March 2012 - Natural Awakenings

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Food & Garden

FREE

Changing the Way America Eats

Eat Well On A Budget 5 SIMPLE TIPS

Kids' Camps Fuel Their Passions

Chronic Inflammation Dietary Solutions

March 2012 | North Texas Edition | NA-NTX.com

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contents 5 newsbriefs 10 businessbrief 1 1 healthbriefs

11 13 ecotip

14 globalbriefs 16 community

spotlight

22 healingways 32 conscious 14 eating 35 naturalpet 37 calendar 43 classifieds

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44 resourceguide

advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 469-633-9549 or email publisher@NA-NTX.com. Deadline for ads: noon on the 9th of the month.

Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: publisher@NA-NTX.com. Deadline for editorial: feature articles are due by the 5th of the month, news briefs and health briefs are due by noon on the 9th. calendar submissions Submit calendar events online at NA-NTX.com within the advertising section.

Deadline for calendar: noon on the 9th of the month. 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 469-633-9549. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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

17 THE UPSIDE OF

DOWNHILL SKIING

Make the Most of Peak Experiences

by Randy Kambic

19 PREPARING KIDS FOR TOMORROW’S JOBS

U.S. Companies Pair Scientists with Schools

by April Thompson

21 CHOOSING FORKS OVER KNIVES

Doctors Advocate a Plant-Based Diet

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by Linda Sechrist

22 COOLING CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

Dietary Solutions Counter Disease

by Linda Sechrist

24 CHANGING THE WAY AMERICA EATS

Nourishing the Shift to Farm-Fresh Foods

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

28 UNCONVENTIONAL GARDENS

No Space? No Problem.

by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

3 1 ADAPTING HOME

24

LANSCAPING PRACTICES TO CONSERVE WATER

by Ed Arnold

34 A Journey TO A

MORE GRACIOUS ME

by Jillian Navejas

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March 2012

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letterfrompublisher

contact us Publisher Jim Davis Co-Publisher & Sales Martee Davis Editorial Theresa Archer Elizabeth Daniels Robert Dean Linda Sechrist Design & Production C. Michele Rose Stephen Blancett Distribution Preston Davis Printer Digital Graphics, OK City Multi-Market Advertising 469-633-9549 Franchise Sales John Voell 239-530-1377 3245 Main St., Ste 235 - Mailcode 134 Frisco, TX 75034 Phone: 469-633-9549 Fax: 888-442-6501 publisher@NA-NTX.com NA-NTX.com © 2012 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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I often think about the times when my wife and I traveled through Europe (pre-kids!), spending the night at a family-owned castle or private historical property, miles from any town or the conveniences of a city. On one of our first visits, we walked down to the pub room to eat dinner after a day of trekking. To our surprise, the day's menu selections were written on a large board with only two selec"Let's have these for dinner tonight!" tions: squash ravioli and Sheppard’s pie.

We were lucky that evening, because they had about three servings of squash ravioli left, so we both could enjoy what remained of that day's preparation. No burgers, burritos or pizza, no fresh melons, bell peppers or my favorite tangerines; for all of those were either not available at the local market or out of season. What we were offered that evening and for the next three weeks of our trip were the freshest seasonal ingredients available that morning at the local markets, and when they ran out, they ran out!

The concept of using locally grown, fresh, seasonal foods is commonplace in Europe and many other parts of the world. Locals shop their markets each day and meals are prepared using whatever locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables are available at that time of the growing season. I would like to tell you we converted and changed our ways after returning from our travels, but every time, we slowly slid back into our old purchasing and eating habits, enjoying foods like asparagus and blueberries, even as frost began to form.

It really wasn't until our son came along that we seriously committed to a more healthy and sustainable approach. Funny how that happens! Anyone with kids knows it’s easy to feed or supplement a toddler’s meals with items from the salad bar, so at around three years of age, we started feeding our son raw spinach, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and seasonal fruit. He loved it all and subconsciously pushed or embarrassed us into eating the same foods, leaving all the gassed and packaged out-of-season fruits and vegetables behind.

Read our feature article, "Changing the Way America Eats," about the shift in consumer appreciation of seasonal flavor and knowing their food is grown locally, versus across the globe. See "Eating Well on a Budget" and learn how buying fresh seasonal selections provides the opportunity to provide healthier, more nutritious meals that thwart chronic diseases related to poor diet and prevent waste. Also, look over our article about unconventional gardens, including raised bed gardens that allow you to grow the vegetables, herbs and fruits your family can harvest year-round, putting you in control of that portion of your food supply.

We are blessed in this country to have the food supply and resources that we do. As awareness of natural foods and conservation continues to expand and more people change their buying and eating habits, we need to make sure our children understand the change and value our resources, allowing everyone the chance to have access to good, clean, healthy food.

Stay healthy and young at heart. You deserve it and it's fun!

newsbriefs Camp Invention Brings a Week of Creativity to Frisco

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n partnership with Invent Now, Frisco ISD is offering the nationally acclaimed Camp Invention program to children entering grades one through six. Natural Awakenings North Texas readers that register by March 30 receive $25 off the base price of $230. Every registration includes a free Camp Invention T-shirt.

The weeklong summer adventure in creativity immerses children in imaginative play that reinforces and supplements school-year learning in the subjects of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Children work together to seek innovative solutions to real-world problems and sharpen critical learning skills, such as teamwork and creative problem solving, as they rotate through four modules each day that disguise learning as fun.

The week of fun-filled modules begins June 11, with children venturing onto the Ci6000 Space Modulator Time Machine for a fantasy adventure, building their own inventions and adapting features for various situations, learning the power of combining magnetism and electricity and designing machines while learning the importance of gears, motors, springs, and magnets. Children combine physical activity and creativity during fun, energetic games, based on the children’s ages and ability. Local educators facilitate program modules and high school and college students serve as leadership interns, ensuring that one staff member is in place for every eight children.

For more information and to register, call 800-968-4332 or visit CampInvention.org.

Kindness Revitalizes Neighborhoods

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orth Collin County Habitat for Humanity (NCC-HFH) is reaching out to help low-income homeowners maintain the exterior of their homes with A Brush with Kindness, a nationwide HFH effort that partners homeowners with groups of volunteers to revitalize a home’s exterior.

A Brush with Kindness is part of the HFH Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. The goals are to revitalize the appearance of neighborhoods, which transforms and strengthens communities through the preservation of affordable housing. The program allows low-income homeowners to live independently by making home repairs affordable, including cleaning up the exterior of the home, scraping, priming and painting the exterior, repairing minor exterior problems and providing landscaping.

A Brush with Kindness assistance includes providing no-interest loans, as well as the use of a volunteer workforce and donated materials, in an effort to mobilize the neighborhood and increase value. Homeowner eligibility for the program is identical to the requirements of HFH, based on the homeowner’s financial need, ability to pay and willingness to partner with the program.

Although NCC-HFH has a set income level for selecting families, the number is flexible. Homeowners with an existing mortgage must have no outstanding payments and must have up-to-date homeowner’s insurance and taxes.

For more info on NCC-HFH programs and selection process, visit NCC-Habitat.com. natural awakenings

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newsbriefs German Festival in Tomball

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he 12th annual Tomball German Heritage Festival will be held from 6 to 10 p.m., March 30, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. March 31 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 1, in Tomball. Celebrating the heritage of early German settlers in the Texas region in 1840, festivalgoers break out their lederhosen and dirndls and “Go German” in old downtown, near the historic train depot. A fireworks display at 9 p.m. and the Texas Wheels of Justice bike rally will take place on March 31. There is no admission charge and parking is free.

The unique ethnic street festival will be packed with family friendly ambience, entertainment, shopping, the celebration of ethnic heritage and music and dancing throughout the event. A variety of live entertainment on five stages includes the Grammynominated Alex Meixner Band. There will be folk dancers, street performers and food vendors with traditional German food and drink, as well as traditional festival fare.

A traditional German church service will be held and a kid’s area includes carnival rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, strolling music makers, games and activities and a rock wall.

Location: 201 S. Elm, Old Town Tomball. For information and schedule, call 281-379-6844 or visit TomballGermanFest.org.

Spring Festival at Clark Gardens

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he annual Spring Festival will be held amid blooming flowers and trees, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 31 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 1, at Clark Gardens, in Weatherford. Situated on 35 acres of botanical gardens, flowers, lakes, trees and pavilions, Spring Festival is a weekend family friendly event that’s full of fun activities and entertainment for every age.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under. Clark Gardens members attend for free. There is a fee for wine and cheese tasting.

A variety of festival events and activities include live entertainment, sustainability and gardening educational stations, art exhibitors, a children’s activity area and a model train show.

There’s also a classic car show March 31, with trophies, and a motorcycle show April 1, with People’s Choice awards. Local wineries and Texas-based artisanal cheeses will be spotlighted and vendors will offer goods from plants and garden accessories to festival food and beverages.

Location: 567 Maddux Rd, Clark Gardens, Weatherford (app.

45 minutes from DFW). For more information and registration forms, call 940-682-4856 or visit ClarkGardens.org.

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Chalk This Way! 2012

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he second annual Chalk This Way! sidewalk art festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 24, in The Colony. Live music, entertainment, refreshments and vendor booths offering art and art accessories will be available. Admission is free.

Hosted by the Lakeside Arts Foundation (LAF), a nonprofit organization supporting and promoting local fine arts, in partnership with The Colony Chamber of Commerce, the festival features a professional chalk artist exhibit, an amateur chalk art contest, a scholarship contest for high school seniors and a children’s non-competitive gallery.

An awards ceremony will be held at the end of the event.

In the Amateur Art competition, local artists of any age can participate, and are provided artist-grade pastels and a designated six-by-six-foot-square area to work in for a $15 fee. High School seniors are invited to participate in the LAF Scholarship Competition, with three scholarships awarded to the top-selected entries. The Non-Competitive Children’s area is open to children of all ages. For $3, children will be provided sidewalk-grade chalk and a designated two-by-two-foot area.

Location: 4100 Blair Oaks Dr., Five Star Complex, The Colony.

For more information or rules and entry forms, call 972-6251726 or visit LakesideArts.org.

St. Patrick’s Festival Raises Green for Scholarships

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mpossible Possibilities (IP) will host its fourth annual St. Patrick’s Day5K Festival, from 2 to 6 p.m., March 17, at Trinity Park, in Fort Worth.

The festival raises funds for the organization’s scholarship initiative, which supports student education and helps send local DFW students to college.

The IP 1-Mile Kids’ Race begins at 3:30 p.m., followed by the 5K Run/Walk at 4 p.m. Both runs are timed events and the 5K is USATF certified. Admission is free for race/walk participants and children under 5. General admission is $5. Parking is free at Farrington Field.

Live entertainment will be provided from 2 to 6 p.m. by Granger Smith and Six Market Blvd. Bring a lawn chair and blanket to lounge and enjoy the entertainment. For the restless younger ones, a Kid Zone offers kid-friendly games and activities. Local caterers will be serving Irish smoked sausage and festival food and beverages, along with ales in the beer garden.

Local businesses with vendor booths will showcase goods and services at the sponsor expo.

Location: 2401 University Dr., Trinity Park, Fort Worth. For more information and entry fees, visit ImpossiblePossibilities.org.

First Lady Visits Dallas for Healthier School Lunch Program

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he U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued new nutrition standards for school l u n c h e s , o f - Michelle Obama fering children lunches that are higher in whole grain, more vegetables and fruits, low-fat diary selections and lower levels of salt and fat. This is the first major change the USDA has made in school meals in over 15 years.

First Lady Michelle Obama recently visited DFW as part of her tour to highlight the work schools are doing to provide students healthier food. The first lady visited Moseley Elementary School, a part of the Dallas Independent School District, which has been recognized as a leader in making healthy changes for its students, with the most Gold schools of any district in the country, as part of the Healthier U.S. School Challenge program.

“When we send our kids to school, we expect that they won’t be eating the kind of fatty, salty, sugary foods that we try to keep them from eating at home,” said Obama. “We want the food they get at school to be the same kind of food we would serve at our own kitchen tables.”

According to the USDA, the new meal requirements will result in improved health and nutrition for nearly 32 million children that participate in school meal programs.

For more information, visit Blogs. usda.gov/2012/01/25/healthy-mealsand-healthy-kids.

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newsbriefs Sustainability Summit in Mesquite

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he second annual Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) Sustainability Summit will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., April 5, at Eastfield College, in Mesquite. The event addresses how individuals, the local business community and educational institutions will benefit from sustainability and adopting the concept of the triple bottom line: the idea that an action must be good for the people, the planet and the wallet. There is no charge for attending the lecture sessions.

Also, more than 20 exhibitors will share green products and services from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Trammell S. Crow

Well-known local conservation and environmental advocate and Dallas native Trammell S. Crow will give the keynote address at 10 a.m.

Crow is the founder of Texas Business for Clean Air and chair of Earth Day Dallas 2012. Summit participants can choose from five lecture topics, including zero waste; local report card; sustainable careers; sustainable schools; and sustainable homes.

Location: 3737 Motley Dr., Eastfield College, Mesquite. For more information on the summit and lecture schedule, call 214-378-1823 or visit dccd.edu and click events.

Rockin’ and Rollin’ For a Cure

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he Rock ’n’ Roll Half-Marathon, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is set to take place March 25, in Dallas.

Individuals, two-person relay teams, racing wheelchair contestants and walkers can all participate and each will receive a swag bag with a T-shirt and timing tag.

The event begins with the wheelchair start at 7:55 a.m., followed by the individual and the two-person relay at 8 a.m. Themed aid stations, live bands and cheer squads will be strategically placed along the course to enlighten the race experience. Each runner receives a finishing medal and awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers in each category.

After crossing the finish line, runners can reunite with family and friends at the festival in the Family Reunion area, where music, food and beverages will be available. At 11 a.m. a free post-race concert will begin.

Participant swag bags can be picked up at the Health and Fitness Expo at the Dallas Convention Center on March 23 or 24, where more than 80 exhibitors will be showcasing products and offering samples. The expo is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 23 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 24.

Location: Young and S. Griffin St., Dallas. For more race and registration information, visit RunRocknRoll.competitor.com/Dallas.

News to share?

Email details to: publisher@NA-NTX.com Submittal deadline is noon on the 9th of the month.

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Cancer Society Walk to Remember in Frisco

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elay For Life Frisco 2012 will take to the track May 11, at Lone Star High School, in Frisco, to signify their fight against cancer during the 12-hour American Cancer Society relay. The theme for this year’s fundraiser is A Walk to Remember, which will help fund a long-term research program called Cancer Prevention Study (named CPS-3).

The goal of the project is to enroll at least 300,000 adults between the ages of 30 and 65, from diverse backgrounds, that have no personal history of cancer, in order to study and identify the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.

The relay begins at 6 p.m., with cancer survivors and caregivers completing the first lap. For the next 12-hours, each team will have at least one walker on the track at all times. Highlighting the evening is the luminaria ceremony that takes place after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those lost.

The luminarias will line the track and be left lit throughout the night to remind participants of the importance of their efforts. The event concludes at 6 a.m., May 12.

Location: 2606 Panther Creek Pkwy., Frisco. For more information about registering a team or to participate as a survivor, visit Relay.acsEvents.org. For more information on participating in the study, please visit Cancer.org/research.

Natural HealthFest Showcases Wellness Innovations

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elebrating its third year as the area’s unique and integrative health event, Natural HealthFest will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 31, at Plano Centre, in Plano. Combining the best of nutrition and natural medicine with the best of mainstream medicine, renowned experts will teach attendees new ways to optimize wellness, increase energy and lose weight. Doors open at 8 a.m. for ticket sales and live radio broadcasts. Tickets are $5 for admission or $10 for admission and admittance to the keynote lectures. Ample free parking is available.

The exhibit hall will host 80 booths demonstrating cuttingedge health equipment and services, as well as natural foods, high quality nutritional supplements, skin care and other natural products for the family and their pets.

Additional activities include a guest appearance by film and TV star Burton Gilliam, a live Healthy by Nature radio broadcast with host Martie Whittekin, an adoption area with homeless pets, door prizes, samples and coupons and a general store offering book and product bargains. Natural foods will be available for purchase at the snack bar for snacks and lunch.

Location: 2000 Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano Centre, Plano. For more info, call 877-262-7843 or visit NaturalHealthFest.com.

Life’s Better Outside

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he Texas Outdoor Family Program, offered by Texas Parks and Wildlife, gives hands-on experience in outdoor skills like camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, geocaching and outdoor cooking, under the care of a Texas State Park Ranger. Being active outdoors is a great source of exercise and stress release while families enjoy time together.

The Texas Outdoor Program offers families an active, healthy and fun learning experience. All the necessary camping equipment, including tents and cooking gear, is provided as part of the weekend workshop fee of $65 per family, for up to six people.

Participants need to bring sleeping bags, food and personal items.

A major component to the program teaches about conservation ethics and introduces campers to park rangers and what they do. The entire approach adopts an environmentally friendly, “leave no trace” philosophy. Weekend workshops begin in March statewide and run through June.

For reservations, call 512-389-8903. For more information, visit tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/bof or visit the Texas Outdoor Family Facebook page, bit.ly/bsxQcU. natural awakenings

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businessbrief

EcoMaids is an Innovator in Green Cleaning

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coMaids provides eco-friendly cleaning services to homes and businesses throughout the Greater Dallas area. To them, green cleaning is more than just using products that are better for the environment and safe for the planet.

The EcoMaids proprietary Truly-Green cleaning system represents an underlying commitment to sustainable business practices and ecologically sound cleaning techniques.

Strict use of environmentally–preferable cleaning products and equipment reduces risk to the environment while reducing the lifecycle environmental impact associated with the manufacturing and disposal of those products.

Sustainable tools used to reduce waste and environmental impact include cleaning solutions that are all-natural and biodegradable; microfiber cleaning cloths and mop pads that absorb up to seven times their weight in fluid and can be washed and reused hundreds of times without diminished effectiveness; cleaning tools made from post-consumer recycled content; and multi-level HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners that help improve indoor air quality.

The EcoMaids Truly-Green cleaning system is designed

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to create a healthier, safer environment for clients in a sustainable manner that minimizes environmental impact, while maximizing cleaning. Debunking the misconception that green cleaning doesn’t clean as well as conventional methods, the EcoMaids system deep-cleans homes and businesses, ridding them of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.

Taking an extra step, EcoMaids goes beyond sustainability in their cleaning process by using fuel-efficient vehicles and employing scheduling and dispatching processes that optimize driving routes and drive time; using high-efficiency Energy Star-qualified washing machines to reduce water and energy use; using 100 percent recycled paper for field and office needs; and by training employees in the most progressive green cleaning techniques, in addition to screening, bonding and insuring all employees, for customers’ additional peace of mind.

For more info or to schedule an appointment, contact EcoMaids of North Dallas at 214-382-2644 or visit EcoMaids.com/NorthDallas. See ad, page 9.

healthbriefs

High Fiber Trumps Low Fat

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hen food shopping, concentrate on fiber content, rather than just the amount of fat, suggests a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. New Michigan State University (MSU) research suggests that foods high in fiber—but not necessarily low in saturated fats or cholesterol—are tied to lowering the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes in teens; it’s a generation noted to be at high risk for developing chronic disease, due in part to the popularity of processed foods with this age group. The researchers found that due to low consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, the teens’ total dietary fiber intake was about 13 grams a day, well below the recommended 26 grams and 38 grams for female and male adolescents, respectively.

“Our study reinforced the current dietary recommendations for fiber intake by including a variety of plant-based foods,” says lead author Joseph Carlson, a registered dietician and associate professor at MSU. “It may be better to focus on including these foods than to focus, as is commonly done, on excluding foods high in saturated fat.”

Teens are not the only ones that benefit from a fiber-rich diet. A recent report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that adult women and men that eat at least 26 grams and 30 grams of fiber a day, respectively, had a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular, infectious and respiratory diseases.

Grass-fed Benefits

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new, in-depth guide to the benefits of grass-fed beef is now available from Animal Welfare Approved, a national nonprofit organization that audits, certifies and supports farmers that raise their animals according to the highest welfare standards, and outdoors on pasture or range. The Grassfed Primer, available as a free download at AnimalWelfareApproved.org/consumers/ food-labels, notes that grass-fed meat and dairy products offer health benefits via higher levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vitamin E, and can reduce the risk of E. coli infection. Scientists now believe that CLA may be one of humanity’s most potent defenses against cancer.

Does Our Food Control Our Genes?

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he old adage, “You are what you eat,” may be literally true. Based on findings from a groundbreaking study by researchers at Nanjing University, in China, the connection between our food’s biochemistry and our own may be more intimate than we imagined.

The researchers discovered that tiny RNAs (a mirror-image form of DNA), or microRNAs, usually found in plants, were circulating in human blood; one of the most common sources was rice, a staple of their native subjects’ diets. After conducting tests with mice, they found that microRNAs were capable of altering cell function and directly manipulating the expression of genes.

The study results, published in the journal Cell Research, suggest that the human body is a highly integrated ecosystem and suggest that genetic changes in one species may trigger alterations in another.

More Rest Equals Better Teen Performance

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dolescents that log between six and 10 hours of sleep each night perform better in mathematics and physical education classes than those that sleep six hours or less, according to a study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology. The researchers, after analyzing the sleep habits of 592 students aged 12 to 19 in Seville, Spain, further observed that bedtimes and wake times did not significantly influence academic outcomes; however, they did note that students that require less than 15 minutes to fall asleep tended to achieve better marks.

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healthbriefs

Kudos for BacteriaBusting Coriander

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Source: Society for General Microbiology

Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

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il derived from the aromatic coriander plant— one of the 20 most popular essential oils worldwide— has applications beyond aromatherapy as a food additive and is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Coriander oil’s reputed health benefits include relieving pain, easing cramps and convulsions, aiding digestion, curing nausea and fighting fungal infections.

Now, researchers from the University of Beira Interior, in Portugal, have specifically found that the oil is highly effective in killing bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella enterica, Bacillus cereus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Thus, coriander oil may be useful in preventing and treating food-borne illnesses. “Coriander oil could also become a natural alternative to common antibiotics,” says study leader Dr. Fernanda Domingues.

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Red Meat Linked to Type 2 Diabetes

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new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers finds a strong association between the consumption of red meat—particularly processed meat—and an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. They analyzed questionnaire responses from 37,083 men, spanning 20 years; 79,570 women, covering 28 years; and 87,504 women for 14 years.

The researchers also conducted an updated meta-analysis that combined data from their new study with earlier ones involving more than 442,000 participants, 28,228 of which developed Type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for age, body mass index and other lifestyle and dietary risk factors, they concluded that a daily 100-gram serving of unprocessed red meat (about the size of a deck of cards) was associated with a 19 percent increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.

They also found that one daily serving of half that quantity of processed meat, or 50 grams—equivalent to one hot dog or sausage or two slices of bacon—was associated with a 51 percent increased risk. According to the study, replacing red meat with healthier proteins can significantly lower the risk.

The researchers concluded that the consumption of processed meats, such as hot dogs, bacon, sausage and deli meats, which usually contain high levels of sodium and nitrites, should be minimized. They recommend that people eat less unprocessed red meat and instead suggest healthier choices like nuts, whole grains, lowfat dairy products, fish and beans.

Healthy Weight for Healthier Gums

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egular brushing and flossing is vital for keeping teeth and gums healthy. Surprisingly, so is managing our weight. Case Western Reserve University researchers have found that the body is better at fighting gum disease when fat cells disappear.

Excess weight often triggers damaging inflammation throughout the body, and inflammation from gum disease can erode bone, lead to tooth loss and create fissures in the gums, allowing harmful oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Such bacteria have been linked to preterm births, fetal death, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, according to Nabil Bissada, chair of the department of periodontics at the university’s School of Dental Medicine.

ecotip Cold Comfort

Big Boosts in Fridge Efficiency Refrigerator manufacturers are making huge strides in creating more energy-efficient products, and with recent improvements in standards, upcoming designs will use a fifth of the energy that household refrigerators required 40 years ago. That will save the average owner about $150 over a typical 12year product lifetime.

Government analysts note that side-by-side refrigerators might be more convenient than traditional top-and-bottom models, but they offer less usable space and use more electricity—50 to 150 more kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, about 20 percent of the unit’s total energy consumption. An icemaker and door-accessed ice and water service can each add another 10 to 15 percent to overall refrigerator energy consumption.

Top Ten USA, the leading source of independent information about the energy efficiency of common products, identifies and publicizes the most efficient products on the market, so that when consumers are able to find the most energyand money-saving models to buy, manufacturers are encouraged to make products even more energy-efficient.

The nonprofit uses comprehensive information from Energy Star, the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), The California Energy Commission and professional and manufacturing trade publications to evaluate and determine the most energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers in the United States. They recently tested three size categories: medium (14 to 18 cubic feet); large (18 to 22 cubic feet) and extra-large (22 cubic feet and up). To compare the top 10 most efficient medium refrigerator models, visit Tinyurl.com/7wm6cub.

Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, calculates that by upgrading to Energy Star appliances, Americans saved enough energy in 2010 alone to avoid creating greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 33 million cars, while saving nearly $18 billion on their utility bills.

Source: NRDC.org

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

Little Thumbs

Gardening Helps Children Grow Gardening provides many varieties of engagement for children: designing, planting and maintaining a garden patch; harvesting, preparing and sharing food; working cooperatively in groups; learning about science and nutrition; and creating art and stories inspired by their garden experiences.

When third, fourth and fifth grade students participating in a one-year gardening program were surveyed for life skills, they showed significant increases in self-understanding, interpersonal relationship skills and the ability to work in groups, compared with nonparticipating students. Qualitative surveys of 52 second and third grade students working in a community garden classroom program in San Antonio, Texas, further revealed the children were likely to have more positive bonding experiences with their parents and other adults.

A study of children with learning disabilities that engaged in gardening measured increases in nonverbal communication skills, awareness levels of the advantages of order, understanding of how to participate in a cooperative effort, and the ability to form positive relationships with adults. Juvenile offenders that gardened showed improved self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and attitudes towards school. Overall, gardening has been recognized by many studies as a therapeutic healing activity that can positively impact mental health and well-being.

Source: University of Colorado-Denver; Health Sciences Center

Freeing Minds

Yoga Mitigates Prison Recidivism Overcrowding is a serious issue in American prisons partly because the rate of recidivism (return) is high. A 1994 study showed that 67.5 percent of the 300,000 adult prisoners released in 15 states were re-arrested within three years.

James Fox, founder of the nonprofit Prison Yoga Project (PrisonYoga.com) believes that part of the problem is that the U.S. prison system overly emphasizes punishment during incarceration and that programs such as yoga classes might lower the rate of recidivism. He is an advocate for restorative justice and has worked with prisoners for 10 years.

The theory is that yoga and meditation help prison inmates develop important emotional and social skills, including impulse control and willpower, and thus reduce tendencies toward antisocial and criminal behaviors. Fox observes how anyone that adheres to the practice can develop mindfulness, patience, diligence and self-motivation.

The Prison Yoga Project provides training for yoga teachers that want to work in prisons. Fox also would like to maintain a scholarship fund to help former inmates do teacher training, so they can make a career out of the practice.

Source: Dowser.org 14

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Bee Wary

Nature’s Wake-Up Set to Snooze Bees are awakening earlier each spring, according to a Rutgers University study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Scientists report that global warming over the past 130 years has caused several species of North American bees to emerge about 10 days earlier than they did previously, with most of the shift occurring since 1970.

Scientific research known as phenology measures the timing of lifecycle events of animals and plants. “A shift in 10 days is a lot from the point of view of an insect whose lifetime is measured in weeks,” says Rutgers Entomologist Rachael Winfree, co-author of the study.

Because bees are the world’s most important pollinators of flowers and plants, any change in this crucial relationship could prove devastating. Study leader Ignasi Bartomeus, Ph.D., says. “If bees and plants responded differently to climate change, bees could emerge in the spring before plants were flowering, in which case the bees would die because they wouldn’t have anything to eat. Or plants could flower before the bees emerged, in which case the plants would not be pollinated and would fail to reproduce.”

Source: USA Today

Recycled Shelters

Smart Giving

Silicon Valley Launches Philanthropy 2.0 Reinvention is nothing new in Silicon Valley, California, home of some of the world’s most prominent cuttingedge technology companies. Frustrated with what they perceive as the slow pace and inefficiency of many nonprofits, some of the area’s innovators are bringing fresh approaches to solving vexing social issues. Along with money, these social entrepreneurs are applying their business skills—from marketing to operations, together with their enthusiasm and business drive—to transform nonprofits into more savvy, goal-focused businesses.

“Donors aren’t waiting until retirement now,” says Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen, a philanthropist and author of Giving 2.0, a book on how to improve philanthropy. She says, “This is no longer about sympathy.

It’s about strategy,” asserting that donors today are demanding more research and metrics before funding charitable projects.

Beth Kanter, a nonprofit scholar and author of The Networked Nonprofit, points to MomsRising.org, which advocates for family-friendly laws, as a leading example. “MomsRising didn’t reinvent the wheel, and instead just focused on what they were enthusiastic about—mobilizing people,” she says. Instead of operating in a traditional manner, the nonprofit outsourced much of its operations, allowing it to run more nimbly on a virtual basis.

Arrillaga-Andreessen advises, “If we are to solve these problems, the onus is on givers to facilitate that change.”

Nigeria Makes Houses from Plastic Bottles

Citizens of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, can now live “inside” the plastic water bottles that previously littered their roads, canals and gutters, thanks to a project initiated by the Kaduna-based nongovernmental organization (NGO) Developmental Association for Renewable Energies, with help from foreign experts from African Community Trust, a London-based NGO. The prototype 624-square-foot, two-bedroom bungalow looks like an ordinary home, but it is made from capped, sand-filled plastic bottles. The bottles are stacked into layers and bonded together by mud and cement, with an intricate network of strings holding each bottle by its neck, providing extra support to the structure. Once approved, the country will start construction to alleviate a current deficit of 16 million housing units.

Source: PhysOrg.com

Celebrate International Women’s Day March 8 Viva la femme: 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. For activities worldwide, visit InternationalWomensDay.com.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

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communityspotlight

Circle N Family Dairy Built on Tradition

by Robert Dean

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state and is absolutely safe for consumpince 1967, Circle N Family Dairy tion—not to mention that the bottled milk has been dedicated to the time-honproducts are “better tasting, more wholeored tradition and heritage of family some and provide optimum nutrition for farming. Launched by family patriarch you and your family.”

Charles Neu, the farm has always been a The Neus insist the benefits of raw family affair involving Neu’s wife, Mary milk are manifold. “Because the milk is and their six children, including their not heated, the enzymes are not deson Tommy. stroyed and therefore, it’s more digest Tommy Neu joined his father in the ible,” states Tommy. He says websites dairy after high school, and in 1999, he such as Raw-Milk-Facts.com and Realand his wife, Michelle, took over the Tommy and Michelle Neu Milk.com are a great source of informafamily business after Charles retired. The tion for consumers looking for a list of couple built a new freestall barn that benefits and other information. provides the animals with a clean, dry, comfortable resting According to Michelle, buying the milk right on the farm area and easy access to food and water. The cows are not also has its advantages. “It is the best way to guarantee that restrained and are free to enter, lie down, rise and leave the you are getting the best quality milk,” she explains. “Albarn whenever they desire. They also created a more autothough many people are trying to make raw milk available mated system and even began working with a nutritionist to in stores or farmers’ markets, buying it on the farm, actually ensure the health of their cows. meeting the farmer and seeing where your milk comes from

“Healthy cows produce the best quality milk,” explains Tommy. “Our herd is grass fed on pasture and supplemented is so much better.”

In addition to raw milk and raw cream, Circle N Dairy with feedstuffs such as hay and silage that is grown right here also offers farm fresh eggs, along with a large variety of Wison our farm.” consin cheese (which is not made with raw milk).

Although the cows can come and go as they please,

The family welcomes visitors to the farm and offers tours they often prefer to be outdoors. When they do venture to small groups such as preschools, 4-H groups and homeinside, they come back to a freestall barn with rubber-filled schoolers. They say it’s a great way to educate children—and mattresses and a temperature that is regulated. “We pamper parents—about where their foods comes from and why farmour cows, equipping the barn with a misting system, cooling fans and slots for individual feeding, so they are comfortable, ing is important.

Although changes have been made at Circle N Dairy well-nourished and healthy,” Tommy says.

The Neus’ passion for dairy farming is evident in all they over the years, one thing remains the same: their dedication to family tradition. The Neus’ youngest son, Kevin, works do—from the way the cows are treated to the services they with them on the farm, and they provide. In 2010, Circle N Dairy wouldn’t have it any other way. built a store in the old dairy “This has always been a fambarn and began selling raw milk ily operation and we like it that and raw cream after receiving a way and want it to continue,” permit from the state. According says Tommy. to the Neus, raw milk and cream are all natural and unpasteurCircle N Family Dairy is located ized, the way nature intended. four miles west of I-35, on US

Our children grew up on 82, in Lindsay. In Lindsay, travel raw milk, so we have seen the five miles northwest on FM benefits,” notes Michelle. “We 1199 N.. The store is open daily wanted to be able to share what from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more we know and give people the information, call 940-372-0343 opportunity to see the benefits for or visit CircleNDairy.com. See themselves.” She says the milk ad, page 27. has been tested thoroughly by the

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fitbody

and a firm back to absorb bumps, so do some deep squats and short hops from that position beforehand, advises Dr. Joe Ethen, owner of Lakefront Chiropractic Center, in Glencoe, Illinois. “This exercise targets the upper quadriceps and provides full-range motion of joints.” Using ski poles to initiate turns and propel through chairlift lines works the arms and shoulders, so he also recommends upper body stretching.

The Upside of Downhill Skiing Make the Most of Peak Experiences

by Randy Kambic

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Foot care. Boots need to be tight fitting in order to transmit the pressure to make turns from the foot through the boot and binding to the ski itself. The necessary snugness can hinder circulation and chill toes. A solution: Loosen boot buckles while waiting for and taking the chairlift, and wear thin, synthetic-blend socks that wick away moisture and accelerate evaporation.

Avoid the crowds. When skiing on a weekend, locate one or two trails serviced by a mid-mountain chairlift, which is usually far less crowded than the main lift closest to the lodge. “Many resorts have The United States counted high-speed, four-seat chairlifts, which 11.5 million downhill skiers, reduce wait time,” says Karl Winter, vice president of Ski the Rockies, which 8.2 million snowboarders represents 30-plus resorts in California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New and 4.5 million crossMexico, Utah, Wyoming and Canada. country skiers in 2011.

Eat early or late to get in more skiing while others lunch in the lodge. Take Source: SnowSports Industries a workweek vacation day or two to Association totally beat weekend crowds.

now brings fresh fun with winter sports and recreation. Cross-country skiing and snowboarding are healthy options, but neither offers the scope and variety in terrain, movement and exercise afforded by the perennial favorite of alpine downhill skiing.

Jen Butson, public affairs director of the Vermont Ski Areas Association, representing 48 facilities, believes that downhill particularly appeals to women, due to its, “ …accessibility to all ages, abilities and body types, its gracefulness, and being a way for a family to experience nature together.”

Yet, some skiers may experience diminished interest due to memories of cold limbs, residual aches and pains or crowded slopes. Or, they might be concerned about resorts’ perceived high energy usage. Cost is another factor. Here are some tips to get folks back on the slopes and max out mountain moments.

Warm-up exercises. Skiing demands slightly bent knees

Safety. Call out, “On your right,” for example, if you pass a skier that’s to your left, to make sure he or she doesn’t ski into your path. Stay aware of faster moving skiers and boarders. “Don’t stop for too long in the middle of a steep trail to rest or take in the splendid views,” counsels Butson. “A speedy skier might not see you there beneath a mogul.”

Late-season benefits. More natural and manmade snow on the slopes is the norm as the season progresses. Warmer

Regional Ski Resorts Angel Fire Resort Angel Fire, NM Beginner to Advanced Approx. 550 skiable acres Season runs through March 800-633-7463 AngelFireResort.com

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Steamboat Springs Steamboat Springs, CO Novice to Advanced Approx. 2,939 skiable acres Season runs through mid-April 970-879-6111 Steamboat.com

Red River Ski Area Red River, NM Novice to Expert Approx. 290 skiable acres Season runs through March 575-754-2223 RedRiverSkiArea.com

Ski Santa Fe Santa Fe, NM Beginner to Advanced Approx. 660 skiable acres Season runs through April 8 505-982-4429 SkiSantaFe.com

Taos Ski Valley Taos, NM Beginner to Expert Approx. 1,300 skiable acres Season runs through April 8 800-776-1111 SkiTaos.org

Vail Ski Resort Vail, CO Novice to Expert Approx. 5,289 skiable acres Season runs through mid-April 970-754-8245 Vail.com

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temperatures later in the season also tend to make conditions more comfortable and soften ice and hard-packed snow, slowing speeds a bit and making turns easier.

“More snow makes skis easier to control,” explains Winter. “It allows you to glide and carve your turns and maintain a turning rhythm. So, you don’t have to work as hard, which also saves energy.” Many resorts offer special late-season discounts.

Ski green. Joining a ski club can deliver savings on lift tickets, as well as lodging booked by the group. Plus, traveling by bus or carpooling saves gas. Remember to properly recycle or dispose of refuse and pick up any trash you spot in the snow.

When choosing a destination, check to see if the resort goes for electric vehicles, composting, local purchasing programs, efforts to reduce carbon footprints, water conservation and employee and guest sustainability education. All are elements of the National Ski Areas Association’s Environmental Charter, endorsed by190 resorts that together, host about 75 percent of all U.S. skier and snowboarder visits. Many resorts are adopting the association’s new sustainable slopes and climate challenge programs.

If you need skis, but are on a tight budget, consider renting or checking out early season ski swaps, which also can offer more traditional eco-friendly, gently worn clothing.

If you feel you must wax ski bases, select a product that is free of PFCs and other petrochemicals, which can rub off into snow and eventually find their way into waterways. With the ultra-smooth, resilient bases of modern skis, waxing has become unnecessary for most recreational skiers.

Enjoy winter’s wonderland.

For consumer tips and destination directories, visit nsaa.org, SkiTheRockies.com, SnowSports.org and SkiVermont.com.

Avid skier Randy Kambic is a freelance editor and writer in Estero, FL, for Natural Awakenings.

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healthykids

talent for potential future hires.

Citizens Off the Sidelines

Preparing Kids for

Tomorrow’s Jobs U.S. Companies Pair Scientists with Schools

by April Thompson

Career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math are projected to grow 70 percent faster than other occupations—with 2.4 million job openings in those fields during the next six years.

T

hat’s great news for tomorrow’s job-seekers. Yet, most American youth are matriculating out of the country’s schools ill-equipped to compete for these high-tech, high-wage jobs; among developed nations, U.S. high school students currently rank 23rd in science and 31st in mathematics. Now, hundreds of schools are working to better prepare students by harnessing outside resources to reinvigorate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curricula in classrooms and afterschool programs.

Forget rote memorization of the periodic table of the elements that previous generations may equate with science class. Kids in STEM programs are designing video games, programming robots and building solar cars— fun, hands-on, practical projects that add zest to technical subjects. The extra excitement helps, because many STEM programs extend the school day, either as a mandatory late-day module or an optional afterschool session.

Psyched about Science

Kids like Camerino Sanchez-Park can’t get enough. “Robotics helped me learn a lot about science and battery-powered objects and engines,” says this fifth-grader at Faller

Elementary School, in Ridgecrest, California. “The best part was working with the cool, high-tech robots. I would definitely do it again!”

Sanchez-Park is one of 87 youths psyched about science as a result of hands-on afterschool programs run by a local nonprofit, High Desert Leapin’ Lizards. It taps the brainpower of scientists and engineers from a nearby naval base to instruct in subjects like renewable energy, chemistry and robotics. Rather than focusing on abstract concepts, students create working windmills or robots capable of tackling obstacle courses.

“It not only sparks an interest in science, it teaches them how to think like a scientist,” says Program Administrator Sandra Goldstein Birmingham.

“For example, the kids maintain an engineering journal of the challenges they experienced, to help them troubleshoot the next time.”

Leapin’ Lizards is one of 34 STEM programs nationwide awarded funding through the 2011 Ashoka Changemakers’ Partnering for Excellence competition, backed by U.S. corporate heavyweights like Google, ExxonMobil and Amgen. Many participating companies are investing in STEM school programming to fill the pipeline of homegrown

Another Ashoka winner, Citizen Schools, sees the challenge as a supplyand-demand problem that includes a lack of teachers trained to meet the current needs for STEM education. Consider, though, the 10 million professionals currently working in related fields, and Americans have a system-wide solution. “If we can put just 1 percent of them in the classroom, we could more than double the math and science teachers in the country,” advises Managing Director John Werner.

Citizen Schools recruits corporate volunteers from the ranks of top technology, architecture, finance and other fields to lead afterschool “apprenticeships” for disadvantaged kids in public middle schools. Participating states include California, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Texas.

Collaborating on real-life problems in small groups develops more than tangible skills, attests Marianne DeModena. Her sixth grade son, Christian

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Deguglielmo, completed apprenticeships with Google at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and with investment advisors Cambridge Associates, both in Boston.

“Christian came home a different kid,” says DeModena. “It’s brought out his leadership abilities, school pride, social skills and confidence… it’s really opened up this other side of him. He says Citizen Schools is his favorite subject.”

The program’s success is more than anecdotal: A longitudinal study by Policy Studies Associates, Inc. found that kids enrolled in Citizen Schools afterschool programs significantly outperformed a comparison group on a range of indicators, including school attendance, proficiency test scores and graduation rate.

Gateway to the Stars

Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, or (MS)², taps into higher institutions of learning as another rich source of STEM prowess. Founded in 2005, the Washington, D.C., public charter school is located at the university, one of the nation’s preeminent historically black colleges.

Every (MS)² classroom includes at least one undergraduate teaching assistant, providing youths with collegiate role models in STEM fields, while giving university students an opportunity to test their teaching skills. Executive Director Yohance Maqubela recognizes that not every student will end up pursuing a career in a STEM field, but that science and technology will permeate whatever discipline they choose.

Above all, STEM curricula are designed to address one of the most frequently asked student questions: “Why am I learning this?” By making learning more relevant, these programs are helping kids stay motivated, think critically about their surroundings and connect the dots so they see the big picture. It’s a mindset that will serve them well, wherever life leads them.

April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

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Science and Math Skills Can Be Cultivated in Youth

by Debbie Thompson

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ur dependence upon technology and science increases each day, and it is vital that children have the educational opportunities to deepen their understanding about science and how it applies to their daily lives. The need for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-based learning opportunities is crucial.

According to PublicAgenda.com, 90 percent of American adults believe studying advanced math and science is useful for all students and 88 percent believe that studying advanced math and science gives students an advantage when it comes to college opportunities. Even so, public schools are taking actions to reduce their emphasis.

According to a report by the Center on Educational Policy, NCLB Year 5: Instructional Time in Elementary Schools: A Closer Look at Changes for Specific Subjects, elementary schools decreased the amount of time for science instruction on average by 75 minutes (33 percent) per week from 2002 to 2008. There should be no surprise why U.S. students tend to score progressively lower on standardized tests in science and math.

Weeklong programs supporting STEM education and motivation are valuable in providing quality enrichment programs that give children opportunities to improve their familiarity with and attitude toward math and science. When students are learning about STEM subjects, fun can be used to boost interest in these topics.

Well-planned programs build self-esteem and show children that a passion for science is a remarkable quality.

A program that focuses on STEM education should promote a love of science, teamwork and critical thinking, with a focus on children in grades one through six, when children are forming opinions about the world and their brains are still developing. Curricula supporting STEM education at its best provides a hands-on approach to solving challenges.

For 22 years, Camp Invention has pioneered and promoted a love of science, teamwork and critical thinking through weeklong programs supporting STEM education. With more than 1,200 program sites in 49 states, instilling skills that challenge children to think creatively and work together in a handson setting with a focus on the importance of science in our environment.

Debbie Thompson is a Frisco ISD educator and director of Camp Invention-Frisco. For more information on Camp Invention or to find a program site, visit CampInvention.com.

See ad, page 19.

wisewords

CHOOSING FORKS OVER KNIVES Doctors Advocate a Plant-Based Diet

by Linda Sechrist

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ilm Producer Brian Wendel’s concern for the many Americans suffering from multiple chronic diseases, as well as the strain this puts on our nation’s health care system and economy, sparked the idea for documenting what doctors researching the issue have to say about it. In his latest film, Forks Over Knives, these pioneering thinkers examine the claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases afflicting humanity can be controlled or reversed by avoiding the ingestion of animal-based and processed foods; more, they make a compelling case that switching to a whole-foods, plant-based diet can restore health.

Much of the foundational science showing why a plant-based diet of whole foods is not only best for everyone’s health, but also for the planet, comes from noted nutrition research pioneer T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. He has summarized his results in his book, The China Study, co-authored with his son, Dr. Thomas M. Campbell. His 1980 study of 130 Chinese villages, involving 6,500 adults and their families, directly tied the consumption of animal protein-based foods to the development of cancer and heart disease.

Based on his research, Colin Campbell, teamed up with Dr. Junshi Chen, currently a senior research professor with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in Beijing, specifically characterized casein, a protein found in milk from

mammals, as “the most relevant carcinogen ever identified.” With concrete evidence in hand, and accounting for other diet and lifestyle factors, the pair went on to conclude that consuming whole, plant-based foods offers the best strategy for improving health and preventing serious diseases.

Other solid science presented in the film comes from Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., whose 150 scientific articles complement the 1995 publication of his peer-acclaimed book, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, which summarizes the results of his longterm research on arresting and reversing coronary artery disease through

nutrition. In his two decades of global research, Esselstyn, who directs the cardiovascular prevention and reversal program at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, found that wherever people ate a plant-based diet, cancer and cardiovascular diseases were rare.

In many of the case histories and personal stories chronicled in Forks Over Knives, diet was used as a treatment for various diseases and cited as being more effective than prescription drugs. Anthony Yen and Evelyn Oswick, for example, attest how their lives were saved by switching to a whole-foods, plant-based diet after a lifetime of illness that included multiple heart attacks and surgeries, as well as chronic chest pain.

Treatment under the care of Esselstyn succeeded in reversing advanced-stage heart disease in both cases. Today, they enjoy active lives full of friends, family and meaningful work.

Social media channels such as Facebook have been vital to spreading the word about the effective solutions presented by the Forks Over Knives film and companion book (complete with recipes). Wendel reports inspiring posts such as, “Your film changed my life,” or “I no longer require diabetes medication.”

Potential savings in costs to people and the planet are vast. Consider, for instance, that according to the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, if the entire U.S. population were to adopt a plant-based diet for just one day, the nation would save at least 100 billion gallons of drinking water, enough to supply every person in every home in New England for nearly four months.

Wendel foresees the ForksOver Knives.com website ultimately expanding into a news resource, linking people with information provided by leading experts in the whole-foods, plant-based world via various media platforms. It will also provide opportunities to blog with experts, listen to live broadcasts about food preparation and find resources to help individuals transition to a healthier, plant-based diet.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings magazines.

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Olive Oil Plays Role in Reducing Inflammation

by Jeff Pearce or years, extra-virgin olive oil has been promoted as amazingly healthy for cooking. Most cooks have this greattasting oil in their pantry and use it at least occasionally, but the good news is that adding as little as one or two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to your diet daily can provide significant anti-inflammatory benefits.

Research published in 2010 from studies conducted in Cordoba, Spain; reveal that a compound in olive oil, oleocanthal, can prevent the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) in the body. This is the same manner in which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen and aspirin work. Just three and a half tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil has the same anti-inflammatory properties as that of a 200 mg tablet of ibuprophen while being much more enjoyable to the taste.

When shopping for olive oils with the greatest health benefit, look for three things: extra-virgin, organic or eco-farmed: Italian or Spanish varieties; and a strong-flavored, peppery bite. The strength of olive oil’s anti-inflammatory compounds can vary from brand-tobrand and region-to-region. Strongerflavored oils, with a telltale peppery bite that tickles the throat, have the highest oleocanthal levels.

Quality olive oil has heat rating of about 400 degrees, making it ideal for sautéing and pan-frying. I love homemade sourdough bread dipped in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Italian herbs. Now, that is living.

healingways

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Jeff Pearce, HNC, is owner of Cooking God’s Way, offering nutritional consulting, cooking classes and health workshops.

For more info, call 972-379-7851 or visit CookingGodsWay.com. See ad, page 18.

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COOLING CHRONIC

INFLAMMATION Dietary Solutions Counter Disease

by Linda Sechrist

I

t’s important to note that wounds and infections would never heal without the presence of acute inflammation, the body’s normal biological response to harmful pathogens, damaged cells and irritants. Although this protective measure to initiate the body’s natural healing response is often misrepresented as being synonymous with infection, it is not; even when the inflammation is caused by infection.

Dr. Vijay Jain, an expert in ayurvedic medicine, explains how the system normally works: “An infection brings about an acute inflammatory response and also summons the aid of immune system cells such as lymphocytes—thymus cells (T cells), bursaderived cells (B cells) and natural killer (NK) cells—as well as monocytes (a type of white blood cell). These then migrate through the bloodstream to eliminate specific pathogens or pathogen-infected cells.”

In contrast, chronic inflammation occurs when the immune response stays activated, rather than naturally

abating, and the body’s defense system consequently turns against itself.

Today, a number of leading physician scientists including Jain are drawing attention to an epidemic of cases of such chronic inflammation.

With 35 years of experience in general surgery and 15 years of focused study in integrative medicine, Jain bases his concern on extensive study and research. He currently serves as the medical director of Amrit Ayurveda for Total Well Being, at the Amrit Yoga Institute, in Salt Springs, Florida.

Floyd H. Chilton, Ph.D., author of Inflammation Nation, and professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, in WinstonSalem, North Carolina, is on the same wavelength. Trained as a physician and specialist in infectious disease and inflammation at Harvard Medical School, Chilton’s 20 years of research have likewise led him, along with pioneers like Dr. Andrew Weil, to conclude that chronic, systemic inflammation is the root cause of many diseases.

The condition has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s and cancer. Furthermore, in 2000, The New England Journal of Medicine published several studies showing that blood indicators of inflammation (such as homocysteine, fibrinogen and Creactive protein) are strong predictive factors for a heart attack.

These experts all point to the standard American diet as a primary culprit for setting chronic inflammation in motion, and cite an anti-inflammatory diet as helpful in counteracting the problem.

Kathy Bero, founder of at NuGensis Farm, Inc., in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, attests that an anti-inflammatory diet containing many angiogenesisinhibiting foods was a major factor in the remission of three aggressive forms of cancer that threatened her life six years ago. “Many of the diseases linked to chronic systemic inflammation also share a dependence on inappropriate blood vessel growth, which either nourishes the disease or hinders the body’s fight against it,” Bero explains.

“Angiogenesis-inhibiting foods are known to assist the body in controlling the healthy growth of blood vessels.”

The nonprofit NuGenesis Farm supports 35 acres dedicated to growing anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis-balancing foods with the strongest disease prevention properties, using sustainable organic agriculture practices. It offers a “food as medicine” model for global communities seeking alternative methods for naturally preventing disease.

An anti-inflammatory diet recommended by family physician and nutritionist Ann Kulze, author of Dr. Ann’s 10-Step Diet, includes colorful, fresh fruits; green, leafy vegetables; low-glycemic foods such as whole grains, sweet potatoes and winter squashes; fruits such as berries, cherries, apples and pears; high-quality protein in omega-3-rich fish such as wild salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel; seeds and nuts such as walnuts; and green tea. It also calls for the vegetable-based protein found in soy foods, beans, lentils and other legumes.

Ginger and turmeric, dried or fresh, rank among recommended spices.

In addition to maintaining a healthy and correct balance between omega-6

and omega-3 fatty acids, an anti-inflammatory diet eliminates consumption of margarine, vegetable shortening and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, all of which promote inflammation.

“Anti-aging researchers believe that chronic inflammation shortens our lifespan,” remarks Jain, who recommends a prophylactic diet specific to the constitutional makeup of any of the three ayurvedic doshas—vata, pitta or kapha—as well as the annual panchakarma detoxification program. He further emphasizes that food should be freshly prepared with fresh ingredients and loving intention.

“Proper economic studies would increase our understanding of the true cost benefit of growing food for the purpose of disease prevention,” says Bero. “Many believe that incorporating anti-inflammatory and angiogenesisinhibiting foods into our daily diet will not only improve both overall health and the outcome of treatment, it will also go a long way in reducing immediate and long-term health care costs.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings magazines.

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Nourishing the Shift to Farm-Fresh Foods

species,” have “statistically different nutrient contents.” In other words, each variety promises a unique mix of health-protecting compounds.

Supermarkets must rely on crops and animal products that can withstand long-distance travel and also meet uniform appearance standards.

Small farmers serving local markets, on the other hand, can better preserve the legacy of biologically diverse heirloom crops and heritage breeds because of the shorter distances between field and plate. An heirloom tomato picked ripe at peak flavor can’t survive a lengthy commute, but nothing tastes better when it’s plucked fresh from the vine and still warm from the sun.

Planting diverse, region-specific crops also reduces the burden of weeds, pests and plant diseases—and any related chemical use—and helps provide safe nourishment for pollinators and wildlife, as well. No wonder the Organic Farming Research Foundation characterizes farmers as the largest group of ecosystem managers on Earth.

Everyone can support a cause that feeds us well while caring for the planet.

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

Farmers’ Job Market

Changing the Way America Eats

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entucky farmer and writer Wendell Berry states that in order for people to care about their food, “They have to taste it.”

Tasting the difference between fresh, local, organic foods and those that travel hundreds or thousands of miles before touching our taste buds is catalyzing a healthy change across America. Consider the growth in patronage of farmers’ markets alone: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports the number of markets has soared, from 1,755 in 1994 to 7,175 in 2011.

What’s driving the surge? Incentives include our appreciation of scrumptious seasonal flavor, a comforting sense of community and the reassurance

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of knowing exactly where our food comes from and who—often on a firstname basis—grew or produced it. Good, healthy food germinates in genuine relationships—between growers and consumers, and farmers and the Earth.

Local markets boost hometown economies, too; the USDA predicts a record $7 billion in such food sales this year, delivering a greater proportion of food dollars directly to farmers.

Regional food systems also support the biological diversity that is vital to sustainability. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, “different varieties of the same

With 57 being the current average age of American farmers, and more than a quarter 65 or older, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition recognizes the desperate need for more young farmers. When the National Young Farmer’s Coalition recently surveyed 1,000 beginning farmers, it found that access to capital, land and health insurance presented the biggest hurdles to entering farming as a career. The Women, Food and Agriculture Network has identified access to health care as the main challenge facing females that want to farm.

While city dwellers tend to idealize farming as a romantic occupation in a bucolic setting, it is actually a risky, physically demanding job. Despite the

challenges, farmers say they love their work because they enjoy being outside, working with their hands, producing high-quality food and being their own boss. It helps to be healthy, smart and an optimist at heart.

Eat Fresh. Eat Local.

It’s Easy.

Sticker Price versus Hidden Costs

To consumers coping in a down economy, the cheapest price may sometimes seem like the best choice. John Ikerd, professor emeritus of agricultural economics at the University of Missouri, notes that, “Americans, on average, are spending only half as much of their disposable income for food today as they were in the 1960s.” However, at the same time, “The percentage spent on health care has doubled.”

Scores of studies show that many of today’s chronic diseases are related to poor diet. Factor in medical costs associated with food-borne illnesses, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pesticide- and hormone-contaminated food and water, and it’s easy to understand why Michael Carolan, author of The Real Cost of Cheap Food, declares, “Cheap food... is actually quite expensive.”

One way for families to save money on food costs is to reduce waste. Jonathan Bloom, author of American Wasteland, says Americans waste more than 40 percent of the food we produce for consumption, throwing away $100 billion-plus in food a year. Most of it ends up in landfills.

Instead of providing incentives to agribusinesses to produce less expensive food, smarter national farm and food policies could prioritize producing higher quality food and wasting less of it. Kathy Bero, board president of NuGenesis Farm, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, advocates shifting commodity payments to organic farmers. Her nonprofit educational farm promotes “food as medicine,” along with cost-saving, health-boosting consumer strategies such as learning how to garden and cook to maximize nutritional value.

Inspiring Trends

Stephanie Coughlin, a farmer in San Diego, California, says: “If you don’t have local farms, you don’t have local security.” Across the country, communities are proving how a few conscious buyers can improve everyone’s access to highquality local foods.

Farm to Hospital: As director of nutrition services at Fletcher Allen Health Care, in Burlington, Vermont, Registered Dietitian Diane Imrie has the power to influence the economic security and sustainability of her community and surrounding region. Imrie sources approximately 40 percent of the food served at her hospital from farms located within a day’s drive. In her work,

by Cameron Satterthwaite

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here is a huge misconception that certified organic produce is the only way to get clean, healthy food, but there is also something we farmers’ markets like to call “homegrown” produce. We grow it without pesticides and it is not overgrown, genetically modified or gassed. To most people, this sounds just like organically grown produce, and that’s correct. The only difference is the high price tag that does not come with it.

The benefit of eating locally grown foods and homegrown produce is that they do not have a twoweek span between picking to purchasing, sitting in a warehouse or an 18-wheeler for days, traveling from California to Texas or further. Buying locally means that you’re buying what is in season at that time. Peaches and nectarines are meant to be a summertime fruit. When we jump the gun and buy them in the middle of winter, this means that they may be coming out of places like Chile or other South American countries. This too, entails a higher price for importing and often yields a very poor-tasting fruit. By buying American, one can be certain that the produce was grown under strict U.S. regulations.

Our farmer’s market and the other 30 farmers markets in the DFW area try to give our customers the best quality produce that is out there, something that may be overlooked by large corporations.

Prepackaged foods are sure nice when you have 10 minutes to go in the front door and out the back, but can lack the quality of taste, and the preservatives in prepackaged foods are very hard to digest and can take a toll on our bodies over time. Eat fresh. Eat local. It’s easy.

Cameron Satterthwaite is the manager of Georgia’s Farmers Market, open year-round, in Plano. For more information, call 972-516-4765 or visit GeorgiasFarmersMarket.com.

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she helps keep farmers on their land while providing higher quality food to patients and staff.

The facility also supports onsite gardens, which yielded $2,000 worth of produce in 2011, despite Vermont’s short growing season. The hospital food is so popular that its café serves downtown businesspeople, further bolstering profitability and community benefits.

For local maple sugar producer Bernie Comeau, Imrie’s consistent purchases provide an income he can count on every month. Imrie is glad to note that for farmers, selling their food to the hospital is “like a stamp of approval.”

Marydale DeBor, who founded and led the “plow to plate” comprehensive food and disease-prevention initiative associated with Connecticut’s New Milford Hospital, maintains that, “Institutional leadership is critical.” She says that thanks to a supportive CEO that believed in bringing farm-fresh foods to hospital food services, their retail café more than doubled its revenue within two years.

DeBor believes that hospital food should set an example for public health. “We need to support beginning farmers, and more food hubs and new distribution systems to facilitate access,” she says. “Consumers need to let their hospitals know they should focus on good food and nutrition.”

Farm to Restaurant: Leigh Lockhart, owner of Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café and Juice Bar, in Columbia, Missouri, buys supplies directly from local organic farmers and never quibbles about price. She composts any food waste in her garden, where she grows some of the produce used in her restaurant. Rather than large plates of cheap food, Lockhart serves portions within U.S. Dietary Guidelines, comprising higher quality, more satisfying meals.

Relationships with chefs are important to farmers, advises Carol Ann Sayle, owner of Boggy Creek Organic Farm, in Austin, Texas. Farmers can rely on a sure buyer; chefs appreciate dependable and high quality food; and customers return because of the great taste.

Farm to School: Organic farmer Don Bustos, program director for the American Friends Service Committee of New Mexico, trains beginning farmers and ranchers in ways to provide food to the Albuquerque Public School District and beyond. For example, farmers grow crops during the winter in solar-powered greenhouses, and aggregate their products

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to meet school needs. Mobile meat processing and distribution networks also create jobs while keeping small farmers economically and environmentally viable, explains Bustos. Local agriculture fuels strong communities and fresh local foods help children thrive.

In the Pacific Northwest, AmeriCorps volunteer Emma Brewster works with the Real Food Challenge, a national youth-based program that encourages colleges and universities to shift 20 percent of their food budgets to farm-fresh, locally sourced foods. Brewster works with Lucy Norris, project manager for the Puget Sound Food Network, which creates opportunities beyond farmers’ markets for local area farmers to connect with regional processors, distributors and end users, including Seattle Public Schools.

Hands in the Dirt

Regardless of occupation, many people feel a natural urge to work with the soil and witness the miracle of seeds sprouting new life. Rose Hayden-Smith, Ph.D., a garden historian and a designated leader in sustainable food systems at the University of California–Davis, points out that home, school, community and workplace victory gardens established during World War II succeeded in producing about 40 percent of our nation’s vegetables. In both world wars, she says, our national leadership “recognized that food and health were vital national security issues.” They still are today.

Melinda Hemmelgarn, a.k.a. the Food Sleuth (FoodSleuth@ gmail.com), is a registered dietitian and award-winning writer and radio host, based in Columbia, Missouri. She co-created F.A.R.M.: Food, Art, Revolution Media – a Focus on Photography to Re-vitalize Agriculture and Strengthen Democracy to increase advocacy for organic farmers (Enduring-Image.blogspot.com). Learn more at Food Sleuth Radio at kopn.org.

2012 Farm Bill Update

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

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he single piece of legislation known as the Farm Bill currently contains $90 billion in taxpayer funding and significantly affects farming, conservation, energy and the quality and price of the food on our plates. When the bill comes up for renewal every five years, the public has a chance to voice support for a greener, healthier, more sustainable food and farming system. Sign up for Farm Bill updates and action alerts from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (website below), and talk with members of Congress about concerns.

Marydale DeBor, who works to improve food quality in Connecticut, recommends that citizens align with farm advocacy organizations. “Advocacy is the single most important need now, around the Farm Bill and state policies,” she says.

Did you know?

n Most Farm Bill dollars support food assistance programs, namely food stamps or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), our nation’s largest safety net against hunger. In 2012, SNAP is projected to consume 75 percent of the total Farm Bill budget. n Most SNAP benefits are spent in supermarkets and convenience stores. SNAP can be used at farmers’ markets, but only by those that accept electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. In 2011, SNAP’s $11 million of the program’s total $71 billion benefits were redeemed at farmers’ markets nationwide, directly benefiting local farmers. n Crop insurance is the second-largest Farm Bill budget item. n The majority of subsidy payments go to large farms producing corn, cotton, wheat, rice and soybeans, which helps explain why soda is cheaper than 100 percent fruit juice, and corn-fed feedlot beef costs less than organic, grass-fed beef. n An improved Farm Bill would provide participation incentives for conservation, beginning farmers, local food economies and organic agriculture, and better align agriculture with public health.

Learn more about the 2012 Farm Bill at: Environmental Working Group and EWG Action Fund ewg.org

Food Fight: The Citizen’s Guide to the Next Food and Farm Bill, by Daniel Imhoff WatershedMedia.org/foodfight_overview.html Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy iatp.org National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition SustainableAgriculture.net natural awakenings

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greenliving

Rooftop Raised-Beds

Urban farmers in the United States are now transforming an increasingly significant portion of the country’s millions of acres of flat rooftops. Launched in 2010, New York’s Brooklyn Grange rooftop farm operation (BrooklynGrangeFarm. com), totaling nearly an acre atop a mid-rise warehouse, is among the largest of its kind. Sometimes called “vertigo farming”, because the farmers overlook an urban skyline, these enterprises re-green the landscape, wisely manage rainwater and rebuild affordable local fresh food systems.

The Grange grows produce in seven-inch-deep beds using a growing medium made from compost and small, porous stones and annually produces 40 cultivars of organic tomatoes, salad greens, peppers, Swiss chard, beets and carrots. Food is sometimes transported to market via bicycles.

Window Gardens

Windowfarm co-founders Rebecca Bray and Britta Riley (Windowfarms.org/story) help homeowners grow some of their own food in window spaces year-round. Their research-and-develop-it-yourself hydroponic system project facilitates plant cultivation without soil, using nutrient-infused water pumped through a series of growing containers.

To date, more than 20,000 people have downloaded plans for their own Windowfarm.

UNCONVENTIONAL

Alleyway Wonders

In the East Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, flowers, ferns and ivy gardens have replaced concrete alleyways thanks to Podmajersky, a local real estate development firm. The lush gardens provide a tranquil sanctuary from city bustle and an aesthetically pleasing and inspiring surrounding for the Chicago Arts District, home to 1,500 artists and other creative entrepreneurs.

In Monroe, Wisconsin, one resident turned a humble downtown alley into a welcoming nature-scape. Taking advantage of the “heat-island effect” generated in paved urban areas from hard-surface buildings and a nearby parking lot, as well as a southern exposure, his Midwest gardens even include cacti.

GARDENS No Space? No Problem.

by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

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or everyone that feels surrounded by a concrete jungle occasionally relieved by a pocket park, green strip or landscaped median, the concept of finding a place to grow their own food may seem like a fantasy. Fortunately, backyard, rooftop and community gardens are good ideas that are coming on strong. Around the country, productive green spaces are replacing paved lots and lawns with edible perennials and seasonal crops that enable folks to eat better and fresher, while reducing the family food bill.

“Food plants can be grown anywhere, including on a high-rise balcony, miles from the nearest farm,” says David Tracey, author of Urban Agriculture: Ideas and Designs for the New Food Revolution. “You just need to meet the plant’s basic requirements for sunlight, water and a few nutrients.

Cities are great places to grow specific kinds of food; they tend to have plenty of niche areas such as empty lots, rooftops and the ends of streets that new urban gardeners are using for growing fresh crops like salad greens and tomatoes.”

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Go Fish

Aquaponics is a well-organized way to sustainably raise fish and fresh produce together. “It mimics natural recirculation of resources in wetlands in a constructed dual-use ecosystem; the only inputs are fish feed and a small amount of power,” explains Sylvia Bernstein, author of Aquaponic Gardening and founder of TheAquaponicSource.com. “Because an aquaponic system can be set up anywhere, including warehouses, parking lots and exhausted fields, it is ideally suited to help localize food production and provide an alternative to clearing more land to feed our future.”

Patio Paradise

“When your space is limited, you start to think creatively about how to best use it,” notes Tracey. “Consider all three dimensions of a balcony or other narrow areas to maximize

LocalHarvest.org lists some 2,500 community gardens in its database, as does the American Community Gardening Association (CommunityGarden.org). growing potential. Climbing vines such as grapes and berries, hanging pots with tomatoes and nasturtium, and fruit trees in half-barrels are great ways to grow more food in a small space. The crops don’t know they’re in a pot.”

Herbs also love containers. Some plants, like tomatoes, can even be grown upside-down to more efficiently use limited space.

Vacant Lots

“Community gardens are an excellent solution for those with the garden itch and no good land to scratch,” advises Roger Doiron, founder of Kitchen Gardeners International (Kitchen Gardeners.org), a nonprofit community of 20,000 members that has been cultivating change since 2008. Community gardens have taken over empty city lots, church lawns and schoolyards that are collectively farmed for food, relaxation or social camaraderie. Co-gardening a neighbor’s lot and sharing the harvest is another option.

Eating the Lawn

“There are no beauty contests in the plant world, but, if there were, a productive, ever-changing patch of diverse vegetables would beat out a monoculture of turf grass any time,” says Doiron, smiling. Put into food production, America’s 25 million acres of lawns could go a long way toward reducing the environmental cost of transporting produce hundreds or thousands of miles.

Americans growing their own food isn’t a pie-in-the-sky fantasy. As University of California garden historian Rose Hayden-Smith confirms, “During the peak year for Victory Gardens, 1943, some government estimates indicated that up to 40 percent of the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed on the American home front were produced in school, home, community and workplace gardens.”

“One of the first steps in bringing healthy foods to the forefront of society is bringing them to the front and center of our living spaces,” concludes Doiron. “Growing food in small spaces is all about doing what you can with what you have. It’s a matter of changing our notion of potential foodproducing landscapes.” It does wonders for people’s connection to nature, too.

John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist are co-authors of Farmstead Chef (FarmsteadChef.com), ECOpreneuring and Rural Renaissance. Their award-winning Inn Serendipity B&B (InnSerendipity.com) operates completely on renewable energy.

Raising the Bar for Garden Beds

by Greg Holdsworth aised bed gardens offer an abundance of benefits, especially for North Texas gardeners with poor quality soil. The basic concept of a raised bed is to build the garden on top of native soil with the option to mix it in or bypass it completely, while managing the new soil’s texture and composition.

Thought by some to be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional gardens, raised beds can be built at any height and almost any location, allowing more plants per square foot (no row spacing or foot paths), warming up quicker in the springtime and providing more efficient drainage than more traditional gardens. Here are some building tips to remember.

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n When using wooden boards, make sure they are perfectly straight lengthwise. Even a slight curve or warp at the edge of the board will result in a gap at the corner. n Make sure the bed is level, so the water doesn’t collect or drain unevenly. n Before attaching the four boards together, place them next to each other to ensure a close match and mark each corner, so if you need to move them, you’ll know which corners go together. n If you are designing the bed for the Square Foot Gardening system (SquareFootGardening.org), remember to compensate for the thickness of the boards. The inside dimension will be four feet, not the outside. n Use coated deck screws that are designed for outdoor use. n In building a bed on top of grass, use several overlapping layers of wide cardboard.

Greg Holdsworth is owner of Your Own Victory Garden, which installs organic vegetable gardens and builds customized garden structures. For more info, call 214-517-9890 or visit YourOwnVictoryGarden. com. See ad, page 39.

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Garden-Fresh Recipes Lemon Balm Iced Tea Yields 8 servings Lemon balm grows prolifically and is ideal for a refreshing summertime iced tea. Slowly simmer the flavor out of the lemon balm in a slow cooker or simmer on the stove. Vary proportions depending on the pot size and desired sweetness.

Big bunch of fresh lemon balm stalks with leaves 1 /2 cup honey 1 /4 cup lemon juice 8 cups purified water 1. Stuff as much rinsed lemon balm into a slow cooker as will fit. Cover with approximately 8 cups of water, depending on the size of the slow cooker, and let simmer about three hours on low heat.

2. Drain the resulting liquid into a pitcher.

3. While it’s still warm, add honey and lemon juice. It is easier to add the honey while the tea is still warm, because it readily dissolves. Add more water to taste.

4. Chill before serving.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Yields 4 servings Foodies prefer strawberries that are red inside and out, quarter-sized and organically grown. The dressing helps accent the sweetness of the fresh strawberries and spinach, with a nutty crunch from the chopped peanuts.

Note: Mega-mutation versions of California strawberries are often sprayed with poisonous pest fumigants that harm people and the planet.

8 cups fresh spinach; wash, remove stems and tear into small pieces 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced For the dressing: 1 /2 cup water 1 cup vegetable oil 30

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Adapting Home Landscaping Practices to

Conserve Water /2 cup salted peanuts /3 cup honey 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 1

1. Mix spinach and strawberries in a large salad bowl.

2. Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender. Pour to taste over salad.

Vegetarian Nori-Wrapped Sushi Yields 6 servings Creatively rolled layers of nori, a super-nutritious dried seaweed paper, plus fish, rice and vegetables, make an amazing visual display. This veggie sushi travels well, though it’s best eaten within the first five hours, as the rice dries out and may harden over time.

2 cups cooked sushi rice, cooled 1 /2 cup carrots, julienned (1/8-inch thick) 1 /2 cup sugar snap peas 1 /2 cup lettuce, shredded 1 /2 cup spinach, shredded 4 sheets (standard size) nori 1 /4 cup soy sauce (for dipping) 1. Cook rice and cool.

2. Place nori on a flat surface. Arrange approximately ½ cup rice and ½ cup vegetables on long edge of nori. Use carrots, sugar snap peas, lettuce, spinach or any preferred combination.

3. Gently roll nori, starting with the rice/veggie side.

4. Using a serrated knife, slice nori into 1-inch pieces. Slicing on a diagonal makes attractive pieces. Serve as a vegan appetizer with soy sauce on the side.

Source: Farmstead Chef, by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

by Ed Arnold ur North Texas n Use mulch wherever poswater supply is sible. Mulching will reduce subject to escawater loss through evaporalating pressure due to tion, improve water penetraincreasing population, tion during irrigation, help inefficient landscape control weeds and moderate watering and drought. Of soil temperature. these, landscape watering n Use a mulching mower is the one factor we can instead of bagging the lawn each influence directly. clippings. This will return

At this time of year, vital nutrients to the soil many local residents are surveying their and provide many of the same benefits yards to determine what changes to make gained by mulching your planting beds. this planting season. Please consider n Harvest rainwater with rain barthese suggestions as a starting point in the rels; there are many different styles to planning process and in the conservation choose from. Soon, you will point to of our most precious resource: water. your rain barrels with pride and satisEven a small change can make a big diffaction because of the water savings. ference in your water bill and in the effort n People often mistake the side effects to conserve water for us all. of improper irrigation for a pest or fungus problem. Over-irrigation not only n Is it practical to replace your tradiwastes water, it is a common cause of tional sprinkler with a drip irrigation lawn damage. Irrigation should be only system? Consult your sprinkler guy. You as infrequent as necessary and deep, may find that you are able to utilize much of the equipment already in place. to encourage optimal root growth and overall plant health. This in turn cren Replace plants that are not well ates a hardiness that makes plants less adapted to our Texas soil and climate susceptible to pest invasion. with native plants that are drought-

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tolerant. This does not mean you must replace your flowers with cacti—there are many beautiful plants native to our area. A few I have had personal success with include black-eyed Susan, Indian blanket, daylily, salvia, sage, lamb’s ear, purple coneflower, Turks cap, lantana and wine cup. n Evaluate turf grass areas. Narrow and oddly shaped spots that are difficult to irrigate properly may be ideal for ground cover, shrubs or even decorative stone.

Perhaps a particular area may be better utilized as a patio or deck. n If you are planting new turf areas, please reconsider. Turf grasses require more frequent watering and maintenance than other landscape plants. If you must plant grass, select the lowest water use turf adapted to the region.

St. Augustine and Bermuda grasses are the most common in Texas. Also consider Zoysia grass, buffalo grass or centipede grass.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water Sense program, “Direct water use for a family of four in the United States is 400 gallons a day. Thirty percent of that is for outdoor use alone.”

Make a personal commitment to water conservation. One billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water, according to the World Health Organization. Let’s not join them. We must all use water responsibly, so set an example as a good steward for your neighbors.

Ed Arnold is the owner of Natural Pest Solutions in Plano, providing integrated pest management and the elimination of insect pests with natural botanical products. For more info, call 214-763-2758 or visit GuysinGreen.com. See ad, page 12.

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Coming in April

consciouseating are in trouble,” advises Lisa Leake.

To make it even easier to stay on track, she makes it a habit to shop near home and uses cash instead of credit.

GREEN LIVING

Seasonal Shopping

EATING WELL ON A BUDGET

by Judith Fertig

Celebrate Earth Day with Natural Awakenings’ April edition, brimming with eco-solutions for your home, work and everyday family life.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

469-633-9549 32

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In tough economic times, many families include food in their spending cuts. How can we tighten our budget and yet still eat well?

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ix months ago, Josh Viertel threw down the “value meal” gauntlet in a major way. The Slow Food USA president challenged cooks around the country to create a family-friendly feast for under $5. Many responded, sharing their tips and tricks at SlowFoodUSA. org/5Challenge. Here are some favorites.

Setting a Budget Five dollars per meal for 21 meals a week, plus snacks, neatly totals the $125 weekly food budget set by the Leake family, of Charlotte, North Carolina. Lisa and Jason Leake, parents of two young daughters, first explored what it would be like to eliminate processed food from their diet, which they describe in their blog at 100DaysOfRealFood.com. Their success led to the additional challenge of eating real food on a budget.

“Having a realistic weekly budget is helpful, because you can’t go too far over budget before you realize you

“If we shop for seasonal produce and freeze or can surplus from our local farmers’ market, we can eat well all year and still eat frugally,” advises Rebecca Miller, a macrobiotic and healing foods caterer from Overland Park, Kansas.

“When fresh blueberries are $3 a cup at the grocery during the off-season, for example, we can still enjoy canned berries in recipes or thawed from the freezer on our morning oatmeal.”

Eating Down the Fridge Seattle-based Kim O’Donnel, author of The Meatlover’s Meatless Cookbook, blogs about family meals for USA Today. “I regularly emphasize what I call ‘eating down the frig,’” she says.

“That means making use of what we’ve got on hand, like generations before us that also went through food shortages.

We’re just out of practice.”

One way to help ourselves learn, says O’Donnel, is to stock a “smarter” pantry. Staples include different varieties of dried beans; lentils; quickcooking grains such as quinoa, bulgur, couscous and purple barley; garbanzo beans; brown and black rice; and a few BPA-free canned goods like tomatoes, black beans and chickpeas.

“If we take our time and watch for good deals, we can build a pantry at a low cost,” she says, because such ingredients are basically “blank slates.”

As just one example of a low-cost, pantry-based meal, O’Donnel might start with cooked red lentils, then add fresh ginger and garlic, sautéed onion with cumin, and fresh spinach and tomatoes,

and then serve it with whole-wheat pita bread.

Ingredient-First Cooking Jane Zieha, a certified public accountant, knows that feeding people and watching the bottom line can go together. She owns the acclaimed Blue Bird Bistro, in Kansas City, Missouri. An avowed all-natural, organic, sustainable and local foods passionista, Zieha has stayed true to the principles of her Pennsylvania upbringing.

“I didn’t eat like anybody else growing up,” she says.

“We never ate packaged food. We ate what was fresh. When I was old enough to go to a friend’s house for dinner, I was surprised at how they ate.” Today, both at home and at work, Zieha continues to select the best that local farmers can provide. “I don’t start with a recipe and then find the food, like most chefs and restaurants do,” she explains. “I find the ingredients and then go from there.”

Meat as a Condiment More expensive ingredients, such as heritage turkey, can bring more flavor and texture to an entrée as an ingredient instead of a standalone part of a meal, advises Zieha. She might feature heritage turkey in an enchilada filling, pasta or savory bread pudding, so that a little goes a long way.

It also makes sense to shop for varieties of fish or cuts of meat that aren’t widely popular or that take longer to cook.

Slow Food’s Viertel, who shops near Brooklyn, New York, remarks: “I buy ‘trash fish’—sea robin, squid, mackerel, sardines—because they are cheaper and I believe, taste best.

The same is true of the other meats I buy. I never cook pork chops or filet mignon; I cook oxtail and short ribs.”

Then, O’Donnel adds, the frugal cook turns bones of roasted poultry or trimmings from a whole fish into a delicious stock. Any homemade broth can be just the frozen asset we need for yet another tasty “value” meal.

Cookbook author Judith Fertig writes at AlfrescoFoodAnd Lifestyle.blogspot.com.

The Hidden Benefits of Meal Planning

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eal planning saves time, energy and money, especially when it comes to dinner. One Washington State University showed there are significant emotional and social benefits for children and teens that eat at least one meal with the family five to six times per week. Meal planning and thrifty shopping can lead to significant savings and less waste by selecting in-season, organic whole foods and taking advantage of grocery ad specials.

Simplify the process with these easy steps. n Set a weekly budget and shop only once a week. n Have family members list all the items they enjoy in the following categories: protein (legumes, nuts, fish, poultry, meat, dairy); vegetables (kale, spinach, peppers, squash, broccoli); fruit (papaya, avocado, blueberries, cantaloupe, oranges); and grains (barley, quinoa, brown rice, bulgur, whole grain pasta). n Make copies of the list for future weeks. Highlight the items that are on sale at your grocery store and in-season. n Select one or two nutrient-rich, colorful items from each category to create a meal or have a child or teen select a vegetable and fruit that are different colors of the rainbow. n Take the sting out of, “What’s for dinner?” If whole chickens are on sale, plan three meals: chicken and vegetables; chicken and rice; and soup made with the stock of the chicken. Add color with a citrus salad. If your family prefers vegetarian meals, try white beans or other legumes instead of chicken. Make a little extra and you have lunch for the next day, with minimal extra cost.

Cindy Keil is a sports and nutrition coach and owner of Shape It Naturally, offering fitness and nutrition programs. For more information, call 972-795-7590 or visit ShapeItNaturally.com. See ad, page 39.

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inspiration

A Journey to a More Gracious Me

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by Jillian Navejas

e live in a crazy world. Our laptops aren’t small enough, our flat-screen TVs aren’t big enough, our smartphones aren’t fast enough and our e-readers and tablets have too much glare. Our fat-free, sugar-free Franken foods aren’t helping us find the health and wellness we so desperately seek and it all just keeps getting worse.

I live in this world. I have a husband, three children and a dog, and I find my wheels spinning as often as the next girl; but I also have a respite—a refuge. I have Yoga. Yoga makes me a better person in every way I can think of. The time I spend on the mat translates into a more gracious Me.

When my practice slips, my fuse is shortened; I’m less productive and even less interested in the lives of the precious people I love. The grace and compassion I cultivate in the yoga room blooms in and around me outside the yoga room. There was never a magical point in time where yesterday I was an angry, bitter person and then today I’m gentle and serene. It doesn’t work that way.

Yoga is a cumulative blessing. There are immediate benefits to the practice for sure, like improved sleep patterns and just feeling relaxed and energized for a time after class. There are also benefits that show up shortly after, like improved mobility, flexibility and strength. Then there are those less tangible wonders. One day you’ll be in a situation and realize how different the outcome would have been a year ago, or you’ll realize you haven’t felt exhausted or depressed or anxious in months. The miracles that yoga brings are countless – we need only to place our feet on the mat and practice.

I didn’t come to yoga as an athlete. I had no natural flexibility, no muscle tone to speak of and plenty of extra fluff to go around. I was fairly certain that at each class I was going to stroke out. So why in the world would I decide to pursue the path of a yoga teacher? That’s really what I’m here to tell you about.

I had just moved 2,000 miles away from “home,” with my husband and kids, worked a 60-hour-a-week job, I was

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depressed, on four medications and all that entailed, when Sunstone Yoga opened up down the street from our house. I took that first class and thought I would die, or at least vomit.

I didn’t, and afterward, the quiet space in my head, the calmness I felt and that certainty that I would be okay were worth every minute. I knew then that yoga would save me and I knew it could save everyone. It could even save the world.

I registered for teacher training, at the time figuring they thought I was bonkers (they didn’t) and I spent the next six months worth of weekends beginning the journey of a lifetime. Teacher training was certainly a journey in itself, but I say the beginning because that was just the door opening.

My journey as a yoga teacher has been… indescribable.

I have spent the last four years literally changing the world.

How many people get to say that? I have helped people recover from broken necks, fractured bones and major surgeries. I have helped them manage chronic pain, depression, eating disorders and autoimmune dysfunction. I’ve helped the elderly find mobility, strength and independence, I’ve helped expectant mothers find joy and comfort in their changing bodies, I’ve helped children learn to love and respect their bodies and the bodies of others. I’ve helped honor students find the peace they need to sleep at night.

But it’s more than that. Being a yoga teacher means that I get to see people for who they are. When they’re in my yoga room they’re not the accountant or teacher, the sheriff or sales rep. They’re not a mother or father or husband or son. There aren’t any titles; there are no standards or expectations. Whatever expectations society holds for my students and whatever box they have to fit in and conform to, don’t exist in my yoga room.

For this small chunk of time, I know their names and they know mine, and we work together toward a common goal. It’s a goal that most of them may not even be able to name. If pressed, we might call it any number of things to help make it a more describable thing. I call what we work toward yoga; which quite literally, means union. Connection. In these moments, we transcend all that limits us. We glimpse all the potentiality—even potential potentiality—of ourselves. In those moments we know, even if not consciously, that the limits are perceived and the potential is reality.

We know the beauty of all that may be.

Being a yoga teacher is not just for the young and bendy or for the ancient and wise. Being a yoga teacher is for anyone that wants to live a meaningful life; a life that will make a mark and leave the world a better place. It’s for dreamers and seekers and doubting Thomases, because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to find our way. A yogi is just someone that is willing to hold hands and whisk his or her students along.

Jillian Navejas is a RYT 500 yoga teacher and registrar at Sunstone Yoga Academy.

Location: 4540 Beltway Dr., Addison. For more info, call 214-764-2119, ext. 3, or visit YogaTrainingSkills.com. See ad, back cover.

naturalpet

With cremation, the decision is between private (your animal only, with ashes returned to you) or communal (more than one animal, no ashes returned). Fournier adds, “I have placed urns with a dog’s or cat’s ashes in caskets of their [human] loved one.

The person making the funeral arrangements for the deceased will sheepishly ask if I can do this. They’re always so surprised that it’s quite common.”

Saying Goodbye to Pets

Viewing or Memorial Service

Memorials Help Ease Grief

by Sandra Murphy

A

fter Penny Mitchell lost her Birman cat, Patrick, to cancer, she cried at work. “Do you want me to bring you another cat? My grandmother has a barn full,” said a co-worker. When another cat, Quickie, passed away, she heard, “You had him 17 years; what more do you want?”

Mitchell wanted more time with her cats, but more than that, she wanted understanding and respect for her feelings of loss and grief—something a funeral provides. Dog and cat people can be wary about sharing their feelings over the death of an animal and, as Mitchell discovered, subjected to insensitive remarks.

The American Pet Products Association estimates that 63 percent of American households include animal companions. Coleen Ellis, owner of Two Hearts Pet Loss Center (Two HeartsPetLossCenter.com), observes that when the inevitable happens, “People in the other 37 percent can’t relate or empathize; they just don’t get it.”

Ellis opened the first standalone pet funeral home in 2004. She explains, “A funeral brings closure, gives permission to grieve and offers an opportunity to remember a life well-lived. Why not do the same for your dog or cat as you would for any other family member?”

Compassionate Services Funeral homes are beginning to understand that animals are part of the family. Separate rooms may be set aside for memorial services or full funerals, including viewing. The death of your special animal companion is stressful; dealing with professionals can ease the pain and help achieve the kind of

service and memory you want.

“Grief is what we feel on the inside; mourning is grief shown. A cemetery marker often tells only the name, date of birth or when the pet joined the family and date of death,” Ellis says. “A funeral is for talking about the life lived between those dates.”

So, what’s the best way to invite friends and family to a funeral for a dog or cat without feeling awkward?

Try, “This has been a hard time for me.

It would be a big help if you would be with me when I say goodbye. Remind me of some of the stories I told you about Sparky.” Plan all details beforehand to eliminate the pressure to make on-the-spot decisions during such an emotional time.

If an animal has been euthanized at the vet’s office or died in an accident, children may not understand the loss.

A viewing, after the animal has been bathed and groomed, may help both youngsters and other family pets understand why the missing animal is no longer around.

Additional Choices “At the funeral for a Pomeranian named Miss Thing, she was in a white knit dress and looked like she was asleep,” recalls Fournier. “I also helped organize a tribute for a cat named Brutus. It included readings from the owner’s journal and

Burial or Cremation If burial is your choice, check local ordinances; some communities forbid backyard burials for health reasons.

Also keep in mind that you may eventually relocate.

A pet cemetery is one option, and some allow humans to be buried there, too. As a rule, human cemeteries are not as flexible—for example, some states say no to animals, while others require separate sections for animals and humans.

You can select a standard casket that will protect the body for the long term, or go green with a biodegradable version, made from recycled paper products, cardboard, wicker or sea grass. Elizabeth Fournier, owner of Cornerstone Funeral Services & Cremation (CornerstoneFuneral.com), advises, “A green burial avoids the use of formaldehyde-based embalming and concrete vaults. It’s the way funerals used to be.” natural awakenings

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localresources FRESH PRODUCE & PRODUCTS Dedicated “locavores” can easily find delicious, nutritious choices, at these food stores and local marketplaces in the North Texas area.

CENTRAL MARKET – PLANO 320 Coit Rd, Plano 75075 469-241-8300

CUPBOARD NATURAL FOODS 200 W Congress St, Denton 76201 940-387-5386 KEN’S PRODUCE 410 N Bell Ave, Denton 76201 940-382-6368

MARKET STREET - ALLEN 985 W Bethany Dr, Allen 75013 972-908-3830 MARKET STREET - COLLEYVILLE 5605 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville 76034 817-577-5020 MARKET STREET - FRISCO 11999 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco 75034 214-872-1500

MARKET STREET - MCKINNEY 6100 W Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney 75070 972-548-5140 MARKET STREET - PLANO 1929 Preston Rd, Plano 75093 972-713-5500

SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET 2301 Cross Timbers Rd, Flower Mound 75028 972-874-7380 SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET 5190 Preston Rd, Frisco 75034 972-464-5776 SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET 207 East FM 544, Murphy 75094 972-265-4770 SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET 4100 E Legacy Dr, Plano 75024 972-618-8902

WHOLE FOODS MARKET 105 Stacy Rd, Fairview 75069 972-549-4090

all the grandchildren sang What’s New, Pussycat?” Children can choose photos, favorite toys or treats for a tribute table.

A memorial service can also accompany a cremation.

Formal or Relaxed Setting Full honors were given to Bo—a cross-trained narcotics/patrol dog with the Indianapolis Police Department, killed in the line of duty—including an honor guard, floral arrangements and a eulogy by K-9 Commander Lt. Benny Diggs. The local chief of police and sheriff spoke of Bo’s responsibilities and contributions to the community.

Stories of Bo’s family life with Scott Johnson, his K-9 handler, rounded out the ceremony.

“It wasn’t just the handlers that came—about 100 officers and 50 people from the community also attended,” reports Diggs. “While losing a K-9 [team member] is not the same as losing a human officer, it still has an impact on the whole department.

We’ve spent time training, living with and counting on these dogs. They deserve a service.”

A golden retriever named Mike had a more casual sendoff. A pet portrait and family photos set next to his urn and a bowl of his favorite treats inspired friends and family to share their favorite Mike stories.

Remembrances & Keepsakes A plaster cast of a pet’s paw print or a clipping of fur for a scrapbook or locket can also keep memories close. Have a guest book for those that come to the service to sign, and also take photos of the tribute table.

Hosting a funeral or memorial service for a pet may not be for everyone, but they are becoming increasingly available for those who choose to say goodbye to a beloved companion animal, surrounded by friends and family.

They are an outward sign of respect; both for your feelings and the life your four-legged friend lived. Who doesn’t deserve that?

Sandra Murphy is a freelance writer at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

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leftovers indoors. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. LiveGreenInPlano. obsres.com.

NOTE: All calendar events must be received by noon on the 9th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at NA-NTX.com (within advertising section).

FRIDAY, MARCH 9 54th Annual Rattlesnake Roundup – Mar 9-11.

8am-6pm, Fri & Sat; 8am-5pm, Sun. Sponsored by the Sweetwater Jaycees as a major fundraiser benefiting multiple organizations. Learn about rattlesnakes and their habitat through a variety of activities. Includes flea market, carnival, vendor booths, a rattlesnake cook-off, food and beverage vendors, and more. $7/adults, $4/10 & under. Nolan County Coliseum, 1699 Cypress St, Sweetwater. For more info: RattlesnakeRoundup.net.

MARCH Camp Invention Registration – For children entering grades 1-6. Full week program in June employs inquiry-based activities in science, technology, engineering, math, history and the arts that elicit creative thinking to solve real-world challenges. One week only, programs will run in the cities of Allen, Coppell, Frisco, McKinney, Southlake, Wylie, and more.

For details: 800-968-4332. CampInvention.org.

Summer Camp Registration – For children and teens. Horseback riding, Sleeping in tipis, canoeing, archery, stargazing, wilderness skills, Native American lore and more. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Collinsville. For details: 940-4408382. CampTonkawaTexas.com.

Interactive Metronome Training: Free Demo – Mar 1-31, Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm, by appt. Try out this drug-free training that strengthens and conditions the body’s neuron-network to improve coordination, concentration and overall performance at work, in school or sports. Free. Willow Bend Academy, 2220 Coit Rd, Ste 500, Plano. Robin Bollinger: 972-599-7882.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1 Food Waste Composting – 7-9pm. Learn to set up and maintain a worm bin, and to harvest and use the worm castings. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. LiveGreenInPlano. obsres.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 North Texas Irish Festival: Harps & Fiddles – Mar 2-4. 6-11pm, Fri; 10:30am-11:30pm, Sat; 11:30am7:30pm, Sun. Includes 10 stages of live entertainment, a culinary stage, educational workshops, cultural presentations, booths of Celtic accessories, food and beverage vendors, and the Scottish Village.

Free entry before 7pm, Mar 2. Discount tickets available online or at Tom Thumb stores. Free/ children 11 & under. Fair Park, 1200 S 2nd Ave, Fair Park, Dallas. NTIF.org.

St. Patrick's Day 5K Festival: March 17. a beautiful and bountiful urban garden. Free. Calloway’s Nursery: Calloways.com.

Wetland Canoe Trail – 1-4pm. Experience the amazing diversity in wetland vegetation and wildlife while learning about the history and basics of wetland ecology. $32/member; $42/nonmember. Heard Natural Science Museum, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney.

972-562-5566. HeardMuseum.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6 Willow Bend Academy Open House Fair – 5:157:30pm. Join us for food, fun, and information. Fall & Summer registration discount for attendees. Prizes and a cash drawing for event participants. Come discover our unique “Mastery Learning” approach to education. Free. Willow Bend Academy, 2220 Coit Rd, Ste 500, Plano. Robin Bollinger: 972-599-7882.

DORBA General Meeting – 6-8pm. Dallas OffRoad Bicycle Association. Open to the public. More info: DORBA.org.

Natural Weight Loss in a Toxic World – 6:307:30pm. Poisons and toxins are everywhere, in our food, water, air, homes, etc. Learn how this can affect your health and weight, and what you can do about it. RSVP required; space limited. Free.

Cooking God’s Way, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano.

Jeff Pearce: 972-379-7851.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

Dinosaur Valley State Park Campout – Mar 3-4. Visit Dinosaur Valley State Park and see the preserved Dinosaur Tracks in the riverbed. After a day of fun, learn the basics of a beloved camping past time, Dutch Oven Cooking. All camping equipment need for the weekend included; food and other supplies not included. $65/family (up to 6).

Dinosaur Valley State Park, 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose. Register: 512-389-8903.

Nature Awareness Club – Mar 7 or 8. 9:30am2:30pm. Learn about our local North Texas plants and animals, through activities, games, and nature walks. Bring your Nature Journals and pencils.

Children 4 & up. Club members choose one day each month. $15. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Pre-registration required: 940-440-8382.

All About Composting – 8-11am. Learn the basics of turning that garden debris into garden gold through composting. Also learn to use specialized red worms. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. LiveGreenInPlano. obsres.com.

Vegetables in Containers and Organics: Patio Gardening – 10:15am. Master tips and tricks for combining vegetables and herbs in containers for

Open House: Gaia’s Massage & Bodywork – 12-2pm. Watch demonstrations of Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, as well as an ancient ayurvedic body treatment called the Shirodhara.

12:30pm: Ashiatsu Demo; 1:45pm: Shirodhara Demo. Enter to win a free ashiatsu massage and more.

Free. Gaia’s Massage & Bodywork, 2060 N Collins, Ste 102, Richardson. Hillary Arrieta: 214-709-6394.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10 Edible Festival – Plant edibles now. Visit the herb bar, attend a free clinic and choose the widest selection of edibles available. Calloway’s Nursery – All locations. Calloways.com.

Eco Lonestar Adventure Race – 8am. Two categories of races: sport and extreme. Lake Grapevine, Grapevine. For specific details: DORBA.org.

Hummingbirds – 10am-12pm. Presenter Mark Klym, coordinator for Texas Parks and Wildlife Hummingbird Round-up. Learn how to landscape to attract them. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. RSVP: 903-786-2826.

Backyard Gardening Class: Growing a Summer Garden – 10am-2pm. Class will concentrate on growing warm season vegetables. Learn the basics of organic soil amendments, composting, vermiculture, organic fertilizers and organic insect and disease control. Lunch provided. $25. Rose Creek Farms, 418 County Rd 2788, Sunset. Register: 940-427-2609.

Spring Vegetables and Herbs – 10:15am. Grow your own fresh, healthy food. Get expert tips about planting and growing edibles. Free. Calloway’s Nursery – All locations. Calloways.com.

Nature Photo Club Meeting – 12:30-2pm. Open to all photographers who enjoy nature photography; any level of experience, any type of equipment.

Basic Bicycle Maintenance – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to lube a chain, fix a flat tire in record time, and make other minor adjustments to your bike. No experience necessary. Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd, Plano.

Register: 972-985-2241.

THURSDAY, MARCH 8 Master Composting: Bokashi – 7-8:30pm. Learn bokashi, a traditional Japanese fermentation practice that will allow you to compost even meat and dairy

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Technical program and photo sharing for March, the sharing theme is “Blue.” Visitors may attend free of charge, nominal dues for members. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. 903-786-2826.

Sweatlodge: Campout/Sleepover – Mar 10-11.

1:30pm, Sat-8am, Sun. Weather permitting, we will be doing a sweatlodge for prior work party attendees and The Many Faces People. Not open to the general public. Free. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills. RSVP required

by Mar 8: 214-288-9935.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 DORBA Beginner Clinic – 2-4:30pm. Recommended for riders new to mountain biking. Learn basic instruction including bike setup, safety, trail etiquette, bike handling skills such as climbing, descending, cornering, obstacles, etc. River Legacy, Arlington. DORBA.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 12 2012 Curves Food Drive – Mar 12-25. Donate bags of non-perishable food or cash throughout the month of March to support local community food bank.

Curves of Denton will waive the membership fee for new members who bring in a bag of non-perishable food or donate $30 to their local food bank from March 12-25. Curves at Unicorn Lake, 2900 Wind River Ln, Denton. 940-384-7506. CurvesDenton@ yahoo.com.

Staycation: Spring Break Farm Fun – Mar 12-16.

10am-4:30pm, museum open. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the property while enjoying many handson activities (10:30am-12:30pm). $5. Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W 15th St, Plano. 972881-0140.

TUESDAY, MARCH 13 Dallas Sierra Club Meeting – 7-8:30pm. Beautiful photographs and videos of Yosemite National Park

by Scot Miller. Tips on bicycling in North Texas by BikeDFW.org. Free. Dallas Sierra Club. REI Dallas, 4515 Lyndon B Johnson Frwy, Dallas. Kirk Miller: 972-699-1687.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 Greenweavers Networking: Collin County – 6pm.

Businesses that market to the green and sustainable marketplace welcome to attend our monthly meetings to network and promote sustainable businesses.

Blue Mesa Grill, Hwy 121 & Dallas N Tollway, Plano. For details & mention North Texas edition of Natural Awakenings: 972-672-9779.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 15 Dallas Down-River Club Meeting – 7pm. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting club. Roma’s, 7402 Greenville Ave, Dallas. 214-373-0500. More info, Dale Harris: 972-680-2727 or Dale_Harris@sbcglobal.net.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 Groundcover Day – Groundcover uses under trees, on slopes and in high traffic areas. Calloway’s Nursery – All locations. Calloways.com.

Birding 101 – 9:30-10:30am. Learn a little about identification and characteristics of the birds, and how to attract them to your home for many moments of enjoyment. All ages. Cooper Lake State Park, South Sulphur Unit, 1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs. 903-945-5256.

Texas SmartScape® Workshop – 9:30-11am.

Learn about green living from local experts and then tour the Environmental Education Center, Plano’s only LEED Platinum certified building.

Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

Chalk This Way! 2012 Festival: March 24. with companion planting and you have the perfect garden. Speaker: Julie Whitis. West Irving Library, 4444 W Rochelle Rd, Irving. 972-742-2296.

Holistic Moms Network March Meeting – 6:308:30pm. Dianne Spradling from the Tarrant County Master Gardeners will discuss vegetable and square foot gardening. Free. Richland Hills Community Center, 3204 Diana Dr, Richland Hills. RSVP suggested, Natalie Weimer: 817-637-9156.

Hands on GPS – 10am-12:30pm. Practice guiding ourselves using our wits and then depend on our GPS’s to keep us on the straight and narrow. $10/ member, $15/nonmember. Held at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. More info: REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd, Plano. Register: 972-985-2241.

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

St. Patrick’s Day 5K Festival – 2-6pm. 1 Mile Kids’ Race, 3:30 pm; 5K Run/Walk, 4pm. Also includes live entertainment, food and beverages, and vendor booths. Raises funds for Impossible Possibilities Scholarship Initiative. Admission free for race/walk participants & children under 5; general admission $5. Trinity Park, 2401 University Dr, Fort Worth. ImpossiblePossibilities.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

Let’s Take a Hike – 2:30-4:30pm. Take a hike on Coyote Run. Learn how to prepare for a hike and hiking etiquette. All ages. Cooper Lake State Park, South Sulphur Unit, 1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs. 903-945-5256.

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

Owl Prowl Night Hike – 5:30-8:15pm. See the live owl presentation and then stay for a guided night hike on our sanctuary trails. $16/member, $19/nonmember. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. Pre-registration required: 972-562-5566. HeardMuseum.org.

Ride Ataxia – 8am-12pm. 6-, 25- and 50-mile route options. Fundraising benefits the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). Held at Apogee Stadium University of North Texas. More info: REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd, Plano. 972-985-2241.

TUESDAY, MARCH 20 Organic Gardening and Companion Planting – 6-7:30pm. Organic gardening replenishes the resources as it makes use of them. Combine that

Slow Food: Connecting Your Plate to the Planet – 7-8pm. Learn how your community benefits from good, clean and fair food. Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

Health and Fitness Expo – Mar 23 & 24. 11am6pm, Fri; 9am-5pm, Sat. Part of the Rockin’ For a Cure Half-Marathon (see Mar 25 listing). Over 80 exhibitors showcasing products and offering samples. Dallas Convention Center. More info: RunRocknRoll.Competitor.com/Dallas.

Rose Day – Experts bring you the latest news and care tips on Roses. Calloway’s Nursery – Some locations. Calloways.com.

Be Yardwise: Plant a Texas Smartscape Workshop – 8am-5pm. Learn how to maintain a healthy yard with less cost, work, money, and water. All participants will receive an efficient irrigation kit and a chance to win door prizes, including a personal landscape consultation valued at $150. Municipal Building, 1520

Avenue K, Plano. 972-769-4328. Pre-registration required: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

American Scout Day – 9am-12pm & 1-4pm. All Hands on the Farmstead: A Hands-on Experience.

Bring your whole troop and experience pioneer life on the Texas Blackland Prairie. $15/scout. Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W 15th St, Plano. Register: 972-881-0140.

Friends of Hagerman NWR Annual Meeting – 10am-12pm. All members and those interested in membership are invited to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting. Celebrate the organization’s accomplishments of the past year and hear Refuge Manager Kathy Whaley speak on “The State of the Refuge.”

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. 903-786-2826.

Give Your Child the Nutrition Advantage: Complimentary Workshop – 10am-12pm. Workshop to improve your child’s performance in school, sports, and life. Learn traffic light eating habits, the skinny on fat, brainy breakfast ideas, how much protein is enough, hydration and play, and meal planning. With Healthy Kids Pediatrics and Shape IT Naturally.

Free. Stonebriar Community Church, 4801 Legendary Dr, Frisco. RSVP by Mar 23: 972-795-7590.

Spring In To Health: Little Elm Health Fair – 10am-2pm. Sponsored by Little Elm SHAC and Little Elm Lions Club. Free glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, spinal, vision screens. Local choirs, dance studios, karate studios perform. Crazy George from Texas Legends performs 10:30am & 12:15pm.

Free. Lakeside Middle School, 400 Lobo Ln, Little Elm. Toni Nelson: 972-292-1840.

Chalk This Way! 2012 – 10am-6pm. A sidewalk art festival featuring a professional chalk artist exhibit, an amateur chalk art contest, a scholarship contest for High School Seniors and a children’s non-competitive gallery. Live music, entertainment, food and beverage vendors, and vendor booths offering art and art accessories. Admission free. 4100 Blair Oaks Dr, Five Star Complex, The Colony.

972-625-1726. LakesideArts.org.

The Deep Green Revolution – 10am-6pm.

Community-wide festival, market, and recycling round-up event. Local community vendors, raffle, food trucks, market, live music, local artists, clothes and shoes donation, recycling round-up, and more.

Recycle Revolution, Deep Ellum, 1703 Chestnut St, Dallas. 214-566-3025.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25 Rockin’ For a Cure Half-Marathon – 7:55am, wheelchair race; 8am, others. Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Individuals, two-person relay

teams, racing wheelchair contestants and walkers can all participate; a fairly flat 13.1 mile. Music, food and beverages available. Young 7 S Griffin St, Dallas. RunRocknRoll.Competitor.com/Dallas.

Work Party – 11am-4pm. We shall work on the land, medicine wheel, and perhaps some individual medicine pieces. Free to all; we share food, so bring something to feed you and someone else. RSVP required by Mar 23; space limited. Free. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills.

Silverhawk & Prayerwalker: 214-288-9935.

MONDAY, MARCH 26 Sugar: The Real Silent Killer – 6-7:30pm. This sweet poison is hidden in many places we wouldn’t even expect; it hurts our immune system and causes premature ageing. Find out where it’s hidden, and safe alternatives. Free. HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. Register, Shari Miles: 972-612-1800.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 Kids in the Garden – Wednesdays, Mar 28-May 9. 3:30-5pm. Eight wks of gardening fun for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. and the Plano Community Garden. LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 29 Beginner Backpacking Class – 10:45am-4:45pm.

Ideal for those who want to learn all about backpacking and for those who want to refresh their backpacking knowledge and skills.

Advanced Backpacking: Sierra Club – 6:308:45pm. Learn tips and skills including winter camping, fly-drive planning and equipment, bear barrel packing, and week-long trekking. $15/Sierra Club member, $20/nonmember; cash/check only.

Dallas REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch.

Bill Greer: 972-247-0446.

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 Tomball German Heritage Festival – Mar 30-Apr 1. 6-10pm, Fri; 10am-10pm, Sat; 10am-6pm, Sun. A unique ethnic street festival packed with familyfriendly ambience, entertainment, shopping and the celebration of Texas German and ethnic heritage.

No admission charge; parking free. 201 S Elm, Old Town Tomball. For info & schedule of events: 281379-6844 or TomballGermanFest.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 Texas Outdoor Family – Spend the night at Cedar

Hill State Park and learn the basic outdoor skills for an overnight stay at a Texas State Park, all with the assistance of a Park Ranger. All necessary gear for the overnight camp out provided. $65/family (up to 6). Cedar Hill State Park, 1570 FM 1382, Cedar Hill. Register: 512-389-8903.

Don’t Mess With Texas – 8:30am-12pm. A waterway cleanup, with 30 kayak spots available on a first come, first served basis. T.W. Richardson Grove Park. Info, Keep Irving Beautiful: 972-721-2175.

Kids’ Fishing Event – 9am-12pm. For kids age 16 and under. A great chance to fish at the Refuge, bring your pole or borrow one of ours, bait provided; crafts, how to cast and more being added this year.

Bring lawn chairs and a picnic lunch. Free. Pond location TBA. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. 903-786-2826.

Natural HealthFest – 9am-5pm. Combining the best of nutrition and natural medicine with the best of mainstream medicine, renowned experts teach attendees new ways to optimize wellness, increase energy and lose weight. $5/admission; $10/admission & admittance to the keynote lectures. Plano Centre, 2000 Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. 877-2627843. NaturalHealthFest.com.

Women’s Opportunity Fair – 10am-3pm.

35 home-based businesses showcasing their opportunities. Home health/wellness, makeup, accessories, service, children, clothes, promotoinal products, and jewelry. Free and open to public. This Side UP! Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave, Plano. For info: 469-278-4559.

Spring Festival – Mar 31 & Apr 1. 10am-6pm, Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun. Family-friendly, fun activities and entertainment. Includes live entertainment, sustainability and gardening educational stations, art exhibitors, a children’s activity area and more. $10/adult, $5/children 5-12, free/children 4 & under, & Clark Gardens members. Clark Gardens 567 Maddux Rd, Weatherford. 940-682-4856. ClarkGardens.org.

The Edible Festival: Encore – 10:15am. Enjoy the flavors of home grown veggies and herbs. Let our experts help you get started with basic planting instructions and variety. Free. Calloway’s Nursery – All locations. Calloways.com.

plan ahead THURSDAY, APRIL 5 DCCCD Sustainability Summit – 8am-4pm. Dallas County Community College District’s Sustain-

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ability Summit includes lectures, and more than 20 exhibitors will be on hand to share their green products and services. Eastfield College, 3737 Motley Dr, Mesquite. For more info & lecture schedule: 214-378-1823 or DCCD.edu & click events.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

ongoingcalendar NOTE: All calendar events must be received by noon on the 9th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at NA-NTX.com (within advertising section).

Sam Montag: 972-231-3993.

Healing Circle: Campout/Sleepover – Apr 14-15.

We shall honor Sahkwi Ahki (Earth Woman) by praying with the four sacreds and committing to do a better job as earth custodians. Free. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills. RSVP required by Apr 12: 214-288-9935.

Group Bike Ride – 7:30am. 14-16 mph, no drop ride (20 mile). CK Sports, 8880 State Hwy 121, Ste 164, McKinney. For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-383-0088.

Visit the Cats – 11am-6pm, Sun & Sat. A selfguided tour to learn about the animals that call InSync home. Helpful volunteers available to answer any questions. $10/adult, $7/senior (65+), $7/child (4-12), free/under 4. In-Sync Exotics, 3430 Skyview Dr, Wylie. 972-442-6888. InSyncExotics.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 Women’s Conference – 6-9pm. Learn how to share your stories of God’s grace at Grace Out Loud, a conference for women where you will learn how to identify your grace stories and live out your faith visibly and vocally. $35. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco. Pre-registration required by Apr 6: 214-387-4700.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Work Party – 11am-4pm. Complete Medicine Pieces. Trim, clean, turn soil for garden/ tobacco?

Honor Sahkwi Ahki (Earth Mother/Woman). Plant garden, trees, flowers. RSVP required by Apr 12; space limited. Free. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills. Silverhawk & Prayerwalker: 214-288-9935.

FRIDAY, MAY 11 Relay For Life Frisco: A Walk to Remember – May 11-12. 6pm-6am. For 12 hrs teams have at least one walker on the track at all times. Highlighting the evening is the luminaria ceremony that takes place after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those lost. Fundraiser for The American Cancer Society. Lone Star High School, 2606 Panther Creek Pkwy, Frisco. For more info: RelayForLife.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 19 Mooo–vin’ through the Mud with Landon – 9am, gates open; 10am, Mud Run for charity. In support of Landon. Lunch provided along with hay rides, barrel train rides, face painting and more fun for the family. Registration fee: $20/person & includes a t-shirt if registered by May 1. Held at Circle N Dairy, 2074 CR 446, Gainesville. 940-372-0343.

Clark Gardens' Spring Festival: Mar. 31-Apr. 1.

ongoing 5K Training – Join our 9 to 5 program and walk/ run a 5k in 9 weeks. For program info or to register: Luke’s Locker, 5505 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 120, Colleyville. 817-849-1562.

Adventure Guides & Princesses – A father-child program for grades K-3 designed to help foster a lifetime of understanding, relationship strengthening and companionship between father and child. $27/YMCA Family Members, $67/Community Members. Frisco Family YMCA, 3415 Main St, Frisco. Mark Hull: 972-335-3222 or MHull@ YMCADallas.org.

Afternoon Adventure Club – Times & days vary by location. Kids in kindergarten through third grade hear a story and learn about something new.

Then, get a chance to create a craft or conduct an experiment. Hands-on workshop offered weekly at each library location as follows: Tues, 4pm at North Branch Library, Thurs, 3:30pm at South Branch Library, Thurs, 4pm at Emily Fowler Central Library.

Free. For details: 940-349-8718.

Discovery Classes – Mon-Sat. Times vary by age, 4mo-3yrs. Teaches motor skills, develops coordination and body control, and builds self-confidence and body strength. A Parent/Tot program that allows parents to help their child discover movements with music, games, and gymnastics. Achievers Gymnastics, 3014 S I-35 E, Denton. 940-484-4900.

First Aid Classes, CPR & Babysitter Training – Various days. Monthly at various branches.

For specific info on cost, space availability, times: YMCADallas.org.

Live Animals of the World: A Conservation Exhibit – Encourages visitors to take a role in conserving nature. Native and non-native animals. $9/adults, $6/children 3-12 & seniors, free/children under 2. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.

HeardMuseum.org.

sunday Sunday Morning Rides – Various start times and lengths. Richardson Bikemart, Southeast corner of Campbell Rd & Coit Rd, in the front parking lot.

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Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group – 2-3pm.

3rd Sun. Get info on local resources, education and support. Open to anyone whose loved one may be affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Autumn Leaves of McKinney, 175 Plateau Dr, McKinney.

972-542-0606. ZSmith@AutumnLeavesLiving.com.

Free Yoga – 3-4pm. 2nd Sun. All welcome. Inspire Yoga Studio, 1401 Shoal Creek, Ste 268, Highland Village. 972-505-9764.

Primitive Survival Club – 3-6pm. Last Sun. Includes: learning of survival skills, fellowship of people of like interests, service back to the camp, nature connecting afternoon. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, 1036 County Rd, Collinsville.

Cost & more info: 940-440-8382.

Transition Dallas Meeting – 6pm. 4th Sun. A group of people interested in learning to live resiliently and sustainably within our neighborhoods. At many of our meetings we have re-skilling sessions, so we can revive the skills that enabled our grandparents to be self-sufficient within their communities. For meeting location & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: TransitionDallas@gmail.com.

monday Non-Medical, Performance Enhancement Training Demo – By appt. Weekly, Mon-Fri. Learn how Interactive Metronome training is used for those with Learning Differences (ADD/ADHD, Sensory Integration, Autism Spectrum), serious athletes looking to improve their game, and adults and professionals wanting to better their day-to-day. Free demo appt.

Willow Bend Academy, 2220 Coit Rd, Ste 500, Plano.

972-599-7882. WillowBendAcademy.com.

Interactive Metronome Training Demo – M-F, 8:30am-5pm by appt. Find out how IM can help improve one’s performance at school, on the job, or in chosen sport. Free. Willow Bend Academy, 2220 Coit Rd, Ste 500, Plano. 972-599-7882.

WillowBendAcademy.com.

Indoor Park – 10-11am. Mon & Fri. The perfect place to bring little ones when it’s cold outside.

Ages: up to 5yrs. $9/visit or $44/8 visit punch card.

Achievers Gymnastics, 3014 S I-35 E, Denton.

940-484-4900.

Massage for Mom –10am-4pm. $10 off any massage for North Texas Natural Awakenings readers. One-hour Hot Stone, Swedish or Pregnancy massage, reg. price $55/hr. Massage Space, 7000

Independence Pkwy at Legacy, Plano. Reservations required: 972-612-5363.

Overeaters Anonymous – 12pm. Weekly Mon-Fri. A 12-step recovery program for compulsive eating.

Prairie Creek Baptist Church, 3201 W 15th St, Plano. 972-238-0333.

Ask Emily: Drop-In Technology Help – 3-5pm. 1st Mon. Library staff and volunteers on hand to answer your questions. Can help with specific problems with Microsoft Office applications, surfing the Web, using the library databases or catalog, downloading audio or eBooks. No registration necessary. Bring your portable device or flash drive containing the document working on. Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

Muayi-Thai Kickboxing & Aikido Class – 6pm, Muayi-Thai; 7:15pm, Aikido. Move your body, empty your mind, center your emotions. Agatsu Integral Dojo, Sunstone Yoga Academy, 4540 Beltway Dr, Addison. 214-531-0129.

Awakenings: 972-612-6729.

Dallas Museum of Art – 11am-3pm. 1st Tues. Programming designed specifically for children age 5 and under and their families, but all ages welcome.

Art-making activities, story times, performances, and gallery activities. Free. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas. 214-922-1200.

Twisted Stitchers Knitting Book Club – 4:30pm.

1st Tues. Needlecrafters ages 12-18. Bring knitting needles and listen to teen audio books while knitting projects for charity and personal use. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. For titles & dates: 940-349-8718.

Cirque Out – 8-10pm. A weekly circus-skill enthusiast work out. Work on your hooping, spinning, juggling and general tomfoolery. Nice weather location: The Richardson Civic Center, 411 W Arapaho Rd, Richardson. Bad weather location: The Peace Pipe Hookah Lounge, 580 W Arapaho, Ste 181, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-494-0952.

Yoga Series – 6:30-7:30pm. Power yoga and yoga for runners. Different content each month. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen. Details: 469-854-6244.

wednesday

Beekeeping Meeting – 6:30pm. 2nd Mon. Beginner to experienced keepers welcome, ages 8-80. Free.

Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association meets at Heard-Craig Center, 205 W Hunt St, McKinney.

972-843-8084. CCHBA.org.

Holistic Chamber of Commerce – 6:45pm; 7pm, meeting. 2nd Tues. We are a growing network of holistic professionals, practitioners and businesses created to encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle, and support the professionals and businesses that make holistic living possible. Join us for holistic business education and networking. Speakers vary.

Shambhala Wellness Center, 215 E University Dr, Denton. John D’Amanda: 940-365-5888.

Native Plant Society Meeting – 7pm. 3rd Mon. Guest speakers on topics related to native plants and habitats. Free. Dallas Chapter Native Plant Society.

REI Outdoor Equipment Store, 4515 LBJ Frwy, Dallas. 866-527-4918.

Collin County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas Meeting – 7pm. 2nd Tues. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. More info: 972-380-4030.

HeardMuseum.org.

Yoga – 7pm. Mon & Wed. This donation class is great for beginners or those wanting to try Yoga for the first time in a smaller setting. Luke’s Locker, 5505 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 120, Colleyville. 817-849-1562.

DFW Greenweavers – 7pm. 2nd Tues. Networking for professionals and companies who are greenminded, eco-friendly or wishing to become more so. $1. For location details, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-378-8686.

Open Stage – 7pm-12am. An opportunity to practice performance on a stage with an engaged and supportive audience. Performers sign up to show off their skills in a 5-min time slot, which we film and share with the performer to help hone their craft.

After variety show, practice any and all types of performing art. $5 cover, 21+. House of Poets, 580 W Arapaho Rd, Ste 199, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-494-0952.

tuesday Healthy Eating Tours – 10am & 4pm. Learn how to make healthier choices, using our ANDI scoring system. Learn how to read labels; build menus around plant-based foods low in fat to ensure highly nutrient dense meals. Whole Foods Market, 2201 Preston Rd, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural

Dance, Dance, Dance – 7-9:15pm. Dance hosts available to dance with unescorted ladies. Refreshments served. $5. Plano Senior Recreation Center, 401 W 16th St, Plano. Details: 972-941-7155 or PlanoSeniorCenter.org.

PTAS Chapter Meetings – 7pm, refreshments; 7:30pm, meeting & program. 4th Tues, Sept-Nov & Jan-May. All meetings and other activities open to everyone. PTAS offers interesting programs and wonderful guest speakers at our meetings that bring a great variety of expertise and excitement to the membership. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. Program details: PrairieAndTimbers.org.

Dallas Greendrinks – 2nd Wed. Meet for happy hour with other eco-conscious people. No cover, buy own drinks. Location TBD. For details & mention North Texas edition of Natural Awakenings: DallasGreendrinks@yahoo.com.

Nature Awareness Club – 9:30am-2:30pm. 2nd Wed &/or Thurs; Club members choose one day each month. Learn about our local North Texas plants and animals, through activities, games, and nature walks. Bring your Nature Journals and pencils. Children 4 & up. $15. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville.

Pre-registration required: 940-440-8382.

Christian Women Business Networking – 11am1pm. 1st Wed. Fellowship and networking with other professional Christian women, to draw us closer together. We meet monthly over lunch, for prayer, inspiration and a “Spiritual Vitamin.” Prestonwood Country Club, 15909 Preston Rd, Dallas. For reservation & details, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-704-3898.

Public Knowledge – 7pm. 1st Tues. Adults celebrating brains and brews through conversation and presenters from diverse fields in science and history.

Different bar or restaurant location each month. For location details: FWMuseum.org/PublicKnowledge.

Frisco Noon Lions Club – 12-1pm. 2nd & 4th Wed. Friendships, fun and fulfilling. Come share the joy of community involvement and fellowship while helping make the world a better place. Designed for busy small business owners and professional and works well for the time conscious individual (stay at home mom, student, retiree). Meetings featuring informative speakers and hands-on training are held at local Frisco restaurants. All welcome, ages 18 and up. Free. Buy own lunch if wish to eat. For details, Brandy Miles: 972-335-2487 or Brandy@ MarilynKuhlman.com.

Sierra Club Meeting – 7-8:30pm. 2nd Tues.

Monthly lectures. Free. REI Dallas, Guadalupe Peak Rm, 4515 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Dallas.

972-699-1687.

Art History Brown Bag Series – 12:30-1:30pm.

1st Wed. Presented by Annie Royer. A look at the “isms” including cubism, romanticism, modernism and impressionism. How did one “ism” influence

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the next? How did artists influence and challenge each other? Series will heighten one’s appreciation of art and provide insight into the mind of the artist.

Free. Heard-Craig Carriage House located, 205 1/2 W Hunt St, McKinney. 972-569-6909.

Tween & Teen Game Day – 3:45-5pm. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Guitar Hero and many other Wii & Play Station games. Free. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton.

940-349-8752.

Greenweavers Networking: Collin County – 6pm.

2nd Wed. Businesses that market to the green and sustainable marketplace welcome to attend our monthly meetings to network and promote sustainable businesses. Blue Mesa Grill, Hwy 121 & Dallas N Tollway, Plano. For details & mention North Texas edition of Natural Awakenings: 972-672-9779.

Clinic Series – 6-7pm. 2nd Wed. Different content each month. Example clinics: proper shoe fittings, nutritional information, injury prevention, Garmin, Polar, Nike watch technical sessions. Call for details. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen.

469-854-6244.

Fitness Workshops – 6-7pm. 2nd Wed. New topic each month to help one achieve one’s fitness goals.

Free. Luke’s Locker at Watter’s Creek Village, Allen. 469-854-6244.

Adults with Special Needs Cooking Classes – 6-8pm. 1st & 3rd Wed. Call for details. Space limited. $10. Market Street Culinary School, 6100 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney. Reserve spot now & mention Natural Awakenings North Texas: 972-548-5167.

Luke’s Locker Tech Clinics – 6:30pm. 2nd Wed. New topic each month. 959 Garden Park Dr, Ste T200, Allen. 469-854-6244.

Organic Society Meeting – 6:30pm, seed & info exchange; 7pm, meeting. 3rd Wed. Denton Organic Society. Denton Senior Center, 509 N Bell Ave, Denton. 940-382-8551.

Teen Anime Club – 6:30pm. 3rd Wed. The Colony Public Library, Conference Rm, 6800 Main St, The Colony. 972-625-1900.

Animanga – 6:30-8pm. 3rd Wed. For teens grades 6-12. Watch anime? Read Manga? Draw fan art?

Share your love of all things anime/manga. Snacks provided. Free. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

Bedtime Stories – 7pm. All ages. Come to story time prepared for lifelong learning and a barrel of fun. Free ticket at 2nd floor desk. A parent or caregiver must accompany each child. Frisco Public Library, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco.

972-292-5669.

Yoga – 7pm. Also Mon. This donation class is great for beginners or those wanting to try Yoga for the first time in a smaller setting. Luke’s Locker, 5505 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 120, Colleyville. 817-849-1562.

thursday Social Run – 6am. Run/walk a total of 45 mins and then come in and enjoy coffee and bagels before heading to work. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen. 469-854-6244.

Group Social Run – 6:45am. Varied paces. CK Sports, 8880 State Hwy 121, Ste 164, McKinney.

For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-383-0088.

Free Admission & Wildlife Program – 9am-9pm.

3rd Thurs. Admission and parking free. 7:15pm, Special Program: Saving Our Birds, The work of the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Trinity River Audubon Center, 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas. 214-309-5801.

Lunch Hour Yoga – 11:30am-12:20pm. Class utilizes the Franklin Method and Smart Spine along with various types of yoga for relaxation and rejuvenation. $15. Pilates for Life, 103 W Belmont Dr, Allen. 214-704-3070.

CPR Training – 6-8pm. American Heart Training Center with 125 trained instructors. Texas CPR Training, 4013 Carrizo, Plano. 214-770-6872.

TexasCPR.com.

Dallas Organic Gardening Club – 6:30pm, refreshments; 7pm, meeting. 4th Thurs. Free. REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. DOGC.org.

Teen Writers Group – 6:30pm. 3rd Thurs. Join

other teen writers to discuss projects, get ideas and suggestions for publication, and for fellowship and fun. Free. The Colony Public Library, Conference Rm, 6800 Main St, The Colony. 972-625-1900 x 3.

Yoga Series – 6:30-7:30pm. Different content each month. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen.

Details: 469-854-6244.

Dallas Down-River Club Meeting – 7pm. 3rd Thurs. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting club. Roma’s, 7402 Greenville Ave, Dallas. 214-373-0500. More info, Dale Harris: 972-680-2727 or Dale_Harris@ sbcglobal.net.

The Colony History Project Committee – 7pm.

3rd Thurs. Help cultivate and preserve The Colony’s rich history. The Colony Public Library, 6800 Main St, The Colony. 972-625-1900.

Social Run – 7pm. Need someone to talk to while you run or just hold you accountable? Join us for our weekly social run; all paces welcome.

Luke’s Locker, 5505 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 120, Colleyville. 817-849-1562.

Fowler Foodie Book Club – 7-8pm. 3rd Thurs. Pull up a chair and join us for a lively discussion of food related books. Monthly book selections a mix of fiction and non-fiction, with a pinch of cook-books for flavor. Free. Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland, Denton. Laura Douglas: 940-349-8752.

Men’s Only Pilates – 8pm. Class utilizes all the Pilates equipment. $15. Pilates for Life, 103 W Belmont Dr, Allen. 214-704-3070.

friday Friday Focus – 8am. Networking opportunities.

Enjoy a cup of java and learn more about business community. IHOP in The Colony, Meeting Rm, 4801 State Hwy 121, The Colony. 972-625-8027.

First Friday Movie – 3:30pm. 1st Fri. Featuring a new movie each month. South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Ln, Denton. 940-349-8761.

LEGO Builders Club – 4pm. 3rd Fri. Drop in and get creative by building with the library’s LEGOs. A different theme for each month. Ages 6 & up. Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland, Denton.

940-349-8752. $5 Happy Hour Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm. All levels Vinyasa flow class. All welcome. Inspire Yoga Studio, 1401 Shoal Creek, Ste 268, Highland Village. 972-505-9764.

Free Community Yoga – 6-7pm. 1st Fri. Suitable for all levels. Learn to breathe, relax and renew.

Space limited. Free. Transform U Fitness, 1565 W Main St, Lewisville. Pre-registration required: 972-849-9666.

Crow After Dark – 6pm-12am. 3rd Fri, except Jan & Dec. Enlighten your night and experience Asia after dark. Enjoy music, dance, films, tours, and more. Free. Crow Asian Art Museum, 2010 Flora St, Dallas. 214-979-6430.

Acoustic Friday – 7pm. Weekly open jam and song circle. All acoustic instruments and levels welcome.

All music genres welcome. Free. Visual Art League Art Gallery, Lewisville. 972-420-9393.

Open Gym – 7-8:30pm. Enjoy playing in the gym or practicing one’s skills. Ages 7-17. $11/nonmember, $9/member. Achievers Gymnastics, 3014 S I-35 E,

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of Natural Awakenings: 972-769-4150.

Free One-Hour Seminars – 10am. Topics: gardening, beekeeping, rainwater collection, goat milking, poultry. Ploughshare Institute for Sustainable Living, 7781 Gholson Rd, Waco. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 254-754-9663.

Relay for Life Frisco 2012: May 11 Denton. 940-484-4900.

Live Music – 7-9pm. Live music and delicious treats: blended or hot coffee, delicious hot cocoa, Collin County’s award-winning specialty bakery treats, hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream, fresh baked cookies, cakes and bakery sweets. Free. For details & to confirm happening, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: Coffee N Cream, 11660 Legacy Dr, Frisco, 214-7059600; and 190 E Stacy Rd, Allen, 972-678-2626.

Community Dance – 7-9:30pm. 2nd & 4th Fri. Live Music, varied styles. Fun for all ages 21 and up. $5/ person Denton Senior Center, 509 North Bell Ave, Denton. For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 940-349-8720.

Fourth Friday Drum Circle – Thru Sept. 7-10pm.

4th Fri. Everyone, including children and families, are welcome. Drums and rhythm instruments available. Drum and dance into the evening. Free.

Mitchell Park, West Virginia & Church St, McKinney. 214-641-0782.

Square and Round Dance for Fitness and Fun – 7:30pm. 1st & 3rd Fri. Individuals and couples of all ages welcome. Texas Reelers, 820 W Arapaho, Richardson. Details: 972-416-2311 or 972-699-0934.

saturday Operation Kindness – 3rd Sat. No Kill animal shelter brings animals for adoption. Weather permitting. Whole Foods Market, outside store, 2201 Preston Rd, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-612-6729.

Saturday Morning Rides – Various start times and lengths. Richardson Bikemart, Southeast corner of Campbell Rd & Coit Rd, in the front parking lot.

Sam Montag: 972-231-3993.

Small Fry Sports Classes – A skills and developmental sports class for boys and girls ages 3 & 4.

Each month offers a different sport which allows children to develop new skills and gain exposure to all sports offered at the Y. Parents participate alongside their child during this fun and active class. $20/YMCA Family Member, $40/everyone else.

Frisco Family YMCA, 3415 Main St, Frisco. Trey Gilmore: 214-297-9622.

Group Bike Ride – 7am. 15-22 mph, no drop ride (25-mile loops). CK Sports, 8880 State Hwy 121, Ste 164, McKinney. For details, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-383-0088.

Recycling: Electronics – 9-11am. The city of Plano encourages residents to bring all old electronic devices (not being used) to this site for proper disposal.

For details, location & mention North Texas edition

Second Saturday for Youth – 10-11:30am. For youngsters aged 4-10; children 6 & under must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, A/V Classroom, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. Reservations necessary: 903-786-2826.

Family Story Time – 10:30am. All ages. Come to story time prepared for lifelong learning and a barrel of fun. Free ticket at 2nd floor desk. A parent or caregiver must accompany each child. Frisco Public Library, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco. 972-292-5669.

Kid’s Fish – 11am-1pm. Ages 4-11. The opportunity to go outside to our pond and do some live fishing (weather permitting). If bad weather will have a scavenger hunt. Free. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, 2501 Bass Pro Dr, Grapevine. 972-724-2018.

Parkour Clinic – 11am-1pm. 2nd & 4th Sat. Indoor parkour and free running instructional classes open to all ages and abilities. Learn more challenging techniques in a padded environment. Release of liability waiver is required prior to participating. $15. LIFE Cirque. Elite Champion Gymnastics, 2621 Summit Ave, Ste 300, Plano. 214-450-3286.

Parkour in the Park – 11am-1pm. 1st & 3rd Sat until it’s too hot. Parkour and free running exhibition and instructional happening open to all ages and abilities. Free. LIFE Cirque. Robert E. Lee Park, 3400 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas. 214-450-3286.

Visit the Cats – 11am-6pm. See Sun listing. In-Sync Exotics, 3430 Skyview Dr, Wylie. 972-442-6888.

InSyncExotics.com.

Homestead Open House – 12-3pm. 3rd Sat. Time subject to change during heat of summer. The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is home to several historic structures, most notably the Minor-Porter Log House, which dates to about 1869. Volunteers on hand to guide visitors through the structures and answer questions in this informal tour. Visitors welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and tour at their own pace. Regular admission to LLELA: $5/person; free/age 5 & under. No additional charge for tour. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-7980.

Kayak down the Elm Fork – 12-3pm. 3rd Sat. Whether have lots of river time under your belt or have never set foot in a kayak, you’re welcome here.

Kayak Power provides equipment and instruction followed by a 6-mile trip down the Elm Fork to a shuttle vehicle. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Reservation required: 214-669-1663.

Heard Nature Photographers Club – 1:30pm.

2nd Sat. Speakers and discussions. Topics include how-to and technique discussions and travelogue presentations. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. More info: 972-462-7314.

SpinFest – 3-7pm. 3rd Sat. A free, open event hosted by Creative Motion to explore circus skills with the public. Learn to juggle, hula hoop, or spin poi, staves, or flags. Heights Park Arapaho Rd at

Floyd Rd, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-494-0952.

Sunstone Yoga Community Open House – 5-9pm.

3rd Sat each month (in Apr the 2nd Sat) Sunstone Yoga Academy opens its doors to the community.

Event hosts and highlights many of our community practices, members and partners. Free. Sunstone Yoga Academy, 4540 Beltway Dr, Addison. Jillian Navejas: 214-764-2119.

Sunday Mountain Bike Group Ride – 6pm. Open to all levels. Informal and leaderless. Food, fun and riding. Food served after the riding. Location changes weekly. For details & location: BBishop@ Bikemart.com.

Parents Night Out – 6-11pm. 1st & 3rd Sat. Drop the kids off for tons of games. Pizza and drinks served. $15 with pre-registration, $20 at door.

Corinth Gymnastics, 1402 N Corinth St, Corinth.

Details, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 940-498-4386.

Live Music – 7-9pm. Live music and delicious treats: blended or hot coffee, delicious hot cocoa, Collin County’s award-winning specialty bakery treats, hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream, fresh baked cookies, cakes and bakery sweets. Free. For details & to confirm happening, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: Coffee N Cream, 11660 Legacy Dr, Frisco, 214-705-9600; and 190 E Stacy Rd, Allen.

972-678-2626.

classifieds For fees and info on placing classifieds, email publisher@NA-NTX.com. Deadline is noon on the 9th of the month.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY EARN EXTRA INCOME – WORK FROM HOME – The Health, Wellness & Nutrition Revolution is Booming. Part or full time. No start-up fees. Free Training. Call Ron today at 970-310-4084.

HELP WANTED SALESPEOPLE WANTED – Earn a generous commission and unlimited income selling ads for Natural Awakenings North Texas. Straight commission sales experience required. Relationshiporiented sales; must like talking to people. Open territories in Denton, Collin and Grayson counties.

Full-time and part-time. Will train. Please send resume to Publisher@NA-NTX.com.

NUTRITION ARE NON-ORGANIC, SYNTHETICALLY MADE VITAMINS GOOD? – Learn more about the Nobel Prize winning science of FoodMatrix delivery system – proven better retention, absorption, and whole food nutrients for the body. Call Darlene today at 903-885-2787.

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE HEALTHCARE OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE – Located in Town & Country Office Park at Hwy. 121 and Legacy Drive in Frisco. Available now.

Call 214-662-2267.

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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email publisher@NA-NTX. com to request our media kit. ( Leaf symbol indicates green business. Dollar symbol represents businesses offering coupons through NACoupons.com)

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3645 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 111, Plano 75093 214-587-3786, LEDSkinCareCenter.com Inside the Ovation Boutiques on NW corner of Parker and Dallas Tollway. From acne to anti-aging the LED Skin Care Center delivers like no other. Detox, hydration and education bring you clear, healthy, wrinkle and spot free skin. No downtime, pain or recovery. Daily, progressive results from the inside out.

CHIROPRACTIC DR. AMY ST. JOHN, D.C., LMT

Serendipity Health & Wellness 3900 W 15th St, Ste 506, Plano 75075 214-801-0741 • SerendipityWellness.net Relieving pain head to toe, whether caused by injury, stress or fatigue.

I offer personalized care, private appointments and therapeutic massage. See ad, page 18.

COLON CLEANSING CLEANSE THYSELF PURELY

200 North Mill St, Lewisville 75057 Lewisville: Wendy 469-358-9847 Ft. Worth: Dawn 817-483-2212 ColonicsInDallas.com A colonic session flushes the intestine and removes fecal matter that coats the walls and crevices of the intestine. It's a safe and easy procedure with disposable speculums. We also offer foot ion cleanse. Visit our website for more information.

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE HEALTHWORKS

2317 Coit Road, Ste B, Plano 75075 972-612-1800 Whole body & lifestyle healthcare rejuvenating your body from the inside out.

Comprehensive healthcare— naturally. Visit our website to view our schedule of free workshops. See ad, page 15.

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WILLOW BEND ACADEMY

2220 Coit Rd, Ste 500, Plano 75075 972-599-7882 • WillowBendAcademy.com And 101 E. Southwest Pkwy, Ste 101 Lewisville 75067 972-436-3839 • WillowBendAcademy.com SACS accredited educational alternative that offers individualized, mastery-based instruction for grades 4-12. Oncampus and Home Study options. Experienced, Interactive Metronome provider —specialized training that improves neuron-network function and overall day-to-day performance.

ESSENTIAL OILS

GREEN PEST CONTROL NATURAL PEST SOLUTIONS 214-763-2758 • GuysInGreen.com

Eco-friendly residential and commercial pest control using botanical products. See ad, page 12.

HAIR SALON HAIR COLOR STUDIOS

9200 E. Lebanon Rd, Ste 32, Frisco 75035 214-436-4955 • HairColorStudios.com If healthy hair is your passion, then Hair Color Studios is your dream salon. With our organic product lines to serve your healthy hair demands.

Our new Nayo Hair Color uses natural extracts in their Yoghurt line that preserves the hair structure keeping it voluminous. Ask about our free color consultation.

HEALTHY COOKING COOKING GOD’S WAY

2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano 75075 972-379-7851 Naturally healthy cooking and nutrition classes, nutritional consulting, detox programs, health workshops. See ad, page 18.

doTERRA ESSENTIAL OILS

Jackie Kenney 214-837-4872 • JackiesdoTerra.com JackiesdoTerra@gmail.com doTERRA Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils are the highest standard of quality essential oils available. Take control of your family’s health with all-natural gifts from the Earth. They kill bacteria and viruses and are 50-70 times more powerful than herbs. Replace your medicine cabinet with non-toxic, safe-for-the-entire-family choices.

GREEN CLEANING ECOMAIDS

18352 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas 75287 214-382-2644 High quality green cleaning service for homes and businesses. See ad, page 9.

GREEN GARMENT CARE OXXO CARE CLEANERS 5110 Eldorado Pkwy, Frisco 75034 214-705-7739 • OxxoUsa.com Eco-friendly garment care cleaners. Convenient 24hour drop-off and pick-up system. Odorless process leaves clothes brighter and retaining their correct size and shape without “dry cleaning” smell.

HEALTHY DINING THE SALAD STOP

3685 Preston Rd, Frisco 75034 972-377-7867 Fresh and nutritious, locally grown food.

HEART HEALTH MOBILE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH SCREENING

Tim Stroud C.H.S.; DPA/HRV Technician 214-502-7515 • BetterHealthForTexas.com High blood pressure readings are not enough. The FDA-approved Digital Pulsewave Analyzer reads arterial elasticity, plaque buildup and determines the biological age of your arteries. It’s quick, easy, painless and we come to your home or office. Schedule a screening today for yourself, your family or employees. Discounts for families and groups. Call to schedule your screening or Heart Health event today.

HERBS & CHINESE MEDICINE GREAT WALL ORIENTAL MEDICAL CENTER 1312 Village Creek Dr, Plano 75093 972-732-7804

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY DENTAL ARTS OF PLANO

Dr. Nevein Amer, DDS 4701 West Park Blvd, Ste 201, Plano 75093 972-985-4450 • DentalArtsofPlano.com Dr. Amer specializes in cosmetic and Holistic dentistry including mercury-free fillings and the safe removal of old mercury-based fillings, metal-free crowns, digital x-rays, help for sleep apnea and TMJ, veneers and Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces. Her Holistic approach involves looking at the entire person during evaluation, and always talking with you about the material to be used in your mouth.

See ad, page 18.

HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE JENNIFER ENGELS, MD

2845 Parkwood Blvd, Ste 200, Plano 75093 972-567-8819 • TheWellnessRoom.net Tired of belly fat? Frustrated by fad diets and lack of energy? Let me help you clean up your diet, improve your exercise regimen, find ways to de-stress and get better sleep. Let me be your guide to better health through improved nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle modification. See ad, page 7.

INTERNAL MEDICINE CENTENNIAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATES 4401 Coit Rd, Ste 409, Frisco 75035 972-377-8695

Highest ethical and clinical standards of care while providing exceptional attention to every patient.

KID FIT – KID FUN SPORTS TRAINING KURT THOMAS GYMNASTICS 10825 John W Elliott Frisco 75034 • 214-872-4646

Gymnastics training for preschool to competitive levels.

WINKIDS SPORTS & LEARNING CENTER 3000 Waketon Rd, Flower Mound 75028 972-355-9988

WinKids Sports & Learning Center offers gymnastics, martial arts, swimming, dance, cheerleading, music, unique Birthday parties and so much more!

MARKETS SPICE BAZAAR

4681 Ohio Dr, Frisco 75035 • 214-618-3175 Indian grocery store.

MASSAGE 3T’s (TJ’s Terrific Touch)

469-237-4289 TJ4ttts.com • TJ4ttts@yahoo.com Specializing in Swedish massage for overall body relaxation and deep tissue massage for tense knotted muscles, an affordable 3T’s massage can help relieve stress commonly associated with a hectic lifestyle.

CLASSIC NAILS & SPA

6910 Windhaven Pkwy, The Colony 75056 214-483-6006 Nails, waxing, facials and massage.

MASSAGE SPACE

7000 Independence Pkwy, Ste 180 Plano 75025 972-612-5363 • Massage-Space.com Seven different types of massage therapy for rejuvenation and energy. See ad, page 9.

RECUPERATE MASSAGE

6101 A Windhaven Pkwy Salon Boutique, Rm 12, Plano 75093 214-437-6920 Recuperate.MassageTherapy.com Life Is Too Short To Go Without a Massage. Specializing in relieving chronic pain issues and tight muscles. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Trigger Point and TMJ Facial massages. By appointment only. Online booking available.

NEUROFEEDBACK THE SAMS CENTER

Dr. Marvin Sams 972-612-0160 • GreatBrain.com The Sams Center specializes in evidence based, non-drug therapy for ADD/ADHD, learning issues, chronic Depression and Anxiety, Asperger’s and Autism, epilepsy, Bipolar, and OCD. Quantitative EEG (computerized brain wave analysis) detects and defines the neurological issues; NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Trainingtm safely remediates and optimizes brain function. Find out more today. See ads, pages 7 and 23.

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NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ECO WELLNESS

1404 W Hebron Pkwy, Ste 114 Carrollton 75010 972-492-5995 • Eco-Wellness.net A nutrition boutique that carries the highest quality products made from all natural or organic ingredients. High-quality dietary supplements exceeding FDA’s cGMP standards.

ONLINE BUSINESSES/SERVICES PAPERHOUND.COM

SMOOTHIE KING OF DENTON

EVONTIS

1601 Brinker Rd, Denton 76208 940-484-5464

783 N Grove Rd, Ste 101, Richardson 75081 855-Evontis (386-6847) • MyEvontis.com

Great-tasting smoothies using the highest quality nutritional ingredients for a healthy snack alternative.

ShinXen water is ionized, alkaline water rich in antioxidants and oxygen abundant. Evontis offers a range of quality water ionization systems built to last. See ad, page 10.

SOLAR & ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOLAR COMMUNITY

SolarCommunity.com 1-87-SOLAR-NRG (877-652-7674) Ask us how our Solar Community programs can save you money!

paperhound.com

Affordable, high-resolution digital reproductions of original antique maps and biblical prints from 1550 to 1850. See ad, inside front cover.

OUTDOOR GEAR & EDUCATION REI

2424 Preston Rd, Plano 75093 • 972-985-2241 Quality outdoor gear and clothing with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

PEDIATRICS HEALTHY KIDS PEDIATRICS

4851 Legacy Dr, Ste 301, Frisco, 75034 972-294-0808 • HealthyKidsPediatrics.com Where your child’s health is our passion! Offering a full range of pediatric services integrating conventional and natural medicine for your child’s optimal health. See ad, page 33.

PLAYCARE ADVENTURE KIDS PLAYCARE

TOTAL WIND & SOLAR

Offices and service throughout D/FW 866-631-5934 Total Wind & Solar offers consultation, design, installation and service of alternative energy and rainwater harvesting systems based on your actual needs. Serving the North Texas-D/FW area.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT ST. PHILIP’S EPISCOPAL

6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco 75034 214-387-4700 • StPhilipsFrisco.org Sunday services, community programs, job ministry, preschool, and St. Philip’s Academy “K” class.

TAILORING & ALTERATION SERVICES AUTUMN STITCH

279 W Main St, Frisco 75034 972-712-1727

Drop-in child care and entertainment center.

FOUR FEATHERS TRADING POST

4013 West Parker Rd, Plano 75093 972-943-8885

Halal meats, fresh produce, groceries and flat bread baked on-site.

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Twenty First Century Health 972-855-8711 TwentyFirstCenturyHealth.com

Better health through state-of-the-art water.

Cutting edge technology. Call us or visit our website to learn more about how improving your home’s water can improve your health. See ad, page 13.

YOGA SCHOOL 1401 Shoal Creek, Ste 268 Highland Village 75077 • 972-505-9764 InspireYogaStudio.com/teacher-training.html Find the inspiration, guidance and certification to become a professional yoga teacher.

Modular in-depth studies available for students seeking a deeper understanding of yoga. Yoga Alliance registered.

SUNSTONE YOGA ACADEMY

Tailoring, custom clothing, monogramming, draperies and shoe repair.

SHANDIZ MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & MARKET

WATERSEDGE STRUCTURED WATER

INSPIRE YOGA SCHOOL

690 Parker Square, Flower Mound 75028 972-899-2060 And 1401 Shoal Creek, Ste 140, Highland Village 75077 972-899-2060

RESTAURANTS

WATER

SMOOTHIES

TRIBAL AMERICAN INDIAN CRAFTS 3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills 75135 214-288-9935 • FourFeathersTradingPost.net Experience the world of Tribal American Indians hosted by Silverhawk & Prayerwalker. The store offers tribal art created by local artisans and worldrenowned Native American artists. Educational seminars. We practice traditional ways, including prayer and drumming circles, sweat lodges, work parties, medicine wheels, etc. If you're seeking a spiritual path following ancient American tribal ways, ask about our community.

4540 Beltway, Addison 75001 214-764-2119 x 3 SunstoneYoga.com/grow.aspx

Sunstone Yoga Academy is a registered yoga school with Yoga Alliance. We are dedicated to certifying the most highly trained yoga teachers in the area. See ad, back cover.

YOGURT NANA FROZEN YOGURT 8811 Teel Pkwy, Frisco 75034 469-362-6662

Self-serve frozen yogurt, fresh squeezed orange juice and snow cones.

ORANGE PEEL

310 E Round Grove Rd, Lewisville 75067 469-831-7608 Fourteen flavors of yogurt and more than 60 toppings.

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