4.8.05

Hi, All-

I read today about an iceberg that shifted loose, giving penguins the access they need to open seas to feed their young, potentially saving untold thousands from a painful and protracted death of starvation. Then I read about a virus that was passed from bats to pigs to humans, initiated by humankind’s destruction of the bats’ habitat. These things remind me to live simply, as the products I buy, the gas I use, often involve consequences I don’t even know about. Being vegan certainly means being humble.

Help the Seals
If you live near Denver and you get this message this evening (Friday, April 8), you may still have time to make it to Marks Lloyd’s Furs in Cherry Creek, on Josephine Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. RMAD is holding an hour-long candlelight vigil for the animals starting at 6:30 pm. The luster of moving to Canada is dulled by that country’s sickening seal hunt.

Greger Rocks
The good doctor packed the house last night in Denver. RMAD’s Ann Swissdorf, who coordinated the visit of Dr. Michael Greger (the Vegan MD), reports that almost 150 persons attended last night’s presentation on nutritional approaches to preventing cancer. A smaller, but equally enthusiastic, crowd greeted Dr. Greger on Wednesday night in Boulder. Thanks to Ann and her sidekick. Thanks to the Vegan MD. And thanks to the Boulder Bookstore and Vitamin Cottage.

Longmont…ers? Help Prairie Wildlife!
I don’t know what residents of Longmont are called, but I know I’m calling them out to help with upcoming changes to the city’s municipal code in regard to prairie wildlife. Contact Ruby at sealbee@netzero.net for more information. Do it soon! This effort is on the fast track.

Louisvill…ains? Prairie Wildlife Update
The City of Louisville is among those municipalities that are quietly killing prairie dogs. The latest report comes from Warembourg. Folks in Louisville: prick up your ears!

Front Range Prairie Wildlife
The Prairie Dog Coalition is holding its annual meeting on April 23. On the following day, April 24 (10am till 2pm), RMAD is hosting a roundtable on the urban/suburban prairie wildlife crisis. If you are interested in attending, please let me know. Seating will be limited, and it will be available to dedicated prairie wildlife advocates only. Thanks to Katy Reagan Oakes for putting this event together.

Several Persons Making a Difference
As you know, the vast majority of RMAD’s expended dollar is devoted to directly helping animals. In part, that’s because supporters such as Ruth Baranowski, Adrienne Lorantos, Val Traina, and Stephanie Downs volunteer their time to help RMAD go after grant funding. The RMAD grant-writing team has submitted several applications in the past six weeks. Their efforts help RMAD’s staff to keep our focus on helping pigs, chickens, prairie dogs, and salamanders.

Peace to you all,
Dave