COMMUNITY IN MARIETTA,GEORGIA

It was wonderful to arrive in Atlanta and be met by such fine gentlemen from Marietta, GA that want to be part of the food security solution in their community.  This particular group has a wide variety of skill sets that together make a great team!!  We had 3 meetings and toured one potential location for their restaurant. I originally thought that the space we looked at was too large, but after sleeping on it feel that this group, with their skilled restaurant component and connection to their community could handle it.  I especially liked their unique pricing structure: a fixed price menu and a daily 'price your own/or complimentary menu( based on need) that is driven by a mix of their profits, extra donations or corporate/business sponsorship.  This team is really on the ball and I think will continue to move their project forward!!!  I look forward to staying in the loop and helping out if I can.

The Marietta, GA Community Cafe Team:( from left around the table) Brian, Andrew, David, Dan, Forrest, Tyler and me

Community in Manhattan

Leslie, the mysterious and brilliant astrologer

Photo of Abdi's book

I went with my friend to her acupuncture treatment with Abdi Assadi, a well known healer in Manhattan.  As soon as you walk into his reception area, you can feel peace.  As I was waiting for my friend I made a wonderful connection with his receptionist, Leslie who is a historical astrologer.  She is a wealth of knowledge and I felt like I also received a treatment just by accompanying my friend that day!!

Abdi Assadi has written a book called Shadows On The Path, which I think you would enjoy if you are seeking inner peace and awakening.

COMMUNiTY IN MANHATTAN

Hi there,
I am currently in Manhattan.  Yesterday I had lunch with documentary film maker Alice Elliot.  It was good to catch up and discuss future projects!!

Saturday there will be a street fair on Bedford and I will get to see Larry Seldman, 'The Collector of Bedford Street' again.  If you have not seen Alice's Academy Award nominated film it is well worth watching.  You will be inspired!

Documentary film maker, Alice Elliot

COMMON TABLE IN BEND, OREGON

Bob, one of the founders of Common Table right after receiving their outdoor seating permit!!!!

Common Table's own currency for meals!!!!!

Inside Common Table

I am visiting Common Table in Bend, Oregon.  They are a new community cafe and I will be here for a week consulting.  It is a very nice set up with all of the usual attributes plus a pub type atmosphere!!  I am very impressed with the community here and hope many of you will stop by if you are ever in Bend!!

COMMUNITY FUND RAISER FOR F.A.R.M. CAFE IN BOONE, NC !!!!!!!!!!!

It was an exciting weekend up in High Country!  I arrived in Boone, NC Friday evening and settled in at a charming Inn in Blowing Rock called the Ragged Garden.  They were kind enough to donate the room as part of their contribution to the FARM Cafe fundraiser.

Saturday morning Renee, Chris, Tracey and I met for brunch and talked about the evening event.  THIS GROUP REALLY HAS IT TOGETHER!!!!!  There are so many people excited about the project and involved.  They had many committees taking care of the food, silent auction, raffle, entertainment,...nothing was left undone.  It was time to just show up and let it happen!! 

At 3pm we could get into the venue and start setting up.  Everything went smooth!!!!

The evening was a HUGE success.  When the doors opened at 5pm there were already people lined up to get in.

Tracey unveiling the FARM Cafe fundraiser T-shirt!!

Shelly in the first One World Everybody Eats Summit T-shirt from New Orleans

Right at 5pm the crowds started to come!!!

One of the many local bands that performed on stage

I will just say the rest in pictures.

Community in Stuart, Florida

I am now in Stuart, Florida.  A place my mother and I have been coming to together for the last 5 years.

This year the local grocery which was just 1 block from our condo closed.  I was not surprised because each year I saw the store struggle more and more to survive.  This was a big deal for us since we do not keep a car here.  Fortunately since the day I arrived neighbors have offered to take me to the grocery store with them when they go.  My friends Dave and Jane Hutchins stopped at Publix on the way in from picking me up at the airport just so I could stock up.

Yesterday my friend Joyce called me and said her husband Don was going to the produce stand that afternoon, so be sure to give him a call later, he was waiting to take me.

I bought a ton of fresh produce for around $20. Example: 10 oranges for $1, 10 grapefruit for $1......

The Produce stand Don Staub took me to yesterday in Stuart, Florida

I realize now how hard it would be when the major grocery store goes out in a neighborhood , especially a low income one, where people do not have cars or access to efficient transportation, and there are no fresh fruit and vegetable stands near.  Are there any non profits yet that travel around to low income communities with a produce van?  I would like to do something like this if I get the opportunity as an outreach of One World Everybody Eats.  A sort of farmers market on wheels!!!  So much to do, so little time.

Community with the Sancta Clara Nuns in Canton, Ohio

Sister Gretchen and Sister Mary Ischmel having fun making the soup!!!!!

The best Tomato Soup!!

The third weekend of every month there is soup and bread for sale at the Santa Clara Monastery.  When I am home in Canton I like to help the Sisters.  We have fun making bread and soups and filling to go orders for three days. I love spending time with the Sisters. The environment is very peaceful.

They make a wonderful tomato soup, lentil, chicken noodle and wedding soup. Every soup comes with a bread stick. 

The money earned is used so that the nuns can sustain their monastery.  The sisters take special requests for prayers of the community and beyond. I learned today that they have been praying around the clock and each take a shift.  I forgot to find out how long this has been going on for.  I also heard they are turning their guest house into a small retreat center if you need a place to contemplate for a while.

Today I was filling orders with a woman and I thought she looked familiar......she was a high school teacher I had over 30 years ago!! Janet Tilletski.