AMURT and AMURTEL in Puerto Rico AMURT & AMURTEL are distributing supplies to people affected by Hurricane Maria near Anasco town on the western coast of Puerto Rico. We are working in collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico (Mayaguez) and a local organization, Brigada Solidaria del Oeste. Affected families still have the basic structure of their houses intact, but lost everything inside their homes. Hence, AMURT & AMURTEL have been providing basic supplies such as food, toiletries and solar lamps. Many of the communities have organized communal kitchens to feed themselves as cooking gas is in short supply and their stoves were destroyed by the floods. They still need more equipment for these kitchens.
AMURT & AMURTEL will continue to support the recovery of Puerto Ricans into the foreseeable future, and still need your help to continue getting supplies such as mosquito nets, feminine products, roofing materials, solar lamps and food to the people in need. Retreat in Monterrey, Mexico, September 15 17, 2017 The annual retreat in Monterrey was held in mid-september as per tradition. From September 15 17, 2017 about 20 Margiis came from near and far to enjoy the uplifting kiirtan, satsaunga and lectures. Dada Ciranandaji was the main organizer and made sure the program and the food had high standard. Dada Ragatmanandaji held a beautiful and uplifting sitar concert. The seminar talks were delivered by Dada Satyamitrananda with topics on Brahmacakra and Meditation, and was appreciated and enjoyed by the Margiis.
Over all, the retreat had a high spiritual vibration where everyone contributed to its success. This was yet another successful retreat in Monterrey, and we are looking forward to meet all of you again next year West Coast Pracar 2017 Following the success of the West Coast Mystical Tour 2016 Ananda Marga in New York Sector has organized also for the year 2017 a Pracar Tour which have touched Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Following are some of the images from the events. Led by Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta Sectorial Secretary of Ananda Marga in New York Sector the tour was joined this year by Acarya Muktatmananda Avadhuta who took time from his demanding food distribution activity in Los Angeles area. Together with them Acarya Satyamitrananda Avadhuta joined from Mexico where he is engaged in the relief efforts in Mexico
City and Cuernavaca areas. Finally Acarya Diiptimananda Avadhuta participated as last year to the efforts for bringing Ananda Marga philosophy and way of life to the communities of Southern California.
In the images above a meditation workshop held in San Francisco hosted by sister Reboack and Dr. Sachin which organized and promoted the venues together with Ragu Das and other local margi. Brother Mukunda joined the Pracar Tour coming from Portland and helped with his professional expertize in health and natural treatments.
At the end of the Tour in Los Altos Hills more Acaryas and margi joined for a vibrated Akhanda Kiirtan which served as prelude for the planning meetings of Acaryas of New York Sector.
Relief to survivors of Hurricane Harvey in Houston and surrounding areas AMURT and AMURTEL responded soon after the devastating hurricane pounded the Texas coast by mobilizing volunteers from across the US. Since then, the volunteers have been engaged in cleaning houses, distributing supplies and supporting survivors in Houston, Galveston and West Columbia. Harvey brought a different reality to people s lives, with many losing everything in their flooded homes. AMURT and AMURTEL volunteers joined hands with the survivors to go house-to-house removing sheetrock, insulation and wet furniture and piling it beside the road for removal by FEMA trucks. Then the volunteers sprayed the houses with bleach or vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to prevent the spread of black mold. Families living in one-story buildings had to move into shelters or hotels. Now that the shelters are closing, they are returning to face the grim reality. One month after the disaster, AMURT & AMURTEL volunteers are still organizing transportation for families to pick up supplies from various distribution centers. It is heartbreaking, but people have no choice but to throw away everything in their homes so they can create a new, healthy living environment. Tisha, one of AMURT s beneficiaries, is a single mother of two. Soon after the disaster hit, Tisha had to go to work every day after dropping off her kids at school. AMURT took care of cleaning her home and even provided a gift card so she could get essential supplies. It is a good feeling to build a bond of solidarity with people to give them the strength to keep going despite tremendous adversity.
Rustic Peach Pie Yield: one 9 to 10 inch pie Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Its peach season. Fresh off the trees. A simple pie made from a sweetened fresh peach filling that tops a single pie crust. The pie crust edges are lightly folded back over the peaches. No crimping is needed. Fresh or frozen peaches can be used. If frozen, defrost before using. 4 cups sliced peaches, frozen or fresh. If frozen, thaw before using Juice of one lemon 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon A crust for a single 9-inch pie, homemade or store-bought 1 tablespoon half and half or cream 1 tablespoon raw or granulated sugar
For added gloss, brush a small amount of melted apple jelly on the fruit. I left mine unglossed. (Photo by Jackie Garvin) Place peaches in a large bowl and add lemon juice. Gently toss. Add flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon to a small bowl and mix. Add flour mixture to peaches and gently mix. Roll out crust to a 12-inch circle on parchment paper or a baking mat and place on a baking sheet. Don t stress over the shape. It doesn t have to be perfect. Gently pour peaches in center of crust and spread out leaving approximately a 2inch border. Fold edges of crust over the filling. Lightly brush the edges of the crust with half and half and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in a 375 preheated oven for 55 minutes or until the crust is brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from oven and cool before slicing.