Buffalo Natural Awakenings - April 2016 by Buffalo Natural Awakenings

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feel good • live simply • laugh more

Step Into Sustainability Everyday Ways to Help Out the Planet

Farm-to- Millennials’ The Joy of Hospital Take On Fitness Tidying Up On-Site Farms Grow Organics for Patients

They Like Short, Social and Fun Workouts

Marie Kondo Shares How Simplicity Invites Happiness

April 2016 | Buffalo, NY Edition | BuffaloAwakenings.com natural awakenings

April 2016

A DV E RTO RI A L

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contents 8

5 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 9 globalbrief 10 businessspotlight

1 1 wisewords 13 community spotlight

14 earthdayevents

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.

1 1 MARIE KONDO

ON THE JOY OF TIDYING UP

Simplicity Invites Happiness into Our Lives by April Thompson

18 healthykids 20 healingways

22 fitbody 24 calendar 27 classifieds 29 resourceguide

advertising & submissions

14 CELEBRATING

EARTH DAY LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY

by Meredith Montgomery

16 EVERYDAY

SUSTAINABILITY

Practical Ways We Can Help Out the Planet by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 716-909-7805 or email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Editor@BuffaloAwakenings.com. Deadline for editorial: feature articles are due by the 5th of the month, news briefs and health briefs are due by the 10th. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com or visit BuffaloAwakenings.com for more information. Deadline for calendar: the 10th 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 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

18 A GREENER

SHADE OF YOUTH

New Generations Put Earth First by Randy Kambic

20 FARM-TO-HOSPITAL On-Site Farms Grow Organics for Patients by Judith Fertig

22 MILLENNIALSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TAKE ON FITNESS

They Like Short, Social and Fun Workouts by Derek Flanzraich

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April 2016

letterfrompublisher What a winter it has been. It’s hard to believe we survived one with only two or three shoveling episodes. contact us Publisher Sally Hess Gower Editor Brad Gower Copy Editor Steve Jagord Calendar Editor Sara Peterson Design & Production Stephen Blancett C. Michele Rose Sales & Marketing Sally Gower Ida Pannozzo Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Franchise Sales 239-530-1377 Buffalo Natural Awakenings P.O. Box 108, Buffalo, NY 14226 Phone: 716-909-7805 Fax: 716-970-4712 Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com BuffaloAwakenings.com ©2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to the free digital magazine at Buffaloawakenings.com. Mailed subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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With the arrival of spring, Western New York can look forward to celebrating the beautiful, warmer days of sunshine that outsiders tend to overlook when discussing the place we call home. How fitting is it that this time of year brings a day as meaningful as Earth Day? I came of age in the ‘60s and ‘70s attending Sweet Home High School in Amherst. In those days, protests, marches, and sit-ins were common and we were always hungry for a great cause to participate. I vividly remember the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, as being as clear and sunny as any. We rode our bikes and skated to school instead of riding the yellow school bus. Some of the more rebellious students organized a protest on Chestnut Ridge Road to stop vehicles like buses from contributing to air pollution. They were ultimately suspended for disruption and causing a ruckus. What a time it was! In keeping with my reserved and non-rebellious nature, I’ll probably celebrate the 46th Earth Day by planting a tree or taking a walk through nature. However, as publisher of Buffalo Natural Awakenings, I’m continuing my work to keep crucial environmental concerns on the front page. I treasure the opportunity to cherish the many precious gifts our Earth shares with us, and seek to better understand global warming, pollution, water supply, and many other local and global concerns. As knowledge and information continue to flow in, it’s easy to forget our instinct to recycle, reduce, and reuse – and how we’ve drifted away from that message over the years. Our mothers and grandmothers would reuse pieces of tinfoil many times before discarding it. They would pack leftovers in that foil and pack other foods in baggies, which would also be rewashed and hung by a corner to dry – all to the refrain that “there are starving children in other countries.” Maybe we can learn something from past generations. Perhaps their instinct for thriftiness shows where they knew a little more about the Earth Day message than us young people gave them credit for. Still, it’s impossible to deny that we’ve come a long way, and each generation has a unique opportunity to accept stewardship of the planet and make a difference. It’s a constant practice of activism over cynicism, one that requires everyone to chip in regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, politics, or class. Part of our motto is to “live simply” and simple it is. Acknowledging our roots and the tireless efforts of past stewards will give us the hope to make a difference for future generations. Marie Kondo’s great advice on tidying up in this issue (page 11) strikes to the heart of simple living. Marie shares that “the space we live in should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past” – a perfect message for this time of year, and one that would fit just as well in describing humanity’s place on planet Earth. A cleaner planet means a more peaceful, sound and centered mind – something I became more acutely aware of at a recent mindfulness conference at the University at Buffalo, where decades of research was presented showing the far-reaching benefits of practice. This is important wisdom that I hope will have a strong growing presence in our schools, workplaces, and most importantly, the world we live. So in the month of April, let’s all practice living green by living simply. And let’s notice the positive impact it can have on the mind, both individually and collectively. Our past has much more to teach us than the mistakes we’ve made. Be green, be lean, and be happy!

Sally Gower, Publisher BuffaloAwakenings.com

newsbriefs Erie County Executive Calls for Plastic Bag Ban

n his 2016 State of the County address, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz called for the passage of a local law to ban all lightweight, disposable plastic bags in Erie County. Poloncarz argued that the ban would significantly diminish the littering of landscapes and pollution of local water resources. An evaluation assessing the cost and effect of a potential law banning the bags will be required. Mark Poloncarz The Citizens Campaign for the Environment responded to Poloncarz’s proposal in a press release with the following statement: “Disposable bags are environmentally harmful and unnecessary. While there is often a perception that these bags are free, in reality they come with a significant cost to society. Bags litter our communities, pollute waterways, kill wildlife, waste natural resources, and cost retailers money that gets passed on to the consumer. From Washington, D.C., to China, governments around the world have taken steps to move away from disposable bags, and switch to environmentally-friendly reusable bags.” In addition to the plastic bag ban, Poloncarz also called for a central screening, information, and referral line for individuals and families struggling with opioid addiction. He also proposed to allocate $3.75 million during the next five years to combat lead poisoning. For more information, visit Erie.gov.

Breast-Milk Bank Opens Depot in Lancaster

he New York Milk Bank has opened its first Erie County breast milk donation center at Baby’s Sweet Beginnings Breastfeeding and Maternity Boutique in Lancaster. The New York Milk Bank is a nonprofit organization that provides safe, pasteurized donor human milk to mothers in need. After taking milk donations from pre-approved mothers, the milk is sent away for testing and processing, then distributed to hospitals around the state. The Baby’s Sweet Beginnings location is one of eight drop-off locations in the state, and the New York Milk Bank is planning to add around 20 more by the end of this year. “I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization that is providing a safe way to share breast milk with our high-risk NICU infants in the Buffalo area and across New York State,” says Polly Thoman, owner of Baby’s Sweet Beginnings. “When the New York Milk Bank contacted Baby’s Sweet Beginnings about being the area’s depot, we jumped at the chance to help out. With 20-plus years experience, the New York Milk Bank came to us knowing that BSB was the best choice in its endeavors.” Baby’s Sweet Beginnings was opened in 2008 by Thoman, an international board-certified lactation consultant. The business offers lactation consultations, breast pump refurbishing and cleaning, free bra fittings, a 24/7 phone support line, and a selection of related products. Location: 231 Aurora St., Lancaster. For more information, call 716-681-8100 or visit BabysSweetBeginnings.com and NyMilkBank.org. natural awakenings

April 2016

newsbriefs North Tonawanda Massage Practice Expands Offerings

ody Be Well Solutions, a North Tonawanda therapeutic massage practice, has expanded to proactively assist clients with general wellness and chronic pain management. New services include wellness and pain management programs, nutrition and weight management classes, health coaching, and nutritional wellness supplements. Physical expansions include a large waiting area, a room to facilitate classes and conduct health coaching, and two additional therapy rooms. A licensed massage therapist, owner Rebecca Albert has specialized in chronic pain management solutions for the majority of her career. “As beneficial and effective as therapeutic massage is, it is still a reactive approach,” Albert says. “Through my health coaching, I work directly with individuals on improving the quality of their lives through their lifestyle and nutritional choices.” Office space is also available for like-minded professionals to join the practice. Location: 288 Old Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda. For more information, call 716-316-2511 or visit BodyBeWellSolutions.com.

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Salad Bars Arrive in Four Buffalo Schools

ops Markets, in partnership with United Fresh Start Foundation, has unveiled the first of four salad bar donations to select Buffalo public schools. The donation is part of the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools initiative, which aims to increase children’s produce consumption by donating salad bars to schools throughout the United States. The schools receiving salad bars include Dr. Antonia Pantoja School of Academic Excellence on West Avenue, Bilingual Center on Elk Street, P.S. #81 School on Tacoma Avenue, and West Hertel Academy on Hertel Avenue. “Salad bars empower students to make healthy choices, get kids excited to eat fresh produce at school and beyond, and can help facilitate conversations in the community about the importance of eating more fresh fruits and veggies for better health,” Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association said. While USDA standards have required schools to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables offered to students, the foundation claims that research and experience in schools across the country demonstrate that children significantly increase their fruit and vegetable consumption when given a variety of choices in a school salad bar. For more information, visit UnitedFresh.org.

Complete Wellness Hosts Multi-Disciplinary Event

omplete Wellness Arts & Science Center (CWASC) will host Invest in You, Health is Wealth – a multi-disciplinary wellness event featuring practitioners, vendors, demonstrations, tastings, presentations and prizes – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 1. CWASC is a holistic practice and event space featuring a variety of providers and modern kitchen and multi-use classrooms. In addition to the center’s own healing practices and educational wellness classes, the event will also feature other local products and services geared towards wellness. Admission is $5 with early registration, with group discounts available online. Location: 1515 Kensington Ave., Buffalo. For more information, call 716-253-6548 or visit CompleteWellnessWny.com. See ad, page 15.

Volunteers Aim to Plant 200 Trees in University District

eTree the District – a collaborative project of community partners in Buffalo’s University District – is continuing with its goal to plant 1,000 trees in the area with a spring planting scheduled for April 16. Participants will arrive at 9 a.m. at 190 Kapoor Hall on University at Buffalo’s South Campus. They will plant 200 trees in designated areas, adding to the current total of 585 trees for the project. According to the University Heights Collaborative website, “this reinvestment in the urban tree canopy will produce tangible benefits like increased property values, energy conservation, and improved air quality, as well as intangible benefits like strengthening ties among neighbors and increasing the capacity of the community to create change.” This planting marks Phase IV of the two-year project, which includes scheduled plantings in the spring and fall of each year. For more information, visit OurHeights.org/retree. natural awakenings

April 2016

healthbriefs

KIWIS BOOST HEART HEALTH

The ‘Dirty Dozen’ of A Cancer-Causing Chemicals

cientists at the Environmental Working Group published a list of the 12 chemicals that have been most prevalently linked to cancer in numerous research studies. The list encompasses bisphenol A, atrazine, organophosphate pesticides, dibutyl phthalate, lead, mercury, per- or polyfluorochemicals (PFC), phthalates, diethlyhexyl phthalate, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, triclosan and nonylphenol. The scientists suggest that consumers can reduce their exposure to each of these chemicals by avoiding plastics marked with “PC” (polycarbonates) or the recycling number 7 mark, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics in food packaging, PFC-treated wrappers on food and other products, lead paints, mercury-laden seafoods, phthalates-containing fragrances and plastics, foam products made before 2005, foreign antibacterial soaps, and detergents and paints with nonylphenol. Other proactive measures include drinking only filtered water when in agricultural areas and purchasing organic foods. The researchers contend, “Given that we live in a sea of chemicals, it makes sense to begin reducing exposures to ones we know are bad actors.”

Tai Chi Eases Effects of Chronic Disease

review of research from the University of British Columbia tested the effects of tai chi exercise upon people with four chronic diseases: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, osteoarthritis and cancer. Dr. Yi-Wen Chen and his team analyzed 33 studies of more than 1,500 people that participated in tai chi. The research also tested the effects of the practice on general health, including walking speed, muscle strength, speed in standing up from a sitting position, quality of life, symptoms of depression and knee strength. The heart disease patients among the subjects showed a reduction in depression symptoms, and all shared a reduction of muscle stiffness and pain, increased speeds in both walking and standing from a sitting position and improved well-being. “Given the fact that many middle-aged and older persons have more than one chronic condition, it’s important to examine the benefits of treatment/exercise interventions across several co-existing conditions,” says Chen.

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day is April 30

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multi-center study from the University of Salamanca, in Spain, has found that consuming even one kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) per week will significantly boost cardiovascular health. The researchers tested 1,469 healthy people throughout Spain. The volunteers were given dietary questionnaires and underwent testing for cholesterol lipids and inflammatory markers for heart disease. The researchers determined that those that ate at least one kiwi fruit per week had significantly lower triglycerides and fibrinogen (a marker for inflammation), and higher HDL-cholesterol levels. Higher levels of HDLcholesterol are associated with reduced incidence of atherosclerosis. The researchers concluded: “Consumption of at least one kiwi a week is associated with lower plasma concentrations of fibrinogen and improved plasma lipid profile in the context of a normal diet and regular exercise.”

NATURE’S COLORS AID FOCUS AND ACCURACY

esearchers from the University of Melbourne determined that taking a quick break and looking at natural colors can significantly increase attention, focus and job performance. The researchers tested 150 university students that were randomly selected to view one of two city scenes consisting of a building with and without a flowering meadow green roof. The two views were experienced as micro-breaks, a 30-second period that can be taken every 40 minutes. Both groups were tested before and after viewing the scene for sustained attention spans, along with a performance test upon completing a task. Subjects that looked at the scene with the verdant roof had significantly longer attention spans and fewer errors in doing their tasks.

globalbrief Working Worms They Can Safely Biodegrade Plastic Waste Mealworms can safely and effectively biodegrade certain types of plastic waste, according to groundbreaking new research from Stanford University and Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beihang University. In two newly released companion studies, researchers reveal that microorganisms living in the mealwormâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gut effectively break down Styrofoam and plastic into biodegraded fragments that look similar to tiny rabbit droppings. Plastic waste takes notoriously long to biodegrade; a single water bottle is estimated to take 450 years to break down in a landfill. Due to poor waste management, plastic waste often ends up in the environment, and research reveals that 90 percent of all seabirds and up to 25 percent of

fish sold in markets have plastic waste in their stomachs. Worms that dined regularly on plastic appeared to be as healthy as their non-plastic-eating companions, and researchers believe that the waste they produce could be safely repurposed in agriculture. Further research is needed before the worms can be widely deployed. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible that worms could also biodegrade polypropylene, used in textiles, bioplastics and microbeads. Source: Discovery.com

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April 2016

businessspotlight Cardea Health Peels Back the Layers of Disease by Brad Gower

or some, peeling an onion recalls the tion of disease and managing holistically once beginning of a new recipe, a strong, it manifests, through nutrition, exercise, stress long-lasting odor, or the unintended management, supplements, and IV therapy.” shedding of tears. For Dr. Jennifer Jennings, When a new patient arrives at CHI, peeling an onion is an apt metaphor to an extensive lifelong timeline is developed describe discovering the true cause of a to determine the possible manifestation of patient’s woes. a problem. Cardea Health Integrative, with “Our bodies have an intricate locations in Cheektowaga and Dunkirk, is microbiome,” Jennings explains. “And when a practice specializing in infusion therapy that becomes disrupted, there is no longer that uses a comprehensive, holistic, homeostasis, and disease can manifest. We preventative, and patient-centered approach investigate how this timeline – coupled with to advance the health of individuals across sleep hygiene, stress levels, nutrition, exercise Dr. Jennifer Jennings their lifespan. Using coordinated, individual and toxic burden – has caused this issue and treatment plans, it provides a variety of we remedy it by addressing all aspects.” nutrient-enriched intravenous therapies to improve the Patients are then given a treatment plan administered by wellbeing of patients. Common ailments treated include CHI as well as other integrative practitioners. fatigue, fibromyalgia, and hormonal imbalances. According to Jennings, CHI has grown through word While CHI was founded in January 2015, owner of mouth, but also by educating patients and the public, Jennings and Dr. Robert Barnes collaborated at its previous helping them to fully understand what ails them. This patientincarnation, Preventative Medicine and Wellness, which centered, evidence-based approach allows her staff to treat had been in operation since 1994. Jennings has experience the root cause of issues before they manifest as something in level one trauma, neurosurgical critical care, emergency else. In many cases, she sees these causes as being unique to medicine, primary care and cardiothoracic surgery. Barnes Western New York residents. – who is semi-retired in Florida, but still involved with the “As a direct result of geographically being a distance practice – is a board-certified general surgeon and family from the equator, we struggle with many vitamin deficienmedicine practitioner. cies, particularly vitamin D,” she explains. “We also have a Aside from her relationship with Barnes, Jennings higher rate of asthma, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease and attributes the success of the practice to her dedicated, autoimmune disease.” knowledgeable staff. She describes a family atmosphere that Jennings sees a devotion to the local community as extends to patients, who develop strong relationships that last her team’s biggest accomplishment, knowing that her staff for years. continues to make improvements in the lives of dedicated “There is an African proverb – ‘If you want to go fast, go patients, including Barnes’ very first from decades ago. alone. If you want to go far, go together,’” Jennings says. “To While seeing the effects of her practice’s work on gether we are making strides to advance the health of the Bufpatients, Jennings and her staff also have dreams of falo community, with a focus on mind-body-spirit medicine. A expanding in the future. They envision a destination center, marriage of eastern and western medicine, we focus on preven- and what they refer to as a “majestic place of healing.” For now, CHI is hard at work expanding its nutrition program by exploring the idea of cooking classes and a medicinal juicing station. Whatever the practice comes up with next, it’s all part of a quest to look at every single aspect of a patient’s wellbeing. “We look at the whole person, from when you were one cell dividing through your entire lifespan,” Jennings says. “We take the time to put the puzzle pieces together for the betterment of your health and longevity. We have a long time on this planet earth and we deserve to live with vigor.” Locations: 2470 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga; 3375 E. Main Rd., Dunkirk. For more information, visit CardeaHealthWny.com. See ad, page 6.

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wisewords

Marie Kondo on the Joy of Tidying Up

Simplicity Invites Happiness into Our Lives by April Thompson

How can we begin to get and stay organized? It’s not about a set of rules, but acquiring the right mindset for becoming a tidy person. Think in concrete terms,

so that you can picture what it would be like to live in a clutter-free space. Start by identifying your bigger goal. Ask yourself why you want this, repeating the question to get to the root of the answer. As you explore the reasons behind your ideal lifestyle, you’ll realize that the ultimate reason is to be happy. Then you are ready to begin. I recommend cleaning out and organizing your entire space in one go-around. When completed, the change is so profound that it inspires a strong aversion to your previously cluttered state. The key is to make the change so sudden that you experience a complete change of heart. By discarding the easy things first, you can gradually hone your decision-making skills, including knowing who else can use what you don’t need. I recommend starting with clothes, then move to books, documents, miscellaneous items and finally anything with sentimental value. photo by Ichigo Natsuno

apanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo helps us discover happiness through tidiness. Already perusing home and lifestyle magazines by age 5, she spent her childhood “tidying” up her surroundings rather than playing with toys. The organizing system Kondo went on to develop, the KonMari method, defies most long-held rules of organizing, such as installing clever storage solutions to accommodate stuff or de-cluttering one area at a time. Her New York Times bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has been published in 30 countries, demonstrating that her methods speak to universal desires, including a hunger for order and simplicity. She’s now released a companion book, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up. Kondo’s principles, including vertically stacking clothing and using special folding methods for socks, can seem quirky, yet her approach gets results. Kondo claims a nearly zero percent “clutter relapse” rate among clients because they’ve become surrounded only by things they love.

Is it important to touch every single object in the decision process? At one point in my life, I was virtually a “disposal unit”, constantly on the lookout for superfluous things. One day, I realized that I had been so focused on what to discard that I had forgotten to cherish the things I loved. Through this experience, I concluded natural awakenings

April 2016

that the best way to choose what to keep is to actually hold each item. As you do, ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” When you touch something, your body reacts, and its response to each item is different. The process of assessing how you feel about the things you own—identifying those that have fulfilled their purpose, expressing your gratitude and bidding them farewell and good wishes for their onward journey—is a rite of passage to a new life.

Must keepsakes be included? Mementoes are reminders of a time that gave us joy, yet truly precious memories will never vanish, even if you discard the associated objects. By handling each sentimental item, you process your past. The space we live in should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.

What do you recommend for organizing what remains after a purge? FREE Introduction to Mindgardens Services: Fri, Apr. 15, 6PM

The secret to maintaining an uncluttered room is to pursue simplicity in storage, so that you can see at a glance what you have. My storage rules are simple: Store all items of the same type in one place and don’t scatter storage space.

How does this process change us and our relationship to things? Through it, you identify both what you love and need in your home and in your life. People have told me that decluttering has helped them achieve lifelong dreams, such as launching their own business; in other cases, it has helped them let go of negative attachments and unhappy relationships. Despite a drastic reduction in belongings, no one has ever regretted it, even those that ended up with a fifth of their earlier possessions. It’s a continuing strong reminder that they have been living all this time with things they didn’t need. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com. 12

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communityspotlight

Michael Sutton of Rising Sun Yoga Looks For Teachers With a Story by Brad Gower

he words “rising sun” is far beyond just physical appeared over and over movement, immersing trainees to Michael Sutton, long in the yogic lifestyle – from before he became founder philosophical teachings to and director of the yoga studio safety in practice. It’s a seribearing that name. As he lived ous program for those who are a life learning and practicing serious about teaching. martial arts, he resided on a “It’s really got to be a street named Sun Rise Lane. burning desire, and from there, Sixteen years after opening things can ignite,” Sutton says. Rising Sun Yoga, Sutton has “If it was just physical movelearned a thing or two about ment, I would be bored and I what makes a great teacher, wouldn’t be doing this.” and he’s continuing a program After all, Sutton underMichael Sutton to help others become one. stands that what often brings “I always used to tell the people in to Rising Sun Yoga story of how karate saved my life,” Sutton recalls. “Everyone’s isn’t physical at all. Of all the health benefits of practicing always waiting for this big fight story – but no. What it taught yoga, it’s the appeal of centering the mind that seems to atme to do was meditate and go within. tract most. “The times when I needed that the most, when I was at a “True yoga is coming to peace with yourself,” he says. low point, I would start to meditate again. It would just bring “Stilling the fluctuations in the mind.” me back to center and balance me and I would find peace The practice of meditation was one of the first things Sutthrough that.” ton learned in his karate classes as a teenager, but it’s not the These qualities of the martial arts led Sutton to yoga, which only connection he sees between the martial arts and yoga. he admits surprised him and immediately captured his attention. “In the yoga world it’s the same energy used differently,” “I got the crap beat out of me,” he remembers. “I thought, he explains. “It’s always the same, whether for destruction or holy cow, yoga is tough. That’s what appealed to me.” construction.” The goal at the studio, however, is to offer yoga The most telling part of Sutton’s approach to yoga is classes with a variety of appeal for all types of people, at the unique path that led him to it. Now, Rising Sun Yoga is any level and any age. This leads to an equally diverse searching for teachers with a unique story of their own. array of instructors chosen by Sutton, who believes a great teacher is much more than someone who can show how Location: 5225 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville. For more inforto move the body a certain way. Simply teaching yoga is mation or to apply for the teacher training program, call 716much easier than teaching yoga in a way that truly affects 632-5802 or visit RisingSunYoga.com. See ad, page 7. a person. While the physical poses are important to him, he cares even more about from where and whom they come. “If I’m traveling around the country and I go to a yoga class, I’m looking for someone who has a story in their bio that has nothing to do with yoga,” Sutton says. “I want to learn from that person.” He looks for teachers who help others grow, and continues to learn a great deal from those at his own studio. This October, classes at Rising Sun Yoga will begin for the 2016 Teacher Training Program, which runs through April. The program meets for weekend-long training sessions monthly, leaving graduates with the skills to teach a 90-minute yoga class. The program emphasizes that yoga natural awakenings

April 2016

earthdayevents

Celebrating Earth Day Locally and Globally by Meredith Montgomery

epresentatives from nearly every country on Earth gathered in Paris for the 2015 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the Paris Agreement a triumph for people, the planet and multilateralism. The signing ceremony is set for Earth Day, April 22, at UN headquarters, in New York City. For the first time, every country has pledged to curb their emissions, strengthen resilience to related impacts and act internationally and domestically to address climate change. Other key elements aimed at achieving a state of climate neutrality—having a zero carbon footprint—before the century’s end include transparency, accountability and a plan for developed countries to support climate action in developing countries. “A big part of the Paris agreement

focuses on reduced use of gas, coal and oil, but there is also a focus on preserving trees and expanding forests,” says Earth Day Network (EDN) spokesperson Timothy McHugh, referring to this year’s Earth Day theme of Trees for Earth. This year also kicks off a fouryear countdown to the environmental campaign’s 50th anniversary on Earth Day 2020. “By that mark, we hope to have planted 7.8 billion trees—approximately one tree for every person on the planet. Trees are vitally important because they soak up carbon and clean the air,” McHugh explains. In addition to countering climate change and pollution, EDN’s global tree planting seeks to support communities and local economies, protect biodiversity and inspire environmental stewardship. From global leaders convening at the UN to people participating in com-

S ustainability, ensuring the future of life on Earth, is an infinite game, the endless expression of generosity on behalf of all. ~Paul Hawken 14

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munity events close to home, billions of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s citizens will celebrate our precious home planet this year. To join the worldwide observance, find an event online at EarthDay.org or participate in one or more of the local events listed here.

Earth Day Events in Western New York Earth and Moon Hike Friday, April 22, 7-8:30pm Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo Celebrate Earth Day with a guided sunset hike in search of nature getting ready to rest for the day. Ages 5+. $5 non-members. 716-825-6397.

Earth Day Full Moon Walk Friday, April 22, 8-9:30pm Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 77 Honorine Dr., Depew Learn how the full moon affects our environment. Register at 716-683-5959.

Stewardship Saturday Saturday, April 23, 9am-noon and 1-4pm Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo Volunteer to help with outdoor projects

around the preserve, including invasive species control, habitat restoration, trail work and more. Children 12+. Preregistration required. 716-825-6397.

Tifft Shoreline Sweep Saturday, April 23, 10am-noon Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo Join in the biggest single-day shoreline clean-up within Western New York. Ages 8+. Preregistration required at BnRiverkeeper.org/cleanup.

Spring Wildflowers - Early Bloomers Saturday, April 23, 10am-12pm Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, 1610 Welch Rd., Java Center Hike Beaver Meadow trails and join Naturalist Mark Carra in searching out the earliest blooming flowers in the forest and marvel at their beauty and learn about their interesting folklore. Preregistration required. Call 585-4573228. $5 non-members, $3 members of Buffalo Audubon Society.

Earth Day at Cazenovia Park Saturday, April 23, 10am-1pm Cazenovia Park, Warren Spahn Way Entrance, Buffalo Composting tour, free shredding event, clothing recycling, and GObike donation drive.

Peregrine Falcons of Buffalo Saturday, April 23, 10am-3pm Buffalo Central Terminal, 495 Paderewski Dr., Buffalo Join Naturalist Tom Kerr to look for Peregrine Flacons in the City of Buffalo. There are four active nests within the city limits, and participants will visit them all. Binoculars and scopes provided. Participants must provide their own transportation. Buffalo Central Terminal, 495 Paderewski Dr., Buffalo. Preregistration required. Call 585-457-3228.

10th Annual Buffalo EnviroFair at Walden Galleria Saturday, April 23, 11am-3pm Walden Galleria, 1 Walden Galleria Dr., Buffalo A celebration and exhibit of earth and ecology. Learn more about the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy ongoing projects and funding priorities. Free and open to the public.

Village of Lewiston Annual Spring Clean-Up Saturday, April 23, noonSunday, April 24, noon Redbrick School, 145 N 4th St, Lewiston Community clean-up with trash bags, gloves, and assignment maps provided. Refreshments provided by Bob Burns, owner of Tim Hortons. 716-754-8271.

natural awakenings

April 2016

EVERYDAY SUSTAINABILITY Practical Ways We Can Help Out the Planet by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

or many Americans, living more sustainably has become a natural part of their daily routine as they consistently recycle, eat healthy and use energy more efficiently. It’s just what they normally do every day. Every one of them had to start somewhere, growing their efforts over time to the point that nearly every activity yields better results for themselves, their family, their community and the planet. It might begin with the way we eat and eventually expand to encompass the way we work.

New American Way

“The sustainability movement is large and growing in the U.S.,” says Todd Larsen, with Green America, a grassroots nonprofit organization harnessing economic forces to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. “Half a million people turned out in New York City to march for action on climate change. People also are working in their local communi16

Buffalo, NY

ties to oppose fracking and pollution, and to support green building and clean energy. Many businesses now include sustainability as a core business practice, including the 3,000 certified members of Green America’s Green Business Network.” This month, Natural Awakenings profiles the experiences of representative individuals from around the country that are helping to both make the world more sustainable and their own lives richer and more meaningful. From growing and cooking family food and line-drying laundry to powering their business with renewable energy, their approaches are as varied as the places they call home.

First Steps

“Many people start with something small at home, particularly if they’re concerned about the impacts on their family’s health,” says Larsen. “More Americans are approaching sustainability first through food. It’s relatively

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easy to change spending habits to incorporate more organic, fair trade and non-GMO [genetically modified] foods, and with the growth of farmers’ markets nationwide, people are able to buy local more easily.” A focus on food quality is how Wendy Brown and her husband and five children launched their eco-journey just outside of Portland, Maine. “We started thinking about where our food came from, how it was grown and raised and what we could do to ensure that it was better,” says Brown. “What we don’t grow or forage ourselves, we try to purchase from local farmers.” Living more simply during the past decade has helped the family cut debt and become more financially stable. “Our entry point to sustainable living was to grow tomatoes on the steps of an apartment that Kelly and I once called home years ago,” echoes Erik Knutzen, who, with his wife Kelly Coyne, have transformed their 960-square-foot Los Angeles bungalow into an oasis where they grow food, keep chickens and bees, brew, bake and house their bikes. Gabriele Marewski’s journey also started with what she ate. “I became a vegetarian at 14, after reading Diet for a Small Planet, by Frances Moore Lappé,” says Marewski, who in 1999 turned an avocado orchard in Homestead, Florida, into Paradise Farms. “Forty-seven years later, I’m still a strict vegetarian. I believe it’s the single most important statement we can make about saving the planet.” Marewski’s five-acre farm showcases certified organic micro greens, edible flowers, oyster mushrooms and a variety of tropical fruits marketed to Miami-area chefs. Her farm also offers Dinner in Paradise farm-to-table experiences to raise funds for local nonprofits providing food for underprivileged city residents, and bed-andbreakfast lodging. Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology offers a free online course, Sustainability in Everyday Life, based on five themes: energy, climate change, food, chemicals and globalization. “People can make a difference by making responsible choices in their everyday life,” says Anna Nyström Claesson, one of the three original teachers.

Consume Less

“Every step toward sustainability is important and in the right direction,” explains Gina Miresse, with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), which will again host the world’s largest energy fair in June in Custer, Wisconsin. “It’s easy to start at home by adopting one new practice and sticking with it until it becomes a habit; then add a second practice and so on. This keeps people from getting overwhelmed.” We might, for example, switch to non-toxic home cleaning products when current products are used up. “There’s no need to throw everything in the trash and replace it all immediately—that would partially defeat the purpose of sustainability,” says Miresse. Green America, which suggests green alternatives to many products in online publications at GreenAmerica. org, recommends a congruent strategy. “We see people first change the way they purchase their food, move to reduce their purchases overall and green those they make, and then make their home more energy-efficient,” remarks Larsen. “Next, they consider walking and biking more.” Pamela Dixon explains, “On a day-to-day basis, it’s really about the products we use, like transferring to eco-friendly cleaners and yard maintenance, recycling electronic devices, paying bills electronically and receiving statements via email.” She and her husband, David Anderson, own Dave’s BrewFarm, in rural Wilson, Wisconsin, where they grow herbs, hops, raspberries and apples on 35 acres. “A 20-kilowatt wind generator supplies our electricity, and we use geothermal for heating and cooling,” adds Dixon. Due to career opportunities involving teaching principles of sustainability, the Wisconsin couple is in the process of selling the BrewFarm to move to La Crosse. “At our new home, we’re replacing the windows and appliances with more energy-efficient ones. We also chose our neighborhood so we can walk or bike to local grocery co-ops. We prefer to repair things when they break rather than buying something new, recycle everything the city will accept, compost food scraps and buy clothes at secondhand stores.”

When the MREA Energy Fair began 27 years ago, the majority of attendees were interested in learning about first steps, such as recycling, relates Miresse. Today, sustainability basics ranging from fuel savings to water conservation are familiar, and they’re focused on revitalizing local economies. “Folks are now considering more ambitious practices such as sourcing food directly from local farmers, producing their own solar energy and incorporating energy storage, driving an electric vehicle or switching to more socially responsible investing.” The fair’s 250 workshops provide tools to help in taking their next steps on the journey to sustainability. Knutzen and Coyne’s passion has evolved from growing food into a larger DIY mode. “Cooking from scratch is something I prefer to do,” comments Knutzen. “I even grind my own flour.” Library books provide his primary source of inspiration. The Brown family likely echoes the thoughts of many American families. “We have many dreams, but the stark reality is that we live in a world that requires money,” says Wendy Brown. An electric car or solar electric system, for example, is a large investment. “The biggest barriers were mental blocks because we ‘gave up’ previous lifestyle norms,” she says. “Most people we know have a clothes dryer and can’t imagine living without one. Line-drying is just part of the bigger issue of time management for us, because living sustainably and doing things by hand takes longer.”

Each Day Counts

“The biggest and most positive impact I have comes from my general nonwaste philosophy,” advises Brown. “I try to reuse something rather than throwing it away. I’ve made underwear out of old camisoles and pajama pants from old flannel sheets. I reuse elastic from worn-out clothing. My travel beverage cup is a sauce jar with a reusable canning lid drilled with a hole for a reusable straw. Such examples show how we live every day.” Marewski’s love of travel doesn’t interfere with her sustainability quest. “When I travel, I like to walk or bicycle across countries,” she says. “It gives me a closer connection to the land and spontaneous contact with interesting

Next Steps to Sustainability Green America GreenAmerica.org Midwest Renewable Energy Association MidwestRenew.org Browsing Nature’s Aisles by Eric and Wendy Brown ECOpreneuring by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko Surviving the Apocalypse in the Suburbs by Wendy Brown The Urban Homestead and Making It by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen

people. I’m building a tiny home on wheels that’ll be completely self-sufficient, with solar, composting toilet and water catchment to reduce my footprint even further.” “Last August, I started a tenuretrack position in the school of business at Viterbo University,” says Dixon, who emphasizes how students can pursue sustainability in business and life. “I teach systems thinking, complex systems change and globally responsible leadership, all of which have a sustainability component.” She’s also faculty advisor to Enactus, a student organization focused on social entrepreneurship and making a positive impact on the community. “The best part of how we live is when my daughters make everyday eco-minded choices without even realizing it,” observes Brown. “I can see how remarkable it is, because I have the perspective of having lived differently. But for them, it’s just the way things are done. I think in that way, I’ve succeeded.” Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko’s ecojourney is captured in their books, ECOpreneuring, Farmstead Chef, Homemade for Sale, Rural Renaissance and Soil Sisters. Every day, they eat from their organic gardens surrounding their farm powered by the wind and sun. natural awakenings

April 2016

healthykids

A GREENER SHADE OF YOUTH New Generations Put Earth First by Randy Kambic

Every generation gets a chance to change the world. ~Paul David Hewson (Bono)

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aby boomers inspired in their youth by Earth Day are now supporting a new generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enthusiasm for sustainability through educational and employment opportunities. A 2015 Nature Conservancy survey of 602 teens from 13 to 18 years old revealed that roughly 76 percent strongly believe that issues like climate change can be

BuffaloAwakenings.com

solved if action is taken now; they also hold that safeguarding important lands and waters should be a priority, regardless of ancillary benefits or the economy. This represents an increase in awareness since a 2010 Yale University Project on Climate Change Communication survey of 517 youths 13 to 17 years old showed that just 54 percent believed global

warming was even happening. Launched as Teens for Safe Cosmetics in 2005 and renamed Teens Turning Green two years later, today’s expanded Turning Green (TG) nonprofit of Marin County, California, also informs and inspires college and graduate students to live and advocate for an eco-lifestyle (TurningGreen.org). TG’s first 30-day Project Green Challenge (PGC) in 2011 involved 2,600 students nationwide and internationally; last fall’s annual edition drew 4,000 students. “We’ve seen tremendous increases in sustainability offices and curriculums at universities nationwide,” notes Judi Shils, founder and executive director. “They have set an intention.” Reilly Reynolds, a senior at Ohio Wesleyan University, hopes to take up urban farming and eventually own a farm-to-table organic restaurant. The PGC finalist and TG student advisory board member says, “I strive to lead an environmentally friendly and socially responsible life, but there is always room for improvement.” Another PGC 2015 finalist, Matt Gal, a senior at the University of Arkansas, also aspires to be an organic farmer. He wants “to grow and give away as much fresh and organic food as possible to people who need it most.” The TG ProjectGreenU.org site features eco-friendly products, plus green advice geared for college students. It also operates a Conscience College Road Tour, leadership program, and organic non-GMO school lunch programs in Marin County and Sausalito schools via its Conscious Kitchen and Eco Top Chef programs. Milwaukee’s 13th annual Sustainability Summit and Exposition

Turning Green’s first 30-day Project Green Challenge in 2011 involved 2,600 students nationwide and internationally; last fall’s annual edition drew 4,000 students. (SustainabilitySummit.us), from April 13 to 15, will admit local students for free. “We’ll address trends and potential careers in energy engineering, environmental health and water quality technology, sustainability and renewable energy,” says Summit Chair George Stone, a Milwaukee Area Technical College natural sciences instructor. Bradley Blaeser, founder and coowner of The Green Team of Wisconsin, Inc., which provides eco-friendly landscaping and gardening services, helped start the Sustainable Enterprise Association of Milwaukee. As a social worker at the nonprofit Neighborhood House of Milwaukee in the late 90s, he helped young people in schools and community centers learn how to build their own aquaponics system, plus other gardening skills. “We hit the marks as far as science guidelines,” he recalls. “Kids would see the entire seed-to-harvest cycle through after-school and summer camps. Teachers also embraced nature a little more and saw how they could infuse it in curriculums.” He notes that two young

men that subsequently graduated from local colleges currently work for Neighborhood House and Growing Power. More recently, he’s worked with two local organizations, Next Door Foundation and Operation Dream, to teach youngsters agricultural skills and find recruits for related job training internships and employment. Green Team landscape technician Darius Smith, 25, of Milwaukee, will become a crew leader this spring. “You get a good feeling installing plants,” he says. “We’re a team, working in sync.” For the 13th year, the Agricultural Fair Association of New Jersey (njagfairs. com) has selected a youth ambassador—Rebecca Carmeli-Peslak, 16, of Millstone Township, near Princeton—to visit 2016 fairs to promote agri-tourism and encourage youngsters to pursue agricultural careers. “It’s important for kids to know where food comes from,” says CarmeliPeslak, who is also in her second year as a local 4-H Club health and fitness ambassador, visiting Monmouth County libraries to speak on healthy eating and exercise. She’s training selected peers to speak in other counties; the club’s latest Look to You award recognizes her mentoring prowess. She says, “I want to be a large animal vet and own a farm.” “Young people are becoming well informed about environmental issues by traditional and social media,” observes Shils. “There’s exponential growth in their taking a stand and becoming more active.” Randy Kambic is an Estero, FL, freelance editor and writer who regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.

natural awakenings

April 2016

healingways

Farm-to-Hospital On-Site Farms Grow Organics for Patients by Judith Fertig

ost people would agree with the results of a 2011 study by the nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Typical hospital food is full of the dietary fat, sodium, calories, cholesterol and sugar that contribute to the medical problems that land many in the hospital in the first place. The study’s dietitians further found that some hospitals house up to five fast-food outlets. Because studies from institutions such as the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the University of Maryland show that a poor diet contributes to a host of illnesses and longer recovery time after surgery—all of which increase healthcare costs—it befits hospitals to embrace healthier eating. Now, a dozen pioneering hospitals have their own on-site farms and others are partnering with local farms, embracing new ways to help us eat healthier, especially those that most need to heal. “In a paradigm shift, hospitals are realizing the value of producing fresh, local, organic food for their patients,” says Mark Smallwood, executive director of the nonprofit Rodale Institute, in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It recently partnered with St. Luke’s University Hospital, in nearby Bethlehem, to help support operations of the hospital’s 10-acre organic farm that yields 30 varieties of vegetables and fruits served in hospital meals to support patient recovery. New mothers are sent home with baskets of fresh produce to help instill healthy eating habits. “Organic fruits and vegetables offer many advantages over conventionally grown foods,” says Dr. Bonnie Coyle, director of community health for St. Luke’s University Health Network. She cites the higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants as contributing to a reduced incidence of heart disease and some cancers and a 20

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lowered risk for other common conditions such as allergies, and hyperactivity in children. Hospital farms also benefit the environment and facilitate other healing ways. Saint Joseph Mercy Health System Ann Arbor’s hospital farm, created in 2010 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, is a win-win-win solution. “We can model the connection between food and health to our patients, visitors, staff and community,” says hospital spokesperson Laura Blodgett. Their Health Care Without Harm pledge commits the hospital to providing local, nutritious and sustainable food. The farm repurposed some of the hospital’s 340-acre campus, eliminating considerable lawn mowing and chemicals. Today, its organic produce also supplies an on-site farmers’ market. Most recently, collaboration with a rehab hospital treating traumatic brain injuries resulted in a solarheated greenhouse to continually produce organic food using raised beds and a Ferris-wheel-style planting system that enables patients to experience gardening as agritherapy. “Patients love the hands-on healing of tending the garden,” says Blodgett. Another innovative hospital is Watertown Regional Medical Center, in rural Wisconsin. Its farm, located behind the 90bed hospital, raises 60 pesticide-free crops a year, including vegetables, herbs and even edible flowers. “We believe that food is medicine,” says Executive Chef Justin Johnson. He also serves his healthier fare to the public via special dinners in the hospital’s café, celebrating spring and fall harvests. In Arcata, California, Mad River Community Hospital’s designated farmer, Isaiah Webb, tills six plots and two greenhouses to supply organic carrots, beets, tomatoes, basil, potatoes, sweet corn, artichokes, squash, pumpkins, lettuce, blueberries, apples and strawberries to patients and guests. An in-house work/share program encourages hospital employees to volunteer gardening time for a share of the produce. A three-way partnership of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Fletcher Allen Health Care and Central Vermont Medical Center, all in the Burlington area, combines community supported agriculture (CSA) and physicians’ prescriptions for healthier eating. Diane Imrie, director of nutrition services at Fletcher Allen, comments, “If we want to have a ‘well’ community, they have to be well fed.” Paid student farmers from 15 to 21 years old grow and harvest eight acres of fruits and vegetables for selected doctor-recommended patients in the 12-week-growing season program. Patients gain an appreciation of healthy eating that remains with them, thus decreasing their need for acute medical care. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmto-institution programs like these both provide healthy food to hospital patients and help develop sustainable regional food systems. We all benefit from such healing ripples in the healthcare pond. Judith Fertig is the author of award-winning cookbooks, including The Gardener and the Grill; she blogs at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Healthy Options at Kenmore Mercy Hospital

atients, staff and visitors to Kenmore Mercy Hospital are enjoying healthier versions of their traditional lunch. The hospital’s menu includes antibiotic-free chicken breasts, “Meatless Mondays,” and “300 calorie Tuesdays.” In addition, many meals include fresh, local and organically grown herbs and tomatoes that come from the hospital’s roof top garden, including cilantro, basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley, as well as grape tomatoes. “Because the hospital uses substantial quantities of food, we have made a commitment to sustainable cuisine,” said Kathy McAlpine, food services manager at Kenmore Mercy. The hospital has also recently started an internal campaign to serve healthier alternatives in the cafeteria, including a large salad bar that incorporates grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy alternatives like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream on tacos and baked potatoes. For the last several years, Kenmore Mercy has also given associates the option to participate in a weekly farm share from Becker Farms. Seasonal fruits and spices are delivered right to the hospital. Kenmore Mercy Hospital has been recognized locally and nationally for its efforts to promote wellness and sustainability, receiving awards from the KenmoreTonawanda Chamber of Commerce and Practice Greenhealth for offering more vegetarian menu options, increasing its use of composting, reducing waste, launching single stream recycling, and other initiatives. It also participates in national campaigns including the Healthier Hospitals Initiative. Location: 2950 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore. For more information, visit ChsBuffalo.org.

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natural awakenings

April 2016

WHY ARE THESE WOMEN SMILING?

fitbody

Millennials’ Take on Fitness

They Like Short, Social and Fun Workouts by Derek Flanzraich

M They just learned how to put pep in their mojos by reading Natural Awakenings. Awakenings. Advertise in our

May Women’s Wellness Issue

illennials are a big deal. Most businesses view them as trendsetters for good reason: Born between the early 1980s and early 2000s, they make up 25 percent of the population and represent $200 billion in annual buying power. Like the baby boomers before them, they also have the power to profoundly influence other generations, both young and old. Millennials have largely rejected previous fitness trends and instead paved a new path to health and wellness. In doing so, they’ve transformed both the business of fitness and the idea of what it means to be healthy. They’ve created a more personalized approach that encompasses the values of their generation.

What They Are

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

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Millennials are a fast-paced, wellinformed group. They devour news and information as soon as it’s released and then share it with others, usually via social media. This quick turnover cycle has led to an “out with the old, in with the new” mentality in many aspects of life. For a generation that strives to be trailblazers, things quickly become outdated. Millennials are always seek-

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ing new ways to get fit and eat healthy, even if it means creating something unique to them. The Internet has allowed these young adults to find more like-minded people than ever before. They grew up with constant connectivity, which has allowed them to build larger communities of friends online as well as locally, and keep everyone apprised of their fitness goals and progress. Millennials’ overscheduled lives mean they value shorter, quicker and more convenient options, especially in regard to workouts and healthy meals. They are more likely than any other age group to track their own health progress and use technologies such as health and fitness apps which monitor such data as steps, heart rate and caloric intake as a complement to their fitness routines. Being healthy means more than weight loss or looking good to them. For this pivotal generation, health is increasingly about living a happier life.

What They Like Millennials’ values and unique approach to health have fostered the growth of innovative fitness movements, health-focused stores and restaurants

and alternative medicine. Here are the three biggest trends making an impact on the wellness industry. What’s hot: Shorter, full-body workouts that are also fun. What’s not: Steady-state cardio exercises as a starting point for losing weight and improving health. It’s been increasingly shown that steady-state cardio workouts may be the most effective way to lose weight, but they also lack widespread appeal. Instead of sticking to a traditional treadmill, many millennials have flocked to workout regimens that regularly switch exercises or use high-intensity interval training, such as Zumba, SoulCycle and CrossFit. What’s hot: A more holistic approach to health. What’s not: Diets that emphasize rapid weight loss. Millennials don’t believe that weight is the major indicator of health as much as previous generations have. Instead, they increasingly think of weight as just one among many key components of a healthy lifestyle. A higher percentage define being healthy as having regular physical activity and good eating habits. What’s hot: Alternative workouts that are customizable, fun and social. What’s not: Inflexible gym memberships and daily attendance. Instead of hitting the gym, young adults tend to prefer new forms of fitness that can be personalized to their needs. They like obstacle races such as Tough Mudder, fun and distance runs like The Color Run, at-home fitness workouts like P90X, and bodyweight regimens. As a group, millennials are redefining wellness and changing how following generations will view health. Their preferences for fun, personalized workouts and holistic wellness have fueled trends with far-reaching implications for the food, tech and healthcare industries, and that’s just the start. Derek Flanzraich is an entrepreneur on a mission to help the world think about health in a healthier way. He is the founder and CEO of Greatist, a New York City-based media startup working to make healthy living cool.

A Fun Workout from City of Light Fitness

ared Callahan, personal trainer and founder of City of Light Fitness, recognizes that everyone needs a little external motivation from time to time. Jared Callahan “I use different types of strategies to keep clients motivated, but I see the most progress, effort, and fun during the conditioning portion of my classes, which include short, highintensity, full-body movements either working together to complete a circuit or going head to head,” says Callahan. For a unique alternative that mixes up a typical training regimen, Callahan recommends trying the following with a friend or group. Take 20 minutes to complete the workout, using 1 minute, 15 seconds to complete sets with 45 seconds rest between. Complete 10 sets total, either as a group or split up in teams to see which can finish first. If sets take longer than the allotted time, the overtime must be subtracted from the rest. Medicine ball slams x 10 reps Kettlebell swings x 10 reps Burpees (with push-ups) x 10 reps Chin-ups x 10 reps 40-yard sprint x 1 rep

breathe

“The great thing about this circuit is you can modify it any way you’d like,” Callahan says. In the summer, he uses the same protocol in the PaddleFit classes he teaches on stand-up paddleboards (SUP), but modifies it accordingly. On land: Burpees (without push-ups) x 10 reps Push-ups x 10 reps On water: Paddle sprint x 30 strokes Russian twists (sitting on your SUP) x 20 Active recovery – paddle back in, but you only have 45 seconds! Jared Callahan is a nationally certified personal trainer, sports performance coach, PaddleFit instructor, and founder of City Of Light Fitness. For more information, call 716-866-3747 or visit CityOfLightFitness.com. natural awakenings

April 2016

calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines for submissions at BuffaloAwakenings.com or email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com for more information.

Pet Connection Programs, Inc. Beneﬁt – 3-6pm. Chicken BBQ dinner and Chinese auction to benefit Pet Connections Programs shelter animals and future rescues. More than 150 Chinese auction items, many door prizes and “doggy bags” with treats and surprises available for purchase. Take-out only with limited seating for dinners. $10/dinner. Variety Club, 6114 Broadway Ave, Lancaster. PetConnectionProgramsInc.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

FRIDAY, APRIL 1

Restorative Yoga and Meditation – 9-10am. Sundays thru May 1. Jennifer Stern, a RYT-200 level yoga teacher leads this combination class of gentle yoga poses, restorative postures to deeply relax, breath awareness practice and meditation. All levels welcome. $50/5weeks or $12/class. Be Healthy Institute, 40 Main St, Hamburg. 716-6483400. BeHealthyInstitute.com.

First Fridays at the Gallery – 10am-10pm. On the first Friday of every month admission to part of the museum and select events are free to everyone. Art classes and certain tours are available to the public for a fee. Free. Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo. 716-882-8700. AlbrightKnox.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 Stress Management 101 – 8:30am-noon. Suzanne Bracci, MS, LMHC, CA, Certified Stress Management Coach will lead an educational, inspiring and life-changing workshop designed to empower you to “Stress Less for a Better Life”. $75. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. Register: StressLessForABetterLife. com. 716-253-6548. CompleteWellnessWNY.com.

Main St, Williamsville. Register: 716-803-0113. AncientFarEastHealingArts.com.

Yoga II - Stretch and Strengthen – 10:30-11:30am. Sundays thru May1. Jennifer Stern, a RYT-200 level yoga teacher leads this class that builds on basic yoga poses to target specific muscle groups while maintaining safe alignment and connecting breath with flow and movement of postures. Recommended: completion of Yoga I class. $50/5weeks or $12/ class. Be Healthy Institute, 40 Main St, Hamburg. 716-648-3400. BeHealthyInstitute.com.

Meeting Ike: “Meditation Basics” Children’s Playshop – 9-10am. Led by Marina (Liaros) Naples. Children, ages 7 to 11, learn meditation basics. $10. My Garden of Healing, 2770 Main St, Ste 2, Newfane. Preregistration required: 716-807-5354.

Challenges to Awakening – 1-3pm. Awakening is the realization that you are a soul having a human experience. Talk and meditation presented by John Mosher, PhD. Second in a series of three presentations with May 14 to follow. $75. Clarence Hollow Wellness Center, 10946 Main St, Clarence. 716-572-2096. MassageAndReikiByDenise.MassageTherapy.com.

Exploring the Spirituality of Giving Through Yoga – 9:30-11am. Explore how regular yogic practice can help one prepare to give of oneself more fully. Each class includes asana, meditation, discussion and journaling. Attendees are asked to commit to giving one hour per week to a person or cause of one’s choosing. $45. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org.

Intuitive Chakra Painting Mini-Retreat – 1-4pm. Join artist Jennifer Winarski and Reiki Master/Teacher Kelly Pittorf for an afternoon of intuitive painting and reiki. Includes guided meditation, brief introduction to chakras, group reiki, painting exercise and painting supplies. $45. Tree of Life Yoga Studio, 1517 Main St, Niagara Falls. Register: 716-939-0892 or mscime710@ roadrunner.com. TreeofLifeYogaStudio.org.

Meditation in Motion – 3-4:30pm. This class also offered on Sunday, Apr 17. Designed for women over 40. Learn the body’s unspoken language and patterns, move gracefully to awaken awareness, be still to stay present and release tension. Bring yoga mat, water and a friend. $25/class. All Care for Women Clinic, 6095 Transit Rd, East Amherst. 970-208-2503. KohavaHoward.com.

Cinema and Soup Saturday Part IV – 9:30am-noon. Enjoy an inspiring film followed by soup and discussion. This film series concludes with All is Lost with Robert Redford as the cast of one, stranded in the Indian Ocean. Yogic principles are required as he faces many challenges. $10. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org/seminars.

Yoga and Meditation for Anxiety and Depression – 1-4pm. Instruction in specific yoga postures, breathing and meditation techniques to help establish calm when you feel anxious and upset. Take-home support materials. Wear comfortable clothes. $30. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org.

MONDAY, APRIL 4

Usui and Tibetan Reiki Master Class – 10am-5pm. Led by Sensei Susi Rosinski. Learn how to Attune others, use Usui and Tibetan reiki symbols and set up a reiki grid. Also, learn aura clearing and the four Tibetan symbols used in healing sessions. Prerequisite: Reiki Level II. $295. New World Gifts, 5655

Vermicomposting Workshop – 2-4pm. Worms ate my leftovers! Discover step-by-step how to create your own home or school vermicomposting container to help the earth. Ages 8+. $6/non-members. Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo. 716-825-6397. Tifft.org.

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Guided Reflective Walk – 10:45-11:30am. Led by Phil Haberstro with Wellness Institute. Free. Marcy Casino at Delaware Park, 199 Lincoln Pkwy, Buffalo. 716-851-4052. BeActive@city-buffalo.org.

Ways to Change Negative Core Beliefs - Open Coaching – 10-11am. With Shawn Marie Cichowski, certified life/soul coach. Discussion followed by open coaching. No appointment needed. $10. WNY Life Coaching Center, 5500 Main St, Williamsville. RSVP: 716-560-6552 or WNYLifecoaching@ gmail.com. WNYLifeCoaching.com. Sleep Apnea and TMJ Disorders – 6:15-7:15pm. Dr. Julia Kagan, DDS discusses the missing link between oral health and overall well-being in this workshop on how acupuncture and oral appliance

therapy can be beneficial for overall health. Free. Inner Balance Chiropractic, 2800 Sweet Home Rd, Ste 1, Amherst. 716-210-1060. InnerBalanceChiro.com.

through a healthy eating lifestyle. Free. Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine, 100 College Pkwy, Ste 100, Williamsville. Register: BuffSpine.com/calendar.

Golf Essentials - Golf Clinic – 6:30-7:30pm. TPI Certified Physical Therapist, Mike Kaminska will lead a series of warm-ups as well as golf specific exercises. Hands on instruction will ensure you perform them correctly to minimize risk of injury on the course. Class size is limited. $20. Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine, 100 College Pkwy, Ste 100, Williamsville. Register: BuffSpine.com/calendar.

Essential Oils and Natural Approaches to Well Being – 6:30-8pm. This session will introduce the benefits of essential oils and how to apply them in order to have a greater awareness of your physical, mental and spiritual needs. A personal essential oil body scrub design will be created with ingredients for your target areas of concern. $25. WNY Life Coaching Center, 5500 Main St, Williamsville. RSVP: 716-560-6552 or WNYLifeCoaching@ gmail.com. WNYLifeCoaching.com.

Meditation for Meditators – 6:30-7:30pm. This continuing level course offers guided meditation and support for the practice you have developed or would like to return to. Prerequisite: Completion of HI’s Beginning Meditation course. $12. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 Gentle Restorative Yoga – 12:30-1:30pm. Six-week class on Tuesdays thru May 10. These weekly sessions are for anyone seeking benefits of a relaxing, gentle, restorative practice. Specifically designed to reduce pain, anxiety, tension and/or stress. No prior yoga experience required. $90. Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine, 100 College Pkwy, Ste 100, Williamsville. Register: BuffSpine.com/calendar. dōTERRA Essential Oils Class – 7pm. With Tracy Ploetz. Instruction on proper essential oil use. $15. Green Spa, 5526 Main St, Williamsville. Meetup. com/Balance-Holistically-in-WNY/events. Breath Work – 7-8pm. Shawn Marie Cichowski, life coach/meditation trainer, will explore various breathing techniques and mind easing practices to promote optimal well-being. $20. Orchard Park High School, 4040 Baker Rd, Orchard Park. RSVP: 716-560-6552 or WNYLifecoaching@gmail.com. WNYLifeCoaching.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 Relationship Coaching – 10-11am. With Shawn Marie Cichowski, certified life/soul coach and Muni Visco, certified life/divorce coach. Learn how to improve your relationships, set personal boundaries and let go when need be. $30. WNY Life Coaching Center, 5500 Main St, Williamsville. RSVP: 716-560-6552 or WNYLifecoaching@gmail.com. WNYLifeCoaching.com. Open Healing Group – 5:30-6pm. Wednesdays thru Apr 27. A short meditation, then send healing and/ or prayer to the names in our Healing Bowl. Open to all. Free. My Garden of Healing, 2770 Main St, Ste 2, Newfane. 716-807-5354. MyGardenofHealing. weebly.com.

Beginning Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Four-week class on Wednesdays thru Apr 27. Learn the basics with Donna: a comfortable sitting posture, diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation methods and essential concentration techniques used in the yoga tradition. $48. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 Therapeutic Movements and Simple Belly Dancing – 6:30-7:30pm. Heal and revive your pelvic floor. Designed for women over 40. Tone your pelvic/hip muscles from the inside out, release motions your body holds, increase body awareness and feel sensual, feminine, free and beautiful. Bring yoga mat, water and a friend. $15. Dragonfly Studio and Salon, 8290 Main St, Williamsville. 970-208-2503. KohavaHoward.com. Spiritual Study and Practice Group for Women – 7-8:30pm. Continuation of a year-long study of Meditation for the Love of It, Enjoying Your Own Deepest Experience, by Sally Kempton. The book is available in the bookstore. Chapters 6 and 7 will be discussed at this meeting. $5. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 M & T Second Fridays – 10am-8pm. Every second Friday, the Burchfield Penney hosts special events, happy hours, programs, concerts and screenings. Free. Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo. 716-878-6011. BurchfieldPenney.org. Restorative Yoga – 7-8:15pm. Seven-week class on Tuesdays thru Apr 19. These sessions focus on restorative and supported postures to help reduce anxiety, increase energy and support physical and emotional well-being. $84. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. “Ask the Experts” Panel – 7-8:30pm. The panel includes experts in holistic living, metaphysics, and

spirituality. This month hear Dr Jim Albert, DVM and animal acupuncturist, Carol Ruth, psychic/astrologer and Mike Bastine, Native Indian Elder and author of Iroquois Supernatural: Talking Animals and Medicine People. Limited seating. $10. My Garden of Healing, 2770 Main St, Ste 2, Newfane. Preregistration required: 716-807-5354.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 Communities in Bloom Gardening Class – 8:15am-3:15pm. Class topics include landscape design, plant propagation and nuisance wildlife solutions. $20. Unitarian Universalist Church, 695 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo. Preregister by 4/1: 716652-5400 or reg.cce.cornell.edu/April-9-Gardening. Erie.CCE.Cornell.edu/events. Meeting Ike: “The Forest” Children’s Playshop – 9-10am. Led by Marina (Liaros) Naples. Children, ages 7 to 11, are led on a guided meditation. $10. My Garden of Healing, 2770 Main St, Ste 2, Newfane. Preregistration required: 716-807-5354. Medicinal Garden Feature at Botanical Gardens – 10am-2pm. Activities include good things to eat, things you can do each day to improve your general health, botanicals used in traditional medicine and/ or are currently used for medicinal purposes and stress relief ideas. Included with admission. $9/ adults, $8/seniors & students, $5 kids, free/members. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo. 716-827-1584. BuffaloGardens.com. One Day Mindfulness Experience – 10am-2pm. Discover the power of now with this one day retreat. Suitable for beginners as well as experienced mindfulness and meditation practitioners. Dress comfortably. Free tea, coffee and juice. $25. 484 Connecticut St, Buffalo. 716-259-2994. MindGardens.net. WNY Health Expo – 10am-3pm. 9th annual spring expo with community health vendors, leading expert seminars and special guests. Free. McKinley Mall, 3701 McKinley Pkwy, Blasdell. 716-668-5223, ext 2142. WNYHealthMag.com. Big Wheels Bicycle Club Open House – 1-3pm. Big Wheels Bicycle Club is for everyone who loves bicycle riding, wants to get fresh air and exercise, stay fit and have fun while doing it. Free. Zion United Church of Christ, 15 Koenig Cir, Tonawanda. BigWheelsBikeClub.com. Native Roots Workshop – 2-3:30pm. Discover the benefits of native gardens as well as the bigger impact of keeping things local. After, tour the Preserve to explore real examples of non-native versus

Yoga at the Gardens – 5:30-6:45pm. Ten-week session on Wednesdays thru May 4. With Leanne Oldenbrook, registered yoga teacher. Gentle hatha yoga designed for all ages and fitness levels. $15/ drop-in. Buffalo Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo. Register: 716-864-1194 or cresmnyoga@yahoo.com. CmYoga.com. Bike Chat: Bike Commuting 101 – 6-7pm. Interested in commuting to work via bike, but not sure where to start? Join an informal chat about bike commuting. We’ll talk about routes, tips, tricks, etc. Free. Daily Planet, 1862 Hertel Ave, Buffalo. GoBikeBuffalo.org. Eating Healthy for Life Seminar – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn how to change the way you look, feel and live

natural awakenings

April 2016

native plants thriving in the local landscape. Ages 18+. $5/non-members. Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo. 716-825-6397. Tifft.org

getting ready to rest. Age 5+. $5/non-members. Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo. 716-826-6397. Tifft.org.

MONDAY, APRIL 11

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Prenatal Yoga – 5:45-7pm. Eight-week class on Monday’s through May 30. $96. JoyWheel Yoga & Wellness, 411 Main St, East Aurora. Preregister online at joywheelyoga.com.

International Institute of Reflexology Training Program – Apr 23-24. 7:45am-5pm. Instructor, Laurie Azzarella, presents the Ingham Method Training program. Learn techniques to help yourself, family, friends or continue training for 16 CEUs. $375. Clarence Hollow Wellness Center, 10946 Main St, Clarence. Register: Laurie Azzarella@gmail.com.

Spring Clean Your Diet – 6:30-8:30pm. Certified Health Coach, Jill Chiacchia will help you jumpstart a healthy routine with new foods and seasonally inspired recipes to rejuvenate your body, flush toxins and clean up your habits of the previous season. $39. Be Healthy Institute, 40 Main St, Hamburg. 716-648-3400. BeHealthyInstitute.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12 12 Week Eating Healthy for Life Program – 6:308:00pm. Tuesday’s thru Jun 28. Program includes a seven-day detox, healthy cooking and recipes, supermarket tour, plant based eating, label reading and more. Register before Apr 10 and receive $20 off program cost. $325. Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine, 100 College Pkwy, Ste 100, Williamsville. 716-650-3101. dmanquen@buffspine.com. Register: BuffSpine.com/calendar.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 Gentle Restorative Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Six-week class on Wednesdays thru May 18. These weekly sessions are for anyone seeking benefits of a relaxing, gentle, restorative practice. Specifically designed to reduce pain, anxiety, tension and/or stress. No prior yoga experience required. $90. Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine, 100 College Pkwy, Ste 100, Williamsville. Register: BuffSpine.com/calendar.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 Introduction to Mindfulness – 6-8pm. Learn about mindfulness. Free. Mindgardens, LLC Office, 484 Connecticut St, Buffalo. 716-259-2994. MindGardens.net.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 Communities in Bloom Gardening Class – 8:15am3:15pm. Class topics include landscape design, plant propagation and nuisance wildlife solutions. Registration deadline: April 8. $20. Cornell Cooperative Extension, 21 S Grove St, East Aurora. 716-652-5400. Preregister by 4/8: reg.cce.cornell.edu/April-16-Gardening. Erie.CCE.Cornell.edu/events. Meeting Ike: “Rainbow” Children’s Playshop – 9-10am. Led by Marina (Liaros) Naples. Children, ages 7 to 11, are led on a guided meditation using the rainbow to teach chakra colors for healing. Registration required. $10. My Garden of Healing, 2770 Main St, Ste 2, Newfane. 716-807-5354. Retree the District – 9am-1pm. A collaborative project of community partners in Buffalo’s University District working to plant 1,000 trees across the community. Sign up to volunteer or donate. Free. 190 Kapoor Hall, Winspear Ave & Winridge Rd, University at Buffalo South Campus, Buffalo. OurHeights.org/retree. Yoga with Essential Oils: Spring Rejuvenation – 10-11:30am. Spring cleaning for the mind, body and spirit. Mindfully cleanse the body and spirit and make room for the new with this detoxifying

Buffalo, NY

workshop led by Liz Maute. $25. Be Healthy Institute, 40 Main St, Hamburg. 716-648-3400. BeHealthyInstitute.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 18 Household Homeopathy - Primer in Homeopathic Remedies for Acute Conditions – 6-9pm. Eight - three hour classes on Mondays thru Jun 20 (no class 5/9 & 5/30). Arup Bhattacharya, DHM, PhD, instructs on the art and science of prescribing homeopathic remedies including the principles of dosage, potency and repetition. $224/8 classes or $35/class. Be Healthy Institute, 40 Main St, Hamburg. 716-648-3400. BeHealthyInstitute.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19 Food Truck Tuesdays – 5-8pm. This popular event resumes and continues on Tuesdays through the summer. Dozens of food trucks come together to celebrate a night of food, music and fun. In partnership with the Independent Health Foundation every truck offers a Healthy Options menu item. Free. Larkin Square, 745 Seneca St, Buffalo. LarkinSquare.com. Reiki, Meditation and Breathwork Fusion – 7-8pm. Certified meditation/life coach and reiki master, Shawn Marie Cichowski will guide attendees through an hour of mindful breath work, visual meditation and optional reiki. $15. WNY Life Coaching Center, 5500 Main St, Williamsville. RSVP required: 716-560-6552 or WNYLifeCoaching@gmail.com. WNYLifeCoaching.com. Business As Usual in a Time of Growing Environmental Catastrophes – 7pm. Audubon Library Holistic Lecture Series. Presentation by David Whaley, PhD, an environmental consultant deeply concerned about restoring the Earth and informing the public so future generations can survive the progression of environmental disasters. Free. Audubon Library, 350 John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst. Preregister: 716-689-4922.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 Wellness Fair and Noon-Time Walk – 10am-1pm. Fun activities, health screening and prizes. Also, learn about opiate addiction from Erie County Commissioner of Health, Gale Burstein. Free. Buffalo and Erie County Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo. 716-858-8900. masterr@buffalolib.org. Hope for Future Survival with Local Restoration Communities – 7pm. Audubon Library Holistic Lecture Series. Presentation by David Whaley, PhD, an environmental consultant deeply concerned about restoring the Earth and informing the public so future generations can survive the progression of environmental disasters. Free. Audubon Library, 350 John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst. Preregister: 716-689-4922.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Earth and Moon Hike – 7-8:30pm. Celebrate Earth Day with a guided sunset hike in search of nature

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“Wellness Lane” at Elmwood Village Winter Farmer’s Market – 8am-2pm. Health and wellness resources will be provided by Wellness Institute. Free. Buffalo State College, Buckham Hall, Rockwell Rd. near Grant St, Buffalo. 716-851-4052. Beactive@city-buffalo.org. Meeting Ike: “Energy Healing” Children’s Playshop – 9-10am. Led by Marina (Liaros) Naples. Children, ages 7 to 11, are taught how to do layingon-the-hands healing (non-touch method) in person and remotely. Prerequisite: previous playshops, Meditation Basics, “The Forest” and “Rainbow”. $10. My Garden of Healing, 2770 Main St, Ste 2, Newfane. Registration required: 716-807-5354. Shamanic Journeying, Power and Healing - Michael Harner’s The Way of the Shaman Workshop – Apr 23-24. 9:30am-5pm. This weekend workshop in basic core Shamanism is taught by Foundation of Shamanic Studies instructor, Nan Moss and is the prerequisite for all advanced workshops and trainings. $250. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. Register: helen_lebel@yahoo.com. CompleteWellnessCenterWNY.com. Homeostasis: A Women’s Strength to Find Balance – 9:30-11:30am. Healthy balance begins with awareness and effect of hormones in daily living. Class will discuss the major hormones and how we can work toward a happier, healthier life. Suggested reading: Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life by Dr Claudia Welch. $25. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper’s Spring Shoreline Sweep – 10am-noon. Largest single-day shoreline cleanup at 40 sites across Western New York. Join hundreds of volunteers engaging in direct citizen action that makes our community a better place and reconnects the public with our region’s most valued asset – our water. Free. Western New York. 716-8527483, ext 26. Location/register: BNRiverKeeper.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26 Clutter Clearing with Feng Shui – 7pm. Audubon Library Holistic Lecture Series. Linda Ellson a Certified Classical Feng Shui practitioner will fire up your spring cleaning using the wisdom of Feng Shui and the annual Chinese New Year energy to empower and jump start your clutter clearing this spring. Free. Audubon Library, 350 John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst. Preregister: 716-689-4922.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 Stress Relief: Natural Ways to Soothe – 5-6pm. This mind, body and soul class led by Shawn Cichowski, will demonstrate ways to develop stress relieving practices using essential oils, breath work, energy medicine and meditation. $15. The Bookworm, 34 Elm St, East Aurora. Pre-register: 716652-6552 or 716-560-6552. EABookworm.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Cycling Session: The History of Cycling in Buffalo – Noon-1pm. Informal presentation and discussion in preparation for bike month. Free. Grindhaus Cafe, 160 Allen St, Buffalo. GoBikeBuffalo.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29

ongoingevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines for submissions at BuffaloAwakenings.com or email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com for more information.

saturday

Arbor Day Tree Tours – 4pm & 6pm. Celebrate Arbor Day by visiting some of the trees in our outdoor collections while learning the basics of tree identification. Walks take place rain or shine. $10. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo. 716-827-1584. BuffaloGardens.com. Exploring Chakras – 5-6pm. With Shawn Cichowski. Using essential oils and various techniques we will explore how to activate and balance the energy centers (chakras) of the body to help nurture optimal well-being. $20. The Bookworm, 34 Elm St, East Aurora. Pre-register: 716-652-6552 or 716-560-6552. EABookworm.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 Chakras and Core Strength: Deepen Your Pranic Connection – 9:30am-noon. CEU class for Yoga Instructors and Practitioners with Sarah Guglielmi, MS, E-RYT-500, AYS. Learn about the anatomy of the lower three chakras, an approach to core strength to awaken their intelligence, followed by experiential practice. $40. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-8832223. HIBuffalo.org. A New Approach to Disease and Turning Health Care Into Self-Care Through Cooking – 10am1pm. Dr Thomas Campbell and Jessica Altman from Garden Fresh Foodie join forces for a lecture, discussion and demonstration. $15. Windsong Medical Park Community Room, 55 Spindrift Dr, Williamsville. RSVP required: Jessica: 716-983-8965 or VegHead18@gmail.com. GardenFreshFoodie. com/Healthy-Cooking-Classes-Buffalo-NY/. JoyFul Momma Healthy Baby: Women’s Wellness Gathering – 10am-3:30pm. Event includes community yoga classes, prenatal/postnatal yoga and educational talks. Preregister by Apr 23 to reserve space. Free. JoyWheel Yoga & Wellness, 411 Main St, East Aurora, Preregister: 716-655-2060. JoyWheelYoga@icloud.com.

plan ahead SUNDAY, MAY 1

savethedate SUNDAY, MAY 1 Invest In You, Health is Wealth – 10am-2pm. A multi-disciplinary wellness event with practitioners, vendors, demos, presentations and prizes. $5. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. Register: CompleteWellnessCenterWNY.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 Fifth Annual Holistic Health Expo – 11am-4pm. Marcy Casino, Delaware Park, Buffalo. Jill O’Hara: 716-425-2996.

North Tonawanda Farmers’ Market – 7am-1pm. Payne Ave at Robinson St, North Tonawanda. 716830-6025. Clinton-Bailey Farmers’ Market – 7am-6pm. 1517 Clinton St, Buffalo. 716-822-2466. ClintonBaileyFarmersMarket.com.

sunday Hoop and Wine – 3-4pm. Find your flow and strengthen your body with Hoopnotica certified instructor, Nicole Brown. $15. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. 716-553-8906. CompleteWellnessWNY.com.

tuesday North Tonawanda Farmers’ Market – 7am-1pm. Payne Ave at Robinson St, North Tonawanda. 716830-6025. Yoga – 9:45am. Everyone welcome. $48/4 classes. Clarence Hollow Wellness Center, 10946 Main St, Clarence. 716-572-2096.

wednesday Yoga Reset – 6:30-7:45pm. A gentle practice suitable for all levels of students. $15/class, $48/four classes. Clarence Hollow Wellness Center, 10946 Main St, Clarence. 716-310-3858. RichardJasonBruke.com. Qigong – 6:30-7:30pm. Open class. No reservations required. Participate in a single session or continue with multiple meetings. $15. 22 Lafayette Blvd, Williamsville. 716-622-6332. DonaldWScott.com. Meditation – 7-7:45pm. A serene atmosphere to relax the mind. All levels welcome. Donation. Udumbara Yoga, 400 Plain St, Lewiston. UdumbaraYoga.com.

thursday North Tonawanda Farmers’ Market – 7am-1pm. Payne Ave at Robinson St, North Tonawanda. 716830-6025. Drop-in Yoga Class – 5:30-6:30pm. Beginner level. $10. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Hoop and Wine – 5:45-6:45pm. Find your flow and strengthen your body with Hoopnotica certified instructor, Nicole Brown. $15. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. 716-553-8906. CompleteWellnessWNY.com. Qigong – 7-8pm. Drop-ins welcome. $10/class or $32/4 classes. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. 716-3523723. CompleteWellnessWNY.com.

Drop-in Yoga Class – 9:30-11am. Intermediate level. $12. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Elmwood Village Farmers’ Market – 10am-2pm. This winter market features 15-20 vendors along with food trucks. A producer-only market; all vendors grow or produce what they sell to create a diverse and healthy local economy. Buffalo State College, Buckham Hall, Rockwell Rd near Grant St, Buffalo. 716-881-0707. ElmwoodVillage.org. Market at Horsefeathers-Winter Market – 10am2pm. The market features more than 15 diverse vendors. Come by for brunch, fresh produce and great gifts or snacks. Market at Horsefeathers, 346 Connecticut St, Buffalo. Buffalofts.com.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings. com. Deadline is the 10th of the month. CLASSES AVATAR SELF DISCOVERY PROGRAM – “The Avatar Path is a breadcrumb trail of courses for anyone who wishes to accelerate his or her own evolvement to higher awareness,” says Harry Palmer, author of the Avatar Materials. Next Avatar Fast Track Course, April 1. For a free introduction and schedule of courses, call Tia at 716-633-0715.

FOR RENT SPACES FOR RENT – Beautiful spaces available for rent for massage therapists or similar practitioners in Complete Wellness Center. Contact Laura at 716-253-6548 ext. 208 or Laura@CompleteWellnessWNY.com for details. CompleteWellnessWNY.com.

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ACUPUNCTURE SHENDAO ACUPUNCTURE B.Schamberger, LAc 334 Bryant St, Buffalo 716-883-3166

Now offering a special, anti-stress treatment which rebalances energy; resulting in a calmer mind, healthier glow to facial skin and brightening of the eyes.

CHIROPRACTIC INNER BALANCE CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Alison Bramer Cummings & Dr. Tammy Bialek-Lehrer 2800 Sweet Home Rd, Ste 1, Amherst 716-210-1060 • InnerBalanceChiro.com

Gentle adjustments; no cracking, snapping or bending. Treating neck, back, shoulder pain, headaches, scoliosis, migraines, vertigo, digestive issues, behavior issues, sports injuries, carpal tunnel, TMJ and more. See ad, page 18.

CLEANING SERVICES – NATURAL SIMPLY KLEAN

Jill O’Hara, Owner 716-425-2996 Professional cleaning service and solutions. All natural and chemical free. No toxins or harmful odors. If you need a deep, thorough cleaning or a weekly clean we can do it. Call Jill for a quote. See ad, page 10.

DENTISTRY AESTHETIC ASSOCIATES CENTRE Dr. Todd Shatkin 2500 Kensington Ave, Ste A, Amherst 716-839-1700 • GR8Look.com ShatkinDentalOffice@gmail.com

Offering complete restorative and cosmetic dental care for adults and children. Includes bonding, veneers, bleaching, crown and bridge, dental implantology (all stages), mini dental implants and general dental care. See ad, back cover.

FITNESS CITY OF LIGHT FITNESS

MANGIA CAFÉ

621 Center St, Lewiston 716-754-1517 Naturally good food. Glutenfree and vegetarian options. Breakfast served all day and lunch; 8am-2pm. In the heart of beautiful, historic Lewiston. See ad, page 14.

HOLISTIC CENTER

Jared Callahan, Owner, Fitness Trainer 716-866-3747 • Info@CityOfLightFitness.com CityOfLightFitness.com

HIMALAYAN INSTITUTE

Jared has developed a lifestyle approach to fitness and healthy living, integrating outdoor wateroriented sports like Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) with a structured strength and conditioning program. Call for a fun and unique style of fitness training.

Buffalo’s Center for yoga, meditation and wellness. Yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, homeopathy, yoga teacher certification, CEU’s for yoga instructors, bookstore and gift shop. Reconnect with your body, relax the mind and rejuvenate your spirit. See ad, page 18.

FUSION WELLNESS CENTER BODY ESSENTIAL HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTER

5225 Sheridan Dr, Georgetown Sq, Williamsville 716-626-4466 • TheBodyEssential.net W N Y ’s o n l y f u s i o n wellness center. An intuitive center for well-being. Providing the areas best in therapeutic massage, reflexology, reiki, NSA Chiropractic, acupuncture, meditative healing and so much more. Health, wellness and personal development programs and classes. See ad, page 12.

HEALING THERAPIES DONALD W. SCOTT

Healing Body, Mind and Spirit 22 Lafayette Blvd, Williamsville 28 Park Ave, Cassadaga Robson Rd, Middleport 716-622-6332 Don has spent many years studying and practicing the healing arts of the Far East. Offering private sessions in many modalities such as yoga, qigong, reiki, massage, intuitive healing and light therapy. Call Don today for an appointment or to lead a workshop on any of these topics.

HEALTHY DINING 700 CENTER ST – JUICE BISTRO & CAFÉ 700 Center St, Lewiston 716-429-5466 • 700CenterStreet.com

Serving a wonderful selection of natural and organic foods. Vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options. Healthy smoothies, organic coffee, wheatgrass shots, wraps, paninis, baked goods and granola made in house. A must visit in historic Lewiston. See ad, page 25.

841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo 716-883-2223 • HIBuffalo.org

HOMEOPATHY HOMEOPATHIC HEALERS 156 Ramsdell Ave, Buffalo 716-310-3789 Arup_2000@yahoo.com HomeopathicHealers.com

Where healing is a way of life. Arup Bhattacharya, PhD, is a Homeopath educator, practitioner and a research faculty at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Make an appointment or join one of the courses. See ad, page 19.

LIFE COACH WNY LIFE COACHING CENTER – LIFE COACH

Shawn Marie Cichowski, Owner, Certified Life/Soul Coach 5500 Main St, Ste 313, Williamsville 716-560-6552 • WNYLifeCoaching.com Life coaching devoted to helping others help themselves. Using traditional and nontraditional coaching techniques to empower and heal from the inside out. Offering life/soul coaching, dream building, energy work, mindfulness and meditation, breathwork. See ad, page 18.

MEDIA PLANTING SEEDS TV SHOW

Jill O’Hara, Owner and TV Host PlantingSeeds2016@gmail.com 716-425-2996 • PlantingSeeds.us Providing reliable information on holistic practices, healthy options, balanced living as a resource for the community. A weekly TV program that hosts guests offering knowledge on various wellness topics. Tune in to Channel 20, times to be announced in April.

natural awakenings

April 2016

PETS

REIKI

ANCIENT FAR EAST HEALING ARTS FOR ANIMALS

ANCIENT FAR EAST HEALING ARTS

MINDFULNESS MINDGARDENS

484 Connecticut St, Buffalo 716-259-2994 • Mindgardens.net Cultivating transformation. Find a better direction in life. New lifechanging groups forming regularly. Free introduction to Mindgardens services on Friday, April 15 at 6pm. See ad, page 12.

Susi Rosinski 3110 Eggert Rd, Tonawanda 716-803-0113 • ReikiBySusi.com

Energy medicine, medical qigong, acupressure, Karuna reiki and chi’atsu. Relief from stress, anxiety, behavioral issues, arthritis, immune deficiency, speeds healing of injuries, surgery and more. See ad, page 12.

NUTRITION SMART NUTRITION BY FRANK

Frank Giardina, RDN, CDN 5500 Main St, Ste 344, Williamsville 716-220-2342 Frank@SmartNutritionByFrank.com SmartNutritionByFrank.com Offering no nonsense, sciencebased medical nutrition support for patients looking to achieve better control of blood glucose, lipid levels, blood pressure as well as improved body composition and athletic performance. Covered by most insurances. We make house calls too! See ad, page 13.

ORGANIC FARM PRODUCTS ALPINE MADE LLC

Kerry Beiter, Owner 5363 East Creek Rd, S Wales 716-430-9928 • AlpineMade.com Our certified organic goat farm is located in WNY and centered on pasture raising a small herd of Alpine goats using sustainable and organic farming practices. We craft the finest skincare products with our raw organic goat milk. Visit our website or like us on Facebook for additional information.

ORGANIC SPA GREEN SPA VILLAGE HOLISTICS

Joei Marie Lucey, RN, Green Spa Owner 5526 Main St, Williamsville 716-635-6482 • GreenSpaHolistics.com Organic holistic spa focusing on health and wellness. Pamper your body, mind and spirit. Spa services include massage, facials, body treatments, energy balancing, life coaching, craniosacral, reflexology, Emotional Freedom Technique, hypnosis, aromatherapeutic touch and more.

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS ADAM FIELD PHYSICAL THERAPY, PLLC JCC Benderson Building 2640 N Forest Rd, Getzville 716-982-8200 • Adamfpt@msn.com AdamFieldPhysicalTherapy.com

Adam Field, PT applies a whole body approach to treatment of chronic pain and injury. Utilizing myofascial/craniosacral therapies and manual joint techniques, clients experience improved movement, pain and function. Field’s experience, knowledge, and gentle manner allow him to develop individualized programs for his clients. See ad, page 6.

PHYSICIANS BUFFALO SPINE & SPORTS MEDICINE 100 College Pkwy, Ste 100, Williamsville 200 Sterling Dr, Ste 200, Orchard Park 6000 Brockton Dr, Ste 109, Lockport 716-626-0093 • BuffSpine.com

One of the largest and most established physical medicine and rehabilitation practices in Western New York. Non-surgical rehabilitation and therapy for acute injuries and chronic conditions. Holistic care focusing on patients’ functions. Take back your lifestyle! See ad, page 21.

PILATES STRETCH PILATES

1127 Wehrle Dr, Williamsville 716-626-7484 StretchWNY@gmail.com • StretchWNY.com A Pilates studio offering private and small group sessions focusing on stretching, strength posture a n d c o r e t r a i n i n g . Vi s i t Facebook, Instagram and the Pilates and fitness blog online. See ad, page 23.

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. ~George Bernard Shaw 30

Buffalo, NY

BuffaloAwakenings.com

Susi Rosinski 3110 Eggert Rd, Tonawanda 716-803-0113 • ReikiBySusi.com

Medical qigong/therapeutic tai chi, Karuna reiki, meditation. Relief from pain, anxiety, depression. Speeds healing of injuries and surgery. Boosts immune system and more. See ad, page 23.

EMERGING VIBRANT WOMEN EMPOWER AND AWAKEN YOUR FEMININE SOUL

Kohava Howard, Holistic Nurse, Wellness Coach, LYYD, Reiki Master • E Amherst 970-208-2503 • KohavaHoward.com

Skype or phone.

Intuitive, holistic, health and wellness coaching for women over 40 that are experiencing major life transitions. Reclaim your vibrant inner joy and feminine power to live your authentic life. Private sessions, wellness workshops, by

GOOD VIBES HEALING

Debra Espe, Reiki Master, BioGenesis Practitioner, Herbal Consultant West Seneca • East Aurora 716-220-8907 • HolisticAndHealthyU.com A holistic approach that addresses your individual needs. By using energy techniques such as reiki and BioGenesis combined with herbal and essential oils, we’ll work together to help you achieve a sense of well-being and optimal health.

REIKI CARE - REIKI CLASSES

Carolyn Musial, Senior Licensed Reiki Master Teacher 2167 Wehrle Dr, Williamsville 716-572-3980 • ReikiCare.com Learn this simple yet amazing technique for yourself and others to heal body/mind/spirit. All levels of reiki taught by a senior licensed reiki master teacher with the International Center for Reiki Training. CEs available. See how reiki can transform your life.

WNY LIFE COACHING CENTER – REIKI

Shawn Marie Cichowski, Owner, Reiki Master 5500 Main St, Ste 313, Williamsville 716-560-6552 • WNYLifeCoaching.com Helping you help yourself naturally, healing from the inside out. Reiki master and certified meditation instructor. Self-care and stress management trainer. See ad, page 12.

SELF DEVELOPMENT DESIGN FOR LIVING – THE AVATAR COURSE Tia Greno 716-633-0715 • TiaG12345@gmail.com

What is the greatest personal achievement? It is not any form of material wealth, quality of fame or degree of power. What then? The greatest personal achievement is peace of mind. Contact Tia for a free introduction to Avatar. See ad, page 8.

SKIN CARE AESTHETIC ASSOCIATES CENTRE Dr. Sam Shatkin 2500 Kensington Ave, Amherst 716-839-1700 • GR8Look.com

Achieve natural rejuvenation with surgical and non-surgical services in the fields of plastic surgery and advanced skin care. Dr. Shatkin and his team of health professionals help clients look and feel better about themselves. See ad, back cover.

SPA TRES AURAE SPA

5195 Main St, Williamsville 716-478-7546 SpaBuffalo.com Tres Aurae Spa offers a calm setting for all your spa needs. Services include their Best of Buffalo natural, seaweed-based facials, therapeutic massage, hair blowouts and styling, hair removal, and manicures and pedicures. Relax and enjoy spa services for individuals and groups in this award-winning facility.

THERMAL IMAGING DYNAMIC THERMAL IMAGING Carol Knapp, CCT, office manager 585-734-6083 NYDTI.com

Provides radiation-free, noninvasive clinical imaging for detecting and monitoring overall health as well as a number of diseases and injuries. Totally safe, FDA-approved and available to women, men and children. Take responsibility for your own health and be proactive with Dynamic Thermal Imaging. See ad, page 14.

WELLNESS CENTER BEHEALTHY INSTITUTE

Jill Chiacchia, Founder and Director 40 Main St, Hamburg 716-648-3400 BeHealthyInstitute.com Healthy cooking classes, fitness classes, health coaching, wellness resources and living well seminars. Come see how easy healthy is. Like us on Facebook.com/BeHealthyInstitute.com. See ad, page 19.

COMPLETE WELLNESS ARTS & SCIENCE CENTER 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo 716-253-6548 CompleteWellnessWNY.com

Cultivate wellness with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Functional Neurology Chiropractic, Light Therapy, Tree Essences, health and wellness coaching, reiki, cooking classes, qigong, hula hoop, meditation, workshops and much more. See ad, page 15.

WINE – ORGANIC ADDY’S FINE WINE AND SPIRITS 8584 Transit Rd, E Amherst 716-810-9495

Our friendly, warm staff, great wine and free weekly tastings will make you want to keep coming back. Large selection of organic wines. Check us out on Facebook. See ad, page 5.

LEXI’S FINE WINE AND SPIRITS 55 Crosspoint Pkwy, Getzville 716-689-2233

Our friendly, warm staff, great wine and free weekly tastings will make you want to keep coming back. Large selection of organic wines. Check us out on Facebook. See ad, page 5.

YOGA RISING SUN YOGA

5225 Sheridan Dr (at Evans St) Georgetown Square, Williamsville 716-632-5802 • RisingSunYoga.com Rising Sun Yoga offers you the opportunity to introduce yoga to your life if you are new and to immerse yourself if you are practiced. You will love the energy at Rising Sun. Check out our schedule and events at RisingSunYoga.com or Facebook. See ad, page 7.

SPECIALTY MARKET THE NATURAL LINK

Specialty Meat Market 105 Portage Rd, Lewiston • 716-754-1199 Facebook.com/TheNaturalLink Free-range chicken, wildcaught fresh seafood, Boar’s Head deli meats, Angus Reserve beef, local honey, maple syrup, farm-fresh eggs, goats and cows milk. Excellent service and friendly owners (Brian and Cathy). See ad, page 21.

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April 2016