Ashland – ?Three Ashland groups, the Ashland Farmers Market, Transition Ashland, and the Ashland Board of Health, are cooperating to present an eight-part Ashland Library “food and health” film series, sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.
All films will be held at 7:00-9:00 pm in the Ashland Public Library Community Room, 66 Front Street, Ashland. Admission is free. Viewers are invited to stay for discussion, and all ages and all points of view are welcome.
The series begins on April 11 with Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives, which presents the case against genetically modified food. Based on the book by Jeffry M. Smith, Genetic Roulette uncovers the health risks of genetically modified foods. The film features interviews with farmers, scientists, physicians and educators and examines the significant connection between GM food and the rise of birth defects, autism, allergies and intestinal damage.
Several guests will participate in the moderated discussions, including Lisa Beaudin, director of nutrition for the Ashland schools.
“Showing these films,” Beaudin said, “is a way to spread the word that health is indeed our greatest asset, and we do have the ability to make the right choices for ourselves and our community.
“I'se seen a rise in the number of students with life-threatening food allergies, celiac disease and type 1 diabetes,” she added. “Also, many children have other issues that affect their lives, including learning disabilities and ADHD.? All of these have increased since the advent of GMOs in our food supply.? Contributor or coincidence?”
She urges folks to come watch the films and weigh in with their thoughts.
Another guest participant will be Leah Marshquist from Transition Ashland, one of the series supporters. Marshquist believes that we need a food system that is built around community and health and raises the quality of life for all.
“As I learn more and more about our industrial food system,” she said, “I see that it is not enough to just avoid this food or that brand or that restaurant — the whole system is broken.? Some people feel powerless about the situation asking, “What can we do? There is no avoiding it.” I say, let's take our power back.? Let's work on building our own local food system.”
The Documentary Film & Discussion Series meets every second Thursday and fourth Tuesday of the month for an in-depth look at important topics of our day. The moderated discussions are often lively and thought provoking. All points of view are welcomed. For more information, call the library at 508-881-0134 or visit www.friendsoftheapl.com.
Film Schedule
Thursday, April 11 – Genetic Roulette (90 min) Scientists warn GMO health risks are real and that the U.S. population is on the wrong side of a dangerous gamble.
Special Guests:
????????????? Christine Graham, Ashland High School biology, marine biology & environmental science teacher
????????????? Lisa Beaudin, Director of Nutrition Services, Ashland Public Schools
????????????? Peg and John Grimes and Leah Marshquist of Transition Ashland, an effort to strengthen local economy and community
Tuesday, April 23 – Forks over Knives (92 min) Examines the claim that most, if not all, common degenerative diseases can be controlled, or even reversed, by adopting a whole foods, plant-based diet.
Special Guests:
????????????? Lisa Beaudin, Director of Nutrition for the Ashland Public Schools
????????????? Peg and John Grimes of Transition Ashland, an effort to strengthen local economy and community
Thursday, May 9 – Planeat (72 min) Features Dr. T Colin Campbel exploring diet and disease, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn using diet to treat heart disease, and Professor Gidon Eshel investigating food choices, global warming, land use and oceanic dead zones.
Special Guests:
????????????? Christine Graham, Ashland High School biology, marine biology and environmental science teacher
????????????? Leah Marshquist of Transition Ashland, an effort to strengthen local economy and community
Tuesday, May 28 – Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead (97 min) Two fat guys, one nearly 400 pounds, change their lives with a diet of fresh vegetables and fruits juicing.
Special Guests:
????????????? Lisa Beaudin, Director of Nutrition Services, Ashland Public Schools
????????????? Matt Marshquist of Transition Ashland, an effort to strengthen local economy and community
Thursday, June 13 – Simply Raw (96 min) Six Americans are challenged to diet on vegan, organic, uncooked food diet for 30 days to reverse diabetes without pharmaceutical medication.
Special Guests:
????????????? Lisa Beaudin, Director of Nutrition Services, Ashland Public Schools
????????????? Carol Bartley of Transition Ashland, an effort to strengthen local economy and community
Tuesday, June 25 – Dying to Have Known (80 min) Patients, scientists, surgeons and nutritionists testify to the effectiveness of the Gerson Therapy in curing cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Special Guest:? Kristen Giessler of Transition Ashland, an effort to strengthen local economy and community
Thursday, July 11 – Healing Cancer from Within (120 min) Explains common misconceptions about cancer and shows how diets designed to fight cancer are more successful than conventional treatments.
Special Guests:
????????????? Christine Graham, Ashland High School biology, marine biology and environmental science teacher
????????????? Peg Grimes and Leslie Githens of Transition Ashland, an effort to strengthen local economy and community
Tuesday, July 23 – Genetic Roulette (90 min) – Scientists warn GMO health risks are real and that the U.S. population is on the wrong side of a dangerous gamble.
Special Guests:
????????????? Christine Graham, Ashland High School biology, marine biology and environmental science teacher
????????????? Valerie Paul of Transition Ashland, an effort to strengthen local economy and community
