August 2011 Calendar of Events from Natural Awakenings Magazine, Westchester & Putnam Counties NY

Table setting by the Cabbage Hill Farm Lake, see Sunday, August 21, 2011

MONDAY, AUGUST 1

Beginner/Intermediate Yoga – 7-8:15pm (8/1, 8/8, & 8/15). For ages 12 and up, librarian Catherine Riedel leads a Hatha Yoga class that relieves stress and improves focus. Budarz Theater, 53 Croton Ave., Ossining, Free. 914.941.2416 x336; ossininglibrary.org.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

Pranayama Instruction & Meditation – 11:45am-12noon (Thursdays 8/4-8/25). Experience a practice of directing the breath, and in turn the mind. The YogaScape and Spa, 1100 Rte.52, 2nd floor (at Farmer’s Mills Rd.), Carmel. 845.225.9642; theyogascape.com.

Holistic Moms Network/ EMF – 6:30-8:30pm. Deborah Kopald speaks about Electromagnetic Pollution with an overview of the science and politics of wireless devices, and the current state of public policy and concrete tips for reducing radiation exposure. All welcome. Holistic Moms of Putnam County. Desmond-Fish Library. Rt. 9D and 403, Garrison. Info: 845.809.5242.

Psychic Message Circle – 7-9pm w/Priscilla Keresey. Come receive messages from the other side as Priscilla facilitates between the two worlds, bringing in information from loved ones who have passed. Opal Moon, 2037 Albany Post Rd., Croton. $40. Registration required.  914.788.4955; opalmoon.net.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

Yoga/Iyengar Tradition – (8/5 & 8/6) w/Master Gabriel Halpern. Yoga and the Power of Intention: Friday, 8/5; 6-9pm. $40. Body Sighting and Hands on Adjustments for yoga teachers and serious students: Saturday, 8/6; 12-2:30pm. $35. Restorative Poses and Pranayama, 4-6pm. $30.  $90/3 workshops. Registration: 845.225.9642.

Channeled Meditation – 7:15-8:45pm w/Suzy Meszoly. Channeled meditation realigns imbalances, addresses illness & tunes one’s frequency to a higher resonance. Opal Moon, 2037 Albany Post Road, Croton. $35. Registration required. 914.788.4955; opalmoon.net.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

Street Fair and Carnival – 11am-4pm. Come enjoy a day of fun, carnival games, live music, food, vendors and more. Hosted by YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, 515 North St., White Plains. Info: 914.949.6227 x148; ywcawpcw.org.

Ayurveda 101 – 11am (8/6, 8/16, 8/24, & 8/27 at 1:30pm). Discover the Ayurvedic secrets to health and longevity; discussing the basic guidelines for living in harmony. Santhigram Wellness, 1305 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. Free. Info/register: 914.250.1417; santhigramwellness.com

Art Exhibition Opening Reception – 1-4pm Drop in the Library Gallery to meet artist Dr. John Diamond, enjoying his paintings over light refreshments, followed in the Budarz Theater at 2:30pm for music by the Diamond Jubilators. Budarz Theater, 53 Croton Ave., Ossining. Free. 914.941.2416; ossininglibrary.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

Yoga and Kayaking on the Hudson – 8/7, 8/14 & 8/21. Half day paddle combines yoga before and after time on the water. Day starts with orientation to equipment and paddling. $125/half day, includes equipment. Info/register: 845.246.2187; AtlanticKayakTours.com.

Prenatal Yoga – 10:30-11:45am (8/7-9/18). Designed for moms-to-be, class strengthens & opens, cultivating breath awareness and mind-body unity through poses modified for the pregnant body. Pre-registration required. Quest Yoga Arts, 11-13 Main St., Mt. Kisco. $150/6wks. Questyogaarts.com.

Community Yoga Class – 1:30-2:30pm. Come visit the YogaScape and Spa for the free community class held the first Sunday of each month. 1100 Rte. 52, 2nd floor (at Farmers Mills Rd.), Carmel. 845.225.9642; theyogascape.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

Free Meditation & Satsang – 1:30-2:30pm. Join a thought provoking discussion from a yogic perspective led by director and founder, Amy Pearce-Hayden, ERYT, followed by guided meditation. YogaScape & Spa, 1100 Rte.52, 2nd floor, Carmel. 845.225.9642; theyogascape.com.

Candlelit Kundalini & Meditation – 5:30-7pm. Strengthen the nervous system, enhance creative potential, and find deep inner calm. Quest Yoga Arts, 11-13 Main St., Mt. Kisco. $20/paid by 8/5. Questyogaarts.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9

Westchester Holistic Network Breakfast Meeting – 8-10am. Group gathering of holistically-minded people and breakfast. Guest speaker Astrologer Jenni Stone presents “Your Life Path and Purpose”. Spirituality Center at Good Counsel Campus, 52 North Broadway, (2nd floor) White Plains. $15/members; $18/guests. 914.422.1784; WestchesterHolisticNetwork.org.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

Reiki Share – 7-9pm. For Reiki practitioners of all levels (must have at least Reiki I certification), this is a chance to give and receive, share ideas and techniques, and generally bask in healing energy. No charge/donations encouraged. Awakenings, 215 Katonah Ave., Katonah.  914.232.0382; awakeningskatonah.com.

Free Monthly Spiritual Meditation – 8-9pm w/Michael Rosenbaum. These meditations are designed to build a bridge to the Higher Self. Using group energy, find access to deeper places. Beginners welcome. 14 Cornel Dr., Goldens Bridge. Info: 914.218.9000.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

BlisSing! (Kirtan) – 7-9pm w/Eileen O’Hare and Cat Guthrie. Enjoy an inspiring evening of music and chanting dedicated to increasing the loving frequencies in the world. Opal Moon, 2037 Albany Post Rd., Croton. $20/registration required. 914.788.4955; opalmoon.net

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

Women’s Herbal Circle – 10am-12:30pm. Learn how to make herbal tinctures, elixirs and teas to promote digestive health and take home potent herbal remedies. The Living Room, 103 Main St., Cold Spring. $45/includes materials. 845.270-8210.

Reiki Master Training/Certification – 10am-4pm (8/13 & 8/14) w/Suzanne Roth and Linda O’Shea.  Students must be certified in all prior levels of Reiki training. Awakenings, 215 Katonah Ave. Katonah. $600. Pre-registration required. 914.232.0382; awakeningskatonah.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14

Reiki Healing Circle – 11am-1pm. Experience the benefits of loving Reiki energy. No prior training/experience required, only the sincere intention for healing. Everyone gets a turn on the table. Opal Moon, 2037 Albany Post Rd., Croton. $20. Registration required. 914.788.4955; opalmoon.net.

Healing Circle – 2-4:30pm w/Elka Boren, Shaman & Clairvoyant. Also private session’s w/Elka available 8/11-8/16. Human Bodyworks Massage Therapy & Healing Arts Center, 32 Main St., Hastings on Hudson. $35/suggested healing circle donation. Register/info: 917.445.1767; HumanBodyworks.com.

Restorative Yoga – 5-7pm. Incorporating gentle postures and breath, restorative yoga is a powerful practice that everyone can benefit from, regardless of age or fitness level. Quest Yoga Arts, 11-13 Main St. Mt., Kisco. $25/pre-paid by 8/12. Questyogaarts.com.

Rising Star Healing System Initiation – 5–9pm w/Elka Boren, Shaman & Clairvoyant. Also private sessions w/Elka available 8/11-8/16. Human Bodyworks Massage Therapy & Healing Arts Center, 32 Main St., Hastings on Hudson. Register/info: 917.445.1767; HumanBodyworks.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16

Prema Birthing Certification Class – 5:30–8:30pm w/Elka Boren, Shaman & Clairvoyant. Also private sessions w/Elka available 8/11-8/16. Human Bodyworks Massage Therapy & Healing Arts Center, 32 Main St., Hastings on Hudson. Register/info: 917.445.1767; HumanBodyworks.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17

Summer’s Bounty Cooking Class – 6:30pm. Enjoy a healthy taste of summer and learn about healing properties of foods in this fun, interactive vegetarian cooking class. 360-C Mount Pleasant Ave., Mamaroneck. $45. Register/info: 917.843.9055; livehealthynewyork.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18

Introduction to Massage Therapy Careers – 6-8 pm. Learn about the profession of massage therapy, hear about programs, and tour the school. Finger Lakes School of Massage, 272 N. Bedford Rd., Mount Kisco. Free. Register w/admissions at 914.241.7363.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

Synergy Yoga Gentle – 9:30-11am w/Laura Shea. A specially adapted weekly program of Hatha postures, suitable for all levels of experience. Opal Moon, 2037 Albany Post Road, Croton. $16. Limited space; registration preferred.  914.788.4955; opalmoon.net.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21

Bold, Beautiful, Breathtaking Butterflies – 2pm. Recommended for children 8 and younger, learn all about butterflies and what makes them fascinating and important to the world. Make a beautiful butterfly craft! Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. $2/members or $6. Info: 914.723.3470; greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Farm Dinner at Cabbage Hill – 3pm. Tour followed by hors d’oeuvres hour, live music and seasonal five-course meal with wine pairings. The event will be rescheduled in case of inclement weather. Cabbage Hill Farm, 205 Crow Hill Rd., Mount Kisco. $150pp/all-inclusive. 914.666.7445; FlyingPigonLex.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23

Digestive Health Lecture – 7:30pm w/Drs. Hiro & Michiko Izumi. Learn how NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic and enzyme nutrition therapy can help restore normal digestion and promote overall health naturally. 550 Mamaroneck Ave. Suite 103, Harrison. Free. Register/info: 914.310.9000; izumiwellness.net.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27

Becoming a Yoga Teacher – 9:30-10:30am. For all interested in Lotus Gardens Yoga School 200 hour certification program, a chance to see the studio and discuss with Director, Lara Ward. Graceful Planet, 7 Berkshire Rd (route 34), Sandy Hook, CT.  Pre-register: 960.354.6241; lotusgardensyoga.com.

Mushroom Walk – 9:30am. Join members of COMA (CT-Westchester Mycological Association) for a mushroom walk through woodland trails. Walk followed by a communal lunch and a mushroom identification session. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. Free. 914.723.3470; greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Blossom A Yoga Practice – 10:30-11:30am w/Lara Ward, Lotus Garden Yoga School Director.  This class is for those wishing to become a yoga teacher.  Graceful Planet, 7 Berkshire Rd (route 34), Sandy Hook, CT.  Benefit for “Yes Grace Rocks” donation fee of $15. Pre-register: 960.354.6241; lotusgardensyoga.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28

Pilates and Paddling – 9am-1pm. Learn how to engage core muscles when padding, and how to hold and grip their paddles to prevent fatigue, w/ Atlantic Kayak Tours, located on Annsville Circle in Peekskill. Info: PilatesOnHudson.com; 914.739.1178.

Mushroom Basics – 1pm. Take a hike and discover the many different types of mushrooms. Muscoot Farm, Rte. 100, Somers. Info: 914.864.7282; westchestergov.com/parks.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30

Massage School Open House – 6-8pm. Learn about the May 2012 part-time Massage Therapy Program, hear from instructors, and meet fellow students.  Finger Lakes School of Massage, 272 North Bedford Rd., Mount Kisco. Free. Register w/admissions: 914.241.7363.

Spiritual Gathering – 7-9pm w/Michael Rosenbaum. Join this growing community of heart-centered, spiritually-minded people, discussing and sharing a different spiritual subject each month along with a group meditation on that subject. All ages welcome. Human Body Works, 32 Main St., Hastings on Hudson. $10. Info: 917.445.1767.

Chef Profile: Colin Dowden of Wholesome Goodness Market in Yonkers in NY

Chef Colin Dowden still has a long culinary career ahead of him, but he can already boast a lifetime of experience.

Chef Colin Dowden

Dowden began cooking at age 14, working for caterers in his Brooklyn neighborhood. After high school, he honed his culinary talents in corporate cafeterias, and then moved on to executive dining rooms, where he was mentored by master chefs. (“That’s where I learned the classic French cooking techniques I use to make savory stocks and sauces at Wholesome Goodness,” he says.) In his late 20s, Dowden attended culinary school, acquiring a broad knowledge of world cuisines. As chef at Wholesome Goodness, he now blends broad knowledge and long experience with a lifetime commitment to health and nutrition. “It’s easy to eat delicious and satisfying food that’s also good for you,” he says.

Having benefited from professional mentors, Dowden hopes to give back in kind—teaching children entrepreneurial skills, using food as the vehicle. Once the store settles into a reliable routine, he says, he will be doing cooking demos in the store, and he’s planning a series of cooking classes for kids.

Dowden’s giving extends to the readers of Natural Awakenings, with whom he shares one of his most popular warm-weather recipes.  

 

Kiwi and Beets Summer Salad

3 beets

4 kiwi
½ cup celery, diced small
½ red onion, diced small
½ cup red bell pepper, cut julienne
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon smashed garlic
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup agave nectar
¼ cup raspberry wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Cook beets (skin on) until a knife can slide into them with ease. Let cool in refrigerator, use paper towels to rub off the skin, and then cut the beets into wedges. In a mixing bowl, combine beets, celery, onion, bell pepper, lemon zest and ¼ teaspoon thyme. In another bowl, combine agave nectar, vinegar, ¾ teaspoon thyme, lemon juice and garlic. Whip or blend flavors, slowly adding oil until the dressing thickens, and then add it to the beet mixture. Peel kiwi and cut each one into 8 pieces. Add half the kiwi into the beet mixture and mix with a rubber spatula. Serve garnished with the rest of the kiwi and fresh celery leaves.

Wholesome Goodness Market is located at 66 Main St., Yonkers. Contact the market at 914.375.7133; visit the market online at WholesomeGoodnessInc.com.