In This Issue

contactusContact Us

Executive Director
Healy Vigderson

Gardens and Facilities Manager
Leonard Vargas

Nutrition Program Coordinator
Cherianne Barry

Coordinator of Volunteers and Outreach
Cristina Juarez
 
Development Coordinator
Claire Groebner
 
Garden Educator
Ananda Gunasekara

Schools Coordinator
Corrie Madueño

Garden Support Staff
Michael Ramirez
Reyna Rodriguez
Adan Teposte

Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center was created by the 
International Community Foundation  to further its mission of ensuring healthy communities and healthy economies in the cross-border region.
 
Follow the Seasons with Fresh Veggies!
Olivewood Gardens will be a new pick-up location for Dickinson Farms  Farm Share Bags !  The bag ($28) includes a weekly selection of locally grown, heirloom fruits and vegetables.  Dickinson Farms donates $4 for every purchase to the Olivewood Gardens program fund.  To learn more or enroll, go to their website or contact Cherianne Barry.
Board of Directors

Chair:  Sam Dychter, M.D.
Vice  Chair: Trish Watlington
Treasurer:  Jacqueline Reynoso
Secretary: C athe Burnham
James Clark
Dennis Doyle, Ph.D.
Anne McEnany
Susana Villegas
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ThankYou Thank you and Happy New Year!!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.  Everything we do at Olivewood is possible because of the endless and dedicated support of  donors, volunteers, partners, and community members.  You all make up our beautiful, happy, healthy Olivewood family and we are so grateful you have chosen to make us part of yours.

Thank you to all who contributed to our year-end campaign.  With your investment in community health, we exceeded our goal, raising over $15,000 for our garden and nutrition programs!  

A special thanks to Ron Cohn and   of Chula Vista for the matching gift challenge.

Thank YOU!
uptoWhat We're Up To...December and January
  • The Kitchenistas came to the Gardens to participate in pilates and art classes, as well as their monthly meetings.  They also held healthy food demos and nutrition presentations at the A Reason to Survive (ARTS) open house and for local elementary schools.
  • We hosted the County's Healthier Living workshop - Tomando Control de Su Salud.
  • We completed another semester with an amazing group of interns.  Thank you all for dedicating your time and talent to Olivewood!
  • We participated in the National City Christmas at Kimball Park as a vendor.
  • Twelve classes from National City and throughout the County visited the Gardens to participate in our Children's Program during December and we have another 16 scheduled for January.
  • Community members visited the Gardens for an Open House and Gardening Workshop on Container Gardening. We will be hosting another Open House and Gardening Workshop: Kid-Friendly Gardening on January 28th.
  • We will have the first adult cooking class of the year - Salsa & Salsa on January 21st.  Come join us!
Upcoming Events and Programs
salsa
Salsa & Salsa Cooking Class
Join us for a hands-on cooking class and fun dance lesson with local Chef Diego Madueño and salsa instructor Marco Aguiar. Wow your friends with new, tasty recipes and suave salsa moves!
Postponed due to weather...stay tuned for new date

vday
Farm-to-Picnic-Blanket Valentine's Day Couples Cooking Class
Join us for a unique culinary experience in our beautiful winter garden!  Take a guided tour of the garden, l earn new cooking techniques from Chef Christina Ng, and enjoy  a private picnic in the garden sunshine!
Sunday, February 12, multiple times
Reserve your picnic HERE
openhouse
Open House & Produce Stand
Visit our beautiful gardens, historic Victorian home, and learn about our programs!  Fresh produce will be available at our new Produce Stand. Open House is on Saturday, January 28th, 10AM - 1PM. Tours start at 10:15AM and 12PM.
gardening
Gardening Workshop:
Kid- Friendly Gardening 
Join us for a hands-on, fun, and    infomative class on how to garden with kids.  This class is perfect for educators and parents looking to start or improve a school or community garden!
Saturday, January 28th, 9AM - 11AM.

Register HERE
convo
Cultivating Conversation: A Dine and Learn Series
Visit Olivewood Gardens for an intimate outdoor dinner, guided tour, and thought-provoking discussion in our beautiful garden setting.
Guest Speaker: Sam the Cooking Guy Stay tuned for the Spring Date

soiree
2017 Seedling Soirée
Join us for a special evening of    friends, beauty, nature, food and spirits.  Celebrate community health with us in our beautiful spring garden.
Saturday May 20th
Cocktails & Appetizers: 5PM - 7PM
Chef's Culinary Feast: 7PM - 9PM
Tickets available soon
volunteer
Volunteer
Looking for a fun way to help our community become healthier?  Why not volunteer with Olivewood Gardens?  We have a role for you! 
Find Out More Here
sdge2
SDG&E New Year Tips
Looking for ways to save money in the  new year? See if you qualify for SDG&E's  CARE program discount.
 
It's a new dawn. It's a new day. Why not try SDG&E's Level Pay? Balance out your energy bills in 2017. 
 
There's nothing quite like ... starting the new year off right! Get your FREE Gas Appliance Safety Check.
Growing in the Garden...
The garden is loving this winter rain!  It is looking lush and green with cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, cilantro, green onions, beets, celery, and other winter fruits and veggies growing.

 
recipe Featured Recipe
Warm Cabbage Noodle Citrus Salad
Created by Chef Maria Hesse
Serves 4-6

Ingredients for Dressing
2 tablespoons Tamari or soy sauce
3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter
1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Ingredients for Salad
4 scallions thinly sliced
1 cup carrot grated or chopped
1/2 cup cilantro leaves lightly chopped
1/4 cup mint leaves lightly chopped
1/2 cup radish grated or chopped
1 cup oranges segmented
1/2 cup toasted & chopped almonds
Avocado (optional)
1 head cabbage
1/2 tsp Sea Salt or Pink Salt
1-2 tbs Coconut Oil

Get the rest of the recipe HERE.

Cabbage Fun Facts
Part of the cruciferous vegetable family, cabbage is related to kale, broccoli, and cauliflower.  It has less than 20 calories per 1/2 cup cooked and is full of nutrients including vitamin K, magnesium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, calcium, and even protein!  According to Medical News Today, cabbage may reduce the negative effects of radiation, protect against cancer, and improve heart health.  Cabbage is also commonly consumed fermented such as in sauerkraut and kimchi.  Fermented foods improve digestion and immunity - a benefit that is very relevant during the winter cold and flu season!  Eat up!
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