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coop April 2005
connection
16th Annual Celebrate the Earth Fest N o b H i l l - S u n d ay A p r i l 17 t h 10 : 3 0 - 6 p m
free
This Spring Celebrate Community
with your COOP! Alliance, the Rio Grande Chapter of Slow Food, City of Albuquerque Human Rights Office, City Public Works, New Mexico Solar Energy Association, Erda Gardens, Surfrider, Walk ABQ, Bike ABQ., Mothers Acting Up, Albuquerque Open Space Division, The N.M. Center on Law and Poverty, Rio Grande Community Farms, Bernalillo County Extension Master Gardeners, New Mexico Organic Commodity Commission, Seeds West, Desert Woman Botanicals, Bethany Farms, Charybda Farm, Peacecraft, Los Alamos Study Group and many, many more.
We're praying for a beautiful day, and with Mother Earth's blessing we will once again take time to celebrate "Her" and reaffirm our commitment to restoring and sustaining our planetary gem. Join friends and neighbors as we educate and inform ourselves to that end and joyously dance in the streets at Albuquerque's favorite spring gathering. Mark your calendar, this is one event you don't want to miss. Free to the Community. Join us for the 16th Annual Celebrate the Earth Fest, Sunday April 17th 10:30am to 6pm. For more information or to reserve your free booth space please contact Robyn at 256-4594. by Robyn Seydel 16th Annual Celebrate the Earth Fest
COMMON GROUND This year we are once again honored to be hosting the Common Ground Summit. Last year this groundbreaking summit brought together farmers, ranchers and environmentalists in recognition of our shared love of the land and all its inhabitants. This year, with deep cuts in farming and conservation programs, continuing the Common Ground dialogue and taking it to the next stage of cooperative action seems imperative. We are honored to once again be hosting this Summit.
april 17 10:30am-6pm 16th Celebrate the Earth
Festival behind the Nob Hill Coop he excitement is building for our 16th Annual Celebrate the Earth Festival. Although you can expect the same wonderfully inspiring day each year there are some new groups and activities to keep the fun fresh and stimulating. Our little section of Silver Street behind the Nob Hill Coop will once again become a vibrant street festival that — to borrow a famous phrase “thinks globally and acts locally”— by celebrating our local community and the contributions we all share in creating global well being. As always the day will be filled with information and education booths from dozens of environmental, social and economic justice organizations, local farmers, seedlings, drought resistant plants, beautiful art from fine local artists and crafts people, inspiring music and dancing by some of our favorite local performing artists and of course great Coop food.
DANCING IN THE STREET As always you can count on hearing some of your favorite musicians and thrilling to performances from gifted local performers. Some festival favorites are coming back, and we are once again honored to have them grace the stage under the big tent, in the middle of Silver St. These include: Dancing Horse Drum Group, Eva Encinas’ Alma Flamenco, world beat favorite Wagogo and the mystic funk of Mucho Buddah. Two of last year’s crowd pleasers, Pilar Leto and the Odara Dance Ensemble with SambaSoul, and Chris Dracup Blues Band, are returning for an encore performance. We are pleased to welcome two new groups: the folk jazz sounds of the Jenny Gamble Trio and the bluegrass/country music of Young Edward. See this page for the entertainment schedule.
We are looking forward to having groups as diverse as Hawkwatch, Citizens for Alternatives to Radioactive Dumping, Sierra Club, Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, Hunger Grow Away, WHOA ( Wild Horses Observers Alliance), Albuquerque Active Living
Our street fills up quickly so reserve your booth space early. We give first priority to environmental, social and economic justice non-profit organizations and farmers and farming organizations.
Sunday AprilApril 17, 10:30am-6pm Sunday 17, 10:30am-6pm
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t last year’s Celebrate the Earth Fest we were honored to be able to host a dialogue between farmers, ranchers and environmental activists that began the process of relationship and community building among people who share a common love of the land. Traditionally at odds, recent developments and drought have added to the pressures causing deep divisions over water and land use. Farming With the Wild author Dan Imhoff and Jo Ann Baumgartner, Director of the Wild Farm Alliance, facilitated the Summit’s delicate process. Using conservation based agricultural concepts as a bridge, they helped participants recognize we had more in common than we might have previously thought.
Farming with the Wild author Dan Imhoff
Farmers, Ranchers and Environmental Activists Come Together Again
round
two!
Our second Common Ground Summit will be held the same day as our annual Celebrate the Earth Fest, Sunday April 17th. We have contacted all last year’s participants and added other farmers, ranchers and activists who are interested. Dan and Jo Ann will once again be with us to facilitate our process. This year, our friends at Immanuel Presbyterian Church have generously allowed us the use of one of their meeting rooms. Our aim is to further the creation of a New Mexican conservation-based agriculture movement. We hope to identify goals grounded in action, that give rise to strategic local, regional and national partnerships in a cooperative process that provides the strength in unity to protect local production on family farms and promote a conservation based ethic. To these ends we at la Montanita are honored to once again host the Common Ground Summit. For more information contact Robyn at 256-4594
Common Ground Summit Summit
16th Annual Celebrate the Earth Fest ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE 10:30am Dancing Horse Drum Group 11:30am Young Edward 12:30pm Alma Flamenca 1:15pm Jenny Gamble Trio 2pm Pilar Leto, The Odara Dance Ensemble and SambaSoul 3pm Chris Dracup Blues Band 4pm Wagogo 5pm Mucho Buddah
Coop Community
welcome days Building the Local Economy: Sustaining the Local Community Support for the Coop in both of our new communities, Gallup and Santa Fe, has been positively amazing. We are sincerely humbled as well as tremendously energized by it all. As a way of saying thank you to everyone and for us all to get to know one other better—and have some fun—we would like to welcome everyone to our spring Coop Community Welcome Days. In both new communities we are inviting local farmers and producers and non-profit community based organizations to participate in their local Coop. Enjoy local and natural food samplings, great local music and the camaraderie of friends and neighbors. • SANTA FE: SAT., APRIL 30, 10am-3pm 913 W. Alameda/Solano Center • GALLUP: SAT., MAY 7, 10am-3pm 105 East Coal at First Street. Come celebrate our growing alternative economic network, cooperation and community at your member owned Coop. For free table space or information contact Robyn at 505-256-4594 or e-mail her at memb@lamontanitacoop.com. Though you do not have to be a member to shop... in so many ways it pays to be a Coop member!
earth day issue La Montanita Cooperative Nob Hill 3500 Central S.E. Albuq., NM 87106 265-4631 Valley 2400 Rio Grande Blvd. Albuq., NM 87104 242-8800 Wild Sage 105 E. Coal Gallup, NM 87301 863-5383 Santa Fe Marketplace 913 West Alameda Santa Fe, NM 87501 984-2852 Administrative Staff: General Manager: C.E. Pugh 265-4631 x323 ce@lamontanitacoop.com Store Team Leaders: Michelle Franklin/Nob Hill 265-4631 John Mulle/Valley 242-8800 Cindy Zivic/Santa Fe 984-2852 Tim Hankins/Gallup 863-5383 Accounting/Toni Fragua 232-4026 Business Development/Steve Watts 265-4631 x329 Computers/Info Technology/ Ahmed Elmaghlawi 232-8202 Human Resources/Sharret Rose 265-4731 Marketing/Edite Cates 268-8357 Membership/Robyn Seydel 256-4594 Co-op Board of Directors: President: Martha Whitman Vice President: Marshall Kovitz Treasurer: Ken O’Brien Secretary: Julie Hicks Lonn Calanca Roger Eldridge John Kwait Tamara Saimons Andrew Stone Membership Costs: $15 for 1 year $200 Lifetime Membership Co-op Connection Staff: Managing Editor: Robyn Seydel memb@lamontanitacoop.com Layout and Design: foxyrock inc Covers & Centerfold: Edite Cates Advertising: Robyn Seydel Printing: Vanguard Press Membership information is available at all four Co-op locations, or call 256-4594 email: memb@lamontanitacoop.com 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 © 2005 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 newletters or the Co-op.
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Special Events at this years earth fest... NEW MUSIC: The Jenny Gamble Trio Put together an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar (with a hodge podge of effects) and a trombone and a trio is born. That is the recipe for the Jenny Gamble Trio, who will be making their debut at this year’s Celebrate the Earth Fest. The music has a sort of Woody Guthrie meets the Cowboy Junkies feel to it, with a strong focus on lyrical content and musical movement. Lonn Calanca (also of coop Bulk Dept fame) adds carefully placed voices throughout the composi-
Pilar Leto and Odara Dance Ensemble
Broadway cohorts will demonstrate lamp-working or, in layman’s terms, glass-blowing to the public. They will offer demonstrations from students and instructors to exhibit the various levels of skill of this ancient art form. Information on classes and workshops will be available as well as glass art for hands-on viewing. Studio Broadway was established in 2000 and caters to UNM art students and the public with a diverse curriculum in many art forms, such as: lamp-working, lost wax casting, small metal sculpture, jewelry-making, welding and more. Mahlman, a UNM fine arts and sculpture student, began lamp-working in 1996. “I saw a gnome blowing glass in a children’s book,” said Mahlman. Inspiration comes in many faces and when you meet Niles Mahlman, you will see one of those faces for yourself. He has dedicated himself to the local art community and creates some of the most uniquely beautiful glass art in New Mexico. He is a talented and selfless
The Crowder family of Sparrowhawk Farm
A Community - Owned Natural Foods Grocery Store
eart h fest! tions with his gifted guitar playing; while Chuck Hawley “literally” slides his trombone into musical spaces that you would never expect, but can’t live without, once heard. Jenny Gamble adds lyrical composition, sultry vocals and acoustic guitar to tie the package together. The group has been working and performing in the local Albuquerque music scene for many years, and demonstrate their love for music and the community on and off stage. You won’t be disappointed with their performance at this year’s Earth Day celebration.
teacher who shares wholeheartedly his gift for glass. Mahlman said “(I started) the Studio to promote creativity and the process of learning…”You won’t want to miss this studio’s artistic expression at the Celebrate the Earth Festival on Sunday April 17th. NIA: Fitness Fusion Nia is a mind/body fitness program that combines the structure and spontaneity of dance, the power of martial arts, and the concentration of healing arts such as yoga. Over the past 21 years, the practice of Nia has become the fastest growing mind/body fusion fitness technique with more than 60,000 students taking classes in 29 countries. We move barefoot to music from around the world.
THE ART PROJECT:
The Earth’s Last Supper “The Earth’s Last Supper” an environmental outdoor sculpture, will have its first showing at La Montanita’s Celebrate the Earth Festival on Sunday April 17th. The central figure is a Gaia puppet made by Judith Kidd. The other figures will represent various aspects of our planet that are endangered including animals, wilderness, soil, and water.
Nia is an expressive movement form that emphasizes both community participation and individual creativity. Students practice the art of paying attention and combining mindfulness with action. Through sensation, the awareness of pain and pleasure, students learn to make choices and decisions that lead to more comfort and to their desired level of fitness.
Valley Deli Manager Chris and baby join the fun!
The sculpture is being created by a number of community artists and passionate environmentalists including several art students from Highland High School. Each sculptor is creating his or her own figure and the piece will be assembled at the Earth Day Festival on Sunday April 17th. “The Earth’s Last Supper” art project is sponsored by the Art Project at the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice. STUDIO BROADWAY: The Art of Glass Studio Broadway will be making their first appearance at this year’s Earth Day Celebration. Niles Mahlman and his Studio
Nia improves cardiovascular and muscular strength; increases flexibility, mobility and stability, and enhances our ability to heal, grow, communicate, and experience joy. To find out more about Nia, go to www.nianewmexico.com. Come see a Nia performance at 11am at the east end of the festival.
Tai Chi Demonstration
at 3:50pm under
the big tent! Inspiration, Education, and Action make thinking globally and acting locally fun at Ear th Fest! April 17 • 10:30am-6pm
april 2005
earth day issue
Paper or Plastic: Searching for solutions to an overpackaged by Daniel Imhoff An excerpt ncreasing our reliance on packaged goods makes it possible for us to export the costs and impacts of production to faraway places. It also plays the role of divider and conqueror, transforming us from loyal regions of bulk-buying citizens into a world of more than six billion individually targeted, single-portion consumers. Rather than develop relationships with familiar producers and counter clerks, we interact with packaged goods. Reliance on industrially produced, faraway commodities has also helped to foster a faith in the packaged commodities and a mistrust of unprocessed essentials, such as tap water and fresh foods. This spreading fear of a contaminated environment has spawned legions of buyers of bottled water, pasteurized egg and dairy products, and irradiated meats and seafood.
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Even while popular misconceptions and hotly debated interpretations may exist about both the extent of the packaging crisis and the necessary solutions, one thing remains clear: multiple factors support the need for more effective use of energy, materials, money, and human effort expended in all walks of life. Citizens and politicians around the world are increasingly reluctant to site new landfills, incinerators, paper mills, and other manufacturing plants in their communities. By the mid-1990s, nearly 60 percent of the annual $500 billion packaging industry was paper-based, meaning those
Yet it also bears asking, can we really expect to buy our way out of present predicaments with green or smart consumption? Certainly consumer power is one of the most profound forces in the world today. Profound because consumer spending reportedly accounts for roughly two-thirds of all economic activity in the United States. Profound because the potential for alliances among soccer moms, institutional and government procurement agencies, LOHAS (upward of 70 million Americans classified by “lifestyles of health and sustainability”), students, boycotting activists, and millions of others, is palpable and effective. Illusive because in a world of consolidations and diminishing retail outlets, of widening gaps between haves and havenots, it is difficult to assess how much choice the easily manipulated public truly has. While it may seem inevitable to some that most household items will one day be bought at WalMart, that most countries will succumb to being fast-food nations, that
Certainly the less packaging we consume the lower the impact on habitat, resources, energy production, and particulate pollution materials at one time originated in forests. Concerns about the safety of plasticizers, additives, and other “bad actors” released during the manufacture and incineration of plastics still remain high. Citizen Power in an Overpackaged World Certainly the less packaging we consume, the lower the impact on habitat, resources, energy production, and particulate pollution. While we may not be able to limit the amount of packaging that accompanies an occasional major purchase—such as a television, computer, or refrigerator—there are things that we can proactively do on a daily basis to minimize the damage. Depending on our situations, we can live first and foremost like citizens of a village or town or city, looking to our respective regions for sources of perishable fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and other products. We can carry refillable mugs and water bottles, take the time to eat in rather than take out, consolidate shopping errands intelligently, always have a stash of cloth shopping bags handy, donate shock-absorbing packaging materials to businesses that will reuse them, and write letters to our favorite companies or least-favorite “bad wrappers.” Backyard compost systems can supplement or take the place of municipal organic collection. Buying in bulk can reduce transport and packaging impacts. According to the University of Michigan School of Packaging, the typical American family can reduce its waste by 285 pounds per year simply by purchasing staple items such as cereal, soft drinks, and tuna in bulk. Doing so delivers economic savings as well.
Starbucks will appear in every city in the world, there is another economic force mobilizing around the world—the consuming and organizing power of local economies. “With proper planning, local production systems can be more material and energy efficient than global production systems,” says writer and researcher Warren Karlenzig. “When people buy fresh food from
april 2005
3. Keep a stash of cloth shopping bags handy. The proper answer to the paper versus plastic dilemma is still “neither.” 4. Minimize take-out packaging. Try staying at a restaurant rather than eating carry-out/fast food. 5. Consolidate shopping trips effectively so that you make the most of your time and fossil fuel expenditures. Consider whether you really need an item before you buy it. 6. Become a backyard composter. You can turn excess food waste, yard trimmings, and, yes, even certain forms of packaging, such as soiled pizza cartons and other ink-free paper materials, into soil amendments for your garden. 7. Support local farmers. Purchasing fresh foods from local farmers is a great way to support the local economy and provide healthier food for your family. 8. Don’t wrap gifts for pets. The extra waste created between Thanksgiving and New Years mounds up to about 25 million tons of garbage. Give gifts that support your ethical values and consider wrapping them minimally, in reused materials, or even in reusable shopping bags or containers. 9. Support producers who effectively package goods. Companies that minimally package goods or use containers with high post-consumer recycled content (PCR) deserve high marks. Learn your materials: number 1 and 2 plastics are the most recycled. Numbers 3 through 7 are seldom recyled.
their local farmers, build with local materials, or design based on local resource availability and climate, they keep money from leaking out of the community or region.” This can help build true long-term economic security as well as a vibrant sense of place.
know your dump
world
Things You Can Do 1.Carry a mug. Even taking into account the impacts of manufacturing and hundreds of washings, glass and ceramic cups reduce the amount of energy, water use, air emissions, water pollution, and solid waste by between 85 and 99 percent. 2. Carry your own water bottle and install a home filtering system. Up to 25 percent of bottled water is presently sold to export markets. Solid waste problems are mounting because of a lack of opportunities to reuse bottles.
10. Create household systems that emphasize reusable alternatives, from lunch boxes and leftovers to storage containers. Styrofoam peanuts, shredded paper, and sealed air bags can be reused or donated to local companies. 11. Bulk up. Households can significantly reduce their packaging and save money by purchasing staple items such as cereal, soft drinks, cleaning solutions, and the like in bulk. 12. Know your dump. Visit the local landfill, recycling center, salvage yards, and other sites in exploring the realities and possibilities of resource management in your community and larger region. 13. Be clear about your ecological footprint. Let packaging serve as one of many factors to gauge and inform whether or not consumption patterns are compatible with your values and hopes for the planet. Meet Dan Imhoff at the 16th Celebrate the Earth Fest where he will be signing books and talking to activists about this important issue.
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agua es vida
Acequias: Traditional Wisdom for a Sustainable Future A Brief History he Acequia La Rosa de Castilla has been growing food out of this water system and the earth for 240 years. We intend to continue as we always have, handing down a healthy and functional water resource to those who will need it to survive in the future in this beautiful but harsh land. Acequias are systems of irrigation ditches and canals. The term “acequia” is also used to describe the community that depends on the acequia, and the association that administers it. “Acequia” is an Arabic word, and its law and customs have been traced back several thousand years, and include East Indian, Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and North African influences. New Mexican acequia tradition is based on Arabian law, which comes from the Moors of Spain and incorporates the well established customs of the Pueblos. Acequia associations are political subdivisions of the State and their officers are state officials. Their status and sovereignty is equal to county and municipal governments, including eminent domain. The water rights associated with our acequias are senior surface rights and also hold dormant rights granted by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo, which are civil rights granted by the State Constitution.
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Acequias appropriate the water by a time-honored custom called “repartimiento.” Over the centuries, we have learned that the only way to manage a water resource is a flexible, friendly, annual, institutional negotiation that depends on local historic water use patterns, climate, and criteria such as priority, local tradition and custom, and the needs of the community as a whole. Water management is one of the most important issues facing residents of the arid west. It is my hope that as we in our village of Placitas forge solutions, we can be a working model for other New Mexican communities. There are three main areas, hydrologically, within Placitas. They differ greatly in the nature of their water sources and the water supply problems they experience. The Village/Arroyo del Orno Area This area includes the Village and all the land south of Arroyo del Oso, and the Tunnel Springs area down Arroyo del Orno, nearly to SR165. Situated at the bottom of the precipitous NW face of Sandia Mt., there are no running streams in this area. Mountain precipitation is conveyed by narrow fractures in the rock that serve as
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505-266-6522
OUTPOST Performance Space 210 Yale SE
for more info call 268-0044
APRIL 1 2 3 3 4 7 9
“pipes” feeding the Village springs and the groundwater. The Village has an extensive acequia system that is still alive and healthy. The springs also feed the domestic water system of the Village, which is one of the few domestic supply systems left in NM that uses surface water. In normal years things run pretty well in this area, but when even a short-term drought hits those fractures keep draining and the water supply gets short very quickly. The Village has been virtually abandoned twice during the last century because of this situation.
off recharge to the Rio Grande causing permanent damage, and loss of surface flows to the Rio Grande. Acequias are then accused of “hurting” the Creek by their diversions, but they actually enable recharge to occur in shallow local acquifers, supporting Creek flows and widening the riparian habitat. If acequia associations do not manage to force pumping restrictions that will help ensure that we send the designated amounts of water defined in the Rio Grande Compact down river, both Texas and the US Supreme Court will jump into the fray. State water officials are warning
We can continue to allow the conflicts over water to develop in our communities or we can come together and try to solve our differences. The Eastern Placitas Area The original village of this Grant was San Jose de las Huertas, (est. 1768), situated along the north bench of Las Huertas Creek. Part of this site is on the National Register of Historic Places. Old Pueblo remains dot the Creek area and the Valley has been farmed for nearly a thousand years. Acequia La Jara/Las Huertas starts up in the forest and has jurisdiction down to Tecolote Rd. Acequia La Rosa de Castilla, which is also fed by La Rosa de Castilla Spring, starts at Tawapa and has jurisdiction down to the eastern Cedar Creek subdivision line. There is also a series of springs, traditionally known as the “string of pearls” that runs north down San Francisco Ranch Rd. All of these waterways, the Creek, the springs, and the Acequias, support a richly diverse riparian and wetland habitat. The creek and spring flows are supported by groundwater levels. Pumping water from these acquifers is “mining” as the recharge of these is very minimal and long-term and is dropping water levels, and depleting creek and spring flows permanently.
that they have to come up with the water at all costs, that they have to get at senior rights (Valley farmers), and will have to call all junior rights (most well permits), to do that. We hope that the community can come together in good faith, respect acequias for what they are, and start to do a form of “repartimiento” to locally manage our water. Placitas, like all of New Mexico, is at a crossroads. We can continue to allow the conflicts over water to develop in our communities or we can come together and try to solve our differences. We can fight each other and all lose, or we can take charge of our lives, properties, resources, and communities, and build a solid, healthy, natural and social environment that will stand as a golden example for the future. Members of the acequias are stepping forward in our communities and aspire to provide the leadership, strength of character, and continuity necessary to manage and sustain what Mother Nature has provided. by Lynn Montgomery Mayordomo, Acequia la Rosa de Castilla de Placitas
After the Creek and all the springs have dried up there will be a period when pumping can yield water, but all the surface water will eventually dry up and groundwater quality will be so poor it will have to be run through a desalination plant to be of any use. In many areas, this will take place in our lifetimes. The Western Placitas Area The Western Placitas Area sits over the Santa Fe Formation, the hydrological name of the alluvial deposits accumulated after the Rio Grande Valley rift was formed a million years ago. This formation is a set of underground tiers stepping up from the river valley and getting shallower the higher they go. As Placitas pumps underground water, recharge formerly destined for the Santa Fe Formation gets hijacked, cutting
water use at a crossroad
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Inpost Artspace—Member Exhibit Cecil Taylor Trio (sponsored by Garcia Saab) National Hispanic Cultural Center All the Notes: a film about Cecil Taylor The Guild
Cecil Taylor: Spoken Word Outpost Performance Space
UNM John Donald Robb Composer’s Symposium APRIL 4-6 Brooklyn Sax Quartet Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (sponsored by Podiatry Associaates of NM & Garcia Saab) National Hispanic Cultural Center
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Kevin Hays: Solo Piano A Time of Bells: Steve Feld & Friends Songspace: Eric Taylor & Vince Bell (sponsored by OGB Architectural Millwork) Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali
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Bennett Paster Trio
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ABQ Poetry Slam Grand Final
National Hispanic Cultural Center Outpost Youth Jazz Ensemble opens
NEA JAZZ MASTERS ON TOUR
CECIL TAYLOR RESIDENCY APRIL 2-6
visit our website: www.outpostspace.org 4
Tax Preparation & Planning
Not just counting the beans sowing seeds for the future. Donal S. Kinney, CPA, MBA, MAcc. Santa Fe (505) 474-6733 april 2005
agua es vida Agreement Creates Hope and Mechanisms to Restore Rio Grande
For the better part of the last ten years, New Mexicans have been at war over the future of the Rio Grande. Environmental groups have been fighting to ensure that the Rio Grande would have a legal right to its own water adequate to sustain both people and the many other species that depend on this once Great River. Cities have been battling for security in their future water supplies. Farmers have sought to continue their age-old way of life. The Rio Grande is the life line of New Mexico, and all of us are counting on the river to sustain our future. But a look at the Rio Grande, and its often dry bed, reminds us that this river cannot do everything we are asking of it. Mother Nature has not been especially kind during this time – most of the years since 1996 have been drought years. Hydrologists tell us that the years from 1996 to 2003 have been the driest time in this region since we began keeping water records. Fueled by six years of litigation, many steps have been taken towards restoring the river and the Rio Grande silvery minnow. Salt cedars have been removed and replaced by cottonwoods and willows in some places. Both city dwellers and farmers have
learned to use water more efficiently, and federal management of the river is now far more attuned to sustaining the river’s life than ever before. The silvery minnow – a good indicator of the river’s health – is not (yet) extinct. The present settlement, if ratified by the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, would put an end to the long-standing court battle between environmental groups and the city of Albuquerque. The agreement would: (1) Commit $250,000 from the City, the Authority, and environmental groups towards establishing a pilot program for leasing agricultural water for the river during dry periods; (2) Commit 30,000 acre-feet of City-owned space in Abiquiu Reservoir to an environmental water pool to hold water needed to sustain the river, the bosque, and endangered species;
the rio grande: a living, flowing
river
Much more will need to be done before we can be assured that the Rio Grande will continue to be a living, flowing river. We need to continue to find ways to use water more efficiently in our homes and on our farms to make sure that there is enough water to meet the needs of all New Mexicans. Also, this agreement does not address the serious ecological problems the river faces in southern New Mexico. But it is an important step forward.
(3) Establish a program that gives Albuquerque residents the opportunity, through their water bills, to make a $1/month contribution towards purchasing water for the environmental water pool.
Let us be thankful that the Endangered Species Act and the recent drought have forced us to come to grips with our future, our river, and ourselves. And let us redouble our efforts to find more collaborative solutions to these difficult problems.
The Agreement is innovative: Nothing like it has been done in New Mexico or elsewhere in the west.
by Letty Belin and John Horning, Forest Guardians
by Amigos Bravos staff uring several Clean Water Act Workshops organized by Amigos Bravos, participants identified instances of community members swimming in rivers where water quality wasn’t protected. Amigos Bravos then proposed changes to New Mexico’s water quality standards to protect community members who swim or recreate in nearby rivers. Amigos Bravos also supported local communities’ proposed changes to New Mexico’s water quality standards.
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The Water Quality Control Commission recently adopted numerous river-friendly changes proposed by Amigos Bravos, including upgrading standards in the Río Gallinas and the Río Grande to protect people who swim in those rivers. Julia Stephens, director of the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation and member of the South Valley Partners for Environmental Justice says, “We had numerous members of the community, including a group of youth, travel to Santa Fe to let the Commission know that we wanted the river protected so that our families and neighbors are not at risk when they swim in and enjoy the waters of the Río Grande. The Commission’s decision is a first step towards ensuring the health of the river and our communities. We remain concerned about water quality in the acequia network where many community members fish and swim. Conducting water quality monitoring on a regular basis would establish a water quality baseline and could support addressing potential problems.” Presently, water quality is not monitored in acequias and ditches statewide.
In January, the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission approved Amigos Bravos’ nomination of the Río Santa Barbara as New Mexico’s first Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW), a category of water recognized and given special protection under the Clean Water Act. “At last we can say that New Mexico has a designated outstanding river,” commented Rachel Conn, Clean Water Circuit Rider for Amigos Bravos. “Twenty three years after passage of the Clean Water Act, in a state where all rivers should have special protection, New Mexico will finally have a designated outstanding river.” Amigos Bravos nominated the Río Santa Barbara as New Mexico’s first ONRW after being identified as a treasured New Mexico river by people attending an Amigos Bravos sponsored Clean Water Act Workshop. The Clean Water Act describes ONRWs as “waters of exceptional recreational or ecological significance” (40 CFR §131.12 (a)(3)). The Clean Water Act protects these waters by stating, “water quality [in the designated ONRW] shall be maintained and protected” (Id.). Designation of a water body as an ONRW provides the maximum level of water quality protection under the Clean Water Act and forbids any degradation of water quality. Amigos Bravos’ nomination included a written statement, scientific evidence, as well as an economic analysis.
Rio Santa Barbara Protected
Improving River Water Quality Standards
Victory for Clean Water!
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n mid March environmental groups and the City of Albuquerque entered into an historic settlement agreement in the lawsuit over the Rio Grande and the silvery minnow. The two sides joined forces to take an important step towards both ensuring that the Rio Grande continues to survive and flow, and providing more certainty for Albuquerque’s future water supply. The agreement demonstrates how the Endangered Species Act can catalyze diverse interests to come together to devise creative solutions that benefit everyone.
Michael Coca, a resident of Las Vegas and the President of Amigos Bravos, who swims in and irrigates from the Río Gallinas, commented on changes to the standards: “We have people swimming year-round in the Río Gallinas below the hot springs. We are glad the water quality in the river will now have high enough standards for E. coli that it will be safe to swim in the river.” Counter-acting the Bush administration’s attacks on New Mexico waters, other changes, include a more comprehensive definition of toxic pollutants and a broadening of the definition of waters to include all waters even those in closed basins, previously excluded from protection. The definition of waters of the state has been a focal issue in recent months, as the Bush administration stripped federal protection for many waters. All of the above changes were pursued during the Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards, a hearing process that takes place every 3 years. During the Triennial Review, the public and various stakeholders have the opportunity to petition for changes to the state’s water quality standards. For more information on how you can get involved to protect our rivers contact: Amigos Bravos: Friends of the Wild Rivers, P.O. Box 238 Taos, NM 87571 phone: 505758-3874 • amigosbravos.org.
april 2005
5
co-op news
april 2005 6
LOCAL SALE ITEMS Permaculture Credit Union SHOP LOCAL & SAVE
Adding Ability to Sustainability
505 Organics
Albuquerque, New Mexico Green Chile Sauce,16 oz Sale $3.69, Green Chile Salsa, Sale $3.69
B’s Honey
Los Lunas, New Mexico New Mexico Honey, 8 oz. Sale $2.79
Cloud Cliff Bakery
Santa Fe, New Mexico Desert Amaranth Granola, Per lb. Sale $6.29
Herbs, Etc. Santa Fe, New Mexico Menopautonic, 60 ct, Sale $13.49, Allertonic 60 ct, Sale $13.49 Not all items available at all stores. SPECIALS GOOD FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL
FRESH DELICIOUS & ORGANIC SHOP YOUR CO-OP
Coop Community
welcome days
Enjoy local and natural food samplings, great local music and the camaraderie of friends and neighbors. For info contact Robyn at 256-4594
Coops Supporting Coops As a long-time Coop member and supporter, I am thrilled that La Montanita has merged with the Marketplace team, and that we will finally have a Coop in Santa Fe again. The Permaculture Credit Union is another cooperative institution which I hope Coop members throughout the state know about and support. The Permaculture Credit Union opened its doors in August of 2000, after several years of planning and applying for regulatory approval. It was organized by a group of over a dozen permaculture enthusiasts, many of whom had experienced difficulty borrowing for projects that incorporate ecological and environmental concerns into the design. These “unconventional” projects, which often do not conform to normal bank lending requirements, are generally very practical and sound projects. The PCU came into being to support these projects and people. At this point, we have over 700 members and almost three million dollars on deposit. We have placed dozens of loans, the majority of which have qualified for our Sustainability Loan Discount program. This discount program offers reduced loan rates for projects that fit our criteria for energy and water conservation, land restoration, alternative energy, local agriculture, and more. We have shown with our success to date that people are willing to deposit some of their savings with the PCU, and earn returns slightly below market rates. They do this because they know that the reduction will be passed on to borrowers, as a reward for choices that care for the earth. Our depositors are thus earning a double return. They earn interest, and they are creating social change by supporting our borrowers’ sustainable projects. While we have had this success to date, we also have our challenges. As a new financial institution, we are highly regulated by both the state and federal governments. Our regulators do not allow us to loan to businesses, nor to loan more than $70,000 to any one family (hopefully to be increased to $75,000 soon), nor to invest more than 50% of our assets in real estate backed loans. While these limitations are perhaps prudent, they are also constraining. Additionally, in 2003, we were told to slow the growth of the Credit Union, and we suspended offering Certificates of Deposit (CDs) to our members. We will not be able to offer these products until we can grow our capital base, which only grows slowly through profits.
At present we are looking to add to this capital base and jumpstart our growth, through donations from foundations and individuals. We have had some success in this regard, and have a fundraising drive underway. Most new credit unions have a corporate or institutional sponsor that funds the start-up phase. We have no such sponsor, but have a startup underway through the generosity of donors, and on the backs of a core group of dedicated volunteers and staff. I recognize that La Montanita has had a long relationship with New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union, and that many members feel that they are well served by NMEFCU. The Permaculture Credit Union has had cooperative arrangements with other credit unions in New Mexico since inception, most significantly with State Employees Credit Union and Guadalupe Credit Union, but also with a handful of other credit unions. We do not see ourselves in competition with these other credit unions. We do not offer checking accounts, and therefore cannot become the primary credit union for most individuals and families. Instead, we are looking for people to deposit a part of their savings with us, and to borrow from us when our Sustainability Discount Program offers the best rate, or when your project does not fit the lending criteria of your regular credit union. We look forward to the day when other financial institutions catch on to what we are doing, and see that like the PCU, they can “do well, by doing good.” We believe in the democratic principles of cooperatives and credit unions, and see the growth of the cooperative economy as essential for a shift toward ecological sustainability. We hope that over time we can create substantial links between our cooperative institutions. Please support the Permaculture Credit Union. Let us help you go solar, catch your rainwater, or restore your landscape. Starting in April, we are running a loan sale for automobiles that get more than 35 miles per gallon. Now may be a great time to upgrade to a more fuel efficient model, or to refinance your vehicle with us. Taking out a loan (and paying it back) is probably the best way you can support PCU Coop. by Donal S. Kinney, PCU Board Member
Contact Information: Phone: (505) 954-3479; Toll Free: (866) 954-3479; Box 29300, 4250 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87592-9300 info@pcuonline.org www.pcuonline.org.
Your Coop’s
Social Responsibility Committee SANTA FE: SAT., APRIL 30, 10am-3pm 913 W. Alameda GALLUP: SAT., MAY 7, 10am-3pm 105 East Coal at First Street
The Social Responsibility Committee meets monthly on the first Monday of the month, 5:30 pm, all welcome! At our last two meetings, we’ve been discussing: 1) Implementation of the Committee’s work of the last year, the difficult task of trying to pin down what constitutes legally, ethically and socially responsible business behavior; and 2) How to provide useful product/supplier information to our member/owners, in support of the Coop’s Global Ends Policy that envisions “…an increasing number of
people having and making more informed and sustainable choices…” If you consider these matters to be the heart and soul of the Coop, then please join us and share your ideas! For more information about the Committee, please call Roger Eldridge at 277-2154 (weekdays) or 265-8941 (evenings and weekends). Or just come to our next meeting on Monday evening, April 4th at 5:30pm at 122 Tulane SE (near the Nob Hill store).
Questionable Pesticide Study At February’s meeting, the Coop Board of Directors unanimously voted to add the Coop Board’s signature to an online petition sponsored by the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA). The petition is addressed to the US Environmental Protection Agency, and is an opportunity for anyone to express their concern about the proposed Children’s Environmental Exposure Research Study (CHEERS). This pesticide industry-funded study proposes to offer cash and various prizes to low-income parents in Duval County, Florida, in return for exposing their children to home and garden pesticides in order to learn the effects these chemicals have on children. To learn more about the proposed study and petition, visit the PANNA website at http://www.panna.org (type CHEERS under QuickSearch). La Montanita has been an affiliate of PANNA for 15 years and has signed on to numerous pesticide safety petitions in the past.
Come and HOWL at your Tuesday, April 5th 7pm Front entrance of the Nob Hill Coop The annual reading of Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" Readers and musicians invited. Call Frank Melcori for info 262-4124
co-op news
april 2005 7
General Manager’s Column Your co-op is now providing goods, services, and the cooperative economic advantage to members in four locations. Our Gallup location opened on February 22nd and is enjoying tremendous support from the community. We under-projected our business there and are working to increase the Gallup store’s staff to support the demand. Our staff in Gallup is also working to adjust our opening product mix to the specific needs of the community. I encourage you to stop by this location when you have an opportunity to see what we are doing in this small space.
also been inserting our monthly CAP (Co-op Advantage Program) sales flyer in the Alibi and Albuquerque Journal for the past few months and we are currently considering the value of this and whether or not to continue. Our annual Garden Party at the Valley store was held on March 19th and we enjoyed great community support and participation at this event. Both of our Albuquerque locations continue to enjoy strong community support and we are delighted with the increased opportunities to be of service to you.
We have just completed the installation of a softWe completed the pur- the inside scoop ware upgrade to our point chase of The Marketplace of sale (cash register) sysNatural Food Store on March 1st and as of this tems and, as with most upgrades, we have a few writing have over 600 new co-op members in bugs to work out. We appreciate your underSanta Fe. We are working with our staff in standing and patience with our front-end staff as Santa Fe to implement our pricing and mer- we work through the changes in this software chandising programs in this store and we expect and make adjustments to better serve you. to have most of this transition work completed by the end of April. In general we are working We hope you will join us at the Nob Hill locato increase the selection of food and reduce the tion for our annual Earth Day celebration on variety of some non-food items in the store, and Sunday, April 17th. This continues to be our we will be enclosing the selection of incense in largest event of the year with a wide variety of some sort of glass cabinet in response to mem- food, information and entertainment for your ber requests. I hope you will join me in recog- enjoyment. We also have two Co-op nizing the fabulous work of our staff in Santa Community Welcome events scheduled in Fe who are making the adjustment to La Gallup and Santa Fe. Saturday, April 30th at the Montanita and our programs and systems. We Santa Fe location and Saturday, May 7th in are very grateful for the support of the commu- Gallup. We very much enjoy these opportunities nity in these early days and we look forward to to get to know you and hope to see you at one growing our relationship over the coming or more of these co-op celebrations. months and years. In Albuquerque we are currently repainting the Nob Hill store with brighter colors and are using Low VOC paints from Dunn Edwards. We have
We greatly appreciate your support of La Montanita and look forward to seeing you soon at the co-op, C.E. Pugh
Product Spotlight: Grocery
Feeding Fido! Feeding Fido Inc. is a local company that began when their search for homemade, wholesome products for dogs came up empty-handed. They believe that the statement, “You are what you eat” applies to the pet population as well. With pet health care costs on the rise and the direct link of diet with health, they believe it is imperative that we select what we feed our pets carefully and become their advocates in order for them to live long and healthy lives. That strong belief prompted them to do research on pet nutrition and create a product that provided what they felt is the best. They are determined to educate others about the ingredients in pet food, in order to give them the knowledge necessary to make good choices for their furry friends. The company was founded by Susie Starr, a native of Albuquerque, and Chuck Bazner; it combines Chuck’s cooking talents and Susie’s business savvy.
nutritious and come in the flavors that dogs crave. They use all human grade ingredients with only natural preservatives. You will be amazed by how different fresh treats taste, and how your dog will prefer them.
Their treats are home rolled, homemade and hand packed to assure the freshest product on the market. They are
Come meet Suzie and Chuck at the Celebrate the Earth Fest and look for their products at the Nob Hill Coop.
Feeding Fido’s goal is to make things better for your canine companions. They can custom order preparations enabling those who have difficulty locating items that address the obesity issue, the picky eater issue or the food intolerance issue find what they need. As a whole, Feeding Fido Inc believes that your pet’s health is important. Your beloved pets have always given you their unconditional love and devotion. Don’t settle for anything but the best for them. Feeding Fido is committed to helping you do just that. That is why their motto is, “So good they will always beg for more!”
Calendar of Events 4/4 4/13 4/17 4/19 4/26 4/27 4/30 5/7
Social Responsibility Research Committee 5:30pm 122 Tulane Member Linkage 5:30pm Valley Coop 16th Annual Earth Day Festival, Nob Hill Coop 10:30am-6pm Board of Directors Meeting 5:30pm Immanuel Church Finance Committee Meeting 5:30pm Coop Annex Gallup Community Meeting 5:30pm Wild Sage Coop Coop Community Day 5:30pm Marketplace Coop, Santa Fe Coop Community Day Wild Sage Coop, Gallup
Meditative Ways Retreat with Steven Ridley Qigong and Meditation Practice for Personal Enrichment and Spritual Growth May 6-8, 2005 Dominican Sprititual Renewal Center Albuquerque, NM "Each of us is fully enlightened at the core of our being. This is our essential, enduring nature. Meditation, Qigong and other practices can help restore our awareness to this innate state.”
Steven Ridley This program will include in-depth practice of Harmony Qigong, Eighteen Forms Qigong and a variety of seated Meditation methods. Everyone is welcome to enter in, regardless of experience. Qigong movements are enjoyable to perform, wonderfully vitalizing and may be adapted for individual comfort. Meditation techniques are easy to apply and fruitful.
http://home.comcast.net/~lshiver/QigongHome.html LShiver@comcast.net 505-681-1924
PLANTS OF THE SOUTHWEST Free Events in Albuquerque Saturdays at Noon April 2, Seven Habits of Successful NM Gardeners, Judith Phillips
April 9, Soil Building Workshop April 23, Spring Festival Live Music, Mezcla Experience!
April 30, Biodiesel Workshop
Albuquerque 344-8830 6680 4th St. NW (North of Osuna)
Santa Fe (505)438-8888 3095 Agua Fria (West of Siler) Compliments of the Valley Coop Morning Coffee and Dog (very informal) Club!
www.plantsofthesouthwest.com
Local PURCHASING SOLUTION
Support for the local economy has long been a corner stone of cooperative philosophy. Guiding all we do here at the Co-op are the Cooperative Principles. These principles champion autonomy, community ownership and concern for a sustainable local economy. Here at La Montañita, we remain strongly committed to developing and sustaining our local economy and community. Over the last few years we have steadily increased our local purchases. Last year we were pleased to have purchased 1.25 million dollars of food and related products from local producers. This local success has been, in large part, due to you, our members and shoppers. From eggs, bread and milk to fruit and vegetables, from meat and poultry to valued-added products, every time we purchase a local product we know that its freshness means it’s more nutritious and our dollars will keep circulating here in our community Now with stable Co-op locations in Albuquerque, Gallup and Santa Fe, we look forward to supporting even more local growers and vendors. Want to be an ultimate environmental activist every time you shop? Look for the “Local Product” sign. You’ll see them on shelves throughout our Co-op stores. Buy local whenever possible. We at your Co-op aim to support local economic development even more in the coming years. With your help, we can do just that! If you know of any local products you’d like us to consider carrying, let us know. Please call C.E. at 265-4631 or e-mail him at ce@lamontanitacoop.com Our greatest asset in working to secure local food, economy, culture and community is the support of family farmers, local producers and local and community-owned businesses. FOR A VIBRANT, AUTONOMOUS, SUSTAINABLE LOCAL ECONOMY - SHOP YOUR CO-OP!
Local MORE FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
A few tasty tidbits reported by a variety of organizations: • 60 cents of every dollar spent at a locally owned and operated business is put directly back into the community. • Only 20 cents of every dollar spent at a chain store (including natural foods chain stores) stays in the community. • Only 6 cents of every dollar spent at a national or international “super” discount store stays in the community. • Money spent in the local economy may change hands up to eight times before it “leaks” away. • Spending one dollar at a local co-op or business, farm stand or local professional may be worth as much as $6.00 in the local economy before it “leaks” away. • Out of state, national or transnational corporations are extractive by nature. They come to a community to mine resources, be they environmental, economic or human. • Short term benefits, like food from corporate-welfare, price-supported agribusiness or overseas sweatshop-produced clothing or other products may seem cheap now, but in the long run could cost us our jobs, our community, our democracy, our planet. Think before you buy. More information can be found at: www.ces.ncsu.edu and New Economics Foundation, www.newint.org
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NEW MEXICO
Mujeres en Acción Sabroso
Dixon
Morro Valley
Embudo Fabric Design
Uncle Mabe’s
Angel Fire
Edgewood
Mountainair
Muy Cool
Feeding Fido
Rayo
Artesia
Española
Ojo Sarco
Otiska
Kinna’s
Cibolo Junction
Belen
Gila
Peña Blanca
Rasband Dairy
Desert Woman Botanicals
Sweetwood’s Goat Cheese
Bernalillo
Jemez Springs
Pie Town
The Range Café
Chile Crop Jemez Mountain Route 66
Coonridge Farm Goat Cheese
Aroma Coffee of Santa Fe Santa Fe Beeswax Candle Co Herbs Etc. Enchanted Soaps 505 Apple Canyon Casa Blanca Coyote Cocina Holy Chipotle Los Chileros Santa Fe Bite Size Santa Fe Cider Co Santa Fe Culinaria Santa Fe Jerky Santa Fe Olé Santa Fe Seasons The Shed Beneficial Eggs
Tesuque
Local Local Local Local Local Local Alamogordo
Heart of the Desert
Albuquerque
The Providers Purple Onion Le Chantilly Pastry Stop Mujeres en Acción Lin’s Luscious Truffles Yasmine’s Café Barbara’s Wheat Grass Pollo Real Corrales Organic Wheat Grass Chocolate del Diablo Love and Co Just Cashews Yerba Mate Revolution New Mexico Coffee Co R.B.Winning Coffee Co Red Rock Roasters Vital Soapworks Sandia Soap Co Vitality Works La Montañita Plant Works Nova Heel BHI Progena Plant Works Cough Syrup Angel Enchantment Organic Salve Sage Smudgesticks Tijeres Shampoos & Conditioners Flower’s Salves Co-op Cards The SunStop Black Mesa Bueno Cannon’s Caribbean Temptation Cervantes Chile Jammin’ Stuff Comida Loca Coyote Trails Desert Gardens El Patio El Pinto Fiesta Flo’s Jerky By Art Jilli Pepper Kidstuff Mama Luigi’s Merlie’s Milagro Monroe’s New Mexico Piñon Coffee Nobles Pedro’s Pueblo Puerta de Luna Southwest Garden Buenatural Bueno Chavez Flying E Ranch Foods of NM Lori’s Farms
Bosque Farms
Bosque Farms Sparrow Hawk Farms
La Cueva
Salman Ranch
North of the Border Spaghetti Western
Tierra Amarilla
Shepherd’s Organic Lamb
Tucumcari
Cow Feta Asiago
Velarde
Rancho de Santa Fe
ARIZONA Flagstaff
Winter Sun Trading Co.
Goodyear Boulder
Payson
C & H Farms
Phoenix Sunburst
Scottsdale
Mountain Green
Tempe
the
MarketPlace
Handy Pantry
Santa Fe
COLORADO Boulder
Mountain Ocean Boulder Hemp Scream!
Wild Sage
Valley
Gallup
Albuquerque
Nob Hill
Durango
O’Haras Prairie Thyme Zuke’s
Evergreen
Faber Foods
Fort Collins
Bingham Hill Rustic Blue Cheese Carolla’s Beeswax Crème Leopoldo’s
Grand Junction
Religious Experience
Hotchkiss Leroux Creek
Lyons
Madhava
The Clearlight Cedar Co Near Magic Valley
El Pico de Santa Fe Salsa de Santa Fe Sunrise Tamale Molly
Los Lunas
San Juan Pueblo
Socorro
B’s Honey
Leo Martinez
Mogollon
Pollo Real Organic Chicken Aug & Bob’s
Sangre de Christo
Placitas
Laguna Suwanee
Brazito
Del Valle Pecans
Deming Hatch Joseph’s Sadie’s
Super Salve Mimosa Blossom Sierra Madre Sister Creations
Sangre de Christo Co-op
Taos
Santa Fe
Yerba Sage Smudgies La Ultima
Cloud Cliff Bakery
Palmer Lake Villa
Pueblo
Pueblo Chile Two Flaming Arrow
Saguache
Green Earth Farm
Sedalia
Purity Farms
YOUR FORK – AN INSTRUMENT FOR CHANGE !
Local merchants generate a substantially more positive economic impact on New Mexico communities than chain retailers by spending a much larger portion of total revenue on local labor and local services. Local merchants keep their modest profits in the local economy, providing strong support for local culture and creating further economic benefits. Shop your local Co-op for the best in New Mexico products, from Health and Beauty aids to Deli delights, Bakery goods, Fresh Produce and Bulk items. Look for the New Mexico products listed above the next time you shop your Co-op and savor the local flavor while supporting your community’s economic health.
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spring perfection
april 2005 10
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, or to taste
spring’s
special treats Looking for lighter luscious fare perfect for spring? Try some of these delicious and unusual recipes. You’ll probably notice that they are slightly heavy on spring’s special treats of fresh peas and asparagus. Adapted and reprinted from the following web sites:
The NERVE: a col-aberration By Lisa Gill and Kris Mills
www.epicurious.com www.gutsygourmet.com www.naturalgourmetschool.com www.thatsmyhouse.com www.allrecipes.com www.recipesource.com Farfalle with Mascarpone, Asparagus, and Hazlenuts
April 4–29
Reception: Friday, April 8 with a poetry reading 5 – 8:30 PM
HARWOOD
ART
1114 7th Street NW at Mountain Road. For more information, call 505-242-6367
2 pounds slender asparagus, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 2-inch lengths (about 6 cups) 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound farfalle (bow-tie pasta) 1 8-ounce container mascarpone cheese 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted, husked, coarsely chopped 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives Parmesan cheese shaving
CENTER Preheat oven to 450°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place asparagus on prepared sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat; spread in single layer. Roast until asparagus is tender, about 10 minutes. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead; let stand at room temperature.) Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot. Stir in mascarpone, grated Parmesan cheese, and asparagus. Toss over medium-low heat until pasta is coated with sauce and mixture is heated through, adding reserved pasta water by 1/4 cupfuls if dry, about 3 minutes. Mound pasta in large shallow serving bowl. Sprinkle with hazelnuts, chives, and Parmesan cheese shavings. Asparagus Flan with Cheese Sauce For flan 2 lb asparagus, trimmed 4 large eggs 1 1/3 cups whole milk 2 tablespoons freshly grated ParmigianoReggiano 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
For sauce 1/4 lb Italian Fontina, rind discarded and cheese coarsely grated (or cut into 1/4-inch dice if too soft to grate) 1/2 cup whole milk 2 large eggs yolks 1 tablespoon butter Make flan: Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 325°F. Butter an 8- by 2-inch round cake pan and line bottom with a round of wax paper, then butter paper. Steam asparagus in a steamer set over boiling water, covered, until very tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Purée asparagus in a food processor until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. (You will have about 2 cups purée.) Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then whisk in asparagus purée. Pour asparagus mixture into pan and bake in a hot water bath until flan is set and a wooden pick or skewer inserted in center comes out clean, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Transfer pan to a rack to cool slightly, 10 to 15 minutes. Make sauce while flan cools: Put all sauce ingredients in a metal bowl, then set bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Heat sauce, whisking until cheese and butter are melted, and then stirring with a wooden spoon, until sauce is slightly thickened and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove bowl from pan. Run a thin knife around edge of flan to loosen, then invert a serving plate over pan and invert flan onto plate. Remove pan and discard paper. Cut flan into wedges and serve immediately. Tagliatelle with Shredded Beets, Sour Cream, and Parsley 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 cups (packed) coarsely grated peeled uncooked beets (about 3 large) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 12 ounces tagliatelle or fettuccine 1 8-ounce container sour cream 6 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided Melt butter with oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; stir until pale golden, about 1 minute. Add beets and cayenne; reduce heat to medium-low and sauté just until beets are tender, about 12 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.
Los Poblanos Organics
Body-Centered Counseling
www.LosPoblanosOrganics.com
681-4060
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
spring perfection Drain pasta and return to pot. Stir in sour cream and 4 tablespoons parsley, then beet mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to bowl. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons parsley and serve. Fresh Asparagus Soup 2 lbs. asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup onion, chopped 2 cans chicken or veggie broth 2 tbsp. margarine or butter 2 tbsp. flour 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. white pepper 1 1/2 cups milk, cream, or milk alternative 1 cup sour cream, yogurt or soy alternative 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice Place asparagus, onion and 1 cup broth in covered saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until asparagus is tender, 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat; transfer to a blender and puree mixture. Using same saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add flour and salt and pepper, cooking mixture and stirring constantly for 2 minutes. DO NOT LET MIXTURE BROWN. Whisk in remaining broth and raise heat to medium, cooking until mixture boils. Stir in asparagus puree and milk or cream. Place sour cream in a small bowl and add some of the hot liquid to the sour cream, stirring only to warm and blend it. Add sour cream and lemon juice to soup. Stir well to blend. Heat only until soup is heated through, not to boiling. When reheating this soup, heat only until hot, not boiling. Spring Vegetables with Shallots and Lemon 2 T. olive oil 1 T. unsalted butter 4 shallots, cut crosswise into thin slices 1 lb. sugar snap peas, trimmed 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch slices 3 lbs. fresh fava beans, shelled, blanched in boiling water 1 minute, and outer skins removed, or 1 lb. frozen Fordhook lima beans, blanched and, if desired, skinned in same manner 2 3-inch strips lemon zest removed with a vegetable peeler and cut crosswise into julienne strips 2 t. fresh lemon juice In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 tablespoon butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides and sauté shallots, stirring, until tender, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon transfer shallots to a bowl. In fat remaining in skillet, sauté snap peas with salt to taste, stirring occasionally, until crisptender and add in shallots.
april 2005 11
In skillet, heat remaining tablespoon oil and 1/2 tablespoon butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides and sauté asparagus with salt to taste, stirring occasionally, until crisptender. Add fava or lima beans and sauté, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Add zest, lemon juice, snap peas and shallots, and salt and pepper to taste and sauté, stirring, until just heated through. Simply Spring Pasta 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed 1 pound package dry penne pasta 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese salt and pepper to taste Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add asparagus, and cook for 2 minutes. Add peas, and cook for 2 more minutes. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside. Add pasta to boiling water, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Place pasta in the bowl with asparagus and peas. Toss with olive oil, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas and Shiitakes 1 lb sugar snap peas 1/2 lb shiitake mushrooms, trimmed, wiped clean, thinly sliced 2 tsp. wheat freee tamari 1 tbsp. sesame oil 2 tsp. canola or vegetable oil 1/4 tsp. dry pan toasted sesame seeds Remove the strings from the peas if necessary. Bring a pan of water to the boil, add the peas and time 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water until chilled. Pat dry. Prepare the mushrooms and set aside. Combine the tamari and sesame oil; set aside. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shiitakes and saute 3 minutes. Stir in the peas and saute 2 minutes, or until heated through. Add the soy mixture and stir until the vegetables are coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.
asparagus,
get it fresh at your COOP
Romancing the stove. Home equity loans for culinary wizardry.
YouBelong.
889-7755 • www.nmefcu.org
Lauri Norton Licensed Massage Therapist # 4199 Nationally Certified Cranio Sacral, Polarity, Swedish, Reflexology (505) 243-1701 cell 410-3741
earth day issue The New Mexico Environment and Health Coalition: Getting it Together!
I
n July of 2002 the New Mexico Environment and Health Coalition was formed out of a desire to strengthen statewide advocacy for healthy communities and environmental protection. The idea was to bring together advocates whose work was related, but who didn’t actively communicate, strategize or collaborate, to begin to break down the walls between advocates who were fighting the same adversaries – often business and industry, sometimes governmental agencies - but who weren’t collaborating in that struggle. Over time, the Coalition brought together a diverse group of environmental health stakeholders, including public health officials, environmental advocates, educators, environmental physicians, activists from traditional communities, and environmental justice activists. We kept our organization informal, and restricted ‘membership’ to individuals rather than organizations or agencies. This allows the Coalition to benefit from the expertise of individuals who might work for state or county environment and health agencies, but whose agencies could not ‘join’ an advocacy coalition. After all, much of advocacy is really communications, and this policy of the Coalition has certainly enhanced the levels and quality of communication between agencies and advocates.
recognizing the links between health
&environment
A partial list of organizations and agencies that have been ‘represented’ by individuals over the past two and a half years includes: New Mexico Environmental Law Center, New Mexico Conference of Churches, Environmental Justice Working Group, New Mexico Department Of Health, New Mexico Environment Department, New Mexico Public Health Association, Bernalillo County Office of Environmental Health, Eastern Navajo Dine Against Uranium Mining, New Mexico Chemical Sensitivities Task Force, Southwest Research and Information Center, Vecinos del Rio, Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety, EcoVersity, Creative Commotion, Dine Care, Waste Watch, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Isleta Pueblo, Amigos Bravos, Colonias Development Council, and the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club.
successfully injected the community voice into a conference that usually only heard public health professionals talking to each other.
Our principles of democratic participation, human health before profit and respecting the interde-
In 2004, the Coalition began designing a statewide public awareness campaign to demonstrate the
LIFT YOUR SPIRITS. BE INSPIRED. SEE A SHOW!
Bobby McFerrin Sunday APRIL 17 3:30pm
People familiar with Bobby McFerrin's shows know that each is a unique event that resonates with the unexpected. His career is wide and varied, and ranges from achieving pop superstardom with the 1988 hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy" to conducting the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra to working with the Muppets. His concerts demonstrate his innate musicality and amaze with the breadth of orchestral sounds that come out of one body. With a comedian's sense of timing, an unrestrained zany streak and an infectious love for every genre of music, Mr. McFerrin has created a new kind of concert -- a communal sharing and celebration of music.
¡Salsa Sabrosa!
Tito Puente Jr. y Más
Friday MAY 6 • 8:00pm Friday nights on KUNM are hot, hot, hot! For one Friday night, we bring that same sizzle to Popejoy Hall as Tito Puente, Jr. brings his band to New Mexico. Son of the noted bandleader who shares his name, Tito Puente, Jr., honed his craft in the clubs of New York, playing with many well-known artists including the late Celia Cruz, the "Queen of Salsa." Pianist, percussionist and songwriter, the Prince of Latin Dance recorded several Billboard dance hits and won a Latin Music Award for Best Salsa Video for his cover of his father's signature song, "Oye Como Va." Sparks fly when Pop, Latin, Jazz and Dance rhythms merge with Mambo, Cha Cha and Merengue. Season Sponsors
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: UNM Ticket Offices, unmtickets.com and tickets.com outlets or call 925-5858 or (800) 905-3315 / Groups of 20+: 344-1779
The Precautionary Principle The precautionary principle holds that “…when an activity threatens harm to human health or to the environment, precautionary measures should be taken, even if cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.” In other words, use the common sense handed down by your grandmothers - Look Before You Leap; Better Safe Than Sorry, or even, First Do No Harm.
Our Mission: To enhance community influence over environmental and public health decisions that reduce environmental and public health risks in NM through networking, advocacy, education, and policy development. pendency of all living things are articulated as a Coalition mission statement and as goals.
www.ovationseries.com
This year the Coalition was invited to become part of NMPHA’s conference planning team on a permanent basis. (see: www.nmpha.org for details on this year’s conference).
Our Mission: To enhance community influence over environmental and public health decisions that reduce environmental and public health risks in New Mexico through networking, advocacy, education, and policy development. Our Goals: • To bring the community voice back into the public health planning process. • To integrate the precautionary principle in environmental health policy and regulations. • To promote understanding that the health of the land and the full biotic community is basic to environmental health. Walking Our Talk Our first challenge to walk the talk came in early 2003, when the New Mexico Public Health Association (NMPHA) invited the Coalition to develop an Environmental Health Track for its Annual conference. We put together panels that
value of incorporating the precautionary principle into New Mexico’s environmental code and into state, county and municipal government purchasing and contracting policies. The Coalition is working to establish a Precautionary Principle Task Force made up of representatives of communities, business, labor, municipalities, hospital and health care systems and appropriate state agencies to identify ways to implement the precautionary principle in New Mexico. In addition to promoting implementation of the precautionary principle, the Coalition has recently participated in a planning group that is seeking to bring the Bioneers Conference to New Mexico this October, through a satellite hookup with live Bioneers presentations beamed to us in the mornings and our own New Mexico environment and health workshops in the afternoons. by Earl James
For information on how to participate in the New Mexico Environment and Health Coalition, go to www.nmenvirohealth.org and send them an email.
An end to supplements? A few years ago the UN authorized the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization to develop a universal food code - Codex Alimentarius. The goal was to "harmonize" regulations for dietary supplements, and to set international standards for safety and trade. Major pharmaceutical interests got involved, and. those goals have been turned on their head. In June of this year, it could become illegal to sell dietary supplements for preventive or therapeutic use in the U.S. Available potencies could be extremely low. Higher doses would require prescription and be exhorbitantly expensive. The extent of these regulations is draconian. International trade agreements are in place which supercede U.S. regulations. The U.S. has already agreed to the principles at various GATT meetings, which also require state and local laws to conform to the international standards. Disobeying the WTO brings serious trade priviledge limitations and sanctions, and Congress has already bowed to pressure from the WTO.
What now? Please, please inform yourself! Check out www.ahna.org, www.iahf.com, and www.alliance-natural-health.org. Learn what has already happened in Europe, and support those who are struggling to stop this process in England. On the home front, there are steps to take. Write your federal legislators to OPPOSE S.722 and H.R. 3377, which would support the CODEX restrictions in U.S. laws. And SUPPORT H.R. 1146, which would restore the sovreignty of the U.S. Constitution over the CODEX regulation process. Get information, share it, and demand discussion of this matter. Your health options depend on it. by Laurel Schillke, D.O.M.
action alert!
KEEP YOUR $$ AT HOME BUY LOCAL KEEP YOUR $$ AT HOME 12
april 2005
health & healing Understanding Allergies by Rasa Lila, NMD he way allergies affect us was explained to me as being like water filling a barrel. Our bodies are the barrel and the water is foreign particles, toxins, and infectious organisms. As long as the water remains in the barrel, we do not experience symptoms. Our bodies take care of foreign invaders all the time without our knowing. As soon as the barrel overflows, we begin to experience allergies. The body’s immune and detoxification systems finally get overwhelmed by many years of environmental toxin exposure, pollution, dust, mold, pollen, animal dander, sickness, or problematic foods. Unhealthy lifestyle habits compound the problem. At their worst, allergies are nothing less than pure misery. The good news is we can empty our barrel, and relieve our suffering.
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The body has barriers that prevent foreign substances (allergens) from entering the bloodstream. The first is the mucus membranes that line the respiratory tract and intestines. These keep out inhaled and ingested allergens. The skin keeps out foreign particles with which we come into contact. The barriers can be broken down due to poor diet, overgrowth of bacteria, inflammation, enzyme deficiency, or other factors. When this happens, foreign particles get through the barrier, enter the blood, and activate our immune systems. The body’s emergency cleansing system causes sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and coughing. Often allergies are not due to one or a few factors, but rather to the total burden on the body. This is why some people don’t experience allergies until later in life. Other people find their allergies emerge after they have been sick. Allergies are complicated to understand just like the body’s immune system is. There are books to explain them in detail, such as Allergy Free by Konrad Kail, ND and Is this your Child by Doris Rapp, MD. Prevent suffering this season by educating yourself and taking action toward health.
A general approach to dealing with allergies involves cleansing the body, reducing its toxic burden. First, reduce the amount of toxins you are exposed to by not smoking, ingesting alcohol, soda, caffeine, sugar, or refined foods. Eat organic foods from your local co-op. Exercise helps eliminate toxins through your skin, lungs and kidneys. Getting enough sleep, reducing your stress and activity level provides energy for your body’s detoxification processes. When your daily routines are balanced, you can take the next step toward eliminating your allergies with a liver cleanse protocol, supplementing your diet with extra nutrients and herbs, and employing relaxation and therapeutic techniques. Natural Therapeutics Mind/body: Feeling unsafe, nervous, anxious, or on the edge are related to allergies. One goal toward health is to learn to feel safe in the world again. Practice deep breathing exercises and make lifestyle changes to reduce stress.
“to the pure, all things are pure” Titus 1:15
D
Drainage: Drainage primarily facilitates the removal of toxins by supporting the body’s organs of elimination. It does this by relying on homeopathic remedies which specifically target these organs. The liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, etc. are gently stimulated to more efficiently process the toxic load on the organism. Drainage can be used as an adjunct to any major healing process during which greater demands will be made on these organs. It is particularly important for those who have been on drug therapy or some other form of toxic stress which can cause the liver and other organs to get “backed up.” General cleansers: These are homeopathic remedies which have a general affinity for the systemic effects of intoxication on the body. They hasten the process of elimination and provide a level of pro-
Rasa Lila N.D., practices in Albuquerque. She can be reached at (505) 363-9748.
for allergy relief
Nutrition: Eating a balanced, healthy diet is the first step toward eliminating allergies. However, you still may be eating a food to which your body reacts. An elimination/challenge diet is recommended in these circumstances. It is also good to understand most protein-containing foods produce mucus, and therefore can exacerbate allergy symptoms. This includes dairy, nuts, eggs, meats, and grains. A rotational diet including proper food combining is best for basic maintenance.
Homeopathy and Detoxification etoxification is a vast topic within the field of natural therapies. It refers to the removal of toxins or impurities from the tissues of the body. These toxins may originate externally as environmental pollutants, drugs, etc.; or internally as byproducts of metabolism, incomplete digestion, and so forth. Almost any disease process is accompanied by an accumulation of these toxins. By the same token, almost any healing process is characterized by an increased elimination of toxins. Some schools of thought have gone so far as to assign the primary role to toxins in the genesis of disease. But Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, was very clear in insisting that disease is not material in nature, but “dynamic” or “spirit-like” – what we might call bioenergetic. Still, it is important to recognize a critical, if secondary, role that detoxification plays in the overall healing process. Let’s look at some approaches to homeopathic detoxification therapy:
Supplements and herbs support the immune system and decrease inflammation. Some of the most useful include: Vitamin C with bioflavanoids. Take 1-2g of Vitamin C every couple of hours. Quercitin, an enzyme derived from onions decreases histamine. Take 200-1,000mg/day. Stinging nettle tea is extremely nutritive. Drink 1-4 cups daily. Vitamin E protects tissues from free radical damage. Take 400-800 IU/day. Vitamin B5 support the adrenals during stress. Take 100-2,000 mg/day. Magnesium helps adrenal and immune functions. Take 500mg/day. Essential fatty acids including hemp oil, cod liver oil (check the source to make sure it has been tested for heavy metals), flax oil, evening primrose, borage oil, and others decrease inflammation.
tection against general effects of toxicity. Again, this is particularly important for those individuals on drug therapies or under some other form of ongoing toxic exposure. The remedy Nux Vomica stands at the head of this class of remedies. Specific Detoxification: General detoxification approaches are effective for dealing with toxins already mobilized within the organism, but specific detoxification can remove deeper layers of toxic accumulation that are not easily released and eliminated. One of the best known of specific detoxification protocols is the heavy metal detox which targets mercury, lead, and other metals for removal from the body. A word of caution is in order for those contemplating a heavy metal detox: these metals can be as damaging on the way out of the body, as they are on the way in. Steps should be taken to facilitate the movement of the metals, such as drainage and the use of nutrients which bind to and neutralize the metals.
New Mexico Foodscapes EAT FROM YOUR YARD, ALL YEAR Specializing in: Vegetables, Fruit and Nut Trees/Shrubbery, Herbs and Perennials Drip Irrigation
Please call Eric @ 505-480-6943
Disease and detoxification: In most cases, toxins are not the disease, but they accompany disease. The real nature of disease is a distortion in the regulating intelligence of the organism. When these distortions are corrected, detoxification will follow naturally. It is important to recognize that “toxins” also exist on the level of the mind. Unprocessed emotions held within the subtle aspect of our body are some of the most destabilizing of toxins we have to deal with. Many difficult health problems can be resolved by this sort of “emotional detoxification,” leaving the individual not only healthier in body, but freer in mind and spirit. For more information call 884-3997 or ethanmiller@cheerful.com by Ethan Miller
Antiques, Uniques & Fine Things Gala May 1, 2005 • 12pm to 2:30pm • Hosted by Immanuel Church • 114 Carlisle Blvd. SE website: www.rt66church.com • phone: 265-7628 Direct Sales • Silent Auction • Live Entertainment • Refreshments • Fee: $3/person or $5/family The funds the Gala generates will be used to support current and future programs at Immanuel. Donations from local merchants and professionals will be either auctioned or used as door prizes. The donation is tax-deductible. IPC is a 501(c)(3) organization, we will provide free publicity to the donors.
SHOP COOP BUY LOCAL april 2005
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community forum
april 2005 14
The Nuclear Disarmament
Imperative “We as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values… A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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he continued possession, further development, and manufacture of nuclear weapons by the United States here in N.M. undermines the ethical basis of our society, breaks treaties our nation has signed, wastes our nation’s wealth, and permanently contaminates our environment, while providing no real contribution to U.S. national security. This concrete manifestation of what Dr. King calls “spiritual death,” this black hole of military spending, ironically provides us with a unique opportunity for “spiritual resurrection,” if we choose to take the road of action with confidence. This means saying “No” to nuclear proliferation and “Yes” to nuclear disarmament on behalf of humanity and the planet. The Los Alamos Study Group asks you to join more than a 1000 New Mexicans and 200 New Mexico businesses and organizations that have made this choice by signing the “Call for Nuclear Disarmament.” It is up to citizens to disrupt the trend of socio-political isolation and revitalize public discourse about the illegal production of nuclear weapons. Illegal? Yes, nuclear proliferation is indeed illegal as stated in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ratified in 1970 by the United States and 187 other countries. The US and other nuclear powers are therefore legally bound to abide by all articles within the treaty, including Article VI of the NPT which clearly calls for all parties of the Treaty to pursue “…complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.” The current nuclear weapons budget for Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has tripled the average expenditures during the Cold War era. LANL is the largest facility for WMD in the world in dollar terms. Sandia National Laboratory is next in size. Almost half of U.S. nuclear warhead spending now occurs in New Mexico. Soon, LANL will be the only site in the U.S. that fabricates plutonium pits (bomb cores), which are necessary for making completely new nuclear weapons. LANL also houses the largest active nuclear disposal site in the Southwest.
The Los Alamos Study Group’s “Call for Nuclear Disarmament,” states 4 concrete goals for disarmament: 1) Stop designing and manufacture of all nuclear weapons including plutonium bomb cores. 2) Dismantle our nuclear arsenal in concert with other nuclear powers, pursuant to Article VI of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. 3) Halt the disposal of nuclear waste at Los Alamos: and finally, 4) We demand sensible priorities for health care for everyone, better education, renewable energy and economic opportunity for those who have not. Here in New Mexico we have an important historical imperative and current responsibility with regard to nuclear weapons research, development and production. While federal funding continues to pour into our state at a higher rate per capita than any other state, New Mexico’s poverty rates climb, and our public education system is rated as the worst in the nation. The Los Alamos Study Group formed in 1989, is a nonprofit organization whose careful research on the activity of nuclear weapons labs in New Mexico is devoted to educating the public on matters of nuclear activity and facilitating positive change in New Mexico, as well as nationally and internationally. To sign the “Call for Nuclear Disarmament” is to join your fellow concerned New Mexicans, owners of local businesses and leaders of non-profit organizations and churches as well as people around the world in a declaration of public conscience. Please go to our web site, www.lasg.org, “Endorse the Call” button at the right of the page. Let's speak out New Mexico. It’s our issue. For more information on how to get involved, to join the “Call for Nuclear Disarmament,” or to endorse the Hiroshima 60 Years August 6th event, visit our website www.lasg.org, email Claire Long at clong@lasg.org or reach us by phone: (505)265-1200.
According to a recent poll conducted by the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) and Knowledge Networks, 84% of Americans believe it a good idea to “work toward eliminating nuclear weapons as part of the non-proliferation treaty” (check-out “Americans on WMD Proliferation”, at http://www.pipa.org/ and search for “April 15, 2004”). The “Call for Nuclear Disarmament” is not simply a local petition; it is New Mexico’s voice in the global chorus of numerous declarations against nuclear proliferation and the unjust violence inherent in the construction and threat of deployment of nuclear weapons.
Unlined radioactive waste pit in area G at Los Alamos National Laboratory
Protecting Human Rights The Albuquerque Human Rights Office (AHRO) is a city agency enforcing the Human Rights Ordinance of 1974 prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The Ordinance protects those who believe that they have been discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, or disability. Anyone who wishes to challenge discriminatory or unequal treatment may contact the Albuquerque Human Rights Office to seek advice or discuss filing a complaint. The Office will advise individuals of avenues for resolution of complaints or refer them to other agencies, as appropriate. Discrimination based on sex includes sexual harassment, gender, and pregnancy claims. A complaint of discrimination based on age can be brought only when employment is at issue. Discrimination based on employment may include issues of hiring and firing, wages, promotion or demotion, and terms and conditions of employment. Discrimination based on housing includes discrimination in rental opportunities, home buying
opportunities, credit relating to housing, and advertising of housing. Discrimination based on public accommodations may relate to unfair treatment in hotels, restaurants, theaters, recreational facilities and other public places providing goods and services. Remedies in claims negotiated by the Albuquerque Human Rights Office may include back pay, rent refunds, reinstatement in employment, equal access, and reasonable accommodations. The Human Rights Office's community activities include outreach to the diverse groups in Albuquerque, organizations or agencies representing or providing services to minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, youth, seniors, and others.
The AHRO is located in the Plaza del Sol Building, 5th Floor, 600 Second Street NW, Suite 520 in Albuquerque. Mailing address: PO Box 1293, Albuquerque, NM 87103. Telephone number: (505) 924-3380 and relay network number: 1-800-6598331. website: cabq.gov/human rights.
community forum
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WALK Albuquerque Revolucion en las Calles There’s a growing movement to make walking a pleasant, safe and real choice for many reasons: to promote physical health, build neighborhood social networks, address air quality concerns and provide affordable and environmentally sustainable mobility for citizens who are unable or who choose not to drive. A regional conference in Albuquerque in April will explore visions and challenges of creating walkable communities in the cities, villages, and rural areas of the southwest. The conference will also provide pedestrian advocates with tools for attracting committed volunteers, building strong advocacy networks, developing understanding and awareness among elected officials, working with the media and local government staff, and developing effective organizations to help build momentum for change.
WALK Albuquerque is hosting this conference with America WALKS and UNM Dept. of Emergency Medicine on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30, 2005 at the Alvarado Transportation Center (100 First Street SW, Albuquerque. Please call the conference hot line at 272-6531 for registration information or check the hsc.unm.edu/emermed/ Cipre/Events.shtml. Several events, including guided walks on Friday evening, April 29th with members of the NM chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and WALK Albuquerque, will be open to the general public. If you’d like more information about WALK Albuquerque, please contact Diane Scena, dscena@earthlink.net or call 266-8506.
La Unida: May Day Fundrasier With the spring comes work towards the preparation and growth of a new harvest. La Raza Unida continues to plant the seeds of activism and organizing with projects in our communities and with support of ongoing projects towards economic and social justice. Current projects include: organizational development for a non-profit organization, F.R.E.E. Inc., cooperative community gardens, a youth leadership trip to the Grand Canyon, La Raza Estudiantil student development in the schools, collaboration with other organizations on anti-war efforts, healthcare access by the poor and low-income communities, political
education, and voter registration. The May Day Celebration of La Raza Unida will be held on Sunday, May 1st, from 5pm until 8pm. at the Lobo Theatre, 3013 Central Ave., NE, Albuquerque, NM. Andrea Serrano-Garcia, Janda Marroquin-Flores, and Adan Baca will read poetry. Mezcla Experience, Mezcla Latina, and guest musicians will perform music. Please come to celebrate May Day and dance to the sounds of freedom and social change. by Carlos M. Flores
Member of International Society of Arboriculture and Society of Commercial Arboriculture ISA Certified, Licensed & Insured
For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call 344-1797 or 255-9312.
www.EricsTreeCare.com
erda Gardens at Los Poblanos CSA Builds Community, Changes Lives by Erika Harding We are so very lucky to have the opportunities and choices that we have here in Albuquerque. This is true in many arenas, including food. The choices we make in terms of food supply influence much more than what ends up on our dinner plate. Unfortunately, although food is such a critical and constant part of our daily lives, very little thought often goes into the food source options we have and the power each of us hold as consumers. Erda Gardens/CSA, with its beautiful, flowerfilled fields and strong sense of community, wooed me and my family, and instilled in me a deep understanding of why good food costs more and why it is worth the investment. Because erda is a biodynamic farm, shareholders not only have the opportunity to bring fresh healthy produce to their tables, but by working on the farm and participating in the workshops they become grounded in the social, agricultural, philosophical and spiritual principals of Rudolf Steiner (founder of Waldorf schools). Some of the new developments at erda Gardens at Los Poblanos include:
• Rush Clinger has been hired as an assistant farmer to expand our Ayurvedic and Chinese medicinal herb gardens. Erda is collaborating with the Chinese Herb Consortium to collect data on the efficacy of growing Chinese herbs. • This year, we will continue to expand our workshops and activities for both adults/families and children. • We plan to sell 60 shares this season, and applications are available by calling 610-1538 or online at www.erdagardens.org. Our first distribution date is May 4th. Please see our website for an updated calendar and workshop fees: www.erdagardens.org or call 6101538 to register for a workshop.
erda Gardens 2005 Spring Calendar April 2: 8am-1pm Family Work Day 10-11:30am Adult Workshop: Pruning Fruit Trees with Corva Rose FREE noon-1pm Short talk by Stuart Udall, and pot-luck lunch. FREE April 9: 2-3pm Marie Nord Memorial FREE April 23: 10–11:30am Adult Workshop: Introduction to Biodynamics. May 1: 10-12pm May Day Celebration, family event, 12-1pm New Member Orientation
“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
Office for Rent At the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice 202 Harvard S.E. • At Harvard and Silver • $200 pr month For More Information call 268-9557
Balancing Hormones Naturally
Specializing in Consulting Mid-Life Women
Joanne Williams, CNP co-creator of Feminine Balance® Progesterone Gel
Anti-Aging Therapy PMS Through Menopause Natural Hormone Choices Holistic Lifestyle Choices Osteoporosis Prevention & Treatment Stress & Nutrition Management Unique Weight Loss Program
people before profit Albq. Peace & Justice Center, 202 Harvard SE, 268-9557
Thursday, April 21: THE TAKE THE TAKE shows how thousands of workers in Argentina refused to accept being thrown out of work. In 2002 and 2003, workers took over and re-opened hundreds of closed factories. Over the protests of the owners, they restarted production to help their communities and their economy.
“Your Professional Team of Arborists” “ISA” Certified Arborist Certified Tree Workers on Staff All EmployeesFirst Aid & CPR Certified
Saliva Testing Available
Film and Lecture Series Thursday, APRIL 7: THE FUTURE OF FOOD THE FUTURE OF FOOD offers an in-depth investigation into the disturbing truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled U.S. grocery store shelves for the past decade. Guest speaker from NM Organic Commodity Commission.
232-2358
the future of
FOOD
For Appointments: (505) 797-1944 jo a n n e @wo me n sh e a lth c o n c e p ts.c o m
Women’s Health Concepts,
LLC
my April Newsletter Cover.qxp
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Celebrate Spring with your
Co-op
Annual Celebrate the Earth Fest Nob Hill -April 17
CO-OP Community Welcome Days Santa Fe -April 30th Gallup - May 17th see inside for details
12 GREAT REASONS TO BE A CO-OP MEMBER:
1. YOUR CHANCE TO SUPPORT A STORE that is committed to bringing you the highest quality organic produce, antibiotic and hormone -free meats, rBGH- free dairy products, imported and domestic chesses, healthiest grocery, bulk foods, fresh deli and juices, natural body care cosmetics, vitamins, herbs and more!
2. Member Refund Program: At the end of each fiscal year, if earnings are sufficient, refunds are returned to members based on purchases. 3. Pick-Up Our Monthly Newsletter full of information on food, health, environment and your Co-op.
4. Weekly Member-Only Coupon Specials as featured in our Weekly Sales Flyer. Pick it up every week at either location to save more than your annual membership fee each week. 5. Easy Check Writing AND CASH ($40) over purchase amount. We also accept ATM cards, VISA and MasterCard.
6. Banking Membership at New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union, with many Albuquerque branches to serve you. 7. Insurance and Financial Counseling: Call Robin Chall 823-9537
8. Free delivery for seniors, housebound and differently-abled people. 9. MEMBER- ONLY DISCOUNT DAYS: Take advantage of our special discount events for members only — throughout the year!
10. Special Orders: You can special order large quantities or hard-to-find items, at a 10% discount for members. 11. General Membership Meetings, Board positions and voting. Co-ops are democratic organizations; your participation is encouraged.
12. Membership Participation Program: Members can earn discount credit through our community outreach committees or skilled member participation program. Please ask at the Info Desk for details.
Now More than Ever: Support Community, Support Cooperation
JOIN LA MONTANITA COOPERATIVE
The Only Community- Owned Natural Foods Grocery in the Albuquerque Area MEMBERSHIP:
ONLY $15 ANNUALLY,
OR
$200 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Nob Hill: Central & Carlisle, 505-265-4631
Valley: Rio Grande & Matthew, 505-242-8800 Wild Sage: Gallup, 505-863-5383
Market Place: Santa Fe, 505-984-2852