Our August WAPF-Pasadena meeting was held at Nature Friends Clubhouse in Sierra Madre. A few newcomers and guests were among us, including our friend and neighbor, Orange County Chapter Leader Marsha Youde. The spread was delectable as usual, and a group of nearly 20 of us dined outside on the patio on a beautiful late summer's eve.
After a short but productive group discussion*, everyone convened to the meeting hall upstairs for an energetic and illuminating presentation by coveted local speaker David Barker. With enthusiasm, passion, and lots of good data, David enlightened everyone with provocative information about how numerous questionable ingredients and dietary recommendations made their way into our culture, government, and grocery stores. A little history lesson in the role of hearsay, propaganda, and public relations set the stage for a great presentation about many processed foods including vegetable oils, pastured dairy, soy, msg, and artificial sweeteners. For some of us, especially the newcomers, it was an eye-opening experience. For the more seasoned WAPF veterans, David's talk helped fuel the flame and keep our passion about traditional foods alive! If you didn't have a chance to make our August meeting, we highly recommend that you contact David to find out when and where he'll be speaking next. This is one presentation you don't want to miss!
Thanks to all who helped make our August meeting a success. Don't forget to check our Meetings page and note our upcoming potluck dinners on your calendar. See you in September!
* Chapter business included the announcement of Ethnic Nights - 4 meetings per year when we'll devote our food choices and demonstrations to the traditional cuisine of select regions around the world. Our first Ethnic Night is coming up in October when we'll be celebrating the culinary heritage of Germany. Then for January, Terri Cardinali and Elaina Luther have volunteered to lead a demonstration for Italian Night. For more information on upcoming Ethnic Nights, go to our Meetings page. Most importantly, if you know how to prepare a particular dish that celebrates your ethnic heritage, please consider volunteering to do a demo. Just contact Karen and you'll get on the schedule!
Another important announcement was made about presentations. We're always looking for help finding speakers to give presentations after our potluck dinners. If you know someone with knowledge to share about traditional foods, their preparation, production methods, or health benefits, please check our Meetings page for the schedule, and contact Karen to propose a speaker and a date.
Our group also decided to donate memberships to the Weston A. Price Foundation for Jaye, Ram, and Jen in thanks for all their hours of hard work organizing our amazingly successful Grass-fed Beef Buyers Club. In the spirit of recognizing volunteers, Karen took photos to place on our About Us page. Volunteers make this group happen, so the more you contribute, the better we are. Please contact Karen if there's a special skill or service you'd like to offer to our chapter. Our group, community, health, country, and environment will all benefit from your generosity with your time. We believe that everyone has something to offer, and we can all learn from one another.
If demos aren't your style, you can also contribute by finding good deals on traditional foods, and placing group orders to help everyone get a discount. That way, you're not only supporting our group, but also helping keep our precious farmers and natural food vendors in business. Many thanks go out to Kevin Coulter for organizing our Green Pasture Products fermented Cod Liver Oil Buying Group, and to Lois Williamson for coordinating our recent large purchase of pastured chickens from New Frontier Family Farm.
In the interest of growing a strong, productive, and influential chapter, we encourage you to share your skills & knowledge with our group, in whatever capacity you can. Every volunteer is appreciated. Now let's make some more wonderful things happen!
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