Kathy Castrejon
Future Registered Dietitian
The new year brings renewed hope. We hit the "reset" button, and once again prioritize what is most important for our family and ourselves. This often involves rebooting our eating plans. The holidays can propel us into a food frenzy, and once the tinsel and glitz of the new year settles, we know that a healthy diet will give us the fresh start we need.
This is why I wanted all of you to meet, Kathy Castrejon. Kathy is a friend of a friend, and when we met, I knew she would be a wonderful addition to our "Celebrity" line up. She is a bright, sweet, and driven young woman that is committed to nutrition and education, and I think that we all can benefit from her experience and knowledge.
Kathy grew up in Wheeling, Illinois, and graduated from Wheeling High School. In May of 2018, she graduated from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. She now holds a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics. Then, in August she began an internship through Ingalls Hospital that will last until June. At that time she will take her national board exams to become a Registered Dietitian.
During her internship, Kathy has made many rotations working in various areas. After her time in different hospitals and clinics, she knows that her goal is to serve a diverse population, and helping people of all different ages and backgrounds to receive medical nutrition therapy. These individuals often have limited resources and live in what is knows as a "food desert" or areas that don't have stores carrying fresh food and produce.
With her tireless drive to pursue her goals and use her experience to help others, I though Kathy would be a perfect choice to offer some tips that we all can use for our daily habits, and what she had to say might surprise you. Her advice is not technical. It's not clinical, and it's not complicated. It's common sense, and exactly what we all need to hear with in our busy lives.
Kathy suggests that we all have set our vision on ingredients, not calories. Look at your food list. Look for nutrients in those food lists, and avoid oils, preservatives, and chemicals that makes those seemingly healthy choices the polar opposite. Keep your diet balanced. Include fruits and vegetables with your meals, but try not to be obsessive with any choices. It's important to listen to what your body is telling you it needs. With that, be mindful that every day is different and every body is different. Our nutritional needs change with age, and it's important to acknowledge those changes. She wants to remind us that a healthy diet is a lifestyle, and not a race. Quick fixes and fad diets are often not sustainable. They can lack research and scientific backing, and can cause you to regain the weight once you quit.
Targeting individual nutritional needs in what a Registered Dietitian can do. In many cases now, these appointments are covered by insurance. If you are thinking of consulting with a Registered Dietitian, do your homework. Ask for referrals, and make sure they have the right credentials.
Kathy herself is quite the foodie. She enjoys cooking, and she enjoys photographing her meal prep, and sharing that on Instagram. Kathy is always on the search for great locally sourced products, and including those in her daily regiment.
Perhaps Kathy's love of food comes from her parents, and the family they visit in Mexico, as well as the time she spent studying abroad in Ireland and traveling through Europe. She's been bit by the traveling bug, and it still remains one of her favorite hobbies.
It was lovely to spend the afternoon talking with Kathy, and she is not only a wealth of knowledge, she is a wonderful inspiration to young people to follow your path and enjoy the ride. I hear so many complain that younger generations feel entitled to have others paved the way for them. That is not the case with Kathy, and I know that there will be countless families that benefit from her dedication to bringing healthy nutritional guidance to those in need.
Please join me in wishing Kathy the very best, and all the energy and good vibes she needs to pass her national board exam in June. We appreciate her time and consideration, and look forward to following her career that will surely be exciting and bright! Gracias, Kathy, come visit us again when the weather breaks and the bees are buzzing!
l
Diane and Tom Rinke
Daybreak Homeless Shelter and Jesus on Wheels
When talking with my friends Diane and Tom, I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes: "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." ~Mother Theresa. That quote reminds me of these two, because they are not trying to solve all the worlds problems, but they are certainly doing all they can to cause ripples.
I've known Diane and Tom for many years through church, and it won't come as a surprise that they are quite the active parishioners. However, their "celebrity status" is not what they do within the church, but it's their service for others that goes far beyond Sunday mass.
Now, one of my associations with Diane would be enough for me to declare her an "angel of mercy". Diane is a massage therapist at my chiropractor's office. Those of you who may know me and the countless falls, spills, tumbles, and hot messes I've gotten myself into would understand why Diane has been so crucial to my recoveries. However, that is only one reason why I admire her. Beginning in May and extending through September, Diane and Tom together with their small team, volunteer for all Sundays on holiday weekends to cook dinner for the residents for the Daybreak Center in Joliet, and have been since 2011. The Daybreak Center runs 365 days a year providing emergency housing and supportive services for the homeless.
Diane and Tom are able to seek donations with the help of the church bulletin announcements, and word of mouth.
The meal prep is very structured and has been quite the tradition for families at the center. The Rinke team provides a "cook out" type dinner with traditional fried chicken and sides like cole slaw and salads. They try to keep it the same, because it gives the families the feeling of gathering with friends like all families enjoy on holidays like Labor Day and the Fourth of July.
Typically there will be between 50-80 residents that enjoy the dinner, and everyone collaborates to do the cleaning, like any household.
The Rinkes depend on donations from friends, family, and the community at large, and it would be no surprise to anyone who cooks for a family that the costs to cook for that volume of people can be pricey.
The Daybreak Center depends on the kindness of people like the Rinkes and they are always looking for other groups to commit to a day and meal to help these families. This can be an excellent idea for corporations or groups that thrive on community service, and if you know someone who is a good match for this type of volunteering please pass this along, but there is also more to the Rinke's list of good deeds.
For the last two years, Tom has been running a volunteer operation to help give people a much needed life line in a unique way. Tom started a community service mission called, "Jesus on Wheels." This small group helps people in the community with the fundamental need of reliable, and safe transportation. Jesus on Wheels runs strictly on donations to help individuals and families fix their cars. So, they can take care of each other, get to work, and not have to worry about the high costs of auto repair.
With the help of two parishioners from our church that are master mechanics, Tom is able to hook people in need with parts, two trucks, and low or no cost repairs. Genius!
For those of you who have done community service work, you have probably learned that the notion that homeless or needy families just set idly by waiting for hand outs is false. Tragedy can strike families, and they need the compassion and efforts of other people in their communities to help rebuild their lives, and every little bit can help.
Tom knows this all too well, as his self-run missions coincide quite well with his professional life, because Tom works for Catholic Charities as an inspection supervisor for residents that are assisted through the Chicago Arch Diocese. Before that Tom worked for the Chicago Housing Authority, and is able to blend his past work experience with his his current job.
Now, my time with Diane and Tom comes with a rain check. It was too cold and dark to meet with them in my garden, but I look forward to them coming over next Spring so we can catch up on all of their plans for their future.
If you would like to learn more about Daybreak Center, Jesus on Wheels, or think you may have a stone to cast in the same pond, please use one of the links below. I know that the next meal the Rinke's prepare at the Daybreak Center is going to have a nice jar of honey butter to go with the hot biscuits they bake!
https://catholiccharitiesjoliet.org/daybreak-center/
Jesus on Wheels = 630-243-8385
Tom Rinke = rinke@sbcglobal.n
Remic Ensweiler
Outdoor Lab/Prairie Manager, College of DuPage
As I navigate through the trials and small victories of beekeeping the more I learn, but the more questions I have. That's why it's good to know people like Remic Ensweiler. This is the guy with the answers.
I met Remic in the Spring of 2018 at the College of DuPage, when they hosted a "Honeybee Fair". Natrually, we had to check it out, and Remic was there representing the college, and the work he and his crew are doing to maintain natural areas on campus. He was also giving away seeds for folks to plant in their own spaces, and I knew that he had to visit my garden, because native plants is something I'm so curious about.
Don't be fooled by his boyish grin, this guy walks the walk, and talks the talk. He is profoundly focused on his goal of influencing people about the importance of native plants, maintaining natural areas, as well as restoring them.
I get it. You might not be the gardening type? Biology wasn't your thing? However, Remic has a message that's not only important for a beekeeper like me, but for every person that wants to make smart choices to help our environment, and it just so happens that has every thing to do with native plants. So read on!
Remic joined the staff at College of DuPage (COD) in June of 2016 after graduating from Wheaton North High School, and the University of Illinois. Conservation and Ecology were not the initial areas of his academic pursuits, but after a getting a job as a teen with the Wheaton Park District, Remic learned that he had true passion for Environmental Sciences.
At COD, Remic manages the natural areas which includes invasive species removol (sounds like Alien), harvesting and propagating of seeds, controlled burns and the maintenance of trails. Whew!!! All that!
Think this is a small patch of grass? Nope! COD boasts 40 acres of natural area, and the benefits are even larger, because the staff, students, and visitors can utilize the areas just steps away from their classrooms and homes.
Remic helps the faculty in research efforts, gives tours to the public, and the best part (IMO) is that students can get hands on experiences working in these natural areas as part of their curriculum. If that wasn't enough, COD has also installed bee hives on campus (swoon!) as a part of their conservation efforts. Plus, they have a community garden that donates to the food pantry on campus.
Surely, you'll agree that this is an impressive resume, but the truth is I know quite a few people with impressive credentials. However, what makes Remic stand out is his mission to influence people to go native, think native, PLANT NATIVE. You're going to love this....here it comes.
When planting at your own homes, you have choices. We all have our favorite bushes and plants, but what if I told you that there are options that are healthier for the environment? By planting native plants, you are planting species that belong here. They are adaptable to the weather. They are genetically programmed to thrive, and your one big job is to water them consistently for the first season. After that, they need very little maintenance. No chemical fertilizers. Little to no pruning. They provide shelter and food for pollinators of many varieties like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and I myself have made the switch. I'm all in, and this spring I started by first native plant pollinator garden, and let me tell you, the proof is there.
Is aesthetics your main concern? Fear not! Native plants come in a array of shapes, sizes, and colors. Shady plants, sunny plants, early bloomers, late bloomers, and everything in between.
So, to sum this up, you can have gorgeous flower beds, pay less, skip the harmful chemicals, less elbow grease, and in return you are doing something beneficial for the planet.
Native plants help us to bring back what is natural. They help to manage water levels, decrease chemicals, help give homes and food to insects, and improve the air we breath.
Originally, the prairie lands boasted 22 million acres of native plants. Currently, that number has been reduced to only one percent of it's original landscape. So, species of all varieties including humans have had to adapt to this spiraling decline.
That's all pretty heavy, but what isn't heavy are the gorgeous plants. Remic suggests starting out with a hardy line-up that will check all the boxes: coneflowers, milkweed, columbine, and compass plant to name of few, but this just scratches the surface. Want to learn more, than take a tour at COD. Considerate it window shopping for your own gardens.
Now, with ALL that aside, Remic also enjoys travel, playing softball, cycling, and being a home gardener. He's also an all around great person. So great that he generously gave of his time to my daughter's 7th grade Girl Scout troop. So they could come to the college, pick seeds, and replant them in a garden space at their school. Every single Girl Scout said they had a fun time, and it was great to see them disconnect from the busy world, and connect with nature.
Seems like Remic has his hands full and is on top of his game, and he is, but that is not stopping him from pursuing his graduate studies in the Masters of Science Program in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies at UIUC, and he plans on using the natural areas at COD as his area of study.
After getting to know Remic, I realized that he has one fundamentally cool thing in common with all of the other "celebrities". That a unique twist of fate altered his life, and put him on a different path than he originally set out. This is a lesson for all to be open to the opportunities that life presents to you, and not to feel confined to life's blueprint. Carry an eraser, draw a new door, and don't be afraid to change your mind.
Personally, I'm grateful for having met and being able to spend time with Remic. He's broaden my knowledge of native plants which I so desperately wanted, given me an up close look a how these ecosystems thrive, and graciously hosted my daughter's troop. What a dude???
You can get to know him yourself. COD is hosting a native plant sale this fall, and as stated earlier, you can take a walking tour. Furthermore, you can follow him on social media, and even volunteer to work in these natural areas.
I want to thank Remic for giving of his valuable time, and look forward to seeing him again. Perhaps he'll join us for a ride, and we can add cycling chit chat to our list of topics, but in the mean time please join me in wishing Remic the energy and vision to pursue his passion. He is out there getting the job done, and let's contemplate his message of taking our own little corners of the world and turning them into spaces that will strengthen the planet one native plant at a time.
Email: ensweilerr@cod.edu
Information on the Natural Areas at COD and taking a tour and volunterring:
http://www.cod.edu/programs/biology/natural_areas/index.aspx
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/codnaturalareas/
https://www.instagram.com/codnaturalareas/
Youtube video on the beehives at COD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xPHBslqDxc
Youtube video on campus tours at COD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xPHBslqDxc
Community Garden info:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xPHBslqDxc
Campus Events Hosted at COD:
Visting Artist, Jenny Kendler:
Native Bee Presentation given by Terry Miesle, May 2018:
Birding Tour:
Author Cindy Crosby:
Daily Herald Articles:
https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20180411/cods-prairie-gives-students-hands-on-education
https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20171017/cod-hosts-free-tall-grass-prairie-talk-oct-30-and-31
COD Credit for Service Learning:
http://www.cod.edu/about/career/service_learning/placement_sites/cod_natural_areas.aspx
Job opportunities for COD students:
https://cod.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobID=48183&job=natural-areas-student-aide-sf1nataabiolo-su18
Cerena Manalli
Soon -To-"Bee"- Yoga Instructor
Everyone knows that Mom. That mom that always looks pulled together. That mom that always has that sparkly smile. The mom that seems to have all her ducks in a row when you're running in circles. Well, for me...that's Cerena. This Irish rose is always kind, fun to talk to, and never seems phased by her three busy beautiful children?
So when I learned that Cerena had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I was surprised and saddened. Surprised, because I never saw the discomfort behind that smile, and saddened because no one deserves to feel less than their very best.
However, true to fashion this power mom took this surprising diagnosis, and began to write a new chapter to her story to better her body, mind, and spirit.
Cerena's first experiences with yoga were NOT life changing to say the least. It didn't motivate her, but that would all change when she turned to yoga for a greater purpose than simply changing up her work outs.
A few years ago, she began to feel odd. Soreness, numbness, and eventually she was unable to do daily tasks that otherwise never phased her. The pain and discomfort made for sleepless nights, but she did not suspect anything too serious.
Initial exams and a MRI came back unremarkable. However, it wasn't until a random fall off her bike in 2016 (surely a blessing in disguise) that caused her to go back to the doctor for more testing. It was then that the MRI showed the signs of MS, and IMMEDIATELY, the doctor prescribed yoga.
Yoga would give her the opportunity to lessen symptoms, and slow down the progression of MS. Yoga can help relieve fatigue. As well as, decrease spasticity and tension that the auto-immune disease causes.
Because yoga gave Cerena a new outlook on her diagnosis, as well as her physical and mental health, she started seeing this as an opportunity to help others. It was then, she began to explore the possibility of becoming a Yoga Instructor.
Instructing is definitely in Cerena's wheel house. As a graduate of the "Mighty Mac", Mother Mcauley HS, and Loras College in Iowa, Cerena taught first through third grade for the Montessori Schools for 14 years. However, instead of focusing on the classroom, Cerena is now focusing on the yoga studio.
With the support of her loving husband, Cerena enrolled in a 200 hour training program at Prairie Yoga in Lisle, IL. Now, all that remains is a her thesis which will focus on how MS effects the central nervous system, and she would like to develop a sequence which helps those that live with symptoms of MS such as limited mobility.
Initially, when I asked Cerena if she would participate in this "celebrity" series, she was a bit reluctant, because she felt unqualified. However, I assured her (and I'm sure you'll agree) that her taking life's lemons and squeezing them into a downward dog is the inspiration we all need.
To me, it's important not to let the lemons define you. It's what you do with them that shows your moxi. Cerena has chosen not to cower to the disease, but instead empower herself to take control of MS through yoga.
Please join me in wishing Cerena love and light on her new path to wellness, and hoping that a door opens for her to share that light with others. Namaste.
Ang Carmen
Sustainability Specialist
When I met Ang at a local beekeeping class, I was surprised we lived in the same town, and even more surprised she was a beekeeper at the famed Cog Hill Golf Course.
As you may know, golf courses haven't earned an environmentally-friendly reputation, but that is changing with people like Ang and her co-workers.
This local gal, born and raised in Lemont, attended St. Cyril's grade school, then on to Lemont H.S. She graduated from Loyola University in 2016 with a degree in Communication Studies, and a minor in Environmental Action Leadership.
Ang is sugar sweet, and her keen sense of humor is only matched by her gorgeous smile and quick wit, but don't be fooled, she is not afraid to get her hands dirty. In fact, that's her job. What makes this story even more fun, is that Ang worked at Cog Hill as a teenager. Then, through a strange twist of fate found herself a great match for the programs they were developing in sustainable farming , and environmentally sound ground keeping strategies.
Ang had worked different internships, and restaurant roof top farms, working with their greenhouses, aquaponics systems, farmers market, etc. So, stepping into this role at Cog under the leadership of Chris Flick, Director of Grounds Operations, was a great match for her knowledge and skills.
Ang and her team have been very successful at making Cog Hill a much "greener" place for the community to experience. From beekeeping to native pollinating spaces, composting, and low-input food production, the public can now enjoy a course that is reducing the use of synthetic pesticides, plus improving water usage and fertilizers.
Appropriately named, Fairway Farms, is in the area that used to host the parking for the BMW Championship. What used to be weeds and gravel now hosts 17 raised beds in roughly 2000 sq. feet, and in their first year they raised over 2000 pounds of heirloom vegetable, herbs, and edible flowers.
You want farm to table? Well, you can get "Fairway" Farm to table at Cog Hill, because what is grown in those raised beds is served in the dining room, and if it doesn't make it to the plate, it is composted, but enjoying a delicious meal is only one of the ways to enjoy the farm. You can also visit!
Fairway farms is open to the public for tours. For a small fee that is invested back into the farm, guests can get an up close look at all the magic behind the scenes.
As if that wasn't cool enough there are more opportunities for you to visit, taste, and get to know the crew. They are hosting a dinner to showcase their beautiful space and delicious gardens in a Farm Dinner on August 16th, and they are also taking part in a Farm Crawl on August 18 in partnership with the Cook County Farm Bureau.
Before Ang left our garden, I asked her how families could also improve their homes and lives to make them "greener". She kindly gave five suggestions.
1. Make yourself aware of environmental challenges and improvements.
2. Remember that your dollar speaks volumes. Buying local and from companies that utilize sound practices can impact the environment in a positive way.
3. Remember "Five Pieces a Day." Try to pick up five pieces of trash a day.
4. Go Straw-less. Stop using plastic straws.
5. Ditch the plastic bags.
I enjoyed every minute of my visit with Ang. She is half my age, but when you have so much in common with someone, I simply consider her "great company."
We can't wait to visit the farm, and look forward to Ang returning to our little garden.
If you would like more information about Cog Sustainability and Fairway Farms, please visit their site, and message them for information.
https://www.facebook.com/CogSustainability/
Ang Carmen from Cog Sustainability stops by the garden to us all about Fairway Farms.
Our very first Celebrity in the Garden
Terri O'Neil Borders
Most of us know that it's not polite to name drop, but if you know Terri, you want everyone to know her too. That said, to know is to love her, and bask in the wonder of how she does it all?
A mom and Grandmother (what?) along side her sweet husband named Terry (for real), Terri is Baltimore born, and grew up in Park Forest, IL, but has been a Lemont resident since 1994. She started her career in Business/Marketing, and what may have been devastating losses to some, merely changed Terri's path.
When the real estate crisis struck, Terri had to close the doors on her business, but led her to a new career as the Director of Community Services for Lemont Township, working as a liaison with those at the poverty level, getting the assistance they need, which pairs perfectly with her charity work.
Terri is also the director of the Hope and Friendship Foundation, which she started in loving memory of her late father. The goal of Hope and Friendship is to extend a hand of friendship to those in financial, emotional, and physical crisis.
I've been fortunate to see Terri in action. She is as resiliant as she is kind. She manages groups with compassion and grace, and still looks like she does one arm push-ups for breakfast!
Terri's team of volunteers spearhead many events throughout the year. Mission-Stay Saturdays, Youth Summer Outreach Programs, Clothing Collections, Turkey collections for Thanksgiving, Christmas Dinner, and a Prom Dress Collection.
Every dime and resource stays within the foundation, and their focus is here in our community.
I asked Terri straight forward, how can people help? Her first answer was quick and direct...Time. Even if you don't have much spare change, your time is most valuable, and your time might come in the form of helping a widow tidy up her lawn, or baking for a family that has just lost their child to cancer?
If you are willing, Terri can use your time and talents.
Resources are essential as well. Donating money, clothing, food, gas cards, gift cards etc... perhaps might be a small part of our day, but can change the outlook of another in an instant.
I've been fortunate enough to see what kind of an impact that a small gesture of a cooked meal or a helping hand can have on a person that is struggling, and that never leaves either of you.
Lastly, you can help Terri by spreading the word. If you know someone who is in need of assistance, assure them there are those willing to help, and they are not alone. If you know someone who wants to volunteer, please send them Terri's way.
I'm more than grateful that Terri took the time to visit us in the garden, and I know that our paths will cross again soon.
Visit: www.hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com to see their upcoming events and learn how you can help Terri bring hope and friendship to our neighbors right here in Lemont.
Who Will Our First Celebrity in the Garden "Bee"?
About Our Celebrity
Please come back to the garden to meet our first celebrity. We hope to introduce you to many fine people that can help us connect better to our communities, planet, families, and ourselves.
Learn More
Do you know someone who would be a great celebrity for our garden. Please send us an email. www.honeyacrewoods@gmail.com