Rites of Spring, Saturday 04-28-12

SPRING!

R ites of

Celebrating Earth Day

Photos on page 12

We flipped out! Turn over the Rites of Spring for our Spring Bride special!
our C ier
Claremont

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Claremont
claremont-courier.com
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Focusing body and spirit to fight MS

Story on page 6

Spring E-cleaning
Story on page 8

Ripe n ready for recipies

Story on page 14

Planning a wedding is only getting more complicated as couples are more particular about their very personal, life-changing event. Get an inside look from proposal to vows by a brides best friend.

BRIDE
April 28, 2012

SPRING

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Mind and body unite

by Beth Hartnett

Rachel McDonnell uses exercise to combat effects of MS.

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Spring e-cleaning

by Sarah Torribio

Toss aside chemically-lased cleaners. Its time to e-clean.

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Earth Day

photos by Steven Felschundneff

A photo spectacular of Sustainable Claremonts Earth Day.

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Strawberry fields

by Linda Heilpern

Learn how to make springtime recipes using fresh, local strawberries.

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Photo courtesy of Grace Felschundneff The decomposed granite path in the foreground of this scene mimics the former lawn in the backyard of the home COURIER photographer Steven Felschundneff shares with his wife, Grace. The overall design of the yard was laid out by Mr. Felschundneffs mother, Joan Felsch, beginning in the 1970s.

A love for gardening rooted by family memories

n Earth Day 34 years ago, a young family did what young families are supposed to do on Earth Day: they planted a redwood tree. Truth be told, I have no recollection of that day, but the tree that my family planted in 1978 is now a magnificent example, towering over the home where I still live.
And so it was on Earth Day 2012 that I opened my home to the community in a Spring Garden Gala sponsored by the Claremont United Church of Christ. The theme, not surprisingly, was sustainability, or more to the point, creative landscaping that uses less water or incorporates edible plantings. Our garden was selected for the tour for its extensive use of cacti and agave in the front yard (for those readers who just opened their latest bill from Golden State Water Company, we water the front once a month in the middle of summer and not at all from November to May). The vision for this came from my wife, Grace, who had never lived anywhere that cacti could grow. And so, when I returned here with her from Florida 13 years ago, it became a must for our yard. Grace also added an element of fun to the tour with cowboy costumes, cap guns and old west tunes on the hi-fi. A

One guest remarked about how unusual it is for 2 generations of the same family to garden the same plot of land.
Steven Felschundneff Claremont COURIER photo editor and photographer

wheelbarrow full of ice and Cactus Cooler completed the theme. The cactus garden may have been the hook for our guests but the real treat was waiting in the backyard. Beginning with that redwood, my mother, Joan Felsch, spent 20 years crafting a magnificent garden of roses, salvia, irises, lavender, geranium, sycamore, redbud and stone fruit. Since her death from cancer in

1999, it has become my duty to maintain her creation and make it my own. While being careful not to alter the integrity of her design, we have added extensive plantings of our own, including a bed of bearded irises, a stunning Japanese bloodgood maple and a flowing juniper. We also replaced the lawn with red decomposed granite to create the perfect visual foil to the green beds. One guest remarked about how unusual it is for 2 generations of the same family to garden the same plot of land. I certainly never intended to be that personas a young man I was quite the wandererbut now it has become very important to me. While weeding behind a tree a few years ago, I found some hand pruners undoubtedly lost by my mother while weeding that same tree. Those connections would have been lost forever if I had never returned to this home. So on Earth Day, we honored the memory of a woman who loved her plants, while recognizing that future gardens will likely be very different. The simple fact that only 2 people live on over one-third of an acre planted solely for our enjoyment is hardly sustainable. However, by removing the lawn and focusing the water usage to a small area in the back, we have reduced our need for water while honoring and continuing the garden-loving tradition of those who have lived here.
Steven Felschundneff

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When they moved in 13 years ago, COURIER photographer Steven Felschundneff and his wife, Grace, removed the jungle-like plantings from Mr. Felschundneffs childhood home and replaced them with a garden of cacti and agave.

Photos courtesy of Grace and Steven Felschundneff The early morning fog silhouettes a massive cereus cactus in Grace and Steven Felschundneffs north Claremont home. The homes front and back gardens were part of the Spring Garden Gala sponsored by the Claremont United Church of Christ.

The lush flower garden in the backyard of Grace and Steven Felschundneffs north Claremont home is a contrast to the low water cactus garden in the front. The redwood tree that Mr. Felschundneffs family planted in 1978 is seen at right.

The redwood tree planted by Mr. Felschundneffs family on Earth Day 1978 towers over the verdant garden of the home that he now shares with his wife, Grace. Mr. Felschundneffs mother, Joan Felsch, spent 2 decades creating the garden and many of her plants still thrive.

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Nurturing the physical in her fight against MS

Those fears were strengthened by her increasing dependencies on medication, which Ms. McDonnell said were being prescribed to her in alarming numbers. I was paying half a million in medication annually, she said. I was sort of in the mindset that I was going to take these prescription drugs and just cope with the symptoms. Mr. Ghorbani is no stranger to training clients with MS, stroke or other needs. It is working with these clients that brings him the most pleasure and inspired him to leave 24 Hour Fitness where he was a general manager to start his own practice. [Clients with specialized needs] were I was kind of nervous to go to any not popular because it took a lot of attengym. Its not a place I usually hang tion. They wanted money-making things, out...I thought its going to be weird to so I had to walk away, Mr. Ghorbani do a gym website, she said. said. For me it is about taking care of Now, the Fitness Loft has become COURIER photo/Steven Felschundneff those in need and not just selling them like a second home to Ms. McDonnell. Rachel McDonnell pushes herself to the limit while lifting weights recently at the Fitness She began training with Mr. Ghorbani Loft in Claremont. With the encouragement of her trainer, Fitness Loft owner Asghar things. That is what fitness is about. Originally from Caspian, Iran, Mr. following her initial meeting with him. Ghorbani, Ms. McDonnell has reversed many of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Ghorbani began his own fitness journey He didnt seem to care that much about his web- unencumbered steps in years. The onset of spring has as an award-winning gymnast. His track record brought with it new life for Ms. McDonnell. site, she reflected. For 12 years with MS you feel like every year there speaks for itself, with more than 35 years working in He was more interested in helping her overcome her challenges. Before she knew it, she was taking her first is something you say goodbye to, and you start to get the fitness industry. His style blends martial arts, used to having these little losses, she said. Its fun to nutritional coaching, exercise and overall motivation. exercise class in over a decade. Two months prior, having a personal trainer would say I have turned back. I am stronger than I was 2 He refers to it as mindset management. It is believing that you can, focusing and visualiznot have been an option for Ms. McDonnell, who was years ago even standing up. Im now on the offense. ing, putting your mind and your heart against the old In the 4 or 5 months prior to meeting Mr. Ghorbani, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) 12 years ago. According to Ms. McDonnell, her fearful mindset was Ms. McDonnell had seen a rapid decline in her health. belief and the old thought like I cant or Ill fail, At just 42, she was starting to dread normal everyday he said. Referring to Ms. McDonnell, he added, This even more debilitating than her physical condition. lady had lots of fears. Fear is only made by your You worry that [after starting physical therapy] activities like brushing her teeth. The little things that didnt used to feel like a chal- mind. It is about getting the clients to believe that the things wont improve, she said. I was overcome by lenge started becoming harder and harder, like get- greatness is within, and there is nothing thats going that fear. With the help of Mr. Ghorbani, Ms. McDonnell ting coffee in the morning. That was scary, she said. to stop you unless your own mind. Despite her initial hesitancies to take Mr. Ghorbani trains 5 days a week and has achieved feats she would If I cant even procure a cup of coffee in the mornup on his offer for physical therapy, his encouragenot have believed possible, including taking her first ing, clearly my disability is impacting my life. ment inspired her to take a leap. One of her biggest struggles is mobility, and when Ms. McDonnell couldnt make the trek to the loft, Mr. Ghorbani set up their own gym in her home or take her on field trips to the park. We had old pieces of gym equipment that had been cut, random weights, exercise balls on top of easy-up chairs...it looked sort of like terminator exploded in my house, she laughed. Though there were initial challenges, like managing
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tepping in to the AG Fitness Loft in the Packing House last February was strange territory for Rachel McDonnell, who has been wheelchair bound for years. Ms. McDonnell, a volunteer with the Claremont Forum, was meeting to help fitness guru and loft-owner Asghar Ghorbani with the website for his new business.

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COURIER photos/Steven Felschundneff Fitness Loft owner Ashgar Ghorbani, 51, was born in Caspian, Iran, then moved to Sweden where he raised a family. He came to the United States 14 years ago. He is very passionate about his job as a physical trainer, particularly when he can help someone who has given up on feeling better and being fit.

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low energy and spastic muscles caused by MS, Ms. McDonnell says she started to see small lifestyle changes almost immediately. Soon, 2 days of training a week became 3 and then 5. A small 5-pound weight became 35 pounds. My energy level started to feel higher, everything wasnt such a giant clutch as it was before. Some things felt easier than they did initially. Getting a cup of coffee didnt feel like a workout, she said. It was a big deal for me. As her energy and strength increased, her dependency on medications took a sharp decline. Every 6 months they up your dose. I am on the dose I took 8 years ago, she said. For the first time feeling like she was really standing up to tthe negative effects of MS, Ms. McDonnell began blogging through Mr. Ghorbanis website to share her story with others. She is inspiring other clients with MS to take steps to rehabilitate. Through the help of Mr. Ghorbani, the pair now has found a new motto: MS is BS. Her biggest breakthrough took place just a month after her training began. She recounts the tale in a blog entry posted late last month. Since being diagnosed, Ms. McDonnell has come to dread falling. In the past if Id fallen I would just kind of wait until someone showed up. After 30 minutes of waiting there, its really easy to feel like loser number one, she said. Last month, for the first time in years, Ms. McDonnell fell and was able to get up on her own.

Master trainer Asghar Ghorbani helps his client Rachel McDonnell walk across his studio on Monday at the Fitness Loft in The Packing House. Ms. McDonnell was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 12 years ago and had lost the ability to walk until she started working with Mr. Ghorbani.

Rachel McDonnell, 42, has had multiple sclerosis since she was 29, which slowly robbed her of physical abilities most people take for granted. After working with a personal trainer, she is now taking fewer medications and is even reversing some of the symptoms of her disease.

I had nurtured the physical over the last month and it was time to have a little faith. I could now manage something that used to be impossible. Asghar speaks in grander language than I do. Hed say I have the inner power and to see the action in my mind and the true potential I have in myself, she wrote. I felt so tricky, so flushed with my victory that I sent texts to

Asghar, my husband John, and everyone else I could think of. (I may have heard a distant woohoo! from Asghar as he read the text ). Just being able to get up off the floor was...I mean that was the biggest thing I can imagine, she said. Beyond giving her a new sense of strength, his enthusiasm and carpe diem attitude about life has given her renewed courage to embrace her own. It has made me reevaluate what I thought the disease was going to do, she said. I dont want to say people shouldnt listen to their doctors because they absolutely should, but now Im not afraid to challenge myself. Now Im more interested in fighting back. Mr. Ghorbani offers both personal and group training for individuals of all abilities and ages at AG Fitness Loft (532 W. First St., Suite 202) or in the convenience of his clients homes. He encourages those interested in finding out more to join him for a free session. Visit www.agfitnessloft.com or call 660-9866 for more information. Read about Ms. McDonnells fitness journey at agfitnessloft202.blogspot.com.
Beth Hartnett

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Eco-products, kitchen-cupboard ingredients turn spring cleaning green

ts spring, that season when something primal makes us throw open the windows and, taking a leaf from the musical Hair, let the sunshine in.

We notice the windows are grimy, but they let in enough rays to show that the place is a-swarm with smut and a-dance with dust, which means that somewhere, under a bed or refrigerator, lurks its timid cousin, the dust bunny. Its time for a good, old-fashioned spring cleaning. Its easy enough to initiate. Heres what you need: A Carol King album (or Ramones, or Lionel Ritchiewhatever gets you going); a sponge, some rags, a broom and a mop; and an array of cleaning products so vivid in color they look like they were distilled in a test tube, then subjected to the kind of radiation that turns mild-mannered journalists into superheroes. Wait. What? In a time of growing environmental awareness, all that unnatural vibrancy gets us wondering: Just what are the ingredients in these common household products?

chemical developed liver and kidney tumors, according to HealthyChild.org. Short-term exposure to concentrated amounts of p-DCB, that same site notes, can lead to ill-effects like headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, trembling, numbness in the limbs and swelling of the eyes, hands and feet. I know. Its not like youre not spraying the stuff on toast and eating it. Take a moment, though, to consider all the other products you use to clean. I wont enumerate the ingredients in your various Fabrezes, Mop-n-Glos, Comets, Mr. Cleans and Windexes. Suffice it to say that when you settle down to clean, youre dealing with a whole lot of toxicity that can make its way into your lungs, into the environment and into the water system.
COURIER photo/Steven Felschundneff Many of the products our grandmother may have used for cleaning are also some of the most environmentally safe, such as simple vinegar or lemon.

Buying green
If you are motivated to cut the chemicals, there are many products designed to clean green. The Claremont boutique, Barbara Cheatley Antiques, carries a line of ecofriendly cleaning products made from plant-derived ingredients and essential oils. Ms. Cheatley has stocked the Caldrea line of laundry and dish soaps, counter cleaners, room sprays and more for a dozen years.
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Clean at what cost?

Lets take air freshener. Common brands employ some heavy-duty chemicals: formaldehyde and petroleum dis-

tillates, both of which have been linked to asthma and respiratory problems, and aerosol propellants. The latter product can be flammable and may cause nervous system damage if inhaled, according to an About.com article by Anne Marie Helmenstine, a chemistry professor and doctor of philosophy in biomedical science. The fourth ingredient used to mask yucky odors is a volatile organic com-

pound called paradichlorobenzene (p-DCB), which is poorly-soluble in water and has a tendency to accumulate in fatty tissues. The US Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have acknowledged that p-DCB can reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen. In recent years, researchers have found that animals that drank water high in the

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seasonal zeal and still gets a strong urge to turn her house out come spring.

The products, which are biodegradable and arent tested on animals, come in an array of botanical scents and with short and sweet ingredient lists. The all-purpose cleaner, exuding the lines Fragrance No. 19, contains essential oils from orange and vetiver, naturallyderived cleaning surfactants and birch bark extract. You add the water. The price of Caldrea products is slightly higher than that of supermarket brandsa 32-oz. bottle of all-purpose cleaner runs $12; 16 oz. of linen/room spray is $9; while a 16-oz. bottle of stainless steel spray is $11but a little goes a long way, said Ms. Cheatley. She uses the laundry detergent and the countertop cleanser, which makes your whole house smell good, and swears by Caldreas sweet pea-scented linen spray, which she spritzes on linens, couches and mattresses. Ms. Cheatley lived for a time in Minnesota, the state that is home to Caldrea, and says its fitting that the company hails from the Midwest, where they know spring cleaning when they see it. When she first moved there, she marveled at the energy with which people celebrated the end of homebound winter days. Everything goes outsidemattresses and just everythingand they clean it and whip it. Theyre beating their rugs, she recalled. I felt left out. Ms. Cheatley took on a bit of their

The smell disappears when dry; vinegar is an effective deodorizer, absorbing odors rather than simply masking them.

Half-baked
And then theres baking soda, which makes a fantastic natural scrub for most household surfaces. In addition, you can use baking soda to deodorize any place that needs a fresh touch. Just place the open box in your refrigerator or freezer or sprinkle it in trashcans, laundry baskets or overripe shoes. In a HowStuffWorks.com article, Christine Halvorson suggests that oncea-month, you sprinkle carpets with baking soda, let it sit overnight, and then run the vacuum. She even shares a personal recipe for a fragrant carpet freshener: 1 cup crushed, dried herbs (rosemary, southernwood, lavendar, etc.); 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Going green may feel a little different at firstmaybe even a little hippy-dippy. But an environmentally-conscious spring cleaning will leave your place smelling great, and you feeling confident that you have stepped away from our collective chemical dependency.
Sarah Torribio

The best things in life

If youve got the green-clean urge but cant afford the products, theres good news: Many common items you can find in your kitchen cupboards make great cleaners. Most organically-minded housekeepers agree that 3 of the most versatile natural cleaning items are vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda. Vinegar contains mild acids that dissolve dirt, grime, soap scum and hard water stains. Its also a natural disinfectant. Vinegar mixed with water in a spray-bottle can be used on just about every surface in your homebathtub, sink, countertops, appliances, floors and fixtureswith the exception of marble, which it can stain. You can also make a scrub for tougher spots by mixing a half-cup of vinegar with one-fourth cup baking soda. (Make sure to dilute vinegar properly before attacking tile as pure vinegar can also erode tile grout.) To clean your toilet, flush to lower the water level, then pour undiluted vinegar around the inside of the rim. With a bit of scrubbing, the vinegar dissolves unsightly rings. You can also add a halfcup of vinegar to your laundry rinse cycle for an inexpensive and hypoallergenic fabric softener that really dissolves laundry detergent. While youre using vinegar, you may have a flashback to your childhood and those Dudleys Easter egg dying-kits.

When life gives you lemons

Lemon juice is another substance that harnesses the power of acidity. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle the surface with baking soda. You can use it to scrub dishes and surfaces or to shine brass and copper. In an About.com article, Sarah Agirrea longtime professional cleaner and mother of 5advises that you test any surfaces you are unsure about in a hidden place to make sure the lemon, a natural bleach, doesnt cause any discoloration. Ms. Agirre suggests that you make a cleaning paste from lemon juice and baking soda. You can also, she notes, mix a half-cup lemon juice with a cup of olive oil to make a natural furniture polish. When youre done with the lemon, Ms. Agirre says, slice up the peel and throw it in the garbage disposal, running it for a clean and pleasant-smelling disposal. (Orange peel works, too.)

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t is the rare individual these days who is unfamiliar with Earth Day, which began in 1970 and has grown in strength, scope and numbers ever since. However, it is unlikely that people have the same familiarity with International Mother Earth Day, which was made official in a 2009 resolution crafted and unanimously passed by the United Nations General Assembly. Designated as April 22 annually, it is not meant to replace Earth Day but rather to reinforce and reinterpret its message and activities based on evolving environmental challenges.
Spearheading the International Mother Earth Day proclamation was the country of Bolivia, whose president, Evo Morales Ayma, addressed assembly members after the resolution passed. Sixty years after adopting the [Universal Declaration of Human Rights], Mother Earth is now, finally, having her rights recognized, he said to the 63rd General Assembly in 2009, appealing to members to live up to their responsibility to ensure life on the planet by working for unity, equality, dignity and humanity. Action to this end was never more vital, he noted, expounding upon the perilous status of the Earth: We are strangling the planetstrangling ourselves, he said, further declaring that we dont own the planet, we belong to it. The core of the International Mother Earth Day resolution (Resolution No. 63/278) stated the following: Acknowledging that the Earth and its ecosystems are our home, and convinced that in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social, and environmen-

Mothers love: Earth Day goes global

al, Ban Ki-Moon, remarked that, The annual observance of International Mother Earth Day honors our one and only planet and the place of human beings in it. It is also meant as a call to action against human disregard for natures life supporting resources and ecosystems. Current president of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser asked the assembly 2 fundamental and potent questions: First, how can we sustain life while protecting the planet? And second, what does that Earth require in order to support 7soon to be 9billion people? He followed up these dire questions with, We are, for the first time, acknowledging worldwide that the sustainability of life on earth is a serious question that will drive fundamental decisions in our society and the world at large. This June, world leaders along with thousands of representatives from governments, the private sector and other groups and organizations, will convene at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro (Rio+20) to address questions of this nature and diligently work toward practical, far-reaching solutions. At the April 18 dialogue, Secretary General Ki-Moon noted that the conference is a time to recommit to implementing the agenda set forth at the first Earth Summit in 1992 (also held in Rio), and he outlined reasons for urgency. In the next 20 years, the world will need at least 50 percent more food, 45 percent more energy, 30 percent more water and many millions of new jobs, he said. Our challenge at Rio+20 and beyond is to take a holistic, integrated approach to these linked chal-

by Brenda Bolinger

tal needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the Earth, Recognizing that Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit, Noting that Earth Day is observed each year in many countries, [The General Assembly] Decides to designate 22 April as International Mother Earth Day. Miguel dEscoto Brockmann, assembly president at the time, noted that in passing this resolution, the UN had moved to put people and the wellbeing of the planet at the center of our attention and recognize good stewardship of the planet and our dwindling resources as a shared responsibility. Our decision today, he continued on April 22, 2009, marks one more symbolic step in changing the dominant mindset that has brought us so close to self-destructionInternational Mother Earth Day promotes a view of the Earth as the entity that sustains all living things found in nature. Inclusiveness, he emphasized, is at the heart. Continuing to honor the resolution, last week, on April 18, 2012, the UN General Assembly held an Interactive Dialogue on Harmony to commemorate International Mother Earth Day. During the dialogue, the 2012 secretary-gener-

lengesWe must use Rio+20 to promote better respect for nature and to cultivate an environmentnatural and socialin which all children feel safe and all people can prosper. Mother Earth belongs to us all. In this all-inclusive spirit, last Saturday, April 22, Earth Day and International Mother Earth Day activities of all shapes and sizes took place the world-over. The Earth Day Network estimates that more than one billion people in 192 countries commemorated the day in some fashion. Beyond our own hullabaloo in Claremont, thousands of cyclists in Hungary gathered for a Critical Mass bicycle ride across the capitol; students at the University of Sindh in Pakistan marched in the streets carrying International Mother Earth Day banners and signs; Japan residents paraded down the streets in protest of nuclear power plants, carrying carp-shaped wind socks to symbolize good health for children; volunteers in Honduras participated in a reforestation project at a community zoo; in Iraq, the Ministry of Education sent Earth Day materials to schools around the country so that a million students could partake in activities; in Boujaad, Morocco, a group of students organized a trash clean-up and tree-planting in their community; thousands gathered at the National Mall in Washington DC for a daylong celebration; thousands and thousands of trees were planted around the globe; and much, much more. Whether we tag on the International Mother to our mentions of Earth Day or not, the annual celebration has gone worldwide, and in wonderfully staggering proportions. As UN Secretary-General Ki-moon said, Mother Earth belongs to us all.

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Claremont High School garden revitalization project

The site at Claremont High School before the revitalization project began.

M
Photos courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Claremont

embers of the Kiwanis Club of Claremont lent a hand on Earth Day to assist in the CHS Garden Revitalization project. Entitled, One Day 2012, Kiwanans, members of the Claremont Colleges Circle K Club and Claremont High School students and volunteers joined forces last Saturday to refurbish the CHS garden.
After the 2200 sq. ft. garden was prepped, drainage was improved and a pathway was developed. Additionally, volunteers created a compost area and added new top soil. The project was led by Dessa Aguilar, CUSD community coordinator (under Rick Cota), Jonathan Eagleton, CHS teacher, and Sylviano Areiga, CUSD irrigation specialist, in addition to many local residents and students.

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It takes a Village: Claremont celebrates Earth Day

99.5% on Earth of all fresh water

is in icecaps and glaciers.

COURIER photo/Steven Felschundneff Lily Miller, left, and Riley McNamara work the I Can Do It booth last Saturday during Claremonts Earth Day Celebration. The girls asked people to pledge to do one small thing for the environment and then posted a card with the promise on a poster to be hung at city hall.

Catherine Rowlee, of the Interfaith Sustainability Committee, entertains a group of children with her earth ball last Saturday during the Earth Day celebration in the Claremont Village. Hundreds of people came out for the yearly event, which featured music, food and dozens of ecologically-themed vendor booths.

A selection of fruits and vegetables on display at the Farm Fresh to You booth last Saturday during Earth Day in Claremont.

84%
of a typical households waste can be recycled.
Hundreds of people came to the Claremont Village last Saturday to see the booths, listen to music or take in a speech during Claremonts Earth Day celebration. Volunteer Ariana Chavez holds a great horned owl named Andrew while working at the Wild Wings booth last Saturday in Claremont. Wild Wings is a nonprofit rehabilitation center for native birds that have become injured.

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The strawberry:

A spring tomato?

by Linda Heilpern

he last weeks of spring are upon us and fresh ripe strawberries are everywhere! Beckoning from roadside stands, local farmers markets, supermarkets and restaurant menus, these plump, flavorful fruits inspire an array of irresistible desserts cobblers, shortcake and meringues my personal favorite being just fresh sliced strawberries with whipped cream. In the spring, strawberries rule! But what about savory uses of strawberries? Strawberries are firm, sweet, tart and juicy, with a nice acid finish. Which reminds me of another garden fruit that is not yet in season the tomato! I usually avoid making tomatoes the centerpiece of my dishes until I can get them locally at the peak of their flavor, preferably from my own garden. Well, that wont happen for another 60 days or so. But what if I tried using strawberries in place of tomatoes in some classic dishes? Eager to find out, I bought a pint of ripe strawberries. In shopping strawberries, I always check for bruises, indicating they are too ripe, and for an irresistible, beckoning aroma, indicating they are ripe enough. Strawberries in hand, I headed home to try fresh strawberries in 3 classic recipes that typically showcase the lushness of fully ripe tomatoes, straight off the vine. The Tomato Strawberry Crostini, Strawberry and Bleu Cheese Salad, and Swordfish with Strawberry Salsa were all a resounding success! This encourages me to try other ideas: Strawberry-Tomato Spaghetti Sauce? Or how about a guacamole-style dip made with avocado and strawberries? Or a gazpacho-style strawberry soup? Clearly, I have only scratched the surface, and those good fresh strawberries will still be available for several more weeks! Here are the recipes. Do try them and let me know how they came out. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

COURIER photos/Steven Felschundneff Strawberries grow in tidy rows at Vargas Farms, The Strawberry Patch, in Claremont. The farm has been selling the fruit at the corner of Base Line Road and Towne Avenue for 32 years.

SWORDFISH WITH STRAWBERRY SALSA Serves 2

INGREDIENTS 2 swordfish steaks (or salmon, halibut, mahi mahialmost any fish) Salt, pepper, garlic salt, cumin Olive oil DIRECTIONS

1. Combine all salsa ingredients in a small bowl and set aside while preparing the fish. 2. Wash your steaks or filets then pat completely dry. 3. Sprinkle both sides of fish with salt, pepper, garlic
salt, and cumin, to taste (about a pinch of each, per side). Rub spices into fish.

Salsa: 1 T. olive oil 1 T. lime juice 1 T. red wine vinegar 1 T. balsamic vinegar 3 T. finely chopped cilantro c. finely chopped red onion - 1 jalapeno, finely chopped, to taste pint strawberries, diced

4. Heat heavy-bottomed skillet until smoking hot. Coat with a small amount of olive oil and immediately put in the fish. 5. Adjust heat to medium. Cook until first side of fish develops a crust. Turn and cook the other side. Total cooking time is 10 minutes for each inch thickness of fish. 6. Plate and top with salsa. Serve immediately.

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TOMATO STRAWBERRY CROSTINI Serves 2

INGREDIENTS baguette, sliced on the diagonal (about 6 slices) Olive oil 2 T. balsamic vinegar 1 T. olive oil small tomato, small dice 2 large strawberries, small dice 4 large basil leaves, cut in thin ribbons 1 clove garlic Salt and pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS

STRAWBERRY AND BLEU CHEESE SALAD Serves 2

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place sliced baguette on baking sheet. Brush olive oil generously on top side of bread. Bake in oven for about 5 minutes, or until light golden brown. 2. Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl. When bread is ready, place generous amount of mixture on each slice, drizzling any extra liquid evenly. 3. Serve in about 10 minutes, allowing time for flavors to sink into bread.

Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing: 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 t. Dijon mustard 1 T. sherry or champagne vinegar Pinch each of salt, pepper and sugar Salad ingredients: 1 head romaine lettuce (just the light green inner leaves) cup crumbled bleu cheese cup sliced or slivered toasted almonds 4 large strawberries, sliced Salt

1. Slice romaine, crosswise, in inch pieces. 2. Toss with a pinch or so of salt. 3. Dress romaine with desired
amount of Dijon dressing.

4. Sprinkle with bleu cheese, almonds and strawberries.

[Editors note: Linda Heilpern, owner of Cooking Light with Lotsa Flavor, is a personal chef and cooking instructor. In addition to cooking for special events and providing delicious, healthy meals for her regular clients, she offers handson cooking workshops right here in Claremont. For more information, call 6259194 or visit www.LotsaFlavor.com.]

our C ier
Claremont

claremont-courier.com

Planning a wedding is only getting more complicated as couples are more particular about their very personal, life-changing event. Get an inside look from proposal to vows by a brides best friend.

BRIDE
April 28, 2012

SPRING

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Here comes the bride...

Premier Bridal Shows to host upscale bridal show at Ontario Hilton

BRIDE

SPRING

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My best friends wedding

A day in the life of matron of honor Janice Olmedo

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Take to the outdoors

Great outdoor event locations right here in Claremont

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Tips of the trade: An upscale bridal show at Ontario Hilton

howcasing some of southern Californias top wedding professionals, brides-to-be and their wedding planners are invited to shop, compare and get insights and advice from leading wedding experts at a bridal show scheduled for Sunday, May 20 at the Hilton Ontario from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ontario Hilton Hotel

It is recommended to shop around for weddingrelated services and compare quality and price before making final decisions about such an important day. Bridal fairs offer an efficient way to review whats in the marketplacefrom florists and photographers, to testing the wares of cakemakers, and listening to the music of a variety of DJs. Bridal fairs often offer a fashion show with models wearing a wide range of wedding attire. Event professionals will be on hand to answer questionsnamely what services are offered and how much it will cost. The bridal show at the Hilton Ontario will give guests an opportu-

Premier Bridal Shows

nity to preview new ideas and fresh styles. Some tips for getting the most out of a bridal show experiences include: Allow plenty of time to browse Wear comfortable shoes and carry a big bag with handles for all the business cards and promotional materials youll collect. Bring pre-printed labels or a stamp with your

name and mailing address on it. Bring a checkbook or credit card so you can take advantage of bargains. Bring a friend. Youll find that its more fun if you share the experience. The Hilton Ontario is located at 700 N. Haven Ave. in Ontario. For information, call (714) 572-1363. Admission is $10 at the door. To pre-register or purchase tickets for $5 online, visit www.premierbridalshows.com.

SPRING BRIDE/2012

My Best Friends

Wedding
by Janice Olmedo

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Photos courtesy of Aimee and Andrew Ripley Bride Aimee Ripley, left, and matron of honor Janice Olmedo at Scripps College before the wedding.

A labor of love planning a life-changing event

he caller ID on my phone told me it was my best friend Aimee Rose calling. I knew she was calling to tell me she was engaged. I knew this because I had gone with her boyfriend to help pick out the ring. Nevertheless, I was still beyond excited when she told me the happy news.
I was also thrilled when she asked me to be her matron of honor and, for the next year, I helped her plan her wedding. My list of duties was long and varied: make tablecloths, plan the bachelorette party, hollow out pumpkins, keep her from killing someone, and plan her shower. Thankfully, she is not one who could be classified as a bridezilla. However, she did have a specific idea of what she wanted and, being a Claremont girl, she wanted to stay close to home. Aimees tastes skew toward antiques and places that have classic and elegant characteristics. She also likes things to be unique. She is not interested in things that are a dime a dozen. As such, her wedding would follow suit. Aimee and her fianc, Andrew, decided to get married on Halloween. True, its a holiday that probably does not see many weddings, but it is their favorite holiday. So Halloween became the theme. Initially they played with the idea of everyone wearing costumes to the wedding. They even thought of costumes for the bridal party to wear. For instance, I was going to be Morticia Adams and the best man? Gomez Adams. To be honest, I was a little horrified at the thought of wearing a costume but for her, I would have. Happily, they changed their minds and went in a different direction. They decided to do an elegant reception with a bit of Halloween thrown in for fun. Think the Haunted Mansion at Disneylandelegant with a haunting twist. They needed a space that could evoke history and a ballroom just would not work. We looked everywhere. Her mother finally recommended the Garner House in Memorial Park. Not living in Claremont myself, I had often wondered about the house in the park. Well, turns out it is the home base for Claremont Heritage, and it was perfect. The home is from the 1920s and had this beautiful courtyard framed by graceful arches where the ceremony would take place. A staircase with wrought iron railing would be ideal for pictures. The place was quickly booked. With the location and date set, it was time to look at invitations. Aimee and Andrew went to Cloud Nine in
MY BEST FRIENDS WEDDING continues on page 6

Newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ripley share a kiss as their bridal party cheers them on at Claremont Heritages Garner House in Claremont, where their wedding was held.

Andrew and Aimee Ripley take their wedding photos at Bridges Auditorium at Pomona College in Claremont.

She had a specific idea of what she wanted, and being a Claremont girl, she wanted to stay close to home.
Janice Olmedo matron of honor

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Andrew and Aimee Ripley cruise the Village after their wedding ceremony at Claremont Heritage at the Garner House in Claremont.

Andrew and Aimee Ripley on their wedding day. MY BEST FRIENDS WEDDING continued from page 5

the Village. At the time it was a relatively new shop. The array of options was stunning and the staff helped put together a beautiful invitation. We were so impressed by their work, we went back and purchased bachelorette party invites and games for the bridal shower. What is usually the most fun, yet the hardest part of wedding planning, picking out a bridal gown went incredibly easy for us. Aimee was out with her mom and they decided to stop in at Deborahs Bridal in Upland. As Aimee thumbed through dresses, not entirely wishing to try anything on, the one perfect dress appeared. I was eating dinner when I got her excited call to come see the one and only dress she put on because it was as they say, the one. The dress was a soft mixture between white and ivory, which was lovely on her skin tone, with elaborate beading on the bodice. Her favorite part though was the skirt with vertical pleating. Once a birdcage

Mr. and Mrs. Ripley with their bridal party at Pomona Colleges Bridges Auditorium in Claremont.

veil was added to partner the dress with the Halloween theme, her ensemble was complete. As for the gentlemen of the bridal party, Aimee and Andrew went to Carduccis Tuxedo and found a modern tuxedo that was designed to resemble those of the early 20th century. To add a little extra charm Andrew got all the guys canes as a wedding gift, which they carried as they sauntered down the aisle. As a thank you to her bridal party, Aimee arranged

a private gathering at Aromatique in the Village. The staff pampered us with footbaths while we waited our turn for a relaxing back massage. Aimee had food catered from Podges Juice Company for us to snack on while we enjoyed the much needed relaxation. It was my first time at Aromatique and it was
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Andrew and Aimee Ripley during their wedding ceremony at Claremont Heritage at the Garner House in Claremont. MY BEST FRIENDS WEDDING continued from the previous page

marvelous. It was truly the perfect way for all of us to hang out before the wedding and relax. It is one of my fondest memories of the wedding. The next day was the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal went smoothly and we left for dinner at Aruffos in the Village. Another first for me, I had never been to Aruffos before. The food was amazing, and this is coming from someone who grew up in an Italian family. Even with the large group that we had assembled, the service was great. The bridal party then headed over to Espiaus for a little afterparty fun. My husband and I stayed the night at Aimee and Andrews place in Claremont because we knew we needed to be up early. At what seemed like the crack of dawn, Aimee and I were out the door to start getting ready for the day. Our first stop was 582 East Hair Salon to get our hair done. Next, we went back to Aromatique for our makeup. After we got gorgeous, we headed to the Garner House to get dressed. The boys had already decorated the place so it looked great. Unfortunately, Aimee had a little bit of bad luck while getting dressed. She stubbed her foot on a piece of furniture and broke her toe. She ended up walking down the aisle in my old flip-flops instead of the beautiful shoes she had purchased. Aimee and Andrew found a place for the reception that fed into the Halloween theme in Pasadena. Given the driving time between the wedding and reception, photos had to be done before the wedding. They chose Bridges Auditorium as their background. The men of the bridal party all wore masks which, when combined with the auditorium, created a Phantom of the Opera feel to the photos. The time finally arrived for the wedding to start and Aimee had one more surprise for her bridal

Matron of honor Janice Olmedo and her husband Mike dance at Aimee and Andrew Ripleys wedding reception in Pasadena.

party. Aimees uncle Don Delano did all the flowers for her event and instead of a bouquet of flowers, he decorated witch brooms with flowers. The wedding was grand and perfectly-fitted the personalities of the bride and groom. I consider myself fortunate to share such a great experience with so many friends and family. Clearly they will be memories that last forever.

Mr. and Mrs. Ripley walk through the picturesque Scripps College campus while taking their wedding photos.

The dress was a soft mixture between white and ivory, which was lovely on her skin tone, with elaborate beading on the bodice.
Janice Olmedo matron of honor

SPRING BRIDE/2012

Outdoor wedding opportunities in Claremont

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
With its expansive grounds and beautiful native gardens, the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is a lovely backdrop for any wedding, reception or event. RSABG offers a number of options for small and intimate ceremonies or larger events. Guests are surrounded by a beautiful garden, foliage and vast oak trees beneath a picturesque view of the mountains, and dancing under the stars. Just a few of the options at RSABG are: The California Courtyard A spacious open-air location featuring beautiful views of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. Located adjacent the main Administration Building, the courtyard can accommodate 400 guests in theater-style seating or over 200 comfortably at tables for a banquet. California Natives Container Garden Located on the west side of Indian Hill Mesa this open-air venue features an artistic overhead structural with colorful shade sails. Wooden partitions create a gallery-effect showcasing the many beautiful container plants on display in our collection. This venue can seat over 150 theater-style or 100 comfortably for a meal. California Cultivar Garden with either a large or small gazebo Located in the beautiful 2-acre Cultivar Garden, this area is immersed within colorful and shapely plant forms. The large wooden Gazebo (25x25) is the perfect focal point for an event, featuring a flowing fountain and reflecting pool, and seats up to 80 at tables banquet-style. Covered by native California grape vines, the small gazebo (11x14) is an ideal location for an intimate event, vow renewal, or wedding ceremony, with surrounding standing room for 40 and/or seating for up to 80 at tables banquet-style. RSABG also offers classroom and conference room rentals, intimate spaces near the upper pond or Benjamin pond, or use of the Perce Everett Fern Garden. For information, contact Eric Garton, RSABG director of visitor services, at egarton@rsabg.org or call 625-8767 ext. 251.

Gourmet Gourmet

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Gourmet Gourmet Catering is the exclusive caterer for events held at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Bridges Auditorium, and The Claremont Club. Since opening in 1987, Gourmet Gourmets chef has developed an extensive menu offering delicate hors doeuvres and a variety of desserts, with every item handmade in the Gourmet Gourmet kitchen. Menus are custom-designed and creatively presented to satisfy the tastes of every guest. Event coordinators at Gourmet Gourmet will help with every detail of an event held not just at RSABG, Bridges or The Club. Gourmet Gourmet staff can assist with theme-development, equipment and linen coordination, logistics and site planning in addition to menu tasting. For menu options or more information, visit www.gggourmetgourmet.com, or call 920-6400, or email at Vanessa@gggourmetgourmet.com.
OUTDOORWEDDINGS continues on the next page

Gourmet Gourmet at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

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Scripps College

For a free consultation and tour, as well as pricing, call 624-8628 or visit www.chantrellescatering.com for menu options and more information.

Scripps College
Padua Hills Theater OUTDOOR WEDDINGS continued from the previous page

Padua Hills Theater

Padua Hills Theatre and Chantrelles Fine Catering are renowned for their gourmet fare, themed buffets and elegant presentation. As experienced event planners, Chantrelles staff will assist in all aspects of creating your dream celebration. The Plaza Courtyard at Padua Hills Theater can accommodate 250 plus guests seated. The Sunset View Terrace area can hold up to 120 seated guests.

The indoor dining room accommodates up to 270 seated or 300 standing guests; the courtyard up to 200 seated; and the Garner Room up to 110 guests. Interior spaces combined seat up to 380. In addition to space rental, Chantrelles Catering offers custom linens, a variety of specialty chairs and chair covers, punch bowls and fountains, custom ice sculptures in a variety of styles and sizes, ceremonial accessories including kneeling benches, podiums, and tables, exterior heaters, special exterior lighting including twinkle lights for the trees, and a sound system for courtyard area

Scripps College has beautiful outdoor sites that are available for weddings, receptions, and other special events. These sites may be reserved for use only during the summer months of June and July. Available sites and dates may be discussed with a Summer Conference and Special Events Office staff member. Outdoor and indoor rental facilities at Scripps include the air-conditioned performing arts center, Balch Auditorium, the Margaret Fowler Garden, Bowling Green, and the Elm Tree Lawn. To make an appointment, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Betty Capasso, director, or Kate Porter, administrative assistant, Scripps College Summer Conference Office at 6218187 or 607-1870.