8.10.05

Hello Animal Friends!

Lots going on as usual!

First, RMAD was in the media last week. Our perspective on plague made it into the Rocky Mountain News and our push for the study of prairie dog trap-neuter-release options versus lethal control was also covered in the Daily Camera.

We had a good turnout at last week's meeting regarding Boulder's Urban Wildlife Management Plan. RMAD is moving forward with a team to deal with issues related to the UWMP. Our goal is to prevent the city from instituting lethal control measures against prairie wildlife and perhaps birds and other animals. We still need volunteers. If anyone wants to help with outreach, fundraising, etc. contact Paula Lewis (animal8welfare@yahoo.com). We also need donations to support this effort.

The fur protests continue through the hot weather because the animals remain in cages all year before being killed in the name of fashion. Protest efforts are crucial now before the weather turns and people go shopping for the wrong items. Thanks to Ann for organizing and attending these every single week and for everyone who makes it out there!

RMAD members and activists attended the March of Dimes Demo on Saturday. We’ve been told it was very successful and lots of people stopped to ask questions. Cool!

The Compassion Club meets tomorrow night. If you would like to come, please email me and I’ll tell you where it is and how to get there. Therapist Catherine Zakoian will be there again to help us work through the issues we face as activists and compassionate people in an often uncompassionate world.

Thanks to the efforts of Lynn and Sarah of Three Little Figs, City Street Bagels has Tofutti Cream Cheese topping as an option for a cruelty-free start, middle, or end to your day. Look for the opening of Three Little Figs’ store in the next week and a half or so.

Volunteer opportunity of the week: We are looking for marketing help with the HealthCoop.org project. We’re preparing for the launch of this innovative and cooperative health site that exposes people to the bigger picture involved with a meat-based diet. If you are interested, please contact myself or Lindsey Sterling Krank at LindseyS@rmad.org.

Please let me know if I missed anything. Have a great remainder of your week.

- Chris

On the Calendar
8.13.05 Fur Demo
8.11.05 Compassion Club – An Activist Support Group
8.18.05 Happy Hour
8.20.05 RMPJC Yard Sale
8.24.05 Boulder Urban Wildlife Management Plan
9.23-9.24 Animal Care Conference
Ongoing Petition to Save Highlands Ranch Prairie Dogs
Ongoing Vegetarian Parents of Denver Meeting

Saturday, August 13: Fur Demo
When: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Posters and leaflets will be provided. Bring an umbrella just in case!
Where: Marks Lloyds Furs, 263 Josephine between 2nd and 3rd in Cherry Creek See directions below.
Directions: From I-25 take Speer South to University. Turn Left (North, see Whole Foods Market on your Right after you turn onto University). University turns into Josephine after you cross 2nd. Marks Lloyds will, be on your Left just before 3rd. Don't forget to buy a parking ticket to place on your dash board from one of the green parking boxes marked with a (P) that are located on each block. From 6th Avenue going East, or 8th Avenue going West. go South on York (a one way street) to 3rd. Turn Left (East) on 3rd. Josephine is the next street. Marks Lloyds is behind Little Ollies which you will see on the corner of 3rd and Josephine. Call 303-807-1886 if you need help with directions.

Sunday, August 7: HEALTH Potluck
When: 5:30 p.m.
HEALTH welcomes everyone, regardless of dietary preference, to share a plant-based meal (a meal free of animal products), while learning about a more compassionate lifestyle.
Where: Location: We will be meeting on the 2nd floor at the Highlands Methodist, on the corner of 32nd and Osceola, between Sheridan and Federal in Denver.
For the potluck, bring a plant-based dish (no meat, fish fowl, gelatin, dairy, eggs, honey or other animal derived products) to serve at least 8 people. A plant-based dish can be as simple as, cut up fruits or veggies or a bottle of natural apple juice to share. If you are new to the group, please to come as our guest and let us feed you. Those comfortable with plant-based, please feel free to show off, dazzle us with your talent and bring extra if you like. Also bring a serving utensil, your own place setting, your own drink and a recipe card (with some extras to share) listing the ingredients in your dish (Please note on your recipe card if your dish contains hydrogenated oils for the health conscience folks in the group and also if it contains common allergens such as nuts).
Directions: From the S.E., take Federal, North to 29th. Turn left (West) on 29th to Osceola and turn Right (North). Just before 32nd you will see the Church on the left and a parking lot on the right. You may park in the lot if there's room. You can also take Speer Boulevard, North to 32nd, then go West (left) on 32nd. From the N.E., take Federal, South to 32nd. Turn Right (W) on 32nd to Osceola, the lot will be on your left. From the West, take Sheridan to 32nd and go East to Osceola. The Church and lot will be on your right. 32nd, runs East from 13th and Ford in Golden all the way to Osceola, for those of you coming from Golden or the west side of town. It changes from 13th to 32nd somewhere behind the Coors plant. Go East on 13th and just stay on the main road.
Notes: We will be collecting a small donation (whatever you can afford) for the rent. They usually charge a $75 fee per use but they are being so kind to only charge us $30 + any extra we collect. Note: We might meet downstairs if no one else is using the big room. It is cooler down there in the Summer.
Questions? Call the RMAD office at 303-449-4422 M-F and leave a message for Ann or email anns@rmad.org.

August 11: Compassion Club – An Activist Support Group
What: Compassion Club – An Activist Support Group
Time: 7:00 pm to 8.30 pm
Where: For information, please contact Chris at chrisj@rmad.org.

August 18: Happy Hour
Says Mike: “Join us Thurs, Aug 18 at the Southern Sun for some suds and fun! RMADers and friends will gather to get to know each other and to chat, especially about successes in the animal rights arena. You don't have to like beer to come (they also serve Margaritas)!
You can eat, too; the Southern Sun (627 S Broadway, Boulder, just south of the corner of Table Mesa & Broadway) has tasty vegan and vegetarian apps and meals. We'll start to gather at 5; we stayed nearly four hours last time!
Note that happy hour is from 4 - 6, and they don't take credit cards. See ya there!”

August 24: Prairie Wildlife – Boulder Urban Wildlife Management Plan Meeting
The first public meeting of the Urban Wildlife Management Plan process will be held on Wednesday, August 24, from 6pm to 9pm at the West Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe. The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from the community on the goals for the plan, identification of issues, management philosophy and guiding principles for urban wildlife management. There’ll be only two public meetings on this issue. Please plan to attend! Mark this date on your calendars now! More details to follow.

September 22-24: Animal Care Conference
Grand Hyatt, Downtown Denver
RMAD to Participate on Panel
The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS) has worked for animals and animal care facilities for 13 years. This fifth annual conference addresses the need for assessing strengths and weaknesses, implementing effective management practices, building stronger, more sustainable organizations, and seeking common ground within the animal care, protection, and advocacy communities. The movement stands at a crossroad; in order to achieve significant progress towards bettering the lives of animals — not just now but in future generations — animal caregivers must be prepared to advance their goals of greater professionalism, more activism, increased collaboration, less isolation, more learning, and continually improving conditions and standards of care for the animals.
For more info: http://www.taosanctuaries.org/conference/conf2005.htm

Ongoing: Petition to save Highlands Ranch PDOGS
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/589867250
We only have until August 8th. PLEASE sign and pass on!

Ongoing: Vegetarian Parents of Denver Meeting
Vegetarian Parents of Denver meet the second Saturday of every month. We discuss a variety of issues, share resources and are even starting an organic food buying club. We welcome parents of children of any age. Bring the kids and we have a babysitter watch them in another room. Our next meeting is June 11 at 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. You can call 303 355 5272 or e-mail Laura Patrick (veganmom2002@yahoo.com) for directions. Or join our online discussion group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/compassionate_future/.

Rocky Mountain Animal Defense
2525 Arapahoe, #E4-335
Boulder, CO 80302
303-449-4422 / www.rmad.org

RMAD has been advocating for animals and serving the public since 1994.