Post 37

Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN 4/4/14

Last night, April 3rd, the third event was held at Happy Dancing Turtle in the series on food issues. The topic was Toxic Taters: "No more toxic taters: Transitioning to sustainable Potato Production in MN." The presenters were from the Pesticide Action Network, and included organizer Lex Horan; Carol Ashley; and Bob Shimek, from White Earth Reservation. With a short film and discussion, the problems of pesticide toxic drift were outlined, principally from the activities in the state by RDOffutt's growing and spraying practices in their potato farming in western MN. Since McDonalds is the main customer from this supplier, PAN is calling for pressure from that company to require RDO to reduce the use of harmful pesticides that affect animal life, fish life, bird life, probably human life. Of interest is the fact that RDO has now acquired 1600 acres of new potato cropland in Cass County, bringing this issue even close to home along with the potential problems. If you are interested in more information, go to www.toxictaters.org, or find them on facebook.

April 12 is the date for the Flower Service, at the Nisswa Library. It is held by many UU congregations in honor of Norbert Capek, martyred by the Nazis, and the originator of the Flower Service in Czechoslovakia in the 1920s. Bring a flower for exchange if you can, and some will be available as well.

Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Directoe