6/21/2009
6/20/2009
6/19/2009
It's the Gas for Europe
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8090104.stm [who owns the gas owns the power]
6/18/2009
6/17/2009
Gardening Happenings, Moore County, Jan's Newsletter
There's some things happening tomorrow evening you might want to attend.
But first...
Enjoying the local strawberries, early tomatoes, peaches, sweet corn, creamer potatoes, raspberries, herbs, chard, blueberries and, soon, the blackberries of summer?
Have you picked your first tomato yet?
(We did, an "Early Girl," ten days ago, eaten on - what else - a mater sandwich with a crack of pepper, some smoked turkey and avocado).
The yellow squash, green peppers, garlic and zucchini are starting to ripen and find their way into the kitchen, with the green beans, sweet potatoes, okra and eggplant are gathering speed. Every meal is tasty vegetable abundance.
And also, with gathering speed, come the weeds and garden bugs. I left for a week to visit my brother in Wisconsin, and when I returned last week, I found a chewed up jungle!So much chaos in so little time!
So! How to right things?
I wanted to put out this newsletter quickly, so all you gardeners (or wannabe gardeners) could learn to weather this most satisfying and also the most trying period of the summer garden.
It's hot, it's buggy, it's weedy - but the fruits and veggies of your labors are beginning to be offered in abundance as well.
Come celebrate with cooperative extension agent Taylor Williams this Thursday evening at 5:30 at First Garden Armory park (the site of the Thursday Farmers Market on Morganton Rd. in Southern Pines - park and walk up the hill to the community garden).
The clinic will last an hour or so, with time for questions.
Bring your problem vegetable children and let Taylor diagnose and offer solutions, and see the community garden in action.
Tell your friends, okay? This is short notice.
No registration required for this free clinic, but if you have questions, call 947-3188 See you there!
PS (A clinic on Fall Gardens will be offered in the un-fall-ish month of July (gotta think ahead).
FALL IS OFTEN THE BEST TIME TO GARDEN HERE IN THE SANDHILLS, AS THE PEST PRESSURE DECLINE RAPIDLY.
Mark Thursday, July 16, 5:30 PM at the Armory - same time, same place - on your calender).
-------------
Also, right after this clinic - that is, also this Thursday - Sustainable Sandhills will be offering the movie "King Corn" for your viewing pleasure, 6:30, at the Dempsey Center at Sandhills Community College.
"King Corn" examines exactly what is in the food on our shelves, and the implications for our health. It is eye-opening.
These films are presented for the community to watch and stimulate discussion about Sustainability in our communities.
See you there!
----------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of the food we eat, PBS recently did an interesting piece of the buzzed-about new movie "Food, Inc." This movie is said to advance the converstion about our food systems as much as did Michael Pollan's "Omnivore's Dilemma."
For a peek at that interview, and clips from the movie, see:
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/523/index.html
And also on the food news front, a "US Doctors' association calls for Moratorium on GMO Foods":
In a press release dated May 19, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, ‘an international association of physicians and other professionals dedicated to addressing the clinical aspects of environmental health,’ called immediately for the following emergency measures to be taken regarding human consumption of GMO foods:
* A moratorium on GMO food; implementation of immediate long term safety testing and labelling of GMO food.
* Physicians to educate their patients, the medical community and the public to avoid GMO foods.
* Physicians to consider the role of GMO foods in their patients' disease processes.
* More independent long term scientific studies to begin gathering data to investigate the role of GMO foods on human health.
The AAEM chairperson, Dr Amy Dean notes that ‘Multiple animal studies have shown that GM foods cause damage to various organ systems in the body. With this mounting evidence, it is imperative to have a moratorium on GM foods for the safety of our patients' and the public's health.’ The President of the AAEM, Dr Jennifer Armstrong stressed that ‘Physicians are probably seeing the effects in their patients, but need to know how to ask the right questions. The most common foods in North America which are consumed that are GMO are corn, soy, canola, and cottonseed oil.’ The AAEM's position paper on Genetically Modified foods can be found at http:aaemonline.org.
http://financialsense.com/editorials/engdahl/2009/0521.html
------------------------------ ---
Finally, a strong local food interest is gathering speed. Various groups - chefs, growers, reps of community groups, planners and more, coordinated by NC Cooperative Extension - are gathering to further connect consumers - you - with fresh local food and local growers. This effort also keeps surrounding land in open, green farmland.
I'm on a Local Food Council committee to help compile an email list of folks interested in good, local eating - to let consumers of fresh, local vegetables and fruits know when things are ripening and available. Since you all are among the most interested and faithful consumers of fresh-local that I know of, I'd like to offer them my list of 300+ . Someday before the end of the year, you'll get an email about it with an option to unsubscribe. If you have strong feelings about that now, let me know.
As always, Have a great week!
With enthusiasm,
Jan and Michael
Cottage Garden Farm
Southern Pines, NC
Fresh - Local - Organic
Mr.GreenJeans Lawn and Garden - 695-5162
and now, Bountiful Backyards of Moore - 692-8801
But first...
Enjoying the local strawberries, early tomatoes, peaches, sweet corn, creamer potatoes, raspberries, herbs, chard, blueberries and, soon, the blackberries of summer?
Have you picked your first tomato yet?
(We did, an "Early Girl," ten days ago, eaten on - what else - a mater sandwich with a crack of pepper, some smoked turkey and avocado).
The yellow squash, green peppers, garlic and zucchini are starting to ripen and find their way into the kitchen, with the green beans, sweet potatoes, okra and eggplant are gathering speed. Every meal is tasty vegetable abundance.
And also, with gathering speed, come the weeds and garden bugs. I left for a week to visit my brother in Wisconsin, and when I returned last week, I found a chewed up jungle!So much chaos in so little time!
So! How to right things?
I wanted to put out this newsletter quickly, so all you gardeners (or wannabe gardeners) could learn to weather this most satisfying and also the most trying period of the summer garden.
It's hot, it's buggy, it's weedy - but the fruits and veggies of your labors are beginning to be offered in abundance as well.
Come celebrate with cooperative extension agent Taylor Williams this Thursday evening at 5:30 at First Garden Armory park (the site of the Thursday Farmers Market on Morganton Rd. in Southern Pines - park and walk up the hill to the community garden).
The clinic will last an hour or so, with time for questions.
Bring your problem vegetable children and let Taylor diagnose and offer solutions, and see the community garden in action.
Tell your friends, okay? This is short notice.
No registration required for this free clinic, but if you have questions, call 947-3188 See you there!
PS (A clinic on Fall Gardens will be offered in the un-fall-ish month of July (gotta think ahead).
FALL IS OFTEN THE BEST TIME TO GARDEN HERE IN THE SANDHILLS, AS THE PEST PRESSURE DECLINE RAPIDLY.
Mark Thursday, July 16, 5:30 PM at the Armory - same time, same place - on your calender).
-------------
Also, right after this clinic - that is, also this Thursday - Sustainable Sandhills will be offering the movie "King Corn" for your viewing pleasure, 6:30, at the Dempsey Center at Sandhills Community College.
"King Corn" examines exactly what is in the food on our shelves, and the implications for our health. It is eye-opening.
These films are presented for the community to watch and stimulate discussion about Sustainability in our communities.
See you there!
----------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of the food we eat, PBS recently did an interesting piece of the buzzed-about new movie "Food, Inc." This movie is said to advance the converstion about our food systems as much as did Michael Pollan's "Omnivore's Dilemma."
For a peek at that interview, and clips from the movie, see:
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/523/index.html
And also on the food news front, a "US Doctors' association calls for Moratorium on GMO Foods":
In a press release dated May 19, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, ‘an international association of physicians and other professionals dedicated to addressing the clinical aspects of environmental health,’ called immediately for the following emergency measures to be taken regarding human consumption of GMO foods:
* A moratorium on GMO food; implementation of immediate long term safety testing and labelling of GMO food.
* Physicians to educate their patients, the medical community and the public to avoid GMO foods.
* Physicians to consider the role of GMO foods in their patients' disease processes.
* More independent long term scientific studies to begin gathering data to investigate the role of GMO foods on human health.
The AAEM chairperson, Dr Amy Dean notes that ‘Multiple animal studies have shown that GM foods cause damage to various organ systems in the body. With this mounting evidence, it is imperative to have a moratorium on GM foods for the safety of our patients' and the public's health.’ The President of the AAEM, Dr Jennifer Armstrong stressed that ‘Physicians are probably seeing the effects in their patients, but need to know how to ask the right questions. The most common foods in North America which are consumed that are GMO are corn, soy, canola, and cottonseed oil.’ The AAEM's position paper on Genetically Modified foods can be found at http:aaemonline.org.
http://financialsense.com/editorials/engdahl/2009/0521.html
------------------------------ ---
Finally, a strong local food interest is gathering speed. Various groups - chefs, growers, reps of community groups, planners and more, coordinated by NC Cooperative Extension - are gathering to further connect consumers - you - with fresh local food and local growers. This effort also keeps surrounding land in open, green farmland.
I'm on a Local Food Council committee to help compile an email list of folks interested in good, local eating - to let consumers of fresh, local vegetables and fruits know when things are ripening and available. Since you all are among the most interested and faithful consumers of fresh-local that I know of, I'd like to offer them my list of 300+ . Someday before the end of the year, you'll get an email about it with an option to unsubscribe. If you have strong feelings about that now, let me know.
As always, Have a great week!
With enthusiasm,
Jan and Michael
Cottage Garden Farm
Southern Pines, NC
Fresh - Local - Organic
Mr.GreenJeans Lawn and Garden - 695-5162
and now, Bountiful Backyards of Moore - 692-8801
6/16/2009
Strengthen Bill for Food Safety
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/food_safety_bill/?r=3939&id=4562-1541929-NIYcTJx
6/15/2009
6/14/2009
Pollinator Week, June 27, Pittsboro
Come join the Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the Chatham County Beekeepers’ Association for the third annual celebration of National Pollinator Week on Saturday, June 27, from 10:00 am til 2:00 pm on The Lawn at Chatham Mills in Pittsboro, NC.
The purpose of National Pollinator Week is to teach pollinator-friendly practices and raise public awareness of the importance of the bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, birds, and bats that are needed to produce 80 percent of our flowering plants and one third of our human food crops. The National Academy of Sciences has reported that there is direct evidence of the decline of some pollinator species in North America. And, recently, Colony Collapse Disorder of honey bees has alarmed the agricultural industry.
We have a great program planned for folks of all ages at our local event here in Pittsboro:
You can hear presentations about beekeeping – how to get started, equipment needs, management tips – from local beekeepers.
Tour Cooperative Extension’s new Pollinator Garden at Chatham Mills and learn how to attract and protect pollinators.
Watch expert beekeepers work an actual hive inside a bee cage (bees inside, participants outside!), see honey bees up close and personal, and get your burning beekeeping questions answered.
Participate in a pollinator-themed Scavenger Hunt for kids!
Watch “Bee TV” - park yourself in front of an observation hive and watch the worker bees attending the queen. It’s mesmerizing!
Meet our local Chatham County beekeepers and learn all about what it takes to produce the nutritious and delicious local honey available at Chatham Marketplace. We will have beekeeping equipment and products from the hive for “show and tell”.
Visit Chatham Marketplace to learn which products depend on bees for pollination (hint: look for the bee signs!).
Pick up some educational literature to further your knowledge about honey bees, beekeeping, pollinators, and pollinator conservation.
Learn about the Chatham County Beekeepers’ Association and how you can get involved with this fabulously friendly group through monthly meetings and field days and even an email listserv – we welcome members of all skill levels: from never-tried-it (but always wanted to) to beginner to experienced!
Enjoy a pollinator-friendly local lunch at Chatham Marketplace during the program! (Did you know that worldwide, approximately 1,000 plants grown for food, beverages, spices, fiber, and medicine require pollination by animals?)
All Pollinator Week Events are free and open to the public. This event will be held rain or shine. For directions, go to http://www.chathammarketplace.coop/about/directions.shtml
This event is sponsored by Chatham Mills Development Corporation (see http://www.chathammills.com/) and hosted by Chatham Marketplace (http://www.chathammarketplace.coop/).
For more information about pollinator conservation, visit Cooperative Extension’s website at http://www.protectpollinators.org.
Visit the Chatham Beekeepers’ Association website at http://www.chathambeekeepers.org.
For more information about this event, contact Debbie Roos at 919-542-8202 or debbie_roos@ncsu.edu.
I hope to see you there!
Debbie Roos
Agricultural Extension Agent
Chatham County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
The purpose of National Pollinator Week is to teach pollinator-friendly practices and raise public awareness of the importance of the bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, birds, and bats that are needed to produce 80 percent of our flowering plants and one third of our human food crops. The National Academy of Sciences has reported that there is direct evidence of the decline of some pollinator species in North America. And, recently, Colony Collapse Disorder of honey bees has alarmed the agricultural industry.
We have a great program planned for folks of all ages at our local event here in Pittsboro:
You can hear presentations about beekeeping – how to get started, equipment needs, management tips – from local beekeepers.
Tour Cooperative Extension’s new Pollinator Garden at Chatham Mills and learn how to attract and protect pollinators.
Watch expert beekeepers work an actual hive inside a bee cage (bees inside, participants outside!), see honey bees up close and personal, and get your burning beekeeping questions answered.
Participate in a pollinator-themed Scavenger Hunt for kids!
Watch “Bee TV” - park yourself in front of an observation hive and watch the worker bees attending the queen. It’s mesmerizing!
Meet our local Chatham County beekeepers and learn all about what it takes to produce the nutritious and delicious local honey available at Chatham Marketplace. We will have beekeeping equipment and products from the hive for “show and tell”.
Visit Chatham Marketplace to learn which products depend on bees for pollination (hint: look for the bee signs!).
Pick up some educational literature to further your knowledge about honey bees, beekeeping, pollinators, and pollinator conservation.
Learn about the Chatham County Beekeepers’ Association and how you can get involved with this fabulously friendly group through monthly meetings and field days and even an email listserv – we welcome members of all skill levels: from never-tried-it (but always wanted to) to beginner to experienced!
Enjoy a pollinator-friendly local lunch at Chatham Marketplace during the program! (Did you know that worldwide, approximately 1,000 plants grown for food, beverages, spices, fiber, and medicine require pollination by animals?)
All Pollinator Week Events are free and open to the public. This event will be held rain or shine. For directions, go to http://www.chathammarketplace.coop/about/directions.shtml
This event is sponsored by Chatham Mills Development Corporation (see http://www.chathammills.com/) and hosted by Chatham Marketplace (http://www.chathammarketplace.coop/).
For more information about pollinator conservation, visit Cooperative Extension’s website at http://www.protectpollinators.org.
Visit the Chatham Beekeepers’ Association website at http://www.chathambeekeepers.org.
For more information about this event, contact Debbie Roos at 919-542-8202 or debbie_roos@ncsu.edu.
I hope to see you there!
Debbie Roos
Agricultural Extension Agent
Chatham County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
6/13/2009
6/12/2009
King Corn Coming to SCC!
REMINDER
Moore County Sustainable Film Series
Thursday, June 18th, 6:30-8pm | Sandhills Community College, Dempsey Student Center, Clement Dining Room
Our Next Film: “King Corn: You Are What You Eat” - Click here for movie trailer.
Sustainable Sandhills will be showing the third film in our Film Series focused on sustainability-related topics. The desire of Sustainable Sandhills is to heighten public awareness of pressing sustainability issues and to encourage community dialogue following each film. The next film in our sustainable film series is the award winning documentary, “King Corn”. The film documents two best friends from college that plant and acre of corn and follow it into our food system. I think everyone will be surprised as to what they find. You truly are what you eat! “King Corn” will be shown Thursday, June 18th, at Sandhills Community College's Dempsey Student Center, upstairs in the Clement Dining Room from 6:30-8:00 PM.
The Film Series is held on a bi-monthly schedule, alternating with the Sustainable Sandhills Moore County Community Action Team Meetings. Each film will be aired from 6:30-8:00 PM at the same location, and the remaining 2009 revised schedule is as follows: August 20th, October 22nd, and December 10th.
Bring the family! All ages are invited to attend and it’s FREE!!! We look forward to seeing you there!
Moore County Sustainable Film Series
Thursday, June 18th, 6:30-8pm | Sandhills Community College, Dempsey Student Center, Clement Dining Room
Our Next Film: “King Corn: You Are What You Eat” - Click here for movie trailer.
Sustainable Sandhills will be showing the third film in our Film Series focused on sustainability-related topics. The desire of Sustainable Sandhills is to heighten public awareness of pressing sustainability issues and to encourage community dialogue following each film. The next film in our sustainable film series is the award winning documentary, “King Corn”. The film documents two best friends from college that plant and acre of corn and follow it into our food system. I think everyone will be surprised as to what they find. You truly are what you eat! “King Corn” will be shown Thursday, June 18th, at Sandhills Community College's Dempsey Student Center, upstairs in the Clement Dining Room from 6:30-8:00 PM.
The Film Series is held on a bi-monthly schedule, alternating with the Sustainable Sandhills Moore County Community Action Team Meetings. Each film will be aired from 6:30-8:00 PM at the same location, and the remaining 2009 revised schedule is as follows: August 20th, October 22nd, and December 10th.
Bring the family! All ages are invited to attend and it’s FREE!!! We look forward to seeing you there!
Hamas/Gaza, Chapel Hill, June 14
"HAMAS/GAZA"
Sunday, June 14, 2009, 2-4 P.M.
Church of Reconciliation in Chapel Hill, NC
Doors open at 1:30 for refreshments/socializing
Who is Hamas?
How did they ascend to power?
Are they the legitimate political voice of the Palestinians?
Should Israel negotiate with them?
What is the history of Gaza?
What is the condition of Gaza now?
How has the blockade affected Gaza?
Is the Gaza Strip viable?
Event co-sponsored by:
Muslim American Public Affairs Council (MAPAC)
Muslim American Society(MAS) of Raleigh
Salaam-Shalom Support Group--Church of Reconciliation Chapel Hill
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Triangle Branch
Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD-USA)
December 27, 2008 through January 18, 2009 saw the State of Israel launch a massive military offensive inside one of the most densely populated civilian areas on earth, the Gaza Strip.
Television and print news coverage was extensive throughout the assault, but did little to help understand either what was going on or why it was going on, and even less to help understand the full context of the struggle within the Gaza Strip.
This presentation will attempt to fill in those gaps, and place the assent of Hamas and subsequent Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip within the broader context of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination.
The often paradoxical nature of the Hamas organization will be explored as will the history, organization and viability of the Gaza Strip as a commercial, cultural, and governable entity.
Explore--Engage--Act!
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2009
Time: 2-4 PM (Refreshments/socializing at 1:30)
Place: Church of Reconciliation
Address: 110 N. Elliott Rd. Chapel Hill, 27514
Contact: (919) 490-5546 or (919) 967-7284
Sunday, June 14, 2009, 2-4 P.M.
Church of Reconciliation in Chapel Hill, NC
Doors open at 1:30 for refreshments/socializing
Who is Hamas?
How did they ascend to power?
Are they the legitimate political voice of the Palestinians?
Should Israel negotiate with them?
What is the history of Gaza?
What is the condition of Gaza now?
How has the blockade affected Gaza?
Is the Gaza Strip viable?
Event co-sponsored by:
Muslim American Public Affairs Council (MAPAC)
Muslim American Society(MAS) of Raleigh
Salaam-Shalom Support Group--Church of Reconciliation Chapel Hill
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Triangle Branch
Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD-USA)
December 27, 2008 through January 18, 2009 saw the State of Israel launch a massive military offensive inside one of the most densely populated civilian areas on earth, the Gaza Strip.
Television and print news coverage was extensive throughout the assault, but did little to help understand either what was going on or why it was going on, and even less to help understand the full context of the struggle within the Gaza Strip.
This presentation will attempt to fill in those gaps, and place the assent of Hamas and subsequent Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip within the broader context of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination.
The often paradoxical nature of the Hamas organization will be explored as will the history, organization and viability of the Gaza Strip as a commercial, cultural, and governable entity.
Explore--Engage--Act!
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2009
Time: 2-4 PM (Refreshments/socializing at 1:30)
Place: Church of Reconciliation
Address: 110 N. Elliott Rd. Chapel Hill, 27514
Contact: (919) 490-5546 or (919) 967-7284
Swank Has Grounds
Downtown Southern Pines, the little coffee house in the Belvedere Plaza - Swank - is giving away their coffee grounds for people's compost bins.
Waxman-Markey to Pelosi
http://www.1sky.org/pressroom/2009/06/1sky-and-allies-send-letter-to-speaker-pelosi-asking-for-opportunities-to-strength
6/11/2009
6/10/2009
6/09/2009
Home-made Soda Pop
http://www.cheeseslave.com/2009/06/05/how-to-make-homemade-soda-pop-with-kefir-grains/
Democratic Women of Moore, June 13
DWMC meeting June 13
Nancy Gottovi, the executive director of Central Park NC will be the speaker at the Saturday, June 13th meeting of the Democratic Women of Moore County. Central Park NC is an organization that develops strategies to preserve the natural and cultural assets of central North Carolina, using them to create a sustainable local economy.
www.centralparknc.org
The meeting begins 10 AM at Democratic Headquarters, 104-A North McNeill St., Carthage. Bring a friend, and some canned goods for our monthly food drive.
Nancy Gottovi, the executive director of Central Park NC will be the speaker at the Saturday, June 13th meeting of the Democratic Women of Moore County. Central Park NC is an organization that develops strategies to preserve the natural and cultural assets of central North Carolina, using them to create a sustainable local economy.
www.centralparknc.org
The meeting begins 10 AM at Democratic Headquarters, 104-A North McNeill St., Carthage. Bring a friend, and some canned goods for our monthly food drive.
6/08/2009
Food Safety Bill Moving in Congress,
Food Safety Bill Starts to Move in Congress
The House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing yesterday on the "Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009." The bill has not yet been filed, so there is no bill number, but it is based largely on HR 759, one of the food safety bills that we alerted our members to before.
The draft bill contains several provisions of concern, including:
· Extending FDA's authority to inspect to farms;
· Directing FDA to develop growing and handling standards for produce;
· Mandating a $1,000 annual registration fee for any facility that manufactures or processes food. Although "farms" are exempt, a farm that also sells processed items such as jams, fermented vegetables, etc. appears to be subject to the fee.
We encourage everyone to call their Representative and talk with the staffer who handles food safety issues. Explain how important local farms and local food sources are to you! Ask your Representative to contact the Committee members on your behalf, urging them to protect small farms and small food processors from these overly burdensome provisions.
More specific talking points will be provided in future alerts.
To find out who represents you, go to www.Congress.org
Take Action: Come to one of the meetings!
WHERE and WHEN:
Tuesday, June 9: Jefferson City, Missouri: Truman Center, 1510 Jefferson Street
Thursday, June 11: Rapid City, South Dakota: Holiday Inn Rapid City, Rushmore Plaza, 505 North Fifth Street
Tuesday, June 16: Albuquerque, New Mexico: Route 66 Casino & Conference Center, 14500 Central Avenue, SW
Thursday, June 18: Riverside, California, location tbd
Thursday, June 25: Raleigh, North Carolina: Jane S. McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman Street
Saturday, June 27: Jasper, Florida: Hamilton County Extension, 1143 NW US Hwy 41
TIME: Registration starts at 8 am. The meeting is from 9 am - 4 pm
REGISTRATION
1) Pre-register Online: Send an email to NAISSessions@aphis.usda.gov In the subject line of the e-mail, indicate your name and the location of the meeting you plan to attend. If you wish to present public comments, include your name and address in the body of the message.
The House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing yesterday on the "Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009." The bill has not yet been filed, so there is no bill number, but it is based largely on HR 759, one of the food safety bills that we alerted our members to before.
The draft bill contains several provisions of concern, including:
· Extending FDA's authority to inspect to farms;
· Directing FDA to develop growing and handling standards for produce;
· Mandating a $1,000 annual registration fee for any facility that manufactures or processes food. Although "farms" are exempt, a farm that also sells processed items such as jams, fermented vegetables, etc. appears to be subject to the fee.
We encourage everyone to call their Representative and talk with the staffer who handles food safety issues. Explain how important local farms and local food sources are to you! Ask your Representative to contact the Committee members on your behalf, urging them to protect small farms and small food processors from these overly burdensome provisions.
More specific talking points will be provided in future alerts.
To find out who represents you, go to www.Congress.org
Take Action: Come to one of the meetings!
WHERE and WHEN:
Tuesday, June 9: Jefferson City, Missouri: Truman Center, 1510 Jefferson Street
Thursday, June 11: Rapid City, South Dakota: Holiday Inn Rapid City, Rushmore Plaza, 505 North Fifth Street
Tuesday, June 16: Albuquerque, New Mexico: Route 66 Casino & Conference Center, 14500 Central Avenue, SW
Thursday, June 18: Riverside, California, location tbd
Thursday, June 25: Raleigh, North Carolina: Jane S. McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman Street
Saturday, June 27: Jasper, Florida: Hamilton County Extension, 1143 NW US Hwy 41
TIME: Registration starts at 8 am. The meeting is from 9 am - 4 pm
REGISTRATION
1) Pre-register Online: Send an email to NAISSessions@aphis.usda.gov In the subject line of the e-mail, indicate your name and the location of the meeting you plan to attend. If you wish to present public comments, include your name and address in the body of the message.
6/07/2009
Conservation Insider Bulletin, June 5
Conservation Insider Bulletin
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
June 5, 2009
Duke announces a big rate hike request, and a huge coastal mining operation receives a new permit, this week in CIB:
--Administrative Watch: Duke Rate Hike Would Bankroll Cliffside
--Coast Watch: Phosphate Mine Gets New Permit
--Conservationists: Yadkin Riverkeeper Wins Recognition
Administrative Watch: Duke Rate Hike Would Bankroll Cliffside
Duke Energy filed a request with the N.C. Utilities Commission this week to hike its rates by 13.5 percent for residential customers, 9.7 percent for commercial and institutional users, and 15.2 percent for industries. Duke pointed to what it said were growing capital expenses as the main reason for the big rate hike request—including its contested new coal plant under construction at Cliffside.
The Cliffside-related costs would represent Duke's largest use of the controversial "construction work in progress" (CWIP) financing technique in decades. Opponents of new coal plant construction predicted this result when North Carolina legislators adopted legislation to radically weaken limits on CWIP in 2007.
Duke's rate hike request must be reviewed and approved by the Utilities Commission before it can take effect. Industrial and other electric customers immediately signaled opposition to the Duke request and can be expected to fight it in front of the state board. The Commission denied Duke's most recent previous rate hike request in 2007—but that was before new CWIP rules went into effect.
Meanwhile, environmental groups continue to challenge the Cliffside plant's air emission permits in federal court. The N.C. Division of Air Quality has now twice approved the plant's permit, and the U.S. District Court for western North Carolina is considering whether to intervene a second time.
Coast Watch: Phosphate Mine Gets New Permit
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this week issued a new permit for the massive PCS Phosphates mining operation on the Pamlico River in Beaufort County. The action may spell the end of a multi-year fight over the terms of expanding surface mining operations there, or could result in further challenges.
The Section 404 water quality permit would allow the company to mine through thousands of additional acres of wetlands near the river. It's the largest single permitted wetlands destruction operation in North Carolina history. The permit was held up by EPA directive earlier this year while the Corps reassessed what it would allow the company to do.
Citizen conservation groups including the Southern Environmental Law Center have been among those challenging PCS' mining expansion plans. Among the key issues has been the company's proposal to mine through a "nationally significant" hardwood swamp forest covering the headwaters of a Pamlico tributary stream.
An EPA spokesperson reacted favorably to some changes included in the Corps-approved permit, but noted that the agency continued to review the details. EPA has a short time within which to decide whether or not to challenge the permit further. Conservation groups are also in the process of reviewing the permit details. (Some facts for this article were drawn from the Washington Daily News, 6/4/09 and 6/5/09.)
Conservationists: Yadkin Riverkeeper Wins Recognition
Dean Naujoks, Yadkin Riverkeeper, received the River Network's 2009 National River Hero Award last weekend at the organization's annual national River Rally, held this year in Baltimore. The River Network promotes clean water restoration and protection, and has about 700 partner groups around the country.
Naujoks, who has worked on the Yadkin since October 2008, previously served for seven years as the Upper Neuse Riverkeeper. Zoe Gamble Hanes, president of the Yadkin Riverkeeper group, noted that Naujoks' work has gained particular attention through his efforts to reduce toxics pollution in Badin Lake associated with the former Alcoa operations there. (Gamble Hanes is also a member of the CCNC board of directors.)
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
June 5, 2009
Duke announces a big rate hike request, and a huge coastal mining operation receives a new permit, this week in CIB:
--Administrative Watch: Duke Rate Hike Would Bankroll Cliffside
--Coast Watch: Phosphate Mine Gets New Permit
--Conservationists: Yadkin Riverkeeper Wins Recognition
Administrative Watch: Duke Rate Hike Would Bankroll Cliffside
Duke Energy filed a request with the N.C. Utilities Commission this week to hike its rates by 13.5 percent for residential customers, 9.7 percent for commercial and institutional users, and 15.2 percent for industries. Duke pointed to what it said were growing capital expenses as the main reason for the big rate hike request—including its contested new coal plant under construction at Cliffside.
The Cliffside-related costs would represent Duke's largest use of the controversial "construction work in progress" (CWIP) financing technique in decades. Opponents of new coal plant construction predicted this result when North Carolina legislators adopted legislation to radically weaken limits on CWIP in 2007.
Duke's rate hike request must be reviewed and approved by the Utilities Commission before it can take effect. Industrial and other electric customers immediately signaled opposition to the Duke request and can be expected to fight it in front of the state board. The Commission denied Duke's most recent previous rate hike request in 2007—but that was before new CWIP rules went into effect.
Meanwhile, environmental groups continue to challenge the Cliffside plant's air emission permits in federal court. The N.C. Division of Air Quality has now twice approved the plant's permit, and the U.S. District Court for western North Carolina is considering whether to intervene a second time.
Coast Watch: Phosphate Mine Gets New Permit
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this week issued a new permit for the massive PCS Phosphates mining operation on the Pamlico River in Beaufort County. The action may spell the end of a multi-year fight over the terms of expanding surface mining operations there, or could result in further challenges.
The Section 404 water quality permit would allow the company to mine through thousands of additional acres of wetlands near the river. It's the largest single permitted wetlands destruction operation in North Carolina history. The permit was held up by EPA directive earlier this year while the Corps reassessed what it would allow the company to do.
Citizen conservation groups including the Southern Environmental Law Center have been among those challenging PCS' mining expansion plans. Among the key issues has been the company's proposal to mine through a "nationally significant" hardwood swamp forest covering the headwaters of a Pamlico tributary stream.
An EPA spokesperson reacted favorably to some changes included in the Corps-approved permit, but noted that the agency continued to review the details. EPA has a short time within which to decide whether or not to challenge the permit further. Conservation groups are also in the process of reviewing the permit details. (Some facts for this article were drawn from the Washington Daily News, 6/4/09 and 6/5/09.)
Conservationists: Yadkin Riverkeeper Wins Recognition
Dean Naujoks, Yadkin Riverkeeper, received the River Network's 2009 National River Hero Award last weekend at the organization's annual national River Rally, held this year in Baltimore. The River Network promotes clean water restoration and protection, and has about 700 partner groups around the country.
Naujoks, who has worked on the Yadkin since October 2008, previously served for seven years as the Upper Neuse Riverkeeper. Zoe Gamble Hanes, president of the Yadkin Riverkeeper group, noted that Naujoks' work has gained particular attention through his efforts to reduce toxics pollution in Badin Lake associated with the former Alcoa operations there. (Gamble Hanes is also a member of the CCNC board of directors.)
6/06/2009
6/05/2009
6/04/2009
6/03/2009
Also Patiently Crafted
Our most daunting problems are linked and planetary, but many of the solutions will be crafted, piecemeal and patiently, in our households, neighborhoods, watersheds and bioregions. WorldChanging.com
Planning Sou. Pines, June 3, 4
Wednesday, June 3, 7:00pm-9:00pm, S. Pines Recreation Center, 160 Memorial Park Court
Thursday, June 4, 11:30am-1:30pm, Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
Thursday, June 4, 7:00pm-9:00pm, S. Pines Recreation Center, 160 Memorial Park Court
Thursday, June 4, 11:30am-1:30pm, Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
Thursday, June 4, 7:00pm-9:00pm, S. Pines Recreation Center, 160 Memorial Park Court
6/02/2009
Environmental Heroes
http://www.treehugger.com/galleries/2009/04/environmentalist-heroes-earth-day.php?page=1
6/01/2009
Join Movement to Support Sandhills Area Farmers, Jun 16
Join a New Movement to Support our Local Farmers
Want to be part of the movement to meet important community needs while supporting our local farmers? Efforts have begun to start an organization that enables households to purchase, and receive, direct deliveries of fresh produce from local farms.
We need to hear your opinions and ideas. Your suggestions and recommendations at this formative stage will greatly increase this organization’s chances at successfully meeting community needs.
Date: 6 pm Tuesday, June 16th
Where: Moore County Center (Ag Building), 707 Pinehurst Ave, Carthage
The following goals are currently under consideration:
Improve the local farm economy – preserving farmland and the rural character and lifestyle of Moore County.
Provide families with highest quality, fresh produce conveniently and reasonably priced, as well as nutritional information.
Create long-term, stable jobs for residents in need- the unemployed, underemployed, students, etc.
Increase access to fresh nutritious fruits and vegetables for low income families.
There is strong interest in local food here in Moore County. The number of Farmers’ Markets continues to expand and customer support is increasing. Our Ag Extension has a local food system person on staff and has started a working group of diverse stakeholders. Local restaurants’ purchases of local food are increasing and the Chefs have expressed interest in buying more. The items to be discussed at the meeting are intended to complement and enhance those efforts already underway.
Questions can be directed to Tim Emmert in Moore County’s office of Planning & Community Development at 947-5010.
Want to be part of the movement to meet important community needs while supporting our local farmers? Efforts have begun to start an organization that enables households to purchase, and receive, direct deliveries of fresh produce from local farms.
We need to hear your opinions and ideas. Your suggestions and recommendations at this formative stage will greatly increase this organization’s chances at successfully meeting community needs.
Date: 6 pm Tuesday, June 16th
Where: Moore County Center (Ag Building), 707 Pinehurst Ave, Carthage
The following goals are currently under consideration:
Improve the local farm economy – preserving farmland and the rural character and lifestyle of Moore County.
Provide families with highest quality, fresh produce conveniently and reasonably priced, as well as nutritional information.
Create long-term, stable jobs for residents in need- the unemployed, underemployed, students, etc.
Increase access to fresh nutritious fruits and vegetables for low income families.
There is strong interest in local food here in Moore County. The number of Farmers’ Markets continues to expand and customer support is increasing. Our Ag Extension has a local food system person on staff and has started a working group of diverse stakeholders. Local restaurants’ purchases of local food are increasing and the Chefs have expressed interest in buying more. The items to be discussed at the meeting are intended to complement and enhance those efforts already underway.
Questions can be directed to Tim Emmert in Moore County’s office of Planning & Community Development at 947-5010.
5/31/2009
Pastured Meats, Chemical-Free Produce, Hoke Co.
http://www.agr.state.nc.us/ncproducts/ShowSite.asp?ID=100747
Field Testers Needed in the Sandhills
In these our Sandhills, folks are needing to know more about cover-cropping. For building bio-mass and green manures, holding moisture, amending soils with nitrogen-fixers, erosion control, short-term cropping, cover-cropping is necessary. But there is much further research needed to determine the needs of our sandy soils.
That's where you come in. Farmers and gardeners wanting to use and learn more about cover-cropping can get FREE sample seed from your county's Ag. Extension office. Moore County's is in Carthage, stop by or call 947-5183.
The seeds I've gotten so far include velvet bean, sunn hemp and sesbania. Let's run some science experiments, Y'all! Maureen
That's where you come in. Farmers and gardeners wanting to use and learn more about cover-cropping can get FREE sample seed from your county's Ag. Extension office. Moore County's is in Carthage, stop by or call 947-5183.
The seeds I've gotten so far include velvet bean, sunn hemp and sesbania. Let's run some science experiments, Y'all! Maureen
Sou. Pines Long-Range Planning Meetings, June 3-4
Critical Public Workshops For Southern Pines Next Week
Southern Pines is working on a comprehensive set of long-range policies for nearly everything Town government oversees: housing, transportation, recreation, public services, economic development, land-use and zoning.
Initial results reveal the citizens recognize that their individual and civic livelihood depends on their Town’s relationship with the natural environment, including streams, lakes, ground water recharge areas, native vegetation including the longleaf pine, and the large open spaces typical of “Horse Country.”
Although outreach efforts by our 20-member Long-Range Advisory Committee (AC) have been broadly based, citizens participation has been disappointing. No money has been allocated for future direct mailings to citizens, beyond a flyer included in town water bills. So folks living in the ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction) may not be aware of these important workshops. This includes Horse Country.
Your participation is of utmost necessity, and please forward this email to notify as many as possible.
The next public workshops run in a repeating format at three times:
Wednesday, June 3, 7:00pm-9:00pm, S. Pines Recreation Center, 160 Memorial Park Court
Thursday, June 4, 11:30am-1:30pm, Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
Thursday, June 4, 7:00pm-9:00pm, S. Pines Recreation Center, 160 Memorial Park Court
Next week’s workshops will focus on important policy topics: 1) A distinct central business district, or downtown. 2) A traditional mixed-use district, for application to the Morganton Road and Pine Needles areas, communicating development expectations in those areas. 3) An “urban reserve” district for application to the McCaskill Road and Elks Club areas, anticipating that any development decision should be deferred at this time. 4) A revitalization mechanism of some sort for West Southern Pines to encourage reinvestment along the West Pennsylvania Avenue corridor and the edge of U.S. 1.
It is important to note that current thinking regarding our community’s needs might shift with public discussion and input. No matter what your opinion on these topics, I invite you to share it at the workshops planned for the upcoming week.
Best, Ray Owen
For more information about planning in Southern Pines: http://southernpines.studiocascade.com/
Southern Pines is working on a comprehensive set of long-range policies for nearly everything Town government oversees: housing, transportation, recreation, public services, economic development, land-use and zoning.
Initial results reveal the citizens recognize that their individual and civic livelihood depends on their Town’s relationship with the natural environment, including streams, lakes, ground water recharge areas, native vegetation including the longleaf pine, and the large open spaces typical of “Horse Country.”
Although outreach efforts by our 20-member Long-Range Advisory Committee (AC) have been broadly based, citizens participation has been disappointing. No money has been allocated for future direct mailings to citizens, beyond a flyer included in town water bills. So folks living in the ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction) may not be aware of these important workshops. This includes Horse Country.
Your participation is of utmost necessity, and please forward this email to notify as many as possible.
The next public workshops run in a repeating format at three times:
Wednesday, June 3, 7:00pm-9:00pm, S. Pines Recreation Center, 160 Memorial Park Court
Thursday, June 4, 11:30am-1:30pm, Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
Thursday, June 4, 7:00pm-9:00pm, S. Pines Recreation Center, 160 Memorial Park Court
Next week’s workshops will focus on important policy topics: 1) A distinct central business district, or downtown. 2) A traditional mixed-use district, for application to the Morganton Road and Pine Needles areas, communicating development expectations in those areas. 3) An “urban reserve” district for application to the McCaskill Road and Elks Club areas, anticipating that any development decision should be deferred at this time. 4) A revitalization mechanism of some sort for West Southern Pines to encourage reinvestment along the West Pennsylvania Avenue corridor and the edge of U.S. 1.
It is important to note that current thinking regarding our community’s needs might shift with public discussion and input. No matter what your opinion on these topics, I invite you to share it at the workshops planned for the upcoming week.
Best, Ray Owen
For more information about planning in Southern Pines: http://southernpines.studiocascade.com/
5/28/2009
Killer Compost, Orange County
Killer Compost Surfaces in Orange County, North Carolina
Please find information below about Aminopyralid which has turned up in our Mt Sinai Road property and is affecting two other local farmers who source toxic manure in the last four weeks. Here is detail about Forefront that is the Dow Chemical program that was used by an Orange County haymaker and was sold to a local horse breeder who delivered one year old horse manure well-composted to us. The herbicide is pernicious and persistent and is killing our broadleaf plants, and soil remediation is problematic. Here are some details to share:
Aminopyralid has caused problems in gardens in the UK last year and Dow amended their label recommendation to try to eliminate the problem.
Basically the herbicide is used in pastures because it kills thistles, clover and many other dicot weeds. It is very selective to the grass. It has a long half life - 533 days has been reported. It is also very active on leguminous, solanaceous and sunflower crops. A major problem is that the chemicals absorbed to lignins in grass cell walls. It is then released if that grass is digested by a horse or cow. So the manure may influence the growth of sensitive crops, especially if that manure is not well rotted down for a year or more.
If you have the problem there are probably a couple of things to consider.
I would not replant with a sensitive crop this year. Rotavate the soil and plant a non sensitive food or cover crop. I would recommend not returning harvested material as mulch, although the residue levels may be really low. So if you grow a cover crop, mow it off when mature and compost it separately or dispose elsewhere (landfill?).
I think if the area has been well rotovated and keeps moist, you should not have a problem next year; stuff breaks down fast in North Carolina.
Interrogate the compost supplier on his source of manure and ensure he is aware of the issue.
Lobby that EPA withdraws this use of the product and that Dow modifies its label. Cattle farmers love the product and vegetable producers hate it.
Please find information below about Aminopyralid which has turned up in our Mt Sinai Road property and is affecting two other local farmers who source toxic manure in the last four weeks. Here is detail about Forefront that is the Dow Chemical program that was used by an Orange County haymaker and was sold to a local horse breeder who delivered one year old horse manure well-composted to us. The herbicide is pernicious and persistent and is killing our broadleaf plants, and soil remediation is problematic. Here are some details to share:
Aminopyralid has caused problems in gardens in the UK last year and Dow amended their label recommendation to try to eliminate the problem.
Basically the herbicide is used in pastures because it kills thistles, clover and many other dicot weeds. It is very selective to the grass. It has a long half life - 533 days has been reported. It is also very active on leguminous, solanaceous and sunflower crops. A major problem is that the chemicals absorbed to lignins in grass cell walls. It is then released if that grass is digested by a horse or cow. So the manure may influence the growth of sensitive crops, especially if that manure is not well rotted down for a year or more.
If you have the problem there are probably a couple of things to consider.
I would not replant with a sensitive crop this year. Rotavate the soil and plant a non sensitive food or cover crop. I would recommend not returning harvested material as mulch, although the residue levels may be really low. So if you grow a cover crop, mow it off when mature and compost it separately or dispose elsewhere (landfill?).
I think if the area has been well rotovated and keeps moist, you should not have a problem next year; stuff breaks down fast in North Carolina.
Interrogate the compost supplier on his source of manure and ensure he is aware of the issue.
Lobby that EPA withdraws this use of the product and that Dow modifies its label. Cattle farmers love the product and vegetable producers hate it.
5/27/2009
No Farms, No Food
No local farms – no local food!
Action Alert:
Protect farm land and invest in local economic development
Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund
North Carolina has the dubious distinction of being tied for first place in farm land loss among US states. We need to keep farms working in order to feed our state and meet consumer demands for locally produced foods.
Right now, the North Carolina House is making some very difficult decisions about what will be included in the state budget – this is a critical time to contact your NC House member to let them know that funding for farmland preservation and agricultural development is important to you.
Find contact information for your NC House member here:
www.ncleg.net/GIS/RandR07/Representation.html
Sample letter to your House member:
Dear Representative _______,
I’m writing to ask for your support for the Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. As you make some very difficult budget decisions, consider that this trust fund is not just a way to preserve resources for the future – it is also an important economic development tool for our state’s small farmers. For example, in 2008 a project focusing on the 11 counties surrounding Ft. Bragg received grant funds to not only protect working farmland, but also to develop new markets and programs to keep landowners and farmers economically viable.
North Carolina leads the nation in farmland loss. The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund can help us reverse this tragic loss and ensure that our farmers will be able to meet our state’s needs for fresh, locally-grown foods, today and for the future.
[Please mention why this issue is important to you personally!]
Thank you for your work on behalf of our state’s future.
Sincerely,
Your full name and address
*If your Representative is Pricey Harrison, please thank her for sponsoring the Farmland Preservation Trust Fund Legislation!
Kate DeMayo, Campaign Manager
NC Sustainable Food System Coalition
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
PO Box 488
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: 919-542-2402
Fax: 919-542-7401
kate@carolinafarmstewards.org
www.carolinafarmstewards.org
Action Alert:
Protect farm land and invest in local economic development
Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund
North Carolina has the dubious distinction of being tied for first place in farm land loss among US states. We need to keep farms working in order to feed our state and meet consumer demands for locally produced foods.
Right now, the North Carolina House is making some very difficult decisions about what will be included in the state budget – this is a critical time to contact your NC House member to let them know that funding for farmland preservation and agricultural development is important to you.
Find contact information for your NC House member here:
www.ncleg.net/GIS/RandR07/Representation.html
Sample letter to your House member:
Dear Representative _______,
I’m writing to ask for your support for the Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. As you make some very difficult budget decisions, consider that this trust fund is not just a way to preserve resources for the future – it is also an important economic development tool for our state’s small farmers. For example, in 2008 a project focusing on the 11 counties surrounding Ft. Bragg received grant funds to not only protect working farmland, but also to develop new markets and programs to keep landowners and farmers economically viable.
North Carolina leads the nation in farmland loss. The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund can help us reverse this tragic loss and ensure that our farmers will be able to meet our state’s needs for fresh, locally-grown foods, today and for the future.
[Please mention why this issue is important to you personally!]
Thank you for your work on behalf of our state’s future.
Sincerely,
Your full name and address
*If your Representative is Pricey Harrison, please thank her for sponsoring the Farmland Preservation Trust Fund Legislation!
Kate DeMayo, Campaign Manager
NC Sustainable Food System Coalition
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
PO Box 488
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: 919-542-2402
Fax: 919-542-7401
kate@carolinafarmstewards.org
www.carolinafarmstewards.org
5/26/2009
200 Years in Bolivia
Bolivia marks freedom bicentenary
Bolivians mark 200 years since their country's uprising against Spanish rule with President Morales decrying capitalism.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/8066580.stm
Bolivians mark 200 years since their country's uprising against Spanish rule with President Morales decrying capitalism.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/8066580.stm
5/25/2009
Call for Monatorium on GM FrankenFoods
http://www.cheeseslave.com/2009/05/25/doctors-call-for-moratorium-on-genetically-engineered-foods/
5/24/2009
5/23/2009
5/21/2009
CCNC, NC Green Tie Awards
http://www.conservationcouncilnc.org/our-work/green-tie-awards-1/green-tie-awards
Inn at Bryant House Going Green
http://www.innatbryanthouse.com/our-part-in-the-green-movement/our-part-in-the-green-movement/our-part-in-the-green-movement.html
5/20/2009
Love a Challenge
A quote on ecology, environment, awareness, proactivism, ego, responsibility, and healing
"I love a challenge and saving the Planet seems like a good one."
Paul Stamets, author of Mycelium Running
"I love a challenge and saving the Planet seems like a good one."
Paul Stamets, author of Mycelium Running
Labeling for GM Foods
[In Europe, yes; in U.S., no labels]
If you really want to be green about your food and you care about not buying GMO, then support organic and local and ask questions.
More importantly, get politically active. Obama has publicly stated he would support a label for GMO foods. And polls show that if GMO foods were labeled in the U.S., an overwhelming majority of people wouldn't buy them.
So sign up for action alerts on our website at www.centerforfoodsafety.org and be informed about bills that may be coming up that you can support.
Kucinich introduces bills almost every year for labeling.
If you really want to be green about your food and you care about not buying GMO, then support organic and local and ask questions.
More importantly, get politically active. Obama has publicly stated he would support a label for GMO foods. And polls show that if GMO foods were labeled in the U.S., an overwhelming majority of people wouldn't buy them.
So sign up for action alerts on our website at www.centerforfoodsafety.org and be informed about bills that may be coming up that you can support.
Kucinich introduces bills almost every year for labeling.
Potluck in the Pasture, CCCC, Jun 7
“Potluck in the Pasture” celebrates Chatham’s agricultural and artistic heritage
PITTSBORO – Art and food lovers take note: ChathamArts celebrates the county’s unique agricultural and artistic heritage at the annual Potluck in the Pasture on Sunday June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Central Carolina Community College’s (CCCC) two-acre Student Farm in Pittsboro (764 West Street). You’ll have a unique chance to see what’s growing at America’s first two-year sustainable farming program, share a potluck picnic of locally produced food, and meet local artists and musicians. You may also purchase farm fresh food and make a donation to ChathamArts, the nonprofit arts council. For more information: contact ChathamArts at www.chathamarts.org or 919.542.0934 or call Katy McReynolds, Potluck Coordinator, at 919.444.1900.
“This is our way to pay tribute to our farmers and artists who inspire and nurture us,” said Daryl Walker, director of the potluck project. “We hope the Potluck encourages more people to buy locally produced food and art and become more aware of the farmers and artists who contribute to our community and our economy.”
Two of the artists who will display their work are also working farmers: Mixed media painter Kristy Church is co-owner of Winfield Farm and portrait/landscape artist Tim Tron is co-owner of Grandview Farms. Other artists include: Cindy Bainbridge, Roger Dinger, Michele Mosca, Rita Spina and Diane Swan. Live music will be performed by Breadfoot (a.k.a. Stephan Meyers) and singer/songwriters Chris Kelley and Mike Slaton.
Visitors are asked to bring a potluck dish to share with at least one locally grown ingredient (and the recipe noting origin of local items), as well as a beverage, lawn chair or blanket, and a donation to ChathamArts, which supports diverse arts through gallery sales, and cultural programs in the schools and community.
Local food ingredients for your potluck dish are easy to come by in Chatham. They might come from your own garden or neighboring farms; from local farmers’ markets at the Chatham County Fairgrounds in Pittsboro or Southern Village (Thursdays), Fearrington Village (Tuesdays), or Pittsboro, Siler City, Carrboro and Sanford (Saturdays); or from Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro, or Weaver Street in Southern Village and Carrboro.
CCCC’s Sustainable Agriculture Program was the first of its kind in the nation. Its two-year associate’s degree and certificate programs provide hands-on training in every aspect of sustainable, chemical-free farming, including vegetable and fruit production, animal husbandry, financing, management and marketing. It’s part of an array of innovative programs at CCCC encouraging sustainable energy, food, technology, building practices and public policies, earning the campus the new moniker “Green Central.”
Debbie Roos
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
PITTSBORO – Art and food lovers take note: ChathamArts celebrates the county’s unique agricultural and artistic heritage at the annual Potluck in the Pasture on Sunday June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Central Carolina Community College’s (CCCC) two-acre Student Farm in Pittsboro (764 West Street). You’ll have a unique chance to see what’s growing at America’s first two-year sustainable farming program, share a potluck picnic of locally produced food, and meet local artists and musicians. You may also purchase farm fresh food and make a donation to ChathamArts, the nonprofit arts council. For more information: contact ChathamArts at www.chathamarts.org or 919.542.0934 or call Katy McReynolds, Potluck Coordinator, at 919.444.1900.
“This is our way to pay tribute to our farmers and artists who inspire and nurture us,” said Daryl Walker, director of the potluck project. “We hope the Potluck encourages more people to buy locally produced food and art and become more aware of the farmers and artists who contribute to our community and our economy.”
Two of the artists who will display their work are also working farmers: Mixed media painter Kristy Church is co-owner of Winfield Farm and portrait/landscape artist Tim Tron is co-owner of Grandview Farms. Other artists include: Cindy Bainbridge, Roger Dinger, Michele Mosca, Rita Spina and Diane Swan. Live music will be performed by Breadfoot (a.k.a. Stephan Meyers) and singer/songwriters Chris Kelley and Mike Slaton.
Visitors are asked to bring a potluck dish to share with at least one locally grown ingredient (and the recipe noting origin of local items), as well as a beverage, lawn chair or blanket, and a donation to ChathamArts, which supports diverse arts through gallery sales, and cultural programs in the schools and community.
Local food ingredients for your potluck dish are easy to come by in Chatham. They might come from your own garden or neighboring farms; from local farmers’ markets at the Chatham County Fairgrounds in Pittsboro or Southern Village (Thursdays), Fearrington Village (Tuesdays), or Pittsboro, Siler City, Carrboro and Sanford (Saturdays); or from Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro, or Weaver Street in Southern Village and Carrboro.
CCCC’s Sustainable Agriculture Program was the first of its kind in the nation. Its two-year associate’s degree and certificate programs provide hands-on training in every aspect of sustainable, chemical-free farming, including vegetable and fruit production, animal husbandry, financing, management and marketing. It’s part of an array of innovative programs at CCCC encouraging sustainable energy, food, technology, building practices and public policies, earning the campus the new moniker “Green Central.”
Debbie Roos
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
5/19/2009
Living Sustainably in the City
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Modern-Homesteading/Sustainable-City-Living-Guide.aspx
Energy, Where We Stand Now
http://allalongtheedge.blogspot.com/2009/05/looking-at-where-we-stand.html
5/18/2009
Human Emotional Care
"Compared to the impact of sunshine and turnip greens, the impact of medication on the biology of the human emotion is crude and incomplete."
- William Painter
- William Painter
Advice from Slow Food
http://www.chelseagreen.com/content/slow-food-founder-carlo-petrini-pleasure-is-a-right-responsibility-is-a-duty/
5/17/2009
Concert, Rain or Shine, Rooster's Wife
Hello music lovers, it's time for music on the porch !
And the band played on...
We've got it covered !
Don't let the weather change your plans.
Rain Site : 111 W. Main St., Aberdeen
Chairs, blankets, picnics welcome.
Those of you who have lived in Moore County for several years may have fond memories of Cabbages and Kings, a wonderful shop that occupied the old hardware store in downtown Aberdeen. When Ramona left us, so did that special place. The building is still gorgeous and begs the imagination to recreate another splendid respite from the everyday.
Until that happens, the generous folks at Clubhouse Properties have invited the Rooster's Wife to come in from the inclimate weather and make music in their space. There will be room for everybody, so don't let a few clouds change your plans. We will loan you an umbrella if need be and help you unload.
Site change information will be available by phone at (910)944-7502. Season tickets and May series tickets will be available at the door.
Jeff and Vida
Angela Easterling
the 3rd season !
Thanks for supporting LIVE LOCAL music !
And the band played on...
We've got it covered !
Don't let the weather change your plans.
Rain Site : 111 W. Main St., Aberdeen
Chairs, blankets, picnics welcome.
Those of you who have lived in Moore County for several years may have fond memories of Cabbages and Kings, a wonderful shop that occupied the old hardware store in downtown Aberdeen. When Ramona left us, so did that special place. The building is still gorgeous and begs the imagination to recreate another splendid respite from the everyday.
Until that happens, the generous folks at Clubhouse Properties have invited the Rooster's Wife to come in from the inclimate weather and make music in their space. There will be room for everybody, so don't let a few clouds change your plans. We will loan you an umbrella if need be and help you unload.
Site change information will be available by phone at (910)944-7502. Season tickets and May series tickets will be available at the door.
Jeff and Vida
Angela Easterling
the 3rd season !
Thanks for supporting LIVE LOCAL music !
Troops to Support Police Against Peruvian Tribes
Peru army call for Amazon protest
Peru authorises the temporary use of the armed forces to support police over protests by indigenous tribes in the Amazon.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/8054043.stm
Peru authorises the temporary use of the armed forces to support police over protests by indigenous tribes in the Amazon.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/8054043.stm
5/16/2009
Film on Amazon, May 17, Weymouth Center
Film about the Amazon jungle...
Perhaps you saw his show at the Campbell House "The Road and the Wilderness:Beauty and Destruction in the Peruvian Amazon"
Here is link...with upcoming destinations of his art exhibit
"The Road and the Wilderness:Beauty and Destruction in the Peruvian Amazon"
also a link to Weymouth Center.. http://www.davidhewsonart.com/
http://www.weymouthcenter.org/
Location: 555 East Connecticut Avenue, across the street from the Campbell House, home of the Arts Council of Moore County, and four blocks east of Broad Street, the Southern Pines business district.
Perhaps you saw his show at the Campbell House "The Road and the Wilderness:Beauty and Destruction in the Peruvian Amazon"
Here is link...with upcoming destinations of his art exhibit
"The Road and the Wilderness:Beauty and Destruction in the Peruvian Amazon"
also a link to Weymouth Center.. http://www.davidhewsonart.com/
http://www.weymouthcenter.org/
Location: 555 East Connecticut Avenue, across the street from the Campbell House, home of the Arts Council of Moore County, and four blocks east of Broad Street, the Southern Pines business district.
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