Eco Community Seeds, Fall 2011 Issue

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eco

Fall 2011

Thinking Globally, Living Locally

Community Seeds Magazine

22nd American Century Championship

Environmentally Friendly

Guilt Free Jewlery

Vacation in Leed By The Sea! e t e i s t i b s e b e W W w e eNw r N ru O u t tuO O u k O www.communityseeds.com c k e c h e C h


Welcome

Vol. 4, No. 2 Fall 2011 Issue 14 Community Seeds Eco Magazine is published quarterly, exclusively online; at no cost to readers.

Copyright Community Seeds Eco Publishing,

Š2008-2012 All Rights Reserved. May be printed for personal use only.

Please send comments, articles, artwork, testimonials, questions and photos to:

info@communityseeds.com. For advertising and general information, email us at

info@communityseeds.com Or

sales@communityseeds.com. Also, visit:

www.communityseeds.com. Send all mail to: Community Seeds Eco Magazine 1035 Village Lane. Chico, CA 95926 Call to make an appointment and/ or leave a message:

(530) 895-3431

The

Community Seeds

Editor-In-Chief Lorianne S. Riley Staff Writers Lorianne S. Riley Aimee Arbios Morgan Palilla Staff Photographers Tracy Lynn Cahn of Tracy Lynn Photography Lorianne S. Riley Aimee Arbios SALES Lorianne Riley Dwight Aitkens

Proof Editors Aimee Arbios Stephanie McHugh Morgan Palilla DeAnna Holman Consultant DeAnna Holman On the Cover Photo by Editor-In-Chief, Lorianne S. Riley

Foundation

www.communityseeds.org

Promoting Sustainabilit y CSF is managed, in part, by:

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Community Seeds . Fall 2011

All articles, photos, advertising, words, design and images are the property of Community Seeds and the individual contributor, as published, and may not be reproduced without permission from the contributor or Community Seeds. Community Seeds reserves the right to edit all content submitted. Although property of Community Seeds, no division of the company may be held liable for its specific content.


From the Editor

A Note From the Editor Fall, My Favorite Season! A September to remember. An October full of splendor. A November to treasure. - La Prevenchere, Brittany, France, Entertaining Angels

F

all is one of my favorite seasons. I love the way the weather starts cooling down and how the natural lighting changes in my house. It feels like the holidays are nearing. It’s exciting! The feeling is comparable to the anticipation I’ve felt when getting a new job or buying my first house. I knew it was going to be good, but I didn’t know what challenges may lay ahead.

This fall is no exception for the Community Seeds Eco. We’ve made a lot more changes; We believe for the better! I hope that you enjoy them as much as we loved bringing them to tuition. Here is what is happening and scheduled to happen in the months to come:

S

eptember to Remember

Editor-in-Chief Publisher

We launched a new look! The cover of Community Seeds Eco Magazine now reads as Eco Community Seeds Magazine. This change was made because the magazine appeals to the masses: the masses of local communities. We are advocates of buying local and supporting local communities, all local communities. We think that the new cover better depicts the message we at Eco Community Seeds want to deliver as a periodical.

O

ctober Splendor

We will be launching our newly revised website, which will be easier to navigate and will be packed with up to date information and tips not always in the magazine.

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ovember Treasures

November will kick off with the launch of our new web store Eco Boutique Online. It will have all kinds of eco conscious goodies: Just in time for Christmas! We hope this will help you with your holiday shopping needs. If we don’t have what you need, we are sure you will be able to find gift ideas through our new segments: Organic Solutions, Kitchen Widgets, Food Bits, Earth Friendly Beauty Products, Eco Toys For Boys, and last but not least, our advertisers. What a great time! We thank you for your readership and hope you enjoy all of the exciting changes this season.

www.communit yseeds.com 3


Your community site for local web links. All links are free to add to this site. Bookmark this site; it will be right at your fingertips to look up local restaurants, green living, local events, and more!

www.TheChicoConnection.com

Follow Us!

Come join us on Facebook and Twitter along with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico Bags, Humanwear tees, Jimmy Eat World, Valcucine Kitchens, EnviroBro, Chico Chai, and much, much more.....

Tell Us What You Have To Say What sustainable practices are you incorporating in your household this fall?

“Energy is my main effort this fall.” Bill Elliott

“No purchasing items in plastic if possible and recycling all plastics I can.” Bonnie Worthington

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Chico Bag HUMANWEAR JIMMY EAT WORLD

VALCUCINE EnviroBro Chico Chai Find us at: http://twitter.com/#!/CSEcoMagazine http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySeedsEcoMagazine http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/Communityseeds

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Community Seeds . Fall 2011

Eco Community Seeds Magazine would like to extend very a special thank you to Mediastar Data Recovery in Chico for making our 3rd Anniversary issue possible. We cannot thank you enough!

(530)82MEDIA (530)826-3342


Prime U.S.D.A. Beef, Fresh Seafood Only The Finest Quality Ingredients!

(916) 351-9100 604 Sutter Street - Folsom CA

(530) 891-6328 345 West Fifth Street - Chico CA

Our Passion Is Providing You Exquisite Cuisine Matched With Exceptional Service

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eco

Community Seeds Magazine

In Every Issue

2 Magazine Information 3 Note From the Editor 4 Tell Us What You Have To Say

8 Issue Contributors 20 Eco Kids Photos 33 Green Scene 98 Advertisers Index

Features

10 Vacation In Leed By The Sea! Portola Hotel & Spa, At Monterey Bay

79 Environmentally Friendly Guilt Free Jewlery

96 22nd American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament

True Life

12 How to Have A Successful Garage Sale

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Community Seeds . Fall 2011


fall

2011

Departments Easy Being Greener

16 Master Gardener Program

19 Gardening Tips Family

20 Eco Kids 23 A Day At The Monterey Bay Aquarium

27 Kids Fashion

Making a Difference

33 Green Scene 40 Real Green 40 Eco Movie Review 44 Dolphin Dance Project 41 TSCA Update: Notes From Downstream

60 Breaking Common Barriers To A Healthy Lifestyle

Eco Friendly Crafts

68 Sustainable Design On a Dime

Healthy Living

54 48

Indigenous Food For Better Health

76

Medicinal Plant- You Should Know

51 CDFA Plan to Combat Invasive Species Inadequate

Cook’s Corner

70 Kitchen Widgets 73 Cooks Corner:

44

Chef Brian Knadle

74 Pan Seared Scallops

78 Food Bites 76 Garden Fresh Libations Natural Beauty

79 87

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Precious Guilt Free Baubles Earth Friendly Beauty Products

89 NYC Fashion Week Gear Head

94 96

Eco Toys For Boys Celebrity Golf Tournament

89 www.communit yseeds.com 7


Contributors

Contributors: Fall 2011 Lorianne S. Riley Editor-in-Chief, Owner, Publisher, Web Designer, Photographer & Wife. Lorianne holds a BS Degree in Business Administration from CSU, Chico, and is licensed as a Cosmetologist and Certified Massage Therapist.

Deanna Holman Web Designer, Graphic Artist and Mother of Three, DeAnna holds a BS Degree in Gerontology from USC, a California Teaching Credential and Science Supplement From CSU, Chico, and an AA Degree in Liberal Studies/ Photo Journalism from Grossmont College in San Diego.

Chisa Hidak a, MD Chisa began her career in modern dance while attending Barnard College, where she received her BA in Dance in 1986. As a choreographer, Chisa has presented work in a number of NYC venues, most recently through the collective Metro Movement Project. With an MD from the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Chisa has been on the research faculty of the Hospital for Special Surgery since 2001, working in the area of orthopaedics research. Bringing together her medical/science and dance training, Chisa conceived a course in experiential anatomy with dancer Mariah Maloney.

Aimee Arbios Aimee Arbios is a California State University Chico senior from Stockton California. After college she hopes to join the Peace Corps. This is Aimee’s first published work and she is happy to be a part of an environmentally friendly magazine

Sean Delloiacono Sean DelloIacono has been a bartender for eight years and Is currently working at 5th Street Steak House in Chico Ca. He has been as active member of the Flair Bartenders’ Association since 2004 and has competed in, several national and world flair bartending competitions. He is also an active member with The Guild of Sommeliers , and is currently pursing his Sommelier Certification.

Maggi Barry Maggi Barry has been with the Butte Environmental Council (BEC) since early 2006. She has is currently the Office Manager / Project Assistant. Maggi has a degree from Chico State in Recreation Administration, option in Therapeutic Recreation and also took a variety of classes addressing environmental sustainability. She worked for Chico Natural Foods for over a decade where she learned about sustainable/organic food production. Maggi has lived in the Chico area since 1978. To learn more about BEC, visit www. becprotects.org.

Julia Murphy Julia Murphy is an Education and Outreach Assistant at the Butte Environmental Council. She wrote a column on environmental issues, “Green Light”, for the Synthesis for two and a half years and currently is happily freelancing. See her woefully neglected blog at http://vivalamonkeyface.blogspot.com/

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Contributors

Contributors: Fall 2011 Ger ard Maione and Seth Weisser WGACA has become a renowned name in the vintage clothing industry since the opening of its SoHo store. With over 17 years of experience collecting and selling vintage, the co-founders expanded and opened a second retail store in Hollywood, CA, created a wholesale division and developed an appointmentonly Archive in New Jersey to service the fashion industry.

Stephanie McHugh An intern while studying Orgnaizational Communication and Broadcasting at CSU Chico and will be graduating this year. She enjoys the outdoors and takes full advantage of the beautiful parks within the Chico community. She has a passion for sustainabiltiy and strives to live a completely eco-friendly lifestyle.

Dr Deepak Acharya A microbiologist turned ethnobotanist, a herbal hunter and Director of Abhumka Herbal Pvt Ltd (www.abhumka.com), Ahmedabad, India. He has been involved in scouting, documentation and validation of indigenous herbal practices of indigenous healers in Patalkot (www.patalkot.com) and Dangs. He can be contacted at deepak@patalkot.com.

Morgan Palilla I’m senior currently attending CSU, Chico. I’m aiming to graduate in December of 2011, and receive my degree in Communication Studies and Marketing. I was involved in Gamma Phi Beta sorority for the past four years, and held many small leadership roles.

Dr Sanjay Pawar A Botanist involved in documentation of indigenous herbal practices in Patalkot. He has written several herb research based popular articles (sanjay@ patalkot.com).

K ayla Cook Kayla Cook is an assistant media coordinator/writer for the Network for a Healthy California—Sierra Cascade Region and can be reached at kcook@ healthcollaborative.org. For CalFresh information, call 877-847-3663.

Pamala Geisel Pamala holds a M.S. and a B.S. in Plant Science from California State University, Fresno. Pam is currently the Academic Coordinator for the Statewide Master Gardener Program, University of California, Davis. Pam has been published in many academic journals and publications.

Not Pictured: K aren Langen Darci Crossin Dr Anshu Shrivastava Geralyn Sheridan Brian Knadle All contributors are named on their corresponding articles. If you would like to send an article, please include a short bio, along with your photo (and photos to go with your article). Send articles (doc) and photos (jpg) to info@communityseeds.com. For additional guidelines, please go to www.communityseeds.com or send us an email.

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Features

Vacation In

LEED By The Sea

By Lorianne S. Riley

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y childhood friend, of 39 years, and I decided that we wanted to take a girls trip away from our husbands to Monterey, CA. We wanted to stay at a hotel that was central to all of the key attractions, plush, and last but not least, GREEN. We did our homework and found a jewel of a resort, the Portola Hotel & Spa, which boasts a Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. Portola Hotel & Spa also possesses a 4 diamond rating with AAA.

A

ccording to Green Lodging News, “Portola Hotel & Spa becomes one of only three hotels in all of California and one of only six hotels in the United States to earn this level of accreditation in the Existing Building (EB) category. As an independent hotel brand, and an existing building, Portola Hotel & Spa achieved this certification as a result of a long-standing commitment by the hotel ownership, management and staff to reduce its environmental impact and implement new green initiatives.” 10 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

EED certification is a rating system that is set by the U.S. Green Building Council. The stringent guidelines vary depending on if the project is new or old construction. There are seven topics that must be considered in order to become LEED certified and there are different levels of compliance to achieve the certification. The certification levels are Silver, Gold or Platinum rating, which are determined by a point system. The topics considered are: Sustainable Site, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation in Design and Regional Priority.

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ere are some of the sustainable highlights listed on the Portola Hotel & Spa website;

• The hotel produces hot water with a cogeneration machine that simultaneously generates electricity on site. • The guest room carpet meets with Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) plus program for low VOC material and paint throughout the hotel is low


Vacation In LEED Luxury

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e had such a great time staying at the Portola Hotel • Ozone laundry system with enzyme-based & Spa. The staff spoiled us laundry detergents for cleaning linens and with kindness; the doormen towels while reducing water and energy remembered our names, housekeeping was consumption. always friendly and accommodating, the • All Mattresses are hypoallergenic, and made coinsurer service was very helpful in finding with 100% organic cotton and recycled metal us the perfect place to dine, and upon arrival springs. the front desk greeted us with homemade • Green from Natura room amenity products cookies! The hotel is attached to a small and packages are made from rapidly renewable open-air shopping mall that had an amazing material and are biodegradable. wine shop, adorable coffee shop and a couple of small boutiques. There is also a restaurant • A green cleaning program that uses H203 that specializes in organic fare within the system to clean and disinfect guest rooms hotel walls. I would definitely stay at the without any harsh chemicals Portola Hotel again! I truly had a wonderful You can read more about this at http://www. experience. portolahotel.com/green.php. VOC as well.

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True Life

How To Have a Successful Garage Sale My Story By Lorianne S. Riley

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How To Have A Successful Garage Sale

hy would you want to have a garage sale? I guess there could be a lot of reasons. Maybe you would like to clean out your garage and cupboards. Maybe you would like to make a little extra money and the stuff you want to sell is not significant enough to put on Craigslist or Ebay. Maybe you thought it might be a great way to meet people in your community, or maybe you thought it might be a sustainable solution to bring new life to items you would have otherwise thrown away. No matter what your reasons are for having a garage sale, it can be a worth while thing to do.

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Sunday was the day, and the next Sunday coming was the only day that month I was free. I had to think fast! How could I advertise effectively on the fly? I had one day to create magic. Then it hit me, Craigslist and Facebook! I put my Craigslist ad in A. S. A. P!

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n the day of the sale, because I didn’t give myself much time to plan, I made a makeshift sign. I taped it to a street light on the busiest corner of our housing subdivision. Next, I displayed all the stuff in the driveway that I put aside to sell the day before. I got on Facebook and changed my status to “I’m having a garage sale.” Then, I just waited.

decided to have a garage sale recently because I needed to thin out the stuff accumulating in our garage and cupboards. Our house was popping at the seems with things that we never used. Many of these things were not big enough ticket items to put on Ebay or Craigslist alone. So, a garage sale was a good solution in my situation.

y garage sale took place on a Sunday. Saturdays are traditionally the best day to have a garage sale, but I did not have the time. So, I made a snap decision that if it was going to happen,

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eople started coming right away and the selling began. After about four hours of people milling through our driveway, $80.00 richer, and about 75% of the items sold, I decided to call it a day. I felt like I did a good thing! I got rid of a bunch of stuff, enjoyed the outdoors, met some people and had a little bit of money to show for it. ow it was time to pack up. Yuck! With a stiff upper lip and a glass of wine, I started to disassemble the “makeshift” shop in our driveway. I had

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True Life

Dr. Mark Garrison DO Board Certified Gynecologist FACOG # 929253

to decide what to do with the things that didn’t sell. Did I want to maybe have another garage sale in the near future or did I want to give the stuff to charity? What charity did I want to give the stuff to? This was a lot to think about, but ultimately I decided on another garage sale. I still had some spring cleaning that found its way into summer, and now fall, that needed to be done. I figured by the time I finished that chore, I would have more then enough to sell again.

S

Main

530-566-0132 Text

530-588-3814 1025 Village Lane Chico, CA 95926 Dmjmedicalservices@gmail.com 14 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

o, I found a little spot in the garage to store my unwanted stuff. As I was putting it away, I redissolved things that I might want to keep like shoes that went out of style, but are now back in style, and in good shape. This is obviously a win, win, right? As I was digging in the box with the shoes, I found something very dear to me. It must have been in the box for at least ten years! It was my Great Grandmothers wedding ring! I couldn’t believe it. I never forgave myself for losing it. How could this be? What a great day! What a successful garage sale!


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Easy Being Greener

California Master Gardener Program University Of California Cooperative Extension By Pamela Geisel

16 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


California Master Gardener Program

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he University of California Master Gardener Program provides the public with UC research-based information about home horticulture, sustainable landscape and pest management practices. The program is administered by local University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) county offices that are the principal outreach and public service arms of the University’s division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The UC Master Gardener program supports sustainable gardening practices that protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and take into consideration each gardener’s lifestyle and goals.

Fast Facts: • There are programs in 44 counties with more than 5500 Certified Master Gardeners as of June 2011 • An average of 650 Master Gardeners are trained each year for a total of more than 20,000 trained since 1980 • Master Gardeners have volunteered 296301 hours in fiscal year 2010/2011 How does someone become a UC Master Gardener? To become a Master Gardener, a person must participate in a 40 to 50-hour intensive training program consisting of lectures and demonstrations conducted by experts in their fields. To retain their certification, Master Gardeners must complete at least 25 hours of service to the community every year and participate in at least 12 hours of continuing education annually. Who are UC Master Gardener candidates? UC Master Gardeners candidates are all ages and come from all walks of life. They have: • A basic knowledge of landscape and food gardening • An interest in increasing their horticultural knowledge and skills • A desire to volunteer in their community to share what they have learned and teach gardening skills

What do UC Master Gardeners do? UC Master Gardeners are trained to help residents of California become better gardeners. Using a variety of activities such as workshops, lectures, and garden hotlines, these volunteers answer questions about home horticulture, sustainable landscaping, and integrated pest management using University of California research-based information. After their training, UC Master Gardeners are qualified to help the public with problems in areas such as: • Weed Control • Plant Problem Diagnosis • Integrated Pest Management (insect and pest control) • Soils, fertilizers and irrigation • Selecting and caring for fruit and landscape trees • Growing annuals, perennials and food crops • Lawn care • Vegetable Gardening • Plant Pathology • Composting Each county develops programs to address local needs. Some typical activities are: • Designing, planting and maintaining demonstration gardens • Using mass media to disseminate gardening information • Teaching workshops, or lecturing on gardening practices • Participating in research activities with academics within UC • Answering gardeners’ questions via email or helplines • Speaking to the public on horticultural and gardening topics • Manning county fair information booths • Consulting with gardeners to improve their landscape practices • Educating and guiding parents and teachers in gardening practices in support of school gardens To find the UC Master Gardener Program in your county, click here or go to http://camastergardeners. ucdavis.edu/California_Counties_MG_Websites/ www.communit yseeds.com 17


m u m e u s e u s u M M h c h n c RRaan k c k i r c t i r a t P a TThhee P

N M U T AU

1 1 0 2 T S FE h t 9 2 h t tober 15

Oc

Admission Admission is is $4 $4 Per Per Person Person

PIE CH ALLEN GE Octob er 29t h!

Friday - Sunday 10AM to 5PM

Located at 10381 Midway- Between Chico and Durham

PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS! The MUSEUM GIFT SHOP will be open!

FREE

Cafe’ Open On Weekends 11Am-2PM

Historic Farmhouse Tours

SCHOOL TOURS ARE AVAILABLE

Kids’ Activities & Animal Exhibit

For more information, call 342-4359 or visit PatrickRanchMuseum.org A Far West Heritage Association Event

18 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

FREE


Tips For Growing Your Fall Garden

Master Gardener

Tips For Growing

Your Fall Garden

By Pamela Geisel

E

ven though you may think your garden is slowing down because it is September, the reality is, you really have a lot to do! Now is the time for so many things that can make your spring garden a joy. Now is the time in many climate areas of California (Interior valleys, Southern California, Desert Valleys and some areas of the north coast) to start planting many of your cold hardy crops. For example, snap beans, Chinese cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, endive and fennel, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, white potatoes, and turnips and beets can all be planted now. You can also plant a late planting of corn with a harvest just before the first frosts, as well as a late planning of summer squash if your earlier plants are declining due to disease and insects. For a complete vegetable planting guide, go to: http://ucanr.org/sites/gardenweb/files/29040.pdf

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everal of your fruit trees are best pruned in late summer as well, so get out the pruning shears. Apricots and cherry trees are best pruned in late August or early September so that the pruning wounds have time to close before the onset of winter rain. This will reduce the amount of dieback from a disease called eutypa. For more information on eutypa and other fruit tree problems go to: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/ FRUIT/DISEASE/eutypadieback.html OR http://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu/

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ate summer and fall are great times to plant all kinds of things such as landscape trees, containerized roses and other flowering shrubs and native plants. They benefit from the cooler nights and warm days. If you have been waiting to plant, now is the time to get started. old off on planting fall bulbs until truly cooler weather arrives. But plan to purchase the bulbs early so that you have the best selection. Many stores will have them in stock beginning in early September. all is also a good time to begin cutting your herbs and drying the leaves for winter usage. Your basil will completely freeze at the first sign of cold weather. Cut some of the leaves and dry them on a tray for a few days now, and once dry they can be stored in an airtight container for use later this winter. inally, take some time to clean up the garden and feed your soil. Remove fallen fruits, vegetables, diseased leaves, spent flowers and weeds from your garden. This is the easiest way to reduce next year’s garden pest and disease problems.

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Eco

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Kids

Photo Submission If you would like a photo of your child published, please email it to info@ communityseeds.com along with our Photo Release Form.

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“I think a baby shampoo that says it’s organic and natural should be organic and natural. That’s why I’m a Dolphin Mom. ” TM

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If you can’t find it in nature, you won’t find it in our shampoo. TM

It’s good to know that every ingredient we use is natural, even our preservatives. Sodium benzoate? Parabens? Sulphates? Never. Just hypoallergenic, tear-free shampoo that’s best for your baby.

New

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Enter promo code: SEEDS11 at checkout


A day At The Monterey Bay Aquarium

A Day At The Monterey Bay Aquarium By Aimee Arbios

T

he Monterey Bay Aquarium is located on the breathtaking California coast, just off of the historic Cannery Row. What once was the “Sardine Capital of the World” has now become a lovely place to shop and dine. The aquarium is the sixth largest in the world and attracts tourists from near and wide who come to see the large variety of animals, such as otters, over fifteen different types of jelly fish, and over 84 types of fish. As many as 15,000 people a day visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and experience what it is like to be in the deep blue sea.

T

he most recent addition to the aquarium’s family is a male great white shark that made his debut in the Open Sea exhibit on August 31. He is only the sixth great white shark in the aquarium’s history and was captured off of the coast of Malibu California as a part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Project White Shark, which began in 2002. This shark is four feet and seven inches long, and weighs 43.2pounds. He is an adolescent because most great white pups are 3.5 feet long and adults can be up to 22 feet long. He has over 3,000 teeth that are arranged in rows that rotate out www.communit yseeds.com 23


Family

over time. This natural predator swallows his food whole and can smell blood from miles away. Great whites can even jump entirely out of water and catch prey on the ocean’s surface. Their diets consist of on sea turtles, seals, small dolphins, stingrays, fishes, molluscs, other sharks, and dead whales. ow is the best time to visit the aquarium because great whites are not held in captivity for long because they cannot survive long time periods outside of the ocean. The shark will be released and tagged in the near future, but for now he remains as a fantastic learning opportunity for visitors. The Shark Week on the Discovery Channel can only teach a couch potato so much; seeing a great white in person is much more gratifying. he Monterey Bay Aquarium’s team seeks to conserve the species and to educate visitors about dangers sharks face such as over fishing and getting caught in fishermen’s traps. Right now researchers are studying great white’s genetics and effects on them from toxins in the ocean. In recent history, these creatures have been stigmatized by films as ruthless killers. They are indeed predators, but they are a part of this earth just like us and need to be protected. s a child I can remember being spellbound by the Open Sea exhibit. Massive is the only word to describe the 90-foot window that looks into the tank that holds one million-gallons of water.

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This is the aquarium’s largest look into the sea and is home to over nine aquatic species. Not all people are scuba certified, but everyone can get an idea of what the bottom of the sea is like from this world famous replica. Schools of bluefin tuna can be spotted darting around as well as moon jellies, ocean sunfish, hammerhead sharks, and my favorite, green sea turtles. ea turtles have been my favorite animal ever since my first trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium as a child on one of my family trips. I can vividly remember standing in awe in front of the tank, which made me feel miniature in comparison. Before leaving the exhibits room, I read every plaque on the variety of animals staring back at me. To my surprise, my family had already walked out and was looking for me. They could not believe that anything could their child’s attention that long and assumed I had wondered off. My parents were not careless. In their defense, I was a wanderer and the room was dim lit to highlight and not bother the animals. Because of this, my mother and father could not see where I had wondered. his aquarium is just breathtaking and can impact people of any age. I strongly encourage you, your family, and friends to explore this world class aquarium and historic town. All tickets are priced fewer than thirty dollars and the aquarium is open every day, except Christmas Day.

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A day At The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Continued

Fun Things To Do

• EXPERIENCE a different kind of forest in The Kelp Forest Canopy Walkthrough. This exhibit shows visitors jeweled top snails, crabs, and a variety of fish. Play a game and see who can spot the most fish hiding among the kelp. • Step on up and TOUCH kelp, sea stars, sea urchins, kelp crabs, abalones, and other animals in the Enchanted Kelp Forest. This hands-on experience is a crowd favorite. • VISIT the Rugged Rocky Shore water play area and play with models of animals and boats. This is a replica of the real tide pools just outside in the bay. • Keep tiny tots ENTERTAINED at the Splash Zone. This area was made for infants, toddlers, and even older children. Babies can crawl, touch, and play while your older children have fun too, a parents dream! • FEED the fish lunch! This tour shows the feeding practices used and allows you to feed sardines. At only $12 per person, and 30 minutes long, this tour is a steal and gives you a look at private parts of the aquarium. • HAVE a sleepover in the aquarium and cozy up by your favorite exhibit! Families and youth groups can book sleepovers at the aquarium and enjoy midnight snacks and a movie. Celebrate New Years Eve at the aquarium’s annual sleepover, complete with ice cream and activates. • Attend the “You Otter Know” show to WIN prizes while finding out how anyone can help wild otters. • CHECK OUT the Splash Zone at penguin feeding time to see those little guys and gals move and shake! This is geared toward younger visitors and highlights how the blackfooted penguins are cared for, as well as the obstacles they face with the planets current climate changes. • GET a souvenir for you or a loved one from the gift shop and bookstore. There are four shops in the aquarium, but the largest is by the main entrance. There you can find an assortment of magnets, toys, shirts, and keepsakes. You can also purchase cameras and batteries at all of the store locations. • Be sure to DOWNLOAD a free audio tour off of the aquarium’s website prior to your visit. The walking tour begins right outside of the aquarium and follows the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This is a perfect activity to follow a day at the aquarium and gives a look into the history of the bay. www.communit yseeds.com 25


26 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Fall Fun At The Farm Kids Eco Fashion

By Lorianne S. Riley

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Things Are Warming Up

Yippee Ki yay!

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Family

Yippee Ki Oh!

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I’m a cowboy who never saw a cow

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Never roped a steer ‘cause I don’t know how

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What You Need To Know to Achieve The Looks Vintage Fabrics

Stitching Details

Cool Accessories

Where To Find www.appleblossombaby.com

Designs by Gracefully Girly Home Grown Chico Hope Fair Trade Baby Legs

Photographed At TJ Farms

32 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Green Scene

Green Scene-Philanthropy Tahoe Celebrity Golf Tournament

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uly 12th throughout the 17th at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in South Lake Tahoe, NV, more than 80 of the biggest sports and entertainment stars played golf for the sixth year in a row. Proceeds went to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to promote awareness of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign, while raising funds for the cancer survivorship initiatives. - By Lorianne Riley

Chico Masters

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onday, August 8th was the 15th annually held Chico Masters. The Golf tournament was a sold out event with the proceeds going to The Girls and Boys Club. There were over 50 volunteers that donated their time to make sure that this worth while event was pulled off without a hitch. It was a fun time for all. - By Lorianne Riley

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Making A Difference

Green Scene-Philanthropy

Frugal House

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he third annual Frugal House was held in Chico, CA from June 9th through the 11th. This is the North State Symphony’s largest Fundraiser. The theme was Old Hollywood and the event was held in a house that has been rumored to be visited by Ronald Reagan while his daughter Patty went to Chico State. The Frugal House is truly about stainability at its best. The furnishings are all donated and then restored to like new or better than new condition. Everything is then put up for sale or auction, even the house! - By Lorianne Riley

34 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Green Scene

Green Scene- Celebrations Blessing of the Grapes

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ew Clairvaux Vineyard celebrated harvest with their Annual “Blessing of the Grapes” Event on August 5th. The ceremony began with a captivating procession of the monastery’s white-robed monks chanting and singing through the vineyard. Abbot Paul Mark Schwan conducted the centuries-old European tradition where workers and vineyards are blessed to ensure a robust harvest and wine making season. Winery tours, barrel tasting, and complimentary wine sampling followed the ceremony. - By Aimee Sunseri

Keiley / Cortes Wedding

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cott Cortes and Alison Keiley exchanged vows in a garden setting overlooking Lake Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe, CA, on July 30th 2011. Reception followed at Riva Grill, South Lake Tahoe. - By Lorianne Riley,

www.communit yseeds.com 35


36 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Green Scene

Green Scene-Celebrations / Festivals Schalau / Davila Wedding

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lin Davila and Natascha Schalau exchanged vows at the Miners Foundry in Nevada City, CA on July 30th 2011. - By Lorianne Riley, Photos courtesy of Nathaly Somers

California State Fair

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eld in Sacramento, CA, the California State Fair took place at the Sacramento fair grounds on July 14th through the 31st of 2011. It featured a variety of concerts, exhibitors, fashion shows, nightly fireworks amazing fair food, races and much, much more. - By Lorianne Riley, Photos courtesy of bigfun.org

www.communit yseeds.com 37


Making a difference

Green Scene-Festivals Hot August Nights

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o many fun things to do at Hot August Nights. This is a week long celebration! If you like classic cars, open air concerts, sock hops, hula hooping, parades, swap meets and classic car auctions, this is the place to be. Not only is this a good time, the aim of this event is to raise money for local charities. For more information http://www.hotaugustnights.net/ -By Lorianne Riley, Photos courtesy of Travis Thuhill/Hot August Nights

Video courtesy of Hot August Nights

38 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Green Scene

Green Scene-Festivals Gilroy Garlic Festival

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hree decades before the term “sustainable” became the mantra of a new generation, the founders of the Gilroy Garlic Festival [gilroygarlicfestival.com] designed an event with that philosophy in mind. Regarded internationally as “America’s premier summertime event,” the Garlic Festival focuses on the local and regional resources of Central and Northern California and environmental compatibility. The 33rd annual Garlic Festival entertained 109,067 visitors during three days of cooking competitions, live music, children’s entertainment and extraordinary food, enhanced by 4,500 pounds of fresh California garlic July 2931, 2011 in Christmas Hill Park. - By Peter Ciccarelli, Photos courtesy of Bill Strange

Bravo TV’s Top Chef favorite Angelo Sosa on Gourmet Alley.

A Festival pyro chef prepares calamari on Gourmet Alley.

Ms. Jamie Brown-Miller reacts to being named winner of the Great Garlic Cook-Off www.communit yseeds.com 39


Making A Difference

Green Scene- Making A Difference By Lorianne S. Riley

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eal Green is a nationallysyndicated weekly television series featuring practical advice for living a greener, more sustainable life. We’ll show how you can help save the environment while saving yourself some money as well. We’ll hear from experts, committed individuals and even a few celebrities as well as from various agencies and organizations. -By Lorianne S. Riley

Movie Review ‘Together: Dancing with Spinner Dolphins’

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his is a beautifully done short based on interacting with wild Spinner Dolphins. It is only about 3 1/2 minutes long, but it was well worth watching. In fact, I watched it over and over again! The film was almost memorizing, truly artful and beautiful! I would highly recommend it to everyone. To download go to http://www.dolphin-dance.org/dolphin-dance/Together.html

40 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


TSCA Update: Notes From Downstream

TSCA Update: Notes from Downstream By Julia Murphy

he Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA (say it “Tosca”) was passed in 1976, under president Gerald Ford, to regulate and track industrial chemicals used in the United States. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was responsible for implementing TSCA’s goal of preventing “unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.”

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Only five chemicals have been restricted under TSCA since its inception: Polychlorinated Bisphenols (PCBs), chloroflurocarbons, asbestos, and hexavalent chromium. Dioxin is regulated, and the EPA has been in the process of re-assessing its dioxin guidelines since October 2004. Asbestos regulation was largely overturned in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in 1991; however, certain asbestos products are still banned, including new uses.

In spite of TSCA’s goal, approximately 62,000 chemicals that were in use when the law passed were never tested by the EPA because they were not considered an ‘unreasonable risk.’ These chemicals were “grandfathered in.” Only 200 of the existing chemicals have been tested directly by the EPA to date. In addition, wastes and by-products of chemical manufacturing are not regulated under the Act.

The chemical industry is also permitted to request exemptions based on “confidential business information” (trade secrets). This includes about 20% of the +80,000 chemicals that are currently used and marketed in the US.

Photo courtesy of TracyLynn Photography

In the European Union, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation is the parallel www.communit yseeds.com 41


Making A Difference

to our TSCA. It has been called “the most complex legislation in the Union’s history” and took seven years to pass. It applies to all chemicals produced in, or imported to the EU, and is managed by the European Chemicals Agency. Substance Information Exchange Forums (SIEFs) are being formed between entities that handle the chemicals to help streamline the registration process and limit the projected animal testing that might be a consequence of the new regulations. India, Brazil, and the United States objected in 2006 to the then-pending REACH legislation on the grounds that it would “hamper global trade.” Industry proponents and some politicians in the US have been vocal in their objections to using REACH as a template for TSCA reform. The American Chemistry Council says that REACH’s effectiveness has “yet to be proven,” but Joseph DiGangi of the Environmental Health Fund1 writes, “Unlike current U.S. regulations, the underlying basis of REACH is the Precautionary Principle. This principle advocates taking precautionary action when chemicals pose possible threats to human health and the environment, rather than waiting for complete scientific proof of cause and effect. This prevents damage while new information accumulates. The U.S. government does not accept the Precautionary Principle as a basis for policy.” As one U.S. government official told the New York Times, “We consider it to be a mythical concept, perhaps like a unicorn.” Indeed, since the reversal of the asbestos ban in 1991, the burden of proof to show a chemical’s harmful effects has fallen primarily to the EPA after exposures have caused harm, instead of chemical manufacturers being required to prove a chemical safe prior to 42 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

marketing. This burden of proof is a high and costly hurdle for an agency with the limited resources with which the EPA currently (and historically) has to work. In the face of mounting pressure from constituents, state legislators are taking the initiative to draft and pass stricter chemical safety laws. The chemical industry would prefer to update federal law—even if it’s stricter—in order to simplify regulations, rather than dealing with a state-by-state hodgepodge of complex rules. One cannot lump all manufacturers of chemicals into the same category; it is a given that some manufacturers are sincerely invested in creating and implementing safer chemicals. But it is essential that voters demand that their elected officials protect their health, and the health of their children and the planet, rather than the financial health of the chemical industry—no matter how powerful the latter may be politically. This is not a partisan issue. Nobody wants to play Russian Roulette with a fistful of industrial chemicals—or, worse still, hand their child that loaded gun. Beveridge & Diamond, P.C., an environmental and corporate law firm, published this article on their website2 on TSCA reform in January of this year: The model (of legislation proposed in 2010 ) was perceived by some as overkill. Whereas drugs and pesticides are designed to be biologically active, industrial chemicals are not. Whereas drugs are deliberately used in or on the human body and pesticides are deliberately applied to the environment, industrial chemicals are not. Because there may be potential human and environmental exposure to industrial


TSCA Update: Notes From Downstream, CONTINUED

chemicals, regulation of some kind is seen as appropriate, but not the heightened scrutiny appropriate for drugs and pesticides.

2. http://www.bdlaw.com/news-1049.html

Actually, industrial chemicals in household cleaning products are designed to be biologically active—hence the proliferation of ‘antibacterial’ wipes, lotions, cleaners and sprays in the last ten years. And aren’t personal care products such as toothpaste or tampons “deliberately used on or in the human body?” As a matter of fact, the antibacterial chemical Triclosan has been recommended for review by Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s energy and environment subcommittee. He wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on Jan. 5 of last year, saying that there may be a “strong basis” for triclosan chemicals to be tested in EPA’s endocrine disruptor screening program and regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The type and quantity of chemicals we are potentially exposed to on a daily basis makes it hard to argue that “overkill” is the threat; rather, it would indicate that the precautionary principle is the safest and most logical approach to take when creating legislation for safe manufacture and use of toxic chemicals. And if that looks like an oxymoron, it probably is.

BY GIVING JUST A FEW HOURS OF MY DAY

I HELP CHILDREN PREPARE FOR

ABECAUSE LIFETIME OF LEARNING I DON’T JUST WEAR THE SHIRT, I LIVE IT. GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. LIVE UNITED

®

For an excellent overview of the goals and priorities of TSCA revision, see http://epw. senate.gov/109th/Goldman_Testimony.pdf To get involved and informed, see www.saferchemicals.org .

Ruth Rusie is part of United Way’s ongoing work to improve the education, income, and health of our communities. To find out how you can help create opportunities for a better life for all, visit LIVEUNITED.ORG. ®

1. http://multinationalmonitor.org/mm2004/09012004/ september04corp3.html#name

www.communit yseeds.com 43


Making A Difference

Dancing With

Dolphins Submitted By Chisa Hidak a, MD

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YC dancer/choreographer, Chisa Hidaka, initiated the Dolphin Dance Project (www.dolphin-dance.org) in 2009, bringing together talented human dancers and wild dolphins to co-create underwater dances and films that document them. Having initially encountered wild dolphins on a vacation, Chisa became intrigued by how much the physical play of dolphins, diving and swirling amongst themselves or with humans, had in common with the way human dancers related to each other through movement. Through the Dolphin Dance Project, Chisa is exploring how this physical exchange can be an intimate and profound inter-species communication. Dedicated to a true collaboration between equal minds, the Dolphin Dance Project is producing films that capture this extraordinary relationship between humans and wild dolphins through a lens that integrates insightful scientific research with innovative, engaging underwater dance. This stunning co-creation, presented in the context of what scientists are discovering about dolphin cognition and behavior, highlights the creativity, 44 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

intelligence, and spirit of wild dolphins with the hope of inspiring audiences to protect them and their ocean habitats. “When we interact with dolphins as our collaborative equals, we suddenly understand in a profound way that we are not the only intelligent and aware species on the planet,” says Chisa. The works of the Dolphin Dance Project ask audiences to consider the different choices we would make if we fully recognized the consequences of our actions on every other sentient being, not just humans and, perhaps, to feel compelled to ensure that other animals’ lives are not compromised by environmental degradation and other repercussions of our global scale society. The works also suggest how exquisite it might be to live in harmony with nature. Chisa says, “Meeting a wild dolphin eye to eye, it’s hard not to want to be more like her - more wild and more a part of the natural world.” The films of the Dolphin Dance Project are aimed for a wide viewership, bringing awareness of


Dancing With Dolphins

wild dolphins and appreciation of dance to the large audience of nature film lovers. To make this possible, Chisa has recruited a team of talented collaborators, experienced filmmakers, and notably one of the foremost experts on dolphin cognition, Dr. Diana Reiss (see bios below). In the last year, the Dolphin Dance Project has produced a pilot film to build momentum for a longer composition and accompanying documentary: TOGETHER: Dancing with Spinner Dolphins

“A human dancer and a wild dolphin discover a common language to express their mutual affection and delight.” Recognized as Best Experimental Film at its world premiere at the Big Apple Film Festival, Together: Dancing with Spinner Dolphins (3 min 33 sec, 2010), is the debut film of the Dolphin Dance Project. It portrays Chisa and wild Spinner Dolphins forging a tender relationship through the graceful language of dance in the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. While directing and performing in the film, Chisa used principles of dance improvisation to work with dolphins that are completely wild, participating voluntarily without feeding or any other coercion. To watch ‘Together’ is to see the unfolding of a rare artistic collaboration between a human and completely wild animals. ‘Together’ is a true innovation in dance and interspecies communication. It is also a poetic portrayal of the simple beauty of a human in harmony with Nature. ‘Together’ is available for download or on DVD at http://www.dolphin-dance.org/together . (To reach a wide audience, a film trailer, in four languages including Japanese, Spanish, and French, is also available on the ‘Together’ page mentioned above, Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/ dolphindanceproject, and Vimeo http://vimeo.com/ dolphindance). Watching the film, the audience will see the importance of eye contact between Chisa and her dolphin partners. “Dolphins’ eyes are so expressive,” says Chisa. To keep eye contact,

dolphins usually put themselves just a little ahead of her because, with eyes on the sides of their heads, they can see almost directly backwards. They also seem to know that with eyes that face forwards she can only see ahead and would lose eye contact if she were in front. With an amazing sensitivity to changes in movement or direction, the dolphins can ‘follow’ a dancer while in front of her and also gently lead her. In fact, the dolphins sensitively choreograph much of the dance. One thing that may not be obvious is how slowly the dolphins are moving to accommodate Chisa. Spinner Dolphins can easily swim at 25 miles per hour and even at their slowest they move faster than any human swimmer. Occasionally, the viewer might notice the dolphins making curious wiggles to try to go slowly enough not to leave the human dancer behind - it is a sign of their generosity and their keen interest in prolonging these moments of ‘together’-ness. The impact of ‘Together’ is owed not only to the blue of the Pacific Ocean, spirited play of wild Spinner Dolphins and Chisa’s graceful dancing, but Bryce Groark’s shimmering underwater cinematography, which frames the action with masterful artistry. Bryce’s previous work has been featured by A&E and the Smithsonian Institution amongst others, and he is currently traveling with oceanographer Sylvia Earle, PhD on the team of Mission Blue. Additional underwater camera work for ‘Together’ was provided by Brett LeMaster, the North American record holder in free-diving, who used his breath holding skills to capture the most intimate moments of Chisa and the dolphins moving together under water. Other members of the crew included producers Loui Terrier and Benjamin Harley, and production coordinator Rick Osburn. ‘Together’ was shot over 5 days in January 2010 and completed in October with support from a finishing fund grant from Dance Films Association. A short adaptation of ‘Together,’ written and edited by Benjamin Harley, was selected as one of 20 finalists by the Ocean Inspiration celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jacques Cousteau and will screen at their gala in Spring 2011. The Dolphin Dance Project embraces Cousteau’s belief that “People protect what they love”, and ‘Together’ www.communit yseeds.com 45


Making A Difference

seeks to seduce audiences with an extraordinarily intimate experience of the curiosity, creativity, and generosity of dolphins in the wild. ‘Together’ was awarded Best Experimental Film at its world premiere at the Big Apple Film Festival (http://www.bigapplefilmfestival.com/). It was also an official selection of the,Colorado Environmental Film Festival (http://www.ceff. net/). In January 2011, ‘Together’ will be shown on The Big Screen Project, a huge LED screen visible from the street and several venues in the Chelsea neighborhood of NYC, as part of the Dance on Camera Festival (http://dancefilms.org/festival/39thannual-festival-2011/big-screen-project/). In April, it will be screened as part of the 25th Anniversary Performance Mix Festival also in NYC (http:// newdancealliance.org/performance-mix-festival/). The Next Film: Reunion Work has already begun for the next film of the Dolphin Dance Project, Reunion: Sharing the Dance, which will bring together four dancers and a pod of Altantic Spotted Dolphins in the waters around the Bahamas. The introduction of additional dancers is certain to bring new and exciting discoveries in human-dolphin interaction and choreography. To be filmed in the turquoise waters of the Bahamas with the charismatic Spotted Dolphins, ‘Reunion’ promises to be even more beautiful than ‘Together.’ China recently went on a field research trip to the location with scientific advisor Diana Reiss, PhD. Director of Marine Mammal Research at the National Aquarium and a professor of psychology at Hunter College, Dr. Reiss is an expert on dolphin cognition having published the seminal study using mirrors that shows dolphins express self-awareness. Incorporating Dr. Reiss’ expertise, ‘Reunion’ will deliver not only more graceful inter-species dancing, but compelling scientific insights and interpretations of what passes between humans and wild dolphins as they dance. In preparation, the Dolphin Dance Project is actively seeking out grantors and financial partners to contribute to the production of a full length 46 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

documentary featuring the interactions of several dancers and wild Spotted Dolphins, as well as the commentary of Dr. Reiss and other notable scientists - a program that promises to be an extraordinary hour of beauty, grace, and mind-opening new perspectives. Dolphin Etiquette The Dolphin Dance Project only works with wild dolphins in the open ocean, on the dolphins’ terms. We never feed dolphins, nor attempt to coerce or train them in any way. As a rule, the dolphins approach us out of their own curiosity. We do our best to be well-informed about the most current scientific research on natural behavior of dolphins so that we can interact with them in ways that are safe and appropriate for humans and dolphins. We understand that we are visitors in the dolphins’ environment and we never attempt to interact with dolphins if they are resting or feeding or show any signs of disinterest or annoyance. We approach dolphins in a very specific and disciplined manner that is informed by our scientific understanding of dolphins and our specific artistic training and goals. It is dancing, not swimming. Viewers should not expect similar interactions with captive dolphins or even wild dolphins that are encountered on swim-with-dolphin tours. We do not share the locations of our encounters. Our films give the viewer an opportunity to experience vicariously through what would otherwise require significant training and expense. We hope they will inspire our audience to learn more about dolphins and to want to protect them. To that end, we provide a webpage for important information about the threats to wild dolphins and what we can do to resolve or minimize them: http:// www.dolphin-dance.org/protect.


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Healthy Living

Medicinal Plants You Should Know Dr. Deepak Acharya

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he traditional storage of ethnobotanical knowledge in memory and practices has a long history and must go back to the beginning of human existence. Likewise, ethnobotany is of great age in India, where it has been described in several ancient literatures. One of the most important sources is the Rig Veda (1200-900 BC), which has been useful in the attempt to identify the source of the traditional medicine system, also known as ‘Ayurveda’. Application of such herbal remedies has also been mentioned in the Atharva Veda (around 3,000 to 2,000 BC). It was in the 19th century when scientists started focusing on the active components found in herbs that gave a way to the research on molecular level. Herbs like Caraway, Cardamom, Turmeric, Aniseed, Clove, Cumin seeds, Basil, Ginger etc. are a few among the gigantic range of culinary herbs. The wild plants have been providing an important source of medicine and food since time immemorial. In an attempt to feature traditional herbal applications, the author aims to feature one herb in each issue of this magazine.

Medicinal Importance Plant abounds in copious bland mucilage, consisting chiefly of pectin and starch and possesses valuable emollient, demulcent and diuretic properties. It is most beneficial in dysentery; it is also aphrodisiac. Decoction of capsule is an agreeable drink, most serviceable in fevers, catarrhal attacks and irritable states of the genito-urinary organs. Leaves are used to form emollient poultices. Root is used as a demulcent, in plasma replacement, syphilis, cuts, wound and boils. Fruit is used as a demulcent, diuretic, emollient, catarrhal infections, ardor urinae, dysuria, and gonorrhoea. Seeds are used as an antispasmodic, cordial and stimulant. Whole plant is used as an aphrodisiac, tonic and astringent. It is given in dyspepsia and edema. Fruit is used in ulcers and joints limbers. It is applied as blood enhancer, coolant, and aphrodisiac. It is used in diarrhea, gonorrhea, hyper urination, lung inflammation, sore throat, irritable bowel, blood impurities and in stomach problems. Flowers are used in spermatorrhoea. Roots are used in gonorrhea, hernia, fever, syphilis and as an aphrodisiac.

Lady’s Finger / Okra Botanical Name: Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. Family: Malvaceae Vernacular Names in India: Dheras (Bengali); Gumbo, Lady’s Finger, Okra (English); Bhinda (Gujarati); Bhindi, Bhindi Tori, Ramturai (Hindi); Bhende (Kannada); Venda (Malayalam); Bhendi (Marathi); Vendai (Tamil); Bendi, Venda (Telugu). Plant Profile and Distribution: Stout, erect, annual undershrubs, covered with bristly hairs throughout; leaves broadly ovate-orbicular, 3 to 7-lobed; flowers yellow with red-crimson center, axillary, solitary; capsules cylindrical, 5-angled, and densely hairy, with ovoid, dark brown seeds. The plant is commonly cultivated almost all parts of India for its edible fruits. Sometimes it is found as an escape in open wastelands near habitations. 48 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

Traditional Tribal Formulations To enhance semen and vigor in men, Okra roots are scrubbed in water and sugar is added to it and given to the patient. Patalkot healers apply Okra root powder in nasal cavity for the same. In eye related disorders, Okra fruit powder and black salt are mixed in equal proportion in water. Pour it in a copper pot and let it remain there for an overnight. The water should be applied externally at the adjacent areas of eye. In hemorrhage, seed powder along with rice starch is given everyday. To take care of jaundice and liver related problems, root powder is given along with glassful of milk or lukewarm water. In hydrophobia, decoction of the plant is given to the patient regularly. To treat urinal inflammation, plant juice (20g) and butter (20g) is given to the patient for two times a day. It also acts well in case of fever. Plant powder, Cinnamon (Cinnamomun zeylanicum)


Medicinal Plants You Should Know bark, Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seeds powder and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) powder is mixed thoroughly and given in diabetes. To alleviate jaundice, chronic fever, cough and pain, equal amount of juice of the entire plant, Lemon (Citrus limon) juice, Pomegranate (Punica granatum) leaves juice and Gulf Leaf Flower (Phyllanthus fraternus) leaves are placed in water and kept over night. The mixture is crushed next morning and taken twice a day for 7 consecutive days (Acharya and Shrivastava, 2008, 2011).

Acharya, D, Shrivastava, A. 2011. Ethnomedicinal Plants of Gujarat State. Forest Department, Gujarat, Gandhinagar. ISBN 8190311484. 412pp. Dr. Deepak Acharya: is a microbiologist turned ethnobotanist, a herbal hunter and Director of Abhumka Herbal Pvt Ltd (www.abhumka.com), Ahmedabad, India. He has been involved in scouting, documentation and validation of indigenous herbal practices of indigenous healers in Patalkot (www.patalkot.com) and Dangs. He can be contacted at deepak@patalkot.com.

Note: Information provided in the article is for information purposes. As the practices mentioned herewith are not clinically proven, it is therefore advised to take an opinion from family physician before applying any formulation. References Acharya, D. and Shrivastava, A. 2008. Indigenous Herbal Medicines: Tribal Formulations and Traditional Herbal Practices. Aavishkar Publishers Distributors, Jaipur. ISBN 978-81-7910-252-7.

www.communit yseeds.com 49


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50 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


CDFA Plan To Combate Invasive Spices Inadequate

CDFA Plan to Combat Invasive Species Inadequate By Maggi Barry

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emember the invasion of the Light Brown Apple Moth? Starting in 2007, aerial spraying of pesticides was performed in various counties in California to combat the moth, but not without opposition from public health and environmental advocates. Hundreds of complaints of negative health impacts & threat of lawsuits brought the spraying to a halt. The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) is currently working to prepare a programmatic environmental impact report (PEIR) with the intent to create a process for dealing with future “invasive”

pests. According to their website, completion is projected for 2013. While the intent is good, they have taken it one step too far. The proposed PEIR allows the state to continue to pursue outdated and ineffective control techniques like aerial pesticide spraying. Also, due to its broad scope, the PEIR would limit the public’s ability to have meaningful input on future pest treatments once it is approved. The PEIR is based on a costly, inefficient, chemically intensive, outdated approach to pest management. The process needs to be fixed to allow participation and invest in truly comprehensive www.communit yseeds.com 51


Healthy Living

planning and pest control. Pesticide Watch, Stop the Spray East Bay, Center for Environmental Health, Moms Advocating Sustainability, BEC and numerous other organizations have submitted a letter asking the state to abandon the costly pest PEIR and to instead undertake a consensus planning process, modeled after the successful Agriculture Vision process, for California’s approach to pest control and invasive species. The Agriculture Vision Invasive Species process, completed by America Farmland Trust for CDFA in 2010, includes goals that: • Are based on solid, up-to-date science • Are more efficient, more effective and more supportive of farmers than current approaches

• Significantly reduce wide-scale pesticide use on farms, in neighborhoods, and around schools • Minimize litigation, conflict and public mistrust • Reduce costs to taxpayers The Invasive Species Vision process would engage stakeholders in consensus planning to develop a new program based on the latest science on pest prevention and management, as well as on the health and environmental effects of pesticides. A broad stakeholder group, including academic experts, agencies, the agriculture community including small and organic farmers, health and 52 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

environmental groups, consumer organizations, and the public could take advantage of work already under way at UC Davis to develop a 21st Century Invasive Pest Policy, as well as recent research on the health effects of pesticides at UCSF and other California institutions. The Invasive Species Vision process would cost significantly less, would enhance the state’s ability to identify, prevent, and respond to invasive pests and would focus on reducing adverse impacts on health, the environment, and farmers from statewide pest programs. It is time that California led the way toward a more sustainable model for pest control and the time is now!


CDFA Plan To Combate Invasive Spices Inadequate, Continued

To learn more, go to: www.eastbay.stopthespray.org www.pesticidewatch.org www.cdfaca.gov/plant/peir/

www.communit yseeds.com 53


Healthy Living

View of Patalkot valley

Indigenous Foods For Better Health By Deepak Acharya, Sanjay Pawar and Anshu Shrivastava

54 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Indigenous Foods For Better Health

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ncultivated plants have contributed to the diet of both humans and animals since their first emergence on planet Earth. Human beings ate a range of wild plants, whereas today the diet of developed societies is limited to only some cultivated vegetables. However, there are few tribal pockets in India like Patalkot and The Dangs where diet is rich in edible wild plants. This diet may be a reference standard for modern human nutrition and a model for defense against certain diseases of affluence.

of essential fatty acids – especially linolenic acid and micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron (Simopoulos, 1995). In developing countries, micronutrient deficiencies are a significant health problem, particularly for maternal, infant and child

forest plants to make effective delicacies and medicines. The natives (Bharias and Gonds) who live there know how to collect and grow the plants they need for food and medication. Bhumkas (Local Healer) know the secrets of the herbs and tree growing in valley. This special skill has been passed down every generation.

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The Dangs ribals form a health. The use of indigenous distinct group compared delicacies has been is use to to other populations. Their correct these deficiencies with food intake is influenced by great success. nature, with large seasonal variations, depending upon Patalkot and The availability of agricultural Dangs and forest produce. Several studies have documented a close relationship between atalkot’ is a deep valley the tribal ecosystems and situated in ‘Tamia’ block their nutritional status. In the of Chhindwara District (www. last two decades a number patalkot.com). It is a lovely of scientists have studied landscape located at a depth the composition of wild of 3000 feet in a valley. plants as good sources of Patalkot is known for its natural nutrient suppliers, richness of medicinal flora. It because of a trend towards is a treasure of herbal wealth. natural ingredients in food. Patalkot is home to a tribal Wild plants are storehouses culture skilled at using the

T

P

he Dangs (known as Dang), a completely tribal district is situated in South Gujarat. Dang district’s potency lies in its rich forests. Dang is also a treasure of forest resources and medicinal plants. Dangis (people of Dangs) still believe in traditional system of healing and combating nutrient deficiencies. Bhagats (Local Healers) perform traditional healings. Tribals of this region are fully dependent upon herbal medication. Tribal delicacies

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he average intake of green leafy vegetables and fruits is relatively higher among these tribals. Consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with protection against various human health ailments. Tribal delicacies can be used as functional foods with specific health effects.

www.communit yseeds.com 55


Healthy Living

Tomato Chutney

It is important to identify vegetable foods of high value such as leafy greens that are native to these regions and establish their nutritional profile. These delicacies are not commercially exploited, as they are not sold in the market. It could well be a repository of important microconstituents that can provide nutritional support and optimize health and

unga (Moringa oleifera) leaves are eaten as Chutney in Patalkot. The bioavailability of carotene from fresh and dehydrated Munga leaves has already compared favorably with the bioavailability of synthetic vitamin A. Bharia tribe in Patalkot prepare Pakodas by using Munga leaves. The leaves are reported to give energy and also kill intestinal worms.

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Dangis. Bans (Bambusa bambos) curry prepared by Dangi tribal is said to be effective against various disorders. It is tonic, blood

purifier, wound healing and treats urinary disorders .According to Bhagats in undru (Coccinia grandis) Dang, it cures cancer too fruit is rich in carotene, (Acharya and Shrivastava, a major precursor of vitamin 2008, 2011) A from plant sources, also a good source of protein, ahua (Madhuca indica) fiber and a moderate source flowers are dried and of calcium. Kundru curry is powdered by the Patalkot a common serving among tribals and then they make

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wellbeing with a potential for world agriculture. 56 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

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Indigenous Foods For Better Health, Continued

Chapatis out of it. Dried fruit powder and leaves are effective in urinary tract problems and also a good tonic.

same contents for the women who suffer from chronic skin infections. It also decreases prevalence of allergies. People taking antibiotics which kill off the ‘health supporting Tribal Probiotics microbes’ in the intestinal tract, can be served with Peja he advantage of beneficial as a probiotic supplement. living organisms in food, particularly lactic acid Treating Obese bacteria, has been known for centuries. In fact, the Roman historian, Plinius, in 76 BC, xcessive weight gain is a recommended fermented big problem in America milk for treating gastroenteritis.

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eja is a common dish among the tribes of Patalkot which actually is a mixture of fermented rice water (starch), buttermilk, Barley water, Lemon, and Kutki (local millet). According to the Bhumkas (Local Healers), this mixture increases availability of nutrient in body and boosts the immune response. Tribal healers prescribe this mixture to the patients suffering from diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal distress, and/ or irritable bowel syndrome. Dangis prescribe a sort of this mixture containing almost

We are currently under the process of validating those herbal practices. Dangi tribals concentrate on eating foods that are high in fiber to reduce appetite and help reduce the risk of cancer. They look for good sources of protein throughout the day such as meats, fish, eggs, beans and nuts. It is interesting to know that Bharias in Patalkot love to have tomatoes in their daily servings. Yes, tomatoes a are great source of fiber, carbohydrate, potassium and iron. Tomatoes are also low in fat and sodium. Tomatoes also contain an antioxidant called lycopene. Discussion

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and nearly two thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. In US alone, $33 billion/ year has been spent on weight loss products and services that are fad diets, unsafe or ineffective nutritional supplements. Primary evidences collected by us show that the tribal diet represents one of the primary ways to shed those unwanted pounds and keep them off.

ecause uncultivated plants supply a significant portion of micronutrients to the diet and exhibit higher mineral values than more accessible, cultivated alternatives, substantial economic and nutritional gains could be achieved by increasing dietary utilization of edible wild plants. However, lack of compositional data continues to be a limiting factor when attempting to evaluate the

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eco

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58 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

role of wild food plants in contemporary diets. The nutritional quality of diet may decline with agricultural development unless edible wild species that provide essential micronutrients to the diet are considered part of the total food system.

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t is indeed possible that micronutrient deficiencies are often the result of lack of enough habitual food in the household rather than to the poor quality of such foods. In a recent National Conference on “Nutrition and Fortification” organized by Food and Civil Supplies Department, Government of Gujarat- India, Dr. SK Nanda, Principal Secretary in the same department has quoted “A food-based rather than drug-based approach will be the proper answer to the problem of micronutrient deficiencies as indeed to the problem of undernutrition in general.” Dr. Nanda has closely been watching the tribal lifestyle in Dang District and he suggests that the promotion of consumption of fortified and enriched food stuff, vegetables, including green leafy vegetables and fruits in adequate quantities, must become a central part of the strategy for nutritional improvement of all

populations.

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es! It is true that major emphasis and awareness generation activities should focus on edible wild plant species for combating nutrient deficiencies. Life style & food habits of the tribals of Patalkot and Dang should be studied furthermore for a thorough outcome. A collective contribution from botanists, experimental biologists, agronomists, food technologists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, physicians, economists, policy-makers and anthropologists will discover a new way to fight micro nutrient deficiency in country like India. References Acharya, D. and Shrivastava, A. 2008. Indigenous Herbal Medicines: Tribal Formulations and Traditional Herbal Practices. Aavishkar Publishers Distributors, Jaipur. ISBN 978-81-7910-252-7. Acharya, D, Shrivastava, A. 2011. Ethnomedicinal Plants of Gujarat State. Forest Department, Gujarat, Gandhinagar. ISBN 8190311484. 412pp.


Moving is the best medicine. Keeping active and losing weight are just two of the ways that you can fight osteoarthritis pain. In fact, for every pound you lose, that’s four pounds less pressure on each knee. For information on managing pain, go to fightarthritispain.org.

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Healthy Living

Breaking Common Barriers To A Healthy Lifestyle By Kayla Cook

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hether it’s the lack of time in our busy schedules or the anxiety of not knowing how to cook a healthy meal, we all have our reasons for not eating as healthy as we should and not getting enough physical activity. While it may be obvious that eating healthy and keeping active is the right path to take, it can sometimes be difficult to stay on course. nowing the right thing to do is the first step in changing unhealthy habits. The next step (and most important) is acting on it and then (the hardest part) maintaining that

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lifestyle. To kick-start a healthy lifestyle, the first thing we need to do is throw out the reasons holding us back.

Reason 1: Healthy food is too expensive

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here are plenty of healthy options that are affordable and delicious. One of the most important parts of eating healthy is getting enough fruits and vegetables. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture’s www.ChooseMyPlate.gov recommends Photo courtesy of TracyLynn Photography


Breaking Common Barriers To A Healthy Lifestyle

making half your plate fruits and vegetables. There is a misconception that produce is expensive, but there are ways of getting your needed nutrients without breaking your budget. Eating in-season produce is a great way to save on fresh fruits and vegetables. In-season produce tends to be lower in cost, and since it is at the peak of ripeness, what is in-season also tastes better. Some great fall options are apples, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and pomegranates. Buying frozen and canned (make sure it’s in water rather than syrup) produce are also less expensive options and they are available year-round.

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aking a closer look at what’s on sale at the grocery store and creating a grocery list can also help you stretch your family’s food budget. Beyond fruits and vegetables, other healthy food options that tend to be lower in cost include brown rice, beans, whole-grain pasta, oats, eggs, tuna in water, yogurt, and peanut butter. You can also save money by switching from sugary beverages to water. Tap water is free and your body needs it to maintain your blood, muscles, body fat, and even your bones. Just one 16-ounce soda has around 16 teaspoons of sugar. Cutting back on these drinks can help decrease your waistline and increase the amount of money you have for healthier options.

Reason 2: I don’t have time for a healthy lifestyle

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here is no denying being busy makes it much harder to live healthy. After spending most of your day at work, it can be hard to find time to make a healthy meal and exercise each day. What’s important to remember is by making small changes to your daily routine, you can fit healthy choices

into your lifestyle and the benefits of living healthy make it worth spending the extra time. Planning ahead is key for setting yourself up for success. If you know you have a busy week ahead, plan healthy dishes with just a few ingredients that can quickly be prepared. Creating a menu before going to the store can be a helpful strategy too. It saves you time and decreases the chances of eating out just because you are unsure of what is in the refrigerator. On Sunday night, before the school/work week, cut up fresh fruits and vegetables that you will need for meals that week. Prepackage healthy snacks, such as baby carrots, dried fruit, or trail mix so it is ready to go. Taking these small steps can make eating healthy much easier—even during your busy weeks.

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ue to a busy lifestyle, convenience has become more and more important. Eating out may seem like the most simple option, but the truth is cooking up a quick, healthy meal for your family can be pretty simple too and the health benefits make it worth it.

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nother part of a healthy lifestyle many people struggle with is finding time to be active. Adults need 30 minutes of exercise a day and this can be broken up throughout the day. Try fitting a 15-minute walk into your lunch, doing yoga in the morning, or stretching or running in place while watching your favorite TV shows. Also doing little things like parking farther away from work or taking the stairs rather than the elevator can be helpful. If you live close to work, consider riding your bike or walking a few days a week. Doing work around the house, such as gardening, mowing the lawn, or raking the leaves burns calories too, and since you need to do it anyway, you will feel productive while being active. We have so many commitments in www.communit yseeds.com 61


Healthy Living

today’s busy world that our time has become more precious than ever. Spending a few extra hours a week getting healthy is time well spent, and it will pay off by giving you more energy and a making you feel good about your smart decisions.

Reason 3: Healthy food doesn’t taste good

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dding fruits and vegetables to meals can actually help add flavor to some of the foods you already enjoy. Try adding fruit to your yogurt and vegetables in your favorite soups and pasta. There are also ways to lighten up your favorite meals. Take a look at the recipes available at www. cachampionsforchange.net to find healthy versions of family favorites like macaroni and cheese with glazed vegetables or chicken and dumplings.

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eeping your taste buds happy is also all about variety, so make sure to switch up your fruits and vegetables. Have your children help you pick a new fruit or vegetable to try each week at the store. Keep it interesting by getting creative with your food and making food that is appealing, such as a colorful fruit salad or apple-glazed sweet potatoes. When food looks or smells tasty, it is more tempting to eat.

Reason 4: I don’t know how to cook

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ot knowing how to cook does not have to be a barrier to living a healthy lifestyle. Take advantage of some of the free or lowcost nutrition education and cooking classes available in your community to get tips on

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how to cook simple, healthy meals. You do not have to be a nutritionist or a chef to eat healthy. Knowing just the basics can make a big difference.

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ake eating healthy fun by getting creative and learning new, easy-tocook meals. Pick healthy recipes that take less than 10 ingredients and have your whole family help! Some simple meals include a fruit cup for breakfast, a vegetable quesadilla or avocado garden salad for lunch, and mango chicken stir-fry or fish tacos for dinner.

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hat is important to remember is the benefits of making healthy choices outweigh the reasons for not doing so. While it can be hard to eat healthy and be active, it would be much harder to deal with the consequences like obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain type of cancer that can follow if you do not make health a priority.

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eptember is Fruits & Veggies—More Matters™ month, making fall a reminder of the reasons for adding more produce to your diet. Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help keep your body healthy and energized. Don’t let common barriers stand in your way of becoming healthy this fall. Instead, start fresh this season by making small nutritious changes that will have lasting benefits.

Kayla Cook is an assistant media coordinator/writer for the Network for a Healthy California—Sierra Cascade Region and can be reached at kcook@ healthcollaborative.org. The California Department of Public Health’s Network for a Healthy California (Network) is a public health effort working with hundreds of partners and organizations to empower low-income Californians to live healthier lives through good nutrition and physical activity. Funding is from USDA SNAP, known in California as CalFresh. For CalFresh information, call 877-847-3663.


Breaking Common Barriers To A Healthy Lifestyle, Continued

Easy Recipes Kayla Suggests

Chicken and Dumplings Tasty, home cooked comfort food in less than 30 minutes. Makes 6 servings. 1¼ cups per serving. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes

s s s s s s s s s s s s s s Ingredients 2¼ cups canned low-sodium chicken broth ¼ cup water 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped 4½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, and green beans) 2 cups cooked and chopped chicken 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1¼ cups reduced fat prepared baking mix 1⁄ 3

cup lowfat milk

1 egg

Preparation 1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, water, onion, vegetables, chicken, and thyme. 2. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. 3. Place baking mix in a small bowl. Remove 2 tablespoons and stir into pot to thicken stew.

4. Add milk and egg to remaining baking mix and stir with a fork to blend. Drop rounded tablespoons onto hot chicken mixture. Cook over low heat, uncovered, for 5 minutes. 5. Cover and cook for 5 minutes more. Serve while hot.

Nutrition information per serving: Calories 226, Carbohydrate 24 g, Dietary Fiber 3 g, Protein 21 g, Total Fat 5 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 74 mg, Sodium 362 mg

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Apple Glazed Sweet Potatoes So easy, just simmer sweet potato slices in juice and serve.

s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s Makes 4 servings. ½ cup per serving. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 2½ cups unsweetened 100% apple juice ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 small potatoes), peeled and thinly sliced

Preparation 1. Combine apple juice, cinnamon, and salt in a large skillet. Add sliced sweet potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. 2. Reduce heat slightly and simmer potatoes, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and juice has been reduced to a glaze. Serve while hot.

Nutrition information per serving: Calories 208, Carbohydrate 50 g, Dietary Fiber 5 g, Protein 3 g, Total Fat 0 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 200 mg

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ADVETORIAL

Zucchini Sauté This vegetable side dish tastes lively and is fast to fix.

s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s Makes 5 servings. 1 cup per serving. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients 1¼ pounds zucchini (about 3 medium zucchini) ½ teaspoon olive oil 1 tablespoon dried oregano 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

Preparation 1. Cut zucchini in half crosswise, then cut each half into 4 lengthwise sticks. 2. Heat oil in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. 3. Add oregano and garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes. 4. Add zucchini and lemon peel, and sauté for about 3 minutes until zucchini is lightly browned.

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan 5. Mix in Parmesan cheese and cheese pepper. Serve warm. ¼ teaspoon ground black Nutrition information per serving: pepper Calories 32, Carbohydrate 5 g, Dietary Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g, Total Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 31 mg

DINNER

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byBeaute’ eleMENts Unisex Spa, Salon, Boutique, Wine Bar & Wellness Center

1035 Village Lane, CA 95926

1-877-345-3430

What’s Good For The Earth Is Great For Your Body Only Organic and / or Sustainable Products Are Used!

www.elementsbybeaute.com

Meet The Owner Lorianne S. Riley, CMT

Artistic Director, Cosmetologist, Makeup Artist Lori is a business major that has been working in the beauty industry for approximately ten years. She has and will continue to combed the United States to find only the best organic and / or sustainable products available.

organic botanicals and use sustainable practices while producing their products.

Upon Entry

Upon arrival savor the aromatherapy of elegant spices, hear the trickling water from a fountain, and dare to enjoy 9 varietals of organic wines or a selection of Sierra Nevada beers. If an alcoholic beverage is not what you desire we also have a complementary tea bar and fruit infused water.

******************* Online Store

Everything in the boutique is available for sale online. Including makeup, hair care, skin care, nail care,vitamins, candles, one-of-a-kind art, artisan jewelry, home goods, and luxury bedding, plus much, much, more... We also offer a wide variety of waxing services.

***************** ******************* Spa

Relax in the restful zen inspired spa adorned with aroma -therapeutic candles, chiming Tibetan Bells, and soothing background music. All facial, massage and body treatments are preformed with only the finest certified organic products. Each treatment begins with a cup of tea or fruit infused water, a botanical and healing salt foot bath, as well as a heated flax seed neck cozy.

Boutique

The on premise boutique encompasses every product used during the salon and spa services, even the one -of-a kind art is available to take home.

66 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

Nail Salon

*******************

*******************

We believe in giving back by re-using our industry by-products to make the world a better place to live. We donate hair to:

Only beautifully crafted organic products are used for our nail services. Nothing but the best!

Full Service Hair Salon

The salon is completely full service. Hair cuts, color, color correction, texturizing perms, relaxers, braiding, hair extensions, clipper cuts and old fashion hot shaves, as well as specializing in ethnic hair is what the talented hair styling team thrives at doing. All hair care products contain

Giving Back

Matter of Trust- Hair is used for nets to clean up oil spills. Locks of Love - Hair cuts are free to anyone that donates hair over ten inches long. The hair is used to make wigs for children that have lost their hair due to illness.

Hours of Operation Tuesday through Thursday 9am to 5pm

Friday through Saturday 10am to 5pm By Appointment Only 6am to 10am & 5pm to 9pm


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Eco Friendly Crafts

After

Before 68 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Sustainable Design On A Dime

Sustainable Design On A Dime By Lorianne S. Riley

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t is funny how trends and people’s mind-set change with the times. Trends tend to come around full circle. Back in the 30’s and 40’s, people were concerned about waste. They would fix things until there was no fixing left to do. They wanted to make sure that they got their money’s worth! In the 80’s excess was a popular word. Everything was overstated and had to be new. It was the era of Dynasty and Dallas” “The Bigger, the Better.” People wanted the best and they felt as though they deserved it. Today people still want to live the good life, but appreciate the idea of getting there money’s worth, even if that means reinventing something to make it feel new. Essentially, what is popular now is making something old have a new life.

MAKING CHAIRS SLIP COVERS

1. Make Pattern

2. Cut Out Pattern

3. Sew

4. Fit To Form

I love this idea and I have always been one to purchase used furniture if I think it has good bones. I like to recover and refinish furniture, make drapes, and what ever else crafty I can do to save a buck. My bedroom is the room in desperate need of new life in our house at this time. My budget to reinvent it is only $210.00. So, I am going to have to be savvy about how I makeover my shabby bedroom into something fantastic.

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HANGING CURTAINS

aterials Needed:

1. (3) Twin Blankets 2. Heavy Duty Thread 3. (5) Panels Of Old Drapes 4. Beaten Up Old Chairs 5. Buttons 6. Pattern Maker $2.95yd 7. Old Comforter 8. Curtain Clips 9. A Little Imagination.

$183.00 $ 4.00 $ 0.00 (Had) $ 0.00 (Had) $ 7.00 $ 10.00 $ 0.00 (Had) $ 0.00 (Had) FREE $204.00

1. Used Existing Old Vertical Blind Track to Hang Curtains

2. Hang Curtains With Clips 3. Make Ties W/ Bed Ruffle

Key Notes • Have Fun • Be Creative • Don’t Be Afraid Of Failure

I hope this sparked the creativity in you!

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Cooks Corner

Kitchen Widgets By Lorianne S. Riley

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an Handle Cover is designed for use with cast iron pans or other pans where the handle gets hot! It has a handy loop for hanging. Hand made in Guatemala from 100% cotton. This product is made in a cottage industry by artisans. Costs $3.95 at http://www.greenfeet.com

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f You Care Large Baking Cups use zero, zip, zilch chlorine in their production. Made from premium quality unbleached grease proof paper and without the use of chlorine. This is great news for your health and that of the environment’s as well. Oh, and let’s not forget they perform like a champ. It’s a win-win....win!

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ountain Jet home soda makers look great on your kitchen counter. Turn water into sparkling water and soda in seconds with a Sodastream Fountain Jet home soda maker. Available in three colors: white, black/silver, and red and their new Fizz Chip comes in green. Costs $79.95 to $199.95 at http://www.sodastreamusa.com

•Unbleached grease proof paper •Chlorine Free for you and me •No greasing necessary •Oven Safe up to 428 degrees F (228C) •Suitable for vegetarians and vegans •Gluten Free •Allergen Free •Star-K Kosher and Kosher for Passover •Even the packaging is recycled and recyclable and printed with veggie based inks! Large Baking Cups work for cupcakes (obviously...) as well as make great little holders for jelly beans or special treats or cookies! Measures: 60 cups per box at 2.5” (6.35cm) Costs $2.49 at http://www.greenfeet.com

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Cook’s Corner

Prime U.S.D.A. Beef, Fresh Seafood Only The Finest Quality Ingredients!

(916) 351-9100 604 Sutter Street - Folsom CA

(530) 891-6328 345 West Fifth Street - Chico CA

Our Passion Is Providing You Exquisite Cuisine Matched With Exceptional Service

Cook’s Corner 5th Street Steakhouse and Sutter Street Steakhouse take pride in themselves for making extraordinary cuisine out of simple ingredients. Cooking with ingredients that are seasonally at there best is always taken into consideration as the cornerstone of every meal.

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Cook’s Corner

Pan Seared Scallops

With Grilled Organic Peaches and Honey Balsamic Reduction by Brian knadle

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his is a great dish for the fall. Peaches are in season starting in November and the best time to purchase scallops is August through November! Make sure to visit a reputable fish monger for the scallops and go to your nearest farmers market to pick up peaches locally to insure that they are at their best! Photo courtesy of Jason Brown

74 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Pan Seared Scallops

INGREDIENTS: Serves Four

SCALLOPS PREPARATION:

12 large Scallops 2 Organic peaches sliced into 16 slices 1 ½ Cups Balsamic Vinegar ½ Cup local honey 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard Organic greens for garnish (mache or baby arugula)

Heat a large sauté pan or non stick pan on medium high heat. Pat scallops dry on a paper towel to allow them to caramelize in the pan. Salt and Pepper both sides of the scallops. Add 3 Tablespoons olive oil to the pan and add the scallops. Sear scallops for two minutes on each side. Scallops should be nice and caramelized on each side. Place on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Lightly oil peaches on both sides and grill for a minute on each side to warm them and provide grill marks. Place peaches and scallops on four plates alternating each one to provide artistic appearance. Garnish each plate with fresh greens and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

BALSAMIC GLAZE PREPARATION: Combine balsamic, honey and Dijon in a sauce pan and reduce on low heat until reduces by half.

Photo courtesy of Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Garden Fresh Libations Garden Fresh Libations by Sean Delloiacono

76 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Garden Fresh Libations

Strawberry and Ginger, Basil Martini 1 and ½ Ounces Nolets Silver Gin 3 Market Fresh Strawberries 1 Chunk of Fresh Ginger about the size of your thumbnail. 2 tsp “Wholesome” Fair Trade Organic Sugar 1 Leaf of freshly picked Basil Grate the chunk of ginger and take the stems off the Strawberries. Next, place the Ginger, Basil, Sugar, and the Strawberries into a cocktail shaker. Muddle until muddled. Add your Nolets Silver Gin. Shake as hard as you can for 10 seconds. Stain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a Strawberry. .

Spicy Cucumber Refresher 1 and ½ Ounces of Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka ½ Ounce Saint Germain Liquor 1 Fresh Jalapeno Pepper 3 Thick slices of Lemon Cut three slices from the Jalapeno pepper to your desired thickness (depends on how spicy you like it). Put the slices into a cocktail shaker and then Muddle. When done muddling, squeeze your slices of lemon over the your muddled pepper and then drop those squeezed lemons right into the shaker. Next, add a ½ ounce of Saint Germain Liquor and last, but most importantly, add your 1 and ½ ounces of Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka. Shake as hard as you can for 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into a bucket glass over ice and add a splash of soda water from your SodaStream Eco Beverage System, garnish with a lemon and enjoy!

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Cook’s Corner

Food Bites By Lorianne S. Riley

Lev’s Original Kombucha We brew our deliciously effervescent drink by fermenting the finest Green Teas according to our traditional family recipe. Our unwavering commitment to freshness and taste ensures a drink that is both healthy and delicious. Lev’s Original is 100% pro-biotic for healthy digestion and immune function; it is also packed with an array of beneficial acids. When you try Lev’s Original Kombucha, expect a taste that is refreshing and clean. It is slightly sweet, slightly tart and can be flavored with a variety of natural fruit juices. Plus, you will taste the rich and complex flavors of the fine green teas that we brew. Original, Black Currant, Hibiscus, Mango, Mint, Ginger, NutraGreen Where to fined http://shop.levsoriginal.com/

Nicasio Valley Cheese Company Made from 100% organic farmstead cow’s milk. Foggy Morning : A fresh cow’s milk cheese. Extremely versatile, it’s delicious on its own, or matched with pasta, salads, pizza, olive oil and cracked pepper, fruit or jams. Where to fined http://www.nicasiocheese.com/locations.html

78 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


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rchards Smiling through departed leaves, Like

diamond sapphire in evening sun

By Lorianne S. Riley

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ang ripening fruit and from the eaves Grey sparrows make unending run,

Three Silver Rings: Chocolate Diamond Pink Sapphire Encased in Gold Bezel Yellow Sapphire

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Family

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h happy land, Bless thy fertile soil, Oh happy people born to work and prayer,

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Copper and Silver Earrings with Fresh Water Cultured Pearls

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ith God to guide and strength to toil,

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Ribbon Candy Collection Earrings Silver & 24k Gold Eco Friendly Pink Sapphires

With heart and help goes will and power. - Alex Doherty, Autumn Leaves

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What You Need To Know to Achieve The Looks Natural Fabrics & Stitching Details

Where To Find Cottonparty, chico CA 530-893-4923 AicoraGems

“Jewelry Box” Gallery

530-519-4367

Designs by

Tulip Whitewash Basic Threads Geralyn Sheridan Designs

It’s All About The Accessories

Oregon Sunstone Necklace Two Strands Of Fresh Water Cultured Pearls

Copper and Silver Necklace with Fresh Water Cultured Pearls

84 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

Handmade Copper Bracelet with Chocolate Diamond Encased in Silver Bezel


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Earth Friendly Beauty Products

Earth Friendly Beauty Products By Lorianne S. Riley

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lluring Organic Jasmine Body Butter Sweet and Sensual: The scent of our Alluring Jasmine Body Butter is reminiscent of summer blossoms. Quench your skin! Can be found at http://www. rosemiraorganics.com/bio-cosmeticsorganic-skin-care-product-california.asp.

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ild Pomegranate Body Mist is a lightly fragrant combination of rose water, organic aloe vera, organic chamomile and witch hazel. It’s wonderfully refreshing. Can be found at www.elementsbybeaute.com/store.

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umanWear creates HiP Eco T-shirts for men, women & toddlers with messages about us and our environment. Information to find where to purchase can be found at http://humanwear.com/.

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owerful enough to give your hair hold, but gentle enough to leave it silky, shiny and flexible, this USDA Certified Organic spray gets its staying power from natural acacia gum. The all-natural formula contains none of the harmful petrochemicals found in most hair sprays that get released into the air, coating your lungs with toxic ingredients. Bergamot, aloe vera and the antioxidant-rich Intellimune Seed Oil Complex help keep hair healthy-looking and soft. It has a light scent and is safe for color-treated hair. Can be found at www.saffronrouge.com.

rganic Fiji: Made using 100% Certified Organic Coconut Oil. Coconut oil naturally contains high amounts of vitamins A, B, C and E. Coconut oil contains natural soothing properties which are effective in combating irritated skin. Coconut oil contains natural anti-oxidants to help the skin repair and protect itself from free radicals. Can be found at http://www.organicfiji.com/.

O

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Coming Soon to a webstore accessible to you!

Live The Lifestyle of... Sustainable Wishes... and Organic Dreams...

@ www.elementsbybeaute.com/store

Seeds . . Fall 88 Community 2011. bedding . jewelry . bedding . haircare . art . clothing . nailcare skincare . house goods candles


NYC Fashion Week

What Goes Around Comes Around Designs NYC Fahion Week, Fall Collection Submitted by Gerard Maione and Seth Weisser

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ounded by college friends, Gerard Maione and Seth Weisser, What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA) began as a meticulously edited vintage boutique in SoHo, New York. After more than a decade spent traveling the globe in search of the finest vintage clothing and antiquities, Maione and Weisser launched the WGACA Collection, a vintage-inspired line for women and men. The founders’ vast knowledge in fashion history, coupled with their keen focus on current trends, inspired a modern collection with a vintage aesthetic. In 2010, WGACA introduced a new concept to complement its contemporary brand, the Custom Vintage collection. Custom Vintage is created from authentic vintage, recycled and is uniquely handcrafted to enhance the original piece. Designed and curated each season by the founders, the Custom Vintage collection completes WGACA’s vintage portfolio and cements the company’s reputation as a true vintage lifestyle brand. The WGACA Collection has enjoyed a tremendous response since its launch. Some notable fans include: Nicole Richie, Robert Pattinson, Victoria and David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Katy Perry, Jessica Simpson and Lenny Kravitz, among others. The Collection is sold in more than 100 of the top specialty stores around the world, including Bergdorf Goodman, Harvey Nichols and Fred Segal.

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Hair: Marc Mena and team

Makeup: Napoleon Perdis Photography: Randy Brooke

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Hair: Marc Mena and team

Makeup: Napoleon Perdis Photography: Randy Brooke

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Hair: Marc Mena and team

Makeup: Napoleon Perdis Photography: Randy Brooke

92 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Hair: Marc Mena and team

Makeup: Napoleon Perdis Photography: Randy Brooke

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Gear Head

Eco Toys For Boys

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By Lorianne S. Riley

ero Electric Motorcycles http://www.zeromotorcycles.com

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ot August Night’s Big Boy Toy Store 55,000 square feet of the latest and finest hot rod, street rod and truck accessories from venders from all over the United States. Store located at the Reno Event Center. For more information: www.hotaugustnights.net.

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iCycle™ Limited, A premium model Every component has been upgraded to the highest quality and offers the most responsive performance. This model offers 1250 watts of hillflattening torque. The front-mounted motor keeps the front-end down on even the steepest grades and ensures unparalleled traction on uneven or wet surfaces. PiCycle™ Limited transforms even the most dull commute into a personal thrill ride. Visit www. http://picycle.com/ for more information. 94 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


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Gear Head

22nd American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament By Morgan Palilla

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unday, July 17th wasn’t just any other day for South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. On this day, the 22nd Annual 2011 American Century Championship Premier Celebrity Golf tournament came back for another great year! Sponsored by American Century Investments, and hosted by the beautiful resort/casino, Harrah’s at Lake Tahoe, the tournament took place on the lush

96 Community Seeds . Fall 2011

green course at Edgewood Tahoe. With Tahoe’s widely unpredictable weather, it was no surprise that there were signs of threatening clouds, but this was not going to deceive anyone. Luckily, it pulled through with a perfect mountain temperature of 62 degrees and sunny. Fans come from far and wide each year to root on celebrity favorites. Although, one should not attempt to get any autographs until after the tournament is concluded for


22nd American Century Championship

operas such a General Hospital, and Melrose Place. Trailing closely behind was NFL Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo with a score of 77. Interestingly enough, being a sports professional is not necessarily in the criteria for victory in this tournament. Wagner’s winnings resulted in a check for $125,000.

distraction purposes. The atmosphere was lively and energetic with motivational music playing and crowds surrounding on land and by boat. Today, South Lake Tahoe was again graced with celebrities from all around to compete in nothing other than the allAmerican sport of golf! You could find names such as former NBA star Charles Barkley, NBA legend and former competitor Michael

Jordan, and NFL Super bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers. The man to come in the lead overall was 2nd time winner, Hollywood actor Jack Wagner with a score of 80. Along with John Elway, Mike Eruzione, and Jim McMahon he was a part of the “Fab Four” [having participated in the tournament every year]. But you may also remember him from late soap

Other players were able turn this tournament into a very beneficial thing. Former NHL All-Star, Joe Sakic, hit a hole in one, resulting in a winning of $ 500,000, which was donated to the Lance Armstrong foundation Live Strong, the official foundation of the Celebrity Golf Tournament. Not only does this tournament enable special donations to be given to specified foundations, but it enables the players and fans to bond over a fun and relaxing day of golf!

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Community Seeds

Advertisers Index Apple Blossom Baby Arthritis Foundation California Health Collaborative Chico Connection Dolphin Organics Dr. Marc Garrison DO The Durham Community Website eleMENts by Beaute Salon and Spa eleMENts Online Store eleMENts Magazine Geralyn Sheridan Designs Growing Up Chico Magazine Growing Up Chico Magazine Franky’s In Motion Fitness In Motion Fitness In Motion Fitness Paradise Connection Community WebSite Patrick Ranch Museum Rose Mira Organics Sutter, 5th Street Steak House Szep Elet Thomas ACE Hardware Tracy Lynn Photography United Way Watt Green Construction Zero Motorcycles

26 59 36 04 22 14 98 66-7 88 53 85 34 71 50 15 71 100 18 18 86 05 72 95 49 43 47 99

Special Thanks To: In Motion Fitness ------------------------------------------------------------ www.InMotionFitness.com Jason & Heather Ugie

Additional Thanks To:

TJ Farms.......................................................................................... www.tjfarmsestates.com Susan Burke March, MS, RD/LD, CDE ---------------------------------- www.SusanBurkeMarch.com Deanna Zachrich ----------------------------------------------------------- www.TheBigGreenEasy.com The Health and Community Services Department at California State University, Chico 98 Community Seeds . Fall 2011


Join Us In The Winter! • Send us an article about being eco-friendly eco friendly or community-minded • Send us photos of you and/or your family and friends in the winter fall • Send photos of unique green products • Tell us what you like to do in the winter to more be more fall to be sustainable • Send us a green craft idea • Write a book review • Send us an article on living a healthier lifestyle • Tell us how your business is being more sustainable • Tell us about fall community projects • Purchase advertising • Become a sponsor

Th

eN e Co mm xt Iss ue Wil uni t l y Se Of Dec Be Rel e em eas ds ber ed 15, 201 1! The deadline for the Winter issue is Nov. 10, 2011. E-mail items to info@communityseeds.com. For more information go to www.communityseeds.com. Photo courtesy of TracyLynn Photography

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100Community Seeds . Fall 2011


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