Craig Stuart is the founder and Director of HYDRO-FIT. A certified fitness instructor with the Aquatic Exercise Association and ACE, Craig leads the water exercise industry as an innovator, specialist, educator, and fitness professional. He is well known for his motivating educational techniques and energizing teaching style. Craig is the 1992 recipient of AEA’s Contribution to the Aquatic Fitness Industry Award and the 2002 recipient of the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institutes’ Tsunami Spirit Award.
Archives: Events
Water Week with Craig Stuart
Craig Stuart is the founder and Director of HYDRO-FIT. A certified fitness instructor with the Aquatic Exercise Association and ACE, Craig leads the water exercise industry as an innovator, specialist, educator, and fitness professional. He is well known for his motivating educational techniques and energizing teaching style. Craig is the 1992 recipient of AEA’s Contribution to the Aquatic Fitness Industry Award and the 2002 recipient of the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institutes’ Tsunami Spirit Award.
Yoga Pilates Fusion
In this session learn a well-balanced and authentic method of training with purpose and intention. Experience an amazing blend of yoga and ballet-based movement that provides a unique and graceful way teach a mind-body class that will increase stamina, strength, stability, and mobility.
Helen Vanderburg, BPE, 2015 Canadian Presenter of the Year!
Helen is the owner of Heavens Elevated Fitness Club and Fusion Fitness Training™. With over 30 years of experience of innovations in fitness and yoga classes, club management, program development and motivational speaking she brings a wealth of experience to her presentations worldwide. She is the recipient of many industry awards, including the 2005 IDEA Instructor of the Year, 2015/ 2013/ 2006/1996 CanFitPro Presenter of the Year and an elite athlete as a former World Champion synchronized swimmer and honored member of the Sports Hall of Fame. Helen is a master trainer and educational program developer for Schwinn, BOSU, BodyBar, BenderBall and Total Gym.
Certifications: AFLCA, CFP, ACE, Pilates, E-RYT Yoga certified. In the Fall of 2016 she will be releasing her new book, Fusion Workouts.
Meditation with Sylvia Boorstein
Lecture: Healing the Division in Ourselves, Our Families, Our Communities, and the World
Meditation – Sunday through Friday
Sylvia Boorstein has been teaching Dharma and mindfulness meditation since 1985. She is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center, a psychotherapist, wife, mother, and grandmother. She is particularly interested in emphasizing daily life as mindfulness practice and including informed citizenship and social activism as integral to spiritual maturation. Her books include: It’s Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness (1997); Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There: A Mindfulness Retreat (1996); That’s Funny, You Don’t Look Buddhist: On Being a Faithful Jew and a Passionate Buddhist (1998); Pay Attention for Goodness’s Sake: The Buddhist Path of Kindness (2003), and Happiness is an Inside Job: Practicing for a Joyful Life (2008). She has visited and taught at Rancho La Puerta since 1972.
Pilates with Odile Zelenak
Pilates Mat: Fundamentals Level 1 (Progressive)
Sunday – Friday, 9 AM
Am introductory progressive class is for those who have never experienced the benefits of this core strengthening, posture aligning methodology. Clear, concise and simplified for those who are a novice or need a brush-up of the fundamental basics.
Pilates Mat: Level 2 (Intermediate)
Sunday – Friday 10:00am
A moderately quicker-paced Pilates mat class for those individuals who regularly practice Pilates mat at home. Many classic exercises with a twist, occasional use of props, and moving at a slightly faster pace – this Pilates class will leave you invigorated, stretched, and strengthened!
Odile Zelenak is a mastery movement specialist with certifications in Pilates, GYROTONIC®, Hendrickson Method®Orthopedic Massage, and Vinyasa Yoga. Her over 20 years of movement and massage practice are rooted in a deep passion and continuous study of anatomy, with a strong emphasis on biomechanical and energetic alignment principles.
Odile is best known for her ability to help clients find, feel and develop their core strengths with simple and practical exercises which leave clients feeling stronger, more flexible, and more in control of their bodies. Because of her interdisciplinary background in Pilates, Gyrotonic, orthopedic massage, and yoga, Odile brings skillful touch, articulate cueing, and a rich understanding of the interconnectedness of the body to each client and class.
She has a thriving Pilates, Gyrotonic, and orthopedic massage practice called Odile Movement and Bodywork in Solana Beach, CA where she lives with her wife and kids. https://odilemovement.com/
Pickleball with Nancy Meyer
Nancy Meyer is a long-time tennis player, as a Certified Teaching Professional (USPTA). Her expertise in racquet sports started young, playing tennis and badminton in college, which turned into teaching and coaching youth across the valley in Phoenix, AZ.
Nancy came to the sport of Pickleball five years ago and her passion and enthusiasm for the sport are boundless. She is a Certified Pickleball Professional with the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) since 2019 and recently completed her Professional Pickleball Instructor (PPR) certification in 2021.
Nancy keeps herself involved in Pickleball by competing in tournaments and as Head Pickleball Instructor at an esteemed tennis and pickleball facility in the Phoenix area. Her talent for the sport and ability to connect with people makes for a fun and memorable experience.
Feldenkrais with Louise Chegwidden
Each of us has a unique way of going about learning, as babies, toddlers, adolescents, and adults. We engage with our world through our senses, prompting patterns of movement and thinking which may become habitual; challenging or limiting our intentions.
Louise guides you through a wide variety of gentle movement sequences, which allow you to attend to the senses, observe how you move, notice unnecessary effort and tension, and invoke new patterns with improved overall coordination and ease.
Louise invites laughter, curiosity, and compassion in her classes, promoting learning that lasts. Don’t be surprised if you feel lighter, or more grounded, breathe easier, and move more joyfully.
Louise Chegwidden, PT, GCFP, is a lifelong movement learner and educator. An avid swimmer, rower, dancer, actor, gardener, and bee guardian, she inspires students to engage their embodied intelligence to reduce pain, and enhance graceful movement in all aspects of their lives. She practices the Feldenkrais Method in Oakland, CA, with individuals and in a weekly Awareness Through Movement class.
Louise wrote ‘Granny Gets a New Knee and a whole lot more,’ for anyone preparing for Knee Replacement surgery, or wanting to learn how to improve and maintain flexibility and mobility. With beautiful illustrations by Mokhtar Paki, this is a hands-on manual and practical guide.
Louise is currently a Teaching Assistant in the UNtraining, supporting fellow white identified people in developing the required skills to be in solidarity with targeted communities working for our collective liberation from all forms of oppression.
LouiseChegwidden.com
UNtraining.org
Pickleball with Roger BelAir
If you haven’t heard of pickleball, you soon will. It’s the fastest growing sport in America. The game is easy to learn, great exercise, and incredibly fun. It’s especially popular with active people over forty since it’s easy on the joints. Many people expect pickleball to be the premier participation sport of the future.
Pickleball is a combination of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. It’s often called “Ping pong on steroids.” The game was created near Seattle when kids going out to play badminton couldn’t find the birdies. However, they did find the net, a wiffle ball, and some ping pong paddles. A new game was born. In one 45-minute session you’ll learn the basics of the game, get exercise, and—most importantly—have fun!
Inspired by a CBS’s “60 Minutes” segment on crime, Roger envisioned pickleball as a means of teaching “life skills” in prisons.“96% of all inmates are eventually released. If we can make them better while they are on the inside, it’s safer for all of us once they are back on the outside. Today’s inmate is tomorrow’s neighbor.” he says.
Roger BelAir introduced the game to men charged with murder at Chicago’s Cook County Jail. “There is a magical quality about the game,” he says. “We learned gang members who wouldn’t even talk to each other, would be willing to play pickleball together. Soon they were laughing together.”
His successful program in Chicago led Roger to teaching at prisons from coast to coast, from Rikers Island in New York to Corcoran in California where Charles Manson served time. His life-changing effort have been applauded in the media from NPR to a front page story in USA TODAY.
Off the court, Roger is a financial expert who has been profiled in a cover story of Money magazine; an acclaimed author of books on finance and investments; and a keynoter at business conventions. He’s been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and many other publications.
He knows finance, but pickleball is his passion.
Pickleball with Kim Evans
Kim Evans has been a life-long tennis player and enthusiast, and completed her certification as a Professional Tennis Instructor (PTR) in 2003, teaching at a large, highly-rated tennis facility in the Chicago area. Kim competed in college, playing Division III tennis, and continues to play competitively on her 4.5 USTA team.
While in college in the 1980‘s, Kim was introduced to the sport of Pickleball. Three years ago, she was reintroduced to the sport, and fell in love. Kim completed her Professional Pickleball Instructor (PPR) certification in 2018, and started competing in tournaments as well. She still plays both sports equally, but is falling more in love with Pickleball by the day.
Kim also brings to her coaching a knowledge of sports’ psychology. Kim is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, licensed in the state of Illinois, where she has been in private practice for the past 25 years.
Trail Running with Donnie Flahavan
Donnie Flahavan has been running, competing and coaching for over 30 years. His coaching style is fun and educational. He has introduced hundreds of people of various levels to trail running.
This week you will learn basic run form drills, uphill and downhill skills, and hiking transitions along with tips on safety, gear, and how to take it all home to enhance your workout routine. The classes are designed for all levels whether you are a beginner or an advanced runner. There is a morning run option that will precede the same hike routes. We will be hiking most of the uphills so if you want to learn how to become a better power hiker this could your opportunity. Demo trail running shoes will be available in various sizes prior to each class.
The GROOVE DANCE Floor Experience!
Re-CREATE your workout…..GET GROOVE FIT! – THEGROOVE™ Experience
THEGROOVE™ F.I.T. is a mind-blowing, functionally integrated fitness experience. Not only do you get to Dance Your Heart Out in the way that best suits your body and soul, you also get to enhance every area of fitness you can possibly think of. Cardio, flexibility, coordination, balance, agility, full range of motion, muscular strength, endurance, and exclusive to THEGROOVEexperience, we’re going to pump up your creativity muscle too. There are NO fancy steps or choreography to memorize — just UNITE in a ridiculously SIMPLE yet effective movement connected to Make‐You‐Wanna‐Dancemusic and GROOVE yourself FIT!
GENTLE GROOVES…Restorative Flow! – THEGROOVE™ Experience
“GROOVE your body CALM to HEAL and RESTORE”
Are you ready and willing to gain access to the fullest potential of movement in your body? No one can do it for you except you! Find YOUR FLOW and experience how good you can feel ALL OF THE TIME! Learn one of the most powerful tools for a healthy life; the ability to soothe, restore and relax your mind and body through music, movement, creativity, and breath. Enjoy the bliss of slowing down, elongating your muscles, decompressing your joints, and making sweet sweet love to your whole body!
Heather Winia is a master trainer and educator for The World GROOVE Movement and the featured facilitator on the bodyGROOVE Fit DVD series and online streaming program. She brings with her 27 years of experience in the fitness/wellness industry and 10 years of sharing holistic health education and GROOVE DANCEfloors at fitness conferences and wellness retreats around the world. Her passion is to INSPIRE the WORLD to DANCE, to Speak Truth and to LIVE Authentically while spreading POSITIVE VIBES in all she does!
Tai Chi and Qigong
Have you ever tried TAI CHI? It’s an amazing exercise that can make you feel stronger, more coordinated, and more relaxed. The National Institute of Health has done many studies on Tai Chi and found that it improves balance, blood pressure, eye-hand coordination, body mass index, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease among other conditions. The health of the internal organs, muscles, nerves, and bones makes everything better. More and more hospitals around the country are offering Tai Chi as a great complement to other treatments.
Please join us in the morning session to learn a 15-minute series of movements you can practice to wake up your energy (chi), strengthen, and relax your body. We will practice Shooting the Bow and Arrow, The Sleeping Lion, and the Flying Crane among others. During the pandemic, I have been teaching these movements to children and adults of all ages around the world via Zoom and other platforms. Zoom has really brought us together with Tai Chi. The smiles of relaxation on the faces of my students are a wonderful reward. It doesn’t matter how far away they are.
QIGONG is the grandfather of Tai Chi. This 4000-year-old practice helps us age gracefully, and retain fluid movement, strength, and inner peace. It can help us improve our skills in walking, hiking, swimming, tennis, or whatever activities we enjoy. We practice stillness in our movements that allow the energy (qi/chi) to flow everywhere in the body. It is the perfect exercise for the body, mind, and spirit. It can be done standing, sitting, or lying down. We will do Qigong for Sleeping Better, Qigong Meditation for inner balance, and Qigong Movements for specific organs. Everyone can benefit.
I look forward to meeting you and sharing this meditation in motion with you.
Cari Shurman has studied Tai Chi and Qigong for 25 years in the US and China, has made five trips to China. She has completed two courses in Qigong at the Medical Institute of Qigong in Beijing. She lectures on Qigong and Tai Chi in schools throughout the US and has taught at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and the National Qigong Association. Cari co-founded and co-directed the Within Wellness Center in Miami. She teaches adult classes in her hometown of Carbondale, CO. The children’s program she developed, Tai Chi for Kids©, taichiforkids.com, is now taught at thousands of schools around the world. Cari trains teachers in the New York City Public Schools to implement her Tai Chi program and bring peace and focus to school children throughout the city. Cari recently trained the South African Police Department, Juvenile Division in Cape Town to use Tai Chi in their programs for the prevention of violence. She has also worked with schools in Myanmar showing teachers how to improve focus and health with their students. She loves to travel and spread the benefits of Tai Chi to all ages, everywhere.
Transforming the Food System
Join us for a conversation about CSPI’s vision for a healthier, more equitable food system. Bring your questions about nutrition policy, food safety, and dietary health.
Jane Welna works with the Center for Science in the Public Interest alongside a team of scientists, advocates, and attorneys who are engaging communities nationwide to secure food policies and practices that will make us healthier as individuals and more resilient as a nation.
As a parent, Jane volunteered as board chair for Healthy School Foods Maryland, promoting stronger nutrition standards at one of the largest and racially/economically diverse school districts in the nation. She helped successfully remove artificial food dyes and other harmful additives from school meals and vending machines. Previously, Jane worked at Downtown Community Television Center in New York City and served as Executive Director at the documentary photography cooperative Impact Visuals. She graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Art History.
She enjoys being part of a team that is cleaning up the food system. It is especially rewarding to share news with partners and supporters of our successes in making our food environment safer, more nutritious, and just.
Why Vision is So Important
The Functionality of Your Eye Brain Connection Integrating Periphery and Affecting Balance and Movement
Vision is learned and 75% of all sensory input comes from vision. Based on these two facts, learning how to use your eyes and brain together in a different conscious way will allow you to elevate and expand your learning potential and maintain your aging visual process. Come and experience hands-on how you can expand the way you see, think and move, all inspired by enhancing your newfound vision, and learn to integrate your eye brain, and conscious connection.
How to Expand Visual Memory for the Aging Brain: A Hands on Experiential Class
As we become aware that vision is learned, our visual memory is what will support us during our aging years but only if we know what it is and how we can access it. We are surviving on rote learning which is not serving us. Come and learn how you can truly expand the visual memory capabilities that will serve you outside the Ranch and show you that as you tap more into the awareness of your vision, your memory can expand and can support you more than you realized. Don’t wait to train your eyes and brain to have enhanced visual memory.
Computer Vision & the Effects of Blue Light and Sleep
Come and learn how to enhance the comfort of your eyes in the ever-increasing world of computer exposure, the artificial light from screens, and the effects on our sleep. Enjoy an experiential lecture on learning how to increase comfort to your tired burning eyes, and how you can optimize good sleep during these times.
Dana Dean, OD, is a behavioral optometrist who specializes in holistic optometry and vision intelligence. Dr. Dean has had a private optometric practice in San Diego for the past 15 years. Originally from South Africa, she completed her studies in San Diego as well as attended the New England College of Optometry in Boston. She treats her patients holistically performing vision therapy on both children and adults. Her patients also include brain injuries, stroke victims, and adults who want to achieve maximum success in life and reach their true potential. Not only does she see patients performing eye-brain-body connection and building visual efficiency, but she also lectures on the topics of vision and brain integration, vision and the aging eyes, vision and spirituality, vision with balance and coordination, as well as vision intelligence. Dr. Dana Dean is also a passionate advocate for educating teachers on the importance of vision and learning in a school setting.
Hands-On Cooking Classes with Kate Sherwood
Kate offers hands-on culinary experiences, 3.5 hours each, during which you will enjoy preparing your own meal along with fellow cooks. Classes take place at La Cocina Que Canta, our culinary center on Tuesday and Wednesday at 4pm.
Tuesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM Sign Up
Each class $125+tax. Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.
Wednesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM Sign Up
Each class $125+tax. Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.
Thursday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM Sign Up
Each class $125+tax. Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.
In addition to cooking classes, Kate offers this class:
Secrets of The Healthy Cook
I’m a chef on a mission: teaching people how to make healthy ingredients into the tastiest dishes. You know what you should be eating but how do you make great tasting vegetables, quick and satisfying whole grains, savory bean and lentil dishes? How do you know the right amount of healthy protein? Plus get tips on how to eat less of the bad stuff – less sugar, lower sodium, and less refined carbs – while still loving every meal.
Kate Sherwood is the culinary director and executive chef of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) in Washington, DC. She is the recipe developer, food stylist and photographer of The Healthy Cook recipe page for CSPI’s monthly publication, Nutrition Action, and is the publication’s culinary editor. Kate is the creative force behind The Good Foods Calendar.
Kate has lived in or visited (and, of course, eaten in) more than 30 countries. Her deep understanding of many cuisines inspires the innovative flavors of her dishes. She has taught healthy cooking at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, was the keynote speaker at the Food Bank’s TedX Food event and was featured in the Washington Post.
Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Kate has worked as a food stylist at The Food Network, Discovery, “The Today Show,” and Martha Stewart. She holds a bachelors from University of Rochester and a masters degree from Columbia.
YogaSamba
The embodiment of movement, of flow, of the divine feminine, YogaSamba, created by Brazilian yogini, Luciana Freire, is much more than a yoga class—it is a joyful invitation to ground and center, to discover, dance, play, be healthy, feel powerful.
YogaSamba stands alone as a one-of-a-kind healing modality that moves the bodies, minds, and spirits of all individuals, no matter their age or fitness level. Hearts open. Minds open. And hips open as they let go of fear, self-doubt, grief, and sadness. Balance is restored. Confidence emerges. You will shed physical and emotional layers to reveal bodies that are stronger, radiant, healthier, shapelier, and more fit. The body is a container for the soul. YogaSamba invites individuals to step deeply and joyfully into the beauty of their bodies as they dissolve barriers and emotional blocks—and to open, expand and grow.
Luciana Freire was born in Brazil, and is based in Corona del Mar, California. She has traveled the world apprenticing and training with the world’s most extraordinary healers, shamans, yogis, ayurvedic doctors, meditation teachers and holistic experts. A coach, yogini, healer, and lifelong seeker, Luciana is certified in Somatic Yoga Therapy, Yin Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Hot Yoga, Reiki, Multidimensional Healing, Sound Healing, and Life Coach. Her clients include celebrities, professional athletes, executives, and others who are committed to living life to its highest potential. She has been a yoga instructor at Equinox for 7 years and has also taught Wellness Classes at Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach and Pasea Hotel. With 15,000 Iand growing social media followers, Luciana, a health and wellness influencer, has a wide digital reach and is passionate about sharing her love for sustainable health, happiness, and transformative healing.
Yoga with Larry Payne
Larry Payne, Ph.D.,C-IAYT, E-RYT500,YTRX-1000, is an internationally respected Yoga teacher, author, and a founding father of Yoga therapy in America. Dr. Payne cofounded the International Association of Yoga Therapists, now in 50 countries, and the Yoga curriculum at the UCLA School of Medicine. He is also co-founder of the Yoga Therapy Rx and Prime of Life Yoga programs at Loyola Marymount University, the corporate Yoga program at the J. Paul Getty Museum, and the original “Back Program” at the world famous Rancho La Puerta Fitness Spa.
In 2000, he was the first Yoga teacher to be invited to The World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland, and in 1996, he performed the first documented headstand at the North Pole! He founded Samata International Yoga and Health Center in Los Angeles 1980, where he continues to teach groups and individuals.
Dr. Payne is coauthor of the international bestseller Yoga For Dummies,Wiley,Yoga Basics Wiley,Yoga Rx, Random House The Business of Teaching Yoga, Samata International and Yoga Therapy and Integrative Medicine Turner. He is featured in the Prime of Life Yoga and Yoga Therapy Rx DVD series and globally online at Yoga International. Most recently he is author of AARP’s Yoga After 50 for Dummies Wiley His website is Samata.com.
Creative Photography with the iPhone
I just shoot my life, stay present and watch what develops.
The opportunities are endless.
– Karen Divine
Traveling with the iPhone
Travel is much more than simply seeing new things. It is the desire to change our usual and comfortable perspectives of life. It is a desire to grow in spirit. These journeys all have gifts that we may not even be aware of until long after it’s over. And, when you travel to countries that are very unfamiliar, it pushes you off balance and forces you to be in the moment. One of the ways to capture these moments is by using a Smartphone. It’s much less conspicuous and user friendly than the large cameras. Come join Karen through her travels in India using her iPhone. She will share her beautiful and images as she took many small groups of iPhone Photographers through India. You will be amazed at the quality of the imagery you can capture using an iPhone. Karen will also share her signature composite imagery and the apps she uses to create them.
The Fundamentals for Creative iPhone Photography
This week we will spend the first 20 minutes of each class learning basic new skills and the second part of each class we will go outside and practice. These classes are practical and hands-on and focus on having fun. Students need an iPhone or an iPad, (sorry, no Androids). If you want to download Snapseed App, we can try to cover a little of this as well. Be sure your phone is fully charged before each class or bring a back-up charger.
The First Class will cover basic iPhone photo settings and ways to shoot with the iPhone which includes focus, exposure, and playing with perspectives and angles to create more interesting photos.
The Second Class will cover shooting Portraits and Pano mode and then practice outside, shooting landscapes, our friends, flowers and how to create more abstract imagery.
The Third Class will cover filters and two formats, 4:3 and 16:9. as well as briefly showing you additional apps you may download and play with in the future.
Armed with an iPhone and an imagination, Karen Divine creates surrealistic scenes crafted through her photographs and illustrations. She brings to life a world of color, symbolism, and imagination that are often reflections of her own personal experiences.
In her presentation, Karen will share with you the beautiful imagery you can capture using your iPhone as she takes you on her travel journeys to India. In addition, she will share with you the creative, multi-layered imagery she is best known for using the iPhone and iPad. It’s an exciting visual presentation of storytelling, travel photography and portraits.
In the early 70’s she was invited to NYC to pursue modeling as it seemed like a potentially good source of income but within six months, she realized that the idea of creating the image was far more exciting. She returned to Boston, bought a Nikon Camera with her savings, and signed up for a darkroom class. Over the next 40 years she studied painting, drawing, woodworking, ceramics, and photography. In 2010 she transferred her skills of compositing imagery from Photoshop to various apps on the iPhone.
Karen has won numerous International Photography Awards and has been in galleries all over the world. She has been at the forefront of the Mobile Photography world since 2010, speaking at MacWorld, teaching at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, Maine Media Workshops, Anderson Ranch in Snowmass, Co., as well as taking groups to India using the iPhone. Her first self-published book, A Small Amount of Courage, has won several awards for Inspiration. It is a book of 64 iPhone Composited images each based on her personal interpretation of the iChing. For more information, her website is www.karendivinephotography.com
Natural and Cultural History of Our Region
Join Mike Wilken for an Interpretive Nature Walk (1.5 hs) on Saturday.
Where Am I? The Fascinating Natural and Cultural History of Tecate, Baja California and Mexico
Have you ever been curious to know more about Tecate, Baja California, Mexico? Michael Wilken takes us on a whirlwind journey from ancient times to the present, including the formation of the peninsula of Baja California millions of years ago, the indigenous ancestors who thrived in local landscapes, the prehistoric civilizations of mainland Mexico, the history of European conquest and colonization, struggles for independence and revolution, the wild frontier of Tecate and Baja California, and the emergence of the modern republic of Mexico.
Native Plants and Native Peoples of this Land
For thousands of years, native peoples have made their homes in the coasts, valleys, mountains and deserts of northern Baja California and southern California. Through lifetimes of interactions with native plants in the diverse landscapes of the region, they have continuously refined their botanical knowledge, passing it on from generation to generation. Today, many Kumeyaay Indians in the far-flung ranches of northern Baja California still regularly practice the skills necessary to transform native plants into food, medicine, arts, tools, regalia, construction materials, and ceremonial items, among others. Native Plants and Native Peoples of this Land explores the remarkable interdependence between peoples and plants of the Californias through vivid photographs and lively narratives. Wilken provides in-depth descriptions of many native plants growing around Rancho La Puerta and their uses, along with fascinating archaeological and historical background, descriptions from early explorers, and stories from living Kumeyaay plant specialists. Out of this comprehensive perspective emerges a fascinating portrait of the region’s ancestral peoples, their cultures, and the native plant specialists who have enthusiastically shared their ever-relevant wisdom for future generations.
Anthropologist and author Michael Wilken’s research and advocacy work with Native Baja Californians has explored traditional arts (pottery, basketry, oral narratives and song), ethnobotany, history, languages and cultural landscapes of the indigenous peoples of the northern Baja California region. He has developed lifelong collaborative relationships with native artists and traditional authorities to foster cultural revitalization and sustainable community development. Wilken’s fascination with native plants and the natural landscapes of the Californias has inspired him to explore the many ways that humans have interacted with their environments, from the ancient past, into the present. His book, Kumeyaay Ethnobotany was published in 2017 and is available at the Mercado.
Amp Up Your Interpersonal Effectiveness!
It All Starts with YOU—and How You Come Across to Others
How do you look and sound? We’ll examine the seven essential communication components that create your unique “you-ness,” and you’ll learn some easy (and instant) tweaks to project yourself with accuracy and self-assurance.
Personal Response Styles: Passive, Aggressive and Assertive
Are you passive, aggressive or assertive—or perhaps all three? We’ll take a look at the response styles of ourselves and others, discuss how your style affects your life (and your relationships), and how you can make simple changes that create big results!
Speaking & Listening: The “Give and Take” of Successful Communication
Speaking and listening—they go together! We’ll discuss how to accurately share your thoughts and feelings, avoid distractions, stay focused, pay attention, and honor others through your mindful presence.
When Relationship Difficulties Arise: Assertive Problem Solving
Conflicts, quarrels, disputes, misunderstandings…try as we might, they sometimes happen. We’ll discuss how to untangle miscommunications, disarm anger, quell hurt feelings, and we’ll explore some tips for how to create peace and understanding in your personal and professional relationships.
Denise M. Dudley is a professional trainer and keynote speaker, author, business consultant, and founder of Skill Path Seminars, the largest public training company in the world, which provides 18,000 seminars per year, and has trained over 12.5 million people in the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Denise holds a Ph.D. in behavioral psychology, a hospital administrator’s license, a preceptor for administrators-in-training license, and is licensed to provide training to medical professionals in the United States and Canada. She’s also a certified AIDS educator, a licensed field therapist for individuals with agoraphobia, and a regularly featured speaker on the campuses of many universities across the US, and the author of Simon and Schuster’s best-selling audio series, Making Relationships Last. Denise’s latest book, Work it! Get in, Get noticed, Get promoted, which she wrote for graduating high school and college students, is currently available on Amazon.com, and is receiving all 5-star customer reviews. http://denisemdudley.com
Amp Up Your Interpersonal Effectiveness!
It All Starts with YOU—and How You Come Across to Others
How do you look and sound? We’ll examine the seven essential communication components that create your unique “you-ness,” and you’ll learn some easy (and instant) tweaks to project yourself with accuracy and self-assurance.
Personal Response Styles: Passive, Aggressive and Assertive
Are you passive, aggressive or assertive—or perhaps all three? We’ll take a look at the response styles of ourselves and others, discuss how your style affects your life (and your relationships), and how you can make simple changes that create big results!
Speaking & Listening: The “Give and Take” of Successful Communication
Speaking and listening—they go together! We’ll discuss how to accurately share your thoughts and feelings, avoid distractions, stay focused, pay attention, and honor others through your mindful presence.
When Relationship Difficulties Arise: Assertive Problem Solving
Conflicts, quarrels, disputes, misunderstandings…try as we might, they sometimes happen. We’ll discuss how to untangle miscommunications, disarm anger, quell hurt feelings, and we’ll explore some tips for how to create peace and understanding in your personal and professional relationships.
Denise M. Dudley is a professional trainer and keynote speaker, author, business consultant, and founder of Skill Path Seminars, the largest public training company in the world, which provides 18,000 seminars per year, and has trained over 12.5 million people in the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Denise holds a Ph.D. in behavioral psychology, a hospital administrator’s license, a preceptor for administrators-in-training license, and is licensed to provide training to medical professionals in the United States and Canada. She’s also a certified AIDS educator, a licensed field therapist for individuals with agoraphobia, and a regularly featured speaker on the campuses of many universities across the US, and the author of Simon and Schuster’s best-selling audio series, Making Relationships Last. Denise’s latest book, Work it! Get in, Get noticed, Get promoted, which she wrote for graduating high school and college students, is currently available on Amazon.com, and is receiving all 5-star customer reviews. http://denisemdudley.com
Concert with Miles Graber, Alex Greenbaum, Martha Aarons, and Lev Polyakin
Miles Graber received his musical training at the Juilliard School, where he studied with Anne Hull, Phyllis Kreuter, and Hugh Aitken. He has lived in the Bay Area since 1971, where he has developed a wide reputation as an accompanist and collaborative pianist for instrumentalists and singers. He has been associated with numerous solo artists, as well as with such ensembles as the San Francisco Chamber Soloists, Midsummer Mozart, the Oakland-East Bay Symphony, Oakland Lyric Opera, and the San Francisco Camerata. He is a member of the chamber groups MusicAEterna, GGR Trio, Alcyone Ensemble, the Sor Ensemble, Mira Trio, and the new music group Sounds New. He has accompanied master classes of Midori, Joseph Silverstein, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Pamela Frank, Alexander Barantchik, James Galway, Lynn Harrell, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Lipsett, Ronald Leonard, Leon Fleisher, Alisa Weilerstein, Jeanne Baxtresser, Paula Robison, and Kim Kashkashian. He has been a frequent performer with members of San Francisco Symphony, San Jose Symphony, Berkeley Symphony, California Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony, San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, Oakland Symphony, Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra, UC Berkeley Symphony, and members of the faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Mr. Graber is a staff accompanist at the San Domenico Conservatory in San Anselmo, California, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and Northern California Flute Camp in Carmel Valley. Other accompanying posts include the Mondavi Center for the Arts Young Artist Competition, the Irving M. Klein International String Competition, and the Summer Brass Institute.
Cellist Alex Greenbaum enjoys a diverse and adventurous musical life. As a member of the Hausmann Quartet he is an Artist-in-Residence at San Diego State University. As a long-time member of The Knights he has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe and appeared at various festivals. He has recorded for Ancalagon, Bridge, Canary Classics, Cantaloupe, In a Circle, Koch, Naxos, Warner Classics and Sony records. His varied interests have led to collaborations with dance companies, recordings for film, television and commercials, studies of early music and performances throughout Mexico. Alex is a founding member of San Diego Baroque, a mainstay on the Art of Élan series, an affiliated artist with San Diego New Music and appears regularly with Bach Collegium San Diego.
Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her third consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2023. Congratulations!
Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.
Get Your Nature Groove On!
Whose Scat is That? And Other Signs of Wildlife
Many animals make their home here at Rancho La Puerta, which provides important habitat to live, breed and thrive. We will explore trails, bushes, trees and surrounding areas as we look at scat (poop), animal tracks and other signs of wildlife. OUTDOOR FIELD EXPERIENCE
Bird and Nature Walk
Judie Lincer, M.S. Ed. is a Naturalist Educator with San Diego Audubon, who has over 30 years of teaching experience and guides hikes educating people about ecosystems, adaptations, ethnobotany (the study of a region’s plants and their uses through the traditional knowledge of a local culture). She is an enthusiastic speaker who inspires others to develop an appreciation of the environment. Judie is a Workshop and Tour Director for the California Native Plant Society-San Diego.
Concert
Tuna Real de Tecate
This group of friends from Tecate met in high school as part of a special singing group – La Estudiantina. To commemorate the 65th anniversary of the founding of La Estudiantina at their school, they formed La Tuna Real de Tecate in May 2015. They joyfully perform in the clothing that evokes the colonial cities of Mexico singing the beautiful Castilian Spanish language. They are proud to have been invited to sing at special anniversaries in other cities and enjoy participating in local regional events.