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Perspectives from North of the 49th “I know this is going to be a great year for IAFP and its Members” The aftermath of Hurricane’s Katrina and Rita has certainly shown us the fury of Mother Nature. Our hearts and good wishes go out to everyone that has been affected by these hurricanes. Times like this cause us to reflect on life, be grateful for what we have, and realize that “caring is sharing”, and that it is “healthy to give”. Our Association members have always stepped up in times of need, and now is no exception. The Florida Association for Food Protection (FAFP) has set forth an international challenge to IAFP and to all IAFP Affiliates to step forward and support the hurricane effort. Toward this goal, FAFP started things off with a pledge of $1,000. They are also asking IAFP and all Affiliates to reach down deep and give to this effort. The efforts of FAFP should be applauded, and are a testament to the truly great nature of our Affiliates and our Association. I am pleased to report that the Executive Board of IAFP has also approved a $1,000 donation to the Red Cross to assist the relief efforts resulting from the devastation caused by both hurricanes. We hope that this donation will help in some small way to ease the suffering of people in the affected areas. We are also encouraging each IAFP Affiliate group and all individuals to consider donating to organizations designated to provide hurricane relief. We know that you will come through because IAFP Members have very big hearts! The IAFP Executive Board will also be looking at the possibility of providing some relief to those affected IAFP Members who may have annual dues coming up. We are discussing the possibility of developing an umbrella policy that would deal with all types of emergency situations or, in other circumstances where for some reason, Members do not have the means to pay their annual dues fee because of some extenuating circumstance(s). Getting back to our Affiliates for a moment, I cannot tell you how pleased I am that we have the “Kiwis”, as New Zealanders are affectionately known, on board as a new Affiliate, the “New Zealand Association for Food Protection.” Although the Silver Fern is better known as New Zealand’s “National Emblem,” the Kiwi is still the “National Icon” and part of New Zealand’s worldwide image. New Zealanders have been “Kiwis” since the days of the First World War. It’s a nickname bestowed by fellow Australian soldiers, and it stuck. Today New Zealanders’ identity as “Kiwis” is based around their national bird. Interestingly, the kiwi is a curious bird, as it cannot fly, and has loose, hair-like feathers and long whiskers. Largely nocturnal, it burrows in the ground, and is the only bird known to have nostrils at the end of its bill and literally sniffs out food! Some of you may have noticed that we are in the process of hiring a fourth Editor for the Journal of Food Protection. This is largely a result of the great success of the Journal of Food Protection! The Journal has grown to the point where our three current Editors are overloaded and feel that the quality of the Journal will begin to suffer without an extra Editor to provide additional strength. You can be rest assured that we will find a high caliber individual who will become part of our current great team of Editors and Reviewers! I cannot thank Joe Frank, John Sofos, and Mike Davidson enough, for all their hard work and great devotion to the Journal. In this regard, unfortunately, Bev Brannen, who has worked for many years with IAFP both on the Journal and with the Program Committee, decided on a career change and left us in the middle of September. I have personally known Bev for a number of years and was always impressed with her cheery disposition, excellent work habits and dedication to IAFP. On behalf of all IAFP Members, I would like to thank Bev for all that she has done for us and wish her nothing but the best, as she moves on to start another chapter in her life. Even though I live in the frozen tundra (according to Dr. Morrie Potter), I can be reached by E-mail at jeff_farber@hc-sc.gc.ca and would love to hear from you, eh! Quote of the month : All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man’s life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom. Albert Einstein Dr. J’s Science Tip of the Month: Great news for chocolate lovers! Recent studies suggest that “dark chocolate” can help prevent heart disease, ward off diabetes and may even reduce the risk of strokes and dementia by improving blood flow to the brain; it is the flavenoid levels that are important and these are the highest in dark chocolate, so look for bars that contain at least 70% cocoa solid or mass. Dark chocolate contains 5 times as much antioxidant activity as blueberries! The CATCH, as there always is in science; these bars are the most expensive and of course, remember – 100 grams of dark chocolate will add 470 calories onto that beautiful body of yours! Have a great month! |