corporation and found in numerous products such as Dursban™, is designed to kill insects by disrupting the nervous system. In humans, chlorpyrifos is also a nerve poison, and has been shown to disrupt hormones and interfere with normal development of the nervous system in laboratory animals.
The report Chemical Trespass: Pesticides in Our Bodies and Corporate Accountability, released by Pesticide Action Network North America (PAN), Sierra Club of Canada and Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides(CAP), makes public for the first time an analysis of pesticide-related data collected by CDC in 9,282 people nationwide. It also articulates corporate culpability and offers a new tool with which to assess corporate responsibility.
The report also found that women have significantly higher levels of three of the six organochlorine (OC) pesticides evaluated. This class of pesticides is known to have multiple harmful effects when they cross the placenta during pregnancy, including reduced infant birth weight and disruption of brain development, which can lead to learning disabilities and other neurobehavioral problems.
The CDC found pesticides in 100% of the people who had both blood and urine tested. The average person in this group carried a toxic cocktail of 13 of the 23 pesticides analyzed. Many of the pesticides found in the test subjects have been linked to serious short- and long-term health effects including infertility, birth defects and childhood and adult cancers. Chemical Trespass found that children, women and Mexican Americans shouldered the heaviest “pesticide body burden.” For example, the CDC data show that the average 6 to 11 year-old sampled is exposed to the organophosphorous (OP) pesticide chlorpyrifos at four times the level U.S.
detected in a population. Quantitative measures of corporate responsibility such as the PTI have great potential for assessing remediation penalties and motivating enactment of policies that prevent pesticide body burdens. Using the PTI, Chemical Trespass estimates that Dow Chemical Corporation is responsible for at least 80% of the U.S. “body burden” for the pesticide chlorpyrifos. Chemical Trespass also documents pesticide exposures above levels that are considered “acceptable” by government officials. Yet even these levels are less than protective, for the following reasons, among others: • “Acceptable” levels are determined in toxicity tests that consider only single chemicals. In the real world, people are exposed to many chemicals simultaneously. • Many risk assessments do not take into account special periods of vulnerability such as childhood or pregnancy, where a single, very low dose of a chemical during a particular period can cause permanent damage to the fetus or developing child. • For most pesticides, health risks have either never been assessed, or safety standards were set many years ago when detection limits were higher and evaluation standards less rigorous. To download or read the full report go to http://www.panna.org/campaigns/docsTrespass/chemicalTrespass2004.dv.html.
“Acceptable” Levels NOT Acceptable Chemical Trespass makes the case that pesticide manufacturers are primarily responsible for pesticide body burdens. • Pesticide manufacturers use their political influence to promote and protect their interests by limiting health and safety regulations. • Pesticide manufacturers are uniquely positioned to prevent pesticide body burdens, and the general public expects manufacturers to be responsible for the impacts of their products. • Chemical Trespass introduces the Pesticide Trespass Index (PTI) that can be used to quantify the level of responsibility of an individual manufacturer for the body burdens of agricultural chemcals
FREE WORKSHOPS! SATURDAYS AT NOON
pesticide free Birth Weights Higher: Improved with Pesticide Ban A recent study in New York City reports a significant increase in infant birth weights after two commonly used insecticides were banned for home use. Chlorpyrifos, DurstanTM a pesticide manufactured by Dow Chemical, and diazinon, which is produced by Syngenta, were widely used against cockroaches and other household pests until most of these uses were banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) in 2001 and 2002. The current study, published in the April issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, looked at 314 mother-infant pairs and is part of an ongoing project by Columbia University evaluating the effects of indoor air pollutants on minority mothers and their newborns in New York City. Study authors had reported earlier that pesticide residues were detected in virtually all low-income pregnant mothers studied, noting a strong correlation between dilapidated housing and pesticide exposures. In a previous study, the project also reported associations between levels of chlorpyrifos in umbilical cord plasma and low birth weight. This study, which compares infants born before and after the insecticides were banned for household use, demonstrates that, on average, babies born before the ban weighed 6.6 ounces less than infants born after the ban – a difference comparable to the effects of smoking on infant birth weight.
june 2004
June 5 Drip Irrigation MARK WILLIAMSON June 12 How to Prune Roses JOSHUA JOHNSON June 19 Mosaic Garden Pavers* RICHARD PERCE June 26 Cob Oven Workshop* CRAIG MODISHER *kid friendly, hands on Mon-Sat 8am-5:30pm Sun 10am-5pm 6680 4th St. NW 344-8830 www.plantsofthesouthwest.com
Robin M. Whyatt of Colombia Mailman School of Public Health, principal author of the study remarked, "We were surprised to see such a significant association between exposure to the pesticides and birth weight. There is no question that this is an instance where regulation worked, the EPA imposed a ban, and there was an immediate benefit." All retail sales and indoor use of chlorpyrifos and diazinon ended in December 2001 and December 2002 respectively. U.S. EPA has estimated prior to the ban that approximately 75% of U.S. diazinon and 50% of U.S. chlorpyrifos was used for residential pest control. The ban did not affect use of the insecticides on food crops, however. An estimated 10 million pounds of chlorpyrifos continue to be used in agricultural settings, putting farmworkers, their families and surrounding communities at the greatest risk of continued exposure. Consumers are also at risk of exposure from residues in food and water. These study findings point to an immediate, positive health effect for infants when use of chlorpyrifos and diazinon are curtailed. They also present proof that pesticide exposures that U.S. EPA once determined to present "acceptable risks" are, in fact, linked with unacceptable damage. More Info Contact: Pesticide Action Network North America, (PANNA) at www.panna.org.
5
co-op news LOCAL SALE ITEMS SHOP LOCAL & SAVE
TAMALE MOLLY Santa Fe, New Mexico, All flavors of frozen tamales on sale! 3 Pack, $3.99 each
HERBS ETC. Santa Fe, New Mexico. Women’s health products on sale. Cramp ReLeaf and PMS ReLeaf. 1 oz. $7.99 each. SAVE $2!
COYOTE COCINA Salsas from Santa Fe, New Mexico. All six flavors are on sale: 15 oz. $3.99 each. SAVE $1!
SANTA FE SEASON’S Santa Fe, New Mexico. Green Chile & Red Chile Jellies, 10 oz. $2.99 each
BUY LOCAL KEEP YOUR $$ AT HOME SPECIALS GOOD DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE
june 2004 6
Local Product Spotlight PB&J with Pizzazz It’s summer and one of my all time favorite out on the trail lunches remains peanut butter and jelly on whole grain bread. There is just something about it. It packs easy and satisfies greatly with a hit of nut protein, fruit sweetness and whole grain punch. I slice a banana, peach or apple (for added crunch) onto it right on the trail. We have great local bakeries providing some of the best whole grain breads ever and for special pizzazz choose from a variety of locally produced chile jellies and jams. Fresh Ground My favorite nut butters are the fresh-ground the Coop Bulk department offers at both locations . Try almond or peanut both with grind-them-yourself freshness; no added sugar, salt, hydrogenated oils or stabilizers. Just the fresh taste of real nuts to enjoy. Or look in the Grocery department for a wider variety of nut butters, including sesame, sunflower, cashew, hazelnut and more. Some are certified organic; all are delicious! Local Bakeries There is nothing like fresh baked bread. Since it’s too hot to turn on the oven, come to the Co-op for the best selection. Get great locally baked breads from a wide variety of bakeries up and down the Rio Grande Valley including: TLC, Sage Bakehouse, Mainstreet Bakery, Cloud Cliff Bakery, Great Harvest, Le Chantilly, Fano and Union. Choose from multi-grain, amaranth, millet, potato-sesame, seeded rye, sourdough, purple walnut, pumpernickel, whole wheat, oat and more. Or choose Cloud Cliff’s Nativo Breads, made from wheat grown organically by the Northern New Mexico Wheat Growers Project. We also have gluten, wheat and yeast-free, low salt and low fat breads! Hot or Sweet, Co-op’s Got it! It does my heart good to see all the local product signs in the jam and jelly section. Whether you love sweet or hot or both, choose from a wide variety of delicious locally made jams and jellies from O’Haras, N.M. Style, Salman Ranch, Muy Cool, Leroux Creek, Coyote Junction, Santa Fe Seasons or Chile Jammin’. Santa Fe Seasons Nearly 20 years ago, Santa Fe Seasons was the first purveyor of chile jellies, and their original Red Chile Jelly and Green Chile Jelly are excellent. Sweet, tangy, hot, great!, The red is a delightful surprise to the taste buds with the green just a bit milder. Fire Roasted Green Chile Jam and Fire Roasted Red Chile Jam provide a hot, smoky chile experience, chunkier and more intense than their jelly counterparts. For those desiring more bite the Lime Jalapeno Jelly is up to the task.
Chile Jammin’ “Don't play with your food, Momma always told me. I listened, but I didn't always practice her wisdom,” says Ann Cates of Chile Jams. A few years ago, a friend and fellow co-worker presented her with a bag of chile peppers hoping to have that year's holiday gift of homemade jams spiked with the beautiful gems. “Finally I succumbed to my friend's request and did exactly what Momma told me not to do. I began to play with my food. Sorry, Momma.” Ann’s first batch of green chile jam turned out to be a spicy success.
trail food! After making hundreds of jars in her tiny kitchen trying to keep up with requests from peers, family and friends wanting more jam, the decision was made to go commercial. The first batch of Hellacious Jalapeño Jam poured from the kettle of Food Processors of New Mexico in early October 2000. It was quickly followed by the introduction of Just Peachy Red Chile Jam in November 2000. Chile Jammin' Stuff jams are made in small batches with no artificial colors, flavors, fillers or sodium. Also try habaneros in Hula (Scovie Award Winner) Pineapple jam for a warm, tropical flavor without the sunburn; Berry Hot Nuts Jam (a combination of jalapeños, cranberries and pecans); Tequila Green Jam (glaze chicken, turkey or fish, grill and wait for the rave reviews), Cherry Chipotle Jam or the new Straw'banero Jam that blends juicy strawberries and spicy habanero, sure to please any palate. Look for these locally made, distinctive jams in the grocery department near the nut butters at both Coop locations. by Robyn Seydel
An Open Letter to Our Members and Customers April 22, 2004 Dear Co-op Members and Customers, As an employee of the La Montanita Co-op I would like to whole heartedly thank all members and shoppers for being the most extraordinary and wonderful people. I came to work at the Valley Co-op in June of 2001 feeling a need within myself to work in a sustainable, community driven, politically and environmentally conscientious atmosphere. I want all the people I work with and attend to daily at the Co-op to know that the Co-op has completely exceeded these expectations of mine. I have been witness to the friendliest, heart-felt, conscientious, giving people I have ever met in my lifetime. You have, in shopping at the Co-op, accepted the employees in all of our triumphs and trials. You allow us to exhibit our individual character and humanity. I
believe we all work to professionally and personally help all of you with your daily Co-op needs. I realize that occasionally you have also seen us in our times of need or on days where we have… lacked the luster. Thank you for accepting us in all of those triumphs and tribulations! More than being just a grocery store, the Co-op is truly a hub of the community. I, as an employee of the Coop have watched and grown to care deeply for you and your families. I recognize and acknowledge all the ways in which you too have exhibited the care and consideration for us who work at the Co-op and for our community in general…and that is global and local. Thank you so much!!! Sincerely and with heart felt care, Sally Wolford Front End Employee, Valley Co-op
co-op news
june 2004 7
General Manager’s Column We enjoyed another beautiful Garden Party event at our Valley store on May 1st. A wonderful group of local producers were on hand to sample and sell their products in a very relaxing and enjoyable community gathering. Many Co-op volunteers, the Valley store staff and Robyn Seydel all worked hard to provide us this delightful experience.
We continue with the installation process of new phone systems at both locations and are still having some difficulty with this transition. I greatly appreciate your patience as we work the “bugs” out of this system. We are starting with an “automated attendant” feature in which you just press “0” to be immediately connected to our staff. I know that automated attendants are aggravating, but I hope you will find this feature acceptable, as over half of our incoming calls are our suppliers calling our purchasers and our new system routes these calls directly to them. Please let me know if you just cannot stand the automated attendant, as we can turn it off. We do want to speak with you when you call and don’t want to do anything that makes this more difficult.
Our Board of Directors continued their work on our Ends polices at a working retreat on May 1st with the assistance of Marilyn Scholl of Cooperative Development Services. Ends policies seek to define why we are here, for whom, and at what cost. Another way of thinking of Ends is what difference or benefit will result from our existence. While far from complete the retreat produced the follow- the inside scoop ing statement: I attended the New Mexico Green Fuels Symposium in Santa Fe last month, and Healthy and sustainable communities met Frank Burcham with the Alternative Fuels • An increasing number of people having and Vehicle network in Albuquerque and Mike Mintum making more informed and sustainable choices. of the Albuquerque Clean Cities Coalition. I am • People having places to gather and shop that excited about the potential of alternative fuels and I demonstrate a cooperative economic system. am beginning to explore the possibility of a La Montanita Alternative Fuel Station. There is curFour of our Board members will travel to rently only one station in Albuquerque where BioMinneapolis this month for the annual Diesel and Ethanol 85 are available and the acceptCooperative Management Association Conference ance of alternative fuel vehicles is dependent upon sponsored by the University of Wisconsin, the wider availability of these fuels. Urban Cooperative Initiative and the National Cooperative Business Association. The program We are doing some limited consulting work with begins on the afternoon of June 10th with tours of the Las Cruces Co-op as they are “in between” local Co-ops in the Twin Cities and continues on general managers. This is mostly telephone and eJune 11th and 12th with over 35 workshops rela- mail work with their interim general manager and tive to natural food cooperatives. one on-site visit per month. I hope you will complete this month’s member survey that you should receive in your mail box by June 7th. You will receive a 10% discount on one shop this month when you drop off the completed survey at the cash register. We received 1,415 surveys last year and your feedback is very important to us as we work to improve our service to you. We are currently experiencing a much higher than average number of cost increases from our suppliers related to increased fuel costs. Our primary suppliers are in California, Arizona, and Colorado, and about 80% of our goods travel very long distances to reach us. I hope that this will be temporary, but you may notice some increase in our prices as a result of these higher costs from our suppliers.
We are also working with the Wild Sage Co-op in Gallup on the possibility of a merger with La Montanita. This co-op is about 5 years old and continues to have difficulty in sustaining their business. Their Board of Directors is currently exploring this possibility with their membership and we are conducting a market analysis and feasibility study to determine if this idea has any potential for La Montanita. Our nation has lost 600 natural food co-ops in the last 15 years and we would like to preserve a cooperative in Gallup if possible.
Calendar of Events 6/1 6/7
Finance Committee Meeting, 5pm Co-op Annex Social Responsibility Research Committee 5:30pm 122 Tulane SE
6/15
Board of Directors Meeting 5:30pm Immanuel Presbyterian Church
TBA
Member Linkage Committee Meeting 5:30pm Annex
JUNE 30th
The last day to turn in your member survey for a ONE
TIME MEMBER APPRECIATION DISCOUNT SHOPPING TRIP at a
10% DISCOUNT
FRESH DELICIOUS ORGANIC
We appreciate your support of La Montanita and hope to see you soon, C.E. Pugh, (505) 265-4631, ce@lamontanitacoop.com
SHOP YOUR CO-OP
Co-op Social Responsibility Research
Committee Report The Social Responsibility Research Committee (SRRC) is a committee chartered by the Board of Directors of La Montanita to research aspects of social responsibility and make policy recommendations to the Board. For the past five months the committee has been carefully crafting a set of definitions by which to guide our future work. We are now seeking broader input on our direction. The document was presented in the May Coop Connection newsletter as a progress report from the SRRC to the membership. The document does not reflect any official policy of the Board of
La Montanita, only the work-in-progress of one committee. Please access the document by requesting a copy of the May Newsletter from the information desk, or by accessing the May Newsletter on the web at www.lamontanitacoop.com. Comment by contacting Eric Chrisp, Board of Directors member and Committee chair, through the information desk, or by attending the next committee meeting, Monday, June 7th, 5:30 at 122 Tulane SE.
VALLEY CO-OP WELCOMES BACK
ARTS&CRAFTS FAIRS
Beginning in June the Valley Coop will host the 3rd Saturday, Monthly Fairs once again. First fair is June 19, call on or before June 12 to get on the set- up List. VENDOR FRIENDLY GUIDELINES • All Vendors must be current members of the Coop • The first 7 people to call will be put on the list • Set up begins after 8 M, take down at 3PM • Check In with Tammy and she will show you where to set up. Call Robin at 217-0107 to be approved to sell at the Valley Coop. Call Tammy at 242-8800 Tuesday thru Saturday 7:30AM-2PM to be placed on the monthly list.
Member of International Society of Arboriculture and Society of Commercial Arboriculture ISA Certified, Licensed & Insured
232-2358
www.EricsTreeCare.com “Your Professional Team of Arborists” “ISA” Certified Arborist Certified Tree Workers on Staff All Employees First Aid & CPR Certified “Care About Your Air” We use B20 Biodiesel Alternative Fuels in our truck and chipper
Services • Fruit and Shade Tree Pruning • Technical Removal • Planting • Cabling & Bracing • Pest Management • Prescription Fertilization • Tree Root Rehabilitation Services
drwings by calimba
southwest!? far o ut!
far right?
7 Best “other” Reasons to Shop the Co-op
Common ground for a “meeting of the minds”
Voted most eclectic staff in town
time you last saw Donna wasn’t she eating dir t?
You can guzzle a pint of whipping cream and not go into a hormone after- shock
The best foreign & domestic cheeses to impress your in-laws
Where else can you meet all your parent’s “hippie throw-back” friends?
rs hoppe s n i ring rves b u c e h t
W h a t a bunch of prunes!!!!
it’s the designer label... ORGANIC NOJOQUI
Voted best nude pears in the State
You buy produce with nothing on it.
Another Fad diet? or a clever marketing strategy to convert the non-believers?“ Mel Gibson Move Over!! Jordan Rubin's book "The Maker’s Diet" is finding favor as it tries to convert the fast and processed food junkies of mainstream American. Promoting it first to chain superstores (both natural and discount) to assure a place on the best sellers list-might put some of us off-but the information contained within is far more sensible and healthy than some of those other low-fat, no-fat, low-carb, no-carb fad diets that are currently popular. Looking to whole foods and whole grains for good health you'll see lots of Biblical references to support his wholistic approach. Jordan Rubin, NMD, CNC is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, a Certified Nutritional Consultant and a member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is currently a PhD candidate at the Academy of Natural Therapies. At 27 years old, he is one of the youngest CEOs in the country, and at the helm of the fastest growing nutrition company in America. Look for product endorsements coming out on many popular natural and organic food brands. Will his proselytizing work and help "mainstream" America ditch their SAD (Standard American Diet) way of eating? God only Knows!
what’s up at the Co-op
Member and Staff Doings Taj Mahal Eats Well Music master Taj Mahal and Olive and Chris of the Valley Deli are all smiles. Taj and his band were treated to a special dinner catered by Coop Valley Deli Staff before their fabulous concert in Albuquerque as part of the Thirsty Ear Music Icon series. One band member was heard to say "Wow this is the real thing" when tasting the red chile chicken enchiladas and the green chile rainbow chard enchiladas. Olive even prepared a special throat soother tea for Taj and if the concert was any indication it must have worked.
Food For the Soul The first art show “Food for the Soul at the Nob Hill Co-op, in conjunction with the Central Arts Crawl was enjoyed by all. Photograghs and paintings of food graced the walls and scuptures of various materials found their way on top of coolers and shelves. 20 members and staff participated. Members voted Bob Pelegrin’s “Tomatoes” and Terry Bluhm’s “Mix ‘n’ Mow” as their favorite pieces.
OUt on the Town Here in New Mexico we're pretty lucky to have dedicated farmers like Tom and Tracy Delahanty, of Pollo Real. Not only do they produce great tasting pasture fed, certified organic chicken, they've healed a piece of land and helped organize the New Mexico Organic Livestock Cooperative. They stay pretty busy down on the farm so we're thrilled when they take time to visit with Co-op friends on delivery days.
Great Summer Reading For the past 20 years long time Coop Member Jeanne Whithouse Peterson, has been writing stories and poems for young people. Her newest book "Don't Forget Winona", illustrated by Kimberly Bulcken Root, is a stirring portrait of the migration westward that reshaped this land and a celebration of how the strength found in family can help weather the most difficult of times. Her new book "Don't Forget Winona” is a good choice for anyone young at heart.
Co-op to Co-op Support General manager CE Pugh along with the Marketing and Membership Coordinators met with members and board of Gallup's Wild Sage Coop in early May. La Montanita was honored to advise the Gallup community as it started one of the nation's first new coops in decades. Now we are pleased to consult with Gallup folks to help the 5 year old start up stay open and continue to serve their community.
Recording Artist Doubles as Cashier We sure hope Nob Hill Cashier Joel Sanchez won't give up his day job anytime soon, as we'd all miss him tons. But we'll totally understand if he does. He's busy recording yet another set of songs. His last recording "Jet Black Summer" is featured in the movie 'The Italian Job" and another appeared in the movie "Wrong Turn". Originally from El Paso, Joel spent a few years in L.A. He wants it known he loves Albuquerque and he loves the Coop. Way cool Joel.
New To Co-ops Teddy Insogna,Grocery clerk at theValley Co-op is new to Albuquerque and new to Co-ops. Originally from Florida ,Teddy worked for Albertson’s for about 5 years and say’s it’s a different world. He finds Co-op shoppers more socially aware and more fun. When not ordering and stocking groceries Teddy, an avid chess player who also plays all sort of string instruments ,says “ I’ll play anything that makes noise”. Welcome aboard,Teddy!
beat the heat
june 2004 10
cool
treats Too hot to eat but don’t want to miss out on the vitamins and minerals you need to keep up the summertime pace. Get with your blender and enjoy these delicious smoothies, sorbets, slushies, and fizzes. Drink them down or make them a little thicker, adding more ice or cutting down on the liquid and eat with a spoon. Either way they’ll cool you down and power you up. Adapted form the following web sites: www.healthrecipes.com www.vegfamily.com www.ichef.com www.fabulousfoods.com www.livingfoods.com www.fooddownunder.com
JUNE 30th
Frosty Fresh Fruit The last day to turn in your member
ONE TIME MEMBER APPRECIATION DISCOUNT SHOPPING TRIP at a 10% survey for a
DISCOUNT
4 cups buttermilk , soy or rice milk 1/2 cup sugar or honey or maple syrup (optional) 1 tsp. almond or vanilla extract 1/8 tsp. salt 3 cups prepared fresh fruit, cut into chunks or slices Mix buttermilk, sugar, extract and salt in large bowl. Gently stir in fruit. Pour into an ungreased 9" square pan, cover tightly, and freeze until firm, about 3-4 hours. Let stand at room temperature 10-15 minutes before cutting. Serves 12.
Fruit Delight 1 ripe avocado 1/4 cup frozen orange concentrate 1/4 cup water 1 lemon, juiced Blend until creamy, chill and pour over salad. A taste that will court your taste buds. Fresh Gazpacho 1 tomato, chopped 2 cups tomato juice, preferably freshly juiced 1/2 green pepper, chopped 1/2 small cucumber, peeled and chopped 1 tsp. onion, minced 1 tbsp. fresh parsley leaves, minced 1 tbsp. fresh basil leaves, minced 1 small garlic clove, minced 2 tsp. red wine vinegar 1 tbsp. lime juice 1/2 tsp. Bragg's seasoning, or sea salt to taste 1 tsp. honey dash of Tabasco sauce (optional) Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth, work in batches, if necessary. Serve immediately. Peaceful Cabbage 2 apples wedge of cabbage 2 tbsp. honey 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 cup water Blend apples into puree, add remainder of ingredients. Blend 3-4 minutes. Chill and serve.
Avocado Smoothie 1 ripe avocado, mashed 1/2 tbsp. honey (optional) 3 tbsp. salsa 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tbsp. Spanish onion, finely chopped Braggs Seasoning, or sea salt to taste 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. low-salt chicken-base powder 1/2 tsp. Vegit seasoning (optional) Blend all the ingredients in a bowl and serve with cut-up raw vegetables. Fun Fruit Dressing 1 avocado 1 banana 2-3 tbsp. of frozen pineapple concentrate 1/4 cup of water
Banana-Orange-Strawberry Fruit Shake 1/2 banana, frozen 6 strawberries, frozen 1/2 cup orange juice
GET YOUR ORGANIC FRUIT at the
CO-OP
Blend all ingredients and pour over fresh fruit.
Body-Centered Counseling
Integrated Counseling, Therapeutic Bodywork and Movement
Penny Holland M.A., L.P.C.C, L.M.T.
505-265-2256 LPCC Lic. 0494, LMT Lic. 1074
beat the heat
june 2004 11
1/2 cup water 1 tbsp. Skim or soy milk powder 1 heaping tbsp. high- quality protein powder) 1 tsp. flax oil (optional)
Blend the ice with the lemon and lime juice in a blender until the ice has turned to slush. Pour into two tall glass and add the sparkling water.
In a blender, process all the ingredients until thoroughly mixed and serve.
2 bananas 1 orange 2 kiwis 10-12 frozen strawberries 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries 1-2 cups of orange juice
Tropical Shake ? cup mango, pineapple or papaya 1/8 tsp. natural coconut extract 1/2 banana, frozen 4 strawberries, frozen 6 ice cubes 1 1/4 cup water 1 heaping tbsp. high-quality protein powder 1 tsp. flax oil
High-C Smoothie
Blend until smooth Wheatgrass Milk Shake
Blend with water. Strain to remove pulp. Blend liquid with bananas, berries or favorite fruit. Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Banana-Berry Smoothie
Savory Vegetable Smoothie
1/2 banana, frozen 1/2 pear, cored 1/4 cup frozen blueberries or frozen mixed berries 1 1/4 cup water 1 tbsp. skim milk powder, soy milk powder 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 1 heaping tbsp. high-quality protein powder 1 tsp. flax oil
1 cup plain yogurt 6 ice cubes 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped 1 small tomato 1 chopped celery stalk a few spinach or romaine leaves 1 tablespoon minced onion, optional salt and pepper to taste
In a blender, process all the ingredients until thoroughly mixed and serve.
Puree all ingredients in a blender, garnish with a cucumber round and enjoy.
Berry Sorbet
14-Carrot Smoothie
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries 1 cup ice 1/2 cup water 1 tsp. fruit sugar, or Stevia to taste
1/2 cup soft silken tofu 1/2 cup carrot juice chilled 1/2 cup grated carrots 1 cup frozen yogurt, vanilla 2 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/4 tsp grated ginger root 1 pch salt 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds optional
Peach Slushie 1 frozen peach, skin removed 1 cup ice 1/4 cup peach yogurt Process all the ingredients in a blender until the ice has turned to slush.
Combine the tofu, carrot juice and grated carrots in a blender. Add the frozen yogurt, orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, ginger and salt. Blend until smooth. Add the pumpkin seeds, if you like, and blend to the desired consistency. Rejuvenator
Lemon-Lime Slushie Juice from one lemon Juice from two limes 1 cup water 1 cup ice 1 cup sparkling water 4 tsp. fruit sugar, or Stevia to taste
Mary Alice Cooper, M.D. classical homeopathy craniosacral therapy visceral therapy
Sprouted wheat berries
In a blender, process all the ingredients until thoroughly mixed and serve.
Process all the ingredients in a blender until the ice has turned to slush.
Nature’s Way to Better Health
1 large apple half cucumber 2 sticks celery 1/2 fennel handful spinach handful parsley juice of half a grapefruit (optional) Blend and drink
St. Raphael Medical Center 204 Carlisle NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 (505) 266-6522
isis
health & healing
june 2004 12
Preparedness: Herbal Medicine Chest
G
et ready for summer fun. Hiking, swimming, backyard barbeques, these are just some of the things we love as the days get longer and the nights shorter. Along with the fun comes spills and falls and cuts and scrapes and bruises. How prepared are you? Do you have what it takes to heal your family in your medicine cabinet? Maybe you remember when your grandmother or your great grandmother could fix just about anything with a cup of herbal tea, or a poultice or salve or some concoction she whipped up with leaves and roots she gathered from her garden or growing wild. Even as those days seem to be slipping further and further into the history pages there’s research going on to find out just what the wonders of these herbs are, and there’s a movement in this country to fight the pharmaceutical companies, to reserve the right to heal ourselves. As always this list is merely a suggestion that will provide 'first aid' for many common ailments. The information contained here is for educational purposes only, for any serious health condition please seek the care of an experienced healthcare provider. These 15 herbs are simply a place to begin.
1. Activated Charcoal capsules - Absorbent agent. Internal: Use 2-4 caps every hour or two for diarrhea, gas, intestinal flu. An excellent first aid for food and chemical poisoning. Use more in serious cases. External: Wet powder and apply as poultice for itching, bites, stings. 2. Aloe Vera Gel - soothing, healing; apply generously for burns, abrasions and other injuries (it reaches into the third layer of the skin). 3. Black Walnut capsules or extract – for parasites and fungus infection. Reduces inflammation, aids in tissue healing and repair. Use for poison ivy and oak internally and topically. Supplies iodine for thyroid. 4. Capsicum capsules - circulatory stimulant used for energy and fatigue, general stimulant for healing. Internal: 1 capsule, as needed, with plenty of water and some food if spicy foods bother you, as capsicum is derived from cayenne peppers. 5. Catnip & Fennel liquid or Catnip capsules - settles upset stomach, colic, gas, mild acid indigestion. Can be used for heat stroke or to help break a fever. 6. Chamomile capsules - anti-inflammatory for minor pains, nervous and digestive problems, also as a sleep aid. 7. Citrus Bioflavonoid w/Vitamin C tablets - keeps collagen healthy, aids in action of capillaries, allowing nutrients in and body wastes out. Used in treatment of ulcers, asthma, edema, inner ear, arterial degeneration, bleeding gums, prevents
bruising and excessive blood clotting, builds resistance to disease. 8. Echinacea/Golden Seal capsules or liquid - helps contain infections and stimulates body to fight microorganisms; useful for colds, wounds and blood poisoning. 9. Garlic capsules or oil in gel caps or Hi-potency Garlic tablets (1200 mg. each) are recommended for stronger infection-fighting properties. Antibiotic alternative, aids circulation and respiratory problems. You can also mince two cloves of garlic and wash it down with some water two to three times per day. 10. Goldenseal Salve - healing antibiotic salve that begins to heal wounds FAST! 11. Licorice capsules or extract - anti-inflammatory, builds energy, low blood sugar, drink 'tea' to soothe mouth/throat irritation, alternative to cortisone or other steroids. Use caution in cases with high blood pressure. 12. Lobelia capsules or extracts - strong relaxant and emetic agent. Use 1/2-1 cap at a time, large doses cause nausea and vomiting. Internal: for coughs, asthma, tension, pain, food poisoning, convulsions. External: apply extract to chest for asthma, or mix with Capsicum and apply for pain, muscle spasms, and swelling. Lobelia has also been used in cases to stop smoking. 13. Valerian capsules - Use capsules or tinctures every hour or two as needed for minor pain, cramps, tension, insomnia, aches associated with colds, flu, fever and other nervous system problems. 14. Pau d’arco (capsules or extract) - antifungal and blood purifier for skin eruptions, yeast infections, liver problems. Apply extract or soak cloth in strong tea and apply for athlete's foot and other fungus. 15. Tea Tree Oil (TT) is 4-5 times stronger than household cleaners, but works well for healing the body because of its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. by Nalini Goordial Nalinigoordial@direcway.com Sources: The “How to Herb Book” by Velma Keith, “Little Herb Encyclopedia” by Jack Richardson, “Prescription and non-prescription drugs” by Zentrum and Dr. Marijah Mccain.
catnip... for an upset stomach
New Mexico Roots Down Earthwise Landscaping Solutions
Dr. Deborah Wozniak DOCTOR OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE
228-7652 Native Planting Drought Tolerant Design • Sustainable Planting Healing and Edible Gardens • Personal Permaculture
Custom Rock Features
6501 4th Street NW, Suite E Albuquerque NM 87107 505.250.7173 NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED IN ACUPUNCTURE & HERBOLOGY
Retaining Walls • Ponds, Patios and Walkways
Essential Landscaping Drip Layouts • Water Harvesting Systems • Natural Wood Fences
Now accepting Co-op Employee Health Insurance (Great West)
farming & gardening
Organic Cheetos... and a Sane Farm Economy
Y
ou know the old saying that goes something like the right hand not knowing what the left is doing? Its especially true in the Federal realm of organics except that in this case, its like there's two left hands, three rights and maybe another that's some strange mutant hybrid between the two. In fact sometimes its debatable if these hands actually have opposable thumbs since much of the time they seem to barely function at all. In the USA, the National Organic Program (NOP) defines the word "organic" in regards to agricultural products (products produced on a farm). The NOP is a division of the USDA. The USDA is a division of the US Agricultural Marketing Service which gives you a clue as to how "organic" is viewed by the feds. The NOP makes the rules as to how farms, livestock ranches and food processing/handling facilities become Certified Organic. The NOP does not certify any of these operations but delegates that authority to independent (private, for profit) or state government Certifying Agencies (CAs). These CAs are accredited by the NOP to perform Organic Certification work, which includes inspection of all aspects of the organic operation — the farm or facility itself including all land, equipment, animals, inputs (fertilizer & pest control materials) and especially records and paperwork. Private CAs have the authority to either issue, revoke or deny Organic Certification, period. State CAs usually have more regulatory & enforcement options — depending on the state — but there are cases where the state CA's authority runs counter to the NOP's (classic case of State Rights vs Federal Law). The NOP has final enforcement authority but so far only pursues the most blatant abuses of the word organic. Currently the feds allow Organic Certification only of products of agricultural origin for human or livestock feed (which infers Organic Certification of all processors along the way — bakeries, dehydrators, bottlers, etc). Excluded from Organic Certification are personal care/cosmetics, dietary supplements, fertilizers/pest control products, fish,
fiber, pet food and retailers. That's not to say that these haven't been Certified Organic; they have, but through a sort of loophole that these may be voluntarily Certified Organic through regulations set by each CA, certifications considered to be "outside the scope" of the NOP. That also means that here Federal authority extends only to prohibiting the actual or implied NOPcompliant Organic Certification of these products. In other words, the NOP considers it none of its concern as to the claims made by producers of these products, whether they're independently (outside the scope of the NOP) certified or just slapping the itchy green word "organic" on their label.
june 2004 13 basically non-existent since they have no regulatory rules of the word "organic" for HBAs. The steps needed to add such regulations (petitions, demonstration of why the current system should be amended to include organic, scientific documentation, etc) could take years if it’s proposed. Which it hasn't. This is only the tip of the iceberg. I could go on about how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers sewage sludge to be "organic" when even the NOP prohibits its use on Certified Organic farms. Or the actual reasons that the NOP has decided to exclude petfood, retailers, cosmetics, etc from Organic Certification: mainly because it challenges the authority (steps on the toes) of other regulatory agencies or is opposed by industry sector lobbies, or both. Or how the NOP has--contrary to its own protocol and rules — overturned certification decisions made by qualified Certification Agencies with no window for appeals from those agencies to defend their rulings. Or how the giant food industry is constantly making appeals to the NOP (which are actually taken under considerathumb tion) to allow certain synthetics that
OK that's the short version; there's endless debate on every aspect of the above but since you're all probably about to nod off, let's move on…
Who needs organic cheetos anyway?
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is generally concerned with consumer protection and advertising claims. Their stance on the word "organic" is that (despite the NOP) it is a generic term and any impact on the consumer buying mislabeled products is based only on damages – economic or otherwise — resulting from their purchase. That's pretty tough to prove unless you're severely allergic to some kind of chemical residue that causes you serious illness or death from eating a mislabeled apple or whatever. A more common scenario is a farmer buying a fertilizer labeled "organic" and using it on their Certified Organic farm but having their Certification revoked because the fertilizer is actually synthetic or not allowed for use on an organic farm. Happens all the time.
they consider essential in manufacturing their products rather than realizing that there is no need for an organic version of every foodproduct in existence.
The Food and Drug Administration also is concerned with fraudulent label claims but is relevant in our discussion only in cosmetics and personal care products, generally called HBAs in the biz, Health & Beauty Aids. The FDA's organic role is
erda Gardens Summer Workshops
Saturday morning children’s workshops include: • June 5, 10-11:30am: LOOKING AT POND LIFE (ages 7-12): Rebecca Salem will lead kids as we examine and draw the magnificent living things found at Los Poblanos’ pond. We will use microscopes and other tools. • June 19, 10-11:30am: BECOME A SOIL SCIENTIST (for kids 8 years and older): With Sarah Gilstrap. What is living in the soil beneath our feet? Come join in a scavenger hunt to explore the mysteries hidden under the surface. • June 21, 10-11:30am: BEEKEEPING AND HONEY TASTING: With Greg Fryeweaver. Man has been keeping bees for over 3,000 years! Come and find out why. We will explore such questions as “Where does wax come from?” “What are bees thinking when they get ‘smoked?’” and “How much honey can they make in 1,000 trips?”
• June 9, 6:30-8pm: EDIBLE LANDSCAPING: Beautify your space with culinary and medicinal plants, fruits, berries and wildlife attractors with Mark Williamson of Cicada Landscaping. • June 19, 10am-noon: HOUSEHOLD SUSTAINABILITY: Come tour and learn from a North Valley household actively practicing greywater recycling, rainwater harvesting, energy conservation and solar electricity generation. With Marylou Singleton (preregistration required, 247-1751). • July 14, 6:30-8 pm: BEEKEEPING AND HONEY PRODUCTS: With Les Crowder: The workshop is an introduction into how beehives work. Les and Beth Crowder have been keeping bees without antibiotics or miticides for over 30 years. They believe in a gentle form of beekeeping. Participants will work with the beehives at erda. Please bring veils if you have them.
Our adult/family series will also begin in May and includes:
Learn more about erda Gardens! Contact them at www.erdagardens.org or call 2619468.
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Really, who the heck really needs organic cheetos anyway? No one but that seems to be where the organic industry is ultimately heading. What can you do about it? Buy as much as you can locally to support your community (not to mention you'll be eating fresher food which of course is more nutritious). And buy Certified Organic where it really matters: staples like vegetables, grains, flours, oil and meats. That way, you're supporting a more sane farm economy rather than "food" manufacturers. And for imports like coffee and chocolate, Fair Trade Certification is much more important than Organic Certification since then you're also voting for social & economic justice. Saving the planet for its own sake is great — I'm all for it — because in the long run humans are just another climax species that will eventually be overtaken by another; but for now, why by Brett Bakker not make it as easy on each other as we can?
Earth Soul Reunions Turn your full attention to your living relationship with Earth’s patient stillness. Explore your dialogue with our planet.
Chama River Trip • 22-25 July 2004 Pedernal Camp • 9-12 September 2004 Facilitated by Jeff Hood • 505 983 8420 • adventuresinspirit.com
community forum
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A Call for Support: Albuquerque Opportunity Center for the Homeless The Albuquerque Opportunity Center for the Homeless (AOC) is an emergency overnight shelter and services center for 59 homeless men. The purpose of the AOC is to assist homeless individuals in exiting homelessness by providing residential stability and supportive services necessary to find more suitable affordable housing situations. The AOC is located on Candelaria between Edith and I-25 in a permissively zoned industrial/manufacturing area. The Homeless Advocacy Coalition, Inc. (HAC) is the owner and developer of the site. HAC is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.
Lauri Norton Licensed Massage Therapist # 4199
The AOC opened on April 28, 2004 and is asking for your support to help provide quality services. To continue this service, this new organization is turning to the Albuquerque community for support. Some of their needs are: • Operating Funds: Financial donations of any size to help fund AOC programs. • Cleaning and Personal Items: T-shirts, underwear &
Nationally Certified Cranio Sacral, Polarity, Swedish, Reflexology (505) 243-1701 cell 410-3741
An Acoustic Music Listening Room The Wailin’ Jennies Sat. July 30, 7:30pm 3-part harmonies imported from Canada All female trio performs originals, covers, Celtic and more.
CONTACT Jeff at abqmusic@att.net or 842-5073
Upcoming
HERB & MEDICINE CLASSES
Sat. June 5 / 10 AM SUPPLEMENTATION FOR MOOD ENHANCEMENT Free Wed. June 23 / 5:30 PM FOOD & NUTRIENT ASSIMILATION Free Sat. June 26 / 10:30 AM AYURVEDIC SKINCARE FOR THE SUMMER Free Sat-Sun / July 3-4 IN THE GARDEN OF THE MEDICINE BUDDHA
socks of all sizes for men. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, etc. Toilet paper, paper towels and basic cleaning supplies. Men’s pants, shirts and shoes. • Safety Supplies: Basic medical supplies: band-aids, gauze, antibiotic ointment, etc. • Educational & Leisure Supplies: Art supplies of all types. Dominoes, board games & playing cards, books. Pencils, paper, pens & other office supplies. Good condition, working computers with software. • Non-Perishable Food Items: Coffee, regular and decaf, creamer and sugar. Peanut Butter, jelly, cookies, crackers, granola bars. Disposable coffee cups, bowls, plates and silverware. Non-perishable snacks. • Volunteers: Morning and afternoon receptionist to assist with reservations. Gardeners & landscapers. Professionals (doctors, lawyers, therapists, etc.) to provide services. Thanks for your support. Please contact Josh Allison or Doug Campbell at 344-2323 for more information.
3rd Annual Enlace Community Fiesta Enlace Comunitario (ENLACE) is having its 3rd annual Community Fiesta. ENLACE is a community based organization dedicated to serving the needs and promoting the rights of Latino immigrants particularly Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence. ENLACE invites you to: Come to the Fiesta on Sunday June 6, 2004 at 2:00 PM. At St. Francis the Xavier Church. As always this Fiesta will be lots of fun. You can dance to Latin music, eat great Mexican food and have fun with raffles, silent auction and rummage sale. There will be lots of activities for children.
Consider sponsoring a family who cannot attend for lack of resources. For every $10 dollar ticket you purchase and donate back to ENLACE, a client who cannot afford it will be able to attend the Fiesta. ENLACE is also looking for community supporters. If you are able, please consider making a larger contribution of $100 or $250. Your donation will go to support ENLACE’s programs. For more information Contact: Claudia Medina at 505-246-8972
Whatever Mary at Theatre X
Maria Arrey, Nicole Cajori, Diego Gonzalez, and Elizabeth Lende. Sound and music by Mark Fine, live video by Gabe Salinas, and lighting by Marcus Trujillo. Tickets available at UNM Box Office.
Readymade Dance Theater Company (RDTC) premieres “Whatever Mary” at 7:30 p.m., June 3, 4, and 5 at the University of New Mexico’s Theatre X.
For more information 505-246-2433 or wswood@hotmail.com or Zsolt Palcza, 505-243-1262
This performance is the result of intensive sign language/dance workshops with members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and was made possible through an Albuquerque Community Foundation grant. Directed by Zsolt Palcza, with performers Doug Arrey,
RDTC is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Its mission is to create original work that is challenging and accessible on many levels, and to reach out to audiences of different social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
For more information & entire summer 2004 schedule, visit our website: www.herbnerds.com
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HELPING HOMELESS TEENS The Peace Center, is having a drive to collect, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, TOILETRIES (travel sizes preferred), FIRST AID ITEMS, BOTTLED WATER, SOCKS (new), BLANKETS & SLEEPING BAGS (washed or new please). Give a homeless teen a key to their success. Please donate. There is a Collection Box at the Peace Center (202 Harvard SE). For information on how you can donate contact, Bernice Reed @ 797-0937 (leave a message) or 907-8222.
We Art the People! We need volunteers, artists of all media, musicians, drummers, songwriters, storytellers, puppeteers, poets, dancers, mimes, entertainers of all kinds to gather and exhibit the amazing power of the arts. What can we dream up?
who you are! And ask us about the art contest! Join us in making giant puppets and other parade paraphenalia every Saturday, 10-2 at Very Special Arts 4th Street Neighborhood Classroom, 4909 4th NW. Watch for our 'zine making workshop, tissue paper arts workshop and more! to be scheduled in June & July at OFFCenter, 117 7th St. NW. please call us, 247-1172 and find out how you and your favorite organization can be involved in the fun. Also check out our website: offcenterarts.com
There are spaces for vendors to sell their work and organizations to promote themselves. We need sponsors for art making tables and projects and artists to display their skills. Let us know
"We Art the People" Folk Art Festival Saturday, August 14, 11-4 after the Grower's Market Robinson Park, 8th & Central NW
Let's make a festival! the real home-made kind! Come join us at OFFCenter Community Arts Project in the planning the Folk Art Festival Folk for Saturday, August 14th in Robinson Park. Celebrate the arts of the everyday and witness the artist in all of us.
community forum Clarifying Meditative Work: a Workshop A workshop for people from any meditation traditions or no tradition at all, as well as for people interested in teachers such as Pema Chodron, Toni Packer, Nhat Hanh and Krishnamurti. We’ll explore directly what meditative work is and how it sheds light on the concerns of our lives, not theoretically, but from a simple meditative listening that includes others and oneself. Sitting and discussion. Saturday, June 12, 2-5pm at the Wat Center, 145 Madison NE, corner of Madison and Copper, east of Washington. $3 donation. Facilitated by Jay Cutts. Jay has attended retreats with Toni Packer for over 30 years and meets from time to time with people from varying backgrounds to clarify meditative work together. Reservations, info, 281-0684. Both experienced sitters and those newly interested in meditation will have a chance to explore directly what meditative work is and how it sheds light on the concerns of our lives. The workshop will not focus on the learning of either techniques or spiritual theory, although it will be fine if these topics come up for discussion. Instead participants can share issues and concerns in their lives or
issues from or about their meditation. The group will explore the possibility of shedding fresh light on these issues, from a quiet, meditative listening to each other and to oneself.
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Eva Encinias-Sandoval, director and founder of the National Institute of Flamenco, has created the opportunity for people of all ages to take part in superior training from Spanish Flamenco artists as well as local and regional greats. Encinias-Sandoval says of the importance of flamenco in our community, “It is a powerful source of communication, a language pertinent to the human condition.” Along with running NIF’s educational programming at The Conservatory of Flamenco, and UNM’s Flamenco dance program, EnciniasSandoval heads up this year’s 18th Annual Festival Flamenco Internacional. It is the biggest, the best, and the oldest Flamenco Festival in the Americas offering ten fantastic days of the most valuable flamenco classes, performances, and gatherings the world has seen. How often do you get to cross paths with the flamenco legendary likes of Manuela Carrasco?
Investments Seminar for Young Adults On June 22, from 6:30-8pm, you can learn the benefits of investing while you’re young, the smart way to buy a home, using debt wisely, leasing vs. purchasing a car and investing online. This fee, no-obligation seminar will be held at your Credit Union's Albuquerque Training Center. Reserve your place by calling New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union at 8897755. Or you can register online at www.nmefcu.org.
Stone River Massage The day will include quiet sitting, group discussion, a short talk and some time to visit with each other. Jay says, “Meditative work is, in its deepest sense, not theoretical, not goal oriented, not a matter of time or progress. It is the direct opening, fully complete in this moment now, to a simple, compassionate, open awareness that allows the myriad fears, clingings, confusions of the mind that we all suffer from to be revealed in a new way and at the same time brings us intimately, undividedly and lovingly in touch with the wide universe in all its profound stillness. I feel that, in our deepest hearts, it is the possibility of this openness that we come together to clarify.” The workshop will run from 2-5pm. There is a $3 donation. For reservations or more info, or to be on the mailing list for future workshops, please call Jay at 281-0684.
Festival Flamenco in New Mexico f you haven’t been living under a rug these past twenty years, you know of New Mexico’s love affair with flamenco! The National Institute of Flamenco calls Albuquerque its home, and it is the center for some of the greatest flamenco programs this side of the Atlantic. Flamenco, a folk art of music, poetry, and dance from the southern part of Spain, has emerged as a growing and diverse art form. Once you had to travel to Europe to see this majestic phenomenon. Now our very own Duke City offers some of the world’s finest artists and organizers of this fierce and elegant craft.
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She is just one of the dozens of talented artists who will grace our town with creative fire. And what would flamenco be without kids? June 7th through the 18th is NIF’s 4th Annual Flamenco Kid’s Camp. Kids from 6 to 14 years of age can participate in two weeks of instruction in singing, dancing, percussion, guitar, literacy, field trips and of course special flamenco showcases by great artists designed just for kid’s. Eva Encinias-Sandoval created the program to “Reinforce the importance of selfawareness, cultural pride, open expression, cooperation, discipline, trust and respect.” It is a great way to get your kids off the couch and into the community this summer! Join the hundreds of people from all over the world who come to the Festival in Albuquerque to take part in the opportunity to view, admire and learn from the best of the best in the Flamenco world. For us New Mexicans, it is a great way to participate in our own cultural and native pride. It is a Festival not to be missed! Festival Flamenco Internacional takes place at UNM theaters and studios June 11th through the 19th. Feature artists include Manuela Carrasco, Joaquin Amador, Israel and Pastora Galvan, Belen Fernandez, Kelian Jimenez, Mercedes and Karime Amaya, and many more. For more information, tickets, or to register for workshops and Kid’s Camp, visit the NIF website at www.feelflamenco.com or call The Festival office at 277-1865.
Coyote Cocina products ON SALE IN JUNE Spice up your pantry with the flavors of Coyote Cocina. Coyote Cocina is an award-winning Southwestern collection of delicious salsas, hot sauces, grilling sauces and other unique culinary flavors. At your Co-op!
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Located at Uptown Acupuncture 7111 Prospect Pl. NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 Call 269 0194 for an appointment
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