Natural Awakenings July 2015 by Natural Awakenings Magazine, Tennessee Valley Edition

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feel good • live simply • laugh more

Taking Back Our Food Supply How Local Action Can Reverse Corporate Control

All-American Veggie Diet

Plant-Based Diets Improve Life for All

Food Gleaning

Harvesting Leftovers Feeds the Hungry

No More GMOs Jeffrey Smith on What It Takes to Undercut Them

July 2015

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natural awakenings

July 2015

contents 8

6 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 10 globalbriefs

13 wisewords 17 consciouseating 20 greenliving 22 healthykids

25 inspiration 26 calendar 27 classifieds

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

13 JEFFREY SMITH

WARNS AGAINST GMOS

by Linda Sechrist

14 FOOD DEMOCRACY

By the People, for the People and Toward a Stronger Nation

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

17 VEGGIE NATION REVOLUTION by Judith Fertig

30 resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE

20 FOOD GLEANING Harvesting Leftovers Feeds the Hungry by Avery Mack

Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 256-476-6537 or email Editor@Natvalley.com.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS* Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words. Content limited to special events and other announcements. No advertorials, please. Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Calendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.

22 ADVENTURES IN NATURE

Families Create Memories at Nearby Parks by Harriet Shugarman

25 SONGS OF FREEDOM We All Long for Liberty by Enrique Smeke

ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@Natvalley.com *All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.

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letterfrompublisher “Nobody trusts the industrial food system to give them good food.” – Joel Salatin I get an indescribable sense of satisfaction after eating a good meal that was derived entirely from our own garden and from local farms. When nothing in the meal required purchase at a supermarket, I feel victorious. Part of the feeling is from the novelty of it, as most of my food still comes from supermarkets just like most people. The other part is pure defiance and rebellion against the outrages of corporate control of the food supply in America. It feels good to fight that battle. Tastes good, too. Everyone knows that locally grown food is better tasting, better for you, better for the environment and for the local economy. Locally grown food builds a sense of community. “Know your farmer, know your food,” is the saying. But why exactly is local food better? A Native American speaker explains it this way, that plants have a light in them that diminishes the farther they are taken from where they were grown. It is true that nutritional value declines, often drastically, as time passes after harvesting. Locally grown food is fresher, as it gets to you sooner. There are much lower transportation costs and less resulting pollution. Locally grown food is safer because there is less time and distance for contamination. Plus, there really may be something akin to magical properties that only come from local food. Local honey, for example, is believed by many people to help reduce symptoms of allergy to pollen. We are one with the land where we live. In light of all of this, there is no more encouraging trend than the spectacular growth of farmers’ markets in the U.S. over the past 20 years. In 1994, there were only around 1700 farmers’ markets listed nationwide; in 2014, there were nearly 8,300. Farmers’ markets are a frontal assault on the corporate industrial food system. They are “Food Democracy” in action. Corporate control of food results in some unbelievably bad ideas. Worst of all is genetically modified foods (GMOs). Every scientist and researcher who is not on a corporate or government payroll will say that there are enormous concerns about the long-term safety of GMO foods. The gene swapping between entirely unrelated species behind GMO technology is believed to cause allergies and inflammation, leading to the myriad of chronic disease processes that can result from that. GMO foods have significantly reduced nutritional value as well. Less light in them, you might say. For an excellent overview of GMOs, please read our interview with Jeffrey Smith in this issue. He is one of the best voices out there for explaining the problems with GMOs in a clear and concise way that is easy to understand.

contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@Natvalley.com 404-395-9634 Co-Publisher, Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@Natvalley.com 256-476-6537 Design and Production Melanie Rankin Natural Awakenings in the Tennessee Valley 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 Facebook.com/natvalley Issuu.com/natvalley © 2015 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $20 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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July 2015

newsbriefs Holistic Huntsville Natural Health & Wellness Fair Coming in August A Spiritual Community supporting the practice of knowing God in the heart of every person. ONGOING SERVICES AND CLASSES! New Thought Classes

Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00pm Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm

Revealing Services Sundays 9:45am

Celebration Services Sundays 10:30am

Meditation

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6:00pm

Satsang

Wednesdays 6:30pm

Rev. David Leonard Transforming Lives and Making the World a Better Place

www.cslhuntsville.org

308 Lily Flagg Rd.

883-8596

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olistic Huntsville is an event providing the community with exposure to local businesses and health practices who deal with natural health and wellness lifestyles. Special guest speakers will present throughout the day and will vary from chiropractic to functional medicine practitioners. Workshops and vendors from natural wellness offices and businesses in the area will be present as well, ranging from essential oils to soap making and more. By uniting everyone with a similar vision of a healthier, more natural approach to life, Holistic Huntsville hopes to enhance the health of our community through education and awareness as well as benefit our local natural wellness businesses. If you are interested in hosting a booth at this great event, contact Calli Thomason at calliwthomason@gmail.com for details. All participants are subject to event committee approval, and only one type of booth in each category will be allowed unless granted special exception. Date: Saturday, August 15, 9am-4pm. Location: The Cooper House, 405 Randolph Ave SE, Huntsville. Info: visit Facebook.com/HolisticHuntsville. See ad, page 19.

Advanced Meditation Workshop

r. Laj Utreja, founder of the Institute of Spiritual Healing (ISH), will be conducting this workshop. Laj has been teaching pranayama (breath regulation) and dhyana (meditation) as part of several programs for total health and rejuvenation. Currently, Laj has initiated an undertaking to establish Institute of Global Harmony in India. Many concentration and meditation techniques are available currently. Two of the most effective meditation techniques currently available are Inner Silence and Psychic Sleep. Inner Silence deals with the activities of the conscious mind. The technique involves creating, transforming and finally gaining control of the thought processes in our awareness. Psychic Sleep is the state of dynamic sleep. Psychic Sleep is a systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation. During the practice, the distractions of the mind are contained and the mind is allowed to relax. In this workshop you will learn how to do the two relaxation techniques, which aid in stress reduction. The workshop will begin with simple stretching exercises, some yoga postures and some breath techniques. Wear loose clothing and bring a yoga mat. Date: Saturday, July 25, 8am-5pm. Sunday, July 26, 1pm-5pm. Location: Trinity United Methodist Church, Room 269, 607 Airport Rd, Huntsville. Cost: $47 for Saturday, $27 for Sunday. Register by July 15 at 256-604-6927 or email lutreja7@ gmail.com. All proceeds will go to ISH.

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Laughter Yoga Comes to Huntsville

ristan Riabo has recently been certified as a Laughter Yoga Teacher. Laughter Yoga was founded by Dr. Maidain Kataria in India 1995. Now it is in 101 countries. Laughter Yoga is a unique concept where participants practice laughing without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter Yoga utilizes laughter as an exercise in a group using eye contact and childlike playfulness. The reason it is called Laughter Yoga is due to the combination of laughter exercising and yoga breathing. This brings oxygen to the body and brain. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on the scientific fact the body cannot differentiate beTristan Riabo tween fake and real laughter. Laughter is associated with many positive benefits. The most obvious one is a joyous feeling. If a person can laugh naturally, why go to Laughter Yoga? In order to get scientifically proven health benefits of laughter, a person needs to laugh continuously for at least for 10 to 15 minutes. That brings physiological changes—oxygen levels increase, muscles relax, and blood circulates and releases certain hormones in the body. The way to experience these health benefits is with loud and deep laughter from the diaphragm, belly laughter. Join the fun at the Laughter Yoga Club every Sunday from 1-2pm at Tristan’s home at 4703 Wellington Point in Huntsville. Free. Info: Tristan.Riabo@gmail.com.

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aith provides a firm anchor to us. It gives meaning to life and enables us to come to terms with injustice and tragedy. Reason based on scientific rationality pulls out the recognition of faith, and we find ourselves exposed in a cold world. Each one of us has elements of faith, which can lead to our spiritual beginning, as well as capacity to reason, which can lead to scientific truth. Science has opened extensive vistas of material gains, and has given us a certain degree of control over environment. But this newfound freedom with reason alone Dr. Laj Utreja leaves a great void in our soul. Science can’t even begin to touch the surface of our deeper concerns—the meaning of life, our place in the scheme of things, and our ultimate destiny. However, with honest and persistent inquiry, we can come to a realization that faith is primary and intuitive, sufficient unto itself, transcending the bounds of logic. Scientific rationality, on the other hand, has a totally different basis, having to satisfy the requirements of factual proof at every step. Join us as Dr. Laj Utrej shares his vast knowledge and wisdom about “Consciousness—Faith and Reason” and how to apply this knowledge to our everyday lives.

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Date: Friday, July 24, 6:30pm. Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 4801 Governors House Dr (next to Landry’s Seafood), Huntsville. Public Admission is $10. Info: ParapsychologyStudyGroup.com or Meetup.com/Huntsville-ParanormalStudy-Center. natural awakenings

July 2015

healthbriefs A Course In Miracles Study Group 9:15am Sundays 1-Hour Mystery School 11:00am Sundays

Affirmations, Music, Mystery Message, Fellowship, An Open Communion Table

Guest Speaker

LaMont Hamilton World Psychic

Sunday 11:00am, July 12th

4-Week Clearance Workshop 7:00pm, Tuesdays June 23rd - July 14th

Open Clearance/Healing 7:00pm, Friday July 17th Looking Ahead:

4-Week Empath Discussion Group 7:00pm, Tuesdays August 4th - August 25th

Our labyrinth is always open for your meditative walks.

Social Isolation Linked to Earlier Death

ew research from Brigham Young University indicates that social interaction decreases the risk of premature death. Scientists conducted an analysis of actuarial health research from 1980 to 2014 that included more than 3 million people. The study found living alone increased the risk of death by 32 percent, while perceptions of greater social isolation and elevated loneliness showed 29 percent and 26 percent increased risks of early mortality, respectively. The results were consistent among both men and women, but the impact of feelings of isolation or loneliness caused a higher degree of mortality risk for individuals under the age of 65. The mortality rates among the lonely and isolated were comparable to those of individuals that smoked 15 cigarettes a day or were alcoholics. Lead researcher Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D., further noted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The effect of this is comparable to that of obesity, something that public health takes very seriously.â&#x20AC;?

Eating Peanuts Early On Reduces Allergy Risk

eanut allergies in Western countries have doubled during the past decade. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine may help reverse this trend. Researchers found that introducing peanuts during early childhood can actually decrease the risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life. The researchers followed 640 children with a high risk of food allergies, beginning when they were between 4 and 11 months old. Half the children were fed peanuts, while the other half were not given any. All were tested for sensitivities to peanuts prior to and at the end of the study period, which averaged five years. The research found that nearly 14 percent of those that avoided peanuts had a peanut allergy at the end of five years; seven times more than the 2 percent of those that were fed peanuts and displayed subsequent sensitivity.

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esearch from the University of Virginia and Emory University has found that just a few minutes of mindfulness meditation a day can significantly reduce high blood pressure among AfricanAmericans. The research included 15 men with high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease in a crossover study that tested each with 14 minutes of mindfulness meditation and compared that with 14 minutes of blood pressure education during two different treatment periods. Results showed that practicing mindfulness meditation reduced systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate among the patients.

Flaxseed Oil Soothes Carpal Tunnel

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arpal tunnel syndrome is typically accompanied by pain, numbness and reduced mobility in the hands and wrists. Research published by the Tehran (Iran) University of Medical Sciences in the DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences has determined that the application of external linseed oil—also referred to as flaxseed oil—can reduce pain and increase mobility for syndrome sufferers. The research tested 100 patients with the condition in two groups—one rubbed placebo oil onto their wrists, while the other applied linseed oil daily over a four-week period. Both groups wore wrist splints at night. After the treatment period, those that applied linseed oil experienced a significant drop in pain scores using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and Function Assessment. The same patients also reported an improvement in mobility and function.

No Worries: Cats Naturally Eat Less in Summer

study from the University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science has found that cats naturally eat less during the summer, indicating that owners can take such appetite swings in stride. The researchers studied 38 cats for four years. Their collars were implanted with a microchip that recorded the amount as they ate as much as they wanted from a dispenser. The team found that cats ate an average of 15 percent less in hot weather. Their eating decreased from June through August and increased from October to February. Eating levels were intermediate in the spring and fall. Study author Dr. Alex German observed, “Cats are more inclined to comfort eat when it’s cold outside, likely to be due to the extra energy they need to keep warm when out and about.”

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Stress Ramps Up Inflammation

esearch led by Peggy Zoccola, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at Ohio University, has found that dwelling upon events that are stressful can significantly increase inflammatory chemicals in the body. The researchers tested 34 healthy young women giving public presentations for job interviews. Afterward, half were asked to contemplate their performances while the others were asked to think about neutral events and images. While all of the women initially experienced significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), the levels continued to rise for at least one hour afterward for the performance-ruminating group, but returned to normal during the same time period for those that pondered neutral thoughts. CRP is produced in the liver and is known to rise following an injury or in a chronic inflammatory condition. “The immune system plays an important role in various cardiovascular disorders such as heart disease, as well as cancer, dementia and autoimmune diseases,” states Zoccola.

Dr. Jamie Bunis DC Michelle Riviere, LMT#3996

Dr. Jamie’s Wellness Center 917 Merchants Walk, Ste A Huntsville, AL 35801 256-434-7977 DrJamiesWellnessCenter.com Located just behind the new Whole Foods.

natural awakenings

July 2015

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Vermont’s Victory Court Rules GMO Labeling Constitutional In April, a federal court denied a request by powerful food industry groups to block Vermont’s landmark law requiring the labeling of genetically modified foods (GMO).The plaintiffs, including the Grocery Manufacturers Association, had sought a preliminary injunction to stop implementation of Act 120, which passed in May 2014 and will take effect a year from now. U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss’ ruling said that the plaintiffs failed to show that they would suffer “irreparable harm” to warrant an injunction, and that the state had established that the act’s GMO disclosure requirement is constitutional. “This important ruling affirms the constitutionality of genetically engineered food labeling, as well as the rights of Vermonters and U.S. citizens across the country,” states George Kimbrell, senior attorney for the Center for Food Safety and counsel in the case. The ruling came shortly after an analysis by the Environmental Working Group found that industry groups spent $63.6 million last year—triple the amount spent in 2013—to defeat GMO-labeling measures. The general consensus is the Vermont case is likely to go to trial.

Fresh Catch

Community Supported Fisheries Share Bounty of the Sea Community supported agriculture is a growing movement in which subscribers pay farmers for weekly shares of their crops before the growing season starts, benefiting both. The farmers receive an infusion of cash up front and are paid a fair price for the food they produce. Consumers receive fresh food from sustainable, local farms and are often introduced to vegetables and fruits they might not try otherwise. The same concept applies to new community supported fisheries (CSF), which reconnect coastal communities to their local food systems. According to Paul Greenberg, author of American Catch: The Fight for our Local Seafood, 91 percent of the seafood that Americans eat comes from other countries, while one-third of the seafood caught by American fishermen is sold outside our borders. He believes this situation exists because most Americans aren’t willing to pay premium prices for better seafood and domestic fishermen realize better prices overseas. By using the website LocalCatch.org/locator to find nearby CSF programs, pioneering coastal communities can benefit from both supporting sustainable fishing practices and their local environment while still sufficiently feeding their residents. Source: Mother Nature Network 10

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Fracking Fallout

Waterways, Soils and Animals Poisoned with EPA Approval Surface disposal of water produced by oil and gas drilling is forbidden in the Eastern U.S., but allowed in arid Western states for purposes of agricultural or wildlife propagation. The result: Millions of gallons of water laced with toxic chemicals from oil and gas drilling rigs are pumped for consumption by wildlife and livestock with approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is issuing permits at nearly a dozen oil fields on or abutting the Native American Wind River Reservation, in Wyoming, for surface application of drilling wastewater without even identifying the chemicals in fluids used for hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, let alone setting effluent limits for the contaminants contained within them. Also, monitoring requirements allow water to be tested long after fracking outflow, or maintenance flushing, is completed. The EPA maintains Clean Water Act jurisdiction on tribal lands. Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) Executive Director Jeff Ruch states, “Gushers of putrid, grayish water encrusted with chemical crystals flood through Wind River into nearby streams.” PEER is asking the EPA to rewrite the permits to regulate all the chemicals being discharged and to determine whether the produced water is potable for wildlife and livestock. Source: Tinyurl.com/Wastewater FrackingUse

Protests Needed Food Industry Fudges GMO Facts The U.S. Right to Know nonprofit has issued a report, Seedy Business: What Big Food Is Hiding with Its Slick PR Campaign on GMOs (usrtk.org/seedybusiness.pdf). It outlines the food industry’s campaign to manipulate the media, public opinion and politics with disreputable tactics, company-sponsored science and public relations spin. Since 2012, the agrichemical and food industries have mounted a complex, multifaceted public relations, advertising, lobbying and political campaign in the U.S. spending more than $100 million per year to defend genetically engineered food and crops and the pesticides that accompany them, the authors report. The purpose is to deceive the public, deflect efforts to win the right to know what’s in our food via labeling that’s now required in 64 countries and ultimately, to extend their profit stream at any cost to the public for as long as possible. Highlights include a history of the industry’s tactics to conceal information, ensure lack of government policy and testing for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), attack credible scientists and journalists and support untrustworthy advocates and political machinations.

GMO Gains

Food Supplies Increasingly Under Siege Three hundred farmers recently took over the building and interrupted a meeting where the Brazil National Biosafety Technical Commission was deciding whether or not to introduce genetically engineered (GE/ GM/GMO) transgenic eucalyptus trees into their biosphere. These activists and thousands more around the country have halted plans temporarily, but the assault continues by international corporations bent on patenting and controlling the environment itself. At home, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has already approved the first corporate-sponsored, patented, genetically modified tree, ArborGen’s loblolly pine. Despite outspoken public opposition, the USDA approved it with no public oversight nor assessment of the environmental risks it poses. Grass-fed beef farmers, supplying an alternative that many seek to avoid GMO feed grain, now have to cope with the advent of genetically modified grass. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Monsanto’s exclusive consumer sales agent for RoundUp glyphosate weed killer, intends to conduct field trials at the homes of company employees absent government oversight, because no laws currently prohibit or limit the planting of GMO grass. In February, the government approved the first genetically modified apple for commercial planting. The Arctic apple is part of a growing list of sanctioned GMO fresh produce, including papaya and sweet corn. A gene within the apple is altered so it resists browning and bruising. Many people die or go blind from vitamin A deficiency, so the Gates Foundation has funded research by Australia’s Queensland University of Technology to create a vitamin-enhanced, GMO “super banana”. Testing on humans will take place in the U.S. over a six-week period and researchers aim to start growing the fruit in Uganda by 2020. Sign concerned-citizen petitions at Tinyurl.com/Credo-No-GMO-Trees and Tinyurl.com/Care2-No-GMO-Grass.

Solar Surges

Sun-Fueled Energy Booms in Pioneer States Two years in the making, the Topaz Solar Project, the world’s largest, has begun operating in California, powerful enough to supply 160,000 homes using 9 million photovoltaic solar panels installed across 9.5 square miles. Compared to fossil fuel technology, the facility is projected to remove 377,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year; equivalent to taking 73,000 cars off the road. Unlike some solar plants, Topaz requires no water to generate electricity and makes minimal sound because there are no moving parts, so its total environmental impact is minimal. In Hawaii, where 12 percent of homes have solar panels, handling surplus power is putting pressure on the state’s biggest utility, which now wants to reduce what it pays for the energy. Electricity there is pricey, with monthly bills of $600 to $700 not uncommon. The growing popularity of making electricity at home puts new pressures on old infrastructure like circuits and power lines and cuts into electric company revenue. As a result, many utilities are reducing incentives and adding steep fees. “Hawaii is a postcard from the future,” says Adam Browning, executive director of Vote Solar, a policy and advocacy group based in California.

natural awakenings

July 2015

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globalbriefs Bee Aware Lowe’s to Stop Selling Toxic Pesticides Lowe’s Home Improvement says it will begin to eliminate neonicotinoid pesticides, a leading contributor to global bee declines, from its stores. This public commitment is the most significant announcement so far for a retailer of its size. Lisa Archer, a spokesperson for Friends of the Earth, says, “We are pleased Lowe’s is listening to consumer concerns and to the growing body of science telling us we need to move away from bee-toxic pesticides by taking steps to be part of the solution to the bee crisis.” The retailer has pledged to phase out neonicotinoids as suitable alternatives become available, redouble existing integrated pest management practices for suppliers and provide additional materials for educating customers about pollinator health. Source: Tinyurl.com/LowesHelpsBees

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Mushroom Magic

Fungi Clean Up Toxic Wastes For waterways, soil or even radioactively contaminated areas, the powerful use of mycelium to sequester contaminants is receiving significant attention. Leading American mycologist Paul Stamets, the pioneering founder of Fungi Perfecti, has been working for years with mycore mediation, using mycelium to clean up waste sites. He holds nine patents on the antiviral, pesticidal and remediative properties of mushroom mycelia. Stamets even has an eightstep plan for cleaning up radioactive poisoning and thinks fungi could remediate radiation at the melted reactor sites in Fukushima, Japan. The Ocean Blue Project (OceanBlueProject.org), based in Corvallis, Texas, uses locally grown oyster mushroom spores lodged in a coffee grounds mixture. Then they create a “bunker spawn” that’s put into a river to restore polluted aquatic habitat. As the mushrooms grow, they break down toxins and remove pollutants from the river. Mycore mediation also helps with weed control. Source: Permaculture.co.uk

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wisewords

Jeffrey Smith Warns Against GMOs by Linda Sechrist

effrey Smith is the founder and executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, author of Seeds of Deception and director of the documentary Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives. Smith and his organization’s Campaign for Healthier Eating in America are spearheading consumer rejection of genetically modified foods (GM/GMO) in order to force them off the market.

What basics should everyone know about GMOs? Genetic engineering is different from traditional crossbreeding. In engineering six major GMO crops—soy, corn, cotton, canola, sugar beets and alfalfa—a gene from a virus or bacteria was forced into the DNA of the plants. Derivatives such as soy lecithin, soy protein, highfructose corn syrup and sugar (unless labeled as cane sugar) are in the vast majority of processed foods.

How did GMO foods invade grocery shelves? Many U.S. consumers mistakenly believe that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves GMO crops only after careful study. Instead, the agency claimed it wasn’t aware of any significant difference from other food crops and declared safety testing unnecessary. In reality, according to FDA documents later made public in a lawsuit, the consensus among FDA

scientists was that GMOs were different and dangerous and needed rigorous, longterm testing to prevent allergies, toxins, new diseases and nutritional problems. When the George W. Bush administration ordered the agency to promote biotechnology as a way to increase U.S. food exports, the FDA responded by creating a new position of Deputy Commissioner of Policy for Michael R. Taylor, a former Monsanto attorney. He later became a Monsanto vice president and is now back at the FDA as the U.S. food safety czar.

Why is Roundup, Monsanto’s weed killer for GMO crops, so toxic? Monsanto portrays Roundup as a benevolent herbicide. This is a lie. Glyphosate, its active patented ingredient, alters biochemical pathways in the body. Scientists such as Anthony Samsel and Stephanie Seneff have linked glyphosate to numerous diseases and disorders, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, gluten sensitivity, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, autism and reproductive disorders. In March, the World Health Organization declared it a probable carcinogen.

How can we avoid unlabeled GMO foods? Eat organic foods, which are not allowed to contain GM ingredients, or products that are labeled non-GMO,

or those that don’t contain derivatives of the current nine GMO food crops, which now include some zucchini, yellow squash and papaya grown in Hawaii or China. Any packaged grocery product not labeled “Non-GMO” or “Organic” is likely to contain at least one GMO; this includes meat and dairy products, from animals that have eaten GM feed. NonGMOShoppingGuide.com is a reliable resource that lists about 30,000 non-GMO products. A non-GMO diet is recommended by thousands of doctors, as well as the American Academy of Environmental Medicine.

What more can “we the people” do to eradicate GMOs? We are in control, not government agencies. I believe that promoting a stronger message—that GMOs are dangerous and should be avoided—would better serve consumers and the food-labeling movement. High-profile campaigns will continue educating consumers about the dangers of GMOs and the necessity of rejecting them in favor of healthier nonGMO choices, especially for children that are most at risk. The desired result is that food companies will feel the loss of profits and remove GMOs as a liability. The tipping point in the U.S. is almost here. In 2013, the president of Whole Foods announced that when a product becomes verified as non-GMO, sales leap by 15 to 30 percent. Thousands of natural product brands were immediately enrolled for verification. Now conventional brands such as Post Foods’ Grape Nuts, Target’s Simply Balanced brand, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Chipotle’s restaurant menu are GMO-free. General Mills stopped using GMO beet sugar in Cheerios. When the rest of the food industry sees these non-GMO-labeled products increase in sales in conventional supermarkets, they will be forced to eliminate GMOs as well, to protect their market share. Visit ResponsibleTechnology.org and GeneticRouletteMovie.com to educate everyone about the dangers of GMOs. Connect with writer Linda Sechrist at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

natural awakenings

July 2015

their community, whether animals are treated humanely, if family farmers and other food workers are paid a living wage and can collectively bargain and whether people have access to safe, healthy food—as well as the right to know what is in their food, how it is produced and where it comes from.” Peck believes that if we want a cleaner environment, healthier people and more vibrant communities, “We need to be citizens that care about bringing democratic accountability, social justice and ecological integrity to all aspects of our food/farm system.”

Local Food Strengthens Communities

Food Democracy By the People, for the People and Toward a Stronger Nation by Melinda Hemmelgarn

o more fully understand the concept of democracy, we can look to some past U.S. presidents. Abraham Lincoln defined it as “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Thomas Jefferson said, “An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.” Harry S Truman further recognized that “secrecy and a free, democratic government don’t mix.” By extension, “food democracy” describes a fair and transparent food system in which people have informed choices and control in determining what and how they eat. It’s what happens when we view people as citizens, rather than consumers, and treat food as a human right, reports the Oakland, California-based Pesticide Action Network (PAN). Kelly Moltzen, a registered dietitian in Bronx, New York, and member of the Franciscan Earth Corps, defines it as having the freedom to make choices about the integrity of our food from farm to plate, so that we can support the health and well-being of ourselves, 14

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the Earth and all organisms that inhabit the ecosystem.

Food Sovereignty Feeds Independence

A PAN report on food democracy describes food sovereignty as the international equivalent of the U.S. movement to re-localize control over our food and farming. It’s rooted in regenerating historically autonomous food systems with, for and by the people. John Peck, Ph.D., executive director of Family Farm Defenders, in Madison, Wisconsin, explains that the term “food sovereignty” was coined about two decades ago by the globally active La Via Campesina, comprised of family farmers, farm workers, fishing folks, hunters, gatherers and indigenous communities around the world. “At its most basic,” Peck says, “Food sovereignty is about reclaiming local democratic control over our food/ farm system from corporate agribusiness.” This way, “Everyone has the right to decide what is grown or raised in

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In their report, Deepening Food Democracy, the Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), in Minneapolis, describes how U.S. food and farming has increasingly become concentrated, consolidated and controlled by the few. Local food enthusiasts want to take back their food system from industrial, corporate masters that lobby for legislation which denies citizens the right to know how their food is produced or if it contains genetically modified ingredients (GMO). The growing local food movement is as much about returning power to communities, food workers, farmers and farm workers as it is about producing and distributing healthy, sustainably grown food, reports IATP. Anthony Flaccavento, an organic farmer in the Appalachian region of southwestern Virginia, has been working on national food and sustainable farming initiatives for nearly 30 years. In a recent Food Sleuth Radio interview, he described the resulting tremendous, multiple positive impacts of strong local economies, noting that a strong local food system is usually at their center. “Once you have vibrant, diverse local economies,” says Flaccavento, “you have better health, lower crime and incarceration rates—and more civic participation.” Basically, a more democratic food system could help fix many of the maladies ailing our nation today. The steady growth of farmers’ markets, farm to school programs and food policy councils prove that Americans are hungry both for clean food and an enhanced sense of community.

In a food democracy, everyone is a stakeholder. Not only do people have equal access to food, but they’re informed, active, engaged and participating.

thereby improving children’s diets, health, school performance and future potential. “We are contributing to food democracy by making sure every child we touch, regardless ~Rose Hayden-Smith, author, of income, zip code Sowing the Seeds of Victory and skin color, faith or nation of origin, has access to fresh, healthy, nutritious food that they help Growing Vegetables grow,” says Ritz. and Democracy So far, his Green Bronx Machine After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orcommunity has raised 30,000 pounds leans, Jenga Mwendo knew she had of vegetables. “We’re growing justice,” to leave her high-powered job in New Ritz announced in his March 2015 TED York City and return to her hometown Talk. “My favorite crop is organically in the devastated Lower Ninth Ward. grown citizens—graduates, voters and “My parents raised me to contribute,” students who are eating [better] and livMwendo explains. “My first name ing healthier lives!” means ‘to build’ and my last name means ‘always progressing’.” Kitchen Gardens In 2009, Mwendo founded the Backyard Gardeners Network (BGN), Nourish the World a local nonprofit organization that Roger Doiron is the founder and restores and strengthens what had once director of Kitchen Gardeners Interbeen a thriving, closely knit, self-reliant national (KGI), an online global comcommunity, rich with backyard gardens munity of some 30,000 people in 100 and citizen engagement. Residents countries that are growing some of went to work, recognizing the potentheir own food. He spearheaded First tial of community gardens to revitalize Lady Michelle Obama’s White House their neighborhood and bring affordGarden. Doiron’s campaign to bring a able healthful food to residents, many food garden back to the White House of them suffering from obesity, heart (presidents John Adams, Jefferson and disease and diabetes. The BGN both Jackson all had edible gardens) began revitalized a community garden and in 2008, went viral, took root and the converted a blighted lot into a Guerrilla rest is history. Today, the first lady conGarden, where people of all ages gather tinues to champion garden-fresh food to grow food, share stories, embrace to improve children’s health. their cultural heritage and learn how to From his own 1,500-square-foot become responsible citizens. garden in Scarborough, Maine, Doiron “We bring people together and and his wife harvested 900 pounds of make decisions collectively,” says organic fruits and vegetables worth Mwendo. “The garden is for our com$2,200 in a single season. “Talented munity, by our community.” Undergardeners with more generous soils and standing the value of involving children climates are able to produce even more food in less space,” he says, “but maxiand teens, she adds, “Kids know they mizing production is not our only goal. will be loved here. This is a nurturing We’re also trying to maximize pleasure environment.” and health.” Like Mwendo, Stephen Ritz, a top Doiron believes, “Quality food is 10 finalist in the Varkey Foundation’s central to well-being and is one of the Global Teacher Prize, is reaching youth best ways to unite people of different through food. Based in New York City’s countries and cultures around a comSouth Bronx, one of the country’s poormon, positive agenda.” He’s convinced est school districts, he and his students that kitchen gardens will play a critical are growing vegetables in school, While Flaccavento appreciates conscious consumers that support local food providers, he emphasizes, “Just acting locally isn’t enough. We need to re-engage with bigger social and political debates, as well.”

From Food Consumer to Food Citizen

ow is the time for all good men and women to become food citizens. Making the transition from being a mere consumer to community citizen requires addressing a set of questions geared to lead to food truth and justice for all. ■ Where does my food come from? ■ Who produced it? ■ Under what conditions was this food grown or produced; were workers treated fairly and animals humanely? ■ What’s in or on my food; am I eating pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, genetically modified ingredients or additives? ■ What might be the unintended consequences of my food choices for farmers competing against big agribusiness and striving to do the right thing? ■ How might my choices affect the environment and future generations? ■ What local, state and national policies stand in the way of a fair and transparent food system?

If you think eating

organic is expensive, have you priced cancer lately? ~Joel Salatin

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July 2015

Food Independence Resources Bioscience Research Project BioscienceResource.org Corporate Accountability International StopCorporateAbuse.org Fair Food Network FairFoodNetwork.org Food Co-op Initiative FoodCoopInitiative.coop Food First FoodFirst.org Food & Water Watch FoodAndWaterWatch.org Food Policy Councils MarkWinne.com/resource-materials Food Sleuth Radio KOPN.org Food Voices: Stories from the People Who Feed Us FoodVoices.org

role in feeding a growing population faced with climate challenges. On July 4, his organization celebrates Food Independence Day as a way to recognize the role of home and community gardens in achieving self-sufficiency.

Saving Seeds, Saving Democracy

Jim Gerritsen operates Wood Prairie Farm with his family in Bridgewater, Maine. He’s dedicated to using organic farming methods to protect the environment and food quality, provide ample harvests and foster good jobs for the next generation of young farmers. As president of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, Gerritsen led a lawsuit against Monsanto in 2011, challenging the validity of seed patents. In a Food Sleuth Radio interview, he explains, “Patented seeds cannot be saved and replanted. To take that right away from farmers was a

terrible mistake on the part of the Supreme Court.” Seed ownership belongs to the people; our seed resource is part of our common heritage. “Genetic engineering was an invention to take away from the commons the ownership of seeds,” he continues. “Regaining control of the seed supply is one of the most pressing battles we have in agriculture.” Gerritsen encourages everyone to plant an organic garden using organic seeds and to advocate GMO labeling. “Let’s let transparency reign, which is a hallmark of a democratic system,” he proclaims. Melinda Hemmelgarn is a registered dietitian and award-winning writer and nationally syndicated radio host at KOPN.org, in Columbia, MO (Food Sleuth@gmail.com). She advocates for organic farmers at Enduring-Image. blogspot.com.

National Count of Farmers’ Market Directory Listings

Kitchen Gardeners International kgi.org National Family Farm Coalition nffc.net National Farm to School Network FarmToSchool.org Oxfam America “Behind the Brands” BehindTheBrands.org/en-us The Seed Library Social Network SeedLibraries.org Seed Savers Exchange SeedSavers.org Table of the Earth EatLocalSimpleSteps.com Union of Concerned Scientists ucsusa.org

Nationwide tracking of farmers’ markets that listed fewer than 1,800 in 1994 now numbers nearly 8,300 20 years later. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

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by Judith Fertig

n 1776, the stirring phrase in the U.S. Declaration of Independence—life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—became a rallying cry for American colonists seeking these inalienable rights of self-government. In 2015, those seeking a new way of eating for personal wellness, a more vibrant local economy and a healthier environment are fomenting their own kind of rebellion. “You have to make a conscious decision to change for your own wellbeing, that of your family and your country,” according to former President Bill Clinton. In early 2010, suffering from heart disease, Clinton chose to radically change his meat-lover’s diet to a more plant-based focus. “I wanted to live to be a grandfather, so I decided to pick the diet that I thought would maximize my chances of long-term survival,” he says. Clinton is part of a growing leadership group that espouses a more vegetarian approach to eating, including a federally appointed panel of nutritionists. For the first time since its formation in 1983, the federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee this year elected to factor environmental sustainability into its recommendations, noting that a diet lower in animal-based foods is not only healthier,

but has less of an environmental impact. The impetus toward plant-based foods is also stronger than in their last report in 2010.

Exciting Developments

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A bold pioneer in the charge for plantbased eating is PlantPure Nation, a grassroots organization founded by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., the author of the bestselling The China Study, a book that helped persuade Clinton to make his own dietary change. Today, his son, Nelson Campbell, is at the forefront of this food revolution, most recently producing the independent documentary film PlantPure Nation, set to debut nationwide on July 4. Those enticed by the delicious concept of better health for themselves and the planet can also turn to The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, with more than 150 plant-based recipes by Kim Campbell, Nelson’s wife, whom he names “the chef in the family.” “No issue is bigger than the one of plant-based nutrition,” says Nelson. “It’s at the root of our healthcare crisis, affecting the lives of millions of Americans, the vitality of our economy and the solvency of our government. The food we eat has enormous effects on climate, water and soil resources. Our food choices also affect the way in

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which food is produced and distributed in this country, equitably or not.” Historically, political revolutions tend to be violently adversarial, but a food revolution can take a more nurturing and inclusive course. “The first step people can take is to change their own diet,” Nelson says. “The next step is to help others do the same. The third is to get involved in the movement.”

A fun way to help ourselves and our friends and family consider making dietary changes is hosting a plantbased Fourth of July get-together. Kim’s recipes for a smoky “barbecue” sandwich, creamy potato salad and a zesty, colorful bean dish celebrate traditional picnic foods with a twist. They’re also perfect for potluck-style entertaining. “We have often branded this idea of plant-based nutrition as such and such a ‘diet’, and then built these brands around personalities. But in order to make this a more mainstream idea, we need to frame it differently. This concept of plant-based nutrition is a fact of nature; a simple idea that’s accessible to all,” says Nelson. In a 2012 Gallup poll, just 5 percent of U.S. adults identified themselves as vegetarians, plus 2 percent as vegans. It’s a start, Nelson contends, and there are other promising signs. “The local-food movement is blossoming, with farmers’ markets springing up all over the United States,” proclaims the National Geographic special publication The Future of Food (Food. NationalGeographic.com). The number has increased dramatically in the past five years. The editors point to the demand for fresh produce and a desire to invest in local economies as driving this growth. “I love the idea of a movement involving millions of people fixing a problem that industry and government have largely caused,” says Nelson. “Our success may show a new way forward for solving other pressing social problems.” Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAnd Lifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS. Tennessee Valley

This traditional potato salad has the perfect blend of celery, onions and seasonings.

BBQ Jackfruit

New Fourth of July Barbecue

PlantPure Nation Recipes

Yields: 4 to 6 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 to 7 hours Green jackfruit, a native plant of Asia, is often termed the vegetarian’s meat. The hardest part of this recipe is finding canned green jackfruit (available in most Asian markets). Although fresh green jackfruit is occasionally available, it’s messy, sticky and difficult to cut. Two 20-oz cans green jackfruit in water, drained 1½ cups barbecue sauce 1 onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced (medium pieces) Rinse the green jackfruit thoroughly. Place all the ingredients in a slow cooker at medium heat for 4 to 5 hours. Jackfruit will soften, begin to fall apart and take on the consistency of pulled pork. Use a fork to pull apart the fruit and stir thoroughly.

2½ pounds red potatoes, unpeeled 4 organic celery stalks, thinly sliced ½ red onion, cut in half again and julienned 6 green onions, sliced ½ cup tofu cashew mayonnaise 4 tsp apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp agave nectar ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper Cut the potatoes into half- to one-inch chunks. Place potato pieces in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil 5 to 10 minutes; then turn down the heat to medium and cook until tender. Rinse the cooked potatoes in a colander with cold water until they are room temperature. Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients to the potatoes and gently stir thoroughly.

Turn the slow cooker to low heat and cook for another 1 to 2 hours. Kim’s hints: 4 Customize this recipe with a favorite barbecue sauce that has no added oils and a low sodium content. 4 This recipe gets better the longer it’s cooked. Leftovers are good. 4 Serve the barbecue on a whole-grain bun and top with coleslaw.

Creamy Potato Salad Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

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Tofu-Cashew Mayonnaise ¼ cup raw cashews, soaked in water at least 2 to 3 hours, then dried 7 oz firm tofu ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp tahini 4 tsp lemon juice 1½ tsp white vinegar 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 2½ tsp agave nectar 2 Tbsp water ¼ tsp xanthan gum (in grocery baking aisle)

Caribbean Quinoa Bowl

Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth and shiny. The key is to soak the cashews first.

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes

Southwestern Bean Salad

½ cup quinoa 1 cup water 4 cups chopped kale 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp chili powder ¼ tsp sea salt ¾ cup salsa (medium hot) ½ cup diced pineapple (fresh, canned or frozen) ¾ cup corn (fresh or frozen) ¾ cup diced avocado ¼ cup sliced green onions

Yields 4 to 6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes

Seasoned for a Southwestern flavor, the beans, corn and avocado make this a satisfying salad everyone will like. 1 15-oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup frozen corn, thawed 1 red bell pepper, seeded and medium diced ½ cup diced medium red onion 1 cup halved or quartered cherry tomatoes 1 avocado, pitted and diced ¼ cup red wine vinegar ¼ cup lime juice 1 Tbsp agave nectar ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp chili powder 2 tsp Sriracha hot sauce ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro Combine the beans and vegetables in a large bowl and feel free to add seasonal vegetables to taste. Blend the vinegar, lime juice, agave, salt, cumin, chili powder and Sriracha in a small bowl. Add more chili powder and Sriracha for a spicier dish.

¼ cup natural peanut butter (100 percent peanuts) 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce 1½ Tbsp lime juice ¼ tsp garlic powder 2 tsp Sriracha hot sauce 1 /3 cup small diced red bell pepper ¼ cup sliced green onion ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 6 whole-wheat tortilla wraps 2 cups sprouts Drain the tofu and gently press between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly, which can have a bitter taste otherwise.

In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder and Sriracha.

Add the quinoa and the water to a pot, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until all liquid is absorbed. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Add the tofu, bell pepper, green onion and cilantro and stir with a fork until well mixed and the tofu is crumbly.

Lightly steam the kale until bright green. Add to the bowl with quinoa.

Place a portion of the tofu mixture in the center of a whole-wheat tortilla wrap, top with sprouts or favorite veggies and roll up the tortilla. Kim’s hint: 4 The Thai tofu filling can also be served in a sandwich (e.g., on toasted whole-wheat bread with fresh basil).

Add the beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, salsa, pineapple and corn. Toss until the ingredients are well mixed. Top with the avocado and green onions and serve immediately. Source for all recipes: The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, by Kim Campbell.

Drizzle over the beans and vegetables and toss to coat. Refrigerate for an hour and then sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

Thai Tofu Wraps Yields: 6 wraps Prep time: 15 minutes

The tofu filling for these wraps is full of Thai flavors, with the perfect combination of peanuts, lime and cilantro. 1 14-oz block extra-firm tofu

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mericans annually discard more food than plastic—35 million tons in 2012—an amount that’s tripled since 1960, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Most of the waste is fruits and vegetables, seafood, grains, meat and milk. Since waste starts in the fields before it compounds via restaurants, grocers and families, the easiest starting point to reverse this trend is with farmers. “Farming’s a high-risk business. Farmers can’t predict weather, sales or equipment problems, so extra is grown,” explains Laurie Caldwell, executive director of Boston Area Gleaners, in Waltham, Massachusetts. “Up to 20 percent of U.S.-grown food isn’t harvested. Gleaners save what’s left behind for hungry people in need.”

Everyone Benefits

“Income disparity, economic vulnerability and lack of knowledge leads to unhealthy choices,” adds Caldwell. “The negative consequences become a community burden.” Countering the 20

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problem, “We’ve seen a shift in priorities, with food pantries offering fresh, quality food and educating both staff and recipients,” she reports. In 2014, Boston Area Gleaners harvested 34 farms, contributing 177,000 pounds of primarily vegetables encompassing 60 varieties. California’s fruit is abundant because of the state’s year-round growing season. Until the 1960s and the advent of Silicon Valley, this was the world’s largest fruit-producing region. Some of its current apple trees date back to the Gold Rush days. “We glean backyards and orchards here,” says Craig Diserens, executive director of Village Harvest, in San Jose. “Apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums and apricots, plus citrus fruits—it’s ladderless picking, to protect both volunteers and trees.” Telescoping tools pluck out-ofreach fruit. The nonprofit gleans 15 to 20 times a month via volunteers ages 5 to 90. In 2013, its Harvesting for the Hungry program distributed 245,000 pounds of fruit.

The Feeding More than 50 million potatoes.” In a single America West Michiharvested field, volAmericans, including unteers have gleaned gan food bank, headquartered in Comstock, 17 million children, seven tons of sweet provides more than potatoes. experience hunger or produce, with donaThe society’s gleantions from manufacing and feeding ministry the risk of hunger turers, wholesalers, has regional offices in every day. restaurants and stores Alabama, Arkansas, adding meat, dairy, froFlorida, Georgia, MisTheHungerSite. zen foods and bread. sissippi, North Carolina, Volunteers repackage South Carolina, TennesGreaterGood.com donations into usable see and Virginia. Addisizes; do clerical work; tional areas are located pick produce; and sort, pack, store and in Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio and deliver food. Pennsylvania (see EndHunger.org). While most of the nonprofit’s Jason Brown, a former St. Louis yield is distributed through 1,100 food Rams’ center with a five-year, $37 million pantries, shelters and soup kitchens, contract, traded his cleats for a tractor. many can’t store perishables. Working Now in Louisburg, North Carolina, he with churches, schools and community calls First Fruits Farm home and plans to centers, the organization’s mobile units donate the first fruits of every harvest to deliver fresh food directly to recipients, food pantries. He learned about farming often the same day it is donated. Each from YouTube videos, computer searches unit can carry food for 100 to 200 and other farmers. The first crop on five families. This local Feeding America acres yielded 100,000 pounds of sweet outreach group serves an estimated potatoes; Brown gave it all away. With 492,000 people each year. 1,000 acres to farm, he’s set to tackle The Society of St. Andrew often hunger big time. rescues the “ugly” produce—potaIt doesn’t require a big time toes not well-shaped for chips, overcommitment to help feed the hungry. sized peaches, too-long green beans, Backyard gardeners can start by planting too-ripe strawberries and apples that an extra row (Tinyurl.com/PlantRow aren’t picture perfect. “Farmers get a ForHungry). Since its inception in tax benefit and people get fresh food,” 1995, the Plant a Row program has colsays Bruce Oland, the Triangle Area lectively turned 20 million pounds of coordinator in North Carolina. “Farmproduce into 80 million meals. ers let us know when they’ll harvest a Offer to pick a neighbor’s excess crop and we have a few days to glean produce or herbs, and then check with what’s left before they replant. We others nearby. Get the kids involved. pick anything edible—kale, lettuce, Volunteer at or make a donation to tomatoes, cantaloupe and lots of sweet a soup kitchen. Gather a group of

friends, family, members of an organization or congregation to glean or repackage produce one day a month. If a local food pantry can’t accept perishables, leverage social media to spread the word about which day free food will be available at a church or school. Everyone can help. No one should go to bed hungry. Connect with freelance writer Avery Mack at AveryMack@mindspring.com.

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ADVENTURES IN NATURE Families Create Memories at Nearby Parks by Harriet Shugarman

ere’s how to entertain the kids, keep them healthy and get them outdoors this summer.

Where to Go Traveling to iconic natural wonders like the Blue Ridge Mountains, Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon isn’t the only awe-inspiring way to captivate children’s attention and help them contemplate nature’s beauties. As Brian Ettling, a seasonal ranger at Crater Lake National Park, in Oregon, likes to remind park visitors, “Find your own sacred place and keep going there; it could be a wooded area by your house or a county, state or local park.” Visits to in-state parks are easy to fit into a family’s summer plans and can generate lifelong treasured family traditions. Participating in programs or other exploratory adventures stimulate creative and critical thinking, challenge

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outdoor and athletic skills and can even teach life lessons. July is America’s Parks and Recreation Month, first designated by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in 1985. NRPA makes it easy to tap into what’s happening in local parks or wherever family members may be traveling. Events around the country can be found by visiting nrpa.org/july.

What to Do Biologist Rachel Carson, the mother of the modern-day environmental movement, wrote, “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” In this addictive digital age, it can sometimes be challenging to find exciting ways to help children connect with nature.

Parks maintained by a range of entities are jewels to be discovered, cherished and preserved. Jessica Culverhouse, NRPA senior manager and a volunteer master naturalist, offers ways to channel digital habits. “Free apps like the electronic field guide Leafsnap and mobile games like Agents of Nature can be great tools to engage kids with the outdoors with their technology still in hand,” she says. Another idea is a simple nature scavenger hunt using a smartphone camera. If weekend camping is of interest, in-state parks are convenient and also easy on the budget. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) makes the first step easy with tips and suggested activities through their Great American Campout (nwf.org/great-american-campout.aspx). This summer-long celebration of camping encourages everyone to take the pledge to camp, which helps fuel the conversation and initial planning, whether camping in a backyard or local, state or national park. Last year, the Carlson family took the pledge and first camped out in Big Basin State Park, only 20 miles from their home in Santa Cruz, California. “It was an incredible weekend none of us will ever forget; a world away, but right in our backyard!” they cheer. Garden for Wildlife, another popular NWF program, connects people with their local habitats. Girl Scout butterfly heroes in Wyckoff, New Jersey, learned how. “Our troop was looking for a way to provide a community service for their bronze award project,” says Wendy Rosica, co-leader of Troop 94686. “We chose to create a Monarch Way Station garden in a new community park in our neighborhood. Specifically designed as a space for the butterflies to breed and eat during their annual migrations, it’s not only a beautiful addition to the park, but also a positive way for the Girl Scouts to help area residents learn more about the plight of Monarchs and other pollinators.” National Audubon Society nature centers are an accessible local resource (Audubon.org/audubon-near-you). Families learn more about native birds and Audubon hiking trails, and naturalist presentations enhance explorations of the region’s habitats. Local native plant and animal species are disappearing at alarming rates and need habitat stewardship by present and future generations (Climate.Audubon.org). Our in-state parks are wellsprings of life from which children and adults can draw throughout our lives, enabling us to discover the splendor and uniqueness of nature right in our own community and backyard. When we see and feel directly what’s at stake, we’ll fight harder and more consciously to protect and preserve it. As Carson eloquently observed in The Sense of Wonder, nature can help us all find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. Harriet Shugarman, of Ridgewood, New Jersey, chairs local and regional environmental committees and works with national, state and local organizations seeking proenvironmental legislation. Connect at ClimateMama.com.

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Anti-Adhesion Xylitol’s anti-adhesive effect was discovered by accident in 1996. A British medical journal published a study, which analyzed past research done with xylitol. Researchers found that there was an additional correlation between xylitol and upper respiratory infections—a correlation researchers didn’t see when the studies were performed originally. The 1996 study found that among the children tested in the studies, those who used xylitol chewing gum had 42% fewer ear infections. Researchers performed subsequent research to answer why there was this correlation. These studies supported the discovery of xylitol’s anti-adhesion property. Xylitol’s anti-adhesive effect interferes with bacteria sticking to tissue. In order for bacteria to thrive, they must attach to the cell membrane. There they metabolize and the body senses the bacteria, it reacts with various responses like congestion, runny nose, against bacterial infections using antibiotics, attempting to kill the bacteria. However, the use of antibiotics produces resistant bacterial strains, which leads to more serious problems. Xylitol’s anti-adhesive property interferes with bacterial adhesion, resulting in bacteria not being able to colonize and thrive; eventually they are washed out. This is an innovative way to avoid antibiotic resistance. Instead of

their hands to prevent illness. But washing with only water isn’t enough; they must wash with soap. Similarly, just as people should wash their hands, they should also wash their nasal passages. A normal saline solution is like washing with only water. Washing with a nasal spray containing xylitol is like washing hands with soap. Bacteria and People Bacteria, like people, congregate together. This is called quorum sensing. When people start coming together, they form a town or city. Bacteria act similarly; as they sense other bacterial “city.” If a group wanted to take over a city, historically they would send in soldiers to subdue the inhabitants so they could then occupy the city. However, there is no guarantee that they would control everyone, and there may be leftover survivors who rally together. But if that particular city were to have an extreme change in environment, the inhabitants wouldn’t be able to cope and they’d have to leave the city. Changing the environment is much more effective in expelling the inhabitants than attacking with soldiers. Relating this back to bacteria, if we use antibiotics, we are sending in soldiers to

between antibiotics and the microorganisms, with both attempting to get stronger. But if we them to become stronger and more resistant, alter the environment in our nasal and sinus xylitol doesn’t allow the bacteria to cling to the cell and start its metabolic processes. passages so that bacteria cannot adhere to the Professionals adviseValley people to regularly wash cell surface, and thus thrive, we win the battle. 24 Tennessee Facebook.com/natvalley

What are Some of Xylitol’s Applications? Studies have shown numerous uses for xylitol, many of which deal with its adverse effects on bacterial adhesion. Sinus, ear, and respiratory infections begin in the nose as we breathe in bacteria which attempt to adhere to the cell membrane. With the use of nasal sprays containing xylitol, the bacteria found in the nose cannot stick to the tissue and are to greater probability that they will not infect the body. Nurse Practitioner Sherril Sego, FNPin this aspect. She says, “Saline nasal rinses containing xylitol have been found to be more effective than traditional saline rinses to reduce the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.” One of the best things about xylitol is that it is 100% natural and 100% safe. It’s no wonder so

Go to xlear.com and look up the patented Xlear Nasal Spray.

inspiration Alternative Medicine Associates ...Treating Causes Not Symptoms

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Songs of Freedom

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IBS • Reflux Anxiety Fibromyalgia Depression Skin Allergies Candidiasis Hormone Imbalance Chronic Fatigue Restless Leg Syndrome Adrenal Fatigue Nutritional Assessment Thyroid Problems Replaces Previ Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Call for your appointment Today!

Debra V. Gilliam N.M.D.

We All Long for Liberty

Naturopathic Physician 1230 Slaughter Road, Ste E Madison, AL

by Enrique Smeke

256-325-0955

he yearning for freedom is like a seed that dwells deep in our hearts—freedom from scarcity, from conflicting relationships, from addictions, from health issues. This yearning for freedom binds the centuries. In the Americas, this clamor can be heard in the words of the national anthems of many countries. The Colombian national anthem mentions the “invisible light of sublime freedom.” The Uruguayan anthem says, “Freedom, that clamor that saved our country.” The Mexican anthem asks that “the echoes resound with voices of unity and freedom.” The Argentine anthem exclaims, “Listen, mortals, to the sacred cry: Freedom,” and the American anthem reminds us that this is “the land of the free.” Mary Baker Eddy proclaims in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free!” Let the seed in your heart sprout. Water it with gratitude. Accept the liberty to be free as your God-given nature. Yearn to see each other as God’s child, to feel God’s everpresent love and to grow freer and freer from all limitations— and watch as the seed’s tender shoots manifest themselves in improved health, progress and joy in families, friends and the world. Let freedom always be included in your anthem song. From a free podcast series titled Your Daily Lift. Songs of Freedom is by international speaker Enrique Smeke, a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing from Newburyport, MA, and Miami, FL, raised in Argentina. Used with permission of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston (ChristianScience.com/dailylift).

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

Cleanse.... Hydrate... Rejuvenate.... DETOX YOUR BODY FROM THE INSIDE OUT Colonics • Bio Cleanse • Infrared Sauna

www.hope4lifeal.com

256-270-8731 10300 Bailey Cove Road, Ste 7A Huntsville, AL 35803

MAD2562708731-A natural awakenings

July 2015

calendarofevents

Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville. 256-830-4447.

Email Editor@Natvalley.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

Madison Gazebo Concerts – 6:30-8:30pm. Southern Splendor Chorus and Madison Community Band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food vendors on-site. Madison Arts Council free kids’ activities. Free. Historic Downtown Madison, Village Green along Front St.

THURSDAY, JULY 2 Summer Sounds Concert Series – 6-8pm. McCleary Family Band, including two violin/fiddles and one guitar, will entertain with traditional Celtic tunes. Picnic on the grounds or pre-order dinner from Clementine’s. Wine available for purchase. Admission charged. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville. 256-830-4447.

FRIDAY, JULY 10 Midsummer Renaissance & Fantasy Artist Market – 4-8pm (Fri 7/10 and 7/17), 12-6pm (Sat 7/11 and 7/18). Come in costume and enjoy craft booths and entertainment of all kinds. Admission free. Craft booth registration $10 per weekend. Flying Monkey Arts, 2211 Seminole Dr SW, Huntsville. 256-479-7863.

FRIDAY, JULY 3 Friday Night Art Walk – 5-8pm (7/3 and 7/24). Shop local in Downtown Huntsville at an open-air art market with a wide variety of artisans and live music. First and fourth Fridays in July and August. Free. Downtown Square, Huntsville. City Lights and Stars Concert Series – Gates open 6:30pm, music at 7:30pm. KUSH Reggae Band performs. Pack a picnic, dress casually, bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a spectacular view of the city while listening to great music. Admission charged. Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Dr, Huntsville. 256-536-2882.

SATURDAY, JULY 4 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza – 6-10pm, fireworks 9pm. Bring the whole family and enjoy delicious food, live music and breathtaking fireworks. Kids’ zone and Rocket Park activities free. $20 per parking pass. US Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville. 4th of July Free Fireworks and Concert in Providence Park – 7-8:30pm. Featuring the Scott Boyer Trio. No outside food or drinks but food is available from the Village restaurants. Free. Village of Providence, Providence Main St, Huntsville.

Movies in the Park: The Princess Bride – Festivities and kids’ activities begin at 6pm. Movie begins at sundown (8:15pm). Food trucks and vendors onsite. Second Friday each month in July and August. Free. Big Spring Park East, Huntsville.

Decatur Concerts By the River – 6pm, Dixie Bluegrass. 7pm, Robert Montgomery. Bring a picnic, blankets, lawn chairs and pets on a leash. Free. Rhodes Ferry Park, Decatur. 256-341-4818. Concerts In the Park – 6:30-8pm. Mambo Gris Gris plus Huntsville’s In the Mood Big Swing Band. Bring your own seating and picnic dinners. Food trucks and vendors on site. Leashed pets are welcome. Free. Held on the rear patio of the Huntsville Museum of Art, facing the lagoon in Big Spring Park.

THURSDAY, JULY 9 Summer Sounds Concert Series – 6-8pm. Prevailing Winds Flute Ensemble says the Garden is one of their favorite places to perform. Admission charged.

Unity Church on the Mountain 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

What’s Happening at Unity

Tuesday 7-8pm Prayer and Meditation Hour Wednesday 6:30-8pm “Daring Greatly” with books available Thursday 6:30-8:30pm The Artist’s Way (full class)

Sunday, July 12 Guest Speaker, Rev. Wanda Gail Campbell

Sunday, July 19 Guest Speaker, Rev. Ray Wiggins Sunday, July 26 Guest Speaker, Rev. Terry Thompson

Tennessee Valley

Reverend Carol Landry “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Ongoing Classes

Sunday, July 5 Guest Speaker, Susan Holliday

“Exploring The Yes of Life” Life is here for you! Do we really believe that statement? One of the first spiritual principles I remember hearing when I first began to spiritually awaken was “Trust the Process”.

MONDAY, JULY 13

MONDAY, JULY 6

Sunday Discussion Class – 9:30am Sunday Worship – 11am Meditative Silence begins at 10:55am

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Decatur Concerts By the River – 6pm, Decatur Youth Symphony (Classical). 7pm, Replay (Oldies & Southern Harmony). Free. Rhodes Ferry Park, Decatur. 256-341-4818. Concerts In the Park – 6:30-8pm. The Reps plus Stillwater Bluegrass. Free. Held on the rear patio of the Huntsville Museum of Art, facing the lagoon in Big Spring Park.

TUESDAY, JULY 14 How to Do Things: Beginner Quilting – 5:308:30pm. Jan Tracy from the Rocket City Modern Quilt Guild will teach a beginners course on quilting. No sewing or quilting experience is required. Supplies $3.50. Register by 7/7. Huntsville Main Library, Second Floor Events Room, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-2362.

Weddings A t

Unity ChUrCh on the MoUntAin

The perfect place for couples planning an elegantly simple ceremony. For more information go to:

UnityChurchWeddings.com or email us at

UnityChurchWeddings@gmail.com Non-traditional, interfaith unions and commitment ceremonies are always welcome!

Tuesday Evening Concerts at the Library – 6pm. This concert series explores Huntsville’s musical heritage. Highway 64 performs. Free. Huntsville Main Library, Atrium, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-5975.

THURSDAY, JULY 16 Summer Sounds Concert Series – 6-8pm. Calypso Vision rocks with contemporary and classical rock ‘n’ roll. Admission charged. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville. 256-830-4447. Madison Gazebo Concerts – 6:30-8:30pm. Robbie Eichman plus Ric Patton & the Chickenbone Reunion Band. Free. Historic Downtown Madison, Village Green along Front St.

FRIDAY, JULY 17 Eckankar on TV: The Foolish of God – 7:30-8pm. WOW (Knology) Cable Channel 11. Inspiring stories and insights from Harold Klemp, author of more than sixty books on Eckankar. Explore some behaviors and attitudes you might recognize in others or in yourself to help you unfold spiritually. Free. 256-534-1751. Eck-Alabama.org.

MONDAY, JULY 20 Decatur Concerts By the River – 6pm, Reginald Jackson and Friends (Smooth Jazz). Free. Rhodes Ferry Park, Decatur. 256-341-4818. Concerts In the Park – 6:30-8pm. DeQn Sue plus Groove. Free. Rear patio of the Huntsville Museum of Art in Big Spring Park.

THURSDAY, JULY 23

ical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville. 256-830-4447. Madison Gazebo Concerts – 6:30-8:30pm. JED Eye will perform. Free. Historic Downtown Madison, Village Green along Front St.

FRIDAY, JULY 24 Guided Hike: First Quarter Moon Walk on Wade Mountain – 8pm. Spragins Hollow Road Trailhead. (2-3 hours / Moderate to difficult, app. 3 miles). See Wade Mountain Trail and Devil’s Racetrack by flashlight, moonlight, and starlight. Hear owls and insects with hike leader Doug Horacek. Directions: Land TrustNAL.org. Contact: Doug Horacek 256-722-6788. City Lights and Stars Concert Series – Gates open 6:30pm, music at 7:30pm. Henri’s Notions performs. Enjoy a spectacular view of the city while listening to great music. Admission charged. Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Dr, Huntsville. 256-536-2882.

SATURDAY, JULY 25 ELEVATE Relationship Conference – 7:30-8am, registration. 8:30am-6:30pm, event. Elevate is a couples education curriculum that blends practical skills with an understanding of the physiology of human interaction to enhance healthy relationship knowledge and skills. For dating couples and married couples. Free. Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Rd, Huntsville. Info: 256-270-6493.

MONDAY, JULY 27 Decatur Concerts By the River – 6pm, Ben Parker Project (Rock & Country). Free. Rhodes Ferry Park, Decatur. 256-341-4818.

Summer Gallery Tour – 5-8pm. Huntsville celebrates the fine arts with a tour of local galleries and the Huntsville Museum of Art. 12 galleries participating this summer. Hors d’oeuvres served at all locations. GalleryTour.org.

Concerts In the Park – 6:30-8pm. 45 Surprise, Bourbon and Shamrocks. Free. Rear patio of the Huntsville Museum of Art in Big Spring Park.

Summer Sounds Concert Series – 6-8pm. PMB returns for an encore performance of eclectic rock and folk. Admission charged. Huntsville Botan-

Madison Gazebo Concerts – 6:30-8:30pm. Fender Bender. Free. Historic Downtown Madison, Village Green along Front St.

THURSDAY, JULY 30

plan ahead SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

markyourcalendar Holistic Huntsville Natural Heath & Wellness Fair Local businesses and health practices dealing with natural health and wellness lifestyles will be present. Special guest speakers and workshops will be presented throughout the day. Giveaways will be called throughout the day, and a Grand Prize winner at the end of the day.

Free August 15 • 9am-4pm Cooper House 405 Randolph Ave, SE Huntsville Facebook.com/HolisticHuntsville

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Editor@Natvalley.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month. HEALTH COOKWARE SALADMASTER sales and service. 256-502-9845.

Visit our new location and let us take care of you. 256.534.2954 www.healingartshuntsville.com 525 Fountain Row in Huntsville — between Williams Avenue & Manning Drive downtown

Massage

HAC Ad 7.5x3.25 0714.indd 1

Structural Integration

Reiki

Biomat Sessions

Reflexology

natural awakenings

PM July7/11/14 2015 12:11 27

ongoingevents Email Editor@Natvalley.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday

Greene Street Market at Nativity – 4-8pm. Find fresh, locally-grown vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Meet farmers with organically raised beef, pork, chicken and eggs; pick up freshly prepared meals, gourmet popsicles, traditionally made relishes, cheeses, preserves and breads. Church of the Nativity, 304 Eustis Ave, Huntsville. 256-682-4429. GreeneStreetMarket.com.

A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am. Shared reading and group discussions. Extra books available. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org.

Thursday Night Swing – 6:30-10pm. Swing dance lesson, 6:30pm; Dance 7:30pm. $5 covers lesson and dance. Lowe Mill/Flying Monkey, 2nd Floor Theatre, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.

Revealing Service – 9:45am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Vinyasa Yoga – 6:30pm. A 75-minute flow yoga class that focuses on unifying breath and the motion of the body. All levels are welcome. Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500 East Pratt Ave, Suite A. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com or Asaniyama.com.

Celebration Service – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Artist’s Way Class – 6:30-8:30pm. Led by Renee Beckham. There will be a $20 materials fee the first class. Love offering for the rest of the classes. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityOnThe Mountain.org.

Unity Church on the Mountain Worship Service – 11am, with Adult Discussion at 9:30am. Unity is a positive path for spiritual living. Rev. Carol Landry. 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. UnityOnThe Mountain.org. 1-Hour Mystery School – 11am. A different service each week including ritual, music, and a message in an open, loving environment. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org.

monday Beginner’s Class Tai Chi – 9:30-10:30am. $10 per class. Monte Sano Methodist Church administrative building, 601 Monte Sano Blvd SE, Huntsville. Register with Lynn at the Yurt Garden, 256-424-2221. Kangen Water Wellness Presentation – 6:30pm. Bring your BPS-free plastic containers and we’ll make three gallons of the remarkable Kangen Ionized, Micro-Clustered, Alkaline Drinking Water. Attend our Kangen Water Wellness Presentation starting at 6:30pm each Monday night. Call for directions. G. Boyce Bazzell (Bazz). 256-430-8407. Bazzell@me.com.

tuesday Latham UMC Farmers’ Market – 3-6pm. Buy from farmers who sell the fruit, vegetables, meat, and poultry grown on their own farms. Latham United Methodist Church, 109 Weatherly Rd SE, Huntsville. Tuesday Farmers Market at Meridianville – 4-7pm. Fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, soap, fiber arts, flowers, Artisan Bread, honey, flowers, jelly, jams and more. First Baptist Church of Meridianville, 175 Monroe R, Meridianville, AL. Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSLHuntsville.org. Prayer and Meditation Hour – 7-8pm. Led by Rev. Clifford Stocking and assisted by Rebecca Oxford. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors

Tennessee Valley

Dr SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityOnThe Mountain.org.

friday

BodyFlow – 6-7pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Yoga/Pilates/Tai Chi-based exercise class that builds strength, tones your body and leaves you feeling centered and calm. Part of the Les Mills Fitness Program. $10/class and no contract. New participants are always welcome. Madison Ballroom, 9076 Madison Blvd, Suite E, Madison, AL. 256-461-1900. MadisonBallroom.com.

Public Clearance Session – 7pm. Third Friday each month. Learn effective healing through reception and application of Divine energies. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255.

wednesday

saturday

Satsang – 6:30pm. Through group discussion and inquiry, we reveal the innate wisdom of the one presence living life as each one of us. Meditation 6pm. Led by Rev. David Leonard. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Bailey Cove Farmers Market – 8am-12pm, Saturdays starting May 30. Locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers and other locally produced products. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 12200 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville.

“Daring Greatly” Class – 6:30pm. Become courageous in the way we live, by learning to live fully and vibrantly. Taught by Rev. Grace Gifford. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. UnityOnTheMountain.org.

thursday

Madison City Farmers Market – 8am-12pm, Saturdays starting May 9. Fresh produce, handmade treasures, and local live music featured each week. Trinity Baptist Church, 1088 Hughes Rd, Madison. Artist Market – 12-4pm. Local artists and others are invited to set up a booth and sell their wares to the public. There will be art, jewelry, vintage clothing, records and more for sale. Admission free. Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.

HealthWorks Farmers Market – 7:30am-12pm. Fresh & local produce, delicious artisan breads, herbs, gourmet slaw, cheese, jams, jellies and more. Cash and checks only. Plaza Resource Center Tram Station at Huntsville Hospital, 101 Governors Dr.

Community HU Song – 1:30-2pm. Join others in singing HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift you in countless ways. Held each Saturday (except 7/4). Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Ave NE #3 (near Five Points). 256-5341751. Eck-Alabama.org.

Gentle Yoga – 11:30am-12:45pm. This class is great for beginners. It focuses on stretching, relaxation, and learning the basic postures and poses of yoga. You may bring your own mat or use one of the library’s. Free. No registration required. Huntsville Main Library, Second Floor Meeting Room, 915 Monroe St. Asprogramming@hmcpl.org.

Ballroom Dance Party – 7:30-10pm. Beginner group class 7:30-8pm, introduction to different ballroom dances each week. Practice dance party 8-10pm, for all levels of dancers. No partner needed. $10/person for group class and party. Madison Ballroom, 9076 Madison Blvd Suites C/D, Madison, AL. 256-461-1900. MadisonBallroom.com.

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natural awakenings

July 2015

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Editor@Natvalley.com to request our media kit.

ALKALINE DRINKING WATER KANGEN WATER®

Ionized, Micro-Clustered, Alkaline Water Garvin Bazzell (Bazz) Bazzwater.com Bazzell@me.com Protect your body from high levels of acidity which contributes to many diseases. Kangen Water Systems produce alkaline water that will help neutralize the acidity in your body. Attend our Water Wellness presentation Monday Nights at 6:30pm. Contact me for the location.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY HOPE FOR LIFE COLONICS

Tina Pencola Owner/Certified Colon Hydrotherapist 10300 Bailey Cove Rd, Suite-7A Huntsville, AL 35803 256-270-8731 • 256-684-0020 Hope4LifeAL.com Tina.HopeForLife@outlook.com Our goal is to live long and live strong. Young or old, male or female, healthy or sick, will benefit from an internal cleansing. Mention this ad and get $10 off your first colonic session. See ad, page 25.

ESSENTIAL OILS CINDY WILSON

Young Living Independent Distributor 256-476-6537 Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Want to know why everyone is talking about essential oils? Learn more about essential oils, their uses and how to safely use them. Classes held monthly or schedule your class with friends and family. For more information call or email. See ad, page 17.

FAMILY MEDICINE MADISON FAMILY CARE

Chad Gilliam, M.M.S. PA-C 1230 Slaughter Road, Suite C, Madison, AL 256-722-0555 MadisonFamilyCare.com Madison Family Care provides medical care for patients of all ages and uniquely blends Natural and Prescription medicines together to help speed the patient’s recovery. Madison Family Care is the patient’s clinic of choice when they would like to understand how natural medicines work along with prescription drugs.

JARVIS NATURAL HEALTH CLINIC 1489 Slaughter Road, Madison 256-837-3448

I-ACT Certified Colon Hydro Therapists. Do you know that 80% of your immune system is in your colon? Bathe your body from the inside to improve health. Colon irrigation aids in soothing and toning the colon, which makes elimination more effective.

FENG SHUI FENG SHUI BY TRUDI GARDNER Trudi Gardner, M.S. 256-772-6999 Tygard2000@aol.com

An interior design philosophy that invites serenity and reduces stress. Feng Shui design concepts brings positive energy into your home and office to encourage Prosperity, Well Being, Harmony, and Balance.

FOOT CARE SPECIALIZED NAIL CARE

1900 Flint Rd SE Decatur, AL 35601 256-476-6537 Cindy@SpecializedNailCare.com Nail care for those that need more than just a pedicure. Physicians order required for care. Care includes footbath, trimming nails, thinning of thick nails, and removal of calluses and corns. For more information call or email. See ad, page 23.

HAIR SALON CJ HAIR AND ART STUDIO CJ Denison 105E Church St Madison, AL 35758 256-603-9018

Specializing in NATURAL Hairstyles. Cuts with Texture and Movement. Specializing in Fine Hair, Razor cuts, Men's Hair Pieces with A NATURAL Look. Specializing in Hair Color OFF the Scalp. Hair Painting. A Safer way to Color or HiLight Your Hair to Help in Decreasing the Exposure to the Scalp. HEALTHY HAIR is HAPPY HAIR. Also Original Art Work and Private Art lessons available. Call Today for YOUR Appointment.

HOMEOPATHIC CONSULTANT JOAN SCOTT LOWE

The long-term study of GMO foods is going on in real time and in real life, not in a lab. ~Ziggy Marley

Tennessee Valley

Facebook.com/natvalley

1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209  205-871-1288 Joan@HomeopathyForWellness.com HomeopathyForWellness.com Call or email Joan Scott Lowe, Homeopathic Wellness Consultant, to determine your individual constitutional remedy, the FDA-approved nontoxic homeopathic remedy based on the totality of your mental, emotional, and physical condition, chosen according to the Law of Similars (“like heals like”). Achieve wellness and freedom from illness!

HYPNOTHERAPY CENTER FOR INNER WELLNESS Becky Waters Certified Hypnotherapist and Professional Breathworker 3322 S. Memorial Parkway, Suite 643 Huntsville, AL • 256-348-5236

Creating positive change through hypnotherapy and Breathwork. Empowering you to live to your highest potential. Relieve stress and anxiety, release negativity, pain management, pre/post medical procedure, fears/phobias, weight loss, smoking cessation, and more. See ad, page 21.

MARSHA MATHES

Certified Hypnotist 3313 Memorial Parkway, Ste 116 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-698-2151 MarshaMathes.SkinCareTherapy.net Hypnosis is a tool to assist you in countless ways to heal your past, empower your present and create your future. Hypnobirthing classes, quit smoking, weight loss, nail and lip biting, teeth grinding, insomnia, anxiety and stress relief, phobias and fears, pain relief, sports enhancement, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), current and past life regressions.

JIN SHIN JYUTSU® JIN SHIN JYUTSU OF HUNTSVILLE Sandra Cope Huntsville 256-534-1794 256-509-3540

Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner. An easy, effective way of restoring health and well-being by balancing the body’s energy pathways to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. See ad, page 12.

MASSAGE DIXIE PHILLIPS (LMT #2151)

Dixie’s Sunrise Massage Therapy 3313 Memorial Parkway, Ste #116 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-585-0504 • Hoss2ride@otelco.net Dixie’s Sunrise Massage Therapy: Come in and experience Dixie’s Combo. This is not the typical massage. MediCupping Therapy is used to relax muscles and increase the blood flow, which accelerates healing. It is also effective on bloating, scars, Fibromyalgia, Sciatica, migraine or tension headaches. See details on services, rates, and possible help with your Tissue Issues at DixiesSunrise.MassageTherapy.com.

MENTAL HEALTH CARE

editorial calendar

TREE OF LIFE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

2015

256-278-2802 TreeOfLifeBehavioral.com TreeOfLifeBehavioral@gmail.com At Tree of Life Behavioral Health, we believe that quality mental health care should be available to all people who need it. We offer counseling and medication management to families, children, adolescents, and adults on a sliding scale to meet all income needs. Don’t let yourself suffer any longer!

JULY

food democracy

plus: inspired living AUGUST

NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR

parenting with presence

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ASSOCIATES Dr. Deb Gilliam, N.M.D. 1230 Slaughter Rd, Ste E, Madison, AL 256-325-0955

plus: creativity SEPTEMBER

Dr. Deb treats a variety of health problems using natural means. She looks for why people have symptoms and treats the root cause of those symptoms. Dr. Deb is highly regarded in the integrative and natural approach to wellness. Every patent is unique, and she individualizes treatment for their optimal wellness. See ad, page 25.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

agelessness

plus: yoga benefits OCTOBER

working together

plus: natural antidepressants NOVEMBER

true wealth plus: beauty

JACI HOGUE

256-656-4108 JaciHogue@gmail.com A complete system of body education that balances the physical body, improves posture, and helps resolve chronic pain. Created by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1950s, Structural Integration has been scientifically validated and has withstood the test of time, as millions of people have enjoyed the remarkable benefits.

DECEMBER

prayer & meditation plus: holiday themes

SUSAN K. JEFFREYS

Advanced Practitioner Lic.#249 Dr. Ida P. ROLF method 525 Fountain Row 256-508-3351 • RolfGuild.org Serving Huntsville since 1995 “When the body gets working appropriately, then the force of gravity can flow through. Then spontaneously, the body heals itself.” —Ida P. Rolf. See ad, page 21.

natural awakenings

July 2015

BE CREATIVE: TRY NEW DIRECTIONS TO INSPIRE CONNECTIONS

Advertise in Natural Awakenings’ August

Parenting with Presence and Creativity Issue

Reach health-conscious parents and caregivers seeking:

• Alternative Education Facilities • Cooking Schools / Classes • Natural / Organic Food Stores • Art / Dance Instruction • Co-op Marketers • Nurturing Day Care Centers • Books / References • Dietitians / Cooks • Parenting Resources • Children’s Eco Products • Family / Children’s Health Services • Pet Health Practitioners • Children’s Social Groups • Family Counseling / Therapy • Safe Toys / Playgrounds • Community Gardens • Gyms, Fitness / Yoga Centers • YMCAs / Recreation Centers • Consignment / Resale Shops • Natural Healthcare Practitioners ... and this is just a partial list