Summer 2014 Newsletter

So nice to have the beautiful warm weather and cool nights and the amazing show of flowers everywhere in the city. The peonies are out and just gorgeous. We are really enjoying the new bees that have settled in quite nicely in the Health Center garden. The medicinal garden planted by the Youth Program last summer is in full swing as well. Stop by and have a look if you are in the neighborhood. We have Lin Schaye to thank for design and supervision of the students as they prepared the soil and the pavers to create that garden. Mark Abrams has been busy in the garden this spring along with a few steady volunteers on mowing and weeding. We didn’t plan our usual Gardening Day in May this year, because of the Retreat and two other weekend events which filled the calendar. Anyone interested in getting into the garden as a volunteer just get in touch by email or phone!

Take Notice Please: The office will be closed July 14-18th. This means that someone will be checking phone messages about every 24 hours but there will not be shipments or meds to pick up for that week. Please try to get any refills you need before that time as Nora and Charles will be in the office the week prior and we will be back on July 22. What is the reason for all of this? Dr. Molly and Dr. Quentin are going to China for 2 weeks! As many of you know their daughter Lydia is studying in China for 2 years and they are going to visit her. We understand that there may be situations requiring medical attention during that time and recommend that you go to the ER or Urgent Care if it is something that can not wait. We thank you for your patience during that time.

We sent a notice around two weeks ago that Michael Rostker was undergoing testing and we thank eveyone for the good thoughts and prayers for the whole family. He is doing well but we are sad to report that he has a serious diagnosis and will be going through the treatments for that along with our supportive treatments as possible. His mother is experienced in hospital settings which is a plus, but of course, this is hard for any family to go through and we will all need to keep them in our thoughts. We will send around updates and requests as we hear what is needed.

We have several new families who have just joined the Patient Organization and we want to welcome them: The Brown Family, The Coulthard Family, the Wilson-Demeroth Family and Dwight Ebaugh. We are glad to have them in our organization and hope to see them at events as the months unfold.

This year we formed a new Advisory Board and had our first meeting in May. Ivelisse Page from Believe Big was in attendance, as well as the cancer researcher Kurt Zänker from Germany and many others from near and far. The group brought so many wonderful ideas to the meeting that we all are sure to carry this positive energy and inspiration with us for a long while into the future.

Our last Retreat Session in May was full and we have several patients ready to come in September for the next Retreat. We want to thank PO Volunteer Cassie Cammann for coming and doing massage during that time, and also Volunteer Cheryl Allen for coming to help each morning in the kitchen and Rosalyn Burke, Paul Villa and Seiji Ederson for jumping in to help as well. As we already mentioned, Mark Abrams took a lead role in the garden during the Retreat and harvested lots of stinging nettle for soup for the patients.

On another note, many of you may be aware that Samuel McMullen is running for City Council in Ward 3. He is running against two other candidates and as a student he is working hard to get the word out. He will be in the July 4th Parade so anyone who might be interested in a little bit of limelight is invited to join him during the Parade and the campaign in any way at all. His website is votemcmullen.com where you can find more information and updates on the campaign. It is interesting to see the political process in our midst.

Be sure to “like” Rudolf Steiner Health Center on your facebook for updates and interesting posts. There is also a Community Supported Anthroposophical Medicine page which you can like and follow as well. On our website we have a lot of helpful info and a blog which everyone is invited to join. Check out the new staff photos posted by Sara.

Upcoming Events:

Fall Open House date tbd: We will prepare the Health Center again for tours and information and to welcome interested folks. Let us know if you would like to be involved.

Fall Fasting Weekend date tbd: likely the second or third weekend in October

September Life Force Intensive Retreat is Sept 15-27th.

New Product Spotlight: Easy Artisan

A local company is producing sourdough rye bread mix! We have been experimenting with variations on the recipe at the Retreat with some really great results. The process of sourdough fermentation includes a very slow rising time which, like soaking grains, increases the nutritive value of the bread a great deal. The mix is easy to use, add warm water and stir, then let sit for 12-24 hours before baking. We have some in the shop for sale.