Fit Body • Conscious Eating • Green Living • Natural Pet • Creative Expression FREE
Greater Cincinnati Edition
October 2008
Clean Energy for a sustainable future
PARK + vINE local ecopreneur greens up the community he loves finding silence in a noise world
blessed quiet
living democracy ten principles
Local News • Health Briefs • Community Calendar
letterfrompublisher “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These words from The Declaration of Independence certainly embrace our inviolable right not to be cheated of clean air, pure water, wholesome food and time to live well. Why have we settled for fragments of such basic life support? It’s self-evident that Earth’s inherent goodness is being stolen right out from under us. At this point, it’s less important who’s done what than why we let it go on. Our civic responsibility, always, is to be active in the political process, as Frances Moore Lappé elucidates in Wise Words, on page 26. As she points out, voting with a ballot is only the beginning. Every day, we vote for what we do or do not want, with our time, wallets, hearts, smiles, songs and every word that comes from our lips. We vote with our attitude and actions, our contributions to community, our cars and sometimes with our feet. We vote with every bite we eat. I remember when I was in the 7th grade, I carried a plastic lunch box to school that sported a lively ecology flag. How ironic that the box I was so proud of likely sent toxins into the environment in its manufacture and eventual disposal. Thank goodness, we’re waking up. Self-reflection should lead to self-correction. And it’s never too late to update our facts and get them straight. Let’s be as educated as humanly possible as we head to the polls next month to take a stand for the good and welfare of our country as a whole, removed from the blinders of party politics and narrow self-interests. We hope this issue of Natural Awakenings will inspire you with the options we now have and the informed choices we can make on behalf of a healthy environment. Jim Motavalli makes the case for the “Clean Energy Crossroads” on page 22. Also, knowing which green stamps of approval to look for on products helps; this month’s Green Living department, on page 32, has tips. We have many Earth-friendly experts to assist us locally in our path to a greener future. Check out: Dan Korman’s Park + Vine green general store (page 10); Braden Trauth’s permaculture workshops (page 30); and Cincinnati’s green and healthy schools (page 18). Thank you for voting to naturally awaken the greater Cincinnati area by making the most of this magazine and passing each copy along to a friend. Thank you also for voting for our advertisers, distribution locations and the healthy living resources featured in our news briefs and articles, by shopping with them and using their services. Together, we are standing up for what we believe in. To a happy, healthy future,
Greater Cincinnati
Publisher Curt Hawley CinPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
Editor Heather Hafer Linda Sechrist Alison Chabonais CinEditor@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
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We give 10% of our profits to Charity. © 2008 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. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
Curt Hawley, Publisher
P.S. We continue to receive questions about whether we charge for news briefs or articles. Maintaining the integrity of our editorial means that the only cost to be in the news is your assistance in securing the right information. The revenues supporting this free publication come from our display and classified advertising, including the community resource guide.
contact us
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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 NaturalAwakeningsCincinnati.com
and services that support a healthy lifestyle. inside this issue
departments
newsbriefs 4 inspiration 7 fitbody 8 healthbriefs 11 naturalpet pg. 28 12 consciouseating 14 healingways 16 healthykids 20 wisewords 26 creativeexpressions 28 greenliving 32
pg. 18
Park + Vine
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Hometown Ecopreneur Greens Up the Community He Loves by Beth Davis
Cincinnati Sprouts Green and Healthy Schools
18
by Ginny Frazier
Clean Energy Crossroads by Jim Motavalli
Practicing Sustainability pg. 30
Local Permaculture Group Gets It Right by Kate Reidel
Colostrum: Nature’s Pet Superfood
22 30
31
by Dr. Matthew J. Heller
How to Advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 513-259-3090 or email CinSales@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for ads: the 1st of the month prior to the month of publication. Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: CinEditor@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com Deadline for editorial: the 1st of the month prior to the month of publication. calendar submissions Email Calendar Events to: CinCalendar@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for calendar: the 1st of the month prior to the month of publication. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
October October 2008 2008
newsbriefs Help Green Up Enright Ridge
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he Enright Ridge Urban Eco-Village is seeking volunteers to participate in green housing rehabilitation in Cincinnati’s urban core. Volunteers are needed to help create and maintain ENRIGHT RIDGE URBAN ECO-VILLAGE hiking trails, create wildlife habitats, and participate in or promote special projects and events in the Enright Ridge neighborhood—90 properties on or approximate to Enright Avenue in Price Hill. The Eco-Village project is a demonstration effort to develop a sustainable urban neighborhood by focusing on building community, ecological health and economic prosperity through working with the existing attributes of the neighborhood. Enright Ridge includes 200 acres of woods, many energy-efficient homes, organic gardens and numerous residents committed to ecological living. The benefits of the project will be a stronger, more sustainable neighborhood, rich in relationships, beauty and peace, say organizers. For more information, contact Enright Ridge Urban Eco-Village at Volunteer@Imagoearth.org or visit EnrightRidgeEcoVillage.org.
Chopra Graduate Joins Local Wellness Center
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antra Wellness Center announces the addition of Meditation Coordinator Erin Schnack, a certified Chopra meditation practitioner. Schnack’s practice of guided meditation, begun in preparation for parenthood, led her to study Primordial Sound Meditation. She became certified through the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California. “Meditation was taught in a thought-provoking, fun and gentle way, and I was constantly surrounded by a feeling of warmth, care and support,” Schnack says of her time at the Chopra Center. “This is the way of teaching meditation that I am proud to bring back to Cincinnati.” Primordial Sound Meditation is a technique that gives a unique mantra to each student based upon the date, time and location of their birth and relates to the energy of the universe at that exact moment. The mantra is more of a sound than a word, so any language barrier is released and meditation becomes very quiet.
Ohio Solar Tours 2008
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reen Energy Ohio announces its sixth-annual Solar Tour of energysaving systems and renewable energy installations across Ohio. Multiple tours in all corners of the state will take place from October 3 through 5. Every October, GEO organizes the Ohio Solar Tour in cooperation with the American Solar Energy Society’s (ASES) National Solar Tour and fellow ASES chapters across the U.S. Encompassing sustainable features beyond solar energy, the event provides simultaneous public tours to homes, businesses, schools, parks, and other public sites that feature clean energy technologies (ie. wind turbine, solar electric, solar hot water, passive solar design, green building products, and other energy-saving technologies). Participants will learn more about renewable energy and how it can be of use for them. For more information and details on Ohio Solar Tours in Cincinnati, visit GreenEnergyOhio.org.
Mantra Wellness Center is located at 4677 Cooper Road in Cincinnati. For more information, call 513-891-1324 or visit MantraWellnessCenter.com.
Aquarium Fundraiser Is One Nauti Nite
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he WAVE Foundation at the Newport Aquarium is hosting its third annual Nauti Nite event October 18. The maritime adventure allows 500 guests to visit various ports of call, enjoying fine cuisine, specialty cocktails, desserts and wines, exotic animal encounters, dive shows and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit youth education programs, including the Finstitute, which underwrites educational programs on and offsite for the Newport Aquarium. Proceeds will also support aquatic conservation initiatives, including turtle, penguin and shark conservation. The goal is to raise $40,000. For more information, call 859-815-1442 or visit WaveFoundation.org.
Greater Cincinnati
New Owner - Gary Matthews!
Morgan’s Triathlon to Benefit Boy Scouts & the Blind
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ow in its 29th year, Morgan’s Little Miami Triathlon Series includes a spring and fall event. This year’s Fall Triathlon is held October 5 and begins at 9 a.m. The event benefits the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and various Boy Scout troops in the area. Morgan’s is the largest triathlon of its type in the U.S. and was modeled after the first Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii; it draws more than 1,000 entrants from 25 states. The June 2008 Spring Triathlon drew a record 1,150 participants. Morgan’s Triathlon is a two-person team competition that consists of a 6-mile canoe trek down the Little Miami River, a 5.5-mile run, and an 18-mile bicycle race. The event also has a single-person kayak division, as well as a walking division. Participants in the kayak division can bring their own or use Morgan kayaks; the price is the same. In the walking division, participants are still in two-person teams, but one or both participants can walk and be timed with other walkers. Baker Concrete Construction is the presenting sponsor. For more information, visit LittleMiamiTriathlon.com or contact Gary Morgan at 513-321-3123 or GMorgan5@Cinci. RR.com.
Salt Festival, Halloween Spook-fest at Big Bone Lick
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rom October 17-19, visitors are invited to journey back in time at the Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick State Park, 3380 Beaver Road, in Union, Kentucky. Activities include flint-knapping, salt making, weaving, storytelling, music and a spear-throwing contest. Handcrafted items, food and drinks will be available for purchase. The Annual Halloween Spook-fest runs from October 22-26 and October 29-November 2. Campers will be treated to Halloween games, crafts and special events, with contests for the scariest campsite decoration, and a traditional, no-pattern pumpkin carving competition. Participants should bring their own costumes, campsite decorations and pumpkins. For more information, visit Parks.KY.gov/FindParks/RecParks/bb.
Seminar Invites Public to Sustainable Living
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hink Green–Act Clean invites the public to a seminar, “Recycling and Beyond: What You Can Do,” with speakers from P&G, Rumpke, the Environmental Quality Office of Cincinnati and Duke Energy. The seminar gives practical advice on recycling, conserving energy, saving money and living in a sustainable way, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., October 28, at 932 O’Bannonville Road, in Loveland. Registration is required. Think Green–Act Clean is a local group that promotes healthy living for a healthy environment by organizing educational tours to organic farms, energy-efficient buildings, green shops, restaurants and parks, as well as outdoor social activities such as biking, walking, hiking and playing with pets. To register, visit ThinkGreenActClean.blogspot.com.
Children’s Fundraiser Welcomes Walkers and Wheelers
T Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead
he Child Wellness Fair’s annual Quality of Life Walk takes place October 18 at Lunken Playfield, at Beechmont and Wilmer avenues. Proceeds benefit local organizations providing services for families with special needs children. The Lunken Playfield loop is 5.4 miles and encircles Lunken Airport. Turnaround points for shorter walks will be marked along the way, so everyone can participate according to his or her ability. Strollers, wheelchairs and skaters are also welcome. Registration fee for adults and teenagers is $20, or $15 in advance. Children 12 and under are free. Groups of more than four may register as a team at a discounted rate. Check-in begins at 9 a.m.; the walk begins at 10 a.m. To register, call 513-943-1900 or visit ChildWellnessFair.com.
October 2008
newsbriefs Local Mom Offers Healthy Meals to Go
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rustrated by the lack of fast, convenient and healthy meal options for her family, one local mother set out to fill the void. The newly opened Peapod Café, 6227 Montgomery Road, in Pleasant Ridge, is Melanie Moore’s gift to Cincinnati, focusing on fair trade, organic and locally produced ingredients. The menu is comprised of raw fruit smoothies; organic, fair trade loose-leaf teas; fresh vegetables; homemade soups; quiche; and breads. The Peapod Café’s interior is mindful, as well. From the front door to the countertops, construction materials have been reclaimed from buildings in and around Cincinnati. Disposable goods and utensils are biodegradable and decompose within three months. Visit ThePeapodCafe.com or contact Moore at 513-351-2460 or Melanie@ThePeapodCafe.com.
Holistic Cancer Support Stream Programs Open to Kids & Adults
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reenacres Foundation is offering several free stream habitat training programs, suitable for participants ages 9 and up, October 11, at Greenacres River Lab, 211 Railroad Avenue, in Loveland. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Every second Saturday, from 8 to 10 a.m., participants of the Stream Snapshot Program collect water samples from neighborhood streams in the Lower Little Miami Watershed and take the samples to the lab for analysis. Volunteer orientation is held from 9:30 to 10 a.m., followed by lab analyst on-the-job training from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. From 3 to 4 p.m., new volunteers can learn how to assess stream habitat and how to complete Ohio EPA’s Citizen Habitat Evaluation Index, which looks at whether or not a stream can support fish. To register, call Anne Lyon at 513-8914227, e-mail ALyon@Green-Acres.org or visit Green-Acres.org.
Greater Cincinnati
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or people affected by cancer, The Wellness Community (TWC) offers a variety of informative programs year-round. All are free and take place at TWC’s Lynn Stern Center, 4918 Cooper Road, in Blue Ash. On October 1, counselors from the Hereditary Cancer Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center will lead a discussion of hereditary cancer, with a special focus on breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. The discussion will cover family history, risk factors and genetic testing. An arts program, “Creative Expressions: Altered Books,” will take place October 10. All materials, including stamps, paints, photographs, writing materials and other media, will be supplied. On October 21, Ted Haddix, of Hospice, hosts a conversation exploring the challenges of change and ways to embrace the future. On October 23, an iRest yoga class puts a modern spin on an ancient technique. To learn more or to register, visit TheWellnessCommunity.org/Cincinnati or call TWC at 513-791-4060.
Xavier Is Wheel-y Charged Up
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avier University has acquired an all-electric automobile to support the university’s initiative for sustainability. The street-legal vehicle, to be used by Xavier’s mailing services, will reduce pollution and is cheaper to drive than a gasoline-powered car. On one electric charge, which costs about 88 cents, the vehicle will travel about 42 miles. For more information, visit Xavier.edu.
inspiration
Blessed Quiet by Cathy Lewis
A Noisy World From the pervasive hum of highway traffic to the discordant drone of office machines and household appliances, our days are rarely still. Television and radio chatter fill endless hours, cell phone conversations assault us on every side, and the end of the day finds us tense and weary. Little wonder. Studies by leading health organizations and research universities demonstrate the close relationship of exposure to unwanted noise with increased levels of stress and related health issues. For example, a study conducted near London’s Heathrow Airport showed an association of regular exposure to environmental noise with mental health problems and individuals’ increased production of the stress hormone, cortisol. Other medical studies have linked exposure to noise with psychological distress, gastrointestinal problems and cardiovascular conditions. Even low-level sounds have been connected with problems ranging from increased aggression to poor sleep.
A Restful Answer Janet Luhrs, a pioneer of the Simplicity Movement, suggests five ways to institute daily moments of silence to counter these effects. “In realizing more blessed quiet, you’ll not only feel better,” she advises, “you’ll also be healthier.” Start the day with silence. Before rushing headlong into another day, do something relaxing for at least 12 minutes upon waking. Stretch, read an inspirational message or meditate. Hormone levels are highest when we first arise. Most people have coffee and turn on the news. That’s the worst thing we can do. Eat at a table, without TV or reading. Mindful eating helps us enjoy food more and prevents overeating, because we are more attuned to our body’s signals of satisfaction. Plus, it allows us to metabolize food more efficiently. Drive in silence. The car is a fine place to get in touch with our thoughts and be with our self. Silence rejuvenates us. Create a silence retreat at home. Set aside an evening at home with no talking. Switch the phone ringer off and don’t answer it; turn off the TV. Don’t run needless appliances. A cooperative family can do this together, or trade nights with a partner willing to take the kids out to dinner and for fun around town. Practice silent exercise. When exercising, work out without an iPod, video or other media. If possible, exercise outdoors. Silence helps us pay attention to everything our body is doing—our breathing, muscles and posture. Silence helps us heed the healthy signals our body sends—perhaps to slow down, go faster or straighten up. Luhrs is the international bestselling author of The Simple Living Guide and Simple Loving, as well as the Simple Living newsletter and SimpleLiving.com. Study Sources: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology; Journal of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy; Social and Preventive Medicine.
October 2008
fitbody
inspiration
è Keeping your eyes on the road, vary your focal point, to reduce the risk of eye fatigue and tension headaches. è Take rest breaks. Never underestimate the potential consequences of fatigue to yourself, passengers and other drivers.
In a Jet:
è Stand up straight and feel the spine’s
Back-Friendly Travel
Chiropractic Tips Ease Stress and Strain
by Barb Amrhein
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ravel can literally be a pain. Whether we’re traveling for business or pleasure, long hours in a car, train, bus or plane can leave us stressed, tired, stiff and sore. Chiropractors, often called upon to undo the damages of travel, understand its causes. Fortunately, they also offer a full itinerary of informative tips to help us avoid the pains and strains of getting from here to there. Part of the problem is prolonged sitting, which can “wreak havoc on the body,” explains Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic Association’s (ACA) Council on Occupational Health. “Even if you travel in the most comfortable car or fly first-class, certain pressures and forces from awkward positions can result in restricted blood flow.” Dr. Margaret Masucci, of Chiropractic Care Center in Union, Kentucky, advises: “On long trips especially, bring a back support such as a small pillow, to provide extra lumbar support. Also, stand up periodically to stretch and walk around, in order to enhance blood flow and avoid stiffening your musculature.” The ACA suggests treating travel as an athletic event. Warm up before settling into a seat and do a destination cooldown by taking a brisk walk to stretch
Greater Cincinnati
the hamstring and calf muscles. Try these tips as the ticket for a more comfortable trip.
In the Car:
è Adjust the seat so that you are sitting as close to the steering wheel as comfortably possible. Knees should be slightly higher than the hips. Place four fingers behind the back of your thigh at the point closest to the knee. If you cannot easily slide your fingers in and out of that space, readjust the seat. è Use a back support to help reduce the risk of low-back strain, pain or injury. Its widest part should be between the bottom of your rib cage and waistline. è Exercise your legs while driving, in order to reduce the risk of swelling, fatigue or discomfort. Open your toes as wide as possible and count to 10. Count to five, while first tightening calf muscles, then thigh muscles and then gluteal muscles. è To minimize arm and hand tension, hold the steering wheel at approximately 3 o’clock and 7 o’clock positions, periodically switching to 10 o’clock and 5 o’clock. è Do not grip the steering wheel. Instead, tighten and loosen your hold, to improve hand circulation and decrease muscle fatigue in arms, wrists and hands.
normal ‘S’ curve. Then, use rolled-up pillows or blankets to maintain that curve while sitting in your seat. Tuck a pillow behind your back just above the beltline and lay another pillow across the gap between your neck and the headrest. è Check all bags heavier than 5 to 10 percent of your body weight. While lifting carryon bags, stand directly in front of the overhead compartment, so the spine is not rotated. Do not lift bags directly over your head or turn or twist your head and neck in the maneuver. è While seated, vary your position occasionally to improve circulation and avoid leg cramps. Massage legs and calves. Bring legs in and move knees up and down. Prop your legs up on a book or a bag under the seat in front of you. Hyman recommends moving the feet clockwise and counterclockwise every so often, in addition to moving and stretching the legs. è Avoid sitting directly under the airconditioning jets. The draft can increase tension in neck and shoulder muscles. Dr. Chris Coffman, who practices wellness care in Ohio, at West Chester Chiropractic Center, points out that, “Our bodies are designed to move. Spinal motion is important, not only in reducing back pain, but also in improving mental and physical health. So, it’s best to move around whenever possible.” “Also, when you are flying, if the ‘fasten seatbelt’ light isn’t on, get up every 30 minutes to walk up and down the aisle. Bend at the waist, from side to side, forward and backward, and then rotate left and right,” advises Coffman. “This improves circulation and stimulates the nervous system, which in turn, helps in decreasing pain and reducing stress, as well as supporting overall health.” Happy travels. Sources: American Chiropractic Association; ACAToday.org.
Local Chiropractic Care Chiropractic Care Center Chiropractic Care Center, established in December, 1994, provides care to families in our tri-state area. Doctors thoroughly evaluate each individual via a health history, examination and a noninvasive testing procedure, which generally include radiographs. They then tailor specific treatment to the client’s individual acute or chronic conditions, needs and goals. In addition, practitioners here understand the importance of preventive and wellness care. Appropriate care has helped many people avoid re-injury and prevent further damage to their nervous and musculoskeletal system. Services include alignment for adults and children, cold laser therapy, ultrasound, traction, help for cumulative trauma disorders, therapeutic massage, thermography and orthotics. Connect with Dr. Margaret Masucci and Dr. Brian K. Spencer, chiropractic practitioners at Chiropractic Care Center, 8761 U.S. Hwy, 42, Ste. C, in Union, KY. Call 859647-7730 or visit ChiroCare4U.com.
Learn a complete system of healing and transformation driven by a shift in perception and a groundbreaking new consciousness technology developed by
DR. RICHARD BARTLETT Dr. Bartlett teaches Matrix Energetics, an accessible and quantifiable healing modality. Based on the laws of quantum reality, Matrix Energetics helps you make key shifts into new possibilities! The Matrix is the frame on which the canvas of reality is stretched—it allows us to move beyond healing into personal transformation. This seminar is specifically designed for everyone to be able to learn and experience this exciting shift. With his engaging and humorous teaching style, Dr. Bartlett will demonstrate this complete system of transformation including step-by-step instruction and hands-on practice. You will learn to initiate and create observable changes instantly, whether you are a healing practitioner or just an interested beginner. Richard Bartlett, DC, ND, has helped thousands of people to heal themselves since founding Matrix Energetics. He is the author of Matrix Energetics: The Science and Art of Transformation (Atria Books/Beyond Words).
West Chester Chiropractic Center Dr. Chris Coffman, who began studying health 36 years ago, has been practicing chiropractic healing in West Chester since 1989. Today, he applies his ongoing research on health and wellness to benefit clients at the West Chester Chiropractic Center and help community residents live healthier, longer and happier, productive lives. Coffman’s early thirst for knowledge continued through his graduation from Chiropractic College and on into his career as a certified sports physician. He went on to postgraduate studies and became certified in whiplash and spinal trauma, the clinical biomechanics of posture, chiropractic pediatrics and the Webster technique. Most recently, he became a Certified Chiropractic Wellness Provider. Connect with Dr. Chris Coffman, chiropractic practitioner, at West Chester Chiropractic Center, 8115 Cin-Day Rd., in West Chester, OH. Call 513-777-7575 or visit WestchesterChiro.com.
Seattle, WA—Dec. 5Ǧ8, 2008 (Levels 1 & 2) Practitioner’s Certification Dec. 9, 2008 Coming soon to Seattle in Feb. 2009: Whizard’s Training (Level 3) plus Special Day with Dr. Mark Dunn Other upcoming seminars: San Francisco, CA—Oct. 17-20, Levels 1&2 Baltimore, MD—Oct. 31—Nov. 3, Levels 1 & 2 Newark, NJ—Nov. 15-16, Whizard Training & Level 3 San Diego, CA—Jan. 16-19, Levels 1 & 2 Chicago, IL—Apr. 17-20, Levels 1 & 2 2009 schedule coming soon!
Check our website for our seminar schedule, early registration discounts and streaming video.
www.matrixenergetics.com 800.269.9513 October 2008
communityspotlight
Park + Vine Hometown Ecopreneur Greens Up the Community He Loves by Beth Davis
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or as long as Dan Korman can remember, he has had a passion for the planet. “My interest in turning off light switches to save electricity, taking care of the animal kingdom and riding my bicycle started in the 1970s as a kid growing up in Cincinnati,” he recalls. As a teen living in Madeira, Korman organized paper drives, wrote papers on wildlife conservation and took the bus downtown whenever he had the chance. “I was obsessed with saving wildlife and natural areas,” he says. “I still don’t know why I didn’t pursue a career in that field.” Instead, Korman studied urban planning at the University of Cincinnati, where his taste for environmentalism became more focused. “I gave up meat, desired to never own a car for any length of time, and lived in apartments near the university and downtown, so that I could walk or take the bus to class,” he explains. “Later, in an era of continued suburban expansion, I knew I wanted to save worthy older places for posterity, such as Cincinnati.” It’s no wonder then, that after nine years of living in Chicago and pining to return to his hometown, Korman was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug while befriending vendors and small farmers at Chicago’s GreGeaturen City Market. He immediately recognized the potential for a green store in Cincinnati after hearing about renewed attention on revitalizing the city. “I wanted the store to be part of all this, especially downtown and in Over-the-Rhine,” he says. After working on a business plan for a year and returning to Cincinnati, Korman
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Greater Cincinnati
Featured product lines minimize the use of natural resources, toxic materials and animal byproducts. hit the ground running. He signed a lease, started networking with people involved in sustainable living and brought in friends and family to build-out the space, qualify merchandise for the store and launch the opening. Park + Vine opened its doors as Cincinnati’s first green general store, on June 1, 2007, four months after Korman hit town. Its environmentally friendly and ecologically minded merchandise includes home furnishings, personal care items, and natural baby and parenting supplies. Featured product lines minimize the use of natural resources, toxic materials and animal byproducts. Since opening, the store has quickly become a vital part of Cincinnati’s link to the green movement, earning numerous accolades, which Korman finds both humbling and motivating. In 2008, CityBeat readers and staff honored Park + Vine with four Best of Cincinnati awards, including Best New Store, Best Green-oriented Business, Best Friend to the Environment, and Best Buy-in at a New Sore. Cincy magazine voted the store our Best Eco-friendly Shop, while the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce named Park + Vine its New Business of the Year. “The public’s recognition validates our place in the city and shows that the store means something to people,” comments Korman. “I get all my energy to keep going from customers and boosters of the store and neighborhood. Knowing that Park + Vine is part of positive change
in Cincinnati empowers us all.” Most recently, VegNews readers nominated Park + Vine as their favorite vegan storefront. The nomination came as a complete surprise to its owner. “It means a great deal to me personally, considering that stores similar to Park + Vine are mostly found on the coasts,” notes Korman. Cherishing the wide support of the local community, Korman is adamant about championing as many local green initiatives as possible. These include the Cincinnati Waldorf School; Imago Earth Center; Queen City Bike, a new bicycling advocacy organization; and groups such as the MoBo Bicycle Cooperative in Northside and Green Drinks Cincinnati, an informal environmental network. Korman believes strongly in working together as a community. He encourages people to shop at locally owned and operated stores; buy locally sourced produce from area farmers; live in smaller, more energy-efficient homes in older neighborhoods; and be actively involved in their communities. “I like to keep things simple in my own life,” he explains with a smile, “And I believe this is the best way of all to lead a green lifestyle.” Park + Vine is located at 1109 Vine St. in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. For information call 513721-7275 or visit ParkAndVine.com. Store hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. MondaySaturday and 12-4 p.m. Sunday.
More Children, Fewer Teeth?
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very child costs the mother one tooth is an old saying that may hold some truth. Women who give birth to more children tend to lose more teeth during their lives, according to a nationwide study by Dr. Stefanie Russell, assistant professor of Epidemiology & Health Promotion at New York University. According to the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, comprising 2,635 white and black, non-Hispanic women, results show that females between the ages of 35 and 49 with no children or one child, had lost an average of two teeth. Mothers in the same age span with four or more children were missing about five teeth. Dr. Russell observed that significant biological and behavioral changes related to pregnancy and childbirth may play a major role in tooth loss. For example, she reports that women are more likely to develop gingivitis during pregnancy, when the response of the oral tissues to the bacteria in the mouth is altered. Gingivitis occurs when bacteria build up between the teeth and gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. Untreated, it can lead to more serious gum disease and eventual tooth loss. Also, pregnant women may be less likely to see a dentist, because they fear that radiation exposure during an X-ray could harm their unborn child. Socioeconomic differences were not directly linked to tooth loss, although women with multiple children may not visit the dentist as often. Russell theorizes that this may be due to lack of money or time. Source: American Journal of Public Health; AJPH.org
healthbriefs
Vegan, Gluten-Free Diet Linked to Heart Health
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vegan, gluten-free diet may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study by the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. RA is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Researchers divided 66 RA patients into two groups: 38 volunteers ate only gluten-free, vegan food, while the rest followed a well-balanced diet. Blood samples were analyzed over the course of a year at regular intervals. Results showed that body-mass index, as well as levels of bad cholesterols—lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL (OxLDL)—dropped in the vegan group participants. The same volunteers showed no decrease in good cholesterols—triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Their levels of antiPC antibodies, which are believed to help protect the body against cardiovascular disease, also increased. None of these indicators changed in the control group. Source: ScienceDaily.com.
Healthy Skin Care Detoxification Eden Spaulding (Independent Consultant) phone: (513)693-7841 email: EdenTreats@Yahoo.com web: Edenyouth.MyArbonne.com Kerri Schmidt (Independent Consultant) phone: (513)737-4401 email: kerriaschmidt@aol.com
contact us today ! October 2008
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naturalpet
top 10 Household Hazards Even when we feel that we’re doing a good job of keeping our pets safe, we can all be more vigilant, counsels the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Last year, the APCC answered more than 116,000 calls, significantly more than the year before. In response, the center has released a helpful list of the top 10 household product categories that typically prove hazardous to animals:
1. Human medications
4. Plants
From over-the-counter pain relievers to prescription drugs, human medications are the most common cause of poisoning in dogs and cats. “Just one extrastrength acetaminophen can be deadly to a cat, and just four regular-strength ibuprofens can lead to serious kidney problems in a 10-pound dog,” advises Dr. Steven Hansen, a veterinary toxicologist with the ASPCA. He suggests storing medications in a secure cabinet out of the animal’s reach.
Houseplants may look good, but many are highly toxic, including common varieties like azalea and rhododendron. “Lilies, for example, are highly toxic to cats,” says Hansen. “Even ingested in small amounts, they can produce life-threatening kidney failure.” Keep houseplants out of animals’ reach and provide safe alternatives, such as barley grass or catnip.
2. Insecticides In one recent year, the APCC handled more than 27,000 calls reporting problems involving flea and tick products, clearly demonstrating the toxicity of these products. Wherever possible, avoid use of chemical-laden flea and tick killers in favor of a holistic approach to pest control through diet, supplements, grooming and natural flea products. Google ‘natural flea and tick control’ for options.
3. Veterinary medications The poison center has seen a whopping 93 percent increase in cases involving veterinary medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventives, antibiotics and vaccines. Minimize use of these drugs by consulting a holistic vet about alternative treatments and therapies.
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5. Rodenticides As pet food recalls tragically have shown, rat poisons and similar toxins can lead to potentially life-threatening situations for dogs and cats, including seizure or kidney damage. Consider safer, more humane ways of getting rid of rodents, such as live traps. Just as parents baby-proof a home, why not proactively pet-proof both home and property?
6. Household cleaners Bleaches, detergents and disinfectants are just some of the household cleaners that can harm furry, four-footed and other companions. Store all cleaners in a secure spot; better yet, switch to nontoxic, green alternatives.
7. Chocolate Don’t share this tasty treat with animals. Chocolate contains caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines, which can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even
death in animals, especially dogs. “Typically, the darker the chocolate, the greater the potential for poisoning,” notes Hansen.
8. Chemical hazards This group encompasses antifreeze, drain cleaners, pool and spa chemicals and others. Hanson says, “These substances can cause a variety of problems, ranging from gastrointestinal upset and depression to respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.”
9. Physical hazards Be alert for objects that could cause choking, intestinal obstruction or other injury. “We’ve managed cases involving the ingestion of several common objects—from pet collars and adhesive tape to bones, paper products and similar items,” says Hansen. “It is important to make sure that items that could be easily knocked over, broken, chewed up or swallowed are kept out of the reach of curious pets.”
10. Home improvement products The APCC has dealt with thousands of cases involving paint, solvents, expanding glues and other products used in construction and renovation. Advises Hanson, “Pet parents should keep animals out of areas where home improvement projects are taking place.” For more information visit ASPCA.org/APCC.
healthbriefs
Artificial Sweeteners Sour the Brain
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rtificial sweeteners may fool the tongue, but not the brain. A new study concludes that the brain is able to distinguish sugar from its artificial counterpart, and that the latter may not be helpful in weight-loss programs. At the University of California, San Diego, 12 women underwent functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) while drinking water sweetened with either real sugar or Splenda (sucralose), an artificial sweetener. The subjects could not tell the solutions apart. The analysis of the fMRI showed that while both the sugar and artificial sweetener stimulated pleasure pathways in the brain, sugar activated pleasure-related brain regions more extensively than its artificial counterpart. As a result, sugar is more satisfying, researchers say. The study suggests that artificial sweeteners may arouse the brain’s pleasure sensations without satisfying them. Separate research with rats at Purdue University even linked weight gain with ingestion of artificial sweeteners. In light of recent research by the American Heart Association that correlates intake of artificial sweeteners with increased risk for metabolic syndrome and obesity, this new finding suggests that sugar is more suitable for satisfying a sweet tooth—and that cutting down on it is preferable to using artificial sweeteners in weight-loss efforts. Source: SciAm.com
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Nutrition for Breast Health
Get Some Vitamin D Vitamin D, produced in the skin when the body is exposed to at least 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight, appears to have anti-cancer benefits, according to research recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, as well as in fortified milk.
Favor Cruciferous Vegetables
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by Patrick Quillin, Ph.D.
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ast year, of the 1.4 million individuals diagnosed with cancer, 212,000 were women with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and its almost three-fold increase since 1950—from 1 in 20 cases in 1950, to 1 in 7 in 2007—has prompted many questions and studies about underlying causes, as well as the possibilities for preventive breast health through a healthy lifestyle that incorporates good nutrition and regular exercise. Here are some practices that can help:
Eat the Right Fats Health is highly dependent upon intake of essential, healthy fats that help immune cells recognize and destroy cancer cells. Good fats that can help reduce the risk of cancer are: fish oil, high in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid); borage oil or evening primrose oil, which contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA); flax oil, rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, a precursor to EPA); conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), from the meat and milk of grass-fed ruminants, like cows and sheep; olive oil; and shark oil. An early study by Rashida A. Karmali, Ph.D, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, reported that an EPA-rich diet significantly lowered the levels of estradiol, a marker for breast cancer, in 25 women who were at risk for breast cancer.
Eating two servings a week of cruciferous vegetables can help counteract excessive levels of estrogen. Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower contain anticancer, detoxifying substances that bind up estrogen and help eliminate it from the body. 14
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Fat in the human body generates its own hormones. Excess body weight, particularly abdominal fat, can lead to increased levels of estrogen, and high estrogen levels have been linked with breast cancer. Eating two servings a week of cruciferous vegetables can help counteract excessive levels of estrogen. Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower contain anticancer, detoxifying substances that bind up estrogen and help eliminate it from the body. They also contain Indole-3-carbinol (indoles), which may have anticarcinogenic effects.
Balance the Body’s pH Eat more alkaline-forming plant foods to maintain a proper pH balance. Shop for fresh fruit and vegetables; some dairy (cottage cheese and yogurt); organic chicken, turkey and grass-fed beef; and fish. Purchase dried beans (garbanzo and black beans), whole grains (brown rice and oats), nuts and seeds.
Eat Less Sugar Excessive consumption of sweet fluids and foods results in high blood glucose levels that can negatively impact health and may be linked to several diseases, including cancer. Eat fewer sweet foods, including high-glycemic fruits such as watermelon and pineapple. Avoid the high-fructose corn syrups commonly found in processed foods.
Add Micronutrients Trace minerals important to health— such as magnesium, zinc, selenium
and chromium—may be missing from today’s fruits and vegetables, because our soils are so depleted from modern agricultural methods. A high-quality nutritional supplement, along with probiotics, can be beneficial.
Use Healthy Seasonings Several herbs and spices offer protective antioxidant properties, including cinnamon; ginger; curry powder (a spice mixture that contains curcumin, the bright yellow pigment in turmeric); onions; stevia; and garlic, which has powerful antifungal and antibiotic properties.
You CAN Make A Difference…
Drink Green Tea Regularly consuming green tea, with its potent phytochemicals, may help lower the risk of cancer. Research in Japan and China, documented in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that green tea may help prevent, and possibly even reverse, some forms of the disease.
Exercise, Too Good nutrition is essential, but so is a regular overall exercise program. While 40 percent of all Americans will eventually be diagnosed with cancer, only 14 percent of active Americans develop the disease. Thirty minutes of exercise every other day cuts the risk for breast cancer by 75 percent. Exercise imparts multiple benefits, including tissue oxy-
AND Be Paid For It! genation, which thwarts the anaerobic needs of cancer cells. Regular exercise also improves immunity, lymph flow, and functioning of the body’s natural detoxification systems. Patrick Quillin is a clinical nutritionist, registered dietitian and certified nutrition specialist with the American College of Nutrition. He is the author of Beating Cancer with Nutrition, the primary source for this article. For more information visit NutritionCancer.com.
Though free to think and act, we are held together, like the stars in the firmament. These ties cannot be seen, but we can feel them.
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- Nikola Tesla October 2008
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healingways
West Meets East More Americans Are Embracing Acupuncture by Lee Walker
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s individuals take more ownership of their well-being, acupuncture and other drug-free, patient-focused modalities are playing a greater role in their overall health care programs,” observes Gigi Klimick Pereira, a licensed acupuncturist at Mantra Wellness Center, in Blue Ash. “Self-directed care is more possible than ever now for Ohio residents thanks to Ohio Senate Bill 245, passed in May, which makes acupuncture accessible to everyone.” She notes that since August, individuals no longer need a written referral from a physician to be treated by any acupuncturist who has had their Ohio license a year or longer. Newer acupuncture practitioners still require a written referral, which may now be provided by either a physician or chiropractor. Most of Pereira’s patients show a desire to take charge of their own health and seek acupuncture as their method of choice for improved well-being, says Pereira. She knows that many are also avid students of nutrition and exercise. Pereira states unequivocally, “Oriental medicine is a wholesome and proactive approach to health. It is
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Oriental medicine acknowledges qi, the body’s vital life force that streams along pathways related to organs and the muscular and nervous systems. It operates on the premise that trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors or excessive emotional issues all can disturb the balance of qi, leading to pain and illness. Acupuncture is one way to help balance qi. as much about preventing the onset of disease as it is keeping illness under control.” According to the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM), which celebrates Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day on October 24, the practice comprises a system of therapies that have been used to treat illness and diseases for more than 2,000 years. Of these therapies—which include diet, nutrition, herbology, lifestyle counseling, T’ai chi and qigong exercise—acupuncture has taken hold as one of the most popular here. The national association for licensed Oriental medicine pracitioners has The association, which licenses doctors of Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.), has been working since 1981 to inte-
grate this time-honored system of health care into mainstream care in the United States. It begins by focusing on the factors that cause disease, rather than just treating symptoms. Pereira says her job as an acupuncturist is to help individuals build and maintain their natural and inherent strengths to fight and prevent diseasecausing imbalances. “Many clients come asking that I address an acute or chronic condition,” advises Pereira, “while others come on a regular basis, as part of their ongoing wellness program.” Christine Kaiser, a second-year acupuncture physician and O.M.D. resident at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington, also attests to the growing interest in acupuncture. “Bastyr Center for Natural Health, the largest natural
medicine clinic in the state, serves as the teaching clinic for the university,” explains Kaiser. “Its residents conduct clinic shifts at several outreach medical facilities in Seattle. The western medical community now seeks us out and we regularly work closely with allopathic doctors and their patients.” She notes that one student recently relocated to Minnesota to work with the Mayo Clinic. Oriental medicine acknowledges qi, the body’s vital life force that streams along pathways related to organs and the muscular and nervous systems. It operates on the premise that trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors or excessive emotional issues all can disturb the balance of qi, leading to pain and illness. Acupuncture is one way to help balance qi. Acupuncture is used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness, stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal itself. The modality employs extremely fine, hair-thin, flexible, sterile single-use needles that the licensed practitioner places at specific acupuncture points, or meridians, on the body, each corresponding to a pathway of qi. The length and frequency of treatment varies for each individual, and treatments are scheduled according to the nature of a condition. With improvement, fewer visits are required. Allyson Trebbi, a licensed acupuncturist at FusZen Acupuncture in Cincinnati, shares her most common question: “Nearly all patients ask, ‘Can acupuncture treat… (a particular disease or symptom)?’ “I generally answer yes, because the aim is not to treat the disease, but the imbalance in the body that leads to the disease or symptom,” explains Trebbi. “Symptoms are a signpost for us to read how the body is functioning and provide information on how to bring homeostasis back to the body.” Of course, this is where the body wants to be, in a state of balance and health. “But, stress acts to constantly to pull us out of this balanced state, which is why acupuncture is so effective as preventive medicine,” she says. She notes that acupuncture helps people cope with and deflect stress, so that it
does not become destructive to their health. A recent study by the University of Maryland Medical School reported in the British Medical Journal, indicated that acupuncture might even aid in vitro fertilization, increasing the success rate by 65 percent. Jonathan Wald, assistant dean at East West College of Natural Medicine in Sarasota, Florida, also reports that the school has experienced an increase in student enrollment for its 3,103-hour program of study in Oriental Medicine (OM). Classroom and practical study includes the philosophy, theory and clinical application of Oriental and Western medicine. “We have noticed that nursing students today are showing an interest in forms of eastern medicine,” says Wald. “They like to combine the knowledge they gain here with knowledge of western medicine.” Individual states have the jurisdiction to regulate the practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine oversees a national board examination and certification process. For more information, visit these websites: the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, AAAOMonline.org; Bastyr University,
Bastyr.edu; East West College of Natural Medicine, EWCollege.org. Connect with Gigi Klimick Pereira, a licensed acupuncturist, at Mantra Wellness Center, 4677 Cooper Rd. in Cincinnati. Phone 513-891-1324, visit MantraWellnessCenter.com or email info@MantraWellnessCenter.com. Connect with Allyson Trebbi, licensed acupuncturist, at FusZen Acupuncture, 3414 Edwards Rd., Ste. 4, in Cincinnati. Email amtrebbi@yahoo.com, visit fuszen.com or call 513-321-0012.
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. - Kahlil Gibran October 2008
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Cincinnati Sprouts Green and Healthy Schools
by Ginny Frazier
U
niforms are voluntary at Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), but if they were required, they’d surely be green. A green school initiative fostered here has blossomed into a role model for a nationwide movement. With its use of natural materials, more and larger operable windows, greater use of daylight, and dissolution of barriers between indoors and outside, CPS has succeeded in attracting the attention of Earth Day Network (EDN), a
Steven L. Brash, Duke Energy (left), speaks at the dedication of a photovoltaic panel array to Pleasant Ridge Montessori on behalf of the regional electric utility, as Robert L. Knight, GBBN Architects, and Mary Ronan, Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent, steady a panel.
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leading Washington D.C.-based international environmental advocacy organization. EDN has adopted the Cincinnati model as the basis for its national Green School campaign, which aims to green all of America’s K-12 schools within a generation. Last year, CPS resolved to build and renovate the remaining schools in its $1 billion Facilities Master Plan upon green principles after the board of education agreed to embrace the U.S. Green Building Council’s program of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the nation’s premier green building rating system. The Ohio School Facilities Commission came on board next, making funds available to help pay for sustainable features and vowing that from now on, all new and renovated schools receiving its support would be green. “Obviously, the time was right for a green school initiative, but it wouldn’t have happened without community support,” says Joel Stout, the green architect who helped advocate for green and healthy schools locally. As early as 2004, a citizens’ group, Alliance for Leadership and Interconnection (ALLY), through its Growing Green and Healthy Schools Network, was collaborating with CPS, architects and community leaders to catalyze the realization of green and healthy schools in Cincinnati and Ohio. According to Robert L. Knight, CPS sustainable design
coordinator, with the completion of the final phase of the CPS Facilities Master Plan now in progress, Cincinnati is set to emerge in 2012 with one of the largest concentrations of green and healthy schools of any urban school district in the nation. A year ago this month, for example, the Harold C. Schott Education Center, at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, became the first educational facility in Ohio to earn a silver LEED certification, scoring 37 points out of a possible 69. The center houses the CPS Hughes Center Zoo Academy, a public school for high school students interested in careers in the zoo industry. The Pleasant Ridge Montessori School and Community Learning Center, which opened in August, showcases sustainable design features due to appear in many other CPS schools. These initiatives, developed by Knight and supported by many community partners, include:
to the science classroom, where students observe and tend the plants. Another example is Pleasant Ridge Montessori, where Duke Energy is donating photovoltaic arrays so the school can convert solar energy into electricity. It also serves as a teaching tool for students as they observe and monitor power produced through this process. “Cincinnati is becoming a very green place,” observes Knight, “with more green partnerships growing every day.”
To learn more about CPS’s green initiatives, watch the Growing Green and Healthy Schools online video at CETConnect.org/GreenHealthySchools/index.asp, or visit CPS-k12.org/facilities/Green/ FacGreen.htm. Contact Alliance for Leadership and Interconnection at NSGreenSchool@yahoo.com or visit AllyOhio.org.
• Green stormwater management, using permeable hard surfaces, vegetative green roofs and rain gardens. • Energy efficiency and renewable energy, leveraging solar panels, geothermal sources (where appropriate) and daylight. • Recycling of native wood. Ash trees harvested to prevent the spread of the ash borer (an invasive species of beetle) will find new homes in school cabinetry and shelving. • Zero waste. This initiative expands schools’ existing programs for recycling and waste reduction to achieve zero waste. • Optimal air quality that contributes to the comfort and well-being of building occupants. Research by the University of Tulsa and others show that attendance and academic performance can be improved with better indoor air quality. Stepping up to its highly visible role model status, CPS is also now using its green school buildings as tools for teaching environmental responsibility. One example, at North Avondale, has located a vegetative flat roof adjacent
October 2008
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healthykids
Youths Work to Ensure Their Future On October 21, six of the nation’s most farseeing environmental and social justice activists will gather in San Francisco to accept an award, and our country’s gratitude, for their leadership roles and community projects.
Yet, none of them are over 22. 20
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2008 Environmental Award Winners
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othing would have pleased David Brower—firebrand environmentalist, community activist, and the inspiration behind the Brower Youth Awards— more. Brower [1912-2000], a pioneer in the U.S. environmental movement, founded the Sierra Club Foundation, Friends of the Earth and, in 1982, Earth Island Institute, a hub for grassroots campaigns dedicated to conserving, preserving and restoring shared ecosystems. Key to Brower’s vision of action on behalf of the future was his mentorship of young emerging leaders; the awards program, created in 2000, honors his legacy. The awards not only promote the winners’ accomplishments, they invest in their continued leadership success by providing access to resources, mentors and opportunities to further develop their skills through Earth Island’s New Leaders Initiative program. This year’s recipients of the Brower Youth Awards are:
Marisol Becerra, 18 Environmental Justice Mapzine In 2003, Becerra volunteered with Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) to inventory toxins in her predominantly Mexican-American community in Chicago. She learned that the Harvard School of Public Health had directly linked health problems affecting area residents to two coal-burning power plants within blocks of her home. Becerra launched a youth branch of LVEJO and devised an interactive online map (ElCilantro.org/?page_id=6) that uses facts and videos to educate residents about the pollutants in Little Village that were linked to both premature deaths and hundreds of emergency room visits. “In 2006,” she advises, “we got Governor Rob Blagojevich to introduce the nation’s strictest mercury rule: a 90 percent reduction at every power plant by 2012.”
Jessie-Ruth Corkins, 17 The Vermont Sustainable Heating Initiative (VSHI) Corkins serves as the core leader of VSHI, a group of students from 26 high schools. She first rose to a teacher’s challenge to create an energy conservation plan for her school, later working to convince the school board to convert the school’s gas heater to a woodchip boiler, fueled by local products. Corkins and VSHI went on to devise a persuasive statewide plan to develop Vermont’s 100,000 acres of underutilized land to grow prairie grass for a revolutionary grass pelletization fuel system (see SustainableHeatingVT.org).
Kari Fulton, 22 Loving Our City, Loving Ourselves (LOCLOS) Fulton serves as a pivotal player in two environmental justice projects. Locally, she co-founded LOCLOS, which works to build stronger campus and community solidarity on issues of concern in Washington, D.C. Nationally, Fulton works as the Energy Action Coalition Coordinator for the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative (EJCC.org), where she has become a pioneer organizer, building the youth climate movement among people of color.
Timothy Den Herder-Thomas, 21 Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Community Development Herder-Thomas is the leader behind creation of Macalester College’s Clean Energy Revolving Fund (CERF), a studentdesigned financial pool that funds energy-efficiency projects on campus. Beyond campus, through his Cooperative Energy Futures program, he has convened a collaborative of labor groups, nonprofits, local businesses and students to engage with the city of St. Paul, Minnesota, in designing sustainable, mixed-use development on the site of a closed Ford plant.
Ivan Stiefel, 22 Mountain Justice Spring Break (MJSB) Stiefel spearheaded the creation of MJSB as an alternative spring break option for university students willing to work as social activists in communities adversely affected by the Appalachian coal industry. In 2007, West Virginia MJSB’s big project was securing a safe school for the children attending Marshfork Elementary, which lies next to a coal-processing plant, leaking coal slurry into an impoundment. The initiative culminated in university students occupying the governor’s office until he agreed to build a safe, new school for the Marshfork children. In his own 60-plus years of activism, nothing gave pioneer David Brower greater joy than to see the success of the many young leaders he mentored. “My secret,” he said, “is to surround myself with bright young people, stand back, then wallow in their accomplishments.” Visit BrowerYouthAwards.org and EarthIsland.org.
Phebe Meyers, 18 Change the World Kids - Bosque Para Siempre Through her growing-up years, Meyers noticed fewer and fewer songbirds arriving at her Vermont feeders and was inspired to find the reason for their absence. She found that a core problem lay in the deforested pastures that were once Costa Rican rainforest. She shared her concern about the migratory bird crisis with Change the World Kids (ChangeTheWorldKids.org/index.html), a teen-run nonprofit organization she founded in 1998. The group has since raised $165,000 to purchase, conserve and reforest areas critical to birds. Phebe Meyers carrying trees
October 2008
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Clean Energy Crossroads by Jim Motavalli
When New York City hosted the first National Automobile Show in 1900, many auto companies were just setting up shop and patrons could chose from several propulsion systems. A poll taken at the show showed that safe and clean electric cars were Americans’ first choice, followed closely by quiet steam. Gasoline came in a distant third; only 900 handcranked, dirty, noisy gas cars were built that year.
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t today’s auto shows, electric cars now sit alongside hybrids and fuel-cell vehicles. Yet no proposed technology has a clear lead. The market reflects continuing uncertainty as the world’s energy picture evolves in response to society’s rapid and profound changes. With the twin specters of climate change and peak oil prices, the 21st century is of necessity a time of pivotal decisions by governments everywhere and by us, as global citizens.
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Global Do-Over Energy experts concur that we cannot continue to burn fossil fuels—coal, oil and natural gas—at our current, accelerating pace. Partly because significant populations in China and India are starting to drive private automobiles, world consumption of oil is growing an average of 1 percent a year (down from 2 percent, when oil was cheaper). In 2007, the world consumed 85.7 million barrels of oil. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) predicts that, given current projections, by 2030, that number will jump to 118 million barrels per day. Oil prices are expected to stay high, simply because demand will continue to grow faster than accessible supply. Even if we uncovered new oil reserves, the phenomenon of global warming dictates the need for a green
energy revolution if we are to survive and thrive. As a world leader in climate science, NASA’s Dr. James Hansen has called for a moratorium on construction of coal-fired power plants, the number-one source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and a phase-out of existing plants over the next 20 years. He’s among those also calling for a new energy economy. “Moving beyond fossil fuels,” as sources for commercial and residential energy, he says, “makes enormous sense for many reasons—cleaner air, cleaner water and energy independence.” But how are we going to get there? Civilization is seriously addicted to oil and coal, and set to compete for remaining deposits. A rising corps of politicians and activists, however, are campaigning for international agreements that would put the world on a different path. Environmental writer Bill McKibben has founded 350.org, an organization dedicated to reducing overall emissions and holding CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere below the tipping point of 350 parts per million. We could hold that line, his group says, by “building solar arrays instead of coal plants… planting trees instead of clear-cutting rainforests… increasing efficiency and decreasing our waste.” Fred Krupp, executive director of the New York-based Environmental Defense Fund, not only is calling for a sharp reduction in fossil fuel consumption, he has a blueprint for how nations and their citizens can make that happen, starting today. “Tomorrow’s energy will come from a variety of sources, undoubtedly including wind, solar power, geothermal and some sources we don’t even know about yet,” he told Natural Awakenings. “I recently co-wrote a book called Earth: The Sequel, which looks at some of the country’s brightest inventors and entrepreneurs who are developing these alternatives. What we really need now is national ‘cap and trade’ global warming legislation,
Worldwide Energy Makeover Means Changes at Home, Too New Energy is about more than clean fuels and technologies. As consumers, we can do much to reduce demand. Since 1973, The Alliance to Save Energy confirms that energy efficiency and conservation measures have already cut energy usage by 40 percent. “Energy efficiency can be achieved much more quickly than drilling for oil,” advises Peter Lehner of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “In the long term, it can reduce consumption, ease demand, and help to lower the price of fuel.” Sometimes we just need innovative thinking. For example, this country times its 250,000 traffic lights so inefficiently (we got a “D” in a national report) that a University of Virginia engineering team concluded that we could save a billion gallons of gasoline a year (more than is saved by all the hybrids on the road) if we optimized the process. The answer lies in cities investing in smarter computer programming and equipment. Following are five proven ways we can both support the planet and save money at home:
Make the Switch Lighting typically racks up 20 percent of a home’s electricity bill. The federal government’s Energy Star program confirms that compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescents. They also last 10 times longer. For more, see EnergyStar.gov.
Drive Smarter Americans are finally transitioning from gas-guzzling pickups and SUVs to smaller cars and hybrids, with a target of 30-plus miles per gallon on the highway. A surprising number of worthwhile choices—from the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE to the tiny Honda Fit—meet or exceed that goal. Browse the mileage ratings at FuelEconomy.gov, and locate good choices at GreenerCars.org. Then, stick to posted speed limits; drive less and carpool; and keep the engine tuned, filters clean, and tires properly inflated. Better yet, walk, bike and take public transportation.
Tighten Up In addition to old, inefficient appliances, much of the energy we pay for is going out windows, responsible for 30 percent of home heat loss. Locate home energy drains with an energy audit, available free through some utility companies. Or do
it yourself, with online guides such as the calculator operated by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories at http://hes.lbl.gov.
Let the Sun Shine In More states now offer incentives for installing energy-efficient home energy systems, such as solar panels and small wind turbines. Credits can cover as much as half the purchase price, reducing payback periods to less than 10 years. For a database of state incentives for renewable energy and energy conservation, visit dsireusa.org.
Smaller Footprints Several online resources allow us to track our ‘carbon footprint’ and offer tips to help us reduce it. The Environmental Protection Agency has a good tool at EPA.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator. html. Another is provided by the Union of Concerned Scientists at http:// go.ucsusa.org/calculator.html. For interactive illustration, visit Earthday. net/ecofootprint. Even the best governments—if they do find a way of working together—can’t build a sustainable future without our help. Fixing our current energy crisis is a big job that will require everyone’s cooperation.
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which will bring these new technologies into the marketplace.” Under such a system, countries will set a ceiling for global warming emissions, and then manufacturing and other companies will have financial incentives to reduce the pollution they produce to abide by that ceiling. In the market, entities may buy and sell government emission certificates: buyers purchase a specified right to pollute; and sellers that have reduced their emissions can realize a financial reward by selling their certificates. Krupp believes that cap and trade will be in place within the next two years, no matter who is elected president, and that the legislation “will create a cascade of private investment in new technologies.” Peter Lehner, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, points out that lifting the current offshore drilling moratorium would not lead to any new production for seven to 10 years, “And even then, it wouldn’t significantly reduce energy prices.” Instead, his environmental organization would like to see development of a “low-carbon infrastructure” to replace the 180,000 gas stations that pump oil in the United States.
Energy Options Biofuels Of all plant-based fuels, fireplace wood is the simplest form. Ethanol made from corn has made inroads, due to a 2005 federal mandate
FUEL SOURCE
Technology for solar power—capturing the radiant energy of the sun—is rapidly improving, and governments are increasingly subsidizing it. for incorporation of 7.5 billion gallons of biofuels by 2012. But an accelerating “food vs. fuel” movement objects to concurrent increases in corn prices, while others point out the energy required to produce corn ethanol exceeds the energy it delivers. Other, better, biofuels on tap include those made from sugar cane, jatropha and algae.
Coal Carbon-rich coal deposits are formed from fossilized plants. Burned mostly to generate electricity, it’s still one of the cheapest forms of energy, but at enormous cost. Opponents cite coal as the number-one aggravator of global warming and fight destructive mountaintop removal mining practices that have devastated Appalachia.
Geothermal Modern Iceland heats almost all of its buildings with hot spring water near the surface there. But recent advances make tapping into heat energy under Earth’s crust accessible nearly anywhere. Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of year-round 50-degree Fahrenheit temperatures just five to 10 feet below ground. These systems’ buried pipes circulating antifreeze liquid can both warm and cool buildings.
AFFORDABLE?
IN WIDE USE?
Hydroelectric One of the oldest forms of renewable energy, hydro technologies today use the power of flowing water to turn turbines and generate electricity. Hydro is emission-free, but impedes the natural flow of rivers and streams, blocking passage for migratory fish.
Hydrogen The fuel cell that converts lighter-than-air hydrogen into electricity and clean water is 150 years old. Still, hydrogen, because it’s extracted mostly from natural gas these days, is not yet the renewable resource it could be if produced solely from solar or wind power. It’s also considered a “future fuel” because, despite advantages, it’s currently expensive to produce. Fuel-cell cars, which are virtually emission-free, face cost hurdles as well.
Natural Gas Former oilman T. Boone Pickens recently announced a controversial plan to massively boost U.S. investment in wind power and run our transportation fleet on cleaner natural gas. This mostly methane fossil fuel must be processed to remove other elements in order to burn in home heating systems and internal-combustion engines.
CAN IT BE EXPANDED?
Biofuel Coal Geothermal Hydroelectric Hydrogen Natural Gas jury’s out Nuclear not for new plants Oil Solar Tidal Wind 24
Greater Cincinnati
A SAFE BET FOR THE FUTURE?
jury’s out
“Tomorrow’s energy will come from a variety of sources, undoubtedly including wind, solar power, geothermal and some sources we don’t even know about yet,” Fred Krupp told Natural Awakenings.
reliable tidal power is operating in such a turbulent, changeable and fragile environment. Currently, tidal resources for creating utility-level electricity are concentrated in a few places, such as Alaska.
“Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are already available and combine top performance with low emissions,” Pickens writes, citing California Energy Commission figures that put greenhouse gas emissions from burning natural gas 30 percent lower than those from gasoline. Currently, only 150,000 NGVs operate here, and insufficient fuel stations exist to make his plan soon viable. Too, many of the largest untapped natural gas deposits are in politically sensitive regions—just like oil.
Wind Whether on- or offshore,
Nuclear Some environmentalists are calling for reexamination of nuclear power, because it can produce large amounts of electricity with no significant global warming emissions. Obstacles include difficulty in financing, licensing and building nuclear plants in time to have an impact in the next 15 to 20 years, as well as detrimental effects of uranium mining and waste disposal. Some countries, such as Germany, are phasing it out, while France derives 77 percent of its energy from nukes.
OIL The modern industrial complex runs on gasoline refined from crude oil deposits, and the Central Intelligence
Agency reports that the United States is the world’s single largest oil consumer. The DOE notes that, “The decline in U.S. consumption in the first half of 2008, reflecting slower economic growth and the impact of high prices, was the largest half-year volume consumption decline in the last 26 years.”
Solar Technology for solar power—capturing the radiant energy of the sun—is rapidly improving, and governments are increasingly subsidizing it. Today’s equipment is not just an ugly panel stuck on a roof, but incorporates correctly oriented roof designs. New, thin solar films turn the roof itself into one big solar panel. Passive solar designs also use a building’s windows, walls and floors to collect and store the sun’s heat in the winter and repel it during the summer.
Tidal power Underwater turbines have proved able to efficiently harness the immense energy contained in waves and tides. Experimental units have been tested in the United States, UK and other locations around the world. A major obstacle to developing
today’s high-efficiency wind towers capture steady breezes to turn a turbine and generate electricity. This ancient, zero-emission energy source is heating up in Europe, Asia and the United States. Texas and New York are leading wind states, but 44 others are said to have useful resources. North Dakota alone could supply a third of the country’s electricity, according to the American Wind Energy Association. The opposition to wind is mostly aesthetic. Negative effects on migratory bird populations is another concern. Opposition has been powerful enough to stall major initiatives, such as the offshore Cape Wind Project in Massachusetts. All in all, “State leaders have begun to move us in the right direction on energy, but we must do a lot more at every level of government,” urges Dave Hamilton, director of the Sierra Club’s global warming program. “Congress can flip the switch on America’s clean energy future by increasing fuel economy standards to at least 35 mpg and requiring that we get 15 percent of our electricity from clean, homegrown sources like wind, solar, and biomass by the year 2020.”
Coming in November:
Eating for health and sustainability.
Natural
FOODS
Natural Awakenings’ special natural foods edition focuses on eating for a healthy body and a healthy planet. For more information about advertising in this issue, please call
513-259-3090 October 2008
25
wisewords An Interview With
Frances Moore Lappé Co-leader of Small Planet Institute and author of Diet for a Small Planet by Linda Sechrist
What led you to write your latest book, Getting a Grip, which has been characterized by Barbara Kingsolver as “a new pair of glasses,” making the world more comprehensible, more manageable, and even more beautiful? Lappé: While researching my first book, Diet for a Small Planet, I learned that I could think for myself and no longer needed to blindly follow experts. I discovered a better appreciation for my sense of curiosity and the importance of asking questions, such as: “Why are we, as societies, creating a world that we, as individuals, abhor?” This particular question has propelled my life for decades, compelling me to search for answers as to why we invent rules that generate a sense of scarcity for hundreds of millions of people—rules that leave us feeling powerless and robbed of the energy and creativity needed to form a world we are proud of. I wrote Getting a Grip to get a grip on what we know about these rules, what informs us and how we make the choices we make in our daily and public lives. Investigation led me to see how we have become trapped in a limited understanding of democracy, one that prevents us from realizing that we all have the power to create the world we want.
What is the difference between what you call Thin Democracy and Living Democracy? Lappé: Thin Democracy is an unworkable mental map that keeps us from coming to terms with local-to-global crises. This inherited map includes such ideas as: democracy is something that is done to or for us by distant officials; it is a set system of an elected government plus a market economy; public life is ugly and alienating, so that even the most thoughtful citizens are relegated to simply voting, working and shopping. A single rule—the highest return to shareholders—continues to drive the market, which tends to concentrate wealth and power, which in turn influence the political process. Living Democracy, a learned art, is an ongoing culture of change and a set of qualities that permeate and shape a rewarding way of life. Its values of inclusion, fairness and mutual accountability naturally infuse not only political life, but economic and cultural life, as well. Living Democracy is always evolving, as citizens use their voices and values to shape public choices. The people set rules to keep wealth continually circulating and to keep its influence out of politics. Here, citizens’ values guide our laws and economy while conscious shopping choices foster healthy communities.
What surprised you most about the concept of Getting a Grip? Lappé: It was when I wrote that “ideas are more powerful than instincts.” That
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statement surprised me. The concept seemed counterintuitive. Yet, it’s so obvious, that our ideas trump our instincts every day. This insight allowed me to see how we have created a world according to the ideas we hold, and that the ideas we accept determine what we believe is possible. I am a ‘possibilist’ with a new mantra—it’s not possible to know what is possible. This mantra has stirred a bold sense of humility within me that’s led to a deeper understanding: We don’t have to prove an idea is possible before we begin to explore its possibilities. Because we have enough experience to understand the social norms that bring forth the best and the worst in people, we no longer have to go on merely hoping that by some miracle, human nature is going to change. We are free to come up with new ideas and investigate them together, to dissolve anonymity by building community with face-to-face relationships, and to recognize our own mighty power for good. There is tremendous evidence across many fields of study that supports the fact that humans are hardwired with a need to enjoy cooperation, to experience a sense of fairness in society, and to feel useful and have meaning in life. Getting a Grip reminds us that when we view the world through an ecology of democracy, we recognize that we are not living independently in a changing world; rather, we are all connected and creating meaningful relationships, moment-to-moment. We know that our individual wellbeing depends on healthy communities. Public engagement is part of this good life! Only in public engagement can we fulfill our need to connect with others in common purpose, to express our values and make a positive difference. We also know in our deepest selves that the real problems facing Planet Earth can only be met by the ingenuity, experience and buy-in—the contagious engagement—of billions of us. I believe that in embracing the principles of a Living Democracy, centered on individual citizen involvement, we can locally solve global problems, together. For more information on Frances Moore Lappé, visit SmallPlanet.org or GettingAGrip.net.
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creativeexpressions
Now, That’s Entertainment! Sunset Players Kicks Off a Hot New Season by A. K. Forbes
I
n 1981, when Dave Myers carved his way into community theatre on Cincinnati’s West Side, his motive wasn’t purely to explore his creative streak. Myers jokes, “I joined Sunset Players to cruise chicks.” Now, as one of the group’s extremely active core members, this happily married guy frequently donates his time and talent as the troupe’s master carpenter. This season, he admits, “They’re putting my creativity and patience to the test.” That’s because this month, Sunset Players kicks off its latest season by staging the technically demanding Noises Off, a substantial challenge even for an award-winning set designer like Myers. The original plan, which he claims “came from a part of my brain that I really don’t have access to,” called for adding a revolving turntable to the stage, allowing the entire set to rotate 180 degrees during intermission. As work began, Myers and Sunset volunteers discovered that the stage floor had been pieced together over the years, making the planned addition more difficult. They decided to tear it all down, except for the original 22-by-38-foot proscenium surface, rebuild it and integrate the turntable into a new floor. With wry humor, Myers quips, “It reminds me of the quote from Catch 22. ‘When you’re up to your you-know-what in alligators, it’s hard to remember that your objective was to drain the swamp.’” All Sunset work—from building sets to designing programs and acting on stage—is done by volunteers. “It’s definitely a labor of love,” explains John
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Wesseling, president of the group. “The money we take in from ticket sales and membership dues pays for materials, theater upkeep, scripts, royalties and of course, startup funds for the next production.” Wesseling’s connection with the Sunset Players began soon after Dave Myers joined. “It was Dave who pulled me in to help out,” says Wesseling. “Getting involved gave me a chance to get back to my high school theater roots. Once there, I jumped in, and never looked back.” Many of the players recall similar epiphanies. Jerry Yearout, who will direct Noises Off, saw his first Sunset Players show, Little Shop of Horrors (which Myers designed and Wesseling built and produced), as a high school junior. Afterwards, he became an audience regular until he successfully auditioned in 1998
for a show. “The very next show I was stage managing, running lights, and running sound, all at once,” Yearout chuckles. Deciding which plays the group will produce each year is determined by a committee that works nearly a year ahead, reading and reviewing plays submitted by members. “After considering all kinds of factors, including how difficult a play would be to cast, the committee presents a suggested season for the members to vote on,” says Wesseling. “Sometimes, there’s an alternate play included on the list, to cover unforeseen circumstances, like the rights being denied.” Although Wesseling reports that it doesn’t happen often, a publisher may deny an amateur group permission to produce a play if a professional troupe is scheduled to perform the same show nearby.
Jerry Yearout, John Wesseling and Dave Myers—all long-time Sunset Players members —find time to clown around during set construction.
Deciding which plays the group will produce each year is determined by a committee that works nearly a year ahead, reading and reviewing plays submitted by members. The Sunset Players stand out for another reason—the mission of its annual children’s show. Considered a workshop production, the show provides an opportunity for people without experience to become involved. “Every community theatre group, Sunset included, wants to produce highquality shows,” notes Wesseling. “It makes sense to cast experienced actors and recruit proven directors and technical people. But, it begs the question, ‘How do you get experience, unless someone gives you a chance?’” The Sunset Players children’s show provides that chance; not only for actors, but for budding directors, lighting designers and makeup artists, as well. “We’re proud of that,” Wesseling acknowledges. “Many of our own members, as well as members of other community theatre groups, got their start with our children’s show.” Becoming a Sunset member doesn’t require auditioning for a part. The group meets on the first Monday of every month in its home at the Dunham Recreation Center Arts Building. “We always welcome new members,” says Wesseling. “If you’ve got some time to give and you want to be part of something creative and collaborative, then we want you.” The upcoming production of Noises Off is a testament to that spirit of inclusion. The cast and crew comprise longtime members, as well as several people who joined just a few weeks ago. “They might not have known what they were getting into,” Wesseling grins. “Noises Off is one of the most challenging productions I’ve ever been a part of.” Technical and artistic hurdles may be what have attracted many new faces to recent auditions. One role that proved difficult to cast prompted director Jerry Yearout to solicit his buddy, John Wesseling, to play a “72-year-old, drunk-butendearing, has-been actor.” “I didn’t audition,” Wesseling explains. “I was drafted. I guess Jerry figured that 55 was close enough to 72, and that I could wing the drunk-but-endearing part.” It’s apparent that long hours and un-
coverartist
expected difficulties haven’t dampened the esprit de corps. Community theater groups like Sunset offer their members a restorative (if addictive) boon hidden in the time-consuming process: a creative outlet and a place to socialize and belong. Noises Off will be performed at Dunham Recreation Center Arts Building, 1945 Dunham Way, in Cincinnati, on Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. All shows are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $9, sold at the door or reserved ahead by calling 513-5884988. Visit SunsetPlayers.org..
More About the Sunset Players History Sunset Players was founded in 1979 at the Dunham Recreation Complex. Its first show, The Mouse Trap, was staged in October 1980. Since then, the players have mounted nearly 100 productions. In 1989, Sunset Players produced its first musical, Little Shop of Horrors, which won the Ohio Community Theatre Association’s Southwest Ohio OCTA-fest. In 1990, the group was chosen to represent the United States at an American Association of Community Theatre international festival in New Delhi, India; unfortunately, the event was canceled due to the first Gulf War. 2008-2009 Season Noises Off, Oct. 3-18 The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf, Dec. 5-14 Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grill, Feb. 20-Mar. 7 Over the Tavern, May 1-16
New Life
Shiloh Sophia McCloud “I believe that all of us are creative beings with stories to tell and gifts to share,” declares Shiloh Sophia McCloud. “And art can be a sacred practice.” She dedicates her own art to creating healing images, a path she has followed for the past 12 years. Shiloh’s paintings burst with joyous color and symbolic imagery, dedicated to exploring the relationship between intention-based arts, meaningful lifework and the path of personal transformation. She believes that this combination of factors—creativity, livelihood and healing—invites wellness and possibility for individuals and for the Earth. As an artist and author, Shiloh seeks to bless and empower others. In her workshops, she has taught, “hundreds of women to paint from their soul.” From compassionate hearts, new life grows and blooms. Shiloh is self-taught, but credits her artist mentor, Sue Hoya Sellars, and her mother, Caron McCloud, with encouraging and teaching her. Today, her inspirational works can be found in private collections around the world. This month Shiloh exhibits and presents at Bountiful – Visionary Woman’s Conference, in the Bay Area, October 24-26 (see CosmicCowgirls.com). Shiloh Sophia McCloud works and teaches at her studios in Northern California. To learn more, call 1-888-3856866 and visit ShilohSophia.com.
October October2008 2008
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Practicing Sustainability Local Permaculture Group Gets It Right by Kate Reidel
W
hile Mother Nature was busy spreading her green shades of spring earlier this year, a class of Cincinnati residents was looking ahead, fully immersed in learning the principles of permaculture, an agro-ecological approach devoted to fostering human and agricultural sustainability. The hands-on learning experience, taught by Cincinnati local Braden Trauth, over six weekends, planted philosophical seeds of how to think about natural ecosystems, cooperation and community. He explains that, “Each is an important ingredient in a sustainable lifestyle.” Practical application came when students put permaculture to work in designing several street sites in the Enright Ridge Urban Eco-Village, a local sustainable urban neighborhood. Permaculture is a term coined in the 1970s by Bill Mollison, an Australian ecologist, and his student, David Holmgren. It encompasses the ideas of both permanent agriculture and permanent culture. Disillusioned by industrial agricultural methods and the growing disenfranchisement of people from the land, the pair envisioned human settlements with perennial agricultural systems that reflect the structure and interrelationships found in natural ecologies. Harmoniously integrated elements that include human dwellings, microclimate, annual and perennial plants, animals, soils, and water, would shape stable, productive communities. Trauth explains that, “Productive functioning of these elements depends on the way they are placed in relationship to the landscape.” Core components of permaculture development, such as energy-efficient buildings, wastewater treatment, recycling and land stewardship, have now been expanded to include economic and social structures. These continue to support the evolution and development of permanent Earth-friendly communities, including co-housing projects and eco-villages around the country. The six weekends have served as an effective launching pad, with Trauth’s 2008 graduating class now certified in and promoting permaculture models that will assist in integrating human lives with the natural laws of an ecosystem. What does this mean? It means that human food production can be used
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to actually enhance, rather than detract from, the environment and human health. It means that the ways we live and function in society can evolve into systems that mimic a natural ecosystem, so that we can live in harmony with Earth instead of battling to dominate it. The principles these students have learned have nurtured productive community relationships as well; today, the group enjoys newfound friendships and a caring connection with the 200 acres of woodlands at Enright. For more information on permaculture, or to explore opportunities for joining the group in progress, call Kate at 513-921-5124. For information on Enright, visit EnrightRidgeEcoVillage.org.
Searching for Information on Alternative, Wholistic, Eclectic Living? Find it downtown at the
Lloyd Library and Museum Through its world class research collections in historic and contemporary botany, pharmacy, ethnobotany, herbal and alternative medicine, natural product development, folk medicine, book and art exhibitions, lectures, and more! 917 Plum Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513-721-3707
Check us out on the web:
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Bringing Science, History, and Art to Life
Colostrum:
Nature’s Pet Superfood by Dr. Matthew J. Heller
I
t matters not if medicine is old or new, so long as it can cure,” is an adage that frequently applies to holistic medicine. Many successful holistic treatments—acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal remedies among them—have their roots in practices of earlier generations. The use of bovine colostrum as a nutritional supplement is another such example.
What is Colostrum? After a dog, cat or any mammal gives birth and begins to nurse its offspring, colostrum, or ‘first milk’, comprises the newborn’s first meal. In subsequent days, even when the mother’s regular milk supply develops, colostrum, which is rich in proteins and antibodies, remains an integral component of her milk. Colostrum is key to early development, offering a critical defense against the viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites to which newborns are constantly exposed. At birth, the immature immune system is particularly vulnerable to threats from the environment. The naturally occurring substances in colostrum—immunoglobulins, antibodies and antioxidants—both support the immune system and aid in healthy renewal of cells. Although animals typically cease to partake of the benefits of colostrum once they are weaned from their mother, science has discovered that bovine colostrum can serve as a universal boon to our furry companions. It is readily available and easily administered to pets in capsule, tablet or powder form.
Bovine colostrum contains growth factors, immune factors, enzymes, hormones and micronutrients. of modern antibiotics and sulfa medications, colostrum was regularly used by doctors to treat animals’ immune problems. Renowned holistic veterinarian Stephen Blake has championed the use of bovine colostrum for pets for the past decade, calling it “Nature’s forgotten miracle.” Specifically, bovine colostrum may be able to help in the following situations:
> Supporting geriatric pets as they
experience diminishing growth factors, the proteins capable of stimulating cellular growth. Colostrum’s growth factors—epithelial growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)—bolster the immunity of aging animals.
> Treating gastrointestinal issues such
as diarrhea and bloating. Consuming colostrum helps calm the digestive track and regulate the bowels. It also minimizes damage to the intestinal lining from parasites, fungi and medications, because its growth factors promote regeneration of the intestinal lining.
> Preventing bacterial and viral ill-
How Bovine Colostrum Helps
nesses by interfering with a toxin’s ability to attach to host cells, multiply and spread infection. Several components of colostrum aid in this task, including Immunoglobulin A (IgA, an antibody); lactoferrin (a protein with antimicrobial activity); and lactoperoxidase (an antimicrobial, antioxidant enzyme).
Bovine colostrum contains growth factors, immune factors, enzymes, hormones and micronutrients, all of which promote a pet’s ability to heal when it faces illness. Prior to the development
wounds. Colostrum speeds the regeneration of healthy skin with its growth factors and helps alleviate inflammation.
> Treating skin issues due to allergies or
> Reducing recovery time after an
illness. Colostrum’s growth factors, which aid in stabilizing immune response, may shorten the term of an illness by nearly 50 percent. Veterinarians often prescribe sickly puppies and kittens a colostrum supplement to boost their overall immunity.
> Treating Leaky Gut Syndrome.
A ‘leaky gut’ allows toxins and large food molecules to escape the intestinal wall and leak into the bloodstream, causing autoimmune or allergic responses. Treating the syndrome with colostrum helps restore and repair damaged intestinal tissues. Today, the age-old use of colostrum as a holistic preventive and healing treatment is enjoying newfound respect, as forward-thinking practitioners recognize its many benefits. This power-packed first milk provides valuable immune support for small animals, particularly cats and dogs suffering from allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, skin problems, cancer, arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Matthew J. Heller is a doctor of veterinary medicine and owner of All About PetCare, a full-service small animal veterinary hospital providing holistic and traditional care, located at 3410 Tytus Ave. in Middletown, OH. For more information, call 513-424-1626 or 866-YOUR-VET, or visit AllAboutPetCare.com.
October 2008
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greenliving TerraChoice research identified six common environmental shortcomings: 1. Sin of the Hidden Trade-off
The Six Sins of Greenwashing by Susie Ruth
G
reen marketing, the new sweetheart of American business, is on the rise, as people seek to leverage their spending as part of an environmental commitment. “Today, consumers are inundated with products that make green claims,” observes Scott McDougall, president of TerraChoice Environmental Marketing. The problem is that, “Some are accurate, certified and verifiable, while others are just plain fibbing, to sell products,” he says. McDougall bases these conclusions upon his firm’s survey of 1,018 products at six leading North American big box stores, where product labels made 1,753 environmental claims. But, only one product lived up to its claims, the other 99 percent were guilty of at least one of what McDougall dubs the Six Sins of Greenwashing™. With a single exception, all the labels proved either false or misleading. “Businesses are struggling with challenges to communicate meaningfully and honestly in this arena,” empathizes McDougall. We’re at the point where the powerful convergence of consumers and commerce can use market competition and free enterprise to pull our economy toward social responsibility and sustainability. Educating consumers about patterns of environmental whitewashing will help people to buy green with confidence. To start, “Consumers are owed evidence about the life-cycle of every product,” says McDougall. At a minimum, this must be available through company website information or third-party certification. He notes that, “Dishonesty occurs most commonly when a company claims that a product is certified by an outside organization, and it simply isn’t.”
Characterized 57 percent of all environmental claims studied. Suggests that a product is “green,” based on a single environmental attribute, or just a few, while ignoring larger issues. A prevalent example is “energy-efficient” electronics that contain hazardous materials. Comments McDougall, “It’s like a magician drawing your attention to his left hand, so that you can’t see what his right hand is doing.”
2. Sin of No Proof Occurred in 26 percent of environmental claims in the study. A typical example is personal care products labeled, “Certified organic,” but which carry no verifiable certification.
3. Sin of Vagueness True of 11 percent of environmental claims monitored. Claims are poorly defined or too broad to be meaningful and will likely be misunderstood by consumers. Products committing this sin might be advertised as “100 percent natural.” But consider the fact that arsenic and formaldehyde are naturally-occurring substances; we wouldn’t want those in our shampoo.
We’re at the point where the powerful convergence of consumers and commerce can use market competition and free enterprise to pull our economy toward social responsibility and sustainability.
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4. Sin of Irrelevance A green claim may be truthful, but also be unimportant and unhelpful in choosing among products. Some aerosols, for instance, boast that they are “CFCfree,” even though chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were banned here more than 20 years ago.
5. Sin of Fibbing Found to be true of relatively few products, which outright misuse or misrepresent certification by an independent authority. Their product “certification” doesn’t exist.
“Today, consumers are
Two Green Stamps EcoLogo EcoLogoM is North America’s oldest and most widely known environmental leadership standard, evaluating products according to more than 120 environmental standards. It currently certifies nearly 7,000 products based on all environmental attributes. For more on the only program in North America accredited by the Global Eco-Labelling Network, visit EcoLogo.org.
Green Seal Green Seal standards provide market leadership criteria for development of many categories of products and services. GreenSeal.org lists all Green Seal-certified goods, with links to the manufacturers and providers.
inundated with products that make green claims. Some are accurate, certified and verifiable, while others are just plain fibbing, to sell products.” — Scott McDougall 6. Sin of the Lesser of Two Evils A sleight-of-hand identified with relatively few products. These “green” claims may be true within the product category, but risk distracting us from the bigger issues of the category as a whole. Examples include “organic” cigarettes and “environmentally friendly” pesticides. “No one should be misled into choosing the lesser of two evils,” concludes McDougall. As always, the best advice is, “Let the buyer beware.” Be aware enough to differentiate between the good guys wearing green hats and those stretching the eco-truth. The best bet is to rely upon trustworthy eco-labels, such as EcoLogo and Green Seal, which certify multiple product attributes. Knowledgeable purchasing power will keep impostors from stealing market share from the truly green innovators. Source: TerraChoice.com
Our children may save us if they are taught to care properly for the planet; but if not, it may be back to the Ice Age or the caves from where we first emerged. Then we’ll have to view the universe above from a cold, dark place. No more jet skis, nuclear weapons, plastic crap, broken pay phones, drugs, cars, waffle irons, or television. Come to think of it, that might not be a bad idea. -Jimmy Buffet Mother Earth News, March-April 1990
SAVE THE EARTH… It’s the only planet with chocolate.
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calendarofevents NOTE: All Calendar events must be received by October 1st (for the November issue) and adhere to our guidelines. Email CinCalendar@NaturalAwakenings.com for guidelines and to submit entries. NOTE: Events are located in Ohio unless noted.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6
Ballroom Dancing Lessons – 7:30-10pm. $5. With Jerry Weisenhahn and Tracy Kellum. Jaspers. 3187 Linwood Ave, Cincinnati. 513-871-6789.
The Bold, The Beautiful and The Bizarre – 10am5pm. Paintings by Robin Stinetorf and Kelly Jo Asbery; sculpture by Greg Penner, Brenda Tarbell and Mark Frommeyer. Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1028 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY. 859-957-1940. TheCarnegie.com.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 Baby Yoga – 10:30-11:15am. Includes baby in yoga practice. Ages 24 months and under; best for babies 8 weeks-crawling. Sign up for regular sessions. $14. First week free. YogaHome Oakley, 3215 Brotherton Rd, Cincinnati. 513-871-9642. YogaHome.net.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 Jungle Jim’s International Wine Festival – Friday and Saturday 6-9pm. Showcase of over 400 wines from all the major wine-producing regions of the world. Aside from wines, there will an outdoor area for premium cigar smoking. During the signature after-party, guests can purchase their favorite wines. $55 at the door. $50 in advance. $110 advance VIP tickets (limited number). Oscar Event Center, Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield. 513-674-6000 x 7. JungleJims.com. Marsha Brady – Party Rock. Longworths, Mt. Adams.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 Alzheimer’s Memory Walk – 10am-2pm. Registration 8:30am. Benefits Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati. Entertainment and refreshments. Free, donations encouraged. Sawyer Point, Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati. 513-721-4284. Alz.org/Cincinnati. Taste of the Levee – 10am-9:30pm. Levee eatery options showcasing each tenant’s diversity in food choice, beer, live music and street performer entertainment throughout the day. Each food item costs $3 or less. In case of inclement weather this event will be held on October 5. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Brighton Center of Newport, KY. Newport on the Levee. Marsha Brady – Party Rock. Beer Sellers, Newport, KY.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
ANEW – 6:45-8:45pm. 10-week study group focusing on the book A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. Awakening exercise and presentation, followed by the discussion. Panera Bread Community Room, Hyde Park Plaza. 513-787-3330. AwareWithin@Mac.com.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Carlos Amorales – 10am-6pm. Solo exhibit by Mexican artist with animation, sculpture, performances and drawing. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E Sixth St, Cincinnati. 513-345-8400. ContemporaryArtsCenter.org. Local Color – 10am-5:30pm. New works by 10 local artists. Miller Gallery, 2715 Erie Ave, Cincinnati. 513-871-4420. MillerGallery.com. Maria Lassnig – 10am-6pm. Exhibit of paintings by inventive and idiosyncratic European artist. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St, Cincinnati. 513-345-8400. ContemporaryArtsCenter.org.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco – 3:30 and 7:30pm. Acrobatic circus performance. Purchase advance tickets. Bank of Kentucky Center, 500 Nunn Dr, NKU, Highland Heights, KY. 513-562-4949. CirqueDuSoleil.com. Jazz at Mesh – 6:30-9pm. Mesh Restaurant, 6200 Mulhauser Rd, West Chester. 513-777-7177. MeshRestaurant.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
Baby Time – 9:30 and 10:30am. Free. Clap, sing and bounce with your child. Ages 2 and under. Newport Branch Library. 901 E Sixth St, Newport, KY. 859572-5035. 859-572-5035. CC-PL.org.
Who Owns The World? – 12-4pm. Sculpture, video, photography by Ohad Meromi. Free. Country Club Gallery, 424 Findlay St, Cincinnati. 513-7929744. CountryClubGallery.com.
Making the Business Case for Green Building – 4:30-7pm. Gary Jay Saulson, director of corporate real estate, The PNC Financial Services Group, discusses the positive economic and productivity impact of green (sustainable) buildings and why building green makes sense for corporate America. $20 advance registration (by 10/03); $50 patron level; $25 day of event. Held at the historically significant First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St at Reading Rd; reception held at the Civic Garden Center across the street. 513-221-0981 ext 18. CivicGardenCenter.org.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 Pumpkin Patch Tours – 9:30am. Enjoy horse and wagon rides, pick turnips, feed sheep and pick a pumpkin off the vine. $5/child, $3/adult. Reservations required. Turner Farm, 7400 Given Rd, Cincinnati. 513-561-7400. TurnerFarm.org.
Beer Tasting – 7-9pm. $25. Samuel Adams/Boston Beer Co. Reservations required. Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield. 513-674-6000. JungleJims.com.
Bird Walk – 8-10am. Dress for weather. Bring binoculars. $5, $1/ages 3-12, Free for members. Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford. 513-831-1711. CincyNature.org. Lucky Spaulding – Zionites. Reggae. 11pm. World Music Fest. South Gate House, Newport, Ky. 859-431-2201. Southgatehouse.com.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 Grounding Meditation – 12-1:30pm. A healthy grounding system balances and supports our overall well-being. Practice grounding by creating an energetic connection between our bodies and the earth. Lifepath Center, 734 Brom-Cres Rd, Crescent Springs, KY. 859-426-5307. Lifepath-2001.com.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 Cloth Diapering Cuteness – 10am. See how easy, cute and comfy cloth diapering can be. RSVP before Oct 11. 513-721-7275. ParkAndVine.com.
Little Miami Triathlon – 9am. Teams of 2: $120. Kayak, run, bike, individual event: $70. T-Shirts additional $10 each. 5701 State Rte 350, Fort Ancient. LittleMiamiTriathlon.com.
Energy Rally – 12-1pm. Several groups come together for an “all of the above” energy rally at Fountain Square, Cincinnati.
Breath Meditation – 12-1:30pm. Breath is the bridge between the body and mind. Through relaxation, realize a tranquil heart and clear mind. Class focuses on paying mindful attention to the breath. Lifepath Center. 734 Brom-Cres Rd, Crescent Springs, KY. 859-426-5307. Lifepath-2001.com.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14
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Half Pints Kids Club – 10-11am. All things Pumpkin. Free. Whole Foods Market, 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-531-8015. WholeFoodsMarket.com.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 Spooky Snacks – 7pm. Whole Foods Market, partnering with the Public Library of Cincinnati. Free. Whole Foods Market, 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-531-8015. WholeFoodsMarket.com.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 Jim Vollmer: Tapestry of Light – 9am-2pm. Intricate glass textiles by Seattle artist. Marta Hewett Gallery, 656 E. McMillan St, Cincinnati. 513-281-2780. MartaHewett.com. Third Thursday Wine Walks – 5-8pm. Haunted Halloween theme. Special retail hours. Complimentary wines and refreshments at participating merchants. O’Bryonville Business District, Madison Rd, Cincinnati. Obryonville.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 Faces of Asia – 11am-5pm. Vivid color images of photojournalist Steve McMurry. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati. 513-333-7500. FreedomCenter.org. Marsha Brady – Party Rock. Patrick’s Sports Bar. Western Hills.
“In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” — Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) 26th President of the U.S.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 Baby Signs Workshop – 6-8pm. Workshop covers history of program, why to use signs, and how and when to teach signs. For expectant parents and parents of children ages 2 and under. $50. St. Elizabeth’s Doctor’s Building, 20 Medical Village Dr, Edgewood, KY. Reservations required: 859-291-4911. BabySignsByDeana.com.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 Third Annual “Quality of Life” Walk – Checkin booths open at 9am. Walk begins at 10am. The minimum registration fee is $15 for adults & teens advanced sign-up; $20 day of the walk. The minimum team (min 4 people) registration fee is $75. No minimum charge for children 12 & under. Lunken Playfield at Beechmont Ave and Wilmer Ave. 513-943-1900. ChildWellnessFair.com. 30-Minute Vegetarian Meals – 10am-12pm. Tips on foods that are healthy and locally-produced from Angela Lucarelli of Urban Organic at Park + Vine’s monthly Eco-Cooking Classes. Registration is $35 and includes vegan food samples, recipes and educational materials. Limited to 15 students. Students receive 15% off any Park + Vine items used in the class. RSVP: 859-512-6093 or UrbanOrganicCincinnati@gmail.com two days before each event date.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 Chakra Meditation – 12-1:30pm. Class will use meditation to run energy through the chakras (energy centers) of the body, and draw in the universal energy (prana) to refresh and revitalize the chakras. Lifepath Center, 734 Brom-Cres Rd, Crescent Springs, KY. 859-426-5307. Lifepath-2001.com.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 Pumpkin 101 – 6pm. Innovative ways to use all those pumpkins. Free. Whole Foods Market, 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-531-8015. WholeFoodsMarket.com.
Halloween Spook Fest – October 22-26 and October 29-November 1. Big Bone Lick State Park, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY. Parks.Ky.Gov/FindParks/ RecParks/BB. Gluten/Wheat-Free Store Tour – 7pm. Learn more about wheat and gluten intolerance. Sample gluten-free products. Free. Whole Foods Market, 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-531-8015. WholeFoodsMarket.com.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 Whole Foods Halloween – A spooky event full of ghost and goblins. Fun treats that don’t trick, plus much more. Whole Foods Market, 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-531-8015. WholeFoodsMarket.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 Hamlet – 7:30pm. Shakespeare classic. Is the young prince a poetic genius tricked into tragedy by his all-consuming grief or a mad fool hell-bent on violent revenge? Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 719 Race St, Cincinnati. 513-381-2273 ext 1. CincyShakes.com. Holly Spears – 8-12pm. October 24 and 25. Folk Music. Free. Belterra Lounge, 777 Belterra Dr, Independence, IN.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 Healing Meditation – 12-1:30pm. Class uses basic meditation techniques (breath or Chakra), to explore their complementary role in helping to heal bodies, minds, and relationships. Lifepath Center, 734 Brom-Cres Rd, Crescent Springs, KY. 859-4265307. Lifepath-2001.com.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 A is for Apple – 6pm. Apple butter and apple turnovers. Free. Whole Foods Market, 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-531-8015. WholeFoodsMarket.com.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 Recycling and Beyond: What You Can Do – 9:30am1pm. Seminar gives practical advice recycling, saving energy and money, and living more sustainably. Registration required. 932 O’Bannonville Rd, Loveland. ThinkGreenActClean.BlogSpot.com. Half Pints Kids Club – 10-11am. Explore fun foods, make great crafts and eat delicious treats. Make own trick-or-treat bag. Free. Whole Foods Market, 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-531-8015. WholeFoodsMarket.com.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 Subtle Grace and Beauty from Within – 8am6pm. Paintings by Ursula Brenner and glass forms by Michelle Madge. YWCA Women’s Art Gallery, 898 Walnut St, Cincinnati. 513-241-7090. YWCACincinnati.com. Blues Jam – 6pm. Mahogany’s Coffee House and Bar, 3715 Winston Ave, Covington, KY. 859-261-1029. MahoganysLive.com. Northern Kentucky Celiac Support – 7pm. Meet others who are gluten/wheat-sensitive or have Celiac disease. Share recipes, challenges and ideas. Free. Colonial Heights Retirement Village, 6900 Hopeful Rd, Florence, KY. 859-586-0518.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 Insider/Outsider: Alternative Views of America – 1-5pm. Paintings, drawings and sculpture by Richard Fritch, Sandra Small, Towhey and others. Sandra Small Gallery,124 W Pike St, Covington, KY. 859-291-2345. SandraSmallGallery.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 Marsha Brady – Party Rock. Patrick’s Sports Bar. Western Hills.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
Live At The Levee – 6pm. Riverwalk Plaza. Summer concert series. Newport on the Levee, Newport, KY. NewportOnTheLevee.com.
A…My Name is Alice – 8pm. Revue offers kaleidoscope of contemporary women. Sophisticated, bawdy, funny and insightful. Stage show upstairs. $10. Zero Below Lounge, 1120 Walnut St, Cincinnati. 513-981-7888. ShowBizPlayers.com.
Dracula – 8pm. Full-length version of the vampire legend. $21-66. Aronoff Center, Procter & Gamble Hall, 650 Walnut St, Cincinnati. 513621-5282. CincinnatiBallet.com.513-398-9358. WholeFoodsMarket.com.
There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we are caretakers of this planet. -Brooke Medicine Eagle October 2008
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Vegetarian Thanksgiving – Pick up tips on foods that are healthy and locally-produced from Angela Lucarelli of Urban Organic at Park + Vine’s monthly Eco Cooking Classes. Each two-hour class starts at 10 a.m. Registration is $35 and includes vegan food samples, recipes and educational materials. Space is limited to 15 students. Students receive 15% off any Park + Vine items used in the class. RSVP: 859-5126093 or UrbanOrganicCincinnati@gmail.com two days before each event date.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Shamanic Breathwork at Oz Farm Sanctuary – November 14-16. Jane Fridy and Gary Matthews. 513-722-1917. ShamanicCounselor.com.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Couples Massage Class – 7:30-9:30pm. Learn simple techniques to use on each other. $75. Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center, 4244 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati. 513-591-2332. ThePlaceForFamilies.com.
Boone County Farmers’ Market – 9am-6pm. April 19-October 31, see website for November & December hours. 1973 Burlington Pike Adjacent to Boone County Extension, Burlington, KY. BooneCountyFarmersMarket.org. Autumn Floral Show: Oktoberfest – 10am-5pm. Munich Parks and Cincinnati Parks have helped design each other’s flower shows and have presented each other with gifts of gardens and sculptures. To honor the fifteenth anniversary of this collaboration and the 850th anniversary of Munich’s founding, Cincinnati Parks has invited Munich Parks horticulturist to bring their city’s history and culture into this year’s flower show. They will create the Oktoberfest show, featuring a traditional German biergarten with horse chestnut trees and the flowers of Munich city squares, surrounded by six-foot-tall replicas of beer mugs, pretzels, and radishes, the symbols of German beer gardens. The Statue of Bavaria will stand at the entrance to Krohn Conservatory, welcoming you to her region’s biergarten. Biergarten hours: Fridays from 6-9pm. Saturday and Sunday 1-5pm. Event held at Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park. 513-4215707. Cinci-Parks.org. RockQuest Climbing Center – 12:30–10pm. Open Tues-Sun. Enjoy the exhilaration of rock climbing. Nearly 20,000 square feet of climbing walls suited to fit every skill level. $14. 513-773-0123. RockQuest.com. Lunken Airport Farm Market – 1:30pm-Dusk, Mon-Fri. 9am-Dusk, Sat-Sun. Wilmer Rd off of State Rte 52. Cincinnati.
Hyde Park Farmers’ Market – 10am-2pm. 3424 Edwards Rd (US Bank Lot), Cincinnati. HydeParkFarmersMarket.com.
T’ai Chi – 1:45-3pm. T’ai chi, translated as the ‘Supreme Ultimate Force,’ is best thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation. Many of its sequenced movements are derived from the martial arts, but performed in T’ai chi they are slow, soft and graceful motions with smooth and even transitions done as a meditative exercise for the body and mind. Lifepath Center, 734 Brom-Cres Rd, Crescent Springs, KY. Call Steven Franzreb, 513-574-9060. Lifepath-2001.com. Meditation – 7pm. First-time visitors receive basic instruction on the meditation forms we use: sitting, walking, bowing and chanting. Arrive 10 minutes early; doors are locked promptly at start time to maintain privacy and security. Dress is casual and comfortable. Hamilton Zen Center, 114 Main St, Hamilton. HamiltonZenCenter.com. Sunday Dances – 7-10pm. $5/person. General dancing. A-Marika Dance Company, 10831 Sharondale Rd, Cincinnati. 513-769-0409. A-Marika.com.
Walk Club – 8:30am. Through November. Ages 50+ walking club. Volunteer-led walks to reduce stress, increase energy, and make new friends. Vehicle permit required. Free. Hamilton County Park District. For details on park locations, visit GreatParks.org. Senior Fitness – 9:30am. Strength training, cardio, and chair-based yoga. All adults welcome. Free. Walton Senior Center. 44 North Main St,,Walton, KY. 859-485-1238. Keri@RadiantFitness.com. Taijiquan – 5:45-7pm. Mondays and Wednesdays. Taoist T’ai Chi SocietyTM internal arts and methods benefit all ages. The slow, natural movements promote relaxation and stress reduction, concentration and meditation, and improved balance. First class includes a free demonstration and Q&A session. Oakley Community Center, 3882 Paxton Ave, near Biggs in Hyde Park Plaza. 513-981-7940. Taoist.org. Personal & Spiritual Growth Dance Class – 7:30pm. $10 per class. Colleen Kerns. 513-5036593. World Peace Diet – 7:30pm. Try vegan recipes each week, then discuss making changes in eating habits through “The World Peace Diet” by Will Tu. $99. Registration required, available online. Gratitude In Motion Studio, 268 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati. 513556-6932. UC.edu. Yoga Class – 7:30-8:45pm. Yoga with Phoenix. Kula Center, 110 East 8th St, Newport, KY. 859341-9642. KulaCenterKy.com.
When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves. -David Orr
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StrollerFit – 9:30-10:30am. Through December. Cross training workout for moms with babies in strollers. $35/month. Turfway Park, Florence, KY. StrollerFit.com.
T’ai Chi for Better Health – 2-3pm. Six consecutive classes for $60. Synergy Holistic Health Center, 7413 US 42, Ste 3, Florence, KY. 859-525-5000. SynergyHolisticHealth.com. Belly Dancing – 6pm. 6-week series. Beginner’s class. 7pm belly dancing fitness. 8pm belly dance. 203 Walton’s Richwood Presbyterian Church. 859485-1238. RadiantFitness.com. Family Game Nights – 6-9pm. We will provide snacks and some fun games to play. Bring friends and favorite game to share. Whole Foods Market, 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-531-8015. WholeFoodsMarket.com.
Walk Club – 8:30am. See Monday for details. GreatParks.org. StrollerFit – 9:30–10:30am. See Tuesday for details. StrollerFit.com. Friday’s 5 after 5 – 5-7pm. 5 wines and 5 foods for $5. Whole Foods Market, 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-531-8015. WholeFoodsMarket.com. Budget-Friendly Meals – 11:30-12:30pm. Join the Discovery Cart for quick and delicious meal ideas. Learn ways to save in the aisles and still save money at the checkout. Stop by and pick up the recipe, some great money-saving tips and a delicious sample. Free. Whole Foods, 5805 Deerfield Blvd, Mason. 513-398-9358. WholeFoodsMarket.com. T’ai Chi – 12:15-1:15pm. See Tuesday for details. Synergy Holistic Health Center, 7413 US 42, Ste 3, Florence, KY. 859-525-5000. SynergyHolisticHealth.com.
Walk Club – 8:30am. See Monday for details. GreatParks.org. Yoga For Everyone – 9:45-11am. Yoga for all ages with Linda Healey, M.S., RYT. Beginner through experienced. $10. Mount Washington Recreation Center, 1715 Beacon St, Cincinnati. 513-236-5187. Yoga: Traditional Kripalu Style – 12:15-1:15pm or 6:15-7:30pm. 6 consecutive classes for $60 or $15 per class for “drop-ins.” Synergy Holistic Health Center, 7413 US 42, Ste 3, Florence, KY. 859-525-5000. SynergyHolisticHealth.com. Taijiquan – 5:45-7pm. See Monday for details. Oakley Community Center, 3882 Paxton Ave, near Biggs in Hyde Park Plaza. 513-981-7940. Taoist.org. Meditation – 7pm. See Sunday for details. Hamilton Zen Center, 114 Main St, Hamilton. HamiltonZenCenter.com. Restore the Core – 7-8pm. Classes held through January 28. Mat-based Pilates classes. Personal NEWtrition, Cincinnati. $10. 513-205-9772. StrollerFit.com. Latin/Jazz Guitar – 8:30pm. Latin/Jazz guitarist Sasha will perform. The Argentine Bean Bistro and Wine Bar, 2875 Town Center Blvd, Crestview Hills, KY. 859-426-1042. ArgentineBean.net.
Yoga Classes – 9:30-11am. Yoga with Phoenix. Kula Center, 110 East 8th St, Newport, KY. 859-341-9642. KulaCenterKy.com.
Sandra Small Gallery – 1-5pm. October 10-November 7. Works/artists on display: “Insider/Outsider: Alternative Views of America,” paintings, drawings and sculpture by Richard Fruth (College of Mt. St. Joseph); Sandra Small; Art Academy student Aaron Kent; Louisville sculptor Michael Ransdell, Scott Small (no relation to owner); Stephen Geddes; and the late Raymond Thunder-Sky. Thursdays and Saturdays or by appointment. Sandra Small Gallery, 124 W Pike St, Covington, KY. 859.291-2345. SandraSmallGallery.com. Synergy Holistic Health Center – 6:30-8pm. Talks, classes and demos on complementary and alternative medicine. Free. Call or check the website for topics, dates, and presenters. Synergy Holistic Health Center, 7413 US 42, Ste 3, Florence, KY. 859-525-5000. SynergyHolisticHealth.com. Yoga For Everyone – 6:30-7:45pm. See Wednesday for details. Mount Washington Recreation Center, 1715 Beacon St, Cincinnati. 513-236-5187. Salsa Dancing – 8:30pm. Salsa dancing instructed by Jeff Cole from Steppin Out Dance Studio. $3/person. The Argentine Bean Bistro and Wine Bar, 2875 Town Center Blvd, Crestview Hills, KY. 859-426-1042. ArgentineBean.net.
T’ai Chi/Massage – T’ai chi and massage therapy are free. Contact for transportation information to and from the center. Massage provided by Massage on Main Day Spa, Walton Senior Center,.44 North Main St,, Walton, KY. 859-485-7611.
Cittamani Tara Meditation Practice – 7pm. Chanting practice done in Tibetan. An English translation is available for participants. GSL Monastery, 3046 Pavlova Dr, Cincinnati. 513-385-7116.
Park + Vine at Findlay Market – First Saturday each month through October. Look for Park + Vine’s table of compost buckets, stainless steel bottles and more. Findlay Market. ParkAndVine.com. Findlay Market Farmers’ Market – 8am-6pm Saturday. 11am-4pm Sunday. April-November. 117 W Elder St, Cincinnati. FindlayMarket.org. Anderson Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. May-Oct. 7832 Five Mile Road (Anderson Center Station Park and Ride) Cincinnati. Newport: Campbell County Farmers’ Market – 9am-12pm. 709 Monmouth St, Newport, KY. Funke Functionals – 10am-12pm. Create fun and functional usable pottery with flair, such as mugs, soap dishes, picture frames and more. Each week is different. No reservations required. All sessions include clay, studio time, glazing and firing of work. $20/person. Funke Fired Arts, 3130 Wasson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-871-2529. FunkeFiredArts.com. Fibro Hope Support Group – 1-3pm. First Saturday each month. For former and current patients of fibromyalgia. If unable to make the meeting, visit our website for details about our Online Support Group. Guest speaker and refreshments at each meeting. Dinn Chiropractic, 284 Main St, Florence, KY. Groups coming soon to Cincinnati, and online. Contact Leah McCullough: Info@FibroHopeSupport.org. 859-380-9737. FibroHopeSupport.org. Sandra Small Gallery – 1-5pm. See Thursday for details. Sandra Small Gallery, 124 W Pike St, Covington, KY. 859.291-2345. SandraSmallGallery.com. Beginning Buddhism Course – 2-3pm. AugustDecember. Beginner Buddhism classes. GSL Monastery, 3046 Pavlova Dr, Cincinnati. Call to register. 513-385-7116.
It is our collective and individual responsibility to protect and nurture the global family, to support its weaker members and to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live. - Dalai Lama October 2008
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