by Chef Wendell Fowler
“By gosh, gravy is my downright birthright.”
Traditional, albeit fatty foods make us feel good…temporarily, at least. With its big round molecules, ethereal greasy gravy feels good on the tongue as it carries the meats flavors and luscious, rendered mammalian body fat. (Cue salivation)
If gravy was not on the Sunday table as we grew up, we whimpered in disappointment. Growing up I observed my beloved grandmother as she fried chicken in an Iron skillet, pulled out the browned pieces, tossed in a handful of flour, cooked and stirred the roux, added chopped organ meat, and finally milk to create thickened, creamy giblet gravy: delicious magic.
‘God's gravy’ describes juices that emanate from meat joints during roasting served; i.e., au jus, similar to what is served with Prime Rib. Gravy originated in England. It was described as a sauce made from greasy pan juices that naturally flow from meat and vegetables during cooking. Before the advent of refrigeration sauces were created to disguise the foul taste of partially decomposed meats.
When I see gravy today, I’m grateful for a 2008 NY Times article quoting the world’s most esteemed cardiac specialists warn that eating animal fat is tied to colon cancer as well as heart disease. Treating animals with varies types of man-made hormones, illegal and nefarious compounds are a widely accepted practice within the miscreant U.S. meat industry. Tasty hormone pellets are regularly inbred in virtually all cattle. There’s a mind-blowing amount of growth hormones, antibiotics, insecticides, DEA residue, and a nightmare of unnatural aberrant compounds used in animal husbandry and milking procedures. www.factoryfarming.com) Like heroin, DEA is now illegal, however, clandestinely obtained. These toxins are stored for life in body fat, so, the more body fat you have, the more charming cancer-causing toxins you're storing.
The New England Journal of Medicine, reports that 88,751 women from 34 to 59 years old filled out questionnaires describing their diet and medical history. The women, all nurses, were followed for six years, and 150 of them developed colon cancer. The more animal fat the women ate, the more likely they were to get colon cancer. Those eating the most animal fat were nearly twice as likely to develop colon cancer as those eating the least animal fat. Book em’, Danno.
The viscous medium drowned whipped potatoes, stuffing, and anything that impeded its forward flow. Sure, it’s cool to cheat for one day, but the long term damage from such a poisonous sauce made from saturated fat take time to surface. Are you prepared to expose your holy temple to such risks?
Grandpa freaked us out by pouring gravy onto his pie and cottage cheese. Grandpa succumbed to cancer. As more naughty toxins from food and environment accumulate in our body's jiggling fat tissue, sooner or later our holy temple reaches the point of diminishing returns in specific areas of the body. Literally, the body is so satiated with toxins throughout its fat cells that these specific areas of the body are unable to reproduce or regenerate normal cells; big time trouble.
Is it time to derail the Gravy Train? Keep what comes into your body in its purist state. Curtail your ability to store toxic chemicals in fatty tissue and promote the regeneration of normal, vigorous cells by eating an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies, drink plenty of pure water or fresh juices, eat foods which are low in animal fat and high in fiber, breathe clean air, stay trim and fit, and exercise regularly. That’s what the Cosmos intended.
If you would like Chef Wendell to address your group or organization call (317)-372-2592 and visit www.chefwendell.com
Friday, April 9, 2010
Trusted Mentors Moves to Southeast
Trusted Mentors is a non-profit organization that uses the power of mentoring to help at-risk adults stabilize their lives and avoid homelessness. Now the agency has a new home in the Fountain Square neighborhood. Founded in 2003 as a program at Immanuel UCC, Trusted Mentors was launched to assist adults at-risk of homelessness by providing mentors to strengthen their support network. Preventing homelessness remains a key element in the agency’s mission, but in addition to expanding its office space, it has also expanded its mission to assist ex-offenders through mentoring.
Recognizing an opportunity to join the efforts to end homelessness, Jeri Warner serves as Executive Director at Trusted Mentors and says that the program is making a difference in the community. Though she notes that mentoring is usually seen as “youth-centered”, she believes that adult mentoring is just as effective. “Mentoring is highly valued in the corporate and professional worlds and our work is proving that mentors are just as important outside of a professional environment.”
Since 2003 the agency has grown to serve more than 125 at-risk adults from 12 different referral agencies across the city. By 2009, Trusted Mentors had outgrown its office space and found itself in search of a new home, and last July relocated to 872 Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square. A decision that Warner says has turned out to be a great fit. “Trusted Mentors is an up and coming organization and we’re excited to be in an up and coming neighborhood. We’ve already met some wonderful people and made some great connections and we look forward to growing in the Southeast community and involving our neighbors in our work. “
Trusted Mentors provides training for all of its mentors and hopes to develop its current location into a destination spot for mentors and mentees in the program; a place for them to share coffee, access the internet, and spend time together. “It’s important for people to have a place where they feel welcome, Warner said, “and we are in the right spot for that.” Trusted Mentors has bright future, much like the neighborhood it now calls home.
For more information about Trusted Mentors, visit their website www.trustedmentors.org, call the office at 985-5041, or stop by (872 Virginia Avenue).
Recognizing an opportunity to join the efforts to end homelessness, Jeri Warner serves as Executive Director at Trusted Mentors and says that the program is making a difference in the community. Though she notes that mentoring is usually seen as “youth-centered”, she believes that adult mentoring is just as effective. “Mentoring is highly valued in the corporate and professional worlds and our work is proving that mentors are just as important outside of a professional environment.”
Since 2003 the agency has grown to serve more than 125 at-risk adults from 12 different referral agencies across the city. By 2009, Trusted Mentors had outgrown its office space and found itself in search of a new home, and last July relocated to 872 Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square. A decision that Warner says has turned out to be a great fit. “Trusted Mentors is an up and coming organization and we’re excited to be in an up and coming neighborhood. We’ve already met some wonderful people and made some great connections and we look forward to growing in the Southeast community and involving our neighbors in our work. “
Trusted Mentors provides training for all of its mentors and hopes to develop its current location into a destination spot for mentors and mentees in the program; a place for them to share coffee, access the internet, and spend time together. “It’s important for people to have a place where they feel welcome, Warner said, “and we are in the right spot for that.” Trusted Mentors has bright future, much like the neighborhood it now calls home.
For more information about Trusted Mentors, visit their website www.trustedmentors.org, call the office at 985-5041, or stop by (872 Virginia Avenue).
OK…Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
The last article, which I wrote about homelessness in this publication, wasn’t given any credit to the writer. The mayor’s office or the city of Indianapolis took credit for getting half of the homeless people who were driven out and away from the Davidson Street underpass into shelters. As a matter of fact, only one of these homeless neighbors went into shelters; most scattered to the wind in many directions into many neighborhoods.
I realize the political spin of the official statement. Don’t make our leaders look callous or ignorant. Certainly not! The truth is that many hard core homeless are those who are mentally ill, alcohol or drug addicted, or ex-felons. Most of these individuals do not want to go into shelters and are also not accepted by shelters.
Most of the night time shelters are crammed full and the people’s time there is short and restricted in several ways. One of the restrictions in Indianapolis is that the shelters are Christian backed and funded and all within must attend and follow all Christian programming. There aren’t non-denominational or secular night shelters. The Horizon House, a day shelter, is funded by United Way and is a secular resource, which assists and welcomes many people.
This writer shall continue to strive for more humane accommodations for the ill and addicted. They do not belong “out of sight, out of mind”, but where help can be provided.
I’ll be working with the Coalition for Homeless Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) to continue to provide resources for all our neighbors. The Homeless Connect event at the Indianapolis Convention Center on March 23, 2010 was an opportunity for over a thousand people to obtain services including counseling for employment, housing, mental health, physical health, veterans services, legal aid, and a lunch. Many organizations had representatives to assist our residents. I hope that this event can be repeated regularly. What can you do to help?
Richard Campi
beauartnow@yahoo.com
I realize the political spin of the official statement. Don’t make our leaders look callous or ignorant. Certainly not! The truth is that many hard core homeless are those who are mentally ill, alcohol or drug addicted, or ex-felons. Most of these individuals do not want to go into shelters and are also not accepted by shelters.
Most of the night time shelters are crammed full and the people’s time there is short and restricted in several ways. One of the restrictions in Indianapolis is that the shelters are Christian backed and funded and all within must attend and follow all Christian programming. There aren’t non-denominational or secular night shelters. The Horizon House, a day shelter, is funded by United Way and is a secular resource, which assists and welcomes many people.
This writer shall continue to strive for more humane accommodations for the ill and addicted. They do not belong “out of sight, out of mind”, but where help can be provided.
I’ll be working with the Coalition for Homeless Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) to continue to provide resources for all our neighbors. The Homeless Connect event at the Indianapolis Convention Center on March 23, 2010 was an opportunity for over a thousand people to obtain services including counseling for employment, housing, mental health, physical health, veterans services, legal aid, and a lunch. Many organizations had representatives to assist our residents. I hope that this event can be repeated regularly. What can you do to help?
Richard Campi
beauartnow@yahoo.com
“Accurate census poll means cash for Indiana”
The headlines in March 9th editions of The Indianapolis Star, screamed at me and since cash has a nice ring to it I read on. The article pointed out how the census count affects the amount of federal funding states and local governments receive. “About 27% of the federal funding Indiana gets each year is distributed on the basis of census figures. Indiana got $7.4 billion in census-related funding in 2008. About 47,000 Hoosiers were not counted and that cost the state more than $227 million in federal funding. Indiana ranked 41st on a per capita basis in census-related funding. The bulk of census-guided federal assistance goes to state governments, making it particularly important that states do what they can to ensure everyone is counted.”
“The state is focusing on populations that are particularly important to educate, such as college students. Indiana is the country’s second-largest net importer of college students and many students incorrectly think they are counted on their parents’ census form. A full-time student living on campus or elsewhere should complete a form and report that residence. Local community leaders need to get involved in promoting participation.”
“Medicaid, funded jointly by the state and federal government, is the largest source of federal funding tied to census figures. Highway and other transportation funding is next, followed by housing programs and education grants.”
The Census is seeking people who would like to work on collecting information. For further information call 1-866-861-2010 or www.2010censusjobs.gov.
“The state is focusing on populations that are particularly important to educate, such as college students. Indiana is the country’s second-largest net importer of college students and many students incorrectly think they are counted on their parents’ census form. A full-time student living on campus or elsewhere should complete a form and report that residence. Local community leaders need to get involved in promoting participation.”
“Medicaid, funded jointly by the state and federal government, is the largest source of federal funding tied to census figures. Highway and other transportation funding is next, followed by housing programs and education grants.”
The Census is seeking people who would like to work on collecting information. For further information call 1-866-861-2010 or www.2010censusjobs.gov.
Flavors of the Southeast Side, by Claire Norton
Adding to the growing list of international cuisines offered in downtown Fountain Square, the newly opened Red Lion Grog House brings a taste of old English fare. Located in the historic Murphy Building, this revamped space nestles in nicely with its surroundings. With its comfortable atmosphere and kind, easy service some might be fooled into thinking it’s been around forever.
In addition to the widescreen TVs that televise all major sporting events, this venue also offers live entertainment weekly. While a fine place to have a pint and watch a game, it’s also a great place for lunch or dinner with co-workers or friends.
The Red Lion’s hearty menu that boasts items like Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips and Bangers and Mash causes ordering to be a feat. With so many rich entrees it’s hard to decide. But with a bar that serves a unique assortment of imported beers as well as fine wines, you might be wise to let your drink selection help choose the right meal for you.
Always believers in going all out when we eat, my husband and I selected the Shepherd’s Pie and the Chicken Pot Pie dinners. The rest of the gang ordered burgers and sandwiches and provided abundant raves for the hand-cut chips (and the rest of the meal, of course). As expected, the meals are heavy. The sauces are salty. There is plenty of meat and cheese on nearly every dish. Although probably not ideal for vegetarians, the Red Lion does offer a portabella sandwich and entrée options. The lone vegetarian among us loved her meal.
For a look at the menu and what’s on tap, visit the Red Lion Grog House online at www.RedLionGrogHouse.com.
In addition to the widescreen TVs that televise all major sporting events, this venue also offers live entertainment weekly. While a fine place to have a pint and watch a game, it’s also a great place for lunch or dinner with co-workers or friends.
The Red Lion’s hearty menu that boasts items like Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips and Bangers and Mash causes ordering to be a feat. With so many rich entrees it’s hard to decide. But with a bar that serves a unique assortment of imported beers as well as fine wines, you might be wise to let your drink selection help choose the right meal for you.
Always believers in going all out when we eat, my husband and I selected the Shepherd’s Pie and the Chicken Pot Pie dinners. The rest of the gang ordered burgers and sandwiches and provided abundant raves for the hand-cut chips (and the rest of the meal, of course). As expected, the meals are heavy. The sauces are salty. There is plenty of meat and cheese on nearly every dish. Although probably not ideal for vegetarians, the Red Lion does offer a portabella sandwich and entrée options. The lone vegetarian among us loved her meal.
For a look at the menu and what’s on tap, visit the Red Lion Grog House online at www.RedLionGrogHouse.com.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall Off Broken Sidewalks
In 2009, Jeff Miller, Fletcher Place resident and SEND Board member, spearheaded an assessment of every street and sidewalk in Southeast Indianapolis. What Jeff discovered was shocking. While 13% of the residential streets in Indianapolis were in disrepair, over 35% of streets in Southeast neighborhoods were in need of attention. While 25% of the sidewalks in the city were substandard, over 40% of the sidewalks in Southeast neighborhoods were missing or in need of replacement. These statistics proved what many Southeasterners have known for years – we’ve been neglected.
How can our neighborhoods be so far behind others? Why do some neighborhoods in Indianapolis receive governmental attention while others are allowed to disintegrate? How is it possible that the 30,000 residents of Southeast neighborhoods aren’t receiving the same service as those living in Meridian Kessler?
In fairness, the answer is complicated. Resources are limited. City officials blame the age of our infrastructure and the high cost of repair. They say their hands are tied. They don’t publically acknowledge other factors – the low voter turnout in our neighborhoods, a low homeowner rate and property tax base, and that we have few wealthy and connected residents. The truth is that we’ve been easy to ignore.
This is especially true when we don’t work together. The Southeast neighborhoods (Bates Hendricks, FACT, Fletcher Place, Fountain Square South, Irish Hill, North Square, SECO, Twin Aire, and WeCan) have all been successful at addressing minor issues within their boundaries. There are many dedicated, hard working people in all of these associations. Unfortunately, we have not always been very good at addressing major issues together. We have not spoken with a unified voice to City Hall.
However, in 2010, this may change. In January, neighborhood leaders began talking about how we can better work together. How can we pressure institutions and government officials to care about our broken streets and sidewalks? How can we identify other issues and problems we all share? How can we do this in a way that avoids the petty turf issues of the past? How do we hear each other and then speak with one voice? One possibility used by similar neighborhoods in other cities has been a neighborhood congress.
A neighborhood congress is a periodic gathering of anyone who lives, works, or cares about a specific neighborhood. It is a chance to celebrate accomplishments, acknowledge failures, identify arising concerns, and agree on unified action. It is an opportunity for people to speak and vote. It is a place where people can unite around certain actions. And the more who gather, the more powerful their voice.
On Thursday, April 22nd, from 7-9 p.m. at the Fountain Square Theatre Building, we will hold the first Southeast Neighborhood Congress. We’ll celebrate accomplishments like the sidewalk and street assessment. We’ll acknowledge efforts that have failed. We’ll discuss new concerns and consider further actions. For too long, the city of Indianapolis, local foundations, and institutions have ignored the plight of Southeast Indianapolis. It is time for that to change.
For more information about the neighborhood congress, contact Jim Mulholland at 503-5852. To view the street and sidewalk assessment, go to www.sendcdc.org/psinfrastructure.html.
How can our neighborhoods be so far behind others? Why do some neighborhoods in Indianapolis receive governmental attention while others are allowed to disintegrate? How is it possible that the 30,000 residents of Southeast neighborhoods aren’t receiving the same service as those living in Meridian Kessler?
In fairness, the answer is complicated. Resources are limited. City officials blame the age of our infrastructure and the high cost of repair. They say their hands are tied. They don’t publically acknowledge other factors – the low voter turnout in our neighborhoods, a low homeowner rate and property tax base, and that we have few wealthy and connected residents. The truth is that we’ve been easy to ignore.
This is especially true when we don’t work together. The Southeast neighborhoods (Bates Hendricks, FACT, Fletcher Place, Fountain Square South, Irish Hill, North Square, SECO, Twin Aire, and WeCan) have all been successful at addressing minor issues within their boundaries. There are many dedicated, hard working people in all of these associations. Unfortunately, we have not always been very good at addressing major issues together. We have not spoken with a unified voice to City Hall.
However, in 2010, this may change. In January, neighborhood leaders began talking about how we can better work together. How can we pressure institutions and government officials to care about our broken streets and sidewalks? How can we identify other issues and problems we all share? How can we do this in a way that avoids the petty turf issues of the past? How do we hear each other and then speak with one voice? One possibility used by similar neighborhoods in other cities has been a neighborhood congress.
A neighborhood congress is a periodic gathering of anyone who lives, works, or cares about a specific neighborhood. It is a chance to celebrate accomplishments, acknowledge failures, identify arising concerns, and agree on unified action. It is an opportunity for people to speak and vote. It is a place where people can unite around certain actions. And the more who gather, the more powerful their voice.
On Thursday, April 22nd, from 7-9 p.m. at the Fountain Square Theatre Building, we will hold the first Southeast Neighborhood Congress. We’ll celebrate accomplishments like the sidewalk and street assessment. We’ll acknowledge efforts that have failed. We’ll discuss new concerns and consider further actions. For too long, the city of Indianapolis, local foundations, and institutions have ignored the plight of Southeast Indianapolis. It is time for that to change.
For more information about the neighborhood congress, contact Jim Mulholland at 503-5852. To view the street and sidewalk assessment, go to www.sendcdc.org/psinfrastructure.html.
901 Farmers Market Opens in May
People are becoming aware of the types of food they eat, where it is grown and how it is transported to their local market. The availability of such information encourages health-conscious shoppers to seek locally-grown foods. Farmers markets give residents access to fresh produce and provides an outlet for local farms.
The 901 Farmers Market will be opening for its second year in the Fountain Square neighborhood. The Market will be open from noon-3pm on every other Sunday starting Sunday May 23rd, and continuing through October. It will be held in the Southeast Community Services Center parking lot at 901 South Shelby Street. Fresh and locally-grown produce, free-range eggs, annual and perennial plants, herbs, freshly baked desserts and artwork are among the items that will be for sale. A flea market will be held as well on and off throughout the summer season.
When planning your garden this year why not plant a couple more rows and sell it at the Market?! Artists are encouraged to sell their artwork too. Spaces are available for $10. For more information contact Kate Voss at 317.972.4988 or Terri Garcia at 317.236.7400.
The 901 Farmers Market will be opening for its second year in the Fountain Square neighborhood. The Market will be open from noon-3pm on every other Sunday starting Sunday May 23rd, and continuing through October. It will be held in the Southeast Community Services Center parking lot at 901 South Shelby Street. Fresh and locally-grown produce, free-range eggs, annual and perennial plants, herbs, freshly baked desserts and artwork are among the items that will be for sale. A flea market will be held as well on and off throughout the summer season.
When planning your garden this year why not plant a couple more rows and sell it at the Market?! Artists are encouraged to sell their artwork too. Spaces are available for $10. For more information contact Kate Voss at 317.972.4988 or Terri Garcia at 317.236.7400.
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