my care2
make a difference

community & fun

shares

share your passions, stories, inspirations, and more

Tennessee town becomes first locality in the nation to pass groundbreaking Green Food Resolution
Dec 4, 2009

Message to Care 2'ers...

In a historic move, a small Tennessee town appropriately named Signal Mountain has beat New York City to the punch to become the first city in the nation to pass a Green Food Resolution. This legislation is a formal commitment to support environmentally-friendly farming practices, such as the production of organic, locally-grown and plant-based foods (the cultivation of which is much less detrimental to the environment than is animal agriculture). Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, is leading a campaign to pass Green Food Resolutions in cities and towns all across the U.S.— but not even we saw this coming! Note: New York City’s resolution was introduced on June 30, 2009 and is still pending.

Please see below for the press release and let me know if you are interested in sharing this great American story about the power of the individual to think globally and act locally with your audience. I would love to set up interviews for you with David Cook (the local Signal Mt. newspaper columnist who planted the seed), Signal Mountain Councilman Paul Hendricks who led the charge and Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur.

All the best,
Meredith

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:                                            

Meredith Turner, Farm Sanctuary, 646-369-6212, mturner@farmsanctuary.org

 

Signal Mountain, Tennessee Beats New York to Become First City in the Nation to Pass Groundbreaking Green Food Resolution

Small Southern Town Sends Signal to the Rest of the Nation with Historic Passage of Sustainable Food and Climate Legislation

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – December 2, 2009 – In a surprising move, a small Tennessee town, appropriately named Signal Mountain, beat New York to the punch to become the first town in the nation to pass a groundbreaking Green Food Resolution, an ordinance designed to counteract the massive health and environmental damage created by large-scale factory farms and the meat industry, by encouraging local farms, plant-based diets, ecological sustainability and nutritious eating habits. New York currently has a Green Food Resolution pending.

Inspired by Farm Sanctuary’s Green Foods Resolution Campaign, David Cook, a columnist for Signal Mountain’s Mountain Mirror newspaper, penned a column suggesting the small Tennessee town should consider passing a Green Food Resolution of its own. The column caught the attention of City Councilman Paul M. Hendricks who immediately took action and presented the groundbreaking resolution before the five member Signal Mountain Town Council, who made national history when they voted unanimously to adopt the Green Food Resolution ordinance.

“Playing an integral role in the passage of the nation’s first Green Food Resolution reminded me of the power of true democracy,” said Cook. “Behind this resolution are countless others who are doing the same work in restoring the balance, in creating a right relationship once again between people and the land. I am proud of Signal Mountain and believe this is just the beginning.’’

The historic passage of the U.S.’s first Green Food Resolution in Signal Mountain, Tennessee marks a major milestone in the country’s effort to reduce its national climate “foodprint” — a more significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions than all transportation systems combined — by proactively addressing the impact food choices have on the numerous health and environmental problems plaguing the nation. The passage also marks an important milestone for Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, which recently launched a campaign to introduce Green Food Resolutions in cities and towns throughout the country.

“I was proud to introduce a resolution that is consistent with the values and principles I have long believed in,” said Councilman Hendricks. “As a physician, I know well the value of a good diet. As a long-time environmentalist, I understand the importance of decreasing the amounts of chemicals and especially antibiotics and hormones put into our food sources. As a community leader, I understand the value of keeping our food production at the local level. This initiative is a winning combination at all levels — personal, local and global.”

Future planning and sustainability are not new concepts in this Tennessee town. Signal Mountain signed onto the Mayor's Agreement on Climate Change two years ago while Hendricks was Mayor. There are also several small farms on Signal Mountain and many mountain residents already participate in plant-based Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. The ordinance will complement these actions, as well as work that is currently being done to restore streams to healthy levels and resolve current and future traffic and transportation issues in a sustainable way.

“We applaud Councilman Hendricks and the town of Signal Mountain for taking visionary action to protect the health of their citizens, the environment and the billions of animals raised for food in deplorable conditions on factory farms each year,” said Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary. “By promoting access to healthy, plant-based food, Signal Mountain will indeed send a signal to the rest of the nation about the critical importance of thoughtful eating.”

Through Farm Sanctuary’s Green Food Resolutions Campaign, advocates just like Cook are reaching out to their local city governments to introduce resolutions similar to the one passed in Signal Mountain, and seeking wide support for the expansion of farmers markets, community supported CSA programs, community gardens and other venues that provide healthful plant-based foods.

On June 30, New York City Council Member Bill de Blasio introduced a similar groundbreaking resolution for New York City calling for a citywide FoodprintNYC initiative to reduce the city’s climate foodprint and create greater access to local, fresh, healthy plant-based food, especially in low-income communities, as well as city-run institutions. So far, 24 City Council members have signed on as co-sponsors.

Earlier this year, President Obama showed support of local gardens to promote healthy food by announcing the establishment of an edible garden on the South Lawn of the White House. In addition, the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced his intention to create community gardens at every USDA facility around the world, starting with the “People’s Garden,” located on the grounds of the USDA.


If you would like to receive a copy of the Signal Mountain Green Food Resolution, or speak with Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur, please contact Meredith Turner at 646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.

**

About Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.
(0) | () | | send green star | flag as inappropriate
Visibility: Everyone
Tags:
Posted: Dec 4, 2009 5:24pm
Women's Earth Alliance - Matching Grant Opportunity - Please Consider Helping!
Nov 24, 2009
Women's Earth Alliance

Dear Friends,

We have some very exciting news to share!  This Season, a generous anonymous donor gave WEA an incredible opportunity:  for every dollar donated to Women's Earth Alliance by December 31, our donor will match it up to $100,000. And it gets even better: our donor will offer this match in 2010 and 2011 as well!

This could not come at a better time for WEA. Our team recently completed a 3-year strategic planning process, mapping a clear vision for the next 3 years. This match offers WEA the opportunity to create the sustained and reliable support we need to connect women environmental leaders with the tools they need to bring clean water, healthy food, and environmental justice to their communities for generations to come.

There has never been a more powerful moment to step forward and make a contribution to Women's Earth Alliance. Every dollar is matched, and every dollar brings us closer to reaching this new height.

Here is how you can weave yourself in:

1.  Join the Women's Earth Alliance Giving Circle, a group of visionaries who donate $1,500, $5,000, $20,000 or $100,000 each year for 3 years. Remember, your pledge will be matched for 3 years!

2.  Give your loved ones the perfect holiday gift this season. They will appreciate it more than stuff--we promise!

3.  Make a one-time contribution or a 3-year pledge today.  Gifts of any size make a huge difference. 

We joyfully invite you to take the next step with Women's Earth Alliance. Together we can ensure that an international network of women leaders working toward a sustainable, just world will flourish.  Your donation supports this crucial, world-healing work. And regardless of whether or not you donate this Season, we are grateful to have you a part of Women's Earth Alliance.  Thank you for all that you give. Thank you for who you are.

With respect,

               

 

Amira Diamond                                                Melinda Kramer

Co-Director                                                      Founder, Co-Director

 

"The oppression of women worldwide is the human rights cause of our time. And their liberation could help solve many of the world's problems from poverty to child mortality to terrorism."
-Nicholas D. Kristof, author of "Half the Sky"

Women's Earth Alliance
(0) | () | | send green star | flag as inappropriate
Visibility: Everyone
Tags:
Posted: Nov 24, 2009 1:31pm
Rebecca Kress - 'The River Lady'
Nov 22, 2009
Name: Rebecca Kress
Type: Tribute (for the living)
To Honor: Individual(s)
Location: Hopland / Mendocino County, California United States

Rebecca Kress receives Storm Water Proclamation from Supervisor McCowen
Rebecca Kress receives a Storm Water Proclamation from Supervisor McCowen

The Mendocino County Water Agency (MCWA) has developed an educational program for local schools, t o preserve and protect the Mendocino County’s water resources for current and future generations.

MCWA provides fun and interactive environments to teach students about water science, water management, and stormdrain practices.

Our goal is to increase the awareness within our community of how important one person's actions can be. By making informed decisions concerning state and local water resources, we can protect our environment.

Our education specialist brings to the classroom: games, videos, demonstrations, and many more activities that teach the students about the water cycle, water facts, and various methods to protect our water resources. The educational experiences and materials that MCWA can bring to the classroom are free of charge.

Public Education Specialist, Rebecca Kress

 
(0) | () | | send green star | flag as inappropriate
Visibility: Everyone
Tags: , , ,
Posted: Nov 22, 2009 12:47pm
Ecopalooza Launches new site! Check it out!
Nov 15, 2009
Hi friends!

Just wanted to share with you that the new Ecopalooza website has been launched (YAY!). Designed and created by Ecopalooza's awesome web person Ida (along with being the originator of Ecopalooza - the event, and co-founder of Ecopalooza - the green event networking website and calendar), the new site offers many new features for your green event searching and posting pleasure. Check it out! Just follow one of the pretty blue arrows:

Welcome!

Ecopalooza Green Events Network lets you post or find green events in your area and across the US and Canada. It's free and simple and is run by folks who genuinely care about all things green.

Is there a green event happening in your area? Need volunteers or vendors? Post it and spread the word!

You're not alone in your efforts to Green your homes, neighborhoods, communities, cities, watersheds, bioregions and the planet!

Now that you've found us why don't you:

  Add a green event...

  Search for a green event...

  Learn more about ecopalooza...

And, you can   Follow Ecopalooza on Twitter...
(0) | () | | send green star | flag as inappropriate
Visibility: Everyone
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted: Nov 15, 2009 6:28pm
Bioneers Newsletter - November 2009
Nov 13, 2009

Bioneers Banner Brock Dolman's All Wet
If you were at the Bioneers Conference last month, you probably got your Friday morning wake-up call courtesy of Brock Dolman, Director of the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center's WATER Institute. Brock is a wizard of water, a permaculture prince who tells us how to build watershed "lifeboats" that will survive the escalating H20 crises. His address was a big hit, and we've had a ton of requests from our members to post it online. Check out Brock's powerful presentation on the Bioneers YouTube channel, Part One, Part Two, Part Three.
 
What We're Reading
Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization
Lester Brown is the dean of environmentalists, a dynamo of ideas and passion about preserving the planet. In the latest update to his Plan B blueprint, he sums up the problems succinctly and then moves into detailed solutions.

Brown makes the convincing case for 80/20, the need to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2020. It's a goal and a mission that Bioneers has joined. We'll be laying out the details at the State of the World Forum this coming February.
 
Be The Change: How to Get What You Want in Your Community
Anneke Campbell and Thomas Linzey of Democracy Schoolbring you five true case studies of communities that beat the powers that be. They lay out a blueprint for how to be a positive disruptive force in your own hometown. Thomas joined his colleague and 2009 conference speaker Mari Margil for a brief interview about their work that we've made available online. Anneke will also be working with Bioneers co-founder Nina Simons on her upcoming book on women's leadership (Inner Traditions, Fall 2010).
 
Down to the Wire: Confronting Climate Collapse
David Orr's new book is all about the need for leadership in the long emergency:

"We are now engaged in a global conversation about the issues of human longevity on Earth, but no national leader has yet done what Lincoln did for slavery and placed the issue of sustainability in its larger moral context."

We've just posted an interview with David where he talks about the Green Campus Initiative, the sustainability of self-replicating technologies, and his experiences at Bioneers.
 
Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work
Matthew Crawford quit his job at a Washington D.C. think tank and opened a motorcycle repair shop. In his book he lays out why working with your hands is often more intellectually stimulating then white-collar work, and what price society has paid in happiness and satisfaction with the rise of the assembly line and the cubicle.
 
What Scares Nick Kristof?
In his career as a journalist, Nick Kristof has had "unpleasant experiences with malaria, wars, an Indonesian mob carrying heads on pikes, and an African airplane crash". So what gives this Indiana Jones of the reporting set the willies? Bisphenol A.

He recently wrote an editorial about this synthetic estrogen and its potential consequences in the New York Times. 92% of Americans now have measurable BPA in their bodies, and a recent Consumer Reports study found it in practically every foodstuff they tested. Kristof points out that we're essentially conducting a huge unintended experiment with a substance whose effects we aren't really sure of, and that's scary. Scarier then heads on pikes? Yikes.
 
We've been talking about endocrine disruptors like BPA for years at Bioneers. Check out our board member Charlotte Brody's presentation from 2007, and join Charlotte in her continuing work at Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families.
 
Offering Ourselves as Medicine in This Turning-Point Time
Bioneers Co-Founder Nina Simons wrote recently about contributions we can make at this pivotal moment:
 
"Bad news splashes constantly across the news - policymakers stuck in logjams, beholden to lobbyists, rape and brutality in the Congo, occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gaza, Israel and the Palestinians on a hair trigger - not to mention the increasingly rapid melting of the polar ice caps, extinction of species and decimation of indigenous cultures. It's enough to make me wonder if we have enough time to transform, and if so, how?"

 Nina offers up some solutions on the Bioneers Blog.

Are Cell Phones Safe?
Everyone has heard rumors of links between cell phones and cancer, but it's still a field of research in its infancy. What's true and what's still speculation? The Science and Environmental Health Network tackled that question in their latest newsletter. Devra Davis summed up the state of the debate and Nancy Myers laid our the classic case for the precautionary principle (watch Caroline Raffensperger explaining the precautionary principle at Bioneers).

 Check out what they have to say and then join us in a discussion. And just to be safe, if you're reading this on your phone, don't hold it too close!
  
Challenge Grant
Help Bioneers Reach the Goal!
Thanks to all of you who've supported the 20th anniversary challenge grant.

We're almost there, but there's still $25,000 to go. We need your help to reach the goal of $100,000!  Every gift will be doubled! Make your tax-deductible donation or membership contribution today. In appreciation for your partnership, you'll receive one free download from this year's conference. We send heartfelt thanks to you, and to the generous donors behind the grant.
Bioneers. Catalysts for change.
Bioneers Banner
 1607 Paseo de Peralta #3, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | 1-877-246-6337 |  www.bioneers.org
(0) | () | | send green star | flag as inappropriate
Visibility: Everyone
Tags: ,
Posted: Nov 13, 2009 8:19pm
Ukiah teens plant trees with a Common Vision
Nov 12, 2009
Ukiah teens plant trees with a Common Vision
By CAROLE Brodsky
11/12/2009
For the Ukiah Daily Journal

"Working Together, We Can Make the Future Better"

So goes the motto of Common Vision, the Emmy Award-winning creators of the Fruit Tree Tour. The group began their seventh annual statewide tree-planting event in Mendocino County this week.

With rooftop solar arrays and hand-painted murals, Common Vision's bio-powered buses and trucks carried 15 modern day Johnny Appleseeds to four schools and two community centers in Mendocino County. Two hundred fruit trees were planted by students and community members.

Miles Gordon, director of the NCO Gardens Project and member of Ukiah ReLeaf, says the tour is a perfect fit for schools, local food groups and community organizations.

"We all have the common vision - to repopulate urban forests, engage our youth and teach the community about food accessibility," notes Gordon. "This is the natural next step in developing school gardens and local food systems."

Tree plantings were held at Covelo High School and the Round Valley Indian Health Center. Following a benefit concert at the Philo Grange, the group worked with the Noyo Food Forest planting fruit trees at Fort Bragg High School's Learning Garden. The Willits Integrated Service Center had trees planted with support from the Mendocino Environmental Learning Project. On Tuesday, the Common Vision team assisted high school students attending MCOE's Alternative Education Program with the planting of 14 fruit trees surrounding their Youth Enterprise Garden.

ReLeaf member Gregg Young and Gordon determined which trees would be suitable for the sites.

"We focused on dwarf trees to start small and make sure we can maintain them," explains Gordon.

Common Vision founder Blair Phillips says the tour stemmed from his desire to create an educational model that had not been available to him.

"We started out eight years ago, touring farms and sites that were physical models of sustainability," says Phillips. They created a mobile permaculture design course for college students. "In order to receive certification and credits, students had to transfer their knowledge to at-risk high school kids by creating a garden at their school," explains Phillips. From that model, the Fruit Tree Tour blossomed.

Beginning in February of 2010, the Fruit Tree Tour will visit schools throughout the state. Three veggie-oil powered buses, a refrigerated truck storing dormant fruit trees, a truck for hauling soil, a fuel truck and runner vehicles will carry 25 to 30 volunteers to primarily inner-city, at-risk schools, where kids will have hands-on experience planting trees.

"In our chaotic and confusing world, planting trees with youth is a reminder of the simplicity of life and a positive action toward making a difference," notes Phillips.

At MCOE on Old River Road, students broke into small groups led by a Common Vision tree planter. While students dug holes and prepared the ground for planting, the volunteers educated kids on the importance of having a part in producing one's own food.

Each tree was carefully planted. Volunteers explained the purpose of mixing native soil with compost and oyster shell, demonstrated techniques and allowed students to work on their own.

One student said, "If we use oyster shell are we putting mercury into the ground?" Another asked, "Why wouldn't the tree's roots fill up an air pocket if we didn't tamp the soil?"

Stakes were driven into the ground. Students were asked to determine the wind direction in order to properly position the stakes. Most had little or no prior gardening experience, aside from what they had learned in their Youth Enterprise Garden.

For tenth grade student Kelsey Pierce, the tree planting was a first.

"It was a lot of fun but it smelled kind of bad," smiled Pierce. "It was interesting. I'd never done anything like this until I came to this school." Pierce now helps her boyfriend with his garden. "I can definitely imagine gardening in my future."

"Our hope is that students will have a better appreciation for working together, and that they will see their actions do have consequences. Gardens get people together, and local food equals community growth," says tree-planter Chris Masterson of Hopland.

According to spokeswoman Megan Watson, the Fruit Tree Tour has impacted 45,000 students. Nearly 4,000 trees have been planted at 150 schools, many in low-income communities.

Gordon is hoping to procure a rainwater catchment system to water the trees.

"The North Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council has been very supportive," says Gordon, noting that MCOE's Peter Costas and the staff have taken to heart the interrelated concepts of water, construction, and food, offering students marketable skills and community interaction.

Meanwhile, the Gardens Project continues to flourish. Gordon has two Americorps VISTA staff who organize volunteers and solidify individual gardens.

"We're putting in winter gardens with the help of Master Gardeners and completing our infrastructure on other gardens," he said. "Our goal is to create as many model gardens and experiences as we can, so people can view them, see how they work and talk to the people who are caring for them," Gordon explains.

"By teaching children how to plant, care for, and eat from the fruit trees growing at our public schools, we are empowering the next generation with the tools, appreciation and pride of growing food," notes Gordon.

The Gardens Project: www.gardensproject.org/index.php

Common Vision: www.commonvision.org (pic below)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/442872521_21ffdca9e8.jpg


**
news share from...

Ecopalooza Green Events Network

Check out Ecopalooza to find a green event near you, or register so you can post your own green event. We list events on our calendar that take place in the US, & Canada. We also collaborate and network with world-wide green organizations and people to spread the word about the Sustainability Revolution.

www.ecopalooza.net/events
(official launch Nov 15th)

also follow us on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ecopalooza
(0) | () | | send green star | flag as inappropriate
Visibility: Everyone
Tags: ,
Posted: Nov 12, 2009 11:17pm
MAY I BE FRANK
Nov 10, 2009

http://mayibefrankmovie.com/index.html

All Frank Ferrate wants to do is fall in love one last time before he dies.
In the beginning Frank is a 290lb, 54 year old Sicilian from Brooklyn who has an unquenchable thirst for women, a tendency to create awkward moments and a knack for failure. He's got Hepititis C and is hooked on many medications including Interferon and anti-depressants. He drinks 10 espressos a day just to keep him awake. He is an ex-addict, he's accused of being a terrible father, a nasty ex-husband, a lousy brother, and he's a lost soul. Frank is never satisfied, he's always looking for the next quick fix. At least, that was Frank.

Until the day he stumbled into his long awaited awakening, disguised as Cafe Gratitude, a raw organic and vegan food restaurant in the sunset district of San Francisco. Here, Frank is offered something remarkable: another chance at his life. A conversation with Frank and a cafe waiter named Ryland results in the creation of an experiment: help Frank fall in love. The proposal: Frank will rediscover and recreate himself in just 42 days simply through what he eats and what he thinks.
(film synopsis from Vegan Represent: www.veganrepresent.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13157)
(0) | () | | send green star | flag as inappropriate
Visibility: Everyone
Tags:
Posted: Nov 10, 2009 6:03pm
Farm Sanctuary's Star-Studded Coast-to-Coast Celebrations FOR the Turkeys
Nov 6, 2009

Dear Person of Compassion...










If you’ve ever had the great privilege of meeting a turkey, then you know these sweet, intelligent birds deserve to be the LIFE of any Thanksgiving gathering. Yet sadly, more than 46 million turkeys will have their beaks and toes painfully amputated this year so that they can be packed by the thousands into dark, filthy warehouses on factory farms. That’s why Farm Sanctuary is proud to announce our coast-to-coast Celebrations FOR the Turkeys!

Highlights of the Celebrations include:

* NYC Celebration – Hip-hop mogul and Def Jam Founder RUSSELL SIMMONS will host a sumptuous vegan gourmet brunch at New York City’s landmark Tavern on the Green, featuring a special reading by JONATHAN SAFRAN FOER (Everything Is Illuminated) from his red-hot new book “Eating Animals.”

* Glen, NY Celebration – In addition to a vegan feast and the wildly popular “Feeding of the Turkeys” ceremony, guests will enjoy special presentations from distinguished animal rights philosopher TOM REGAN, recently named “One of Fifty Visionaries Who are Changing Your Life” by Utne Reader magazine, and Farm Sanctuary Executive Director DR. ALLAN KORNBERG.

* Orland, CA Celebration – Actress/advocate DANIELA SEA from “The L Word” will host a compassionate Thanksgiving celebration replete with a candlelit gourmet vegan dinner, a “Feeding of the Turkeys” ceremony and a performance by punk rock pioneer JONATHAN RICHMAN.

Folks travel from far and wide to attend these festive, compassionate Thanksgiving celebrations. I hope you can help us spread the word! Please scroll down for calendar listings for all three events, depending on where you live.

As always, thanks so much for your support!

For the turkeys,

Meredith

 

 

Compassionate Celebration FOR the Turkeys Hosted by Russell Simmons at New York City’s Landmark Tavern on the Green

Guests Invited to Celebrate a Cruelty-Free, Gourmet Vegan Thanksgiving Brunch with Farm Sanctuary, Russell Simmons and Jonathan Safran Foer

 

 

 

NEW YORK, NY – October 30, 2009 – Join Farm Sanctuary, special host hip-hop mogul and founder of Def Jam RUSSELL SIMMONS and JONATHAN SAFRAN FOER, author of "Everything is Illuminated" and "Eating Animals," for a compassionate Thanksgiving celebration replete with sumptuous holiday fare, entertainment and a silent auction to benefit the sanctuary’s rescued animals. Guests will enjoy an intimate, family-style vegan Thanksgiving brunch in the enchanting “Crystal Room” at New York City’s landmark Tavern on the Green in Central Park, featuring a decadent cruelty-free menu designed by the critically-acclaimed chefs at renowned vegan restaurant Candle 79, in a first-ever all-vegan collaboration with the chefs at Tavern on the Green.

A special reading by Jonathan Safran Foer from his new book “Eating Animals; inspirational presentations by Farm Sanctuary’s President and Co-founder Gene Baur, Executive Director Dr. Allan Kornberg and National Shelter Director Susie Coston; a festive reception featuring spiced cider, hot cocoa, holiday nog and a holiday dessert bar from the area’s favorite vegan pastry chefs; as well as a silent auction to benefit the animals and provide for all your holiday shopping needs round out what is sure to become the celebration of the year for the compassionate-minded set.

WHAT: Celebration FOR the Turkeys

WHEN: Sunday, November 22, 2009: Noon – 5 p.m.

WHERE: Tavern on the Green, Central Park at West 67th Street

COST: $150 per person

ATTIRE:  Festive holiday

RESERVATIONS: Reservations can be made online at adoptaturkey.org or by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 221. Space is limited, so reserve now. The deadline is November 13. We regret that we may be unable to accommodate reservations received after the deadline. Confirmation and directions will be sent to all registrants.

The Adopt-A-Turkey Project seeks to end the suffering of commercially-raised turkeys by offering a compassionate alternative for Thanksgiving. Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary has rescued more than 1,000 turkeys, placed hundreds into loving homes through our annual Turkey Express adoption event, educated millions of people about their plight, and provided resources for a cruelty-free holiday. 

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.

** 

Farm Sanctuary’s NY Celebration FOR the Turkeys

Guests Invited to Celebrate a Compassionate Thanksgiving at Watkins Glen, N.Y., Shelter

 

 

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – October 27, 2009 – Join us for a compassionate Thanksgiving celebration replete with holiday fare, entertainment and a silent auction to benefit the sanctuary’s rescued animals. In addition to a vegan feast, guests will enjoy special presentations from distinguished animal rights philosopher Tom Regan and Farm Sanctuary Executive Director Dr. Allan Kornberg. The event will be held at Logan Ridge Estates in Hector, a Finger Lakes venue overlooking scenic Seneca Lake, and catered by Manndible Café, a local and sustainable eatery based in Ithaca.

After the meal and presentations, festivities will travel to our Watkins Glen sanctuary, where guests can spend time with some of our friendly farm animal residents and, during our “Feeding of the Turkeys” ceremony, help us treat delighted turkeys to a feast of squash, pumpkin pie and cranberries. This is a joyful event for humans and turkeys alike.

WHEN: Saturday, November 21, 2009; 10:30 a.m. guest registration

WHERE: Logan Ridge Estates, 3800 Ball Diamond Road, Hector, N.Y., Farm Sanctuary, 3136 Aikens Road, Watkins Glen, N.Y.

NOTE:  The “Feeding of the Turkeys” ceremony will take place at 3 p.m., and the shelter will be open from 3 – 5 p.m.  The ceremony and shelter will be open to both the public and Celebration FOR the Turkeys attendees. Cost for the public is $3 for adults and $1 for children under 12. There is no cost for Celebration FOR the Turkeys guests.

COST: $35 per person

RESERVATIONS: Reservations can be made online at adoptaturkey.org or by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 221. Space is limited, so reserve now. The deadline is November 13. We regret that we may be unable to accommodate reservations received after the deadline. Confirmation and directions will be sent to all registrants.

**

http://farmsanctuary.typepad.com/.a/6a010536e26195970b0120a5c7accb970b-800wi

Farm Sanctuary’s CA Celebration FOR the Turkeys

Guests Invited to Celebrate a Compassionate Thanksgiving at Orland, Calif., Shelter with Musician Jonathan Richman and “The L Word’s” Daniela Sea

ORLAND, Calif. – October 27, 2009 – Join us for a compassionate Thanksgiving celebration replete with holiday fare, entertainment and a silent auction to benefit the sanctuary’s rescued animals. Guests will enjoy a candlelit gourmet vegan dinner; a performance by musician Jonathan Richman; and special presentations from actress and animal advocate Daniela Sea, Farm Sanctuary California Shelter Director Leanne Cronquist, cookbook author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, and Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur.

Guests can also spend time with some of our friendly farm animal residents and, during our popular “Feeding of the Turkeys” ceremony, help us treat delighted turkeys to a feast of squash, pumpkin pie and cranberries. This is a joyful event for humans and turkeys alike. 

WHEN: Saturday, November 21, 2009; 12:30 p.m. guest registration

WHERE: Farm Sanctuary, 19080 Newville Rd., Orland, CA

COST: $75 per person

NOTE:  There will be complimentary Thanksgiving themed tours on Sunday, November 22.  Tours will be every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., departing from the People Barn.

RESERVATIONS: Reservations can be made online at adoptaturkey.org or by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 221. Space is limited, so reserve now. The deadline is November 13. We regret that we may be unable to accommodate reservations received after the deadline. Confirmation and directions will be sent to all registrants.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2015/1559877553_51c1fabb26.jpg
(0) | () | | send green star | flag as inappropriate
Visibility: Everyone
Tags: , , , ,
Posted: Nov 6, 2009 2:05pm
Would we listen to nature if our lives depended on it? - Derrick Jensen in Orion Magazine
Nov 6, 2009
Upping the Stakes Playing for Keeps Would we listen to nature if our lives depended on it?

by Derrick Jensen
Published in the November/December 2009 issue of Orion magazine


Photograph: Robert and Shana Parkeharrison

PEOPLE WHO READ MY WORK often say, “Okay, so it’s clear you don’t like this culture, but what do you want to replace it?” The answer is that I don’t want any one culture to replace this culture. I want ten thousand cultures to replace this culture, each one arising organically from its own place. That’s how humans inhabited the planet (or, more precisely, their landbases, since each group inhabited a place, and not the whole world, which is precisely the point), before this culture set about reducing all cultures to one.

I live on Tolowa (Indian) land. Prior to the arrival of the dominant culture, the Tolowa lived here for 12,500 years, if you believe the myths of science. If you believe the myths of the Tolowa, they lived here since the beginning of time. This story may sound familiar, but its significance has, thus far, been lost on the dominant culture, so it bears repeating: when the first settlers arrived here maybe 180 years ago, the place was a paradise. Salmon ran in runs so thick you couldn’t see the bottoms of rivers, so thick people were afraid to put their boats in for fear they would capsize, so thick they would keep people awake at night with the slapping of their tails against the water, so thick you could hear the runs for miles before you could see them. Whales were commonplace in the nearby ocean. Forests were thick with frogs, newts, salamanders, birds, elk, bears. And of course huge ancient redwood trees.

Now I count myself blessed when I see two salmon in what we today call Mill Creek. Another Tolowa staple, Pacific lampreys, are in bad shape. Just three years ago you could not hold a human conversation outside at night in the spring, and now I hear maybe five or six frogs at night. Salamanders, newts, songbirds, all are equivalently gone. The rivers are poisoned with pesticides and herbicides. All in less than two centuries.

Why? Or, perhaps more important, how?

Only the most arrogant and ignorant among us would say something that implies that all humans are destructive, and that the dominant (white) culture is the most destructive simply because somehow indigenous peoples around the world were too stupid to invent backhoes and chainsaws, too backward to dominate their human and nonhuman neighbors with the efficiency and viciousness of the dominant culture. They might even try to argue that the Tolowa weren’t actually living sustainably, even though they lived here for at least 12,500 years. But when 12,500 years of living in place won’t convince them, it becomes pretty clear that evidence is secondary, and that there are, rather, ideological reasons the person cannot accept that humans have ever lived sustainably. One of these ideological reasons is very clear: if you can convince yourself that humans are inherently destructive, then you allow yourself the most convenient of all excuses not to work to stop this culture from destroying the planet: it’s simply in our nature to destroy, and you can’t fight biology, so let’s not fuss about all these little extinctions, and could someone please pass the TV remote? It’s an odious position, but a lot of people take it.

If we want to stop this culture from killing the planet, we might instead try asking how so many indigenous cultures lived in place for so long without destroying their landbases.

There are many differences between indigenous and nonindigenous ways of being in the world, but I want to mention two here. The first is that the indigenous had and have serious long-term relationships with the plants and animals with whom they share their landscape. Ray Rafael, who has written extensively on the concept of wilderness, has said that Native Americans hunted, gathered, and fished “using methods that would be sustainable over centuries and even millennia. They did not alter their environment beyond what could sustain them indefinitely. They did not farm, but they managed the environment. But it was different from the way that people try to manage it now, because they stayed in relationship with it.”

That last phrase is key. What would a society look like that was planning on being in that particular place five hundred years from now? What would an economics look like? If you knew for a fact that your descendants five hundred years from now would live on the same landbase you inhabit now, how would that affect your relationship to sources of water? How would that affect your relationship with topsoil? With forests? Would you produce waste products that are detrimental to the soil? Would you poison your water sources (or allow them to be poisoned)? Would you allow global warming to continue? If the very lives of your children and their children depended on your current actions—and of course they do—how would you act differently than you do?

The other difference I want to mention—and essentially every traditional indigenous person with whom I have ever spoken has said that it is the fundamental difference between western and indigenous peoples—is that even the most open Westerners view listening to the natural world as a metaphor, as opposed to something real. I asked American Indian writer Vine Deloria about this, and he said, “I think the primary thing is that Indians experience and relate to a living universe, whereas Western people, especially science, reduce things to objects, whether they’re living or not. The implications of this are immense. If you see the world around you as made up of objects for you to manipulate and exploit, not only is it inevitable that you will destroy the world by attempting to control it, but perceiving the world as lifeless robs you of the richness, beauty, and wisdom of participating in the larger pattern of life.” That brings to mind a great line by a Canadian lumberman: “When I look at trees I see dollar bills.” If when you look at trees, you see dollar bills, you’ll treat them one way. If when you look at trees, you see trees, you’ll treat them differently. If when you look at this particular tree you see this particular tree, you’ll treat it differently still. The same is true for salmon, and, of course, for women: if when I look at women I see objects, I’m going to treat them one way. If when I look at women I see women, I’ll treat them differently. And if when I look at this particular woman I see this particular woman, I’ll treat her differently still.

Here’s where people usually ask, “Okay, so how do I listen to the natural world?” When people ask me this, I always begin by asking them if they have ever made love. If so, I ask whether the other person always had to say, 'put this here,' or 'do that now,' or did they sometimes read their lover’s body, listen to the unspoken language of the flesh? Having established that one can communicate without words, I then ask if they have ever had any nonhuman friends (a.k.a. pets). If so, how did the dog or cat let you know that her food dish was empty? I used to have a dog friend who would look at me, look at the food dish, look at me, look at the food dish, until finally the message would get across to me.

How do we hear the rest of the natural world? Unsurprisingly enough, the answer is: by listening. That’s not easy, given that we have been told for several thousand years that these others are silent. But the fact that we cannot easily hear them doesn’t mean they aren’t speaking, and does not mean they have nothing to say. I’ve had people respond to my suggestion that they listen to the natural world by going outside for five minutes and then returning to say they didn’t hear anything. But how can you expect to learn any new language (remember, most nonhumans don’t speak English) in such a short time? Learning to listen to our nonhuman neighbors takes effort, humility, and patience.

The Tolowa believed the nonhuman world had something to say, and that what the nonhuman world had to say was vital to their own survival. Given that they were living here sustainably for 12,500 years, and given that we manifestly are not, perhaps the least we could do is acknowledge that they were on to something, and maybe even explore just what that kind of relationship might look and feel like.

Join the conversation. 13 comments so far.

**

Orion publishes six thoughtful, inspiring, and beautiful issues a year, supported entirely by our readers – we're completely ad-free!

Please consider donating to help us continue to explore the future of nature.

Derrick Jensen lives in northernmost California and is the author of, most recently, Songs of the Dead.

Book Image




 

 
(0) | () | | send green star | flag as inappropriate
Visibility: Everyone
Tags: ,
Posted: Nov 6, 2009 10:07am
Lillian Brown Vogel at Mendocino Book Co., Nov 7, Ukiah CA
Nov 5, 2009
Hello friends! A message from Ann!

Please join us in welcoming Lillian Brown Vogel to the Mendocino Book Company this Saturday, November 7 at 3 p.m. Lillian will be sharing her life story and her secrets - or rather explanation for her long life of a 100 years.
What's My Secret? by Lillian Brown Vogel: Book Cover


Refreshments will be served and we would love to have a great crowd to celebrate this remarkable achievement.

At Mendocino Book Co., 102 S School Street, in Downtown Ukiah. For information call (707) 468-5940.

Hope to see you here.

Thank you!
Ann Kilkenny

**

Directions:
Mendocino Book Co
maps.google.com
Get directions - Is this accurate?This address, phone number, map or business info is not accurate. Confirm CancelThank you for the feedback.

**
Synopsis

What's My Secret? / Memories and Reflections on a Long Life

By Lillian Brown Vogel, Ph. D.

"What's my secret?" This question has been thrown at me innumerable times by people of all ages. Do I have an explanation for my long life of ninety-nine years of general good health, with the ability to live alone, pursue my interests of many years, and establish new ones? What has occurred in my life previously and during this past decade that may have contributed to my longevity?

 

**

Event share from Larry Sheehy...in support of Ukiah's most wonderful independent bookstore!
(0) | () | | send green star | flag as inappropriate
Visibility: Everyone
Tags:
Posted: Nov 5, 2009 9:06pm

 
 Next >
 
Content and comments expressed here are the opinions of Care2 users and not necessarily that of Care2.com or its affiliates.

Author

Larry Sheehy
male , single, 4 children
Redwood Valley, CA, USA
Shares by Type:
All (935) | Blog (50) | Alert (47) | Tribute (6) | Message (832)
ads keep care2 free
SHARES FROM LARRY'S NETWORK
Dec
4
(0 comments  |  discussions )
“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” ;  ~Lazarus Long Holidays are challenging times for many people. Rather than a storehouse of loving memories, for many of us holidays ser...
(0 comments  |  discussions )
Sometimes, parenting skills can be learned from the most unlikely places. Like business, for example. I’ve had my own business, managed businesses for others, and worked for a number of employers, both good and bad. The following positive pare...
by Lo A.
(0 comments  |  discussions )
DandelionSalads: Eliot Spitzer: Geithner, Bernanke "Complicit" in Financial Crisis and Should Go: http://wp.me/p5qmX-gnL
by Lo A.
(0 comments  |  discussions )
DandelionSalads: Kucinich, 18 Members of Congress Urge Obama to Lead Global Effort to Combat Climate Change + The War is a Threat to … http://wp.me/p5qmX-gnI
by Lo A.
(0 comments  |  discussions )
DandelionSalads: Obama's True Colors By Timothy V. Gatto: http://wp.me/p5qmX-gnF
by Just C.
(0 comments  |  discussions )
Dear Friends, Congressman Kucinich is making a major impact in his challenge to the escalation of the war in Afghanistan. See the following: MSNBC, The Ed Show, December 1, 2009   FOX News, The O'Reilly Factor December 1, 2009   C...
by Lo A.
(0 comments  |  discussions )
DandelionSalads: A Smart and Simple Tax by William John Cox: http://wp.me/p5qmX-gny
(0 comments  |  discussions )
Alicia Keys Live! on YouTube - Full Concert Source: www.youtube.com Watch the rebroadcast of Alicia Key's performance from NYC's Nokia Theatre on World AIDS Day 12.01.09. Presented by American Express.
by Lo A.
(0 comments  |  discussions )
DandelionSalads: Lawrence Wilkerson: "Obama's choice" pure politics: http://wp.me/p5qmX-gnh
by Lo A.
(0 comments  |  0 discussions )
DandelionSalads: A lesson from Seattle for Copenhagen: Vigorous Activism Can Defeat the Denialists by Patrick Bond: http://wp.me/p5qmX-gn6

Copyright © 2009 Care2.com, inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved