Whole Foods, Sebastopol supports Ceres Project

Ceres Project is a wonderful cooperative effort engaging the efforts of young cooks who prepare nutritious meals for people in need. To learn more about the Project - please visit their web site - link below. To help contribute to this project, please shop at Whole Foods Sebastopol from September 29th through December 28th.

Whole Foods Sebastopol has selected the Ceres Project to be the recipient of the Envirocents Program from September 29 to December 28th. This is a great opportunity for us to raise money, but even more to spread the word about our work.

There will be posters in the store featuring Ceres, and our logo will be on the change boxes at each register.

Folks can choose to put their extra change in the boxes, and all of the bag donations will also come to us.

Whole Foods is also giving us three opportunities to table in front of the stores. We will be there on Sunday, October 19 from 11 - 1, and again on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and again in December.

Here's what you can do:

1. Spread the word among your circles and encourage them to take their bags to Whole Foods and to donate their change to us via the change boxes.

2. Put notices up on WACCO and in other newsletters you have access to.

3. Shop at Whole Foods often, take your own bags with you, and donate that $0.05 to Ceres.

4. Help out by volunteering to table October 19, November 23, or pick a date in December.

Thanks for helping to spread the word!

And here's the complete story:

Whole Foods Envirocents Program Helps Get Meals to Local Cancer Survivors

Grab your reusable grocery bag and head to Whole Foods in Sebastopol to help a local non-profit that’s touching a lot of lives with the healing power of food. From now through the end of December, The Ceres Community Project will be the beneficiary of Whole Foods-Sebastopol’s Envirocents Program.

Envirocents gives Whole Foods shoppers the option to donate five cents for every bag they bring in to a local non-profit organization. Change boxes at each register are designed to collect additional donations. Local non-profits get visibility as well as funds to support their work.

The Ceres Community Project, founded in March 2007, provides organic, nutrient-dense meals to families dealing with serious illness while training young chefs in the art of healthy cooking and eating. This year, Ceres will deliver more than 15,000 meals to individuals throughout Sonoma County. More than 100 teens from ten area high schools have worked as chefs in the project’s kitchen.

The majority of the project’s clients are dealing with cancer and the debilitating effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Here’s what one of those clients had to say about the difference that The Ceres Community Project made for her and her family.

“I don't know how to fully express what a lifesaver the Ceres Project food was for me during my chemo. Having food already prepared, tasty food which I knew was good for me and helping me fight the cancer, made my life so much easier during an extremely difficult time. As it came to the end of the treatment, I grew more and more fatigued but there were things I really wanted to be able to do. It was important to me to help with my daughter's 8th grade play and graduation. After nine years of being an active volunteer in her school, especially with the plays, it would have been a shame to not be able to work on her last play. If I hadn't had the Ceres food waiting for me, I wouldn't have been able to handle it.”

Each Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, teen volunteers gather at The Community Church of Sebastopol’s commercial kitchen to chop, sauté, whisk, bake and roast their way through cases of mostly donated local organic food. The teens learn first hand about the relationship between the food we eat and our health, develop their culinary skills and discover how simple it is to make a difference in their world.

If you’d like to learn more about The Ceres Community Project visit their website, www.ceresproject.org . If you know someone who needs food support, call Cherie at 823-2529. If you are a teen or adult who would like to volunteer, call Judi at 829-8295. And from now until the end of December, visit Whole Foods Sebastopol with your reusable bag in hand. Donate that five cents – and whatever change you have – to The Ceres Community Project. If each of us gives a little, we can make a big difference for our neighbors who are struggling with illness, and for the young people who are becoming the leaders of the future.


Cathryn Couch
707-799-7489
www.kitchencosmology.com
"Humans are tuned for relationship. The eyes, the skin, the tongue, ears, nostrils -- all are gates where our body receives the nourishment of otherness." - David Abrams, The Spell of the Sensuous

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Russian River Shelter Benefit

You can have a delicious spaghetti dinner and support the Russian River Shelter Program at the same time. This is a win/win for everyone!

2nd Annual SPAGHETTI DINNER & SILENT AUCTION

All proceeds benefit the
RUSSIAN RIVER SHELTER PROJECT (RRSP),
This event is generously co-sponsored by the
Guerneville Community Church

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008
5 to 8:00 pm
Ongoing Silent Auction and Door Prize Drawings

$10.00 FOR ADULTS
$5.00 FOR CHILDREN

Please join us for a delicious spaghetti dinner featuring community leader Ila Donovan’s world-famous spaghetti sauce recipe, and enjoy a festive evening of entertainment, door prizes and friendship with your Guerneville neighbors

Each ticket includes an entry in drawings for fabulous prizes; including one grand prize for adult entries with a value from $500 to $1,000. All children’s tickets include drawings for toys, games and books.

Guerneville Community Church
Birkhofer Hall
14520 Armstrong Woods Road
Guerneville, CA

Contact: Marcy Orosco at (707) 869-4488, irenedeem@comcast.net, or our website at www.russianrivershelter.org

All proceeds from this event will go toward securing shelter during harsh weather for our unsheltered community members along the Russian River Valley. This 2nd Annual Fundraiser benefits the RUSSIAN RIVER SHELTER PROJECT ~ committed to providing a safe haven for unsheltered men and women in our community. The shelter project is a generously supported by volunteers, local businesses, agencies and organizations throughout West Sonoma County.

TICKETS FOR SALE AT: Guerneville Parcel Box Plus, 16129 Main St., Guerneville, CA

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Wonderland Golf & Gourmet

Support the extraordinary usefulness and beauty of the Monte Rio Community Center

Northwood Golf Course will be the location of this first annual Golf & Gourmet event will benefit the equipment fund of the Monte Rio Recreation and Park District.

Since the 1940’s, the Monte Rio Recreation and Park District has been caring for the lands under its charge with great success. People flock to our river beaches throughout the year and recognize that this is an outstanding natural playground.

Thousands of people have visited their many venues; the Amphitheater, River Meadow, Beaches, Koret Park and most recently, the Monte Rio Community Center – and enjoyed family reunions, weddings, political events and fundraisers.

The First Annual Wonderland GOLF and Gourmet will benefit the equipment fund of the MRRPD and will raise needed funds for tables, chairs, kitchen equipment for the Monte Rio Community Center, as well other equipment necessary for use at our other venues.

The MRRPD is eager for everyone to get to know more about them and by participating in this tournament, or buying a ticket to the gourmet dinner, they will have a chance to hear about MRRPD’s plans for the future and to see firsthand, the extraordinary usefulness and beauty of the Monte Rio Community Center. This organization has served the community for decades, and with the public’s participation, the MRRPD can become an even stronger organization with more desirable places for everyone to enjoy.

Please join in the fun as a golfer, diner, sponsor, donor or volunteer and help make this event as special as the lands MRRPD’s protects and maintains.

Northwood Golf Course will be the location of this first annual Golf & Gourmet event will benefit the equipment fund of the Monte Rio Recreation and Park District. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome to play in this fun nine-hole scramble at Northwood. The after-tournament dinner will be held at the Monte Rio Community Center where a gourmet meal designed by Christina of Simply Scrumptious catering.

Non-golfers are encouraged to buy tickets to the dinner and auction at the nominal cost of $30.00! Christina is known for her unique blend of local produce, florals and other distinctly Sonoma County products designed with both taste and visual appeal.

The main goal of the event is to raise funds for equipment (tables, chairs and kitchen equipment) for the Monte Rio Community Center. “It is imperative that the District continue to offer the best to our community and out of area groups who want to use this beautiful facility,” said Gretchen Mino, MRRPD Board Member. MRRPD manages several outdoor venues too, including the Beach, River Meadow and the Amphitheater. All of these venues have upkeep and equipment needs.

In addition to fine food, and Sonoma County wines, guests will enjoy live music performed on a newly acquired piano and will enjoy bidding at a beautiful silent auction that will include spa treatments, eco-adventures, jewelry, wine and food experiences and much more.

Golfers will play $95 each which includes a round of golf, tee prizes, gourmet dinner and a chance to win a round of golf for four at the fabulous Olympic Club in San Francisco.

Contact the MRRPD at (707) 865-9956 for more information or to sign up to play in the tournament. Information and registration forms are also available at www.mrrpd.org.

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Support Our Parks and Have Fun!

50% of the profits from this festival go to support our parks and the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. This is your opportunity to enjoy great music, eat fine food and contribute to our parks system and support organization.



The Bodega Seafood, Art & Wine Festival celebrates its fourteenth year in 2008! Held on Watts Ranch at 16855 Bodega Highway in the charming village of Bodega, famous for the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds, the village offers visitors a taste of unique history in a stunning rural setting. Since the ranch is adjacent to the village of Bodega, the shops and galleries, as well as the historic buildings, several that were once used in the Hitchcock film, are a stroll away.

The festival showcases the best of California's wineries and breweries, artists and crafts-people, as well as featuring outstanding entertainment, and a delicious selection of seafood, all in a picturesque environment. This annual fundraiser, held August 23rd (10 - 6) and 24th (10 - 5) also has wonderful activities for kids, environmental exhibits, and lots more.

The festival benefits two worthy organizations: Stewards of the Coasts and Redwoods, the non-profit arm of the California State Parks, and the
Bodega Volunteer Fire Department, with proceeds going towards their new firehouse.

Barbequed oysters, crab cakes, cedar plank salm on, albacore wrapped in bacon, sushi and seafood gumbo are just a few of the entrees available on the festival weekend. There are plenty of other non-seafood choices as well, including authentic brautwurst, Thai curries, caesar salad, and vegetarian dishes, as well as decadent dessert options.

Artists will display unique, hand-made work, ranging from two-dimensional painting and photography, to jewelry, glass, woodwork, metalwork, ceramics and wearable art.

The wine and microbrewed beer tasting, featuring a wonderful selection of wineries and microbreweries, is one of the more popular aspects of the festival. Including more than 25 wineries and 14 breweries, with companies such as Korbel, Foppiano, BR Cohn, Cline Cellars, Lagunitas, Bear Republic and Sierra Nevada, it offers the opportunity to taste a number of different wines and beers in the party-like environment of the festival tasting tent. A commemorative glass and 6 tastes is $15. Each additional taste is $2.

The festival's entertainment line-up encompasses 3 stages and spans a full range of music and comedy, This event's entertainment has grown in scope along with the festival itself. Performers featured this year include Tommy Castro, Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88's, Stompy Jones, Zydeco Flames, Joe Craven, Malcolm Watson, and many more.

Admission is $12/adults, $10/seniors over 60,
$8 12-16 and under 12 are free.
Please refer to the festival website: www.winecountryfestivals.com

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Old Grove Festival

Music and Entertainment for the Benefit of ALL



California State Parks presents the Third Annual Old Grove Festival at the Redwood Forest Theatre in Armstrong Woods - A Benefit for Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods - please check the web site below for a full roster of shows.


JUNIUS COURTNEY BIG BAND with Denise Perrier Authentic swing˜20 piece band Opener: Russian River Variety Show, Part 2 (Showcase of local talent)
DATE: Saturday, August 16, 2008
TIME: Gates open at 5:00 pm; Opening Act at 5:45pm; Main Act at 7:00pm
LOCATION: Forest Theatre in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
DIRECTIONS: From River Road in Guerneville, travel 2 miles north on Armstrong Woods Rd
ADMISSION: Each show˜General: $25.00; Redwood Circle: $40.00 (10% off w/ purchase of 2-4)
SEATING: First come, first serve in section purchased; reserved seats with purchase of all shows
PARKING: Free with Admission (Walking up to ≤ mile may be required; bring flashlights & warm clothes; shuttles provided for those in need). Specific parking information is available at www.communityconcerts.com, www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org or 707-869-9403.
TICKETS & INFORMATION: www.communityconcerts.com or 707-869-9403
PUBLICITY CONTACT: Michele Luna at 707-869-9177

The Old Grove Festival returns to the Redwood Forest Theatre in Armstrong Woods State Reserve for its third season. Expanded to four dates, this year’s series is an eclectic stroll through a venerable, well-loved terrain of musical and literary genres: classical (7/19), big band (8/16), Beatles (9/12) and Shakespeare (9/13). Presented by California State Parks, the festival is a benefit for Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods and is sponsored in part by Russian River Getaways in Guerneville.

The Junius Courtney Big Band delivers the power and subtlety of authentic swing. Led by drummer Nat Courtney, son of the late bandleader and trumpet player Junius Courtney, and under the musical direction of George „Jazzbeaux‰ Spencer, the Junius Courtney Big Band thrives via a combination of exciting jazz charts and impressive jazz chops.

With internationally-acclaimed recording artist Denise Perrier out front on vocals, the Junius Courtney Big Band redefines the classics and presents originals as new as tomorrow morning. Its twenty-piece strength and forty-plus-years lifetime bring high-definition to the bandstand. As audiences have found, the Junius Courtney Big Band lifts off in live performance to delirious realms of swing.

Food and beverages will be available for sale. Parking is limited. Carpooling is encouraged. Specific parking information is available at www.communityconcerts.com, www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org or 707-869-9403. The theatre is about a ≤ mile walk from most parking locations. Allow extra time. Please bring a flashlight and warm clothes. Shuttle service and drop off accommodations will be provided for those in need.

Built by the WPA and dedicated in 1936, the Redwood Forest Theatre was a premiere site for musical events including Big Band, Opera, and Ballet. The events went on for many years until the early 1980s when they were discontinued for natural resource protection reasons. In 1995 the theatre was again opened for an event where the Santa Rosa Symphony performed as a benefit for the Armstrong Habitat Restoration Project. The theatre went dark until 2006 when the California State Parks and Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods began providing new opportunities for the public to enjoy performances in this unique, magnificent venue, surrounded by old growth redwoods.

The state budget crisis brought attention to the dire straights of the State Park system as park closures (including Armstrong Woods) were narrowly averted. Though the threat of closure has ended for the moment, there remains an immediate and pressing need to find sustainable funding sources for the parks. The work of the Stewards is more important than ever, making the need for the public to support their efforts especially critical. Stewards has set up a page on their website (www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org) where interested parties can stay abreast of ongoing developments and take appropriate action toward helping to save the parks now and protect them into the future.

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Fight Back (Against Cancer)

Celebrate, Remember
by Tish Levee

Do you know someone who has cancer or have you had a loved one die of cancer? Perhaps you have cancer yourself. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is an opportunity to celebrate and remember them, and to fight back against cancer by taking part in the largest not-for-profit fundraising event in the world. This year Relay for Life will take place in several locations in the county, including Sebastopol and Healdsburg on June 21st. See the Calendar section for details.

Relay is a 24-hour event, usually held on a high-school track. Teams of eight to fifteen people camp out from 10 AM on Saturday to 10 AM on Sunday, and each team has at least one person on the track at all times.

Relay began in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt raised $27,000 by having friends pay $25 each to join him for ½ hour on his 24-hour walk/run in Tacoma, Washington. Since then more than $2.5 billion has been raised for cancer research and care. More than 4,800 Relay events took place in the US last year, raising $400 million.

A moving feature of every Relay is the Survivor’s Lap––the first lap when cancer survivors, in purple T-shirts, form a river of purple flowing around the track. All survivors are invited to take part in all relays and will receive a free T-shirt. While not required, pre-registration is encouraged.

Also deeply moving is the Luminaria ceremony at dusk when thousands of personalized candle-lit paper bags, placed around the track in memory of those lost to cancer or in honor of cancer survivors, are lit. As one walks around the quiet track in the middle of the night, the luminarias appear like stained-glass windows.

For more information or to participate in any relay event, call ACS at 707-545-6720 (press #3) or go online at www.RelayforLife.org, and click on “find relay events.”

© Copyright Tish Levee, 2008. All rights reserved.

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