October 2012

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Shaping Chiropractic Our Future Care Eco-Initiatives with Promise and Purpose

Help for Common Complaints

October 2012

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s I was sitting on the patio at my parents’ house the other day a cool breeze was blowing, bringing about the smell and feeling of fall. The aromatic smell of the season as it changes and how the world around us starts to look different.

The leaves of the trees are starting to turn from green to shades of yellow, red, orange and brown. Soon they will be shedding their leaves leaving us with bare branches. The flowers of spring and summer are fading. The grass turns brown and no more mowing until next year.

The change of the season brings about thoughts of the change in our surroundings and us. Change can happen suddenly or over the course of a period of time.

Sometimes change is good and sometimes it is bad. But one thing is for certain; there will always be change in some form or another. So with that said can we learn to embrace change and do our part to make things better? Of course we can.

Albert Einstein had the right idea when he said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” We need to think out of the box and come up with better ways of doing things. We can all make a difference in our lives, communities, and world but we have to start somewhere and it all starts with our favorite person—ourselves.

Starting with our families, then friends and community groups. Reaching out to each and sharing our gifts with each and the world. The possibilities are endless.

We have all heard the saying “two heads are better than one.” One by one we can become many and make a difference. We need to educate ourselves and learn to make better choices.

In this issue of Natural Awakenings, our feature article “Shaping the Future We Want” talks about worldwide initiatives that are taking place to help take better care of our earth and catalyze change.

contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 404-395-9634 New Business Development Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 256-476-6537 Design and Production Karen Ormstedt

Natural Awakenings Birmingham 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 NABirmingham.com © 2012 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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natural awakenings

October 2012

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contents 9

5 newsbriefs 9 healthbriefs 13 globalbriefs

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15 ecotip 24 healingways

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

16 NON-CHEMICAL PEST MANAGEMENT: MOSQUITOS

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by Paul Eitson of Paul's Pest Control

25 greenliving 27 inspiration

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29 calendars

17 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND YOUR HEALTH

by Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, MD

38 resourceguide

18 CUTTING THROUGH THE NUTRITION NONSENSE

by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

Contact Us to advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit. 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS* Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words.

Content limited to special events and other announcements.

No advertorials, please.

Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Calendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.

ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com

20 SHAPING THE FUTURE WE WANT

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Global Commitments to Catalyze Change

by Brita Belli

24 CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Help for Common Complaints

by Kathleen Barnes

25 FOLLOW THE LIFECYCLE Crunching the Numbers on Products We Consume

by Brita Belli

27 COLLABORATIVE CONSERVATION Threatened Species Rebound

by April Thompson

*All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisher’s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.

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newsbriefs

coverartist

The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement

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he Birmingham Public Library system is getting a head start on celebrating the 50th anniversary of the civil rights movement in Birmingham by showing the Academy Award-nominated film “The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement,” at several free screenings throughout October.

The film is about Birmingham barber and civil rights activist James Armstrong and what he did to fight for equality in Alabama.

In 1963, Armstrong won his fight to integrate Birmingham’s Graymont Elementary School. His two sons would become the school’s first black students.

Armstrong continued fighting well after 1963. In March 1965, he carried the American flag at the start of the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march, which came to be known as “Bloody Sunday.’’ Following 1965, he carried the flag on every march anniversary. He was also a barber for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Armstrong died in November 2009 at the age of 86.

“The Barber of Birmingham is just such a moving piece to watch. It says so much to the hopes and the dreams of the people who fought so hard to gain the right to vote and to be the citizens that they wanted to be,’’ says Sandi Lee, Eastern region coordinator for the Birmingham Public Library. The screenings have been made possible by the Birmingham Public Library, Alabama Public Television, POV, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the National Black Programming Consortium.

Schedule of Screenings: Oct. 2 – 4pm. Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Old Springville Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215. 205-226-4083.

This one will be targeted toward teenagers.

Oct. 10 – 10:30am. Five Points West Regional Library, 4812 Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35208. 205-226-4013.

Oct. 11 – 10am. Smithfield Branch Library, 1 8th Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204. 205-324-8428.

Oct. 19 – 10am. Powderly Branch Library, 3301 Jefferson Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35221. 205-925-6178.

Oct. 22 – 11am. North Birmingham Regional Library, 2501 31st Ave. N, Birmingham, AL 35207. 205-226-4025.

Vermont Romance David Lloyd Glover The day 4-year-old David Lloyd Glover accompanied his dad to watch the Walt Disney animated film Fantasia on the big screen, his world changed.

“I was overwhelmed by the remarkable imagery,” he recalls. “When my father told me it was all drawn and painted, I knew that’s what I wanted to do—and out came the paints.”

The paints, and Glover’s abiding passion for them, remained with him through a successful career as a newspaper editorial illustrator and the founder and director of an award-winning advertising agency whose clients included Pepsi Cola, Yamaha, McDonald’s and the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Upon leaving the ad industry, Glover returned to his first love: fine art.

Describing his style as, “vivid impressionism,” Glover says his artistic influences are rooted in the masterworks of painters such as Renoir, Monet and Cézanne. His oils on canvas, which are collected worldwide, reflect the sensibilities of color and light that have made the paintings of Gaugin and van Gogh so magical and inspiring.

Adept at capturing the atmosphere surrounding compositional elements, Glover creates a visceral connection with his viewers. “I want to bring out human emotions in my art,” he says. “I’m telling either a narrative or an emotional story using my artistic imagination, and I want viewers to feel a resonance and an impact.”

View the artist’s portfolio at DavidLGlover.com. natural awakenings

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David Newman to Perform at Birmingham Yoga

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hant Artist and Sacred Musician David Newman will be performing a KirtanConcert at Birmingham Yoga on October 12th 7:30 PM. David Newman is innovating the world of chant by making musically eclectic Kirtan records and traveling extensively spreading awareness of this new musical genre. David, also known as Durga Das, is recognized for his artful blend of songwriting with Kirtan chants in a way that makes the experience deeply accessible and even familiar to listeners of modern music.

David’s music embodies a devotional mysticism, distinctive musicality, poetic intimacy and a joyous, often ecstatic quality.

His CDs include Lotus Feet: A Kirtan Revolution, Soul Freedom, Leap of Grace: The Hanuman Chalisa, Love Peace Chant, To Be Home, a CD/DVD set entitled Into the Bliss, and his latest release Stars. A dedicated troubadour of chant and sacred song, David tours throughout the world with his wife Mira, a celebrated devotional singer, recording artist and percussionist. David is also the author of Merging with Grace, and the founder of The Stay Strong Project and Yoga On Main in Philadelphia.

As Yoga continues to spread its wings in America, a component of the ancient tradition is emerging as part of the new spiritual music movement. It is called Kirtan! A Kirtan is a group gathering where sacred mantras are sung together in a call and response style. It is a unique concert setting where music and singing are treated as meditation and the audience is as much a part of the band as the band members themselves. All throughout the country the awareness of this ancient practice is growing. Here in the US there is a whole new breed of Kirtan singers. These “Chant Artists”, as they are called, are blending western

musical sounds and styles with ancient Sanskrit healing Kirtan mantras.

David will be performing on October 12th from 7:30pm-9:30pm at Birmingham Yoga located at 605 37th St South, Birmingham. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information call 205-637-4228, email contact@birminghamyoga.com or visit their website at BirminghamYoga.com.

Greg Towes Returning to Birmingham

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reg Towes will be returning to Unity of Birmingham on October 30 through November 4. Greg is a direct student of Master Choa Kok Sui, modern founder of Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga. Greg has been a full-time healer for over 19 years, and is an Arhatic Yogi and Certified Pranic Healing Instructor. Pranic Healing is an ancient science and art of healing that utilizes prana or ki or life energy to heal the whole body. It involves the transfer of life force or vital energy to heal the body. Greg has a strong foundation in Energy Medicine, Esoteric Psychotherapy, Archetypal Patterns, Medical Aroma-therapy, Physical Manipulations, and Ceremonial Healings.

Greg will be teaching the following classes: Tuesday, October 30, 7pm-9pm Lord’s Prayer & the Tree of Life • Learn energetic anatomy and the correspondences to the Tree of Life • Discuss the physical, emotional/mental, and spiritual properties of the energy centers of chakras • Discover the correlations between the chakras and phrases from the Lord’s Prayer • Learn the correspondences between the Ten Commandments and the chakras • Harness the Lord’s Prayer in meditation to have very deep inner experiences

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• Understand how this prayer affects kundalini energy • Practice using the Lord’s Prayer for Healing, plus more Wednesday, October 31, 7-9pm Arhatic Yoga Study Group (Arhatic Graduates Only) Thursday, November 1, 7-9pm Healing for Prosperity Issues • Less lecture and more practice for improving prosperity • Group healing will be done for blockages to prosperity • Purifications will be practiced • The Law of Attraction and Opposition theory will be discussed • Meditation to help improve prosperity • Receive a free gift to help with improving prosperity All classes and private sessions will be held at Unity of Birmingham on a Love Offering Basis, with 100% of proceeds going to Unity of Birmingham. To schedule an appointment with Greg, please call 714-900-5100 or for more information about the classes call 251-3713 and ask for Patsy Bruce. See ad on page 39.

Death and Dying Workshop

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n this workshop series of one class a month for three months, we will explore many of the practical truths of dying ranging from advance directives to how to prepare for caring for the dying, types of deaths, and general questions/topics of discussion. We will also explore the spirituality of death and dying, covering cultural beliefs, reports of Near Death Experience (NDEs) and After Death Communications (ADCs), the impermanence of physical life for all of us, and the infinite nature of consciousness. This series will also include meditation, guided visualization, and journaling to aid in integrating theory into practice to help the participant engage more fully in the topic of death and dying.

Anyone who might lose someone in his or her lifetime or anyone who might someday die will find this series beneficial.

Join Laurie M. Knight, author of Journal to the Center of the Soul, for this innovative approach to bringing death out of the closet and from behind hushed hands into the open. Laurie believes strongly that fear is a construct of the mind and ego, and through exploration and discussion it is possible to dispel the fears about dying or losing a loved one. Laurie teaches classes in Spiritual Journaling at Natural Forces Studio and will teach at UAB beginning in October for its employees. She also has a business dedicated to integrative approaches to healing where she offers classes and private sessions. See HealingCenterEd.com.

Death & Dying Workshop—Beginning Monday, October 15, 6:30-8pm.

Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, Inside Birmingham Yoga.

NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog. See ad on page 32 and CRG on page 38.

GROW Your Business Secure this special ad placement!

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256-340-1122

Savasana & Sound Healing Class at Natural Forces Studio

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new class has been added to the Natural Forces Schedule: Savasana & Sound Healing. Savasana is known for the many benefits it offers the yoga student at the end of their class. It seals in the practice, calms the mind and relaxes the body.

Music from the quartz bowls holds the vibration of white light. The tones produced by crystal bowls are not just heard by the ear but also felt by the body, with certain tones affecting the energy centers for healing, balancing and deep meditation.

Each time the bowls are stuck, little particles of the rainbow spectrum are released into the air that act directly on the auric field and chakras. These sound patterns have the power to bring about a positive shift in consciousness. The properties natural awakenings

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of the bowls possess the same electromagnetic fields that exist within all lifeforms. Because of this, they can integrate the balance of our own electromagnetic energies. The pure tones can re-pattern the energy field organization and influence health and wellness while taking the body deep into relaxation.

In this class, we will combine the sound vibrations of the crystal healing bowls with the many benefits of savasana. The student will be put into various savasana positions using bolsters and blankets and then guided through sound meditations with the harmony of the crystal bowls.

Savasana & Sound Healing—Beginning Thursday, October 25, 6:30-8pm. Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, Inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio. com/blog. See ad on page 32 and CRG on page 38.

October Events at the Gardens

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ctober is the busiest month of the year at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Antiques at The Gardens kicks off the month with Gala at The Gardens presented by Sterne Agee on October 4. The black-tie affair is the annual launch to the antiques show, which will feature 12 regionally and nationally known Tastemakers in 2012, who will curate themed areas and offer inspiration for the home. On

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Friday, The Gardens will host the Alex Hitz Lecture and Luncheon presented by Red Diamond. The renowned chef and author will speak about his new book, sign copies and dine with guests.

The final Cocktails in The Gardens of 2012 comes on Thursday, October 11. Rising Birmingham star India Ramey will perform in the Hill Garden from 4:30-7:30pm.

The singer/songwriter was borne into bluegrass and gospel, but developed her own taste that was influenced by everything from Willie Nelson to the Ramones. Her debut album, Junkyard Angel, blends country, folk, bluegrass and blues with a soulful voice and witty, honest lyricism. The Gardens Café by Kathy G. will feature Chilled Appletinis and elegant, Asian-themed fare available for purchase.

Admission to the performance is just $5 for non-members.

Members enter for free.

Fall Plant Sale is October 20-21 in Blount Plaza. The annual sale features a unique collection that includes fall annuals, biennials, fall lettuces, camellias, daylilies, herbs, irises, natives, perennials, trees, shrubs and ferns. All events and plant sales at The Gardens benefit educational programs including the flagship, Discovery Field Trips, which has served more than 85,000 Birmingham students free educational opportunities over the last decade.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is open from dawn until dusk 365 days per year. Admission to The Gardens is free. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3965. BBGardens.org.

healthbriefs

Washday Woes: Scented Products Pollute the Air

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ome scents make no sense for personal or planetary health. Using scented laundry products can release harmful—even carcinogenic—pollutants into the air, report University of Washington researchers. Their findings, published online in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health, show that air vented from machines using the top-selling, scented, liquid laundry detergent and dryer sheet contains hazardous chemicals.

When researchers analyzed captured gases from dryer vent fumes after participating households ran regular laundry cycles using liquid laundry detergent and a leading brand of scented dryer sheets, they found more than 25 volatile organic compounds, including seven dangerous air pollutants. Of those, two chemicals— acetaldehyde and benzene—are classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as carcinogens, with no established safe exposure level. Benzene is linked to leukemia and other blood cancers, according to the American Cancer Society, and studies have shown that acetaldehyde can cause nasal and throat cancer in animals.

“This is an interesting source of pollution, because emissions from dryer vents are essentially unregulated,” says lead author Anne Steinemann, Ph.D., professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs. “If they are coming out of a smokestack or tail pipe, they are regulated—but if they’re coming out of a dryer vent, they are not.”

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ow levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, particularly among those with a history of the disorder, according to what researchers believe is the largest such investigation ever undertaken. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center psychiatrists, working with the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study, reviewed the relevant results of nearly 12,600 participants from late 2006 to late 2010. They suggest that patients with a history of depression could benefit from a vitamin D assessment.

CAFFEINE A NONO FOR BABIES

The Phthalates–Diabetes Connection

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VITAMIN D CURBS DEPRESSION

hat we place on our skin might increase the risk for diabetes, based on findings by researchers at Uppsala University, in Sweden. They noted a connection between phthalates found in cosmetics and plastics and the risk of seniors developing diabetes; even a modest increase in circulating blood levels of such chemicals doubled their risk.

Monica Lind, associate professor of environmental medicine at the Section for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and Dr. Lars Lind, professor of medicine, analyzed new information from a study that involved more than 1,000 70-year-old men and women in Uppsala. The participants submitted blood samples for analysis of various environmental toxins, including several substances formed when the body breaks down phthalates. Even after adjusting for obesity, blood lipids, smoking and exercise habits, the researchers saw a definite connection between blood levels of some of the phthalates and an increased prevalence of diabetes. The Linds also found that certain phthalates were associated with disrupted insulin production in the pancreas.

Most people come into daily contact with phthalates. These chemicals are commonly used as softening agents in plastics and as carriers of fragrances in cosmetics, personal care products, air fresheners and scented candles.

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ew moms that are breastfeeding should abstain from caffeine, according to an interview with Dr. Ruth Lawrence published in the Journal of Caffeine Research, a peerreviewed publication. Lawrence says that because infants are not able to metabolize or excrete caffeine efficiently, a breastfeeding mother’s consumption of the drug may lead to caffeine accumulation and symptoms such as wakefulness and irritability in her baby.

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ABCs Keep Colon Cancer at Bay

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Just Dance!

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eniors who regularly put on their dancing shoes benefit from more than just having a good time.

According to University of MissouriColumbia researchers, participation by older adults in dance-based therapy can improve both their balance and walking speed, key factors in reducing the risk of falls and injury.

The researchers used a program called the Lebed Method, based on a combination of low-impact dance steps, choreographed to music.

In a series of studies, volunteers at an independent-living community participated in 18 dance sessions over a two-month period. The seniors had so much fun that they continued dancing after the study concluded.

GRAPES AS MEDICINE A diet rich in natural grapes—red, green and black—could slow a downhill progression from high blood pressure and insulin resistance to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Scientists at the University of Michigan Health System believe that grapes’ naturally occurring antioxidants, known as phytochemicals, help reduce risk factors related to cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, often a Type 2 diabetes precursor.

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hat do Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower have in common? According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, these cruciferous veggies are associated with a decreased risk of colon cancer. Throw in a good measure of A’s, as in apples, and people can also reduce their risk of distal colon cancer, report researchers from the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research at the University of Western Australia and Deakin University, in Victoria, Australia. The investigation examined the potential link between fruits and vegetables and three cancers in different parts of the bowel.

Dentists Can Help Diagnose Gluten Sensitivity

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he mouth may be one place that signs of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity are manifested, according to a recent study by researchers at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

They discovered a link between the disorder and dental enamel defects and recurrent aphthous ulcers, or canker sores, and concluded that dentists can play an important role in identifying unrecognized celiac disease. Appropriate referral and timely diagnosis can help prevent serious complications.

Breast Health Screening Questioned

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ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and thousands of well-meaning healthcare providers will continue to recommend mammograms. However, a growing body of research suggests that X-ray mammography may not be the best screening approach, at least on an annual basis, and even the National Cancer Institute notes potential harms ranging from false results to overtreatment and radiation exposure.

A 2006 study published in the British Journal of Radiobiology revealed that the type of radiation used in X-ray-based screenings is more carcinogenic than previously believed. The researchers wrote, “Recent radiobiological studies have provided compelling evidence that the low-energy X-rays used in mammography are approximately four times—but possibly as much as six times—more likely to cause mutational damage than higher energy X-rays.”

Peter Gøtzsche is director of the Nordic Cochrane Centre and an author of the landmark 2001 Cochrane systematic review, Screening for Breast Cancer with Mammography, which concludes, “Currently available reliable evidence has not shown a survival benefit of mass screening for breast cancer.” In 2011, Gøtzsche stated, “It is getting more and more difficult to argue that mammography is reasonable to [use] for breast screening.”

Sun Goddess II I am growing in awareness of my inner strength and beauty.

I acknowledge and I am thankful for the gifts and talents that God has given me.

I know that the world is in need of what I have to offer.

And I confidently allow my love and ability to radiate forth into the world.

Art and Text by Rita Loyd Copyright Š 2012

Rita Loyd is a professional watercolor artist and writer. The message of her work is about the healing power of unconditional self-love. Rita began painting in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness and depression. Through this journey, the creative process became her teacher, healer and friend who would guide her to find the true meaning and experience of unconditional self-love. Rita writes about this experience and all that she has learned about unconditional self-love in her new book Unconditional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It's important and How to Nurture It in Your Life. You can purchase this book in Huntsville at Ruth's Nutrition or at www.NurturingArt.com, where you can view Rita's artwork and blog.

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healthbriefs

October 24 is Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Day

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he popularity of acupuncture in the United States is increasing steadily, according to a study of Americans’ use of the ancient Chinese energybalancing technique, published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Researchers found that in 2007, 6 percent of adult Americans included acupuncture as part of their regular health care regimen, up 42 percent from 2002 (at that time, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine also reported that 60 percent of adults surveyed considered acupuncture as a treatment option).

Most commonly used for pain relief, acupuncture is based on the theory that needle stimulation of specific points on the body’s energy channels, called meridians, corrects imbalances and helps restore health. Some Western experts believe that the needles stimulate pain-sensing nerves, which trigger the brain to release endorphins, the body’s pain-relieving chemicals.

Former President Richard Nixon is generally credited with popularizing acupuncture in the West after he toured medical facilities during his visit to China in 1972. New York Times reporter James Reston, who was traveling with Nixon and underwent an emergency appendectomy during the trip, wrote extensively about the post-operative pain relief he experienced.

Breast Cancer Links to Environmental Toxins

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ew evidence that chemical pollution may be linked to breast cancer comes from a surprising source: a group of male breast cancer patients at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina. Poisons in the camp’s drinking water, including benzene, a carcinogenic gasoline additive, perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), are regarded as a cause; conditions at the base are also blamed for unusual rates of leukemia and birth defects. The worst period of contamination of the base’s water supply began in the late 1950s and continued for more than 30 more years.

Because men are simpler to study than women— their risk of developing breast cancer is not complicated by factors such as menstruation, reproduction, breastfeeding and hormone replacement therapy—the epidemiologists may be able to conclusively link industrial chemicals with an increased risk of the disease for both genders.

Source: National Disease Clusters Alliance 12

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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Eco-Pioneer Paying It Forward: Rachel Carson’s Legacy This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson’s seminal book, Silent Spring, which warned of the far-reaching dangers of deadly pesticides and was widely regarded as a catalyst for America’s conservation, clean air and water and environmental protection movements. Now author Laurie Lawlor and illustrator Laurie Beingessner bring her message to today’s youth in the children’s book, Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World.

Carson’s life—from her childhood fascination with nature to becoming a college graduate and biologist to writing Silent Spring before her death in 1964—is told in easy-to-understand terms. An epilogue recounts her legacy for all generations. Carson encouraged readers to rethink fundamental values about the relationship between people and nature and not to suppose that, “Nature exists for the convenience of man,” as she put it.

One of the vivid examples of life’s interconnectedness that Carson cited occurred in Clear Lake, California, between 1949 and 1957. To eradicate gnats, three sprayings of DDD, a cousin of DDT, were applied, killing western grebes that breed on floating nests. When scientists examined the dead birds, they found astounding levels of DDD and realized that it occurred because the birds fed on lake fish that fed on DDD-laden plankton, passing the toxic pesticide up the food chain in “a whole chain of poisoning.” Carson also warned of potential human cancers resulting from handling pesticides and eating contaminated fish. The state Department of Public Health consequently banned DDD in 1959 and the 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants subsequently banned DDT for agricultural use worldwide in 2004.

Along with the enactment of many environmental laws, Carson’s work helped spur the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The advent of Earth Day, in 1970, led Mark Hamilton Lytle to write in his biography of Carson, The Gentle Subversive, that, “No event could have done more to celebrate the ideals that Rachel Carson bequeathed to the environmental movement.” Her legacy lives on.

Number Please Let Your Fingers Do the Blocking With the advent of online access at home and ubiquitous use of smartphones, the traditional printed telephone book is going the way of the dodo. Yet competing companies across the country are still churning out the archaic directories and delivering them unbidden to millions of people annually. Many receive multiple publications that, although they can be recycled, still add up to a tremendous waste of resources and an unnecessary burden on landfills.

Now an industry-sponsored online opt-out registry, YellowPagesOptOut.com, has been established to provide a convenient way for residents to choose which directories they want to receive or to stop delivery. At least 12 weeks are required to process an opt-out request.

Tech Trash Africa’s E-Waste Is Skyrocketing The collective economies of Africa are set on a course to produce more electronic e-waste than Europe by 2017, according to Katharina Kummer Peiry, executive secretary of the Basel Convention on Hazardous Wastes. At a recent Pan-African Forum on e-waste in Nairobi, Kenya, she attributed the exponential increase to population growth and the increased availability of mobile phones, computers and accessories. More recycling could be advanced, she says, by the fact that significant amounts of valuable metals such as gold, silver, palladium and copper can be salvaged from electronic devices at less cost than smelting them from virgin ores.

Source: TerraDaily.com

Let’s Eat National Food Day is October 24 Sponsored by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Day provides a national focus for healthy food-related initiatives across the country.

Get involved at FoodDay.org.

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Green Gendering Women Leaders Combat Climate Change A new study in the journal Social Science Research observes that, “Controlling for other factors, in nations where women’s status is higher, CO2 emissions are lower.”

Christina Ergas and Richard York, sociologists at the University of Oregon–Eugene, found that the nations in which women have higher political status—based on how long they’ve had the right to vote and representation in parliament and ministerial governments—also have more ecologically sound outcomes than those that do not. Such outcomes included ratifying a greater number of environmental treaties, more scientific knowledge of climate change, a perception of environmental risks as more threatening and less optimism about the potential to solve problems by relying solely on technology.

Source: Grist.org

Developing Problem The Case to Save Swampland An out-of-the-way quagmire or boggy boondock off a lonely road might seem like just so much wasteland rather than something to be concerned about when it’s paved over for a new strip mall or big-box store. But citizens are realizing that these plots where land meets water provide a vital and valuable ecological function.

In addition to nurturing essential biodiversity, wetlands purify water, produce fish, store carbon dioxide that would otherwise increase global warming and protect shorelines from floods, storm surges and erosion. “When we lose wetlands, we’re losing something we won’t recover for years,” remarks Dr. Moreno-Mateos, a wetland ecologist at the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, at Stanford University. “When people develop that huge shopping mall, it will take centuries to restore the functions we had before.” After-the-fact restoration efforts yield far more limited benefits.

Source: plosBiology.org

Busty Justice October is Bra Recycling Month The Bra Recyclers, a Gilbert, Arizona-based textile recycling company, is celebrating the third annual Bra Recycling Month during October. The intent is to collect new and gently used and cleaned bras for interested women nationwide. Healthiest options are non-underwire garments— Dr. John McDougall, in his book, The McDougall Program for a Healthy Heart, notes that constricting bras have been implicated in the rise of benign, non-cancerous but often painful breast cysts and lumps.

Bra Recyclers CEO Elaine Birks-Mitchell states, “The monthlong campaign ties directly into breast cancer and domestic violence awareness. The Bra Recyclers believe every woman and girl should not have to worry about something as simple as a bra as they transition back to self-sufficiency or being cancer-free. The results are enhanced self-esteem and encouragement and strength to carry on.”

To participate, visit BraRecycling.com.

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Jurassic Ark Extinction is Not Forever Tiny organisms that vanished from the Earth’s biosphere eons ago are still around—they’re just buried under miles of polar ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland. As the forces of climate change cause the ice to melt faster every year, John Priscu, a professor of ecology at Montana State University and pioneer in the study of Antarctic microbiology, predicts that bacteria and other microbes could awaken from their hibernation and threaten contemporary species.

Priscu notes, “It’s a way of recycling genomes. You put something on the surface of the ice and a million years later, it comes back out.” He has spent the past 28 summers near the South Pole, finding living bacteria in cores of 420,000-year-old ice and multiplying them in his laboratory.

Other researchers report bringing far older bacteria back to life.

Thawing glaciers could also churn out enormous compost piles of decaying biomass. It’s estimated that all the carbon from organic matter in and under the ice sheets, if converted to carbon dioxide, would equal a decade’s worth of emissions from today’s vehicles worldwide. Not all of the carbon would convert directly to greenhouse gases, but any release would add to the huge amount already expected from thawing permafrost. “This is a big pool of carbon to be considered,” Priscu warns. “We really should look at this.”

Source: TheDailyClimate.org (Tinyurl. com/AntarcticBacteria)

Food Fight No More Hidden GMOs

ecotip Good Idea Eco-Checklist Tracks Personal Progress

California voters face a food-protection milestone this November when Proposition 37, a citizens’ initiative, appears on their ballots. If it passes, California will be the first state to require labeling of a wide range of foods containing genetically engineered (GE) ingredients.

Determined to defeat this first-ever initiative, some of the nation’s largest biotech and agribusiness companies have poured millions of dollars into negative advertising.

Even more alarming is that much of the money comes from sources most shoppers would not suspect. “Consumers might be surprised to find out that brands hiding under ‘natural’ façades are in fact owned by multi-billion-dollar corporations that are contributing bushel baskets of cash to defeating Proposition 37,” says Charlotte Vallaeys, director of Farm and Food Policy at The Cornucopia Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting sustainable, organic agriculture via research, investigation and education.

According to Cornucopia, recent polls indicate that nearly 70 percent of California citizens support informational labeling. Proponents of Proposition 37 have contributed $3 million—a number dwarfed by the $23 million bursting from biotech and food manufacturer coffers to fight the measure.

The California vote is crucial because many companies will find it more expensive to produce foods with GE labels for California while creating a different product line of foods for the rest of the nation. “Just as we’ve observed in Europe, where labeling of food containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is mandatory, we fully expect that when given a choice, consumers will choose organic or non-GMO products,” said Cornucopia Co-Director Mark A. Kastel.

To help consumers identify and support organic brands whose corporate owners have contributed to Proposition 37 and avoid product lines committed to its defeat, Cornucopia has compiled an online guide and is sponsoring a petition.

Keeping daily to-do lists is standard practice for many life projects. Now, the environmentally conscious can periodically monitor their personal eco-progress via ChasingGreen.org/greenactions. The website helps people to become greener by suggesting many activities and ideas to consider and then check off when they have been accomplished, all while exchanging ideas with an interactive community.

Eight categories—energy, health, heating and cooling, recycle and reuse, travel, water, miscellaneous and onetime actions—together contain more than 150 distinct actionable steps. Users can register or log-in using Facebook and save the latest additions to their progress report, then return at any time to monitor the successful greening of their lifestyle.

For example, while many homeowners may have already insulated their dwelling, the energy section points out possible areas for improvement, including water pipes, roof, walls, window treatments, doors, ductwork, water heater and basement. Some tips in the miscellaneous section are timely for upcoming holidays, such as giving an eco-friendly gift, substituting an experience for a tangible gift and sending e-cards instead of traditional paper greetings.

The travel section reminds the eco- and budgetconscious to check their cars’ tire pressure often, as underinflated tires put more rubber on the road, which demands more energy to drive and hurts gas mileage. When planning trips, a rail option is deemed better for the environment than driving or flying.

Operators of the site, based in Walla Walla, Washington, state: “By offering small steps towards going green, we hope to give people a starting point and a source of inspiration. We are advocates of the proverbial, ‘Well, I can do that!’ moment.” Relevant articles on various topics offer additional eco-tips, enhanced by user comments and reviews.

Learn more and take action at Cornucopia. org/2012/08/prop37. natural awakenings

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256-340-1122 16

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Non-Chemical Pest Management: Mosquitos

by Paul Eitson of Paul’s Pest Control

T

he highly publicized concerns about West Nile virus in the south has everyone looking for a solution. The most effective way to eliminate mosquito populations is to encourage natural predators to do the work for us and also by using biological mosquito controls such as mosquito dunks. Broad scale spraying for mosquitos increases the survival of adult mosquito populations by killing many of the natural predators. The vast majority of mosquitos are left unharmed because they are in the egg or larva stage and will reappear soon after a rain, when the spray has been washed away.

Installing bat houses is the single most effective biological method to control adult populations of mosquitos.

An entire colony of bats can clear the air of mosquitos in relatively short time.

As a bonus, bat droppings, also called guano, are one of the richest sources of fertilizer found in nature.

Mosquito dunks are another very effective form of biological control.

Mosquito dunks contain a bacterium that controls larva stages of mosquitos, and are not harmful to adult bees, or other adult insects including natural

predators of mosquitos. Mosquito dunks can be used in rain barrels, fish ponds and bird baths as they are completely harmless to mammals, birds, fish, pets and humans. Mechanical methods of mosquito management are effective as they eliminate the mosquitos in the egg and larva stags, before they bite.

Mechanical methods of mosquito control consists of emptying water from birdbaths, plant pots, water bowls and other water filled containers. Mosquitos cannot bite through two layers of clothing so simply wearing a long sleeve shirt and undershirt will prevent bites.

Safari hats with a bee veil are available and look quiet stylish (at least more stylish than red whelps from mosquito bites). Mosquitos cannot tolerate high winds so simply sitting in front of a fan prevents them from ever getting to you at all. Screens on doors and windows are also basic and effective.

What can you do? Contact your city officials and tell them if you have concerns about chemical mosquito controls, especially if you have asthma, as it could be a matter of life and death. We recommend being proactive by educating both ourselves and city/county officials as to the best approaches to the mosquito problems, which are those that are both effective and safe for our children, gardens and local beekeepers. For more information and assistance, including providing bat houses, please contact Paul at PaulsEmail@PaulsPestControlBham.com or 205-281-2801. See ad on page 12.

Skin. Most of us know, by now, the dangers of sun exposure. With our weakened ozone layer in the atmosphere, the sun’s rays are more intense, and sunburns can lead to skin cancer.

It is so important for us to get complete skin exams and have a doctor check for pre-cancerous “spots,” which are easily dealt with the same day, to avoid progression to cancer. A dermatologist, or even your family physician can do this.

Remember, those with fairer skin and hair are at greater risk of cancer.

Furthermore, blue (or light) eyes are another important risk factor for skin cancer—independent of skin and hair color. Always use a sunscreen on face and body; SPF 30 recommended. A daily moisturizer/sunscreen is great on the face to avoid the look of aging.

Environmental Awareness and Your Health

by Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, MD

Gut. Because of our exposures men-

H

ow often do we just charge outside, without a care in the world, and not stop to realize the potential harm we place on our bodies? Unfortunately, the tainted earth on which we live can have all sorts of ill effects on our health. Thankfully, with a little care and forethought, we can avert the worst of it.

Food. Many of the foods we eat, and especially our fruits and vegetables, are grown with chemicals. There are fertilizers to make plants overproduce, pesticides to keep away the bugs, herbicides to avoid weeds, and so on.

All these things are designed for profits for farmers, increase in availability, and durability. However, they come with a cost. Pesticides and other chemicals settle in the most nutritious parts of our vegetables and fruits (ie, apple peels, potato skins, etc.). Trying to eat most things organic is a great idea to avoid toxins in our food.

Further contributing, is that livestock are fed contaminated foods, and given antibiotics and hormones to increase meat.

This, of course, exposes us to antibiotics and estrogenic hormones in our meat.

Ensuring we buy grain-fed, hormone free meats can cost a little more, but is well worth it to avoid health problems.

Air. Pollution in our air is nothing new.

But the worst of it occurs in the summertime, when smog, heat and humidity

is at its highest. Ozone and industrial chemical wastes are dumped into the air we breathe. Aside from moving out to the country where there is less pollution, we can all minimize our exposure by avoiding going out in the worst parts of the day, and using air purifiers in our homes.

Besides this, combining our chores and minimizing vehicle emissions is helpful for everyone. And, we can support (with our money), and buy the products of companies who voluntarily use more filters and alternative energies to lessen their toxic emissions.

Water. The earth is a closed environment. It has a cycle of resources, and nothing is truly washed away. The water cycle of rain, runoff, evaporation…and rain again continues—and as we add pollutants to our world, the water carries them. Drinking water, too, has pollution. How can we avoid this? Filtration helps, but is not perfect.

Remember that most bottled water is “spring water,” but that only means it was taken from a natural source (but polluted rain ends up in “natural” water sources, too). Purified water is a better option (and UV sterilized). Do support clean businesses that do not dump in rivers and lakes where we get our drinking water supply. Also, never flush medications—they just end up in our water supply in the end. Return unused medications to the pharmacy.

tioned above, our gut, and especially colon, are at risk of free radical damage and cancer development. Be sure to get a colonoscopy to look for cancer and pre-cancer polyps. For most people, that means starting at 50. For those with family history, start screening 10 years prior to the family member’s cancer diagnosis. (So, if Uncle Joe died of colon cancer at 53, after being diagnosed at 51, you should start screening at 41. Why? Because he probably had pre-cancers in his early 40s that could have been cured before they developed into cancer.)

How can we avoid the free radicals?

Go light on red meats, and charred foods.

Taking a good anti-oxidant supplement will also help. Further, studies have shown a daily aspirin can cut down on polyp production, and reduce your risk.

Dr. Elizabeth Campbell Korcz has a growing, innovative practice in Hoover that augments Traditional Family Medicine with Complementary and Alternative medical therapies and practices. She is currently accepting new patients. Hoover Alt MD, 3421 S. Shades Crest Rd, Suite 111, Hoover.

Call 205-733-6676 to schedule an appointment today. See ad on page 2.

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Going Mental Over Ornamentals Last fall, I remember taking a few kale plants up to the counter at a local nursery. I proceeded to blabber about vitamin K and whatnot, at which time the kindly woman said, “You do realize those are ornamental kale, right?”

“Uh … no.”

Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense

by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

L

ike clean, fresh, ultranutritious food? It’s not too late to plant a fall garden.

Did I mention this clean, fresh, ultranutritious food is also extraordinarily cheap? About as close to free as you can get? And in about the time it takes to watch one football game, you can get off your butt and start growing your own top-notch 100% organic food.

Laying the Groundwork Where does the sun hit your property for at least six hours a day? Food will grow here. Outline a modest square or rectangle, 4 x 8 feet max. Keep in mind that: a) you’ll need to reach in to harvest your food and b) lumber typically comes in eight-foot segments—if you want a raised garden bed—although bricks, cinderblocks or rocks will work, too.

Now you dig. Remove the grass and/or weeds to a depth of maybe two inches. Ideally, you’ll find brown soil 18

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and not much else—namely rocks, roots, clay or sand. Till (chop) this soil up real good to a depth of six inches, minimum. A mattock is my tool-ofchoice here. If you have compost, by all means churn some into the ground.

Lastly, a little organic fertilizer never hurts. You can find granular varieties such as Happy Frog, and liquid fish/ seaweed emulsions such as Neptune’s Harvest, at local nurseries or online— just follow the directions.

Choosing Your Crops This is the fun part. Get yourself a good, full-color seed catalog. My favorites are: lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, collards, chard, cabbage, broccoli and carrots. Out of this lot, it really boils down to what you like to eat, or what you’re willing to try. If in doubt, buy the produce first and take a test run.

Seeds or plants? Time is of the essence. If it’s early September, you can go either way—but get going with the seeds. Late September or early October, go with plants from a local nursery like Hanna’s or Andy’s. Plan to space them

Call me naïve but, in my worldview, the concept of breeding an ornamental version of a perfectly handsome and wholesome food-plant is insane.

The “Bradford Pear,” which does not produce actual pears, is another perfect example. Municipalities love them, I suppose because they flower, yet spare city employees the task of collecting fallen fruit.

In my opinion, this is akin to buying a decorative range for my kitchen— or a decorative clock that doesn’t tell time. Sure, it might look real snazzy—but whenever I look at it I’ll just think, “Gee, I wonder if it’s time to eat yet?”

about 8-12 inches apart. Water thoroughly. Then mulch the bare soil with a few inches of hay, straw, wood chips, shredded leaves—any organic matter.

As for seed starting, the easiest way is to take the seed varieties you wish to grow, mix them all together and sprinkle over the ground. Rake the soil with your fingers so most seeds are barely covered. Water well and add a light layer of hay or straw. Water and wait (most will sprout in 7-10 days). In 4-6 weeks you should be harvesting greens—and keep in mind that baby greens are especially tender and succulent!

Pound-for-Pound Nutrition Fall crops are nutritional heavyweights, period. The dark leafy greens, in particular, are jam packed with vitamins and minerals. Take kale, for example.

Just one cup raw—or about half a cup, cooked— provides over 100% of the vitamin C (for connective tissue, wound healing and immunity), more than double the vitamin A (for eyes and skin)

and nearly 700% of the vitamin K (for blood clotting and bones) required daily.

But that’s not all. Leafy greens are loaded with “housecleaning” antioxidants, anti-cancer phytochemicals such as indoles and sulforaphane—plus bioactive pigments in the carotenoid (vitamin A) family shown to prevent macular degeneration.

Oh, and did I mention all these benefits come for only a handful of calories per serving?

In the Kitchen Salads are a no-brainer—and a whole new experience when you’re eating greens harvested just minutes before.

Lettuce and spinach are the obvious picks, but don’t be afraid to add arugula, chard or cabbage. Roughly chopping the greens first also helps with texture. And with tomatoes and cucumbers out of season, I rely on apples and pears in the fall, along with red onions and dried cherries for salads.

As for the heartier greens like kale and collards, they work in soups and stews—but, in my opinion, are even better in sautés and stir fries. The key is adding them last, so they won’t overcook. A minute or two over medium/ high heat is enough. You might also sauté some veggies in olive oil—say onions, garlic, mushrooms, kale and chard—then mix with tomato sauce to serve on pizza or pasta. Finally, if you’ve never tried “kale chips” that’s worth a Google as well. Very simple and, who knows, your kids might even eat them!

Steve Dupont, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and founder of Dupont Dietary Consulting LLC. A “true believer” in the power of nutrition, Steve is committed to serving those wishing to enjoy delicious food while reaping its health benefits.

Specialties include weight loss, energy balance, supplements, cooking and meal planning. 205-213-7953.

SteveDupont.com. natural awakenings

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Sustainable development, as defined by the U.N., includes fighting poverty, social inclusion (including advancing the status of women) and protecting the environment. Building a sustainable future for the planet, say those involved, means addressing all three simultaneously. It demands the kind of real, immediate action so evident at Rio+20.

Real Results

Shaping the Future We Want Global Commitments to Catalyze Change

by Brita Belli

“W

e don’t need another plan of action or more treaties; what we need are people that will begin to implement the commitments and meet the goals that have already been created and established,” explains Jacob Scherr, director of global strategy and advocacy for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), about the new thinking that drove this year’s Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The June conference brought together international heads of state, business leaders, nonprofits and activists to prioritize and strategize sustainable development. Unlike the United Nations’ annual climate change conferences, which led to the Kyoto Protocol in 1997—a legally binding treaty that

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set targets for greenhouse gas emissions the United States refused to sign—the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development is held once every 20 years. The theme of Rio+20 was simple and direct: The Future We Want.

Moving away from political posturing and endless negotiating, the meet-up asked businesses, governments and charities to publicly declare their specific commitments and solicited the public’s ideas for realizing sustainability, all aligned with the priorities and opportunities of the 21st century.

“With growing populations depleting resources, how do we keep increasing and ensuring prosperity while we are already using more than we have?” queries U.N. spokeswoman Pragati Pascale. “It’s a conundrum.”

By the end of the Rio conference, more than 700 voluntarily secured commitments, valued at more than half a trillion dollars, were earmarked to address everything from protecting forests and reducing ocean pollution to building rapid transit bus systems and increasing the number of women entrepreneurs in the green economy. The NRDC launched CloudOfCommitments.org to track and publicize new pledges and make them easily searchable by region or category.

Some commitments are breathtaking in scope:  International development banks have pledged $175 billion to boost sustainable transportation in developing countries;  Bank of America promised $50 billion over 10 years to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and energy access;  The World Bank committed $16 billion to boost clean energy, access to electricity and cookstoves in developing nations;  The New Partnership for Africa’s Development promised to achieve energy access for at least 60 percent of Africa’s population by 2040;  The European Bank offered $8 billion by 2015 to support energy efficiency projects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia;  Microsoft pledged to be carbon neutral across all its operations by the end of 2013;  The United States together with the Consumer Goods Forum (which represents more than 600 retail and manufacturing companies) committed to achieve zero net deforestation in their supply chains by 2020.

“The real action, the real energy, was the 21st-century aspect [of Rio+20],” advises Scherr. “I call it

“With growing populations depleting resources, how do we keep increasing and ensuring prosperity while we are already using more than we have? It’s a conundrum.” ~ Pragati Pascale, United Nations spokeswoman the ‘network world’, recognizing the number of players today. It’s not just national governments; it’s states and cities, corporations and philanthropists.

In addition to the official meetings and negotiations, between 3,000 and 4,000 other gatherings were going on between business people, mayors, civil society organizations and others, presenting myriad opportunities to make specific commitments. We’re moving to a different dynamic.”

Sowing Seeds The inclusive atmosphere is reflected in another new U.N.-sponsored international sharing website, FutureWe Want.org, featuring visions and videos relating to sustainability and solutions to dire environmental problems, such as turning global warming-inducing methane from China’s farms into a usable energy source; predicting periods of drought in Ethiopia to prevent humanitarian crises; and investing in solar power to bring electricity to 1.4 billion people around the world. More than 50 million people worldwide have submitted ideas for a more sustainable world, ranging from ways to increase public education to plans for stopping industrial pollution and better managing waste.

“The huge public engagement in the conference is exciting,” says Pascale, “because that’s really how progress will happen.

People have to force their governments to take action.”

The NRDC dedicated website

is part of a coordinated effort to hold governments, businesses and nonprofits accountable and inform the public. The new U.N. websites facilitate a thriving discussion of what sustainability means and how it can be put into practice.

“We want to continue the overall campaign and build upon it,” says Pascale. “Whatever frustrations people have with businesses, nongovernment organizations (NGO) or governments, we need to harness that energy and keep that dialogue going to give people a voice in making sustainability happen.”

Results-Oriented Role Models State-based examples of sustainable development in action speak to widespread needs in the United States.

Here are examples of five models worth replicating.

PlaNYC: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s announcement of PlaNYC, on Earth Day 2007, signaled an historic moment. The people’s vision of a cleaner, healthier New York City, one that could accommodate 9 million predicted residents by 2030, aims to be a model for urban sustainable development. Its original 127 initiatives leave few sustainability stones unturned, including cleaning up brownfields, building more playgrounds and parks, increasing public transportation and bike lanes, implementing aggressive recycling, enforcing green building standards and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Two-thirds of the initial goals have already been achieved; the latest update calls for 132 initiatives, including a new set of annual milestones.

Speaking at the Museum of the City of New York in 2009, Daniel Doctoroff, the former deputy mayor of economic development and rebuilding for the Bloomberg administration, called PlaNYC “one of the most sweeping, most comprehensive blueprints for New York ever undertaken.”

Most critically, all of its stated commitments are achievable (see Tinyurl.com/ PlaNYC-goals).

Evergreen Cooperative Initiative (ECI): Businesses and community groups in Cleveland, Ohio, determined that they needed to solve the problem of joblessness in low-income areas by creating living-wage jobs and then training eligible residents to fill them. They developed a new, cooperative-based economic model, based on green jobs that can inspire other cities with similar economic woes.

The ECI is a community undertaking in which anchor institutions like the Cleveland Foundation, University Hospitals and the municipal government leverage their purchasing power to help create green-focused, employee-owned local businesses, which to date include a green laundromat, the hydroponic greenhouse Green City Growers, and Ohio Cooperative Solar, which provides weatherization and installs and maintains solar panels. The solar cooperative will more than double Ohio’s solar generating capacity from 2011 levels by the end of 2012 (see EvergreenCooperatives.com).

CALGreen: Updated building codes may not generate much excitement until we consider that U.S. buildings account for a lion’s share of carbon dioxide emissions (39 percent), and consume 70 percent of the electricity we generate. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) reports, “If half of new commercial buildings were built to use 50 percent less energy, it would save over 6 million metric tons of CO2 annually for the life of the buildings— the equivalent of taking more than 1 million cars off the road every year.”

The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), which took effect in January 2011, sets the highest green bar for new buildings in the country. It requires that new buildings achieve a 20 percent reduction in potable water use, divert 50 percent of their construction waste from landfills, use paints and materials with low volatile organic compound content and provide parking for clean-air vehicles.

Multiple key stakeholders have been involved throughout the process, including the California Energy Commission and the Sierra Club.

“We really tried to bring together an entire spectrum of people and

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groups with different perspectives and expertise to build a consensus,” says David Walls, executive director of the California Building Standards Commission. “If we were going to put something in the code, we wanted to make sure it was right.” (See Tinyurl.com/ CALGreen-Home.)

Renewable Portfolio Standard: Texas leads the country in electricity generated from wind power. One complex, in Roscoe, features 627 turbines on 100,000 acres that cost $1 billion to build. Much of the rapid growth of the state’s wind industry can be credited to Texas’ Renewable Portfolio Standard, legislation passed in 1999 that mandated construction of renewable energy, including solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass and landfill gas, in addition to wind.

It further mandated that utilities generate 2,000 megawatts of additional renewable energy by 2009, then 5,880 MW by 2015 and 10,000 MW by 2025. The 10-year goal was met in six years, and Texas has added many green jobs, increased tax revenues and provided security against blackouts, which is critical in the event of extreme heat or drought (see Tinyurl.com/TexasStandard).

Edison Innovation Green Growth Fund: Clean technology is booming despite the economic recession and attracting serious investment funds. According to a report by Clean Edge, Inc., venture capital investments in clean technologies increased 30 percent between 2010 and 2011, from $5.1 billion to $6.6 billion.

New Jersey entrepreneurs are upping their state’s potential in this arena with the Edison Innovation Green Growth Fund. The program proffers loans of up to $2 million for companies, research facilities and nonprofits engaged in producing clean energy technologies, ranging from energy efficiency products such as LED lighting to solar, wind, tidal, biomass and methane capture.

A condition of the loan is that a project must employ 75 percent of its workforce from New Jersey, or commit to growing 10 high-paying

Sustainable development includes fighting poverty, increasing social inclusion (including advancing the status of women) and protecting the environment.

jobs (minimum $75,000 annually) over two years (see Tinyurl.com/ NewJersey-EDA).

Grassroots Leadership Elinor Ostrom, the political economist who won a Nobel Prize in economics but passed on just before the start of the Rio conference, dedicated her last blog post to considering the event’s impact. Titled “Green from the Grassroots,” the post stressed the priority of a multifaceted approach to curbing emissions.

“Decades of research demonstrate that a variety of overlapping policies at city, subnational, national and international levels is more likely to succeed than single, overarching, binding agreements,” Ostrom remarked. “Such an evolutionary approach to policy provides essential safety nets should one or more policies fail. The good news is that evolutionary policymaking is already happening organically. In the absence of effective national and international legislation to curb greenhouse gases, a growing number of city leaders are acting to protect their citizens and economies.”

She reported that even in the absence of federally mandated

emissions targets, 30 U.S. states have passed their own climate plans and more than 900 mayors signed a climate protection agreement essentially agreeing to reach the Kyoto Protocol goals the federal government refused to sanction.

Rio+20 built upon such bottomup commitments and pushed states and businesses to go further than they’d ever imagined. “There was an incredible amount of energized activity,” concludes Scherr. “Many people came away feeling empowered and encouraged, because they saw that the sustainability movement is truly worldwide. That’s going to be the legacy of Rio.” Brita Belli, the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine, reports for Natural Awakenings.

COMPELLING INTERNATIONAL ECO-INITIATIVES Aruba is working with Sir Richard Branson’s Carbon War Room program to transition to 100 percent renewable energy.

Australia will spend $33 million to establish the world’s largest network of marine reserves.

Germany has committed to drawing 80 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050.

India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency signed an agreement with the European Union to reduce its carbon emissions by 77,000 tons in the next 3.5 years.

Norway has pledged $140 million to boost sustainable energy in rural Kenya, including replacing kerosene lamps with solar alternatives.

Source: CloudOfCommitments.org

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healingways

Chiropractic Care Help for Common Complaints

familiar to most people that have experienced chiropractic care. Although the adjustment is painless, some patients instinctively tense their muscles.

“Adjustment is a sneak attack, ‘My reflexes being faster than yours,’” remarks Burns. “The average muscle contracts in about a quarter of a second. We do a lot of speed training so we can do the adjustment in one-tenth of a second.”

Activator: The activator technique, used by about 20 percent of chiropractors as part of an integrated practice, employs a small, spring-loaded, rubbertipped device, slightly larger than a pen, which applies a small amount of force to a specific area. It makes a stapler-like sound and the recipient usually feels only slight pressure.

“Not everybody can tolerate the more aggressive manipulation that is performed as a foundation in chiropractic, especially elderly people or very young children,” says Overland. “The

by Kathleen Barnes

“M

ost people visit a chiropractor because they are in pain and seeking relief, although some initially visit for general health,” says Keith Overland, president of the American Chiropractic Association and a practicing chiropractic physician in Norwalk, Connecticut. “Every doctor of chiropractic should first perform a complete and thorough exam and develop a diagnosis to determine the best approach to the patient’s condition.”

Rick Burns, a doctor of chiropractic and professor of chiropractic technique at Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, Iowa, notes that more than 100 techniques and endless permutations of adjustments and thrusts can be used to help bring the body back into alignment and health. “Most chiropractors integrate several methods, depending on the needs of the patient,” he says.

While chiropractors undergo four years of post-graduate training, like medical doctors, they specialize in, “… making certain the brain communicates 100 percent of the time through the

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spinal cord to the nerves,” explains Burns. Miscommunication between the brain and the nerves caused by spinal misalignments, called subluxations, are at the heart of the science of chiropractic adjustment.

Most chiropractic schools give students a basic toolbox of techniques before individual practitioners go on to obtain certification in advanced techniques; much like medical specializations, says Overland. His specialties include treating sports injuries and he has many Olympic athletes as patients.

Most Common Techniques Diversified: This catch-all term encompasses the short thrust spinal adjustment approach used by an estimated 80 percent of all chiropractors, says Dr. Cynthia Vaughn, an Austin, Texas-based chiropractor and member of the board of governors of the American Chiropractic Association.

It is characterized by what is called the high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust (HVLA), resulting in the popping sound

Waking up with a stiff neck or shoulder or back pain sends 20 million Americans to the chiropractor each year. ~ American Chiropractic Association

activator technique claims to be faster, more specific and less forceful than manual adjustment.”

Applied kinesiology: Also known as muscle testing, applied kinesiology evaluates muscle strength at various specific points to help determine if a specific type of adjustment or even a nutritional supplement might be helpful to an individual patient as a treatment. This individualized treatment is popular among chiropractors and their patients. “It is a way to glean a tremendous amount of diagnostic information to specifically tell where the subluxations (imbalances) are,” says Vaughn, “and is used by about 20 percent of chiropractors.”

Sacro-occipital technique (SOT): Another form of non-forceful adjustment, SOT usually involves having the patient lie face down on a table. Inserting a variety of wedges asymmetrically distributed under the pelvis creates a helpful torque.

“Gravity causes the adjustment to happen very subtly in about 10 minutes,” explains Vaughn. “It is effective for the elderly and people with osteoporosis that can’t tolerate more vigorous adjustments.”

Gonstead: Similar to the HVLA technique, a Gonstead approach pays particular attention to the lower spine and the effects of its misalignments on the rest of the body. These practitioners generally prefer to adjust the neck with the patient in a sitting position.

More than half of all chiropractors use some form of the Gonstead technique. It involves detailed structural analysis of the spine, which can include various types of palpitation, nervoscope analysis of heat and nerve pressure along the spine, and X-rays.

“All of these techniques require extensive education and thousands of hours of training,” concludes Overland.

Adds Burns, “Each patient is evaluated and diagnosed individually. So try different techniques and see what works for you. The goal is to unlock the body’s ability to heal itself.”

Kathleen Barnes is a natural health advocate, author and publisher. 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health: A Take Charge Plan for Women, written with Dr. Hyla Cass, is among her many books. Visit KathleenBarnes.com.

greenliving

Follow the Lifecycle Crunching the Numbers on Products We Consume

by Brita Belli

E

very product we use has a lifecycle, or duration of environmental impact. According to the State of the World 2012: Transforming Cultures from Consumerism to Sustainability, by the Worldwatch Institute, humans collectively are consuming resources equivalent to 1.5 Earths, or 50 percent more than is sustainable—and that’s before projected population growth. In short, we’re depleting more resources than the planet can replenish; hence, our personal consumption habits matter.

In an ideal world, all the appliances, furniture and electronics we use and later discard would be “cradle-tocradle,” or C2C, certified, a term popularized by German chemist Michael Braungart and American Architect William McDonough for describing products designed never to become waste. Such innovative products typically are made of both technical components that can be reused and biological components that decompose back into the natural world.

Current examples of products that have obtained C2C certification include gDiapers—biodegradable cloth diaper liners that can be flushed or composted—and Greenweave recycled fabrics.

But smart, sustainable design is not yet the norm, so we have to monitor our own consumption and waste habits to try limiting our support of polluting industries and contribution to ever-

growing landfills.

Such product assessments are challenging, because it’s not only about what happens after a cell phone, for example, is thrown into a landfill that takes an environmental toll. It also entails the chemicals used, toxins released and fossil fuels burned to manufacture and ship that phone.

To help us sort out the best approaches, The Green Design Institute at Carnegie Mellon University has created the online Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Assessment (EIO-LCA) that crunches the numbers for commonly used products—from household cleaners to mattresses—to provide us with the bigger-picture impact. So, as their website explains, “The effect of producing an automobile would include not only the impacts at the final assembly facility, but also the impact from mining metal ores, making electronic parts, forming windows, etc., that are needed for parts to build the car.”

The accompanying chart, using the latest available EIO-LCA figures, provides comparisons for some common products—from the most to the least energy-intensive—as well as recycling rates and suggested alternatives for keeping our own resource usage and waste load to a minimum.

Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine.

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Call for Cradle-to-Cradle Product Lifestyle MATERIAL

ENERGY COST TO PRODUCE $1,000 WORTH

GREENHOUSE GASES PRODUCED

AMOUNT RECYCLED

LANDFILL LIFESPAN

ALTERNATIVES

Paper

10,611 kilowatthours (kWh)

3,373 pounds

63.5 percent (2010)

2 to 4 weeks

Use recycled and scrap paper and limit printing.

Glass containers

7,778 kWh

3,373 pounds

33.4 percent (2010)

1 million years

Recycle or reuse glass bottles and jars as glassware or to store food.

Plastic bottles

6,361 kWh

2,910 pounds

28 percent HDPE bottles; 29 percent PET bottles (2010)*

450 years

Save money by choosing refillable bottles over throwaways.

Plastic bags and film

5,889 kWh

2,712 pounds

12 percent (2010)

Up to 1,000 years or more

Use washable cloth shopping bags and non-plastic food storage containers.

Carpets and rugs

5,083 kWh

2,469 pounds

8.1 percent (2009)

Up to 20,000 years

Use individual carpet tiles or carpet that meets Carpet Area Recovery Effort (CARE) standards.

Soaps and cleaners

3,500 kWh

1,715 pounds

Not applicable

Toxins from cleaners can contaminate water supplies.

Recycle plastic bottles and use biodegradable cleaners.

Light bulbs and parts

2,328 kWh

1,023 pounds

2 to 6.7 percent of household CFLs (2009)*

Up to 1,000 years or more

Use CFL and LED energyefficient lights and recycle CFLs at major hardware stores or check Earth911.com.* Consider solar exterior lights.

Mattresses

2,281 kWh

1,122 pounds

Less than 10 percent (2012)

Up to 1,000 years or more

Buy organic mattresses and recycle old ones (Earth911.com).

Computers

1,183 kWh

586 pounds

38 percent (2009)

Up to 1,000 years or more

Look for recycled content in electronics and recycle equipment. See Earth911.com.

Cell phones and other devices

1,322 kWh

665 pounds

8 percent (2009)

Up to 1,000 years or more

Only upgrade when needed.

Trade old phone in to recycle (SecureTradeIn.com) or donate to charity (ReCellular.com).

-

*HDPE means high density polyethylene; PET means polyethylene terephthalate; CFL means compact fluorescent lamp (or light); LED means light-emitting diode. Additional sources include epa.gov, PaperRecycles.org and ProductStewardship.us.

CLICK!

Point Your Life in a Healthy Direction Visit Our New Website Browse the local area news, events calendar, resource guide, plus all the wonderful articles that support and inspire a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

Now just a click away!

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inspiration

B

y the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.

Collaborative Conservation

Threatened Species Rebound

~Charles Wadsworth

by April Thompson

T

he founders of the United States chose the magnificent and pervasive bald eagle—a bird unique to North America and sacred to many Native American tribes—as a symbol of their proud and flourishing new nation, but by 1967, it was on the brink of extinction.

When the combination of habitat loss, pesticide use and other factors landed it on the endangered species list, the country rallied. Conservation organizations, indigenous tribes, businesses, individual citizens and government at all levels worked together to strengthen the numbers of this national icon, which had dwindled to 417 breeding pairs in the lower 48 states, despite the fact that the species was doing well in Alaska and Canada.

Captive breeding programs, law enforcement efforts, habitat protection around nest sites and the banning of the toxic pesticide DDT all contributed to the recovery plan, spearheaded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Today, the bald eagle is again soaring high— just five years after being removed from the list some 10,000 pairs now make their nests in the lower 48.

More than 40 percent of the world’s millions of species have similarly suffered and are now in critical condition, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature; new threats like climate change make their

futures ever more tenuous. Yet the bald eagle’s stunning comeback proves that being labeled an endangered species isn’t necessarily a death sentence. The California condor, peregrine falcon and black-footed ferret are among many animals that have returned from the verge of extinction via protective actions taken under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Other decimated populations targeted by international conservation efforts, from Rwanda’s mountain gorillas to India’s wild tigers, also show encouraging signs of recovery. Rhinos, for example, are returning to the African wilderness thanks to community-based, public/private conservation programs that fight poaching, habitat loss and other human threats to this prehistoric creature. Since its launch in 1997, the World Wildlife Fund’s African Rhino Programme estimates that the white and black rhino population on the continent has more than doubled, from approximately 11,000 to 25,000.

In nature nothing exists alone. ~Rachel Carson

For wildlife success stories across America, visit fws.gov/endangered.

To learn of progress among other global species and how to help, explore Priority Species at Panda.org.

April Thompson regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings. Connect at AprilWrites.com. natural awakenings

October 2012

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calendarofevents MONDAY, OCTOBER 1 Student Visual Arts Exhibition – Mon-Fri 8:30am4:30pm, through Oct 12. Student Visual Arts Exhibition will be open to the public at no charge in the Vulcan Materials Gallery. Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-252-9241.

70’s September Art Show – 11am daily, Oct 2-13.

It’s time to get groovy this month. So find those platforms, bell bottoms, and fringe and drop in to check out some Good Times at Incubate Gallery.

Featuring art pieces all inspired by the decade of the 70s. Incubate Gallery, 130 41st Street South, Suite 104, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205-202-4558.

The Power of Gentle Communication – 7-9pm.

In these heightened times of polarized speech and argumentative rhetoric, how can communication that is gentle also be powerful? Family and marriage therapist Susan Chapman will discuss how conversations that are based on a foundation of dignity, mindfulness and kindness are actually the most potent medicine for the ills found in contemporary discourse. Free and open to the public. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205-595-1688.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2 Gifts of a Wordsmith Workshop – 6-8pm. Awardwinning poet and community activist John Paul Taylor, will lead a free adult poetry workshop on titled “Gifts of a Wordsmith” held on the library’s second floor in the Story Castle. The class will cover how to get your thoughts down on paper, overcoming writer’s block, copyright issues, selfpublishing, how to perform, and more. For more info, contact Taylor at JohnPaul@RealLifePoets.

org, or visit RealLifePoets.org online. Birmingham Public Library Central Branch, 2100 Park Place Birmingham, AL 35203.

Sidewalk Salon: Writing Seminar with Elizabeth Hunter – Networking 6pm; Seminar 7pm. Join in a Sidewalk Salon featuring a writing seminar with Elizabeth Hunter. Sidewalk Seminars are free networking and educational events for filmmakers and film buffs, held the first Tuesday of each month in the sideroom at ROJO. ROJO, 2921 Highland Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-324-0888.

Bama Art House Fall Film Series 2012: Manhattan Short Film Festival – 7:30-9:30pm. Bama Art House Fall Film Series runs Tuesday evenings through Oct 23. A program of The Arts Council, this exciting series represents the organization’s goals to bring new and unique film to the West Alabama area, transforming the historic Bama Theatre into a cinematic art house. Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. 205-758-5195.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 Brown Bag Lunch Program: Fall Book Preview and Horror Novel Extravaganza – 12:30pm. Always a crowd pleaser, today’s program will feature EOL librarians Katie Moellering and Holley Wesley presenting the new hot books being published this fall. Be sure to bring your library card so you can get on the reserve lists for these must-have titles. Please bring a sack lunch; drinks and dessert provided.

Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. 205-445-1121.

Theatre UAB presents “Proof” – 7:30pm Oct 3-6; 2pm Oct 7. A brilliant mathematician suffers a debilitating mental breakdown. When a revolution-

NA Fun Fact:

Natural Awakenings is published in over 80 U.S. markets.

ary mathematical theory is discovered among her father’s papers, his daughter Catherine speculates on the link between genius and madness and which legacy he will bequeath to her. David Auburn’s Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play is directed

by Theatre UAB’s Karla Koskinen. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294. 205-975-ARTS. AlysStephens.org.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 Southern Women’s Show Birmingham – 10am7pm Thurs; 10am-8pm Fri; 10am-7pm Sat; 11am-5pm Sun. Jam-packed with cool jewelry and handbags, make-up tips and tricks, delicious gourmet treats and more. Enjoy runway fashion shows, cooking classes, and informed speakers, and celebrity guests. Grab your mom, sister, or best friend and spend the day—or weekend—doing everything you love. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) Arena and Exhibition Halls, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203. 800-849-0248.

First Thursday Fiction Book Group – 10am12pm. Join us for Hoover Public Library’s First Thursday book discussion group to review Clara and Mrs. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland. Hoover Public Library, Allen Board Room, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-444-7820.

Art & Conversation 2012: Final Session of the Year – 10:30am. The last session of the 2012 Art & Conversation series will be held on October 4. “Spatial Metamorphosis or How to Turn Your Hair from Brown to White” will be presented by the Museum’s Exhibitions Designer Terry Beckham. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-254-2565.

To advertise with us call: 256-340-1122 natural awakenings

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The Literacy Council: Tutor Orientation – 5:30pm. The Literacy Council is training adult literacy tutors and we need you. With more than 92,000 adults in Central Alabama who are illiterate, the need is greater than ever. To register for both Adult Basic Literacy and/or ESOL tutor training workshops you must first attend an orientation session. Literacy Council, 2301 1st Ave N # 102, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-326-1925.

Library & Libations – 5:30pm. Join librarian Tatum Preston and curator Jeannine O’Grody for some vino and veritas amongst the library’s significant holdings on European art. Then attend First Thursdays, when the Museum and Café are open until 9pm with food, live music, and other activities. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203.

205-254-2565.

Oktoberfest – 5:30pm. Come join us for a night of beer, brats, and music to support homeless families through the work of Birmingham Hospitality Network. Avondale Brewing Company, 201 41st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205-441-4343.

Jazz in the Park – 6pm. Magic City Smooth Jazz will present a Special Jazz in the Park concert featuring Keiko Matsui, Japanese born pianist, composer and producer. Avondale Park Amphitheater, 4101 Fifth Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205616-1735.

Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser – 6-10pm.

Come relax and support Ruffner under our Backporch. Enjoy Back Forty beer, local food, local music, and good company. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL 35206.

205-833-8264.

First Thursdays – 6pm. Join us for a “Rockwell and Film” gallery talk with David Resha, Professor, Birmingham-Southern College in the Steiner Auditorium. Following the lecture, at 7:30pm, we will show the film “The Magnificent Andersons.”

Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205254-2707.

First Thursdays Drawing Class – 6:30-8pm. Meet in the 2nd floor Main Lobby for an introductory drawing experience that focuses on basic drawing elements while exploring the possibilities of different media. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203.

205-254-2565.

Southern Museum of Flight Swing Night – 6:30pm. Enjoy a night of swing dancing and participate in our silent auction, all to support the Museum. Southern Museum of Flight, 4343 73rd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206.

Southern Ghost Stories with Author Alan Brown 6:30-8pm. Author Alan Brown has spent more than a decade collecting hundreds of stories from all over

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the South to provide a bewitching convocation of Dixie’s most frightening ghost tales. One of those tales involves the Homewood Library. Join us as he brings us a sampling of his most frightening tales, followed by a book signing. Homewood Public Library Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

Dealing with Rejection: A Public Talk by Shastri Ethan Nichtern – 7-9pm. Join Shastri Ethan Nichtern for a powerful discussion on the difficulties of feeling rejected. Learn how such painful experiences can be worked with, not only to cultivate wisdom, but also to open and transform our hearts. Ethan Nichtern is a Shastri, a senior teacher, in the Shambhala tradition. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205-595-1688.

Step Pepper Records Showcase – 9pm. Come see Birmingham originals from an independent, hip hop and electronic record label, Step Pepper, here in the Magic City. Bottletree Cafe, 3719 3rd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205-533-6288.

Step-Pepper.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 Antiques at The Gardens – 10am-5pm Fri-Sat; 1-5pm Sun. Antiques dealers from all over the country turn the Garden Center into an antiques show for three days. Lunch will be available at The Gardens Cafe. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3965.

BBGardens.org/antiques.

Alabama Ballet at Home – 7:30pm Oct 5 & 6; 2:30pm Oct 7. The Alabama Ballet’s 31st season opens with Alabama Ballet at Home, featuring selected repertory performed in the Ballet’s Main Studio Theatre. With complimentary drinks and a reduced ticket price (all seats are $20), Alabama Ballet at Home is a great way to introduce your friends and family to the beauty of live ballet performance. Alabama Ballet Center for Dance, 2726 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233. 205-975-2787.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 49th Annual Bluff Park Art Show – 9am-5pm.

Always on the first Saturday in October, the Bluff Park Art Show draws more than 140 artists from across the country to exhibit and sell their fine art.

This juried art show has garnered the reputation of being one of the finest one day art shows in the southeast, and is a favorite of both artists and patrons. Come experience the Show for yourself.

Bluff Park Community Center, 517 Cloudland Dr, Hoover, AL 35226. 205-822-0078.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 The 3nd Annual Cahaba River Fry-Down + Riverside Event – 11am-4pm. The best amateur catfish fryers in Alabama will square off for the

3rd Annual Cahaba River Society Fry-Down, a competitive catfish cooking contest and riverfront festival to celebrate the beauty and significance of the Cahaba River. Trussville Springs, 6655 Gadsden Hwy, Trussville, AL 35173. 205-322-5326.

Whispers From The Past: A Native American Experience – 1-8pm. This fall, listen to whispers from the past and take a trip back in time to rediscover the culture and contributions of our prehistoric ancestors: Native Alabamians. Native American life will take shape for Garden visitors through demonstrations, displays and activities related to the people who shaped our early history. A variety of food and craft vendors will be available. Aldridge Botanical Gardens, 3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-682-8019.

Ghandi Jayanti – 2pm. Help us celebrate Gandhi’s birthday at the Museum! The Indian Cultural Society and the Museum will host a program of traditional Indian dance and music as well as a presentation of written and visual works by local high school students that focus on the influence of Mahatma Gandhi on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This particular focus is in preparation for 2013, which marks the 50th anniversary of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203.

205-254-2707.

Slow Art Sundays – 2pm. Slow food, slow living, slow… art? Unlock the secrets of works in the Museum’s collection by cultivating the art of looking slowly. Our docents ask and answer questions to help guide your slow art experience and foster conversation. Leave the Museum feeling inspired—not tired.

This week, master docent Caroline Wingate will discuss Sol LeWitt’s “Bands of Color in Various Directions.” Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203.

205-254-2565.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 Great Books Reading Group: Lorrie Moore 6:30pm. The Great Books Discussion Group (GBDG) will be discussing Lorrie Moore’s You’re Ugly Too. The GBDG reads from anthologies published by the Great Books Foundation and a limited number are available for checkout from EOL’s Reference Department. Reference Staff are happy to help you find readings in other books when/if copies of the anthologies are not available. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. 205-445-1121.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9 The Bookies Book Group: Julia Child – 10am.

The Bookies meet in the Library’s Conference Room to discuss Covert Affair: The Adventures of Julia and Paul Child in the OSS by Jennet Conant.

New members are always welcome. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. 205-445-1121.

ArtBreak: “The Golden Age of Illustration” – 12pm. Norman Rockwell is now a house-hold name, but there were actually many American illustrators who experienced celebrity status during the Golden Age of Illustration, 18801930. Learn more about the artists featured in The Golden Age of Illustration: Selections from the Permanent Collection and how their imagery reflected turnof-the-century American life. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-254-2565.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11

Thyme to Read Book Group – 6pm. Thyme to Read will be discussing How Carrots Won the Trojan War: Curious (but True) Stories of Common Vegetables

by Rebecca Rupp. The Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-445-1118.

SMART Party hosted by the Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham – 5:308:30pm. SMART Partygoers will utilize social media technology to bring their friends from around the world to the live event. Virtual guests will be able to watch the party live and learn about The Women’s Fund from wherever they are, while guests at WorkPlay will enjoy live music, a silent auction and food

by Kathy G. All proceeds benefit the Fund. WorkPlay, 500 23rd Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233. 205-326-4454.

Ms. Olivia’s Evening Reads – 6:30pm. The Beginner’s Goodbye by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anne Tyler, author of The Accidental Tourist. The Evening Adult Book Group meets every second Tuesday (except December) in the Library Tree House and welcomes all book lovers. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. 205-978-3684.

Second Thursday Fiction Book Group – 10am-12pm. Join us for Hoover Public Library’s Second Thursday book discussion group, reviewing State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. Hoover Public Library, Allen Board Room, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-444-7820.

Gospel Concert – 7:30pm. Join our cast of The Color Purple and other special guests for a cabaret concert featuring gospel music. RMTC Cabaret Theatre, 301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-324-2424.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10 The Heidi Chronicles – 7:30pm Oct 10, 12, 13; 2pm Oct 11, 14. The plot follows Heidi Holland from high school in the 1960s to her career as a successful art historian more than twenty years later. The play’s main themes deal with the changing role of women during this time period, describing both Heidi’s ardent feminism during the 1970s and her eventual sense of betrayal during the 1980s. Directed by Tammy Killian; adult content. University of Montevallo, Reynolds Studio Theatre, University of Montevallo, Montevallo, AL 35115.

205-665-6200.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

Young Concert Artist Paul Huang – 7pm. Paul Huang won first prize at the 2011 Young Concert Artists International Auditions and the 2009 International Violin Competition Sion-Valais in Switzerland, and is quickly being recognized as an eloquent and magnetic violinist on the music scene. ArtPlay, UAB Alys Stephens Center Arts Education & Outreach Program, 1006 19th Street South (Five Points South), Birmingham, AL 35205.

205-975-2787

The Literacy Council: Tutor Training – 9am-3pm.

The Literacy Council is training adult literacy tutors and we need you. With more than 92,000 adults in Central Alabama who are illiterate, the need is greater than ever. Trainings focus on the adult learner and incorporate strategies for successful adult basic literacy or ESOL tutoring. Literacy Council, 2301 1st Ave N # 102, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-326-1925.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 Old Baker Farm Western Cowboy Day – 9am Sat; 1pm Sun. The Old Baker Farm stands as a historic marker of days gone by. Homesteaded over 200 years ago, the Old Baker Farm withstood the perils of the Civil War and remains today as a traditional family farm, growing crops from cotton to corn, including pumpkins. Enjoy Shootouts, Western Music, Hay Wagon Rides, Hay Mountain, Pumpkin Patch and more. Kids, come dressed in your western attire.

Homestead Hollow Harvest Festival – 9am-5pm, Oct 12-14. Featuring fine arts, unique, hand made crafts, pioneer demonstrations of the old time days. See wood carving, ironwork, blacksmithing, smoke house cooking, gardening, quilting, whiskey making at our original working still, tour our original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy our great food that makes your mouth scream for more. Children’s activities: ride the ponies, circle in our wagon ride, jump in the moon walk or climb the rock wall. Kids and adults all enjoy our petting zoo. Visit and talk with our Herbalist and find out more about grandma’s remedies or those nature produces naturally. No pets. Homestead Hollow, 1190 Murphees Valley Rd, Springville, AL 35146.

205-467-2002.

Heritage Festival – 10am-3pm. The Jefferson Christian Academy Annual Heritage Festival is an exciting event in the Irondale Community. Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment such as carnival rides, huge inflatables, live music, arts and crafts vendors, informational booths, several food choices, silent auction, pony rides, games, and more. Jefferson Christian Academy, 1500 Heritage Place Dr, Birmingham, AL 35210. 205-956-9111.

Fall Plant Sale – 9am-5pm Fri; 9am-1pm Sat. Select from more than 30 different varieties of hydrangeas including the Snowflake Hydrangea patented by gardens’ founder Eddie Aldridge plus other popular southern and native shrubs, trees and perennials. Aldridge Botanical Gardens, 3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-682-8019.

Visually Impaired Programming: Follow the Moccasin Path – 10am. In this program for adults with vision impairments, specially trained docents present the permanent collection by means of verbal descriptions, three-dimensional tactile models based on original works of art, and sculpture. Space is limited; reservations are required by October 8. To reserve your spot, call 205-254-2964. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203.

Homecoming Vespers: A Cappella Choir and University Chorale – 5:30pm. Founded in 1939, Samford’s A Cappella Choir performs free concerts on campus throughout the fall and spring each year, including the new Choral Vespers series, which formally combines the university’s sacred spaces and Christian mission with several School of the Arts musical ensembles. Samford University, Reid Chapel, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229.

205-726-2840.

Arts and Music on the Green – 10am-5pm. A day-long festival celebrating the area’s most unique artists and fine craftsmen as well as the area’s hottest bands. Set on the Village Green in the community of Ross Bridge, Arts and Music is held in the conjunction with Uncorked, a free sampling of fine wines

Rev. Terri A. Heiman ...a healing arts studio

and boutique beer. All food and alcohol sampling is free. Young Artists exhibition and free kid’s activities make Arts and Music a great family event.

Artist’s contact: Ashley Dunson at 205-951-0409 or Ashley@ClassicEventsInc.com. Ross Bridge Welcome Center, 2101 Grand Ave, Hoover, AL 35226.

2nd Annual Fall Festival – 10am. Come out and enjoy the festivities at the Dogwood Pavilion. We will have a dunking booth, face painting, cake walk, hayrides, and more. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124. 205-620-2520.

Uncorked! on the Green at Ross Bridge – 125pm. A free craft beer and wine tasting featuring over fifty craft beers and wines. This year’s special feature, “Local Flavor,” will offer a sampling of your favorite local eateries. The day-long events also include live music on two stages, Kid’s Art Project, Face Painting, and much more. Benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. Ross Bridge Welcome Center, 2101 Grand Ave , Hoover, AL 35226. 205-951-0412.

Fiesta 2012: A Hispanic Culture Festival – 127pm. As in past years, Fiesta will continue to showcase what the Birmingham Region can provide to its community in terms of multiculturalism, sensitivity and acceptance. All Hispanic cultures will be celebrated, and patrons will leave Fiesta with a rich appreciation of our Latino neighbors.

Linn Park, 710 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-410-8776.

The Quarry at Ruffner Mountain (Field Trip) – 1-5pm. The limestone quarry at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, last active over a hundred years ago, is now home to a fascinating ecosystem. The alkaline pH of the quarry’s rock and soil hosts many plants that thrive in that particular habitat. Many colorful and distinctive fall-blooming native plants will be seen. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-4143960. BBGardens.org.

Faculty Recital: Lori Ardovino – 7:30pm. A Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone at the University of Montevallo, Dr. Ardovino is an active performer in the Birmingham area and is called upon to play clarinet, bass clarinet and saxophone with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, bass clarinet with the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and tenor saxophone with the Joe Giatina Big Band. University of Montevallo, LeBaron Recital Hall, University of Montevallo, Montevallo, AL 35115.

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Break ‘n Bread 2012 – 1-5pm. The Break ‘n Bread food and wine festival will feature a variety of culinary styles and flavors from nearly 40 Birmingham Originals restaurants. In addition, representatives from Birmingham’s own Good People Brewery, International Wines, Pinnacle Imports, Royal Cup and more will be on hand and pouring a wide selection of wines and beers. Festival guests will also be

treated to live entertainment from the ever-talented Alabama School of Fine Arts symphony and popular band, Bonus Round. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 35223. 205-458-2168.

Hymn Sing – 2-4pm. The Samford University Hymn Sing has become a beloved tradition in the Samford Community. The public is invited to join us for an afternoon of singing the hymn you choose with people you love. Samford University, Reid Chapel, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229.

205-726-2840.

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day – 2-5pm. Bike Link of Hoover, the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers, and the Magic City Cycle Chix are teaming up to bring you “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day” at Oak Mountain State Park. Bring your child and their friends for an exciting day of kid friendly mountain biking with groups led by experienced riders. We will meet at the South Trailhead parking lot at the end of Terrace Dr. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124. 800-960-9457.

Slow Art Sundays: Samurai Costume – 2pm.

This week, senior docent Emily Omura will discuss a Samurai costume. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-254-2565.

Choral Evensong – 4pm. Listen to the Cathedral Choir sing a beautiful service of lessons, anthems and prayers at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 6th Ave North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205226-3505.

Native Plants in Autumn – 12:30-4:30pm. In autumn, plants take on a whole new character due to a variety of reasons. This class will focus on some of those processes (such as fall color), as well as the many native species that come look their best in fall. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3958.

BBGardens.org.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 ArtBreak: Similarities Between “Norman Rockwell’s America” and Vermeer’s “Netherlands” 12pm. A 30-minute talk led by Alice Jackson, Adjunct Faculty, UAB. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-254-2565.

Clay Public Library Book Club – 6-7:30pm. For October, we’ll be reading two books by Alabama author Kathryn Tucker Windham. She: The Old Woman Who Took Over My Life is the Fall 2012 “Project Read” selection of the Jefferson County Libraries). Our second book is Windham’s iconic 13 Alabama Ghosts & Jeffrey. New members are welcome. Please register by October 12 if you would like to attend. Clay Public Library, 7257 Old Springville Rd, Clay, AL 35126. 205-680-3812.

Documentaries After Dark – 6:30pm. Tonight’s film chronicles the life and art of Frida Kahlo as never before, framing the great Mexican painter’s life in relationship to the historical and cultural influences that inspired her and defined the first half of the 20th century. Info: contact Holley Wesley at 205-445-1117 or HWesley@bham.lib.al.us. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. 205-445-1121.

Bama Art House Fall Film Series 2012: Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry – 7:30-9:30pm. A documentary that chronicles artist and activist Ai Weiwei as he prepares for a series of exhibitions and gets into an increasing number of clashes with the Chinese government. Director/Writer: Alison Klayman.

Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. 205-758-5195.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17

Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St S, inside Birmingham, AL Yoga. $15 drop in or 4/$50.

NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog.

Conversations @ the Plaza – 6:30pm. Do you speak a foreign language? Do you need a practice group? Join us at the Hoover Public Library for Conversations @ the Plaza. The featured languages are French, Spanish and German. Beginners to the highly-fluent are welcome. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216.

205-444-7821.

University of Montevallo Wind Ensemble Concert – 7:30pm. Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Ardovino. University of Montevallo, Palmer Auditorium, University of Montevallo, Montevallo, AL 35115.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19

“Pageturners” – 10-11am. Come join us the third Wednesday of each month for our book club discussion. This month we will discuss Third Degree

by James Patterson. Adamsville Library, 4825 Main Street, Adamsville, AL 35005. 205-674-3399.

Refreshments will be served.

Brown Bag Lunch Program: High School Elections – 12-1:30pm. In honor of the up-coming Presidential elections, we’ll watch an election on a smaller scale, but no less fraught with drama and intrigue. In today’s film we’ll follow students at one of our country’s most prestigious high schools, Stuyvesant High School in New York City. We’ll meet four candidates who struggle with choosing the “right” running mate, preparing for televised debates, impressing journalists, and addressing sensitive race issues. Please bring a sack lunch; drinks and dessert provided. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. 205-445-1121.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18 West Homewood Farmer’s Night Market – 5-8pm. This is a small market with a great atmosphere—a place to buy exceptional locally grown food and a place to get to know your neighbor. In addition to growers the Night market features dairy, meat, eggs, arts and crafts, pasta, as well as local entertainers, food and drink, a variety of non-profit groups, and much more. West Homewood Farmers Market, 160 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209.

205-427-5665. WestHomewood.com.

Crystal & Light Healing Circle – 6:30-8pm.

Combine the energy of sacred circles with the energy and vibrations of Reiki and the elemental kingdom. This healing circle offers the body, mind and spirit an energetic clearing that balances and refreshes one into a state of rest and relaxation.

Beginning Crochet Class: Loopy Ladies – 1011am. The Adamsville Library presents a beginning crochet class with Ms. Nancy Brochu. Ms. Brochu welcomes you to bring your hooks and threads join in the Loop Group. Adamsville Library, 4825 Main Street, Adamsville, AL 35005. 205-674-3399.

Mystery Dinner Theatre at Homewood Public Library – 6:30pm. South City Theatre presents “Laura,” a psychological murder mystery. Laura was the ideal modern woman: beautiful, elegant, highly ambitious, and utterly mysterious. No man could resist her charms, not even the NYPD detective sent to find out who turned her into a faceless corpse. Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 41st Annual Kentuck Festival of Art – 9am-5pm Sat-Sun. Kentuck is a non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating the arts, engaging the community and empowering the artist. The Kentuck Festival of Arts each October is one of the nation’s best-respected and most-loved arts gatherings.

This year’s festival features 270+ folk, visionary, and contemporary artists and expert craftspeople presenting their work to you. Kentuck Park 3501 5th Street, Northport, AL 35476.

Reiki 1 Certification Class – 10am-5pm. This certification class is the first level for Reiki attunement.

This class opens the energy system and raises your vibration to receive the energy. Connect with your spirit as you learn to relax and relieve stress with Reiki, the energy balancing method that anyone can learn. An excellent tool for self care. $155 certificate and manual included. Registration required. To register, contact Terri Heiman at Terri@naturalforcesstudio.com or call 205-201-6985. Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St S, Inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 Walk, Read, and Sip – 1pm. Nature is nothing, if not inspiring. Join us for a short walk in the woods to get your creativity flowing, followed by a poetry reading. You may bring your favorite poems inspired by nature, either written by another author, you or feel free to write something on the walk to share.

Reservations required. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL. 35206.

205-833-8264.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22 World Hunger Day – Oct 22-25. With corporate sponsors, food donors, and community support, Magic City Harvest will feed 3,800 hungry men, women and children in the Birmingham area a hot nutritious lunch on October 24. The 17th annual World Hunger Day “Help Stop Hunger Now” event illustrates the on-going need in our community for daily food assistance and the reality of food waste.

Ways to participate include volunteering to prepare food at UAB Hospital, assisting in distribution of meals, donating needed food ingredients (contact Magic City Harvest at 205-591-3663 for the “grocery list”). You can also order $8 box lunches delivered to your workplace, school, or organization on 10/25 (Minimum order of 10).

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 Adaptations AfterParty: “Who Goes There?”

6:30pm. Tonight we’ll be discussing the short story “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell and the “The Thing,” the film it inspired. Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th St S, Birmingham, AL. 35222. 205-226-4000.

The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble – 7:30pm. Davis Architects Guest Artist Series presents the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble. In partnership with the Birmingham Chamber Music Society. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209. 205-726-2778.

Bama Art House Fall Film Series 2012: Sleepwalk With Me – 7:30pm. The story of a burgeoning standup comedian struggling with the stress of a stalled career, a stale relationship, and the wild spurts of severe sleepwalking he is desperate to ignore. Rated R/ Comedy/ 90 minutes. Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. 205-758-5195.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24 Brown Bag Lunch Program: Overcoming Trauma – 12:30pm. Beth Scherer-Smokey, a chiropractor with our neighbors at Back On Track Chiropractic, will join us today to talk about life trauma and ways to manage, overcome, and live well afterwards. Please bring a sack lunch; drinks and

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dessert provided. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213.

205-445-1121.

Neil Young Journeys Fundraiser for the Bama Theatre – 7:30pm. Come view the special bonus film, Neil Young Journeys, on October 24, to get you ready for Neil Young Crazy Horse performing with special guest Alabama Shakes at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater on October 25th. All proceeds from the Neil Young Journeys viewing will support a new digital projector for the Bama Theatre. Rated PG/ Documentary/ 87 minutes. Director: Jonathan Demme. Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. 205-758-5195.

Nonfiction Book Group: The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee – 7-9pm. Join us for Hoover Public Library’s nonfiction book discussion group. Sessions are the 4th Thursday of the month in a Theatre-Level Meeting Room. One book is discussed each session. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-444-7840.

University of Montevallo Concert Choir – 7:30pm. Join us for a special Choral concert by the University of Montevallo Concert Choir led by the Direction of Melinda S. Doyle. University of Montevallo, LeBaron Recital Hall, University of Montevallo, Montevallo, AL 35115. 205-665-6670.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26

A Sense of Place: Like It Ain’t Never Passed: Life in Sloss Quarter – 10am. Between 1900 and 1950, Sloss Furnaces maintained company houses throughout Birmingham’s industrial district.

They were typical shotgun style structures, with two rooms set on foundation posts and no indoor plumbing. Housing in Sloss Quarters served two purposes: it attracted family men, thus lowering the rate of absenteeism, and it made available a ready supply of labor in case of emergencies. Oral histories from the “Like it Ain’t Never Passed” provide an excellent overview of the recollection of the residences of Sloss Quarters. Smithfield Branch Library, 1 8th Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204. 205-324-8428.

Mid-Day Musical Menu – 12:30pm. The LeBaron Trio (Melanie Williams, soprano; Lori Ardovino, clarinet and saxophone; Laurie Middaugh, piano) will perform a free, thirty-minute recital at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-226-3505.

Pumpkin Carving Party – 3-5pm. Join us for a pumpkin carving party. You may either bring your own and carve it for free, or purchase one from Ruffner (price depends on size). You are free to take your pumpkin home with you, or leave it at Ruffner to display for Faces in the Forest. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL. 35206. 205-833-8264. RuffnerMountain.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27

Savasana & Sound Healing – 6:30-8pm. Savasana is known for the many benefits it offers the yoga student at the end of their practice. It seals in the practice, calms the mind and relaxes the body. In this class we will combine the vibrations of the crystal healing bowls with the many benefits of savasana. The tones produced by crystal bowls are not just heard by the ear, you feel them in your body, with certain tones affecting your energy centers for healing, balancing and deep meditation. Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St S, Inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog.

Faces in the Forest – 6:30-8:30pm Thurs-Fri. Visit Ruffner for a truly spooktacular evening. Walk along the forest trail with only the guidance from glowing Jack-O-Lanterns to lead the way. Crestwood Coffee will be giving away hot chocolate.

Costumes encouraged. Fun for the whole family.

Please arrive within the thirty minute time frame you selected when purchasing your ticket(s) on the website. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL. 35206. 205-833-8264.

RuffnerMountain.org.

Battle of the Bands – 6-10pm. The 1st Annual Battle of the Bands features Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University, plus a step show with nine Greek Sororities and Fraternities.

Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) Arena and Exhibition Halls, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-458-8400.

Ecology of Alabama Native Plants – 8:30am4:30pm. Alabama’s native plants number nearly 3000 species. They are an important part of our state’s biodiversity, which ranks fifth in the nation overall. This class explains how ecosystems work, reviews how they are classified and mapped, and gives an overview of the state’s ecological diversity.

An easy hike through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens—with a focus on Alabama’s endemic plants—will illustrate many of the in-class concepts. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3958.

BBGardens.org.

Southeastern Outings Four-Mile Moonlight Night Walk – 7pm. Join friendly folks on an easy four-mile walk on a full moonlit night on the Hillsboro Trail in Helena, Alabama. This smooth trail is wide, paved and with only a few short hills.

Depart for the walk at 7pm from the Front parking lot at Helena Middle School, 1299 Hillsboro Pkwy, Helena, AL 35080. 205-631-4680.

Calling All Writers: Third Annual Glimmers of Hope Writers Conference – 8:30am-4pm. Workshops on eBook publishing, Writing Poetry, Magazine Writing, and Songwriting/Music Production.

$35/includes lunch and door prizes. North Highlands Baptist Church, 15th Street Rd, Hueytown, AL 35023. Info: 205-491-6448. SonshineWriters.com.

Booseca1@bellsouth.net.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 The Phantom of the Opera – 2pm. A mad, disfigured composer seeks love with a lovely young opera singer. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ will accompany this silent film. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Avenue N, Birmingham, AL. 35203. 205-252-2262.

Guest Organ Recital: Christian Lane – 2:30-4pm.

Winner of the prestigious 2011 Canadian International Organ Competition and currently Associate University Choirmaster and Organist at Harvard University, Christian Lane is one of America’s most accomplished and versatile young organists. Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229. 205-726-2778.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 The Strange Afterlife of Lincoln’s Assassin With Jim Baggett – 6:30-8pm. Birmingham’s 19th-century madam Louise Wooster claimed John Wilkes Booth as the great love of her life. She also insisted that Booth had not been killed in the days following Lincoln’s assassination. Jim Baggett, Central Library archivist, explores the likelihood of a relationship between Wooster and Booth and the enduring myth of a government conspiracy to fake his death. Homewood Public Library Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209.

205-332-6620.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 Brown Bag Lunch Program: History of Witches –2:30pm. The fear of the witch is woven deep within our psyche but surprisingly there was a time when the witch was not a source of evil. Known for her ability to harness the hidden powers of nature herself—she was the caster of magical spells and the brewer of healing potions. Why did they become so feared and despised? Join us for today’s film and learn the surprising answers to the mystery of the witch. Please bring a sack lunch; drinks and dessert provided. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213.

205-445-1121.

Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade 4pm. A Halloween parade with the feel of Mardi Gras. Parade participants throw Mystics of Mountain Brook t-shirts, beads, stuffed animals, and footballs to the huge crowd that lines the streets of Crestline Village. The parade has over 23 floats, the high school cheerleaders, a roller derby, and Mayor Terry Oden driving his antique fire truck. The parade route starts by the Emmet O’Neal Library, goes to the Tot Lot, turns left on Church Street and then right onto Dexter Avenue and ends on Vine Street.

Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, 32 Vine Street, Birmingham, AL 35213.

ongoingevents sunday Mindfulness Meditation and Discussion Group 9am. In the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Chairs are provided, or bring your own cushion. Childcare available. Contact Sharron Swain at Dre@uucbham. org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham, 4300 Hampton Heights Dr. 205-945-8109.

“Practical Mysticism” – 10-10:30am. Adult Sunday School. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave. 205-908-2007. UnityBham.com.

Healing Ministry – 12:30-1:30pm, first and third Sunday of each month. The Unity Healing Ministry offers healing through prayer and energy balancing to individuals following Sunday service in our upstairs Healing Center. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL. 205-908-2007.

UnityBham.com.

Power Pilates Mat – 2pm. Genevieve Ward.

Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood. 205-639-1062. BlissfulHeights.com.

The Appalachian Trail Club of Alabama (ATCA) 2pm, first Sunday of each month. Alabama Outdoors (downstairs), 3054 Independence Dr, Birmingham, AL. Pinhoti@bellsouth.net. Pinhoti.org.

Chess: Scholastic Chess Club – 2-5pm. Schoolage players of all skill levels are welcome. Chess coach Michael Ciamarra hosts. Chess, Checkers, Go. Free. Books A Million, Brookwood Village.

205-870-0213.

Spoken Word – 6-8pm. The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame presents spoken word performances the third Sunday of each month. The Carver Theatre, 1631 N 4th Ave, Birmingham, AL. 205-254-2731.

JazzHall.com.

monday Pilates Reformer Duet/Trio –7:45am and 4:15pm.

Genevieve Ward. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-639-1062. BlissfulHeights.com.

Vinyasa Flow & Restore Yoga – 9am. Jasper Wolfe. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-639-1062.

BlissfulHeights.com.

Montevallo Farmers’ Market – 3-6pm. Fresh locally grown produce, pasture fed beef, free-range chicken, organic produce and herbs, local honey, and fresh bread. Montevallo First Baptist Church, 660 Main St, Montevallo, AL. 205-665-1519.

Crunk Fitness – 6-7pm. A combination of basic aerobics movements and funky hip-hop dance moves, broken down so anyone can do it. Free.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. Railroad Park, 17th Street Section B, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-521-9933.

The Magic City Toastmasters Club – 6:15pm.

Trinity Medical Center, 800 Montclair Rd, the 820 Professional Building (Nursing School), Birmingham, AL. ZSupport@TheToastMastersTornado.com.

Vulcan AfterTunes 2012 – Sundays this fall at 3pm.

This fall, enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews and sweet views on Sunday afternoons with your favorite cast iron statue, Vulcan. Chill out in Birmingham, AL’s backyard and end your week with some of the area’s best music while witnessing spectacular views of Birmingham, AL’s city skyline. Bring the kids and enjoy the KID ZONE with Alabama Baby & Child magazine. There will be facepainting, coloring pages and other activities. Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL. 205-933-1409.

VisitVulcan.com.

BAO Bingo – 6pm, doors open; 7pm game starts.

First Monday of each month. Cost to play is $15 for five games plus $1 for the bonus game and $1 for an ink dauber. You must be 19 to enter. Birmingham AIDS Outreach, 205, 32nd St S. BirminghamAIDS Outreach.org.

Course in Miracles Workshop – 5pm. Based on Kenneth Wapnick’s highly acclaimed workshop, “What It Means to Be a Teacher of God.” Free, open to the public, and can be attended at any time. Contact Angela at AcimJulian@gmail.com to receive study material. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL. 205-908-2007. UnityBham.com.

Afro Aerobics (African Dance Fused with Aerobics) 6:30-7:30pm. A low impact/high energy workout designed to bring wholeness to the body, improve your fitness level, and cardiovascular system. If you want a great way to get in shape then this is the class for you. $8 per class. Bethesda Family Life Center, 1721 Dennison Ave, Birmingham, AL. 205-218-2381.

Sunday Service – 11am-12:30pm. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL. 205-908-2007. UnityBham.com.

Meditation – 7pm. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South. Free admission. 205-595-1688. Birmingham-ShambhalaMeditation.org.

Board Games – The J. Simpkins Gallery hosts Classic Monday each Monday after work, featuring classic board games, classic movies, and refreshments. 1608 Floyd Bradford Rd, Trussville, AL. Admission $5. 205-957-5448.

Meditation – 7pm. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South. Free admission. 205-595-1688. Birmingham-ShambhalaMeditation.org.

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tuesday Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama (ACA) – Support group meeting for individuals and/or families on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

ACA office, call for time and details. 205-871-7970.

Alzca.org.

Pilates Reformer Duet/Trio – 8am with Genevieve Ward and 5:45pm with Virginia Rives.

Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-639-1062.

BlissfulHeights.com.

Yoga for Seniors – 10-11am at Trussville Senior Center, 504 Cherokee Drive, Trussville, AL. Contact Laura Thornton at YogaByLaura@att.net or 205-854-5683 for current schedule and information.

Network Birmingham, AL – 11:30am, first Tuesday of each month. Network Birmingham, AL promotes communication among career-oriented women.

Each meeting includes networking time, a businessrelated educational program, a full lunch, announcements, and door prizes. Harbert Center, 2019 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL. NetworkBham.net.

VA Voices Toastmasters – 5-6pm. Birmingham VA Medical Center, Third Floor, 700 19th St S, Birmingham, AL. PGresh@uab.edu.

Zumba Dance Calorie Burn-Off Sessions – 5:30pm. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance/fitness class where you can easily have fun and burn 500-1000 calories per session. Ages 12-84+ have attended. No dance experience needed. $5 per class.

Homewood Community Center, 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL. The BE FIT Group Experience – 6-7pm. By using just your body weight, this workout routine will help tone muscles, build endurance, and boost metabolism. Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class. The Hillside at Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-521-9933.

21 Essential Lessons of Life – 6-7:30pm. Study group seeking answers to the basic questions of life. Facilitated by Pat Hahn, 205-337-6426. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

The Vulcan Hash House Harriers – 6:15pm.

Weekly run. Affectionately known as “A Drinking Club with a Running problem,” Vulcan H3 is a non-competitive running group for people of every athletic ability. Starting at 6:15pm with a 3–5 mile trail somewhere around Birmingham, concluding with general mischief and drinking. VulcanH3.com.

Vestavia Toastmasters – 6-7pm, first and third Tuesday of each month. Vestavia Board of Education Building, 1204 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL. 205-937-4099. SpeakWithEase@gmail.com.

Are you Psychic? – 7-8:30pm. Exploring intuition.

Practice techniques to enhance intuition and psychic abilities. Six-week workshop from Oct 16-Nov 20.

Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St S,

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inside Birmingham Yoga. $ $75/series or $15 drop in. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog.

Hatha Yoga – 6:30-7:30 pm at Trussville Senior Center, 504 Cherokee Drive, Trussville, AL. Contact Laura Thornton at YogaByLaura@att.net or 205-854-5683 for current schedule and information.

Meditation – 7pm. Free. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street S. 205-595-1688.

Birmingham-Shambhala-Meditation.org.

Ballroom Dance – 7pm. Ballroom dance lessons in various dance styles. $3. No partner required. South Highland Presbyterian Church, 2035 Highland Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-933-0790. HPCbhm.org.

Cha-Cha Dance – 7-8pm. Beginner level cha-cha lessons. No partner required, all ages welcome. $3. South Highland Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 2035 Highland Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-933-0790.

The Society for Creative Anachronism – 7pm. A group dedicated to the sports, arts, and sciences of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Homewood Senior Center, 816 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL. BaronyOfIronMountain.org.

Course in Miracles – 7-8pm. New “Text Made Simple” Book Study with commentary provided

by Pathways of Light (PathWaysOfLight.org).

For more info contact Angela Julian, Facilitator at AcimJulian@blogspot.com or 205-370-5721. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL. UnityBham.com.

Are you Psychic? Exploring Intuition – 7-8:30pm, beginning Oct 16. Practice techniques to enhance intuition and psychic abilities. Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St S, Inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog.

Folk Dance Classes – 7:30-9pm. Open to all. No experience necessary. $2. Levite Jewish Community Center, 3960 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL. 205-956-1735.

Alabama Orchid Society Monthly Meetings – 7:15pm. The Alabama Orchid Society welcomes all visitors and extends an invitation to attend monthly meetings every fourth Tuesday of each month. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Hodges Room, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL. 205-933-8688

wednesday Pilates Reformer Duet/Trio –6am, 7:45am, and 4:30pm classes with Genevieve Ward; 6pm class with Virginia Rives. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood.

205-639-1062. BlissfulHeights.com.

Lupus Outreach Group – 10am, second Wednesday of each month. Homewood Public Library, Room 116, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL. Kala485@yahoo.com.

S piritual Journaling –12-1pm, 2nd and 3rd

Wednesday each month. Awaken your inner writer through exercises, meditation, Reiki, essential oils, chakra work, and the use of crystals and healing stones. Come experience the creative flow established through practice. Laurie M. Knight, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St S, inside Birmingham, AL Yoga. $15 drop in or 4/$50. NaturalForces Studio.com/blog.

Noon Prayer Service – 12-12:30pm. For a midweek spiritual boost, come to the Wednesday weekly noon prayer service and meditation service at Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

Calera Farmers Market – 3-6pm. Help us spread the word that right here in the great City of Calera neighbors are coming together to buy fresh local produce straight from the great Alabama farmers who grew it. Oliver Park, 9758 Highway 25, Calera, AL. 205-281-1975.

Farm Stands on the Railroad – 4-6pm, April through October. Community gardens and urban farms that will be featured throughout the season include: Jones Valley Urban Farm, Rosedale Community Garden, PEER/East Lake Farmer’s Market, West End Community Garden. Railroad Park, 17th St Plaza, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-458-2168.

Belly Dancing – 6-7pm. Meeting room. Books, Beans & Candles Metaphysical Shoppe, 1620 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL. 205-453-4636. MHagood@gmail.com. Book BeanCandle.com.

Zumba at Railroad Park – 6-7pm. A Latin inspired dance fitness class that blends easy Latin dance moves with aerobic steps. Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class. Railroad Park, 17th Street Section B, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-521-9933.

Photography Roundtable – 6-8pm, first Wednesday of each month. This group is not a class; it is a casual but informative venue for amateur to expert level photographers to come together to share their ideas, tips, advice, tricks, and knowledge with each other. Shelby County Arts Council Gallery, 104 Mildred St. Columbiana, AL. 205-669-0044.

thursday Pilates Reformer Duet/Trio – 6am and 7am with Sheri Kristjansson; 4:30pm, Genevieve Ward.

Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-639-1062.

BlissfulHeights.com.

Genealogy Workshop – 9am-12pm. This workshop will give you the basics on finding that elusive great-great grandpa so you can take him with you to your next family reunion. Pleasant Grove Public Library, 501 Park Rd, Pleasant Grove, AL. Restorative Yoga – 9:30am. Blissful Heights

Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-639-1062. BlissfulHeights.com.

Unity of Birmingham, AL, 2803 Highland Ave. UnityBham.com.

Book Discussion Group – 10am-12pm, first Thursday of the month. Just ask at the Fiction Desk for a copy of the current month’s title. Refreshments are provided. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL. 205-444-7820.

friday

Thursdays at Arlington – Seatings at 11am, 1pm.

Dine in Arlington’s historic garden room each Thursday in June, July and August. A complimentary tour of the museum is included with lunch. Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens, 331 Cotton Avenue Birmingham, AL. 205-780-5656.

R estorative Reiki Circle – 12-1:15pm, 1st Thursday each month. Experience hands of Reiki energy in restorative yoga poses. Relax, refresh and release stress. No experience necessary. $15 drop in or 4/$50. Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St S, Inside Birmingham Yoga. Natural ForcesStudio.com/blog.

Homegrown Alabama – 3-6pm, through October 25. Homegrown Alabama is a non-profit, studentled group at the University of Alabama that hosts a weekly farmers market on the lawn of Canterbury Episcopal Chapel, 812 5th Avenue in Tuscaloosa on the University of Alabama campus, every Thursday from April-October. Approximately 25 vendors attend the market throughout the season to sell fruits, vegetables, cheese, plants, baked goods, beef, pork, cut flowers, coffee and tea, eggs, homemade herbal teas, soap, canned goods, hot foods, and arts and crafts. Every week we have free kids activities, face painting and live music. Canterbury Episcopal Chapel, 812 5th Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

Yoga at Railroad Park – 6-7pm. For the beginning as well as advanced student. Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class.

The Meadow at Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-521-9933.

The Vocalizers Toastmasters Club – 6:15pm, first and third Thursday of each month. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Birmingham, AL. 205678-4599. Vocalizers.com.

Hatha Yoga – 6:30-7:30 pm at Trussville Senior Center, 504 Cherokee Drive, Trussville, AL. Contact Laura Thornton at YogaByLaura@att.net or 205-854-5683 for current schedule and information.

Restorative Reiki Circle – 6:30-8pm, 2nd Thursday of each month. Relax, refresh and release stress.

No experience necessary. Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St S, inside Birmingham, AL Yoga. $15 drop in or 4/$50. NaturalForces Studio.com/blog.

Meditation – 7pm. Free. Birmingham, AL Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th St S, Birmingham, AL. 205-595-1688. Birmingham-ShambhalaMeditation.org.

Science of Mind at UNITY – 7-8:30pm. Rev Cindy Shellum, licensed Minister of Religious Science with Centers for Spiritual Living, offers insight and practical application ideas to put transformative spiritual tools to work in your life and the world around you. Presented on a Love offering basis.

Friday Night P.E. – 6-7pm. A mix of your favorite childhood games such as kickball, dodge ball, ultimate Frisbee, and musical chairs to help you burn calories and improve your health. Perfect for groups.

Railroad Park, 17th Street Plaza Section B, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-521-9933.

Bards & Brews: Birmingham, AL Public Library Poetry Slam Series – 6:30-9pm, first Friday of each month. Live music and sign-up at 6:30; call time is 7pm. Check Bards & Brews on Facebook for updated schedule and location.

Alabama Mineral and Lapidary Society – 6:308pm. Meets the 2nd Friday of each month (except June). Vestavia Hills Library, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL. LapidaryClub.com.

CODA – 6:30-7:30pm. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL. Jackpc@earthlink. net. UnityBham.com.

saturday Pepper Place Saturday Market – 7am-12pm, rain or shine. Area farming families grow vegetables and flowers, bake breads and cookies, cakes and pies, tend the bees, and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham, AL to sell the fruits of their labors.

In addition to farmers, bakers and beekeepers you can enjoy local musicians, coffee & breakfast. Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Avenue S, Birmingham, AL. 205-313-4120.

West Homewood Farmer’s Market – 8am-12pm.

A market dedicated to building a community space in West Homewood. In addition to growers selling exceptional locally grown food, the market features dairy, meat, eggs, arts and crafts, pasta, as well as local entertainers, food and drink, a variety of nonprofit groups, and more. West Homewood Farmers Market, 160 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL. 205-4275665. WestHomewood.com.

Helena Market Days – 8am-12pm. “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” at Helena Market Days this Summer.

Local farmers and producers sell directly to residents of Helena, Alabama and its neighboring cities.

Helena Amphitheater, 4151 Helena Road, Helena, AL. 205-283-5356.

Zumba Dance Party – 9am. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance/fitness class where you can easily have fun and burn 500-1000 calories per session. Ages 12-84+ have attended. No dance experience needed. $5 per class. Homewood Community Center, 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood.

Pilates Reformer Duet/Trio – 10:15am. Genevieve Ward. Blissful Heights Integrative Healing, 3100 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-639-1062.

BlissfulHeights.com.

Belly Dance Classes – with Zivah Spahirah Troupe instructors. Meets every Saturday at Children’s Dance Foundation, 1715 27th Court South, Homewood. Ages 16 and up. 205-978-5121. Zivah Saphirah.com.

Bagpipe Lessons – 9am. Heritage Pipes and Drums offers bagpipe and Scottish side drum lessons. Riverchase Church of Christ, 1868 Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham, AL. 205-427-1756. HPD-Pipeband.org.

Downtown Running Club – 10am. Weekly runs on Saturday mornings. Runners meet in front of Paramount Cafe at 200 20th Street North for a social 3 or 6 mile run through the neighborhood streets of downtown, rain or shine. The club is free and open to runners of all speeds. For more info contact Brian Johnson at BemJohnson@gmail.com or search “Downtown Running Club” on Facebook.

Meet in front of Paramount Cafe, 200 20th St N, Birmingham, AL. 617-947-0692.

Dancing for Birth classes – 11am-12pm. Villager Yoga, 3150 Overton Rd, Birmingham, AL. Email Kaleigh at Kaleigher@gmail.com to get a coupon for a free trial class and for more information.

The Birmingham, AL Genealogical Society 2pm, fourth Saturday of each month (except November and December). Arrington Auditorium, Linn-Henley Building, Birmingham Public Library. 205-2263665. BirminghamALGenealogy.org.

Fresh Market on the Green at Ross Bridge – 8am12pm. Every first and third Saturday at Ross Bridge in Hoover. Shop for fresh Alabama produce, honey, baked goods, local arts and crafts. Also enjoy the Coffee Café, kids activities and live music. Ross Bridge Welcome Center, 2101 Grand Ave, Hoover, AL. 205-951-0412.

East Lake Farmers Market – 8am-12pm, rain or shine, through Oct 13. The East Lake Farmers Market, established in 2005, makes fresh produce and other resources for healthy living available in South East Lake. We accept SNAP/EBT and Senior Nutrition Coupons. If you are over 60 and meet income eligibility requirements, you can apply for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). East Lake Farmers Market, 7769 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-836-3201.

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow. ~Helen Keller

natural awakenings

October 2012

37

communityresourceguide CHIROPRACTIC

FAMILY MEDICINE

HYPNOTHERAPY

CHIROPRACTOR & HERBALIST

HOOVER ALT MD

LORRI HELLER, C.HT.

Dr. Jeanne R. Chabot 2116 Rocky Ridge Road Hoover, AL 35216 205-822-2177 ChabotChiropractic.com

Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, M.D. 3421 S. Shades Crest, Suite 111 Hoover, AL 35244 205-733-6676 hooveraltmd.com

205-862-6888 Birmingham-hypnosis.com Irondale and Pelham locations

36 years of Chiropractic experience, certified herbalist and Reiki Master. Dr. Chabot provides physiological therapeutics, conventional Chiropractic adjustments, decompression therapy, as well as gentle adjustments according to your preference and need. Private treatment rooms provided for your comfort.

Also available at the clinic:Massage therapy, Hypnotherapy, Energy Work, Mediation classes, Personal Training, and Yoga classes. Most insurances accepted.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY HEALING WATERS COLON HYDROTHERAPY Bernadine Birdsong I-ACT & NBCHT Certified Instructor and School 720 23rd St South Birmingham, AL 205-323-7582 MoreThanColonics.com Detox your body with Colon Hydrotherapy, Infra Red Sauna, and BioCleanse Therapy. We are the only hydrotherapist in Alabama providing colonics with ionized, microclustered, anti-anti-oxidant, alkaline water. We also offer Lipoex®, a non-invasive way to melt fat, reduce cellulite, and tighten skin.

Computerized Biofeedback, Massage therapy, pain management, infra red sauna, light therapy, Koreanstyle Hip Bath, and VibaBody Slimmer are also available. Come and experience the difference. Be sure to ask about the QXCI, “the computer that can tell if your are well.” It is a must for anyone who is serious about improving wellness. Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.

ENERGY HEALING REV. TERRI A. HEIMAN, RMT Natural Forces Studio, LLC 605 37th Street South Inside Birmingham Yoga Birmingham, AL 35222 516-457-3885 Terri@NaturalForcesStudio.com NaturalForcesStudio.com Reiki Certification Program, Energy Medicine, Vinyasa Krama Yoga.

Crystal, Color & Light Therapy.

Private sessions, classes and workshops.Walk-in Reiki Clinic.

38

Birmingham

NABirmingham.com

Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Wellness/ Natural Medicine, Acupuncture, Weight Loss/Fitness, Hypnosis, Aromatherapy, Biofeedback, Counseling, Addiction, Botox/ Fillers, Facials.

“A different kind of practice, a deeper kind of care."

Providing personalized sessions in hypnotherapy in addition to utilizing other proven methods such as NLP and EFT. You can lose weight, stop smoking and eliminate other bad habits. You can eliminate stress, fears, phobias and limiting beliefs that interfere with your being able to selfmotivate and Achieve Your Goals!

MASSAGE THERAPY GREEN PRODUCTS TONYA HAYES, INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT Celadon Road 256-394-3763 CeladonTHayes@gmail.com MyCeladonRoad.com/THayes Celadon Road markets its organic, eco-friendly and fair-trade products for home, children, kitchen and personal wellness exclusively through its network of Independent Consultants. Call me to schedule a spa party or a consultation to learn more about our products. Become an independent consultant with this young company with a solid background. This is a ground-floor opportunity. Let’s talk.

HOMEOPATHY CONSULTANT JOAN SCOTT LOWE Homeopathic Consultant 1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-939-0071 Joan@HomeopathyBeWell.com HomeopathyForWellness.com Call or email Joan Scott Lowe, Homeopathic Wellness Consultant, to determine your individual constitutional remedy, the FDA-approved nontoxic homeopathic remedy based on the totality of your mental, emotional, and physical condition, chosen according to the Law of Similars ("like heals like"). Achieve wellness and freedom from illness!

INSPIRED MASSAGE THERAPY Nicole Morris, LMT, CMLDT 1915-B Courtney Drive Homewood, AL 35209 205-907-7977 InspiredMassageTherapy.com Healing touch for everyone. Offering traditional therapies such as Swedish and Deep Tissue, and specializing in restorative techniques, including Oncology Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage. Located near CVS and Piggly Wiggly on Hwy 31. Available Monday-Saturday by appointment.

Call to ask about out-call appointments and special rates for multi-session packages. AL License #2313

NUTRITION AND GIFTS GOLDEN TEMPLE, NOW 3 LOCATIONS 1901 11th Ave. South, Birmingham: 205-933-6333 3309 Lorna Rd, Suite 7, Hoover: 205-823-7002 110 N. Chalkville Rd, Suite 148, Trussville: 205-655-0353 Since 1973, we have been bringing you the best in healthy living. We offer a wide variety of merchandise including vitamins, herbs, supplements, natural foods, organic produce, incense, clothing, books, and gifts.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done. ~Lucille Ball~

ORGANO GOLD COFFEE 205-229-4894 CaTaylor44@yahoo.com Do you or anyone you know drink coffee or tea? Probably so. What if you could drink a healthier coffee or tea? What if told you about a coffee that negates negative caffeine effects, yet gives you all the rich flavor and even more energy than fully-caffeinated coffee? To find out more about the benefits of Organo Gold, or to attend a tasting, please call Carolyn Taylor at 205-2294894 or email her at CaTaylor44@yahoo.com.

UNITY of Birmingham

ONGOING EVENTS Sundays Sunday Service, 11am Youth Ed Sunday School, 11am Course in Miracles, 5pm Energy Healing, 1st & 3rd Sundays immediately following Sunday Service upstairs

CURRENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesdays

LESSONS IN TRUTH

6–7:30pm, “The Violet Flame Series” led by Pat Hahn, upstairs lobby

Sunday mornings 11am Lessons in Truth, by H. Emilie Cady, was the first Unity book published. Each Sunday in October, we will gather and contemplate eternal spiritual principle as expressed in this book. Chapters of this book include Spiritual Understanding, Statement of Being and The Secret Place of the Most High. The book opens with the chapter and the question, Bondage or Liberty, Which? This question still stands as the pivotal point and the central issue for us all. Let us gather and choose the Truth that sets us free. This Truth is the Truth of your Being. Truth is your Divine Heritage. Unity of Birmingham is here for you and all those ready and willing to know liberty.

Wednesdays Noon Prayer Service 7–8:30pm, “Sacred Heart Mystery School” led by Rev. Mark Pope in the Sanctuary

Thursdays Oct. 18 & 25, 7-8:30 pm “The Unity Principles of Prosperity” led by Rev. Mark Pope in the Sanctuary

Fridays 6:30–7:30pm, CODA downstairs in Artie’s Place (Youth Ed Department)

PRACTICAL MYSTICISM Adult Sunday School Sunday mornings 10 - 10:30am 6-week Series 9/9 - 10/14 CLASSES LED BY GREG TOEWS, UNITY SANCTUARY

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 7-9 pm “Lord’s Prayer & the Tree of Life”

Bookstore & Church Office Hours Tuesday–Thursday 9:30–4:30, Friday 9:30–3:00

Chaplain Prayer Line 205-251-4365

Thursday, Nov. 1, 7-9 pm “Healing for Prosperity Issues” Love offering basis; 100% proceeds to Unity of Birmingham.

For more information regarding Greg’s classes, please call 251-3713.

Silent Unity (24 hrs Prayer Available, 1-800-NOW-PRAY)

The Final Prison Break by Rev. Mark Pope ($14.95) is available at Unity Bookstore, Amazon.com (paperback & Kindle version), and MarkPope.net

Mark Pope is a spiritual teacher & licensed ordained Unity minister, who began the journey of spiritual awakening in 1971 while facing a life sentence for crimes he didn’t commit. He has followed an eclectic spiritual path for 40 years and presented his work in England, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico & throughout the US. “I am most interested in mercy, clarity and the return of attention to the infinite formless dimension, which is always already here and now.”

¢ȺȹȺ ȱ ȱ 2803 Highland Ave S Birmingham AL 35205 205-251-3713 UnityBham.org

To subscribe to our weekly email blast, click on “CONTACT US” at UnityBham.org or call 205-251-3713.