We are on the Vineyard this week, which is wonderful. It’s quieter here this year, results of a difficult economy no doubt. It was interesting to get Mr. Stycos’s update, which starts with a small piece on “Pigs on Drugs” and the good news that the farmers at the Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market sell organic eggs. I have been worrying myself much more of late about endocrine disruptors and their growing impact on human health.

But more on that later. From Mr. Stycos:

PIGS ON DRUGS

Seventy percent of the antibiotics given to US livestock are given to healthy chicken, pigs and cattle, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. The drugs make the animals grow more quickly and prevent illnesses. The Obama administration, however, hopes to change the practice because it encourages the development of drug resistant bacteria.

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter of New York is pushing legislation to reduce the use of anti-biotics on our food, according to the NY Times, but the move is opposed by agribusiness, particularly the pork industry. The Times says Slaughter’s bill is not likely to pass, but backers hope to incorporate its provisions in the upcoming health care reform legislation.

Although the Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market has no meat vendors, we have two farmers, Michele Kozloski of Zephyr Farm and Chang Xiong of Pak Express, who sell eggs. When Mike Dahlquist of Long Entry Farm joins the market later this month, he will also sell eggs. Talk with them about their farming practices and you will find their birds are not on drugs.

Also look for the movie “Food, Inc.” a critique of agribusiness, to learn more. The film will open in Rhode Island July 22 at the Jane Pickens theater in Newport. It will also be shown soon at the Avon in Providence.

WATCH HONEY EXTRACTION

Bernie Bieder, the Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market’s beekeeper will be extracting honey from one of his hives Wednesday July 22 at 7 pm if the weather is clear. No bees are involved and Bernie welcomes his customers and their children to watch the process.

Bernie lives at 140 Coldbrook Rd in Warwick. If you have questions, you may call him at 463-8654.

ILLUMINATIONS AFLOAT

Saturday July 25 the Pawtuxet Village Association will hold its third annual Illuminations Afloat event. The music starts in Pawtuxet Park at 7 PM. Boats will go in the water at 8 PM. If you come with a kayak or canoe (boats with motors are not allowed) remember that lifejackets or personal flotation devices are required. Also bring a light.

HALL LIBRARY OUTDOOR CONCERT

July 16th, 6 PM: The “Music on the Lawn” summer concert series continues at Hall Library with the popular Navy Band Northeast. Bring a chair and snacks and enjoy the jazz sounds of this exciting group of musicians.

GARDENING HELP NEEDED

The Pawtuxet Village Association Garden Group is looking for volunteers. Because of the recent heavy rainfall, they have not finished weeding, raking and mulching the flower beds in Pawtuxet Park. If you are able to lend a hand for a couple of hours before August 1, please call Carole Panos at 461-0705 or send her an email.

See you Saturday at the market.