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Weekly Updates

The Week of October 10, 2011Read/Post Comments

GMOs, Volunteer Opportunities, Community Announcements, Jobs in the Community, Weekly Updates

Brought to you by Earthworks Urban Farm, a program of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen

Peace everyone,

In light of the peaceful protest happening on Wall Street for more democratic representation of people in U.S. politics, it seems appropriate to talk about how corporate and private interests also drives our national and local food systems.

An example of corporate influence over our food system are foods that come from synthetically altered seeds called GMOs. When combined with the DNA from select animals, GMO seeds are designed to grow much faster and larger than they would naturally.

What impact do you think GMOs have on our health, the environment and our food system? 

Read more about GMOs HERE:


I. Volunteer Opportunities for the  week o f 10/10/2011:
Wednesdays thru Saturdays, 9am-12:30pm; Regular Volunteer Hours:  Please join us after working in the gardens for lunch in the soup kitchen Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Jam making!  Earthworks are in need of volunteers for processing fruit berries into currant, gooseberry, elderberry and raspberry jams.  Tentative dates are:

October 11th and 26th from 5:30 - 9:30pm
October 21st from 2:00 - 4:00pm
November 8th and 15th from 5:30 - 9:30pm

All volunteers, please meet at Capuchin Soup Kitchen at 1264 Meldrum, Detroit, MI unless noted differently. For individual volunteers, feel free to just come on by.  No need to RSVP.  For groups, please contact us in advance to schedule a day. Please come dressed appropriately for the weather and work.  During summer months, water bottles, hats with brims, sunscreen and work gloves are highly encouraged.  Long pants and closed toe shoes are required.  For questions, please email Shane at sbernardo@cskdetroit.org or call (313) 579-2100 x 204.


II. Community Announcements:
1. Energy Assistance Forum
Greater Marian Missionary Baptist Church 15120 Grand River Detroit, MI
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm (Registration ends at 12:00pm for morning session and 5:00pm for the afternoon session)

If you need help with your DTE service for:
Shut Offs....Service Transfers...Home Heating Credits... Payment Plan Options and Budgeting....Come out and get help the same day.

Representatives from DTE Energy, WARM, DHS and other service providers will be available to assist you on the spot!

For more information please call 1.866.554.2653 or
visit www.cespmi.org.

2. Repeal Public Act 4
Michigan Forward 600 W. Lafayette,Suite 100 Detroit,Michigan 48226
Ongoing

Michigan Forward is leading a coalition to REPEAL PUBLIC ACT 4 of 2011,“The Local Government and School District Fiscal Accountability Act”. We are building a coalition of community leaders,young adults and small business owners against takeover of our cities and communities. Get in the fight for Michigan’s cities,democracy and a better Michigan! Join our coalition and support the fight against Public Act 4!

View Q&A on PA 4 Petition Drive with Brandon Jessup.

Contact us:
Phone:(313) 965-2722
Email:info@michiganforward.org

3. Fifth annual Green Screen Youth Film Festival makes call for entries
Sponsored by East Michigan Environmental Action Council, Green Screen provides a forum where students from across southeast Michigan and beyond showcase films with environmental themes. The work of these young filmmakers expresses what they think is most crucial to their health and to the natural environment. Some films also focus on making the world, their school or neighborhood environmentally healthier.

Deadline for entries is November 1st, 2011. Anyone interested entering a film for Green Screen 2011, sponsoring a film, volunteering or making a donation of support should call 313 559-7498 or visit www.emeac.org for Green Screen entry guidelines.

4. Michigan's Harvest: Food, Farming and Community
The Lorenzo Cultural Center 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038
September 24 - November 20, 2011
Wednesday-Saturday, 10am - 4pm
Sunday, 1-4pm

Experience Michigan's rich agricultural heritage and traditions through appetizing exhibits, tasty activities, and an abundant crop of expert speakers sure to yield a bounty of knowledge.

The Lorenzo Cultural Center offers you a memorable presentation of Michigan's prominence in our country's food industry. From our farming heritage to health and nutrition, this unique exhibition serves up a nourishing harvest of fun facts, rich flavors, and Michigan-grown experiences for you to discover.

5. Great Lakes Week 2011: Working Together, Taking Action!
The Westin Book Cadillac 1114 Washington Blvd. • Detroit, MI 48226
October 11-14th, 2011

The Great Lakes Commission is pleased to be a part of Great Lakes Week 2011. The week's activities will bring representatives of the U.S. and Canadian governments together with a broad coalition of public and private groups to highlight efforts to implement solutions for the lakes' most pressing problems. Great Lakes Week also gathers the annual meetings and conferences of various organizations in one place, making it one of the most wide-ranging Great Lakes summits in history.

To learn more about Great Lakes Week 2011, visit www.glri.us/glweek.html

6. 2012 Statewide Historic Preservation Plan Workshops
Detroit, Oddfellows Hall, 8701 West Vernor Highway
October 12th, 2011
5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FREE, Public welcome. Light dinner provided.

The State Historic Preservation Office, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, will hold a series of five workshops across the state as part of the planning effort which will result in Michigan's next statewide historic preservation plan.

The workshops will be facilitated by Alan Levy and Kristine Kidorf of Goaltrac, Inc.

This is an opportunity for Michigan residents to share their vision for historic preservation in Michigan. The SHPO wants help identifying the threats and the opportunities facing Michigan's historic resources as it sets the direction for historic preservation activities throughout the state for the next five years.

7. Transforming Trauma with Laura van Dernoot Lipsky!          
Charles H. Wright Museum located 315 East Warren St. (downtown Detroit)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
8am-5pm

The Joyful Heart Foundation (JHF) recognizes the profound work professionals do assisting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse on their healing journey. We acknowledge this commitment by creating dynamic programs to help restore practitioners. Our heal the healers programs offer an overview of vicarious trauma, skills for self-awareness, self-care tools, and positive connections with other professionals to create a community of support. 

To reserve a seat for the event please complete our online registration form here.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided and the day is FREE to all participants.

8. SIMPLY RAW: REVERSING DIABETES IN 30 DAYS
Main Art Theatre 118 North Main Street Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Thursday, October 13, 2011
7:00 PM
TICKET PRICE: $5

A fascinating, independent film follows the remarkable journeys of six diabetics (Type 1 and 2) for 30 days as they take the “Raw Challenge” to reverse their disease naturally without prescription drugs by eating only organic, vegan, uncooked foods. Their physiological and emotional transformations are featured in the documentary entitled Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days.

9. Black Farmers & Urban Gardeners Conference
Growing Health, Wealth and Justice
October 14 - 16, 2011

The Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference is an annual gathering to enhance the critical relationship between food and health in the Black community by empowering growers, eaters and activists.  The conference strengthens networks and inspires new ideas among people working across disciplines to address the food-related issues that contribute to inequities in health, wealth and justice in black communities.

10. MI Apple Gala & Auction: A Benefit For Detroit Eastern Market
Shed 3, Eastern Market Russell Street (between Adelaide & Division)
October 14, 2011
6PM- 10PM

TICKETS:
FOEM Members:  $40.00 – Non-Members $50.00
Attire Casual
Free Secured Parking

Gala Festivities:
· Strolling supper featuring local restaurants, their menus include a multitude of samplings sure to satisfy your palates.
· Live auction featuring twenty life size artistically designed apples, rendered by local artists.  All apples will be auctioned off to the highest bidder all proceeds will benefit each participating farmers market.
· A unique opportunity to experience a cooking face-off, highlighting two local chefs in a battle to become the “Next Urban Chef."
· Fabulous entertainment strategically scattered throughout the night sure amuse you.
· Award ceremony celebrating the Apple Artists and the “Next Urban Chef” winners.
· And a few other surprises

11. Internationally Renowned Artist, Blair Memorialized with Words and Music
Marygrove College Theatre, 8425 West McNichols Road, Detroit
Saturday October 15th, 2011
8pm-10pm
FREE

A stellar group of musicians and writers that were touched and inspired by the late David Blair will be celebrating his life and legacy. Whether it was with the school children that he taught through the InsideOut Literary Project or the fans of the Boyfriends, the band he led, Blair garnered a deep and sincere following.  Musicians Julie Buetel, Audra Kubat, Joe Reilly and Jere Stormer, along with poets Marcia Lee and George Henry and Kim Hunter will perform original pieces and songs and poems from Blair’s considerable body of work.

Media Contact:
Gloria Rivera
(313) 843-0802
river1143@comcast.net

12. 7th Annual GLBD Conference
Marygrove College 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit, MI 48221
October 14th -16th, 2011

Visit our new website www.gldb.org  and check out this year's conference offerings: Young Bioneers Day; musician/composer Joe Reilly, ReMake, ReUse, ReNew art exhibit; locally grown and prepared food; 27+ local presenters; 15 plenary speakers broadcast from CA conference; exhibitors and vendors and many more opportunities to connect, collaborate and celebrate!

REGISTRATION:
Early registration ends, September 30th.
Register on line or via mail www.glbd.org
Note: we will figure out a way to assist you if your funds are a bit low these days.

Volunteers: we need your help before and during the conference. Contact: Chrystin Carlton christyn_carlton@yahoo.com

13. Pumpkin Carving/Karate Demo at the Eastern Market
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Gus the Pumpkin Carver will dazzle you with his carving skills.
Karate demonstrations provided by Jabari Martial Arts Academy.

III. Jobs in the Community

1. Paid Internship
The Community & Regional Food System project

2. Development Data Processor - Detroit
The Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order

3. Financial Administrator - Detroit
The Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order

4. Northern Borders Organizer
The Alliance for Immigration Reform

5. Associate Organizing Representative - Lansing or Detroit
Sierra Club

6. Sacred Bundle Program Coordinator
American Indian Health and Family Services of Southeastern Michigan

7. Native American Outreach Advocate
Ingham County Health Department

8. Housing Case Manager
Community & Home Supports, Inc.

9. Social Media Director
University of Michigan

10. Executive Director - Lansing, MI
The Food Bank Council of Michigan

11. PARENTING SUPPORT PROGRAM ASSISTANT
American Indian Health and Family Services of Southeastern Michigan


IV. Update from Patrick

It been sort of the most amazing of days this last week.  Sunny days, cool nights, brisk bike rides to work, great nights for sleeping.  It's the sort of weather where you can get so much done, and you only notice how hard you worked until you realize you managed to dehydrate yourself and your muscles are sore and tired. 

We worked to level the floor in the greenhouse, working with a group of middle schoolers and high school students to get sand moved in and spread.  They didn't really show the attention to detail that I demand, so we will need to do the detail work this week.  The weed fabric and sod staples should be arriving early this week, so assuming that we get that in, we should be able to get the fabric down and benches moved back in.  I think we need something to tamp all that soil down in the greenhouse, anyone have a tamper we can borrow? 

Crop planted in the hoophouse are for the most part up, they look really good, well spaced and well germinated.  Most of them are on the late side, but I think we should be able to harvest something.  We have been sifting a bunch of compost - getting it piled up into the hoophouse so we will have it available to prep beds.  I'm also thinking that as it breaks down a little further, it will add a little heat.  The dry weather has meant that the piles of compost are easier to sift, and sift we have - making a nice pile in the hoophouse, but also one in the little hoophouse at Gleaners.  I plan to get that one filled all the way up, as much as possible - so we have a ton of compost ready for the spring.  Once the hoophouse is filled up, I still want to get more compost ready and into the greenhouse for transplant production, and maybe even some to grow some salad greens this winter/early spring. 

Gleaners is going well, as said before plenty of compost sifted.  The new compost piles are going strong - one pile recorded a very impressive 160 degrees this last week when checked.  One of the oldest piles, about 4 months old is almost ready to get sifted.  I'm very curious to see how the quality of this compost compares to the stuff we have been making.  I'm expecting it to look a lot better.

We planted three beds of garlic this weekend, with at least one more getting planted this week.  The outdoor lettuce is just about done, in retrospect, we should have done a second planting, as the indoor lettuce will not be ready for at least a three weeks.  Spinach is harvesting nicely as are the other greens, first good size carrots should be ready this week, beets are still a ways off.  We still have a few eggplant, peppers and squash coming in, but those days are numbered.  Peas are not picking all that well, but I've at least been able to enjoy some snacks in the field. 

We have been able to start cleaning up and tending to those chores that we always seem to put off in the main season, weeding the perennial beds, getting irrigation tapes up and out of the way.  Its also a great time to divide perennials and that's just what we have been doing.  Specifically we have been dividing for EAT intern Roxanne and her herb garden that she is developing.  I'm very excited and happy to see it installed, if for no other reason than the knowledge that I'll get to hang out with her when she comes to tend and care for the herbs. 

I think that's enough for this week.  Its' much too beautiful to be spending all day inside writing.

until next week,

onward

p

V. Outreach Update from Shane

    I have to back track a little here...it’s taken me some time to reflect on what occurred to me about two weeks ago.  It’s somewhat personal but I’m hoping my words will help another that may need them.
    Two Saturdays ago, I attended the monthly Undoing Racism in the Detroit Food System gathering.  There, I learned about how the practice of non-violent communication can help heal myself as someone that has suffered from internalized racism. By changing the language and the intent to which I speak and interact with others I am better able to break the cycle of pain that I experienced as a young person of color growing up in Detroit.
    I also learned in a lot of ways our society has been indoctrinated into using very hurtful language that looks first to evaluate and judge others without recognizing how hurtful our words and actions can be.  Through this observation, I realized that when I speak or act, I am meeting some basic fundamental and very human of mine.  In my case, I needed to feel like I belonged and to have a stronger sense of my own identity.  Because of the alienation I felt as a young adult, I internalized a lot of self-pity and loathing that manifested itself in distrust and introverted behavior.  This painful feeling caused me to demean myself much like my alleged oppressors would.
    I don’t know if others that attended felt as strongly as I did but learning to develop the level of awareness mere words can have, I feel more awakened to the struggles of realizing a more just a beautiful world both inside and outside of myself.  By thinking of what need I am serving when I think, talk and act in a certain way, I can diffuse potentially harmful situations better.  By not giving into my ego, non-violent communication allows me to break down the walls of others by paying attention to the ones inside myself.
     In a related event, folks around the country celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day.  To quote the organizers, "The conquest of the Americas altered our relationship to food and what we can do to create a healthiermore equitable food system by returning to our cultural and ancestral food ways."  By virtue of the reflection on GMOs above, these injustices still have a very real impact on the health of our communities even today.
     As I continue to help transform our food system, I am often reminded that I am much more equipped to do the "work" of healing the community when I open to the challenges that exist within.
     On that note, please save the date to attend the ReImaganing Work Gathering later this month on October 28-30 at Focus Hope as local communitiy members discuss what more of that "work" may look like.  Our very own Patrick Crouch will be speaking.  I hope he wears his bow tie.
     See you next week!

Readers' Comments The Week of October 10, 2011




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Editor: Shane Bernardo    website by jeffdunn.com