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I'd like to invite folks here to attend a talk and discussion that Norio Kushi is going to give on Sunday, January 10 at 4 pm in Boston on the topic of what macrobiotics means to him in the context of the work he is doing with the Natural Law Party and the movement against genetically engineered food. Location is Spontaneous Celebrations Cultural Center at 75 Danforth St. in Jamaica Plain. There will be a vegan macrobiotic dinner served afterwards, probably around 7:00 pm. [Read on for details…] I'm writing from Cambridge, Mass. where a number of us are organizing a Boston chapter of EarthSave, a national organization founded about ten years ago by John Robbins, well-known speaker and author of several books including the excellent Diet for a New America. EarthSave is a public outreach organization dedicated to educating people about the connections between diet and health on one hand and diet and the natural environment on the other. Many of us in the macrobiotic movement have understood for some time the political significance of the dietary choices we make on a daily basis, especially in terms of the smaller amount of natural resources required to sustain a plant-based diet. In EarthSave we take these political connections seriously and are attempting to find ways to act on them in the public sphere. We have also lately been alarmed at the profound pollution of the nation's waterways caused by animal agriculture such as hog farming and are attempting to bring a strong environmental focus to issues of diet. We are trying to draw connections between personal choices and political realities. John Robbins' works are full of compassion and in our work we try to keep his dedication to open-heartedness and integrity as well as to provide emotional support for each other as we do this work. I see my work in EarthSave as an extension of my macrobiotic practice, bringing it further into the public arena while keeping it firmly rooted in daily personal practice. To this end, I'd like to invite you to our next meeting where Norio Kushi, Michio's son, will be speaking. Norio has been working with the Natural Law Party for some time and has been actively working against the introduction of genetically engineered food and will be speaking to these topics. He will speak generally about what macrobiotics means to him and specifically how he is integrating his practice into these more political and 'social change' issues. This event will be held at Spontaneous Celebrations Cultural Center in Jamaica Plain. This multi-racial, multi-ethnic cultural center has been serving the local community for a number of years as a progressive center of the arts for both adults and children. The center is committed to spreading the word about vegetarianism and is eager to work with groups such as ours. Delicious vegetarian dinners are normally served at the Center's restaurant on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but the superb chef has graciously consented to cook one of her excellent vegan meals for us after our meeting on Sunday evening. Safiro came from Argentina to the Boston area a number of years ago to study macrobiotics and other healing arts and is involved in bringing the message of healthful food to the community in Jamaica Plain. Her meals are known for their balance and excellent taste. She is also one of the cooks at the annual New England Dance camp held every summer. Having eaten at the Center several times, I can testify that the meals are fabulous and the food plentiful. The dinner will be $7, probably served around 7:00. Safiro would like to have some idea of how many people she should cook for, so an email RSVP to me will be appreciated. (Also, if you can only come to Norio's talk, I'd appreciate a note as well.) The restaurant area at SCCC is unlike a ordinary restaurant in that the walls are filled with beautiful, multi-colored murals with scenes from all over the world. It's a wonderful experience. Spontaneous Celebrations is at 75 Danforth St. in Jamaica Plain. By T, take the orange line to the Stonybrook station. Walk to the right to the light, then cross the street and 30 yards up is Danforth. Driving from the Cambridge area, take the Jamaicaway and turn left on Perkins. Go to the rotary, take a right for one block, then take a left onto Paul Gore all the way to the bottom to Lamartine. Turn right and go to Boylston. 30 yards on the right is Danforth. From the Expressway, get off at the Roxbury exit. Drive a mile and a half to Tremont St. where you take a left. Go about 2 miles to Center St. where you take a right. You'll see Jackson Square. After one block take a left on to Lamartine. Take Lamartine to Boylston and 30 yards on the right is Danforth. Since our Boston chapter-in-formation needs 25 members before we can become an incorporated chapter, we're also hoping folks will be inspired to join. Membership is $35 per year or $50 for a family membership. I hope you'll contact other macrobiotic people who might be interested in this exciting event. I look forward to seeing people there. Rick Charnes |