Looking Back At StoveTeam's Inception, Don Steely Shares His Journey With StoveTeam

In this chapter of our story series, Don Steely, an instrumental volunteer and supporter of StoveTeam, shares his introduction to StoveTeam. This narrative embodies the genuine connective force that Rotary exerts among change-makers across the globe. It also highlights our long-time partnership with Gustavo Peña, StoveTeam's first local partner in El Salvador.

“In 2005, I had just moved back to Eugene from Fiji and was looking for a Rotary Club to join. I went to a Southtowne meeting, introduced myself and stated that I was coming from the Rotary Club of Savusavu.

Nancy raised her hand and said she’d been to the tiny out-island town of SavuSavu, and then invited me on a StoveTeam trip to Guatemala. Four months later, I found myself working with Diego smashing an old concrete platform in the corner of his tiny house so we could install his new cookstove –at the time we were installing stoves made by a different organization. His appreciation and that of his wife were palpable, as was the gratitude of the other five homes where I helped install stoves on that trip. There was such incredible satisfaction and joy from making their lives easier–it felt like a privilege to be able to help these people who had so little. I was hooked.

Fast forward about a year, and Nancy, Gerry, Gail and I were in El Salvador with Gustavo going around to various government organizations and NGOs showing off StoveTeam International’s new rocket stove design by Larry Winiarski. It’s a hit-- the response is overwhelmingly positive. Suddenly that satisfaction, that feeling of privilege from installing one stove in one home exploded to, OMG, look at what we have started.

There were many trips to El Salvador to set up that first factory. We made a lot of mistakes and were frustrated by the many delays and setbacks, but Gustavo was patient and marshaled us through. We learned about making a small factory both physically and fiscally successful and even redesigned our stove. Through it all, we never lost that realization that what we had was the privilege of significantly changing people’s lives for the better.”

–Don Steely, Instrumental Supporter of StoveTeam & StoveTeam’s Beginnings

This reflection is a part of our “SMOKE: The Flavor of Guatemala” Story Series. With this story, we would like to share another recipe from our special edition cookbook, “SMOKE: The Flavor of Guatemala”. To receive your copy of "SMOKE: The Flavor of Guatemala" visit our website.

Capturing The Heart, Soul & Flavor Of Guatemala

In January 2022, Guatemalan photographer, Roberto Sacasa, worked with Stove Team staff and Founder, Nancy Hughes, to capture the bounty of Guatemalan agriculture for StoveTeam's cookbook, “SMOKE, the Flavor of Guatemala”.

As a Guatemalan photographer, I have traveled the country photographing everything, so I can assure you our culture is full of color and textures, not only in our people, clothing, and architecture but also in our food. Our food is the most colorful of all. The task of photographing so many interesting and local ingredients, capturing their essence, and portraying their natural beauty, texture, and flavor through a photograph was paramount and challenging but with good company and good music, it went by with lots of laughter. After 22 years in photography, I can say that through this book I know you will be able to see, feel, and understand so much of the flavors of Guatemala. Photography has led me to some really interesting places worldwide, but working on something that hits so close to home was very meaningful to me. The colors and texture of the food and ingredients come through in this book. But trust me, make some time and come try them yourself.

-Roberto Sacasa, Guatemalan Photographer & Founder/CEO of Roberto Sacasa -Video + Photo

In celebration of our new cookbook, “SMOKE: The Flavor Of Guatemala” we are sharing a recipe for Jardineras, a traditional Guatemalan enchilada dish that incorporates vibrant and flavorful ingredients grown in Guatemala. Visit our website to receive your book today!

Gerry Reicher Reflects On His Time In The Field

When I first visited the houses in Central America it was very distressing but at the same time surprisingly wonderful.  Houses were made of what was available. I often saw corn stalks wired together for inner and outer walls. Frequent roofing was a hard, wavy (for drainage) plastic or metal sheeting. Covering the ceilings, there were black/brown oily wood-tar stalactites; they smelled intensely of wood smoke.

The houses were usually one room and about the size of a bedroom in a modest U.S. house. Somewhere on the floor would be an open fire surrounded by three rocks. The mother of the house spent a great deal of time by the fire; she was often carrying the youngest child, and her older children were always close by. 

There was often something against the wall used to stack household and clothing items. Near the fire there was a way to stack up a few cooking utensils. In these homes, there was amazingly little of anything. If there was a decoration it was probably a religious figure. There was usually a pan or two (including something to make tortillas) and a pot or two.    

The children amazed me. They had almost nothing to play with, yet they were laughing and frequently playing. The little ones were often attached to mom and if they were older, always near mom. The older ones were quite frequently playing, laughing and smiling - without a single electronic anything; they got along well and rarely complained. A community might have one soccer ball to share. 

When I came back to check out a new stove, the mother was very often smiling and would tell us that she felt so much better because she could breathe.

This was a very exciting time for me and it seemed that we could really make a substantial impact on half the world's breath. 

– Gerry Reicher, Volunteer and Founding Board Member, StoveTeam International

To accompany Gerry’s reflections from the beginning of StoveTeam, we would like to share our tortilla recipe from our new cookbook, “SMOKE: The Flavor of Guatemala”.

In Guatemala, tortillas aren't just a staple food; they're woven into the fabric of family and tradition. These thin, round discs made from corn are more than a Guatemalan staple—they represent connection, heritage, and the heart of the family. The process of making tortillas is an art passed down through generations, often starting in childhood.

Get your copy of “Smoke: The Flavor of Guatemala” today.

Craig Gutowski, StoveTeam's Champion In The Hearth Industry

We continue our “Smoke: The Flavor of Guatemala” Story Series with a story recounted by our champion in the hearth industry, Craig Gutowski.

After traveling in Nepal and Tanzania, I looked into the global problem of open-fire cooking and was astounded by the enormity of the health and social implications. I reached out to the people at Aprovecho Research, and they highly recommended that I contact Nancy Hughes at StoveTeam International. Nancy invited me to sign up for the March 2019 StoveTeam Trip to Antigua Guatemala and I jumped on it.

I invited Nancy to come up to our annual meeting of Ontario, Canada hearth dealers and give a presentation on StoveTeam International. It was very well received and we signed up a number of hearth retailers to support our StoveTeam International program. The program enabled the customers of our dealers to donate a StoveTeam International Ecocina stove for half its cost. Our local dealers, the Foundry, and our partners at ICC Chimney shared the cost of the other half. 

Over the course of the year we had a handful of dealers who strongly supported the program. One of our dealers donated more than 70 stoves, and by the year end we had a grand total of 270! That is enough to transform the lives of a couple Guatemalan villages. 

On this increasingly connected planet, I believe the time has come for the hearth industry to take a small part on the world stage. I hope our experience can serve as a catalyst for others who might want to involve their personal or business networks in a StoveTeam International program.

— Craig Gutowski, The Foundry, Ontario, Canada

Craig championed StoveTeam International and worked hard to introduce StoveTeam to his colleagues in the hearth industry and in 2020 the HPBA, Hearth, Patio, Barbecue Association of North America, and HPBA-Canada, adopted StoveTeam International as a Charity of Choice. In 2022, hearth industry partners came together and sponsored 1,000 Justa stoves for families living in rural regions of Guatemala. Our efforts continue in 2023 as HPBA & HPBAC’s 2023 Charity of Choice, we have once again challenged the hearth industry to sponsor 1,000 Justa Cookstoves for Guatemala.

You can find more stories from our supporters in “Smoke: The Flavor of Guatemala”.

Introducing, "Smoke, The Flavor of Guatemala" & Stories From StoveTeam International

Dear Friends of StoveTeam International,

I am thrilled to announce that StoveTeam’s very first cookbook, "SMOKE: The Flavor of Guatemala" is ready for you to enjoy. This cookbook was conceived with a powerful purpose to shed light on the devastating global issue of open-fire cooking as well as to showcase the abundance and beauty of Guatemala and its remarkable people. 

Cookbooks are not just recipe guides; they are windows into the heart and soul of a culture, a region, or a cause. Through these pages, you'll find a captivating collection of recipes and stories that reflect the heart and soul of Guatemala, a land filled with rich traditions and flavors. In it, we also tell the story of StoveTeam International and the many dedicated volunteers and individuals who invested their time and energy to bring clean cooking solutions to families in Latin America. While we gathered a treasure trove of stories from supporters, cooks, farmers, and staff during its long production, we couldn't include them all. Over the next months, we'll be sharing some of these remarkable stories and recipes with you. 

With "SMOKE," we hope to grab your attention and we hope that you'll join us in spreading the word to others about StoveTeam’s work. By purchasing this cookbook, you are not only treating yourself to a delightful culinary adventure but also contributing to StoveTeam International's life-saving work. Through your support, we are saving lives, creating jobs, and protecting the environment, one cookstove at a time. 

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. Your support is invaluable, and we are immensely grateful for it.

Sincerely,

Shelby Kardas Executive Director, StoveTeam International

Get Your Copy Of “SMOKE: The Flavor Of Guatemala” Today

Interview With Elvis Estuardo Godínez Pérez, Farmer & Natural Science Teacher In Guatemala

Hello, my name is Elvis Estuardo Godínez Pérez. I am a proud Guatemalan Farmer and teacher. I was born in San Antonio Aguas Calientes and I have lived my whole life in this municipality. My family is part of a mayan kaqchikel community and since I was very young I saw my father and my grandfather work hard to allow me to attend school. This is how I studied and became a teacher at the elementary school. Afterwards, I obtained my college degree which allowed me to teach natural sciences for middle school students. After working as a teacher for 3 years, I gained experience that gave me a much wider perspective on the world around me and from these experiences I developed even bigger dreams and goals. At that time, I set out to find a way to help people in the agricultural sector. This is why I went back to college to study agricultural engineering with a specialization in farming production. I am currently in my last semester and I am very interested in the idea of developing cooperatives with farmers. The idea behind the cooperative is to provide decent jobs for farmers, for them to be able to pay for their medical expenses and provide their children with an excellent education.

Can you talk about what you grow?

Since I was little I have worked in the coffee fields, helping my grandfather with his lots. Currently, I’ve gained experience growing various plants, but mainly broccoli, pumpkins, maze and beans. 

What’s it like being a farmer? What are the challenges? 

Being a country person in Guatemala is very hard. Farmers wake up at 5:00am and work all day until very late at night. You work under the hot sun, you use a mattock for digging and chopping, and a machete. It is basically a very physically demanding job. One of the biggest challenges that one faces is the uncontrollable weather, since the lots are not irrigated, you must wait for the rainy season to be able to grow vegetables. You live everyday hoping that the rainy season will be long enough to fulfill the crops’ needs and that it will not be so stormy so it doesn’t kill the plants. 

What do you need to make a good crop? 

To make a good crop you need good seeds, that are resistant to droughts, plagues and diseases. In Guatemala, the volcanoes and the rain are key ingredients to making a good crop. The volcanoes’ ashes provide nutrients and help conserve the humidity within the soil, which increases the plants’ growth. It is a delicate balance though because if there is too much ash, it will kill the vegetables. The rain, on the other hand, is vital for crops so they can produce healthy vegetables and grains. Farmers need a very good climate, sun, and rain, or they must install an irrigation system that keeps the plants alive. 

What do you like to grow? 

I love growing vegetables so my family can cook as many meals as possible. For example, we grow carrots, squash, and tomatoes. The volcanic soil in this area is so rich that it provides many nutrients for the crops. This allows the roots of the plants to grow deep and strong, which is great for agriculture. I am very connected to the soil, to nature, the countryside, and the fresh air that it offers. However, I am also very conscious that my experience is different than other farmers since I did have the opportunity to study and receive a college education. I decided to come back to the land. Others don’t have the choice. They farm to survive. 

What’s your favorite meal? 

My favorite meal is my grandmother's pepián. See the recipe below for pepián de pollo.

Any other interesting facts you’d like to share?

Life in the countryside can be very beautiful, but, unfortunately, farmers in Guatemala are not well paid for the difficult and important job that they do. It takes approximately three months to produce vegetables and by the time produce arrives at the market, customers are always negotiating for the cheapest prices, even though the starting price is already extremely low. 

–Elvis Estuardo Godínez Pérez, Farmer and Teacher in Natural Sciences

Find More Delicious Recipes In Our Cookbook, “SMOKE: The Flavor Of Guatemala”

Honoring Our Founders, Nancy Hughes & Gerry Reicher

Reflection From Nancy Hughes,

“Designing a Stove With Larry and Gustavo”

One day Larry Winiarski, having heard me speak at a Rotary presentation, knocked on my door. It was from Larry that I learned it wasn’t all about burns; it was the smoke from indoor cooking fires causing the pterygium and respiratory problems I’d witnessed firsthand. 

Later, Larry called me from El Salvador to say he had designed a stove for me, and that he had also found Señor Gustavo Peña, a smart, energetic, local Salvadoran to produce it.

At the weekly Southtowne Rotary Club meeting I told everyone I was going to go to El Salvador to meet a guy who wanted to make stoves. I said, “I have no idea what we’ll do, but does anyone want to join me?”

Much to my surprise, Gerry Reicher, an introverted, retired professor; Don Steely, a smart, energetic guy who wore a prosthetic leg; and our veteran volunteer, Gail Norris, the one wearing the Mickey Mouse hat in Playa Grande, offered to join me. 

I had no idea then that this group of incredibly smart, compassionate, and energetic retirees would be the foundation of an international initiative that not only gave us an excuse to travel, but one I am proud to say continues to this day. 
When we landed at the airport in San Salvador, Larry was there to greet us, dressed as usual in a pair of well-worn overalls. Pointing to a tanned, energetic Salvadoran in his late-50’s, Larry introduced me to Gustavo in English, “Nancy. THIS is Gustavo.” 

Señor Gustavo Peña was totally prepared and brought out an Excel spreadsheet of our appointments for the week. Gustavo rushed us to his ancient Kia saying, “We need to hurry as our first appointment is with the Vice Minister of the Environment”. I learned later that enterprising Gustavo wasn’t shy about approaching anyone to talk about his new venture.

I was excited and glanced nervously at the stove in the trunk; we pitched Don’s prosthetic leg in the back so we could all squeeze in, and excitedly made our way to the elegant Ministry of the Environment. 

Later, Larry stood at the front of the conference room before a group of government functionaries and a white board; and, still in his tattered overalls, carefully explained how this small, “rocket stove” worked.   

The handsome and well-dressed, bi-lingual, Vice Minister who had been waiting in his office, wandered into Larry’s presentation. He looked at the drawing of the Ecocina, a round metal bucket with a single hole in the top and another on one side. He said that it looked a bit like a toilet, and he wasn’t sure people would accept it, but even so, he was interested in seeing how it worked. I held my breath, hoping the stove would be acceptable.

Don and Gerry rushed back to the car, dragged the stove out of the trunk and then onto the grass in the backyard. The Vice Minister ambled around the corner to find a liter pot and filled it with water. 

Feeling nervous, and acting on faith as I hadn’t yet seen the results of Don, Larry and Gustavo’s efforts, I hoped for the best as we gathered a bit of trash wood from the formal garden. Larry lit the stove, and, with only four small sticks of wood, and not even a bit of smoke, the heat came out of the top at 1,000° F. The little stove boiled the liter of water in less than eight minutes -- the same as a microwave.

Later testing of Larry’s design would show an 86% reduction in carbon emissions and particulate matter and a 56% reduction in wood usage. 

The Vice Minister was impressed, and much to our surprise and delight, announced, “I like it. It does look a bit like a toilet, but we have about five and a half million dollars for a project like this. What is your capacity? ....” 

Five and a half million dollars?  Was he kidding? Our capacity was two stoves. We knew then that we definitely weren’t ready. 

Later, it was Gerry, always the voice of reason, who said, “Listen. We have a great product. We have a man who wants to produce it, and we can raise money.” I realized at that moment that Gerry would be instrumental in implementing this new plan and that I couldn’t give up. Whatever might be happening, one thing was clear: working with stoves to protect the women and children in Central America was my future.

– Nancy Hughes, Founder, StoveTeam International

Don Steely, Nancy Hughes, and Gerry Reicher

Gustavo, Gerry, Larry, and Don working on an Ecocina