Eco Community Seeds Issue, Summer 2009 by Eco Community Seeds Magazine

Durham

. Chico . Paradise . Beyond

Community Seeds

eco-Magazine

Water Our Most Valuable Resource

Common Vision

Planting Planting the the seeds seeds of of Environmental Environmental Change Change Thinking Globally, Living Locally

Rethink Your Drink

Better Drinks and Containers For Your Health

Going Solar?

Part 2 : Sun Power For Your Home

Tips For a Greener Summer

Green Crafts, Recipes, and Eco Fun For All Ages

Not Your Average Race Car Driver Brett Miller Races for Animals

Summer 2009

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Welcome

Vol. 2, No. 1 Summer 2009 Issue 5

Community Seeds Eco Magazine is published quarterly, exclusively on-line; at no cost to readers.

Community Seeds Publishing,

Please send comments, articles, artwork, testimonials, questions and photos to: info@communityseeds.com. For advertising and general information, e-mail us at info@communityseeds.com Or sales@communityseeds.com.

Also, visit: www.communityseeds.com. Send all mail to: Community Seeds Eco Magazine 1785 Garden Road Durham, CA 95938 Call and/or leave a message: (530) 570-5581

Community Seeds

Eco Magazine

Editor-In-Chief DeAnna Holman deanna@communityseeds.com Associate Editor Amy Behlke amy@communityseeds.com Environmental Advisor/Contributing Editor Greg Holman greg@communityseeds.com Staff Writers Amy Behlke DeAnna Holman Greg Holman Conor Rowell info@communityseeds.com Staff Photographers Tracy Lynn Cahn info@tracylynnphotography.com Proof Editor CarrollAnn Davis contact@communityseeds.com Advertising/Marketing Deborah Watt deborah@communityseeds.com sales@communityseeds.com Art/Layout Design DeAnna Holman deanna@communityseeds.com Billing, Business and Accounting business@communityseeds.com

Owner/Editor-in-Chief, DeAnna Holman (right) Amy Behlke, Associate Editor (left)

Community Seeds . Summer 2009

All articles, photos, advertising, words, design and images are the property of Community Seeds Publishing and may not be reproduced without permission. Community Seeds Publishing 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

Gear Up For a Green Summer

With summer comes farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market, concerts in the park, picnics, fireworks, BBQs and a lot of outdoor fun. This summer, Community Seeds Eco Magazine will be sponsoring the Country Fair and Threshing Bee in Durham (June 13 and 14) and the Green Baby Expo in Chico (June 20). We always look forward to meeting the community and sharing our message of sustainable living. Be sure and stop by for a quick hello or to find out what we are doing next. At home, summer is a good time to start new green practices like composting or vermi (worm) composting. It is also a time to think about conserving water. Water is such a valuable resource and we cannot afford to waste it. Take a look at our water conservation article on page 20. There are so many easy ways to save water and save money in the long run. If you are planning on building or remodeling, consider some of the advice readers have for materials. Two contributors share their knowledge of building with Structural Insulated Panels and our own, Greg Holman talks about going solar. There are many articles dealing with motherhood and children in this issue, including book reviews, product suggestions and funny stories. Also, kids have sent in their artwork and writings. Many community members, young and old, have sent in their stories of community out-reaches and ways they have touched the community; or the community has touched them. I am always surprised at the number of articles and photos we get each season and it makes me smile. It shows that our grass roots efforts are not in vain and that people believe in us and our message. So, to that I say: Thank you, have a wonderful summer and I cannot wait to see what you send in next!

DeAnna Holman

Editor-in-Chief

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Contents

SUMMER 2009

Features 4 Welcome! 5 Note From the Editor 8 Issue Contributors 70 Community Photos 92 Recipes 79 Calendar Links 50 Summer Fun Photos 98 Advertiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Index 99 Be in the Fall

Issue!

Saving the Earth, One Tree at a Time

18 Water Worries Our Dwindling Precious Resource

Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Going Solar? Part 2 of Our Solar Home Series

Off the Shelf

Out and About

Books Reviews: Green Baby and More! The San Francisco Zoo: A Wild Time

True Life 72

A Common Vision

Racing For Animals Brett Miller: Not Your Average Race Car Driver

Departments Easy Being Greener

10 A Healthy Green 12 100 People Under the Sun Project

13 Green Links 15 Rethink Your Drink 16 Kick the Bottle Habit 20 H20 Conservation Tips 26 A Cafe’ Culture Event Pictorial

36 Green Product Picks 40 Sustainable College Fights For Earth

Garden

82 Durham High School Grows Their Own

86 Upside Down Patio Tomato Planters

Crafts

46 Summer Green Crafts Arts/Entertainment

42 Local Photographer, Tracy Lynn Cahn, Shares Her Vision

Focus On Green Business

Kids’ Space: Kids’ Art And Writing

38 Renouveau Clothing 34 Green Supporters

Community

Local Animal Shelter Wins Big

Home

Magalia Beautified

30 Green Home

Building With SIPS

33 More SIP Facts 28 Getting the Solar Facts Family

56 62

Baby Wearing? Swim Lesson Blues

Food

88 90 92

Juicing

An American Classic: Fresh Strawberry Pie

96 72

Cool Off With Iced Tea Cook’s Corner: Fun Summer Foods

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Contributors

Contributors- SUMMER 2009 DeAnna Holman Editor-in-Chief, Owner, Publisher, Web Designer, Mother of Three & Wife. 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. Amy Behlke Associate Editor, Writer, Links Coordinator, Mother of Two, and Wife. Amy holds a BA Degree in Liberal Studies from CSU Chico, a California Teaching Credential From CSU, Chico, works full time teaching 6th grade and writes grants. Greg Holman Writer, Environmental Advisor, Father of Three, Husband. Greg is a Science Teacher, Writer for EnergySeeds.com, Grant Writer, Workshop Facilitator for the National Energy Education Development Project, who holds a BA and CA Teaching Credential from CSU Chico. Kristin Finch Kristin is the owner and creator of Charli’z baby blankets and products. She is a mom and runs an at-home preschool. Kristin is also a creative cook and won a national competition for her recipe for Orange Bran Flax Muffins that she had originally submitted to Community Seeds. Conor N. Rowell Conor is a journalist, marketer, publicist, full-time student at Butte College, works with a number of publications in Chico and has been published on many occasions. Conor has joined the staff of Community Seeds Eco Magazine as a writer and sales associate. Amber Bass Amber, 32, is a clothing designer and owner of Renouveau Clothing. She designs and hand makes one-of-a-kind, fashion forward clothing out of recycled materials. She lives and recycles in Chico, CA with her two kids, two dogs and her husband. Kris Noel Kris is a writer, mother, founder of Kicked Out Of Moms Club, and overall “ domestic goddess.” After five years of working as stay-at-home mom and moonlighting as a belly dancer, she has found a way to share her hilarious stories with other moms or even just women in general. Todd Harris Raised in Chico, Todd has worked in the construction field for over 20 years. He holds a BS in Building Inspection Technology, has worked as a Building Inspector, and has studied various alternative construction methods. He currently builds SIP homes, is a designer, and creates complete working drawings Ken Hodge Ken holds a B.S. degree and M.S. degree in Ornamental Horticulture from CSU, Chico. In 1986, after owning a landscape business for ten years, Ken and his wife Shelly started Hodge’s Nursery in Durham. They have raised 4 children and 3 of them still work at the family nursery. Community Seeds e-Magazine

Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Contributors Tracy Cahn Tracy is a professional photographer who enjoys photographing families, wedding, pets, and events. She has joined the staff of Community Seeds Eco Magazine as a photographer. A Paradise, CA resident, Tracy is a mom, a wife and the owner of Tracy Lynn Photography. Gary Thomas Gary Thomas is a 22 year old college student who has lived in Sacramento all his life. He has been writing and doing motor sports public relations work for the past five years. He also does color commentary and infield announcing at a number of different tracks around northern California. Kayla Cook Kayla is the Media Coordinator/Program Assistant for Network for a Healthy California—Sierra Cascade Region, a freelance writer and a Chico resident. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and has a certificate in editing and publishing. Lorene Foster Lorene Foster Lorene is a mom of four children, under 6 years old, who were all worn via baby carrier for many years. She is also the owner of www.frogmama.com, a baby carrier company that makes comfortable and fashionable baby carriers.

Contributors -Not Pictured CarrollAnn Davis- CarrollAnn works with Community Seeds Magazine as a Proof Editor and Writer. She is the Editor’s mom, a math tutor, Stampin” Up! Demonstrator, Vice President of her local PTA, mother of six and grandmother of ten. Danae Dominichi- Writer and Chef Extraordinare, Danae works for Paradise Unified School District at Evergreen 6. She has a son and is involved in 4-H in Paradise, CA. Tara Donnell -Tara lives in Magalia with her husband, 3 year-old son, and various pets. She works part-time outside the home. Dawn Votaw- Dawn works with the Butte Humane Society in Chico, CA. She was instrumental in spreading the word about the zootoo.com’s National Shelter Makeover Contest, in which the Butte Humane Society won second place. Elaine Nelson- Elaine has lived in Magalia, CA for 15 years and has spent some time during those years on work projects in Oregon and Washington. She is currently the Publicity Chairman of the Magalia Beautification Association and does seasonal work as a tax professional with H&R Block in Paradise. Elaine enjoys gardening, her 4 cats, 1 dog (Radar), and can often be found kayaking with her son on the local waterways. Diane Anderson- Diane Anderson has lived in the east bay town of Pinole California most of her life. She lives at the top of a sunny hill where she gardens in containers with her husband Andy, and beloved dog Casey. Much like her late father, Diane loves to garden, and has inherited his green thumb. Mic Carmichael- Mic owns Sipbuilder.com in Nevada City, CA. He specializes in consultation, design, engineering assistance and installation of SIPs. Sipbuilder has been working with SIPs for 28 years and works with 3 manufacturers. Phuong Le- Phuong is a trained chef from Schoolcraft College and is a Certified Tea Master. She is the Co-Founder of ONO Tea (www.iLoveONO.com) and her goal is to create global health awareness. She is also known as “The Tea Chick” and has an innovative blog, www.TheTeaChick.com. All contributors are named on their corresponding article

If you would like to send an article for the next issue of Community Seeds, 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. w w w.communityseeds.com

It’s Easy Being Greener

Summer is a great time to start living sustainably, especially for your health.

It’s not Easy Being Green er DeAnna Holman

ummer is a great time to begin some sustainable practices, or improve upon things you are already doing to help the environment. Living a sustainable lifestyle means to take care of the environment as well as: self, local communities and world communities. That seems overwhelming, but as I always say, “Small changes make a world of difference.”

There is no better time to begin taking care of our health. There is a lot of fresh fruit available in the summer and there are many places now to get organic produce. Buying organic fruits and vegetables can help the environment by reducing the use of harmful pesticides and by supporting local agriculture. You can read about the importance of organic produce on page 80 of our spring issue, or download a guide to buying the produce with the least amounts of pesticide residue at http://www.foodnews.org/ EWG-shoppers-guide-download-final.pdf. With the warmer weather, be sure to drink adequate amounts of water, but try to use reusable bottles instead of one time use, disposable plastic bottles that will just sit in our landfills. Choose reusable bottles that are BPA free or try the stainless steel options. If you are using tap water, be sure to have water tested if you suspect contaminants. Although 90 percent of water systems in the country meet EPA tap water quality standards, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, some unwanted stuff could still be coming through your faucet. According to Consumer Reports, you can find a variety of water filters that remove common contaminants. 10 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

The warm weather provides great incentive for exercising, especially swimming. Swimming is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise and provides a good workout that is easy on the joints. Another exercise that is easy on the joints is bike riding and it is good for the environment when you choose your bike over your car. I have just started exercising for my health and to drop the many pounds I have held on to since I had my youngest daughter. I am losing it slowly, but this may help keep the pounds off in the long run, as I am not using any medical aid or crash dieting. Losing the weight will not only make me look and feel better, but it will extend my life, take pressure off of my joints and save me money by avoiding health care and pharmaceutical costs in the future. Speaking of pharmaceuticals, Make sure you research any medications (prescription or over the counter medications) you are considering, and discuss all possible treatment options with your doctor. Sometimes one medicine may be better for your individual body than others. Having Rheumatoid Arthritis has given me a new perspective on drugs, side effects and trade-offs that come with taking any medicine. I have learned to listen to my body’s cues and really assess whether I can take certain medications or not. It has also led

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easy Being Greener me to include other options for health, such as certain foods, yoga and positive thinking. Adding these alternative options have really helped reduce my need for medications. It is definitely important not to forgo a life-saving treatment, but sometimes changes in diet and exercise can make a real difference in your health, without the need for medication. While making changes towards better health,

consider options that will not harm the environment whenever possible. Buy organic foods, use reusable water bottles when hydrating, exercise to improve overall health, and research all medical options before taking new medicines. There are many things you can do to be greener and healthier. For more information on green health, seek out blogs and sites such as greenhealthinformation.com or www.care2.com.

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100 People Under The Sun

If the world were 100 People, 24 would have no access to electricity. The electricity generated to power the planet for the rest of us produces 80% of all carbon emissions. However, there is enough clean, renewable solar energy available to meet the energy demands for all the people of the world. In a new collaboration with SunPower Foundation (funded by SunPower Corporation), the 100 People Foundation focuses its lens on how we share energy on this planet, and the tremendous potential sunlight offers. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent, the need to understand commonalities, shared values and resources is vital. As part of 100 People: A World Portrait, the 100 People Foundation is creating a global profile of the ways that people and communities around the world use energy. The focus of this profile centers on one of the oldest—and yet one of the most innovative—sources of energy we know: the sun. http://www.100people.org/100people_under_the_sun_about.php Take ten minutes to watch this amazing video and be inspired to do your part. Click Here For Video.

“Do you know where your energy comes from?” 100 People Under the Sun is made possible by a grant from the SunPower Foundation

It’s Easy Being Greener

ECO LINKS These eco-friendly minded links are worth checking out. Click on one now to go directly to the site!

Ewg.org- The Environmental Working Group (EWG) educates the public to protect public health and the environment. EWG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1993 by Ken Cook and Richard Wiles. EWG specializes in providing useful resources (from Skin Deep and the Shoppers’ Guide to Pesticides in Produce) to consumers, while simultaneously pushing for national policy change.

Allthingsecofriendly.com All Things Eco Friendly is a blog that offers environmental tips for sustainable living and information about sustainable products. There are also links to different green sites for contests and information.

GREEN GUIDE The GREEN GUIDE is National Geographic’s source for greening your life. Dubbed the “green living source for today’s conscious consumer”, the GREEN GUIDE makes living in an environmentally-aware way personal, practical and positive. Not political or activist, the GREEN GUIDE is chock-full of simple, useful, ideas, broken down into achievable steps, that make going green a gradual and affordable process rather than an all-ornothing plunge.

Visit our Green Page at www.thechicoconnection.comClick on “Green Living” for local & global links on sustainable living.

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Green Business

The fun and creative gorgeouslygreen. com, is your one-stop shop for all things green. From an exclusive monthly giveaway (good things like, luxury cosmetics and amazing purses) to blogs and message boards, this site promotes a green lifestyle. Gorgeously Green is a lifestyle choice promoted by author of the book, Gorgeously Green, Sophie Uliano. She promotes a lifestyle that is that is simple, easy and fun. “Going Green doesn’t mean you have to go without. On the contrary, it’s the most exciting, fulfilling and wondrous way of life imaginable.”

It’s Easy Being Greener

Rethink Your Drink By Kayla Cook

Summer has arrived and with the sun comes the perfect opportunity to get active and live a healthier life. The warm weather provides a great climate for riding bikes with your family or growing a vegetable garden, but with the heat can also come the temptation to reach into your refrigerator and grab a sugary drink. When thinking about your health, it’s important to remember that being healthy isn’t just about what you’re eating; it’s about what you’re drinking as well. That’s why the Network for a Healthy California—Sierra Cascade Region is encouraging you take time to “Rethink Your Drink” and choose beverages that keep you healthy and quench your thirst. “When thirsty, many people choose sugarsweetened beverages, instead of water or healthier drink choices,” said Patty Mannel, program director for Network for a Healthy California—Sierra Cascade Region. “Beverages with added sugar add calories, with little nutrition, that can cause tooth decay and weight gain.” This weight gain can lead to being overweight and/or obese, which increases the risk of serious health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer.

be loaded with sugar and are not always the best option. Sugar has many disguises. When reading a nutrition label, look for these added sugar names to know what you’re drinking: highfructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrates, corn sweetener, sucrose, dextrose, molasses, glucose, lactose, honey, maltose. Water is always the smartest drink choice. It’s free of calories, sugar and cost. It’s recommended to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day and in warm weather or when you’re being active, drink more. If you want to kick it up a notch, try some of these low-calorie options: • Add a splash of 100% juice to your water • Put slices of lemon, lime, cucumber or orange in your water • Drink carbonated water Other healthy beverage options are low-fat or fat free milk or 100% fruit juice (in limited amounts). Drinks that are low in sugar, low in calories and have no caffeine are the best options to fuel your body.

Purchasing sugar-sweetened drinks is not only bad for your health but it can hurt your wallet as well. According to the Bay Area Nutrition & Activity Collaborative, Americans spend $56 billion annually on purchasing soft drinks. In these tough economic times, everyone is trying to save money, and cutting back on sugary drinks that have little or no nutritional benefits, can be a great way to save.

“Next time you go to the fridge for a refreshing beverage, ‘Rethink Your Drink,’” Mannel said. “Choose a beverage with little or no added sugars that offers your body more of what it needs.”

When deciding on the best drink choice, make sure to read the label. The amount of sugar in some of your favorite drinks may shock you. Just one 16-ounce energy drink has 16 teaspoons of sugar and one 20-ounce soda contains 17 teaspoons of sugar. Even sports drinks can

Making smart drink choices will leave you feeling happier, healthier and hydrated.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easy Being Greener

giving up the bottle It may be tough for us to wean ourselves from convenient, store bought, one use water bottles, but they cause a lot of pollution. Not to mention, studies show toxic chemicals from these bottles leach into our water, while paying for water leaches us of our funds. These bottle alternatives will make it easier to kick the habit. WRITTEN BY DEANNA HOLMAN

16 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

It’s Easy Being Greener Most people have become aware of the pollution that plastic water bottles create. Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles every hour and most of them are thrown away. Most people also know that dangerous toxins from the plastics can “leach” into the water we drink. As it turns out, the latest research indicates, bottled water may not be better for you than your local tap water. More than 25% of bottled water comes from the tap anyway. The production and transportation of plastic bottles increases pollution and a little over 10% of these bottles get recycled. Shocking! It’s back to tap water again. To find out how healthy your tap water is, contact your water company or call a local water testing laboratory (We use Monarch Labs) to have your water sampled. Depending on the results, you may want to get a water filter for your home. Fill a pitcher with water and put it in your refrigerator for a refreshing drink that is virtually cost-free, and if you are on the go, a reusable water bottle is a must. This seems easy enough, but one must consider BPA, or bisphenol A and phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive disorders including: endometriosis, cystic ovaries, fibroids and cancers. It is said that BPA can leach from polycarbonate plastics (typically marked with the recycling code #7) into the water. To keep confusion at bay, we have come up with a few BPAfree alternatives, including bottles made from BPA-Free plastics, stainless steel, and a new material called Tritan copolyester.

Nalgene- All

Nalgene products are “Made in the USA”. As a US manufacturer, the business meets all applicable manufacturing standards, including ISO 13485, to ensure the quality and safety of its products. They carry BPA-free and phthalate-free bottles made from Tritan copolyester as well as stainless bottles. Prices range from $4.50-$30.

Camelbak’s newest water bottles are made from a BPA-free and phthalate-free material known as Tritan copolyester. This design comes in three sizes and five colors. Each bottle retails at roughly $9. The Water Geeks LaboratoriesWater Geeks make several types of bottles made from BPA-free plastic. They carry a Filtered Sport Bottle ($12.49) and the Bio-Filtered Hiking Bottle ($33.99) which come equipped with a two-stage filtration system that will treat up to 80 gallons of water, or approximately three months of normal use. The filter removes chlorine, unpleasant tastes and odors, plus heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and copper.

Klean Kanteens- These

durable and rust-resistant, stainless-steel bottles are made “responsibly” in China. They’re available in four sizes: 12 ounces, 18 ounces, 27 ounces, and 40 ounces. For infants and toddlers, they have the Sippy Spout and Adapter, an inexpensive pair of accessories made from non-leaching polypropylene #5 plastic, which converts any 12-ounce Klean Kanteen bottle into a sippy cup. Prices start at approximately $13.65 for the smallest size.

Earthlust bottles are

stainless bottles that are said to be “ethically” made in China and designed and tested in California. They recommend using a baking soda or diluted white vinegar wash to preserve the clean, neutral taste over time (brush as needed). The small company was started by a mom in San Francisco and the bottles are made from her own custom mold. Prices range from $16-$31. There are many other options out there. We are cautious about aluminum bottles because many of them utilize liners made with epoxy resins that may contain BPA. Just be sure to look for reusable bottles that are BPA-free and phthalate-free. w w w.communityseeds.com

Water Worries: The Global Water Crisis By DeAnna Holman

ess than 1 percent of the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fresh water is drinkable; much of that is drying up or becoming too contaminated for human consumption. Due to increasing population, the increasing need for irrigated farming and increasing urban sprawl, the demand for water has reached an all time high.

Today, the average American citizen uses 80 to 100 gallons of water each day. Estimates of total water use in the United States indicate that about 408 billion gallons are consumed per day, with nearly 80 percent of the water being used for irrigation and thermoelectric power. If that 80 percent were calculated into the total US water consumption, it would show that roughly 400 gallons of water per person are used each day in the United States. With all of the consumption taking place, most people are not aware that the daily requirement for sanitation, bathing, and cooking needs, as well as for assuring survival, is only about 14 gallons per person. 18 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

It’s Easy Being Greener

“Two-thirds of the world’s people will be facing water stress by the year 2025.” As reported in the UNEP Global Environment Outlook, twothirds of the world’s people will be facing water stress by the year 2025. The global demand for water will have grown by over 40% by then. 40% of world population has already encountered serious water shortages. Worst affected are Africa and the Middle East. Droughts, flooding, and other extreme weather events are also making fresh water an increasingly scarce commodity. In fact, the struggle over the world’s depleting water resources is a crisis.

The World Health Organization has reported: • Almost 900 million people lack access to safe water supplies. That is about one in eight people. • Over 3.5 million people die each year from waterrelated disease. • 43% of water-related deaths are due to diarrhea. • 84% of water-related deaths are in children ages 0 - 14. • 98% of water-related deaths occur in the developing world.

According to the United Nations Human Development Report, the water and sanitation crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns. At any given time, half of the world’s hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from a water-related disease. An American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than the typical person living in a developing country slum uses in a whole day. It is becoming increasingly apparent that we need to rethink old water-use habits.

Continued on page 20.

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Global Water Crisis, Continued

Not only do we have to think about conserving our existing supplies, but we also have to consider costs. Water is getting more expensive. It is costly to supply, to treat, to dispose of, and to treat water again. The energy required to meet these demands is enormous and also carries with it an environmental price tag. Just because the water is available, we should not take it for granted.

So what can we do? There are many ways to decrease water consumption. Water, Use It Wisely has come up with a list of 100 ways to conserve water. We chose 25 from the list. Visit their website at wateruseitwisely.com for the complete list. You may be surprised at how easy it can be, and you may save some money in the process. Studies have shown that our household water use could be reduced by 50% without significantly changing our lifestyle. See how many ways you can save.

Ways to Conserve H2O

#1 Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost

vegetable food waste and save gallons every time.

#2 When washing dishes by hand, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the water

run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

#3 For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the

refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

#4 Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water

instead of running water from the tap.

#5 Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants

retains moisture and saves water, time and money.

#6 Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into

the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

#7When running a bath, plug the tub before turning

the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills.

#8 Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and

not the house, sidewalk, or street..

#9 Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as

it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.

#10 When you are washing your hands, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the water run while you lather.

#11 Consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.

It’s Easy Being Greener

#12 Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.

#13 Wash clothes in cold water. It saves on water and energy while, helping clothes keep their colors.

#14 Install water-saving aerators on all of your faucets. #15 Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk, and save water every time.

#16 Use a water-efficient shower head. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.

#17Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.

#18 Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. #19 If washing cars or pets at home, wash them in an area of your lawn that needs water.

#20 Conserve water every time you flush your toilet by using dams or bags in high-volume toilets.

#21 The next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.

#22 Buy a tankless water systems which heat the water you

need on demand. That will save you 30-40% on energy costs over a year.

#23 Harvest your rainwater with a rain barrel on your downspouts and use the water for irrigation.

#24 Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

#25 Don’t pour chemicals down drains, or flush drugs down toilets; it could come back in diluted form in your water.

By Amy Behlke

A Common Vision

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easy Being Greener

Common Vision is a nonprofit organization that travels to communities

in California, teaching earth education while nurturing ecological awareness and respect for the Earth. Their goal is to foster social and environmental changes towards sustainable lifestyles. They hope to encourage collaborations between volunteers, schools, farms, nurseries, and musicians to cultivate respect for the Earth. They recently came to Northern California and Community Seeds Eco Magazine had the unique opportunity to see them in action.

22 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

n its sixth planting season, Common Vision made several stops in local communities to plant Victory Gardens and teach students in low-income neighborhoods about the importance of working together to save the environment. Decked out with rooftop solar arrays and converted to run on 100% recycled vegetable oil, the Fruit Tree Tour’s fleet of bio-powered busses— the largest known caravan of its kind—carries over 1000 bare root fruit trees, 75 drums, and an all-volunteer army of 25 modern-day Johnny Appleseeds. Including children in the gardening process makes them more likely to eat fruits and veggies. Providing schools with Victory Orchards right on school campuses helps to ensure students will have access to fresh fruits for years to come. The goal of this annual tour is to share with students the messages of cooperation, communication, respect, health, community, positivity, and service to each other and to the Earth while developing working relationships with teachers, administrators, and community members to integrate sustainability and nutrition into the learning and landscapes of local youth. CNAP staff person, Wendy Oji Kaplan says, “We could think of no better gift to our schools and communities than year-round access to fresh, juicy, delicious fruit, especially during these times of budget cuts and economic instability.” Founded in 1999, Common Vision is a solution-focused nonprofit organization, a project of International Humanities Center, and has planted thousands of fruit trees with tens of thousands of lowincome students from Sacramento to San Diego. Common Vision’s mission is to cultivate ecological awareness and respect for the Earth while generating social and environmental changes towards sustainable lifestyles. They integrate concepts of ecology with the traditions, music, and art of cultures that live or have lived in harmony with the Earth. Paradise Intermediate School’s Evergreen 6 program was one of the lucky schools visited by Common Vision during their tour to Northern California this year. The commitment to making positive changes in the world began at Evergreen 6 weeks before the group even arrived. Led by their teachers, students planned for and prepared the orchard site, removing several large stumps, trenching and leveling, all by hand. Teamwork and a true sense of pride could be seen on the faces of the students while they worked to complete the preparations. Students were not the only ones who took part is getting Evergreen 6 ready for the planting of their orchard. Local community members turned out in support of this awesome

Continued

A Common Vision

It’s Easy Being Greener

project as well. Paradise resident Jamie Visinoni heard about the project and volunteered to help out. After offering advice for grading the sloped plating site, Visinoni helped with many aspects of the project. Her husband, Jayson, offered the services of his business, Visinoni Brothers Construction, in completing the grading of the site. Upon arriving on the Paradise Intermediate campus, the infectious excitement of the Common Vision team members was felt by both staff and students alike. The day began with the school as a whole group enjoying a “Green Theater” production. Common Vision members introduced themselves to students in a comical skit with life-sized puppets teaching about the importance of breaking the fossil-fuel habit. After the performance, students were separated into smaller groups to rotate through a series of stations. The importance of the freedom of self-

24 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

expression was taught through the use of art and “eco-hip hop” in one station. Students also learned how to create instruments out of objects found around their neighborhoods and practiced drumming various beats on African drums. All students gathered in small groups around the trees and took part in planting the fruit orchard while learning about the fruit trees by getting their own bare hands in the soil. Students were exposed to new concepts and ideas during this cultural experience. “I learned that if you plant an apple seed, it won’t actually grow apples, the trees have to be grafted. One of our trees is a Symphony Apple that was grafted from a tree that is over a hundred years old,” explained 6th grader Lucy Whitmore, “I never even knew that was possible!” With their fruit orchard all planted and growing, students said goodbye to the Common Vision volunteers with a new outlook on how they could impact the

Common Vision

environment in a positive way. The students prepared the site, planted the trees, and will watch as they grow and eventually produce fruit which students will harvest and eat. Fruit will be used in recipes in Evergreen’s solar ovens and waste from the orchard will be composted in the program’s worm farm, completing the zero-waste cycle. Many community members turned out to help with the Evergreen 6 / Common Vision garden. Jennifer Arbuckle arranged for the use of a large Northern Recycling yard waste bin. Paradise Garden Center donated a tree as well as soil to be used in the orchard. The Paradise Intermediate School Student Council donated money to purchase a custom gate which will be handmade by Kevin Chase and installed at the orchard site. Paradise Grange members Pat Witt, Ellie Orbeton and Cyndi Cole took part in the planting day and will serve as part of Evergreen’s Orchard Care Committee. “It was great to see the good rapport between the students and the Common Vision people,” says Witt in reflection of the day, “The sixth graders focused their attention on the speakers during the fruit tree planting, and they learned valuable gardening skills while receiving encouragement to treat each

other with kindness. Watching the joyful interaction between the participants during the drumming activity was a treat. There are some talented drummers in the E6 family! Our community had a very positive experience on that sunny spring day in Paradise.” Several others including Wendall Whitmore and Paradise Unified School District employees Joe Gebbia, Wayne Harry and Greg Smith helped with the preparation of the site. The Common Vision Fruit Tree Tour is being brought to Butte County in part by the CSU, Chico Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion (CNAP). Several grant funded programs made possible through the CSU Chico Research Foundation enable CNAP to support local schools and community sites. For more information about the Emmy Awardwinning Common Vision Fruit Tree Tour, please visit their web site at: www.commonvision.org.

w w w.communityseeds.com

26 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Common Vision

Northern California Fruit Tree Tour Kicks Off

Northern California welcomed Common Vision to the area this spring with a colorful reception at Café Culture in Chico. The group arrived in Chico on Friday, March 27 with the world’s largest veggieoil-powered caravan to plant fruit trees, play drums, dance; and share messages of cooperation, communication, respect, health, community, positivity, and Earth stewardship with schools and communities. Hosted by the Center for Nutrition & Activity Promotion (CNAP) and the Sierra Cascade Nutrition & Activity Consortium (SCNAC), the reception included dinner prepared with locally grown produce provided by the GRUB Co-op and a wide variety of entertaining music and dance performances. SCNAC Program Manager, Wendy Kaplan, enjoyed watching the performances comfortably seated on the floor with her family. “It’s wonderful to see so many community members turn out to welcome Common Vision to the area. We are so lucky to have them here,” noted Kaplan, who later took to the stage with a lively African dance routine as part of the night’s performances. Crowded, yet comfortable was the atmosphere as group after group displayed their talents while children from the audience danced and spun with the performers late into the evening. It was a lively way to kick off Common Vision’s cultivation of ecological awareness in our area. w w w.communityseeds.com

It’s Easy Being Greener

Wanting to go solar? Join us in this three part series about the steps to take to get solar on your home.

Going Solar Part 2: Getting an Estimate By Greg Holman

You have done everything you can to reduce your electrical needs. Now it is time to get some estimates. All companies will want to do a site visit. Before

28 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

they come, they will want a summary of your last 1-2 years worth of PG&E bills. This will help establish what size system you need. Generally, the amount of money you have or can

borrow will dictate the size of your system. Remember, as we talked about in “Going Solar Part 1,” for the fastest payback, you need to focus on getting out of the upper “premium” tiers.

Going Solar

Here are some questions to ask or research: • Brands- Be careful; the old saying “you get what you pay for” is true. There is a huge range in quality, as well as longevity, for solar panels. • Warranty- Compare warranties for labor, panels, and inverters. Usually the panels are guaranteed to generate within a close range of their ratings. The guarantee will allow for a small percentage of capacity loss annually. • Can you get a written prediction of power generation? • Some way to monitor the system’s performance (to be able to know if it is working to their prediction). • Examples of their workReputable companies will be able to give you examples of work that you can visit. • How long have they been in business? • Do you pay the full price and get the rebate later, or will they deduct the rebate from your up-front costs? • Who fills out the rebate paperwork? • What are the permit costs? Who does them? • What is the condition of your roof?

Be sure to voice personal preferences. My wife and I are very set on making sure as much of our system as possible was made in America. Do you have a certain brand you trust or have researched? Discuss the location of the inverter and electrical connections.

Here are some links to help you go solar!: www.energystar.gov www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov www.pge.com/csi/ www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/ retailers/search-new.php www.energystar.gov/index. cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits

After you have some firm estimates, talk with your tax advisor about the federal rebate. You get a rebate of thirty percent, but what if you do not pay that much in federal taxes? Ask them if you have the ability to write that off over several years. This can be a decision that is more important than that of purchasing a new car. Your solar system, (sounds pretty neat to own your own solar system…), will DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE!!! outlast several cars Call Today! you will have. If you move, the system Advanced Inspection Services will most certainly Serving Butte and Tehama Counties be an attractive Thomas McDonald addition that raises your property value. 530-519-3929 Be sure to get at least tommymac72@yahoo.com three estimates – we www.AISCHICO.com have five as of this article. Hopefully we will be writing about the installation process in the next issue! w w w.communityseeds.com

It’s Easy Being Greener

My Energy Saving

Structural Insulated Panel

Home

Have you ever said to yourself, “If I had only known?” I hope that after reading this article you’ll have one less worry when you build your house! By Todd Harris

30 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Building With SIPs

fter my wife, Jennifer, and I got married, we began planning to build our own home. We saw the purchase of a home as the biggest investment we were likely to ever make, and therefore, we wanted to do things right. For us, this meant creating an attractive, comfortable home while minimizing the energy required to both build it and to heat and cool it throughout its life span. We knew what we didn’t want, and that was an energy hog that would suck up our money for the rest of our lives! I was dissatisfied with traditional stick framed homes. Whoever invented attics anyway? In the summer, they become an oven situated directly above the space that we try to make cool. Go figure! So began our search, for a better way to build. After scrutinizing various types of alternative construction methods, we singled out one which was easy to use, affordable, and met our environmental concerns. We chose to build with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). Structural Insulated Panels are not new. SIP technology dates back to the 1930s. The first practitioner was Alden B. Dow, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Mass production of panels began to take place in the 1970s. Homes built using SIPs are more common in colder climates such as in the Northeast, where energy conservation is more critical. Rising costs for energy is one factor causing the technology to migrate into warmer climates. Although home buyers and contractors in the North Valley

are largely unfamiliar with SIPs, manufacturers throughout the U.S. are experiencing record growth. In a nutshell, SIPs are two pieces of a plywood like material called orientated strand board (OSB) with foam in between (expanded polystyrene, or EPS). Think “ice cream sandwich.” This composite material is structural support and insulation, all in one. This incredibly strong building material can be used as walls, roofs, and flooring. It provides twice the insulation value as standard homes, and is insect, rodent, mold, fire, and earthquake resistant. Assembling a ready to install custom SIP home is quick and easy. It is like putting together some kind of adult erector set. Once the walls and roof are in place, you have a nice shelter to continue working in where you are protected from wind and rain. Due to the abundant use of wood within the walls, gaps in the insulation and moisture caught between studs, standard stick framed walls with fiberglass insulation, perform relatively poorly. On the other hand, the solid closed-cell foam core of a SIP wall is not susceptible to poor insulation -- there is no space for moisture to circulate, and they use 40% less wood. This is how SIP walls are able to provide about twice the insulating value. Consider how well a thinly walled Styrofoam cup can protect your hands from boiling water. Now imagine the performance of 5-1/2” of foam! Continued on page 32 w w w.communityseeds.com

SIP Home, Continued

Structural Insulated Panels are environmentally friendly. No ozone-depleting chemicals are used during the manufacturing process of the expanded polystyrene. The OSB is composed of recovered wood and new wood derived from fast growing trees. Most important, SIP home occupants consume less energy to heat/cool their home which results in a healthier environment. In May of 2004, we completed our 2,174 sq. foot SIP home and we love it. The majority of our house has vaulted ceilings. We lowered ceilings in a few rooms to create spaces for storage and the air conditioning unit. We have no true “attic” spaces as the insulation is part of the roof membrane. Temperatures in the storage spaces are only slightly higher than they are in the living areas. We typically use our air conditioner for only 10 – 20 hours each year. This is possible by drawing in cool air throughout the night and closing up our home during the day. We also have ceiling fans in almost every room. Winter performance is equally amazing. For a month straight, we heated the house to 65 degrees until 10:30 PM. The next morning the indoor temperature dropped an average of only 2 or 3 degrees while the outdoor temperature was 25 to 30 degrees cooler. Through the use of efficient appliances and by exercising conservation, our relatively small solar power system (2.5 kilowatts) is large enough to generate all of the electrical power we require throughout the year. You might think that SIPs should cost much more than stick frame construction. Surprisingly, they commonly range between 0% and 5% more. Average monthly energy savings are far greater than the extra amount paid 32 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

toward the monthly mortgage. The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) states that building with SIPs generally costs about the same as building with wood frame construction, when you factor in the savings. These include: saving labor costs due to shorter construction time, less job-site waste, by being able to install a smaller heating and cooling system, and by incurring fewer contractor “call backs.” Cool winters, increasingly hot summers, and rising electricity prices, are reason enough to consider living in a super insulated SIP home, and, in the process, save money. The energy conserved brings us one step closer to living “sustainable” life-styles! I was so impressed with the performance of our house that I started a business designing and building SIP homes. I find that the more people learn about SIPs, the more they are sold on them. The occupants of the homes we have built thus far are very happy with how they perform. Do the right thing. Reduce resource consumption by building a well designed and well insulated home. Take advantage of solar energy technology, energy efficient appliances, and proper use of day lighting.

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THE BOTTOM LINE IS GREEN

Building With Structural Insulated Panels: The 21st Century Building Material By Mic Carmichael

We have all heard about going green, but what does it mean? We have all thought about it: “Where do I start?” Most of us recycle plastic, paper and aluminum because it’s been made easy for us with curb side containers and recycle depots in parking lots. Electric scooters and hybrid cars are the next step. But what about the buildings we spend most of our time in, working and living? This is one area that seems most confusing. When considering building a home or a business, we hear the words “energy star” or “energy compliant.” This is one aspect only. What about the container for your energy saving appliances: the shell of your building? Building with used tires and old bottles may not fit into our neighborhoods or how our neighbors may perceive these types of structures. SIPs, or Structural Insulated Panels, are one of the green options available today. SIPs are not new; they have just come into their time. Every once in a while, a new technology comes along that makes its predecessors obsolete. “Fast and easy to build with” were the strong points of SIPs in the early days. Now consumers have come to realize that they offer so much more: Energy Efficiency-An old saying that the manufacturers used was, “heat with a match and cool with an ice cube.” A little far fetched, but not too far off the mark. When doing the energy calculations (or Title 24), SIPs allow the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) to be downsized, taking into consideration the super insulated quality of the product. You will need an HRV or heat recovery ventilator to help control moisture in these tightly built homes. They exchange the air 6 to 8 times a day while keeping the humidity at about 50%: perfect living conditions. Sustainability-I prefer to use this word instead of green because it covers all of the attributes of what this new movement means. OSB, or oriented

strand board, is the best use of the tree, using 80% as opposed to 45% of the tree being used to cut dimensional lumber. Many fast growing species of wood, some not desirable for dimensional lumber, are used in the making of OSB. The EPS core, or expanded polystyrene, is made from petroleum or natural gas and is a perfect insulator. EPS can be recycled and used in the manufacturing of many other products. When these two items come together, they create an engineered product perfect for today’s needs in sustainable building materials. In the next few years, food starches will be used to make EPS, removing the need for petroleum based products. Seismic Superiority-No other feature of the panels has impressed me as much as their ability to resist racking forces (If an earthquake shakes a wall from side to side, the upper portion of the wall can be torqued to one side and the bottom of the wall to the opposite. When this happens to a structure, racking forces are exerted). We only need to look at some recent natural disasters to see what this means. The earthquake in Kobe, Japan in 1993, left SIP homes undamaged amid general ruin. SIP homes, when put together, are a monolithic structure without the thousands of nailed connections between dimensional lumber. These are the failure points in most seismic events. SIPs come in sizes from 4’x8’ up to 8’x24’, making fewer pieces to construct the building; bigger pieces, fewer connections, stronger structure. SIPs are Code Approved, recognized by building departments across the country and around the world. Whether or not we like the idea of building green or sustainable, it’s paramount we all start doing something for the environment. From curb side recycling to what will we use to build our most expensive, personal possession, each choice we make can make a huge difference.

If you would like to learn more about Structural Insulated Panels, contact the nonprofit Structural Insulated Panels Association (SIPA) at http://www.sips.org/. They represent manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators/distributors, design professionals, and builders committed to providing quality structural insulated panels for all segments of the construction industry.

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It’s Easy Being Greener

Community Seeds Product Picks Earth Friendly Sipping

These elegant eco-friendly, glass straws don’t leach toxins into your food as you drink. Each time you use a glass straw equals one less plastic straw ending up in your landfill. One glass straw replaces thousands of plastic straws. They are fully backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and are covered with a Lifetime Guarantee Against Breakage. Available at glassdharma.com. $5-$40

Eat With Your Veggies

Community Seeds “I’m a Chico Seed” and “I’m a Paradise Seed” baby onesies, youth, and adult shirts are on sale now!

These soft, organic cotton shirts, are made in the U.S.A.

Environmentally friendly cutlery will be great for your next party or BBQ. They are made from vegetable plant starch and are compostable. They are medium weight and suitable for cold and hot foods. These slightly flexible utensils come in cream color and are 6” in length. Available at biodegradablestore.com and Costco.com. $4.99-$69.17

and sell for $14 (shipping is $2). To order any seed shirt, please e-mail your request to info@communityseeds.com. Please specify quantity and size.

The Seeds shirts may also be purchased at Eco in Chico: A Baby’s Boutique and Apple Blossom Baby in Chico!

36 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Convenient Compost

The ThermoQuick® composter is designed to create the perfect medium for breaking down fresh organic material (grass clippings, plants, vegetable scraps) into usable rich black compost. As the unit fills, the dark exterior color absorbs the sun’s warmth and increases healthy microbe activity. Carefully placed vents allow for maximum air circulation. Chose from 110 or 160 gallon. Available at Costco.com and greenfeet.com. $69-$168.

Green Products

Summer Green Gear

Solar on the Go

The Voltaic solar backpack is a solar charger designed to charge virtually all handheld electronics. Embedded in the outside of this solar charger, are lightweight, tough, and waterproof solar panels. The Voltaic Backpack is built tough, and is great as a weekend hike bag or a computer bag. There are pockets and wire channels for multiple electronic devices and 1,850 cubic inches of storage space. Last year PG&E actually gave these backpacks to students who lost their homes in the Humboldt Fire. They are made to last. Available at voltaicsystems.com. $249

Every Drop Counts

Save hundreds of dollars per year and thousands of gallons of water with the Water ECO-Kit. This water efficiency kit contains: one EARTH™ MASSAGE SHOWER HEAD, TEFLON TAPE, LEAK DETECTION TABLETS AND TIPS, KITCHEN SWIVEL AERATOR, (2) BATHROOM AERATORS, FLOW METER BAG, TOILET TANK BANK, and a TOILET WATER SAVER. Available at e3living.com. $24.95

Reusable Style

Affordable, stylish RuMe Bags are designed for daily use, and ReUse! Use as grocery bags; as a gym, sports, diaper or beach bag; for picnics or overnighters; for laundry, farmer’s markets, work or as ReUseable gift bags. The comfortable handle is sized to carry over any shoulder, even while wearing a bulky winter coat! There’s no extra pouch or packaging. The enclosure system enables three bags to roll up to about the size of your coffee cup. Available at rumebags.com. $9.95-29.85 w w w.communityseeds.com

FOCUS on Green Business

The Earth-friendly Art of Refashioning By Amber Bass

Renouveau Clothing has become much more than I originally planned. In fact, it wasn’t planned at all. I have always loved to “refashion” my clothes. I grew up without a lot of money, and had to get creative when it came to what I wore. My mom used to take me thrift shopping and showed me the potential in all the second-hand clothes. “Just tie a scarf around this,” or, “We can get new buttons for that.” By the time I was ten, I was hooked. In high school I landed a job at a bathing suit store in San Fernando Valley, CA. The owner taught me to sew in the back of the shop and I made my own scrunchies, skirts and bathing suits. After that, I decided to stay in Los Angeles. I modeled into my early 20’s and worked for various small fashion designers. When you combine the components of my fashion experience with a love for our planet, it is a recipe for some earth-friendly fashion. When I was pregnant with 38 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

my second child, we landed in Chico. It was the middle of summer and I was 7 months pregnant. Too poor to buy the latest maternity clothes (ugly anyway), I had to get creative. I scoured the thrift stores and eBay for vintage aprons. Then I combined them with used tank-tops and “Sunsmocks” were born. My best friend owns a local consignment shop (Baby’s Boutique) for children’s and maternity clothes and she asked me to start selling them there. The Sunsmocks proved to be successful and I was happily making them out of my kitchen for the next 3 years. I have a short attention span and, although the Sunsmocks were satisfying (each is oneof-a-kind), I started to play with other ideas. Now I make “Hanky Tees,” combining used T-shirts with vintage handkerchiefs or scarves for the sleeves. “Tie Bags” are men’s neckties sewn together to make zipper-top bags for traveling, purses, diaper bags or for any number of uses. I am always experimenting, so I never know what may come

next. I am currently working on fringed anklecuffs made from recycled leather. Being resourceful comes natural to me, and making something new out of an existing piece of clothing is like a creative puzzle with endless possibilities. Using what we already have is keeping waste out of our landfills. Turning it into something special and unique ensures its new lifespan. I see so much trendy fashion produced cheaply and, most likely, under horrible conditions. Most are trends that last a season and then will be tossed: Disposable fashion. It is harming our planet and I am offering another alternative: funky, fun, one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories that are made by hand with love, out of recycled materials and that are sure to stand out from the masses. Renouveau Clothing: earth-friendly, fashion-forward.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easy Being Greener

Sustainably

Chic From Left to Right:

Refashioned Sunsmock in yellow, Hanky tee, Refashioned Sunsmock, Doobie Brothers Hanky Tee and Black Vintage 60s cropped faux fur Jacket.

Renouveau Clothing designs are currently being sold at Babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique, Green Dot Designers Lounge and Boho; all of which are amazing local shops that carry a lot of recycled clothing and refashioned clothing. You can also purchase Renouveau Clothing and Renouveau vintage clothing on-line at www. renouveauclothing. com.

www.babysboutiquechico.com

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It’s Easy Being Greener

“Boasted as one of the most sustainable campuses in California, Butte College...”

Butte Fights for the Earth

By Conor Rowell

April 21 was Earth Day of course, and as for Butte

College, Earth Day did not pass quietly. Boasted as one of the most sustainable campuses in California, Butte College used the day to celebrate all they have accomplished and all that still needs to be done to address the climate change. Students and teachers who have researched some area of sustainability, ran many of the booths. Katya Yarosevich’s Biology 7: Sustaining Life on Earth class, for example, required its students to take on an issue of climate change and present it on Earth Day: one group covered composting 40 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

while another investigated the local landfill. Classes like this one at Butte are very common. In fact, Butte offers a very popular sustainability certificate program. The 17unit certification program requires students to take an array of classes dealing with the environment, from philosophy to economics. “All the classes are great and it looks good on a resume, especially these days,” says Dominique Piccinino, an Adviser at the Sustainable Resource Center (SRC). Safely tucked away in the bottom of the Learning Resource Center building

along a small hallway, the SRC is considered ground zero for many of the sustainability projects at Butte College. Posters and activist-made signs line the walls along with shelves full of books of Ralph Waldo Emerson and even Taoism. The SRC is run by the Butte Associated Students Club, alongside the Student Alliance for Sustainability. They help anyone that helps the environment. The SRC sent its members to the recent Power Shift conference in Washington D.C. “Power Shift was great! And yes, Butte College sent us,

Butte College, Green Campus

Even the café is certified green! “The café uses recycled cups, organic and free trade coffee and just offers a more vegetarian menu…unlike the cafeteria!” Piccinino laughs. While roaming the along with a few others.” Piccinino recalls the marches she and fellow SAS students took part in while at the capital, one of which was pictured on ABC News. The SAS also meets with the office of Wally Herger, both in California and Washington and, if helping students promote sustainability wasn’t enough, Butte College turns its eyes on its own campus. In 2008, the college won the National Wildlife Federation’s Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming competition. In March, a huge set of Mitsubishi Electric solar panels were installed which enables the campus to get 44% of its electricity from solar power. Butte College wants to be carbon neutral by 2015, which seems reasonable, if not likely.

were taking to be sustainable. The pen they let me borrow was made out of 82% recycled materials and the notebooks are all recycled paper! To combat the problem of students driving to the campus, Butte College has its own bus line and is one of the biggest college bus lines around. “As far as colleges go, we’re way ahead of the game,” says Loren Downer, Adviser at the SRC. “[Butte] is in a unique position here. We’ve got the progressive mindset from Chico, and we have such fertile land which we can preserve for future generations.”

campus, I tried to find something I could call unsustainable, so I headed to the one place I was sure I could find something: the bookstore. But as I reached the door of the bookstore, I saw it even had a plastic bagrecycling program. At the bookstore table on Earth Day, they wanted to show both students and the community the steps they w w w.communityseeds.com

Featured Artist

Local photographer, Tracy Lynn Cahn, shares with us her love of the art that she sees in every day life.

Eye on Life By Tracy Cahn

42 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Featured Artist

y name is Tracy Cahn. I was born and raised in Paradise, CA: truly a local girl. I am a professional photographer in Paradise. Aside from my love of photography, I love my husband and children and believe that families need to stick together. I appreciate the life that we have been given and all that has been created around us. It is this love of family and creation that inspired me to take pictures to try and capture it all. However, just like most people, I would take a picture and it would not come out the way I had envisioned, so I began taking photography classes and reading photography books. I have worked hard over the last thirteen years developing my skills as a photographer and continue to do so. It is like a fine wine that gets better with age.

s I was taking photography classes, I was working at Safeway. I would bring my pictures of my family and family trips to work to share with friends. One day, a coworker asked me if I would photograph her wedding. I did her wedding for the cost of film and developing (back in the film age). She was happy with her pictures, so I was asked to photograph her sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love the

quality of natural light.â&#x20AC;? w w w.communityseeds.com

Featured Artist, Continued

use what is around me

“I try to

to the benefit of my photographs.”

wedding. Soon came another wedding and another. I began to see that I could do this as a career. With the help and support from my husband, I was able to go out on my own, start my own little business and leave the corporate world behind.

hile photographing weddings, I began to take pictures of babies and children. I would go to the mall and see the children crying as their pictures were being taken. I didn’t want this to be the case while I was taking their pictures. I enjoy meeting parents with their kids at the park to “play.” One thing is for sure, you cannot make a child sit and smile who does not want to, but if they are having fun, smiles come naturally. This is how I approach all aspects of photography. I want all of my models to have fun and to be relaxed. Also, I love the quality of natural light. I try to use what is around me to the benefit of my photographs.

ou can say that for me being a photographer is a labor of love. I enjoy photographing maternity, babies, pets, children, family, pre-school, grade school, high school, engagements, weddings, and anniversaries. Maybe someday I will get to see you through my camera lens.

44 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Featured Artist

Tracy has joined the staff of Community Seeds Eco Magazine. Look for her photography each season when a new issue is released. For more information about Tracy and her business, or to book her for a sitting or event, go to www. tracylynnphotography.com. w w w.communityseeds.com

Summer It’s Easy Being Greener

Crafts GREEN

Easy Eco-Friendly Crafts

Crafting is a hobby many people enjoy. One simple way to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle is by taking all that creative energy and spending some time on a few great “green” crafts.

By Amy Behlke and CarrollAnn Davis

Explore Bubbles

The next time you are at a pharmacy, or arts and crafts store, pick up some glycerin and you can make homemade bubbles all summer long!

S e l b Bub Hands in the Sand

Color Fun

Get creative with shapes and colors when you make this easy homemade sidewalk chalk. Great for a party activity. 46 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

The next time you are at the beach, or in your backyard sand box, gather the materials to make these one of a kind mosaic hands.

Green Gift for the Host Make a homemade gift for the hostess of your next get together. Use bottles or jars and prepare a nice gift for the bath.

Eco Crafts

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Courtesy of BusyWorkingMom.Today.com

You’ll Need: • 1 cup Plaster of Paris • 1 cup water • Powdered Tempera paints in a variety of colors • Molds for the chalk (toilet paper rolls, paper cups, candy molds, ice cube trays, etc) Directions: 1. Mix Plaster of Paris with water. 2. Add color by mixing in powdered tempera paint to desired color. 3. After mixing well, let stand for five minutes. 4. Pour mixture into molds and let dry completely. 5. Remove from molds once dry, but let it sit for an additional 24 hours before use to ensure the chalk is dry all the way through.

Exploratorium Bubble Formula

From the Exploratorium web site (http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/bubbles/formulae.html) Images provided by Tracy Lynn Photography

2/3 cup Joy dish washing soap 1 gallon water 2 to 3 tablespoons of glycerin (available in pharmacies or chemical supply houses) *Light corn syrup can be substituted for glycerin in a pinch. If you don’t have glycerin, here’s another recipe to try: 1/2 cup of dish washing liquid (Dawn or Joy) 2 cups of water 2 teaspoons of sugar Add a dab of food coloring for colorful bubbles. Mix the solution and place in a shallow pan or refill your old bubble containers. w w w.communityseeds.com

Crafts GREEN

Summer

Sandy Hand Mosaics You’ll Need:

• • • •

1 ½ cups of Plaster of Paris 1 cup water Sandbox or sandy beach Treasures from nature (rocks, acorns, pebbles, shells, etc)

Instructions: 1. First, sprinkle a little water in the sand to make it slightly damp. You don’t want it soaking wet, just damp enough to make a good, deep impression. Have your child press their hand into the sand, making sure the make a fairly deep hand print. 2. When they remove their hand, use your fingers to make sure the impression is deep and that the sides of the hand print are fairly high. 3. Next, collect natural treasures from your yard. My boys enjoyed collecting small rocks, acorns, sticks, leaves, and even a small pine cone to decorate their hand prints. Press the nice-looking side of each object down into the sand filling the hand print with as many items as you like. 4. Mix 1 ½ cups of Plaster of Paris with 1 cup of water. Pour the mixture into the palm of the hand print and use a chopstick to fill the fingers with the plaster. Make sure not to over-fill the hand print, keeping all of the fingers separate. Place a wooden chopstick into the hand print so it is at least 2 inches up into the palm and about in the middle of the plaster. 5. Leave the hand prints to dry for about 30 minutes. Carefully remove from the sand and clean off the front of the mosaic to reveal the treasures by dusting the loose sand with your hand. Be very gentle with cleaning and transporting, as these plaster hands are very delicate. We ended up accidentally breaking off a few fingers which we reattached with hot glue. This summer, our hand prints will decorate our garden as planter stakes. The next time we visit the beach, I’m bringing a gallon Ziploc bag with the dry plaster inside so we can make these right in the sand as a memory of a fun summer day!

48 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

It’s Easy Being Greener

Green Hostess Gift When you’re invited to someone’s house for dinner or a party, it’s nice to take a hostess gift. As you know, when you’ve finished entertaining, you’re often exhausted. It’s nice to end the event with a little gift, especially if it’s something the hostess can use right away. I like to make homemade gifts, especially if I can recycle or reuse something. I love those little Starbuck’s Frappuccino bottles because of the size and shape, but you could use any jar with a screw-on lid and a wide enough opening such as baby food jars or jelly jars. Just wash the jar in the dish washer, peel off the stickers, and remove the glue that’s left on the bottle. You can buy glue or label removing products, but I just use rubbing alcohol to get the glue off. Now, you have to decide what to put in the bottle. In this case, I made homemade bath salts. Following are the instructions for the bath salts:

In a large glass or metal bowl, stir together: • 2 cups Epsom Salt OR Sea Salt (You can also use one cup of each) Do NOT use table salt as it will dry the skin! • 1 – 2 teaspoons of baking soda (optional, but it makes the skin soft) • 10 – 12 drops of essential oil (You can use Eucalyptus, Vanilla, Lavender, etc. and they’re available at craft stores) • Add a few drops of water based food coloring, a drop or two at a time while stirring The more you stir the mixture, the more the scent of the essential oil comes through. When you’re ready, fill your jar. You could paint the lid or just decorate it with ribbon and flowers as shown. I used satin ribbon, a punched scallop circle, layered flowers, a rhinestone brad, and a stamped and sponged homemade tag. You could print a sentiment on a piece of card stock and cut it into a tag if you don’t have stamps. I also added a rub-on on the bottle that says, “Enjoy.” The products I used all came from Stampin’ Up!. This gift has bath salts in the jar, but you could also put M&M’s, chocolate nuggets, or other candies in your jar. For someone you know is a scrap book or card maker, you could fill a jar with buttons or pre-made bows. The possibilities are endless! It’s fun to make homemade gifts, and by reusing the glass jars, we’re being just a little bit greener, too! w w w.communityseeds.com

SUMMER

FUn

Community Seeds’ Suggested Readings

Off the Shelf Book Reviews

Susannah Marriott’s by Kristin Finch

Green Baby

Since my daughter was born 5 years ago, I have tried to take small steps toward becoming more “green” or eco friendly. I recently picked up the book Green Baby by Susannah Marriott. With Green Baby Expo coming up on June 20th in Chico, I found it fitting to do a review of this book for the summer issue of Community Seeds since this book touches on a good range of different aspects of becoming green while raising a baby. The introduction touches on the basics of going green: “refuse, reduce, reuse, repair and recycle.” If you involve your baby in these basics it will become second nature by the time he or she is a toddler. There is also a short quiz at the end of the introduction called “How green is your family?” Each chapter of the book is filled with tips and ideas for keeping sustainability in mind while caring for your baby. Chapter 1, “Caring For Your Baby,” has a section on soothing your baby by doing baby massage and natural remedies for new moms and babies. It suggests buying second hand clothes before buying new. Looking for the greenest fibers such as cotton, hemp and bamboo and switching to environmentally friendly laundry solutions are just a few of the ideas presented. 52 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Chapter 2, “Feeding Your Baby,” suggests switching to organic foods as much as possible, avoiding processed foods and choosing fresh, seasonal and local produce. Some organic must haves include: dairy, meat, fruit, oily fish, sugary foods, bread, and whole grain. Shop locally for organic produce and take a reusable shopping bag with you. Ingredients to avoid include: soy, sweeteners, trans fats, synthetic dyes and preservatives. Eating and buying local are great ways to go green and also support your community! Try growing your own foods in your garden. Cooking at home is also a great way to know exactly what is going into your meals and can involve the whole family. “Superfoods” for breastfeeding include: Fruits, vegetables, oily fish, whole grains and dairy. Chapter 3, “The Green Clean Baby,” provides a list of items to toss, such as air fresheners, anti-pest products, antimicrobials, and aerosols. Instead, replace them with greener cleaning products such as white vinegar, lemon juice and salt. Stock up on reusable baby wipes and diapers so you are putting less into the local landfill. Chapter 4, “Green Nursery,” explores sleeping options for your baby including ideas for natural soothing, cribs and

baskets (what to look for in a second hand crib), bedding, decorating the room, and furnishings. Chapter 5, “Play Green,” talks about green toys that are natural, handmade, non-toxic and long lasting. It also gave ideas on making your own toys for your child, making a treasure basket, buying second hand toys and also how to clean toys properly. Chapter 6, “Out and About,” is filled with ideas for choosing baby carriers, strollers and carriages. The author recommends buying second hand before buying new and suggests safety features to watch for when buying used. If you choose to travel by bicycle, a list of baby equipment you will need is included, as well as ideas on green places to go such as the park, walks in the neighborhood, etc. Sun safety with your infant and child is another consideration covered in this chapter.

a compact size, so it could fit easily in a purse or diaper bag if you want to take it on the go. It would make a great baby shower gift for any new mom. Going green can sometimes seem overwhelming. Begin by taking small steps and just becoming more aware of what you are consuming and buying; it soon becomes second nature. I know that over these past 5 years I have learned how to live more sustainably in almost all aspects of my life and don’t feel put out in any way. I hope this review will inspire readers to pick up this super cute book and change their lifestyles to become more eco-friendly and involve their family in the process as well.

This book itself is very sustainable. The paper is FSC certified and the paper mill recycles 91% of the water used to make the paper. The card stock is also recycled. Their printer has reduced their carbon footprint by 52% since 1994 and generates 100% of their own electricity. The inks used in this book are all vegetable based and not petroleum products. There is no dust jacket included Your community site for local web links. on the book and as a are free to add to this site. Bookmark result, paper is saved, as well as energy. it will be right at your fingertips to look

Green Baby is a great book for any new parent, or parents in general, who are looking for hints and tips on how to go green and become more aware of ways to do that. It is

All links this site; up local restaurants, green living, local events, and more!

www.TheChicoConnection.com w w w.communityseeds.com

Community Seeds’ Suggested Readings

Off the Shelf Book Reviews, Continued

I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids: Reinventing Modern Motherhood by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile Written by Kris Noel

rom the second I picked up the book,

I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids: Reinventing Modern Motherhood,

by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile, I was hooked! I quickly identified with these ladies when, in the first chapter, they discuss waiting until the clock ticks 4:00 p.m., then they grabbed their glass of wine, and called each other! I adore that these gals have opened up and given moms everywhere the hall pass to be REAL! One of my favorite chapters in the book was Chapter 3 “You can have it all, just not all at once.” My Mom has said that very same quote to me for many years. To this day, I say it to my own kids! When Amy and Trisha reaffirm this very wisdom, they are talking about the choices we make as mothers- to stay at home, to work, to enroll your kids in all 54 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

types of “enrichment” and sports or not, and how we pummel ourselves with mallets of guilt on a daily basis over the choices we make. In this chapter, they have lined out “6 easy steps for making peace with your choices”. It is not an exaggeration to say that this literally had a positive, immediate impact in my life. Being a stayat-home-work-at-home-working mother myself, I see my choices in life constantly tossed around before me, “Am I doing the best for my kids?” “Am I working enough to help support my family?” “Am I working too much?” Amy and Trisha had some very valuable advice to offer: “Realize that expectations can influence your choices. Make sure you’re making conscious decisions based on what you really want, not what is expected of you.” And with that, I have decided that when I second guess myself and my choices, I will ask myself, “Is this what I really

Image by flickr.com/photos/reynoldsrap/2136636829/

Book Reviews want? Or am I doing this because I think I should?” Then I can move on with life- no guilt, no questions asked! We can ALL take something from that! Throughout the book, there are hilarious “Dirty Little Secrets” that remind every mom that a mom out there somewhere feels exactly like she does! Whether it’s, “I don’t know how to ask for help. I just know how to scream at my husband,” or, “Sometimes I think, I can’t believe I gave up nine months of drinking for this!”, the admissions of various moms are downright hilarious! Finally, the end of the book talks about something that I am passionately involved in; teaching other moms, “When you say Mom, it leaves a lot unsaid about you. Honor your whole self.” AMEN, Ladies! You are preaching to the choir! I have been stamping my feet, standing on my soapbox, stark raving blaring about this topic for years, and you both so eloquently and candidly put it into words. I have so much admiration for both of you for doing so, and every single mother will become a better mother, after taking the time to take care of themselves. And by devoting a chapter to this in your book, it’s lifting the “taboo” from taking ME time, or planning date nights, or feeling like you need to get away, because you might sell one of your kids on Ebay to the highest bidder! At the end of the chapter is “10 simple ways to honor your whole self”, including “Focus on things that bring you joy” and “Remember

who you are NOT. ‘I am not my mother,’ ‘I am not my best friend,’….” Absolutely BRILLIANT advice! I think that this book should be required reading for any new mother! Instead of gifting the ol’ “What to Expect…”, be downright positive that if you’re having a baby, and I’m invited to the shower, you’ll be getting this book! Amy and Trisha are beautiful, inspiring mothers, and their words and sincerity are a true gift!

While I’m writing, my kids have taken every single kitchen utensil into the family room to play “kitchen”....oh, well- keeps them busy!

Doing my research....in my pj’s still at 11:25 a.m.! 2 empty coffee cups on my desk!

w w w.communityseeds.com

Family Cultures throughout the world carry their babies and wear their babies everywhere they go to keep them soothed and calm. Pediatricians advocate this style of parenting, yet it is a fairly new practice in the U.S. Baby carrier designer Lorene Foster shares with us her perspective on baby wearing and carriers.

Baby Wearing? What? By Lorene Foster

his was the response I received last week when I mentioned to some other moms that I was going to write an article on baby wearing. They said “the baby is wearing what?” When I clarify that baby wearing is about the parent or caregiver carrying or wearing the child, then the conversation usually turns to the uncomfortable or difficult to use carrier that they once tried and quickly gave up on with their child. This made me aware, again, of the importance of getting the word out about the benefits, to both mom and babies, of baby wearing as well as the many different and very comfortable ways of doing it. To start with, there are many studies that show the importance of baby wearing for moms and babies. There are many benefits of baby wearing, one of which is that babies who are carried cry less - an average of 43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours. According to Dr. William Sears, and others, “Carried babies learn more. With the time they spend with their parent or caregiver not crying, they are 56 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Baby Wearing

many times in the quiet alert state, which is the optimal state of learning for a baby. Carried babies are more organized and adapt to life outside the womb more quickly. “ Dr. Sears says, “The baby wearing mother (or father) provides an external regulating system that balances the irregular and disorganized tendencies of the baby. Mother’s rhythmic walk, for example, (which baby has been feeling for nine months) reminds baby of the womb experience. This familiar rhythm, imprinted on baby’s mind in the womb, now reappears in the ‘outside womb’ and calms baby. As baby places his ear against his mother’s chest, mother’s heartbeat, beautifully regular and familiar, reminds baby of the sounds of the womb. As another biological regulator, baby senses mother’s rhythmic breathing while worn tummyto-tummy, chest-to-chest. Simply stated, regular parental rhythms have a balancing effect on the infant’s irregular rhythms. Baby wearing “reminds” the baby of and continues the motion and balance he enjoyed in the womb.”

From the practical standpoint, there are benefits to the parent or caregiver as well. I love being able to bond with my baby and meet his needs while being able to multi-task and get other things done, using my free hands. This brings me to the many different types of great carriers available to help you comfortably wear your baby, with your hands free, or mostly free. There are six main types of baby carriers available today: Ring Slings, Pouch Slings, Mei Tai’s (or Asian baby carriers), Wraps, Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs), and Structured Framed Backpack style carriers. Additionally, there are other kinds of carriers usually sold at the big box stores. I have personally tried all of these types, and many different brands, and have found that the investment of buying a quality carrier that works well for you and your child is worth every penny. Ring Slings are basically a piece of cloth with two rings attached to one end making it adjustable to many different sizes, so it is

easy for both men and women to use the same sling. I find them great for newborn through the toddler years. They are wonderful for nursing moms because the baby can easily lie down in them and the tail of the sling can be used as a coverup. The baby can be worn in the tummy-to-tummy upright position, on the hip, facing out, and reclined as for nursing. There are many great brands available; one of my favorites is the Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Sling. If you are crafty at all, there are also great patterns available online to make your own. One site I like for this is www.mamatoto.org. Pouch carriers are similar in some respects to the ring slings, but most of them are not adjustable so they are sized according to the wearer’s measurements. They are very quick and easy to use, because once you find the right size, no adjustments are necessary. They can be used for newborns through the toddler years. Depending on the size of the baby, the positions available will change. I found it difficult to wear a newborn in a pouch sling in the tummy-to-tummy

58 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Baby Wearing, Continued

Family out, on the front, back, or hip. There are almost limitless variations on how to tie the wrap as well. Some brands I like are Moby, Didymos and Storchenweige.

Mei Tais or Asian baby carriers are basically a square, or rectangular, piece of fabric with a long strap coming from each corner of the carrier. One set ties around the waist and the other set over the shoulders in a few different ways. These straps help to make this a very adjustable carrier, similar to the wrap, that will fit a variety of sizes with just one carrier. Mei Tai’s can be worn on the front, back or hip, and are great for newborns through the toddler years. A favorite brand of mine is the BabyHawk.

position, but the cradle carry was very east to use. Also, since they have head support, you can use the facing out or hip carry positions. A couple of brands I like are Slinglings and Karma Baby. There are, as with the ring slings, instructions available to make your own. Wraps have been around for centuries, and for good reason. They are easy to make and easy to use, once you get the hang of it. They are comfortable and adjustable for all ages and wearers. When I talk to people about the history of baby wearing, they usually reference the South American or African cultures as being the only ones who historically wore their children. I have some Polish ancestry and recently saw some wonderful pictures of Polish women, pre-World War II, wearing their babies in wraps and similar shawls. I have also seen many other photos from various ethnic groups all over the world that show this was a fairly widespread practice in most areas. Wraps are a single piece of cloth that can range in length from about 8 feet long to 16 or more feet in length. Determining what length will best suit you, will depend on the types of carries that will be done with the wrap, and your body size. Wraps are great for newborns through toddlers, and even older children can be worn in supportive woven wraps. Babies can be worn facing in or

Framed backpacks have been around for a while, and while they can’t be used with newborns, they are nice for older children and offer lots of support, especially if you are doing a lot of intense hiking. We used a Kelty brand one for a few years before we discovered the less bulky SSC option. SSC’s or Soft Structured Carriers are carriers made to be used on the front or back and some can be used on the hip as well. They have a soft structured/padded waistband and padded straps, kind of backpack style. Most are good for newborns through 3 or more years of age. They attach by a buckle at the waist and buckles on the shoulder straps. This type of carrier is very popular now because it is quick and easy to use, it’s easy to get on and off and, it has a long range of use. A couple brands I use are Angelpack and Beco. The last group of carriers are the miscellaneous carriers found at your local big box stores. There are a few different brands, but there are some things these carriers have in common: They are only worn on the front, many times the baby is facing out, and they have a very limited time of use as many babies outgrow them by 5-6

Continued on page 60

Come by and see Lorene Foster of www. frogmama.com at the Green Baby Expo on the CSU Campus in Chico California, Saturday June 20th. She will have many different carriers available there for you to try out before you buy. w w w.communityseeds.com

Family

Baby Wearing, Continued

months. These carriers can often be found at local consignment, or thrift stores, for very cheap prices. Personally, I feel any carrier that promotes bonding, is worthwhile to some extent. My main problem with these carriers is that many parents who use them get the idea that once a baby is a few months old, it has to be uncomfortable to wear them and also that, when the baby outgrows this type of carrier, there is no other option. Actually, there are many comfortable ways to wear your child for the first 3-4 years, when needed, and ways to do it comfortably for parent and child. So, next time you hear the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;baby wearing,â&#x20AC;? or hear someone complain that their baby wants to be held all the time and their arms are sore, you can remember the great benefits of baby wearing and the many different comfortable ways to do it. If you want to try some of these for yourself, there are many great stores online. Just make sure you find one with a flexible return policy so that you can try out a couple different ones if needed.

60 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Tracy Lynn Photography

www.tracylynnphotography.com (530) 518 - 7431

Check Out

Kid's Page!

www.TheChicoConnection.com

Your Source For kid Related Web Links!

June 13th and 14th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information, Call (530) 892-1525 or (530) 521-2012, or go to: www.ThePatrickRanch.org w w w.communityseeds.com Kick-Off Country Supper Friday Evening, June 12th

Family

Swim Lesson Blues S

ummer is here and for my family, it means lots of time spent outdoors. My 4-year-old son loves the water, and has ever since he was a baby, so naturally I thought that swim lessons would be the way to go. I got him started on them earlier in the year so that he would be set to go by the time the heat arrived. I know I just said that my son loves the water and this is true. What he does not love, I came to find out, are swim lessons. The first day of class he was so excited to go. He eagerly put on his Nemo swim trunks and bolted for the car. When we arrived, he was bouncing in his seat and dashed around the observation room, impatiently waiting for the class ahead of him to end.

By Tara Donnell

At the end of the class there was a family swim, so I put on my suit and told him Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d get in the pool with him. Suddenly, his excitement returned and he allowed me to put on the swim fins! He then donned a kiddie inner tube and goggles and zoomed off into the water. I was surprised at first. I had thought he was afraid of the fins and the newness of the experience. Forty-five minutes went by and he happily played. Finally, I had to drag him, literally, out of the pool so we could go home before we both turned into prunes.

I had high hopes for the next class. He was now exposed to what the lessons were all about and had successfully put on the fins, tube, and goggles; but when we arrived, he suddenly was not so sure about the place. I gave him some hugs, kisses, and Finally, it was his turn and he raced to the pool. His pats on the back. I then switched into tough-love his attempts to jump into the water were thwarted, mode, quickly shoved him into the pool area, and as his teacher explained that he needed to put waited on the other side of the glass wall in the on his swim fins first. Swim fins? My son was not parent section. He became red-faced, cried, and having it. He looked around for me and teared up. shrank back from the class. His teacher offered Oh boy, I thought, here we go. smiles and encouragement, but he refused to participate. She ignored him and worked with the Despite the teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s encouragement, he sat by me other students. and looked pitiful for the rest of the class. I pulled out all my best tricks to get him into those fins, but My son came to the window and begged me to come out and sit by him. What else could I do? I to no avail. 62 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Swim Lesson Blues

I gave it a shot the next week and stuck with the teacher’s plan. Now, if you know anything about my son, Mr. Control, you would anticipate that it did not work, and you would be correct. As I hid from his view, I watched him look extremely pitiful and shrink back by the wall, refusing to set one foot toward the pool. He kept looking through the I knew I was taking a risk by throwing him into glass windows, trying to find me, then he gave up a class without a proper warm up. By warm up, I and sat in the corner red-faced and tear-streaked. mean to the teacher and students, not the water. The teacher basically ignored him, aside from an This kid would jump into the Arctic if I let him. occasional, “Come join us!” Mr. Control won again, Unfortunately, this need to warm up to new people but the reality was: we were both losing. is a common theme with him which frankly, I By the next class, I was dreading going and had a blame on his father. They both need adjustment periods when anything new involving other people pit in my stomach. I was feeling frustrated about is concerned, but here I thought I had my son beat. all the energy that was being expended in order to get my kid to learn to swim. I decided to talk to my His teacher was a gorgeous, outgoing, awardwinning, champion swimmer. She even was a mom mom about it. I told her I was thinking of stopping the lessons and trying them later when he was a who had little kids of her own. Surely, this would bit older. Part of me felt like a quitter because I shorten the warm up time and diminish any petty was giving in to Mr. Control and he would think he anxieties? At the end of the class, I got in the pool won. for family swim time and once again, he reverted to his excited, happy self. I decided to talk to the teacher about his behavior. She smiled widely and My mom was understanding and supportive. She said, “How does he know he won? Swim lessons said that we need to work on “Mr. Control.” end. For all he knows, the class is over. Too bad he chose not to learn this time, but maybe next time.” Now, I am the first to admit my son is not perfect, This made me feel better and reduced my anxiety and my friends and family will vouch for this, considerably, so I told him that lessons were all but somehow, when someone else points out done and we would try again later. My son said, imperfections, the hair stands up on the back of my neck and I start to feel tingly; and not in a good “Ok,” and has never mentioned them since. way. This means another summer of I smiled widely back at her and asked what she watching my son vigilantly at meant. Her take on it was that he was trying to the pool, making sure an adult control the situation, since he clearly was not is in the water with him at afraid of the water. Her advice was for me to all times, but I think it will not be in sight of him next class. Eventually, he be worth it. Seeing my would get used to the routine and my being child smiling, happy, unavailable to him, and he would learn to swim. and enjoying himself She sympathetically explained that some kids take is very rewarding. Rest months to get into the water. assured he will be taking I’m sorry, did she just say months? I reminded lessons again, but for now, myself to breathe. I started to reevaluate the I’m letting it be. Besides, I have a situation and wondered if it was worth all the time, feeling this is going to become a funny effort, and hard earned money I was spending to family story in years to come. I cannot wait to tell watch my kid sit by the pool and refuse to swim. my son how he had the opportunity of a lifetime to I ended up deciding to stick with it for the time learn to swim with an Olympic athlete, but instead being. Besides, I’d already paid through the month chose to swim with his mom, who never won any for the class. medals. went out and tried to calm him down. I know, I know, the word “sucker” comes to mind to describe me, but have you ever seen my son’s big, blue, pleading eyes? I get lost in there if I look too long and, they have a direct connection to my heart. It’s like mommy kryptonite.

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Family

Tree by Owen Age 2

FATHER

Blue Guy

by Justin Ag e

Send your kid stuff to: info@communityseeds.com Or mail to: 1785 Garden Road, Durham, CA 95938

64 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Making dinner, vacuuming floors Lots of things to do, and yet there’s more Changing diapers, driving the car Cleaning the stair rail and its bars Washing dishes, encouraging Mom We couldn’t live if you weren’t home Happy and cheerful, loving and kind You always have a sensible mind Picking up toys and painting walls Scrubbing the table and then the hall Reading the Bible, and helping us pray That’s how we manage to live every day Shopping for food at Hickam’s store Singing and joking and laughing galore I’ve loved you every day of my life Through the easy times and the strife I love you, dear daddy, that I want you to know And that, this Father’s Day, I will show. I love you! Your daughter, Katrina (Written for Father’s Day 2008 by Katrina C. , age 10)

Our Eyes Are Bigger Than Our Stomachs...

Kids’ Space

Goldfish by Aiden Ag e4

Cat il Age 3 by Abiga

E C A P ’ S S D I K Archer ( mad e

with leaf litte r) by Justin Ag e9

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Out and About

Adventures for those of any age, for fun and an education

Photos by Tracy Cahn

Out and About

A Wild Getaway The San Francisco Zoo By DeAnna Holman

n a recent visit to San Francisco with our kids, we visited The San Francisco Zoo, Northern Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest zoological park and conservation center. It is on the Great Highway, between Skyline and Sloat Boulevards, next to the Pacific Ocean. We were having a leisurely day and arrived at 11 a.m., but the park opens at 10 a.m. each day and closes at 5 p.m. We were prepared for crowds and a lot of walking. Surprisingly enough, there were no crowds. We went in the fall and the weather was cooler,

66 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

but we thought it was perfect for hiking and walking through the park. We paid for parking ($8), got our water bottles and cameras, strapped on our backpacks and headed into the park. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $9 for kids 4-14 and kids under 3 are free. For an additional $6.95, you can get a Zoo Ranger, which is a handheld, GPS-triggered device that has audio and video. It takes you on a tour of the zoo through the eyes of the zoo keepers. We did not opt for

Out and About

the GPS since we have small kids. We started with the giraffes, and then headed to the primates. I would recommend planning the day, keeping in mind that the children’s exhibits close earlier. The children’s exhibits include a family farm, nature trail and insect zoo. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the expressions on your children’s faces as they explore. In the morning or after lunch, try to catch

one of the animal feedings (times are listed on the program). We got to see the penguin feeding (2:30 p.m. each day). We watched keepers hand-feed each and every one of the Magellanic penguins on Penguin Island. It was interesting to see how the keepers keep track and keep a log of the penguins as they eat. We enjoyed seeing and learning all that we could in one day. If we lived closer, or visited San Francisco more often, we would definitely purchase a membership. They offer classes, w w w.communityseeds.com

San Francisco Zoo, Continued

Adventures for those of any age, for fun and an education

Photos by DeAnna Holman

lectures and activities for people of all ages. One thing I should mention: we found the food in the zoo to be a little bit expensive. So, if you are on a budget, or have special dietary needs, be sure to pack some food. There’s a lot to see in what the zoo calls, “this urban oasis.” The Zoo is home to beautiful gardens and has more than 250 species of animals, many of which are highly endangered. There is so much to see and do at the San Francisco Zoo and your admission helps support their conservation programs and green efforts. Be sure to visit their website at: sfzoo.org for any exhibit closures, special events or special opening and closing times. It is a great website to just explore! 68 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Discover a better tomorrow...

starting today!

Join Perry as he gathers treasures, makes new friends and learns life lessons!

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Your window into Paradise! www.TheParadiseConnection.com w w w.communityseeds.com 69

COMMUNIT

TY FACES

Making a Difference

Brett Miller,

Not Your Average Race Car Driver By Gary Thomas 72 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Not Your Average Race Car Driver

n the world of auto racing, there are many great and interesting stories behind each individual. That is certainly true of Chico, California racer Brett Miller. 19 year old Chico resident, Miller has not only spent his Friday nights at the helm of his grandparent’s 850 horsepower sprint car, but has spent time as a volunteer fireman and donates a portion of his winnings from racing to the Butte Humane Society.

Many people might think that most racers are just a bunch of “gear-heads” or “grease monkeys,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Miller, who is just 19 years-old, started racing gokarts at the age of 10 and has been spending his summers working in the family pool construction business since he was 13. In 2006, Miller graduated from the go-kart ranks and began his career driving a winged sprint car. These cars feature upwards of 850-900 horsepower, and racing them is considered to be one of the most thrilling and exhilarating forms of motor sports in the world. During his first season in the professional ranks, he became the youngest driver to ever win a 410 sprint car main event at the Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, driving to victory after just having turned 17 two weeks prior to the event. That first season also saw Miller earn the Rookie of the Year Award at not only Silver Dollar

Speedway, but also with the traveling Civil War Sprint Car Series, which happens to be the premier 360 sprint car series in the state of California. The following year, Miller jumped up a class. He competed with the Golden State Challenge King of California Series, which saw him claim the Rookie of the Year Award with what is considered to be the top touring, winged 410 sprint car organization on the west coast. In addition to

“Not only did Miller win the night of racing at Silver Dollar Speedway for his third career sprint car victory, but he collected a very good chunk of money to give to the Humane Society.” that honor, he picked up his second career sprint car win in the month of April during weekly competition at the Silver Dollar Speedway. Not only do Miller and his Car Owner/Grandfather Bill Bell share a passion for racing, but they also have an extreme love for animals. With that in mind, the pair was looking for a way to combine their love of racing and animals, and also help the community at the same time. After a lot of thinking and collaboration, the decision was made to help create awareness

for the needs of the Butte Humane Society, in addition to helping them out financially. So, heading into last season, they partnered with many supporters and Miller donated a portion of all his race winnings to the society. Entering the ‘08 year, Miller’s red “No. 1x” sprint car featured the Butte Humane Society logo on the top of the car, as well as on the trailer that transports the machine from track to track. Miller helped raise money all season long, but the night that was most successful just happened to be an evening of racing in which his grandparent’s business sponsored. Not only did Miller win the night of racing at Silver Dollar Speedway for his third career sprint car victory, but he collected a very good chunk of money to give to the Humane Society. All in all, Miller was able to collect $3,500 throughout the season and he and Grandpa Bill presented the Society with a check in December. “We had a lot of fun helping the Society last year and we’re going to come back and do it as much as we can once again this season,” Miller said. Most of Miller’s time last year wasn’t just spent at the race track however, as in the summer, he helped fight the fires that had engulfed the areas surrounding Chico as a volunteer fireman. Often times the driver known affectionately as the “Catfish”

Community

Above Left: Sprint car win at the Silver Dollar Speedway. Bottom Left: Brett with his mom and brother at his fire academy graduation. Above Right: Brett at the fire academy. Bottom Right: Brett presents a donation to the Butte County Humane Society.

would help fight the fires during the week and then come back to Silver Dollar Speedway on the weekend and get back behind the wheel of his sprint car. It all changed in mid-August though, as Miller didn’t compete at any race during the later part of the season due to the fact he was taking part in the California Regional Fire Academy in Sacramento. After a tough, yet rewarding experience, Miller graduated from the academy on a Saturday afternoon, December 13. “It was a grind, but it feels good to have completed the academy and it was a great experience and something I definitely feel that I can take with me,” Miller commented. 74 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Miller’s strong work ethic certainly makes him someone who always gives it his all, no matter what he has his hands in and as ‘09 begins, he hopes to make it his most successful season to date. “I really believe that all of my experiences over the last year or so will benefit me at the racetrack. I feel as confident as I’ve ever been and am just looking forward to having some fun out on the racetrack this year, as well continuing to get the word out about the Humane Society,” Miller concluded. If you ever get the opportunity, check out Brett Miller at the Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico every Friday night, driving his grandparent’s red No. 1x sprint car.

Not Your Average Race Car Driver

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gary Thomas is a 22 year old college student who has lived in Sacramento all his life. He has been writing and doing motorsports public relations work for the past five years. In early 2005, at the age of 18, he began writing a racing related blog, and later on that year, he started doing PR work for Chico sprint car racer, and now two-time state champ, Jonathan Allard. He began to get noticed over the last few seasons and has acquired a number of different clients including Brett Miller. Brett Miller was the second driver/ team to become clients of his newly formed GT Promotions. Thomas has also been the public relations director for the touring Golden State Challenge Sprint Car Series since 2006, and has held the same position at the Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare since 2007. “It’s been a lot of fun the last few years, especially since the series and tracks I’ve been working for had been favorites of mine growing up,” Thomas said. “I never

thought I’d be doing what I’m doing right now, but there have been a lot of great people who have helped me along the way.” Over the last few seasons, he has also started doing color commentary and infield announcing at a number of different tracks around northern California. Thomas makes the drive to Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico with his family every Friday night to cover his teams as well as help out track announcer, Troy Henning, in the press box and handling victory lane interviews. Entering 2009, Thomas has around 10 different drivers/teams under his GT Promotions banner including Allard, Miller, two-time United States Auto Club champion, Bud Kaeding, fellow young upstart, Mason Moore, and others. He will once again be traveling around the state of California with the Golden State Challenge Series as well as making the 3 ½ hour haul to the Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway on several occasions.

CARE

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Ask about our eco-friendly salt systems which dramatically reduce chlorine use, while giving a silky feeling to the pool water.

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Community

In a national contest for a complete make-over, the Butte Humane Society in Chico, CA won $50,000! They got to this second place prize, thanks to the hearts of the community members.

Local Animal Shelter Wins Big! By Dawn Votaw

Chico got national attention recently when Butte Humane Society was in the running for a million dollar makeover for the outdated and inadequate shelter facility on Fair Street. Butte Humane Society (BHS) entered the National Shelter Makeover Contest held by zootoo.com, which began in September, 2008. The winner of this contest would receive up to $1 million in donated goods, services and cash to go towards a renovation of the shelter facility. BHS was selected as a finalist from over 2500 participating shelters nationwide. On April 5, 2009, Richard Thompson, CEO of zootoo.com, visited our shelter and was welcomed by over 500 cheering community members, avid BHS supporters, volunteers, 76 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

city and county officials, and City Council members, including Chico Mayor Ann Schwab. BHS even received backing from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Congressman Wally Herger awarded the organization with a Certificate of Congratulations. The winner was chosen by national popular vote from April 13, through 19, 2009. On April 27, it was announced that Butte Humane Society had won first runner up (second place) and would receive $50,000 cash. Per Butte Humane Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Director, Heather Schoeppach, the organization plans on using the money for a variety of improvement projects, such as the purchase of an industrial washer and dryer, as well as a portable housing

Butte Humane Wins $50,000 shelter was built in the early 1950s. A quick walk around the premises reveals exposed pipes, kennels kept together by tape and bailing wire, and a lack of proper heating, ventilation, and drainage systems. These issues go beyond cosmetic concerns – they pose health risks to animals, staff and volunteers.

unit to isolate and treat sick dogs, a small-scale renovation inside the shelter’s incoming animals area, and padlocks for all of the outside dog kennels to prevent theft. Far from feeling defeated at its secondplace showing, Butte Humane Society is moving forward on plans for a new facility. They are dedicated to incorporating as many sustainable features as possible. However, building a “green” facility is a considerable cost, so community support is crucial. Founded in 1911, the Butte Humane Society is not new to the animal rescue cause. Many people don’t realize that the local shelter is one of the few nokill/low-kill shelters in the State, and without it, more animals would face certain death. Frequently, animals in danger of euthanasia at other shelters are transferred to Butte Humane Society. Earlier this year, when another shelter was relocating facilities and the fate of all 150 animals at the facility was uncertain, BHS came to their aid and helped coordinate a massive rescue effort with other shelters and rescue organizations to transfer out the animals. It’s this type of effort that set Butte Humane Society apart from all others. Despite their never-ending dedication to animal rescue and saving over 5,000 animals every year from miserable existences and death, the shelter is in desperate need of repair. Much of the

While winning second place in a national competition was a substantial accomplishment, the shelter has received another award – a renewed presence in the community. Since the contest, adoptions have increased at least 60%. In fact, April 25th was a record-setting day for adoptions with over 25 pets going to new homes that day. The previous record was about half that amount. The heightened community awareness has also led to a surge in volunteers and donations. In short, while the shelter came in second nationally, the competition helped put the little local non-profit first in the hearts of the community, and started a new level of inspiration for BHS to keep doing what they do best: rescuing and forever being the voice for those that cannot speak for themselves.

“To the world you may be just one person, but to one life, you may be the world.” Butte Humane Society is located at 2579 Fair Street, Chico, CA 95928. They are open everyday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, and are open until 7:00pm on Mondays and Thursdays. You can reach the shelter at (530) 343-7917 or online at www.buttehumane.org.

w w w.communityseeds.com

78 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

. Community Events .

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Durham’s Community Website • Business Links • Durham Business Directory

Durham Community Calendar • • • •

School Events Community Events Durham Recreation Events Interactive

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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!

Durham Community Calendar

• • • •

School Events Community Events Durham Recreation Events Interactive

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T. J. te nfor a P Farm s We’ve nche a m Got You Covered m o s C m r Fa Creek ables t Vege i Calif uin ms ornia q s n i r e C a F e Haba B nero s n y n a i c ’s e P r e e d F n ran r on Skin o cisc B H an Vac a s i C off Drie ville Arto ee . d Fr o ut C uit N . Rice r g a r ut Co t e s N e ’ b e d d h o c n L y Du Lu Oil R. Jell e ’ v i l n O W. i Knu am J s ’ Mou dse Jim n Ju ntai ms n ice ey Far Frui n o o M t Co . Farm a d a v e ers N t s e a I W r n t e River Sier r n d a r tiona Musta l Almonds 629 Entler Ave. #9 · 530.345.1710 Down from Wood Bros. Carpet Monday–Friday 8–5 · Saturday 10–4 www.CaliforniaHarvestShop.com w w w.communityseeds.com

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Community

Magalia Beautification Association Making a Difference By Elaine Nelson

hat do you think could be more eco-friendly than a group of very active women helping make Magalia, California, a beautiful place to live, visit, or just drive through? It is the mission of the Magalia Beautification Association (MBA) to beautify the town of Magalia by planting flower beds, trees and shrubs; installing benches, increasing knowledge of gardening to the members, involving volunteers to take part in our beautification projects, and educating through presentations and special speakers at our monthly meetings.

The MBA was founded in 1997 by Dolores Crum, Trudy Tweedt, Clarice Wert and Jean Jessop who had a vision of beautifying the town. The first gardens they planted were at the Magalia Post Office and at Fire Station #33. On June 23, 1997, at the first meeting of the MBA, eight new members joined. At last count, the membership stood at 41. Any person interested in gardening, horticulture and beautification are eligible for membership and encouraged to join. In April, 1998, members of the Chico group of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) began working with the MBA. The Corps is a group of young men and women whose mission is “to protect and restore California’s environment and respond 80 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

to disasters, becoming strong workers, citizens and individuals through their service.” The CCC is the largest program of its kind in the country. It was created in 1976, modeled after the 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps. For more information, go to www.ccc.ca.gov. The community service given by the CCC members is very much appreciated. Their willingness to pitch in and work hard has been a tremendous help in maintaining the gardens and trails. From 1997, through 2000, gardens were established at Frank’s Barber Shop, Oak Ridge Plaza, All the Best Video, CDF Butte Fire Center, Golden Oaks Mall, the Bank/Rock Church, the Sheriff’s Department and Magalia Pines Baptist Church. In 2000, trees were planted and a planter box set up at Pines Elementary School, and brick benches were installed at the Post Office. On July 4th, 2000, the MBA purchased American flags to display along the Skyway. The flags fly on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot Day and Veterans Day. It is always a great treat to drive through town on these days, feeling the wave of patriotism in our community. In 2001, the area in front of the Hilltop Café

Magalia Beautification Association

Workday Apr. 16, 2009 with CCC assistance

CCC members during lunch break at workday April 16, 2009 was planted with daffodil bulbs. Also that year, the plaque honoring the founding members was installed at the Post Office. January of 2002 saw the installation of a planter box at the Welcome to Magalia sign. The Holiday Market garden was put in, with picnic tables installed in a later year. 2003 saw science/vegetable/flower gardens at Cedarwood Elementary School and daffodils planted at the Discount Market. A Memorial Garden at the Sheriff’s Office won the California Garden Club’s award for the #1 Memorial Garden in the State.

Members cleaning up gardens by the Magalia Post Office

Throughout the years spanning from 1997 to present, the MBA has planted over 22,000 daffodil, tulip and other bulbs. There are now six benches along Skyway, two at Holiday Market and one at Pines Elementary School.

MBA. The group also participates in the tree sorting project at CDF Nursery, the POA Car Show and Days of Living History.

In 2007, “The Gardener” sculpture was donated by the Association to the community. The metal sculpture, created by Stan McEtchin of Paradise, stands proudly in the garden in front of Jaki’s Hilltop Café. You might wonder where the water comes from to maintain these beautiful gardens. We are grateful for the donation of water from many of the local merchants along Skyway who provide the water for our water conservation sprinkler systems.

The MBA depends upon donations of time, labor, resources and money from the community. The Annual Yard Sale is the main fundraiser for the

The Gardener

The MBA meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (except August), at the Racine Center, 14109 Racine Circle, Magalia (south corner of Racine Circle and Wycliff Way). Social time is at 12:30 PM and the meeting starts at 1:00 PM. Membership is only $12 a year and each meeting includes a light lunch, hosted by two members. There is always a wonderful assortment of items for lunch. Also, since it is our mission to share ideas, there is a table of free items (magazines, calendars, garden and nature books), available for the taking. At each meeting, the members enjoy a program related to gardening, flora and fauna of the area, flower arranging, and an occasional field trip to a point of interest. Being part of the MBA is wonderful way to become involved in the community. w w w.communityseeds.com

Community

Growing Their Own Cultivating Life Long Learners and Lovers of Agriculture by Ken Hodge

82 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

ne of my longest lasting memories of growing up was growing a large vegetable garden in our backyard. Before I started kindergarten, my family built a new home on about three-quarters of an acre. The first thing my father wanted was a vegetable garden with some fruit trees around it and my father never did anything small. Though looking like a football field to a 5 year old, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m guessing it was about 3000 square feet. We had apricot, pomegranate, cherry, peach and nectarine trees, but the whole center was a vegetable garden. It was quite an undertaking every spring, but a lot of my knowledge of plants came from farming this plot of land. My father was always game for trying new plants, and many were successful like the artichokes we tried. We ate the artichokes in season and some went to flower with beautiful thistle-type flowers my mother used as decorations in the fall. My mother did a lot of canning and I remember growing an unusual upright herb called dill. The aroma of the dill plant was quite unique. I remember asking my parents why we are growing that plant, since it seemed of no use, not having a large edible fruit. My mother used it to make dill pickles out of the cucumbers that we grew in the garden. As an adult now, whenever I see dill at a farmers market, I have to lean over and smell it; and it always brings me back to my childhood, when we grew it in our garden. Smells are some of the things we remember most clearly. Another more common smell that brings me back immediately to my youth is that of tomatoes. Not the fruit so much as the leaves. Every year when we sell the tomato plants in our nursery, I smell the fragrance of the leaves and I can remember what I was doing and thinking as a kid. My father grew up on a farm and later became a doctor during World War II, but he always remembered what it was like growing up on a farm. As we were developing the nursery and planting our own fruit trees and garden, my father would visit frequently and you could tell he was proud of what we had done, and he felt quite at home visiting and helping in the garden. Durham High School is just across the orchards from where we live at the nursery. In the fall of 2007, a new agriculture teacher, Mellisa Baber,

introduced herself. She asked for input and help with the agriculture program, and since then, it’s been a great experience working with the young energetic high schoolers. They love the handson activities of growing plants and trees. Just last fall, we decided to develop the Agriculture/ FFA yard. Around the cyclone fence border, we planted about 70 flowering perennials. These perennials not only beautify the yard, but also will be used for cut flowers for the floriculture class. The students were so involved, that they wanted to personally come out to the nursery to select the perennials themselves. Next, we talked about what fruit trees the students wanted for their yard. It was important to know which fruit ripened before school was let out in early June or which fruit ripened after students returned in late August. Again, they wanted to pick out the trees themselves, which is convenient, since the school is within walking distance. Actually, before we could plant all these perennials and fruit trees, we needed an irrigation system; hopefully an automatic system that would operate by itself during the summer, so people wouldn’t need to visit the yard every day. The class helped design a system with 4 stations. There was plenty of water to irrigate the whole yard at once, but it’s best to be able to separate the amount and frequency of watering, between the different types of plantings. The vegetable garden may need water every day during the summer. The perennial flowers, once established, would need watering no more than every 2 days. The fruit trees need watering frequently the first year, but probably only twice or three times per week once established and the established landscape plantings only need watering once or twice a week. There was only one hose bib, so we added 6 more to make spot watering easier. The underground irrigation system was actually the hardest part, but the kids were golden, helping with every phase. Next was the fun part: the actual planting of the plants and trees. Many of the kids had never experienced landscaping and they expressed that they enjoyed it This spring, the class decided they wanted a large vegetable garden. Well that’s right up my alley. I’m guessing the whole yard is about 4,000 square feet. So, minus the greenhouse and other plantings, it leaves about 1500 to 2000 square w w w.communityseeds.com

Durham Garden, Continued

feet for a garden. Again, the creative juices of the students went to work and they came up with a list of desired vegetables to plant. We decided to grow some theme gardens, starting with a salsa garden, but what are the best tomatoes and chili peppers for making salsa? Two experts, Maria and Leticia, working at the nursery told us that Roma tomatoes are best, as well as Jalapeño and Serrano chili peppers, so that’s what we planted. During the summer, if the kids want to get together, we can make salsa. If not, we’ll still be able to enjoy salsa in the fall. For the fall, we have 3 kinds of pumpkins: Big Max which grows up to 100 pounds, Casper, a white 84 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

pumpkin, and the mini tabletop pumpkins. We will also be growing corn that can be used for popping and, of course, the old cucumber pickles and dill for making dill pickles. There was room for many other plants such as watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew melons. They even planted a grove of sunflowers to harvest and eat in the fall. The students in the Ag classes were very interested in learning how to grow their own food. The teacher, Mellisa Baber, is so supportive and hard working herself. Everything that needs to be accomplished is gladly done by the students and Ms. Baber. It has been a very rewarding experience for all. If you would like to help the Durham program, please contact, Ken Hodge, at Hodge’s Nursery in Durham.

THE CHICO MUSEUM is pleased to present

CHICO, CIRCUS TOWN October 18, 2008 thru June 21, 2009 141 Salem Street (at Second Street) (530) 892-1525 The Chico Museum is sponsored, in part, by the City of Chico

In order to accommodate the treasure trove that makes up the Allread Collection, a section of one gallery will rotate a special, in-depth feature every 4-8 weeks: • Lions & Tigers & Bears, Oh My!

Sat. May16-Sun. June 21(Father’s Day)

“Chico Faces” exhibit starts in August. Call (530) 892-1525 for more information. w w w.communityseeds.com

In the Garden

Do-It-Yourself

Upside-Down Tomato Planter

ost people would love a garden full of fresh tomatoes and produce every summer, but not everyone has the space for a vegetable garden of their own. Why not follow the instructions below and create a hanging veggie garden of your very own this summer? Making your own container is not complicated, but be sure to have your container up on something (like the rail of your deck) so you can poke the tomato seedling up through the hole in the bottom of the bucket.

You’ll need: • • • • • • • •

A 5-gallon paint bucket from a paint store An electric drill Pellon sewing interfacing A plastic funnel Good potting soil Tomato or pepper seedlings Strong chain, 3 pieces cut to desired length 3 S-hooks and 1 ring or swivel hook

Instructions: 1. Drill out the center of the bottom of the 5-gallon bucket. If you do not have access to a drill to make that hole in the bucket bottom, you can just use a sharp knife and cut around 86 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

By Diane Anderson

the center. The bucket I used had a rim around the center of the bottom and that’s the part I cut out. Put Pellon (sewing interfacing) over the hole. The Pellon just helps hold the soil from pouring out the hole. Once the seedling is planted and the potting soil put in, the soil won’t come out the hole. Poke a hole in the Pellon and place a funnel into the hole around where the seedling will be planted. This will keep the water from dripping onto the tomato leaves and fruit. Some of the tomatoes could get water logged and the funnel will provide an “umbrella” for the tomatoes. Put your tomato seedling into the hole with the roots through the Pellon, going through the funnel, and into the bucket. Fill the bucket with good potting soil. It helps if you construct the bucket on a set of sawhorses so the plant won’t get squashed. Once the soil and funnel are in place, it’s time to get planting! In the top of the bucket, we planted cilantro and Jalapeño peppers which did very well. I used “Better Boy” & “Early Girl” variety of tomatoes. Now you’re ready to hang your “upside down tomatoes”. You can get strong chain from the hardware

Upside Down Tomato Planter

store. Drill 3 holes on the top of the bucket and place an “S” hook in each of the holes. Attach the chain and used a ring at the top, attaching the 3 pieces of chain. It helps if you use a swivel hook that allows the bucket to turn in the wind and the chain not to get tangled. It’s best to get your chain lengths cut in equal lengths. The “S” shaped hooks will enable you to slip the bottom of that hook in your drilled hole around the rim of your bucket and the chain will go on the upper part (of the S). The swivel hook that the chains then go into (at the top where you’re going to hang it) will let the bucket turn a little bit.

Upside-Down Tomato Planter Tips: • If hanging your planter over your deck, you might want to put a plastic sheet on your deck so the water won’t drip on it and rot it! • Don’t over water these plants. Let them dry out some in between watering. • Ask at a nursery which varieties grow best in your area. • Use both ends of your planter! Plant cilantro, peppers or herbs in the top of your planter and get two-for-one for your efforts!

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w w w.communityseeds.com

Many people own their own home juicing machines. Sadly, like many specialty kitchen appliances, juicers are often relegated to the back of the cupboard where they sit and collect dust. Community Seeds would like to challenge our readers to get those juicers out this summer and try one or more of the ideas we have for you to become more healthful and help out the environment at the same time.

The Home Juicer: For a Greener, Healthier You By Amy Behlke

Making your own fresh juices from fruits and vegetables at home is an easy and tasty way to make a healthy change in your life. Most people recognize the many health benefits of juicing, but did you realize that juicing is also one more step toward leading a sustainable lifestyle? Every time you use your juicer to make vegetable and fruit juices for your family, you are making a healthier and much less wasteful choice. No artificial ingredients, preservatives or colors are added to homemade juices, and even better, no plastic bottles are headed to the landfill! Freshly made juices should be

88 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

powerful and can take fruits that are unpeeled and with the cores. The juices are extracted and a finely ground pulp is left behind. This pulp is packed with fiber If you are interested in saving and can be used in a wide variety money, juicing can be a handy of ways to make regular meals solution. Fresh fruits and more healthful every day. Ideally, vegetables can be grown easily you should add the pulp back and inexpensively in just about any sunny space. Choose to grow into your juice and consume it. If you like your juice with less your favorites this summer and pulp, it can still be consumed juice your crops for an almost in a number of creative ways. no-cost form of nutrition. Fruits Add one cup of fruit pulp to and vegetables ideal for juicing batters for a healthful boost to that are easy to grow include: muffins, pancakes and breads. strawberries, carrots, spinach, Fruit and vegetable pulps can red peppers, blueberries, often be used to cut calories as a blackberries, raspberries, beets, tomatoes, celery, as well as many substitute for oils and butters in others. If you are unable to grow recipes. A few cups of pulp can your own produce for juicing, all also be thrown into the blender with ice and a banana for a tasty of these items and more can be smoothie. Mix fruit pulps with purchased fresh every week at juice and non-fat plain yogurt your local farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market. and freeze for wholesome and delicious popsicles any kid is Juicing can also be a wastebound to love. Vegetable pulp free form of sustenance can be added to sauces and for your family. Most soup bases as a thickening juicers are very consumed immediately, which means no plastic containers are needed to store the juice.

agent while adding additional nutrients to the meals. It is smart to keep air-tight containers of fruit and vegetable pulps separate in the freezer for easy use in recipes. Any pulp that is not used in recipes or smoothies can be added to your compost bin. This summer, get that juicer out, dust it off, and see if you can get your family to use it at least once a week. If you don’t already have a juicer, check local thrift shops or online classified ads to purchase a used one. Before you know it, that juicer just might become a regular kitchen staple!

Ideas for juicing: Tame your sweet tooth by juicing some fruits! Some of our favorite combinations using fruits are: • 1 apple + 1 pear + 7 strawberries • 2 carrots + 2 apples • 2 pineapple spears + 1 orange (peeled) + 1 apple • 7 strawberries + 1 orange + 1 mango Get healthy with homemade vegetable juices! Our favorite vegetable combinations include: • 1 carrot + 1 celery stalk + ½ beet + handful spinach + 2 small tomatoes + salt & pepper • 3 tomatoes + 1 celery stalk + ½ cucumber • ½ red bell pepper + 2 small tomatoes + ½ cucumber Cool the kids down with fresh fruit popsicles. Mix the following for icy cool treats that are sure to please: • 2 spears pineapple + ¼ cup pineapple pulp • 7 strawberries + 1 apple + strawberry pulp + ½ cup non-fat plain yogurt • 3 oranges (peeled) + ½ lemon (peeled) + ¼ cup orange pulp Encourage the kids to raise some money this summer with their very own fresh juice stand! Passersby are sure to enjoy a cool glass of cherry-orange aid: • 3 peeled oranges + 1 cup pitted cherries + ½ peeled lemon + 3 cups sparkling water). Keep it cool and sweet when you’re thirsty. Juice seven large strawberries, add three tablespoons of strawberry pulp, and freeze in ice cube trays. Add the strawberry juice cubes to seltzer or lemonade. For a special adults-only treat, add the cubes to chilled white wine or champagne for a cool pink treat. w w w.communityseeds.com

Food

Iced Tea Basics by Phuong Le

1. Boil water. 2. Steep the tea according to the directions, but almost double up on the tea amount. For 2 quarts, I suggest using 1/4 cup of premium loose tea and I suggest using large filters. If you do not have a tea pot like ONO’s 5 Cup tea pot, brew your own loose tea. 3. Strain the tea. 4. I usually don’t sweeten my tea, but if I do, I use stevia/truvia, honey, or agave. It’s all personal taste how sweet you like it. 5. Cool. I like to refrigerate my tea but you can pour it directly over ice. 6. Add fresh fruit or alcohol if desired. 7. Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy!

COOL DOWN Healthy and Refreshing Iced Tea With the temperatures climbing, there couldn’t be a more refreshing and healthy drink than iced tea! Many tea companies provide specialty teas and teapots to help you make a perfect iced tea. Phuong Le from ONO Tea likes to make extra tea in her 5 Cup Teapot with infuser, refrigerate, and have iced tea in the morning. Even if you don’t have a pot, here is a simple method and some delicious recipes Phuong Le suggests to quench your thirst. 90 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Food

Moroccan Mint Iced Tea If you have traveled to Morocco, you know that mint tea is the most popular drink. It is more than just a simple and delicious beverage enjoyed daily by the citizens of that country; it is a drink of long tradition. Moroccan mint tea is served 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is presented to the guest as a sign of friendship. Here is my recipe, using ONO Moroccan Mint tea and the traditional Moroccan ingredients of fresh mint leaves and honey.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2.5 tablespoons of Moroccan Mint tea • 5 cups steaming water • 2 tablespoons honey • 1/2 cup of mint leaves • Optional: raspberries

PREPARATION:

1. Combine 1/2 of the mint leaves and 2.5 tablespoons of the Moroccan mint tea in a 5 cup teapot filter or in a large filter tea bag. Adjust to your own teapot if not using an ONO teapot. 2. Add steaming water and steep for 5 minutes. 3. Remove the ONO 5 cup glass filter or the filter bag. 4. Add honey to taste. Pour over ice. 5. Add the rest of the mint. Raspberries are optional.

Whether you brew for 5 minutes or overnight; or you prefer a simple black tea to a raspberry Moroccan mint: iced tea is the perfect summer drink!

Mighty Athena Iced Tea INGREDIENTS:

• Simple syrup on hand (1 cup hot water; 2 cups granulated sugar) • 5 tablespoons Mighty Athena (Green) Tea • 10 cups of steaming hot water • 1 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced • 2 (12-ounce) bottles ginger ale, chilled • Handful of quartered strawberries and mint sprigs for garnish

PREPARATION:

In a small, sturdy saucepan, simmer syrup of 1 cup of hot water with 2 cups granulated sugar until dissolved, about 10 minutes; cool. Meanwhile, brew 5 tablespoons of the green tea in 10 cups steaming hot water for 3 minutes. Strain; let cool. Crush mint sprigs, fresh ginger and 1/4 cup simple syrup in large glass pitcher or punch bowl. Add ginger ale and brewed Tea. Garnish with mint and a handful of quartered strawberries or any seasonal fresh fruit. Taste and adjust with simple syrup; serve over ice.

For more information about ONO teas or Phuong Le (AKA: The Tea Chick), go to www.iloveono.com.

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Food

Cook’s Corner Cool Food For Summer by “Danny D”

Hello again. Wow, it’s already been a year since I started sharing my recipes in Community Seeds Magazine. How time flies when you are in the kitchen, or out by the grill, cooking meals for family and friends, trying new and old recipes. While I was gathering recipes for this issue, I realized that, for the spring issue, I had forgotten one very important day in the month of May. I hope that all you Moms enjoyed Mother’s Day!!! It is hard to think that I forgot to share recipes with you. Well, it is not too late to share my Mom’s favorite Mother’s Day dessert: Fresh Strawberry Pie. It is a great recipe for the summer, too! In this issue, I would also like to share recipes for June, July and August. These are my favorite months to prepare meals using fresh vegetables from my garden or the Farmer’s Market.

The 4th of July, is time to get friends together for a BBQ or picnic. It is fun to keep the “Red, White and Blue” theme throughout the meal. I am sharing a recipe for a bean salad, Chuck steak with a wine marinade and a recipe for dessert. Since berries are in season, it is fun to use them for decorating the dessert. Every In June, Father’s Day is a great day to get all year, I try a new recipe in which I use those the family involved in making dinner. One fresh berries. I hope that you enjoy what I call of our favorite things to do on this day is to Patriotic Lemon Cake with fresh berries. make Shish Kabob. Shish Kabob can be done with all meat, all vegetables or even fruit for Some of the best dinners for the hot summer dessert. I have found that not combining the nights are salads and sandwiches. Especially a meat and vegetables on the same skewer sandwich made with left over BBQ meat, fresh seems to work better since vegetables require sliced garden tomatoes and spinach. You less cooking time. For the meat, or even the can skip the bread and make a wrap, using a vegetable Shish Kabob, you may want to tortilla or fill a pita pocket. Maybe you could use a marinade before you thread them on a just serve a simple salad with a basic vinegar skewer to grill or broil. You can use the same dressing. marinade recipe for the vegetables as you use for the chicken, beef, pork or even fish (I have Summer is great for traveling and this summer included my favorite marinade in this issue). I am looking forward to traveling to some of For dessert Shish Kabob, you can cut a pound America’s National and State Parks. I hope to cake into cubes and skewer with fresh fruit or find a new recipe to share with you when I return. Until then, Enjoy your summer! use fresh fruit alone.

92 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Food

Shish Kabob 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces ½ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 large onion, sliced 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks 1 parsnip, peeled and cut into large chunks (optional) 4 cups water, or as needed

Marinade:

½ cup olive oil 2-4 Tbsp Lemon juice 1 tsp ground black pepper 2 tsp dried oregano 4-6 cloves garlic crushed 3-4 Tbsp fresh minced parsley (1-2 Tbsp dried) 2-3 lbs of meat (Lamb, pork, beef, chicken or firm fish such Refreshing Corn Salad as halibut, tuna or shell fish) Salt Dressing: Cut meat into 1-2 inch cubes. Place in container 1/4 cup oil to marinate. In bowl or jar add all marinade 1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley ingredients; shake well and pour over meat. 3 Tbsp rice vinegar Cover and refrigerate over night or 1-2 hours 1 Tbsp soy sauce before grilling (I do not recommend marinating ½ tsp crushed chili pepper flakes the fish or chicken over night). Skewer the meat In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Chill until ready to on 12-inch bamboo skewers or metal rods. It’s a pour on salad. good idea to soak wooden skewers in water for Salad ten minutes or so before using them to prevent 1-lb package of your favorite frozen corn them from burning on the grill. Sprinkle with salt 1/4 cup of sliced sweet onion and place on grill to cook, turning at least once 1 carrot cut julienne (1 x 1/8 x 1/8-inch strips) (Each meat requires different times, so judge 1 sweet red pepper julienne (1 x1/8 x 1/8 inch strips) accordingly). 3-4 radishes halved and sliced Note: This marinade can also be used for vegetables. I do not recommend marinating the vegetables overnight. I have also discovered that it is less frustrating to cook the vegetables and meat on separate rods or skewers, since the cooking time varies.

1/4 cup sliced green onion

In a sauce pan, bring ½ cup of water to boil. Add corn, carrots and sweet onion, and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Dry with a towel or paper towel. In a serving bowl, add all salad ingredients and toss gently with dressing. Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving. w w w.communityseeds.com

His daughter told him his farm was for the birds

ste Growing g reat ta â&#x201E;˘ for generations

ne day, when Wendell Lundberg was out driving Eldon, Wendell, Harlan, and Homer Lundberg his daughter Jessica around his rice fields, she told him something that changed his life forever. She pointed out that the land he was farming was originally for the birds, not for rice. That started him thinking. So much so, that he started farming with bird habitats in mind. Today, Jessica is the Chair of the Board. Pretty smart kid. Wendell and his three brothers Eldon, Harlan and Homer have been growing rice sustainably in Richvale, California since they were kids. Their father, Albert Lundberg, taught them a simple lesson: leave the land better than when you first arrived. Since 1937, the Lundberg family has been farming delicious rice while respecting and sustaining the earth. Today, the third generation carries on the family heritage. We continue to use eco-positive farming methods that produce wholesome, healthful rice products, while protecting and improving the environment for future generations. For more of the story go to www.lundberg.com.

94 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Food

Summer Foods, Continued

Wine Marinated Chuck Steak Ingredients: 2-3 lbs of Chuck steak

Marinade: 1½ cup of red wine ½ cup Lea & Perrins sauce ½ cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium) ½ cup fresh minced parsley 2-4 cloves of crushed garlic 1 tsp of each of the following: ground black pepper, celery seed and oregano

Mix marinade ingredients together in bowl or jar. Place meat in a container and pour enough marinade to slightly cover. Excess marinade can be saved for weeks in the refrigerator. Cover the container and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator prior to starting the grill. Before placing meat on grill, salt it. Cook according to thickness of steak.

Basic Vinaigrette For a Any Salad

3 Tbsp. vinegar (any type) 6 Tbsp. oil (olive or vegetable) ½ tsp. salt Fresh ground pepper to taste

Whisk ingredients together. You can add as many extra spices as you like. Some I use are as follows: 2 Tbsp. Dijon or any kind of mustard 2 Tbsp. jam or jelly 1 tsp. of any or a couple of the following spices: oregano, basil, dill, parsley, cilantro, cumin, chives or paprika. 1-4 cloves crushed garlic (to your taste) 1 tsp. sugar or honey

Bean Salad 15 oz. can cannellini or small white beans, drained 15 oz. can red kidney or black beans, drained 1 cup fresh or roasted sweet red pepper, diced ½ cup diced red onion 1/4 cup diced sun-dried or fresh grape or cherry tomatoes ½ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley 2 Tbsp. each of vinegar and oil Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving. w w w.communityseeds.com

Food

American Classic Summer Desserts

Easy and Fresh Strawberry Pie 1 baked, 9 inch pie shell 6 green baskets of fresh strawberries Â˝ cup of water 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar 3 Tbsp. corn starch Optional: red food coloring Rinse the strawberries and remove the green tops. Mash enough berries to measure 1 cup. In a sauce pan, mix sugar and corn starch. Stir in the cup of mashed berries and the water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens to a pudding consistency. Red food coloring may be added to deepen the color of the sauce. Remove from heat and let cool 30 minutes. While the mixture cools, arrange whole, dry strawberries in cooled, baked pie shell. Pour sauce evenly over berries and chill for at least 3 hours. Enjoy by itself or served with whipped topping or ice cream.

96 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Food

Patriotic Lemon Cake with Fresh Berries Cake 1 white or yellow box cake mix 1 1/4 cup of water 3 eggs Filling 15.75 oz can of lemon pie filling

DADâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favorite Mud Pie 1 chocolate flavored crumb crust 1 quart of coffee or cappuccino ice cream 1 jar of chocolate or fudge ice cream topping 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts Optional: whipped topping

Soften the ice cream slightly. Spoon the softened ice cream into the crumb crust, evenly. You can make a mound of ice cream in the center. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer until ready to serve (at least 4 hours).

Topping 8 oz container of frozen whipped cream topping Fresh blueberries or blackberries for blue stars area Raspberries or strawberries for red stripes Heat oven to 350* F. Grease and flour a 13x9-inch or 2 9-inch round pans. In a large mixing bowl, add cake ingredients and beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Spread batter into prepared pan. Drop pie filling by heaping teaspoonfuls evenly onto batter. Bake at 350*F for 30-40 minutes, or until edges seem to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool cake for 45 minutes or until completely cooled. Spread whipped topping over the entire cake. Place berries in stars and stripes pattern or whatever decorative pattern you choose. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cake can be made and covered with topping a day in advance. I recommend placing berries on closer to serving time as they may weep.

Watermelon know-How When searching for the perfect watermelon for your summer BBQ, look for a symmetrical round, oval, or oblong watermelon with a buttery yellow underbelly. Pick it up. It should feel heavy for its size, which tells you it is juicy and fresh. Avoid melons with soft spots or bruises. The rind should have a healthy sheen, but color isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a good guide to ripeness. Depending on the variety, a fine, ripe melon can vary from deep emerald green to very light green to various shades of green with pronounced stripes. Almanac.com w w w.communityseeds.com

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Be Green on a Budget __________________________________www.BeGreenOnABudget.com Affordable Mineral Makeup _______________________www.AffordableMineralMakeup.com Michael Holman, Pharm. D. 98 Community Seeds . Summer 2009

Join Us In The Fall! The Next Issue Of Community Seeds Will Be Released Sept. 1, 2009!

• Send us an article about being eco friendly • Send us photos of you and/or your family • Send photos of unique green products being used • Tell us your favorite fall memory or what you like to do in the fall • Send us a green craft idea • Write a book review • Send us your child’s story and/or artwork • Send us your informational article • Tell us about local fall community projects • Purchase advertising

The deadline for the fall issue is July 25, 2009. E-mail items to info@communityseeds.com. For more information go to www.communityseeds.com. w w w.communityseeds.com

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100 Community Seeds . Summer 2009