Monday, August 25, 2014

Post 53

Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN 8/25/14

A quick note today. We sent out letters to all the UU congregations in Minnesota, asking for input on developing a day to honor the native Americans in our state, as an alternative to Columbus Day, on the first Monday in October. It will take legislative action to change the statute governing holidays, so work is cut out already. In addition, our President drafted a proposed proclamation for the Governor, declaring that date a day to honor native populations. We do not expect that action will take place by the legislature for this year, but can start planning strategies to act together on this issue. Governor Dayton could proclaim the day for 2014, as this submission is in time for him to do that. He is in election campaign mode at the moment; we will see what happens. If not this year, we can resubmit until it happens! more on this as things develop.

Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, news director NUUF 218-587-2543

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Post 52

Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN 8/21/14

Greetings! Last night, Honor the Earth held their Pine River event at the Commons, Pine River-Backus school. After a very successful meeting in Brainerd on Tuesday at the Arboretum, the Horse Ride traveled here to meet with supporters of the Pipeline Protests, share a potluck supper, and talk about the current state of affairs at the PUC, still in process of approving or modifying routes for the pipelines to cross Minnesota. It is clear Enbridge is going full steam ahead "as if" it is all done in their favor. However, according to Winona LaDuke, in her presentation, protests have made significant impacts, in that the whole process has been delayed, giving an opportunity to develop opposition and encourage a moratorium movement. If you go to Honor Earth's webpage, there is a petition you can sign to support this effort.....NUUF's part in all this was to find a location for the speakers and for the horses to pasture overnight. Barb Kaufman was the point person, and worked many hours to bring it about. We also set up the supper table, provided drinks and utensils, etc. Little enough, considering the issues at stake. We were entertained by Annie Humphrey, native singer, and young men performing some native songs. I did not catch their names, but obviously very talented. Many of the riders joined us later in the evening...and we were happy to see formerly active UUs, Union Church people, Grand Rapids UUs, and lots of others in the audience. Preaching to the choir, actually, but that is good and sustaining and heartening.

The September newsletter will be out shortly, looking ahead to a great fall.

Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Post 51

Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River  8/06/14

Greetings! today NUUF members met with Happy Dancing Turtle to plan for the fall Feast, Film & Forum series of events on food preservation. The dates are: Sept. 11, Sept. 25, Oct. 9, and Oct. 23. Starting with an optional potluck at 5:30, the programs will begin at 6pm. The topics are: Seed Saving; Alternative Preservation; Herbs for Health; and AgroForestry. There will be films and panels to provide information and discussion. We are hoping to see all the gardeners from the spring and others interested in safe food growing and preservation. To start off, our Barb Kaufman will share from the recent workshops at Seed Savers, and their enthusiastic work in this field. All the meetings will be held at the HUG campus just off 371 west of Pine River.

In other news, plans are proceeding for the Honor the Earth Horse Ride to be coming through Pine River on Aug. 20. The meeting will be held at the PR-B school Commons from 6-8, potluck, with speeches and music. Thanks, Barb, on all your work on this!  The September newsletter should be out the last week of the month.

Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung news director  218-587-2543