Camp Helping Hands® Partnership to give President’s Volunteer Service Award

Camp Helping Hands® Partners with the White House to give campers President’s Volunteer Service Award

Thousand Oaks summer camp Camp Helping Hands® announces its new partnership with The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.  As a service-learning camp, Camp Helping Hands campers and volunteer staff members can apply their summer camp service hours toward attainment of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The Council created the award as a way to honor outstanding volunteers and to inspire others to help out in their community. Most colleges today emphasize service as a requirement for acceptance, so this is an award kids can proudly put on their resumes and college applications.

“This recognition is also something that our campers can refer to for the rest of their lives. It’s a wonderful way to emphasis to kids how service is such an integral and valued part of our nation's past and present," co-founder Anne Marquart said.

Depending on which award the participant earns, they can receive a President’s Volunteer Service Award lapel pin, a personalized certificate of achievement and a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama.

Levels range from Bronze Level for kids who complete 50 to 74 hours, to Gold Level for kids who complete over one hundred hours. The highest award, the President’s Call to Service Award, is given to kids of all ages that complete 4,000 hours of service over a lifetime.

Camp Helping Hands is excited for its campers and volunteer staff with The President’s Council.

“Not only does this partnership validate the need for a program like Camp Helping Hands, but it also allows us to honor our campers, which will no doubt help further their lifelong commitment to service,” co-founder Meredith Cornelius said.

About Camp Helping Hands

The Camp Helping Hands project began when co-founder Cornelius realized her upper-middle class six-year-old daughter was spoiled. Understanding that her daughter was incapable of knowing what life is like when you don’t always have what you need, she decided it was time for her to learn compassion and empathy by volunteering her time to help others not as fortunate as her.

After researching service areas of interest on the Internet, they found a definite lack of programs accepting young children as volunteers.

Cornelius saw this as an opportunity and thought a summer camp would fit the bill. She knew this project was too big to tackle alone, so longtime friend Anne Marquart was asked to join the team as partner and co-founder.

The camp will take place at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks from July 18 to August 7, 2011. Service excursions will include trips to the Agoura Animal Shelter, Waste Management, Join the Farm and Community Roots Garden.

For more information about Camp Helping Hands, visit www.camphelpinghands.com or call 805-244-5071

National Nutrition Month Spotlight at Thousand Oaks Farmers' Market

The spotlight is on nutrition in March during National Nutrition Month.  The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market will have information available during the month of March for the community to learn about the benefits of sound nutrition.

Representatives from the Coastal Tri-County Dietetic Association will visit the Thousand Oaks Market on Thursday, March 24 during regular Market hours.  The Association will provide nutritional information and answer questions.

The theme for the 2011 National Nutrition Month is “Eat Right with Color,” which is presented by the American Dietetic Association.  The recently-released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended an increased focus on a plant-based diet.  Growing research indicates that fruits and vegetables are critical to promoting good health.  Studies have also shown that fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that may help protect individuals from chronic diseases.

“We are pleased to partner with area representatives who are committed to helping people realize the benefits of a balanced and healthy diet,” stated Karen Schott, Operations Manager for the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association.  “We invite the community to come and learn about good nutrition while enjoying the Farmers’ Market experience,” she added.

The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market is held Thursdays at The Oaks Shopping Center at the east end Parking Lot, Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.

For more information on the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association, call 805-529-6266 or visit the website at www.vccfarmersmarket.com. Follow the Farmers’ Market on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vccfm.

California Health & Longevity Institute Shares Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Diet

Nutrition Director of California Health & Longevity Institute at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village Offers 10 Ways to Improve Your Diet (March is National Nutrition Month)

In honor of National Nutrition Month in March, Paulette Lambert, RD, CDE and director of nutrition at California Health & Longevity Institute located within Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, offers 10 easy ways individuals can improve their diet for optimum health.    “These simple strategies can promote weight control, optimum nutrition intake, longevity and even reduce our impact on the environment,” said Ms. Lambert, a registered dietitian and certified diabetic educator.  

Her recommendations include:

1. Eat 7-10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily.  Two cups of cooked vegetables, two cups salad (excluding iceberg lettuce) and two to three pieces of fruit ensure adequate antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber to lower risk for chronic disease.

2. Consume less animal protein.  Too much causes increased risk for CHD and cancer.  Limit to 9-10 oz. per day for men, 6-8 oz. per day for women and children.

3. Limit sugary “treats” to one to two per week.  

4. Avoid all sugar drinks including juices.  Limit calories in drinks to no more than 10 calories/8 oz.

5. Eat evenly throughout the day to avoid a high glycemic overload.  Three meals and one or two snacks are adequate for most of us.

6. Decrease condiments to one or two tablespoons to lower sodium intake, thereby reducing the risk for hypertension.   Even those with low blood pressure now should keep this in mind as it increases with age.  Studies show a high the sodium intake in younger years increases risk for hypertension at earlier ages.

7. Focus on real, whole food -- the less processed the better.  Look for foods with few ingredients.  For example, choose a cereal that has two to five ingredients, not 25!

8. Eat vegetarian protein three to five times per week to lower risk for chronic disease as well as reducing the impact of a high protein diet on the environment.

9. Spend food dollars on quality meats and poultry, not quantity. Cleaner, sustainable meats cost more, but are healthier for both you and the environment sure and the environment

10. Buy organic dairy when possible to avoid antibiotics and hormones that are added to factory livestock production.

To help guests and local residents learn out to these strategies into action, California Health & Longevity Institute offers the Wellness Kitchen hands-on cooking class and dining experience taught by registered dietitian-chefs.    In March, Wellness Kitchen class themes include “Family Meals in Minutes” and “Simple Healthy Cooking” where guests learn to make recipes such as Southwest turkey chilli and curried butternut squash and lentil.  Wellness Kitchen special events include “Meals that Heal,” where participants learn how to lower cholesterol and treat and prevent heart disease by preparing foods that maximize vitality and health. Young chefs ages 10 to 16 bake up fun in a “Junior Bread Bakers” class focusing on recipes for whole grain muffins, breads, biscuits and rolls.

Cronies Sports Grill Opening Its Doors in Newbury Park on Monday, February 28th

The long-awaited opening of another Cronies has come to an end. Cronies will be opening it doors at Stagecoach Plaza in Newbury Park on Monday, February 28th!

Two beers or not two beers? That is the question. But usually one cold, frosty beer at Cronies does the trick for me! www.Cronies.com

The New and Improved Waypoint Cafe at the Camarillo Airport

I don't write about a lot of restaurants, namely because the primary focus of Conejo Valley Guide is "events and activities" throughout Ventura County. But from time to time I find the motivation to share a special find, like the Waypoint Cafe in Camarillo.

The Waypoint Cafe was always a great place to eat. Good food adjacent to the Camarillo Airport landing strip. The close proximity to aircraft made this a fun dining choice from time to time. But about a year ago the Waypoint was remodeled and suddenly it has become a destination restaurant!

It had been 4 or 5 years since I was last there, and this place looked nothing like it used to, starting at the entrance that I hardly recognized.

Everything has been upgraded...the floors, booths, chairs, outdoor areas and decor. Very impressive! And the place was completely hopping at 11:45 a.m. on a Thursday. This shot is a bit blurry...but it provides the color scheme at least.

We were seated immediately and service was cheerful and attentive. We were near the window and here's what we were treated to outside.

Soon my iced tea came in this large, metal ice cream shake type glass. Kind of unique. Worked for me. The tea was good.

Then out came our food. my cohort had the french dip with fries that he said were notably good. My veggie burger wasn't the "best" that I've had but I did enjoy it. My sweet potato fries were delicious. And the large pickle slice, which I usually don't eat, was outstanding.

I don't hesitate recommending Waypoint Cafe as a fun local destination restaurant.  I caught a lot of people eating delicious looking breakfasts for lunch too. Open 7 days a week until 4 p.m. at 325 Durley Avenue. Visit www.thewaypointcafe.com or call 805.388.2535.

The Tipsy Goat to Open in Thousand Oaks on March 17th

I WENT TO THE TIPSY GOAT! MORE ON THAT HERE

In what used to be Enrique's Mexican Restaurant at 159 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, a new place with the interesting name "The Tipsy Goat" will be opening on Thursday, March 17th. At least that's what The Tipsy Goat website says at www.thetipsygoat.net. "Hoovin a good time" is the only thing it says on the site at this point. One thing for sure, they will definitely serve beer! The Tipsy Goat is directly adjacent to Outback Steakhouse.