KCFC's Bi-Weekly Newsletter - Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

(This original attempt failed... please go to http://kcfoodcircle.blogspot.com/2011/05/kcfcs-bi-weekly-newsletter-tuesday-may_25.html)






Posted an hour late... it's been a long, long day.  Thanks for your patience.

We aren't going to force all of this into email or bother re-pasting into our blog - please click the link below for a web-readable copy which needs no re-formatting.

KCFC eNewsletter 2011-05-24 - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M5XdmEmnA6mb_rPKf0SglmrigDd7xcDsC6qg71RliCs/edit?hl=en_US&authkey=CODPuqwN

If you have suggestions or comments regarding our new bi-weekly newsletter, please visit our feedback survey page at https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHFiRjF3S3VYeExVNXZBRTZyUVVWdlE6MQ

Thanks!

Dave - WebMinion - KC Food Circle

SAN - 2011-05-24 - Sustainability Action Network - Announcements - Greater KC via Kaw River Valley (Lawrence, KS ~ K.C.))

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
24 May 2011

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The SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK is a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization.  DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.  Mail donations to P.O.Box 1064, Lawrence KS 66044.

Our mission is to advocate and organize societal scale action to address sustainability issues.  S.A.N. is bringing awareness of the global crisis caused by climate change, energy vulnerability and economic instability to communities in the Kansas River bioregion. We areinitiating positive solutions inspired by the Transition and Permaculture Movements. We bring the tools needed to re-skill and re-localize our economy and create a more socially just and ecologically sustainable world. To join the Sustainability Action Network please contact us at or 

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A PIECE OF GOOD NEWS ON THE GMO FRONT

Court dismisses Monsanto's appeal of genetically modified beets suit.

After reeling from the USDA approval of Genetically Modified Alfalfa a little bit of good news out of the courts regarding GMO sugar beets...

Read more here: http://www.sustainablefoodnews.com/story.php?news_id=12836

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FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ¤ DAY 74 UPDATE

Nuclear Engineer, Arnie Gundersen of Fairwinds Associates provides superb expert feedback on the events on the ground at the Fukushima reactor site.  Check out this video report from 11 days ago on the Vimeo video hosting site here:  http://vimeo.com/23680177

The video play list on the right will give you access to all of Fairwinds Associates Fukushima Updates.

has identified gaps in the government's data, however, and nuclear watchdogs are concerned that public officials are not telling Americans the whole story.

You can also read the latest reports at - Nuclear Crisis in Japan - Updates.  If you agree that our climate solutions don't need nuclear energy, you might consider signing the following - A Simple Statement On Nuclear Power and Climate Change.
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TOXIN FROM GM CROPS FOUND IN HUMAN BODY: STUDY

Fresh doubts have arisen about the safety of genetically modified crops, with a new study reporting presence of Bt toxin, used widely in GM crops, in human blood for the first time.

Genetically modified crops include genes extracted from bacteria to make them resistant to pest attacks.

Rest of the article HERE 

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"I start off with the premise that nuclear energy is not optimal and so I am not a nuclear energy proponent,"

President Barack Obama's support this week for the construction of more nuclear power plants in the United States, amid the ongoing nuclear power plant disaster in Japan, must be considered as among the most wrong-headed and irrational positions ever taken by a US president

President Barack Obama's support this week for the construction of more nuclear power plants in the United States, amid the ongoing nuclear power plant disaster in Japan, must be considered as among the most wrong-headed and irrational positions ever taken by a US president

KKFI COMMUNITY RADIO ¤ ECOLOGICAL SHOWS THIS WEEK
Listen at KKFI-FM 90.1, or web-streaming at http://www.kkfi.org/

Wednesday, 25 May, 9:00am ¤ Alternative Radio

Friday, 27 May, 9:30am ¤ Bioneers Radio Series 

Bioneers presents another of their award winning shows. 

Monday, 30 May, 6:00pm ¤ locally produced Eco-Radio KC

Host Richard Mabion and his co-host, John Burris, will have Rabbi Moti Rieber on the show to discuss the Kansas Interfaith Power & Light's response to global climate disruption.

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LAWRENCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ¤ N.E. SECTOR PLAN

Wednesday, 1 June 2011, 6:30pm  -  RESCHEDULED from 11 May

Douglas County Commission 

1100 Massachusetts St., Lawrence KS 66044

This sector plan grew out of the fight to save prime agricultural soils north of the Kansas River that are threatened by urban development.  Officials have now acknowledged the importance of Capability I & II Soils, but have been adverse to specific code language to protect them.  Concerns that still remain in this sector plan are:  stronger plan elements to preserve Capability I & II Soils, Stormwater flooding of North Lawrence from expanded urbanization, extreme cost associated with implementing the North Lawrence Drainage Study, infrastructure costs for development within the regulatory floodplain, floodways, and flood prone land.  To read more go to N.E. Sector Planning Process   

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TRANSITION KAW VALLEY ¤ TOWARDS AN ENERGY RESILIENT COMMUNITY
Wednesday, 1 June 2011, 7:00pm
Lawrence Public Library, 701 Vermont St., Lawrence KS 66044

The T.K.V. meeting will review the criteria for Transition Kaw Valley to become an official Transition Initiative.  We will also discuss the upcoming "Training for Transition" in Chicago, and decide if we want to attend it.

The Kaw Valley Transition Initiative is addressing climate disruption and peak oil inflation at the local level, a relocalization effort similar to hundreds around the globe.  The Transition movement was begun by Rob Hopkins in Great Britain, and in the U.S. is coordinated byTransition US based in Sebastapol CA.  They help local initiatives with resources and publications, and they have trainers available to conduct local training sessions.  For more info, or to get on the S.A.N. Transition Kaw Valley e-mail list, contact them at.
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LAWRENCE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Wednesday, 8 June 2011, 5:30pm
Recycling and Resource Recovery Annex, 320 N.E. Industrial Lane, Lawrence KS

The June agenda is not yet available.  The S.A.B. meets monthly to discuss any and all aspects of furthering sustainability policies and practices by the City of Lawrence government and private persons.  The public is welcome.  Minutes are finalized in about a month after each meeting http://www.lawrenceks.org/wrr/envadvisoryboard
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KANSAS CITY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Wednesday, 8 June 2011, 4:00-6:00pm
Mid America Regional Council, Rivergate Center 2nd floor, 600 Broadway, KC MO

The Environmental Management Commission promotes environmental awareness and resource efficiency to the City's leaders and staff, to assist the progress of Kansas City toward sustainability.  The General public is encouraged to attend and observe meetings and to join and participate in its efforts.  More information is at KC Environmental Mgt Commission

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3RD ANNUAL LAWRENCE FOOD GARDEN TOUR
Saturday, 11 June 2010, 9:00am-12:00noon, 5:00-8:00pm

multiple sites

This will be a self-guided tour to any of nineteen gardens by using a brochure and map available from many garden centers, hardware stores, and food venues.  This tour will feature community gardens and home gardens, in front yards and back yards, with chickens and fruit trees and more.  For more info, contact Jessi at  or Amber at .
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COOKING WITH THE HEAT OF THE SUN ¤ COMMUNIVERSITY CLASS #3002A

Saturday, 11 June 2010, 10:00am-2:00pm  -  $$

3526 Terrace St., Kansas City MO 64111

At 10:00am sharp, we will hurry to get our lunch into a variety of solar cookers (mostly vegetarian, organic and locally grown).  We'll watch a video on solar cooking and build three working solar cookers out of cardboard boxes, that lucky participants can take home.  We'll eat the food we cooked, learn about solar food drying, and enjoy a solar canning demonstration.  You'll get a handout pointing you to internet resources so that you can learn more later.  Join us as we begin reducing our carbon footpring one solar oven at a time.

Conveners will be Lynn Snyder and Bill Price.    Class fee of $9.00 + materials fee of $7.00 = $16.00
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SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK - MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING
Sunday, 19 June 2011, 7:00pm
3033 Kasold Ave., Lawrence KS 66044 (Brady & Troy's home)

Local Solutions for Transition to a Sustainable Economy
Organizing societal scale action in our personal lives, and through public policy changes.
The meeting agenda will include:   

• S.A.N. social media - policy proposal
• Membership Policy Statement Development
• Transition Kaw Valley - Update and next steps?
• Growers' Land Trust - legal options and limits
• community workshops: super adobe, solar food dehydrator, cold frames, rain barrels, etc.
• S.A.N. web site: list serve, content, pay pal, etc.

Please join us
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DOUGLAS COUNTY FOOD POLICY COUNCIL
Monday, 20 June 2011, 7:00pm
location to be determined - Lawrence, KS 66046

The Food Policy Council seeks to identify the benefits, challenges and opportunities for a successful, sustainable local food system.  By advising the Douglas County Commission on public policies that will support local producers, preserve local agricultural resources and land, and create more local jobs, the F.P.C. hopes to improve the community's access to a local food supply and distribution networks.  For more info go to Dg County Food Policy Council.
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URBAN FOOD FOREST GARDEN ¤ COMMUNIVERSITY CLASS #2309 A
Saturday, 25 June 2011, 2:00-5:00pm  -  $$
Rethink Energy, 2052 North 3rd St., Kansas City KS 66101

Learn how to mimic the structure and function of forest ecosystems using sheet mulching, layering, planting patterns, species diversity, guilds and more in this introductory workshop on small scale urban forest garden design.  Class registration fee of $14, plus bring $15 to class for materials.  CONVENER: Steve Mann (816-352-9213).  Register at UMKC Communiversity.  More info at Food Not Lawns KC, or.

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Current S.A.N. projects include:
1) Transition Kaw Valley - initiating transition to a relocalized post-carbon economy, and municipal-level Peak Oil response planning.
2) Kaw Permaculture Collaborative and Kansas Permaculture Institute - developing skills and resources for polyculture sustainable food production.
3) Eco Village Land Trust - Designing and focalizing a sustainable intentional community near Lawrence.
4) Growers' Land Trust - organizing interested stakeholders to acquire prime farmland in the urban fringe for land-based economic development and regional food security.
5) Weekly Sustainability Announcements - informing and encouraging others to become active in the Sustainability Action Network, or other action driven groups.
6) Water Rights and Watersheds - protecting the water commons, the source of all life, from privatization and contamination, and restoring our watersheds.
7) Electric & Human Powered Vehicles - promoting neighborhood electric vehicles and utility tricycles, including infrastructure and pro-active regulations.
8) Energy Conservation & Renewables - advancing a green economy through decentralized renewable energy and conservation.

9) Collaboration with sister organizations - such as: Films for Action; The Light Center eco-village; Kaw River Valley Food System farm-based economic development; Transition Kansas City; Citizens for Responsible Planning; Kansas River Valley Growers fighting for local water rights; national efforts by the Sustainable Energy Network; the Kansas City Food Circle, the All Species Project, and more.

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We welcome suggestions for items to be included.  Please send items to  

To subscribe to this newsletter, please click this link » Subscribe to the Sustainability Newsletter.  Enter your name and e-mail address, and follow the instructions.  The system will send you a confirmation message with a "Confirmation Link" which you MUST click in order to complete your subscription confirmation.  If you don't get the confirmation message, check in your junk mail folder for blocked as spam.

Sustainability Action Network, P.O. Box 1064, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

20110525 - Westport Plaza Farmers' Market - WEDNESDAYS - 4:30-7:30pm

              Come Experience the Westport Plaza Market
this Wednesday 4:30-7:30pm
@ Westport Rd. & Wyoming St. (KCMO)

$DOUBLE$DOLLAR$ with Beans & Greens - starting this week, food stamps EBT card holders can double their food dollars at the Westport Plaza Farmers' Market!

Yes, Just for the Taste of It We are taking back basic phrases in the English language which have been usurped by ubiquitous products. Phrases like "Just do it," "I'm lovin' it," or "It's what's for dinner," need to be free for all of us to use to convey our message. So, this week, it's "Just for the taste of it." That is why many people fall in love with farmers' market in the first place, right? It's a matter of taste. Yes, these markets support small, regional businesses. Yes, their practices may be more in line with what we think is best for our world. Yes, they are fun places to interact with the people who grow our food and other people in our neighborhood. Though, when it comes down to it, most people would not keep coming if the food didn't taste so darn good! Nothing store- bought can touch real, fresh vegetables, fruits and baked goods. __       We know you are a person of great taste and that's why we strive to bring high quality, delicious and beautiful seasonal goods to the market each Wednesday. Join us from 4:30 until 7:30 pm at the intersection of Westport Road and Wyoming Street in KC, MO. www.farmersmarketkc.org

Westport Plaza Farmers’ Market 

(was 39th St. Community Market) 

[SNAP EBT + Double-Value Beans & Greens]

Wednesday’s 4:30-7:30

May 4th Through October 12th, 2011

Westport Rd. & Wyoming St., the N.W. corner

(Immanuel Lutheran Church lot – click here for a street-view snapshot)

Contact = FreelingD (a) yahoo.com

http://www.FarmersMarketKC.org

The Westport Plaza Farmers' Market is Kansas City’s only midweek market providing organic and sustainably grown local produce and farm products.  You'll find grass fed beef, free range eggs and lamb, raw honey, heirloom tomatoes, hot peppers, vibrant greens, breads and sweet baked goods from homegrown and ground wheat, cut flowers and live music.   Stop by after work near the Plaza, Westport, the KU Medical Center or anywhere in midtown KC. Talk with the farmers as you stock up for the week. If you live in the neighborhood, stroll on over and bring the family!  New this year:  Vendors will be accepting Misouri Food Stamp cards for double thier value, thanks to the Beans and Greens Program .  The market will also be accepting debit cards for those who forget to bring cash.

Wednesdays from 4:30-7:30, May 4th through October 12th.

In Westport at the NW corner of Westport Rd and Wyoming St.

20110525 - Wednesdays at Waldo Farmers' Market - 3 to 7pm @ Waldo ReStore

From: http://www.wholesomewaldowednesdays.org/may-25-must-haves-from-the-market-for-memorial-day-weekend/

It might be rainy on market day, but the forecast for Memorial Day weekend is grand! So you will want to be sure to fill your picnic baskets with fresh organic food and be prepared to plant those gardens (finally!) Here are just some of the “must-haves” at the market this week….
Farm To Market Bread: Unique FTM breads like 6-pack hamburger buns, Sundried tomato, Roasted garlic, pumpernickel, rye, walnut loaf, raisin walnut, asiago, parisian with sesame,4 seed baguette, semolina rounds, kalamata olive, focaccia, grain batards, pretzel rolls, and grain rolls. Sourdough bread returns this week!

Stony Crest Urban Farm:

• Arugula, Snow Peas, Baby Carrots, Romaine & Leaf Lettuce, Pak Choi, Chard, Red Beet Greens, Scallions & more !
• Gorgeous peonies
• “Tumbling Tom” salad tomatoes in a hanging basket.
• Dwarf Potted Sunflowers for patio enjoyment or transplanting
• Sweet William, Daylilies & Hostas (Buy 3, Get a Stella D’Oro daylily free!)

Bear Creek Farm: Lots of heirloom tomato, veggie, berry and herb transplants. Lettuces, spring garlic, green onions, beets, Kale, asparagus, baby boc chio, possibly kohlrabi & broccoli.

Special Guest Vendors – this week only - New Roots for Refugees!Beautiful white turnips, spinach, lettuce, bright lights swiss chard, pac choi, green onions, fresh mint, & more!The New Roots program is a partnership between Catholic Charities of NE Kansas and Cultivate Kansas City to help refugee women start their own small farm business growing and selling vegetables.

NUTRESSANT: Organic  toothpaste, deodorant, soaps, shampoo, lip balm, lotions and more!

KC Fresh Connect: Jam, honey, noodles, goat cheese, cow cheese & salsa from the local, organic farms it represents.

One More Cup Coffee Shop will be back at the market next week. Rainbow Garden will return when the sun cooperates to grow more of those tasty micro-green mixes we were tempted with last week! Good You,  mobile organic eatery will be back soon. Fresher Than Fresh Snow Cones comes to the Waldo Market starting June 1st!!!!!!!!

Waldo Farmers' Market Wednesdays

May 4 - Aug 31, 2011

3pm – 7pm @ Waldo ReStore

303 W 79th St.

1 block east of Wornall & 79th (KCMO)

Especially convenient for residents of Waldo, Brookside, Southtown neighborhoods and Prairie Village, the new Waldo Market is a mid-week, after-work opportunity to purchase organically and sustainably grown fresh, local produce along with other specialties such as bread, coffee, and soaps.

Our season will run through August 31, 2011 with consideration for extending into September.

More information is available online at http://wholesomewaldowednesdays.com where weekly information will be added as the season progresses. We look forward to seeing you each Wednesday!