Roving Rookie Review – Martin-Fontana Parks Association

In 2009 PG&E marked 140 trees to be destroyed and removed from both TJ Martin and Jeffery Fontana parks because they felt they were located at an unsafe distance from transmission lines. For years PG&E had been pruning these trees to keep them at a safe distance but decided that pruning was no longer working. Community members were very unhappy with this decision because they felt it would have a negative impact on their parks. Most of the trees that were selected to be removed had been there long before the park was built. They are beautiful old oaks that provide shade and add to the beautiful landscape.

Martin-Fontana Parks Association was established by community members as a non-profit organization to raise and provide funds to both preserve and enhance the beauty of TJ Martin and Jeffery Fontana parks. Their goal is to work with PG&E and hopefully stop the removal of some trees by helping to stop the growing process of marked trees as well as to plant new California native plants. They want to do all of this in a manner that is compatible with PG&E, making sure that all trees are a safe distance from the power lines in the parks.

Jolene and I had the opportunity of meeting with Linda Wilson of Martin-Fontana Parks Association to learn more about their cause. Here is a video of LeAnne talking with Linda. Please take a moment to learn more about this wonderful non-profit organization.

You can find Martin-Fontana Park Association’s website by clicking here. Take a look at their website to learn more about the association and how you can help. There you will find a membership form as well as their master plan for the saving and planting of trees and other California native plants. You can also donate the amount of your choosing by clicking the “Help Improve Your Park” button.

-Jolene and LeAnne

Roving Rookie Review – Gabriella Cafe

Jolene and I were on a mission to find a tasty organic meal. We decided to check out Gabriella Café located in the heart of downtownSanta Cruz. The café buys all of their organic ingredients locally, either at the farmers market in town or from area famers. Because Harrington Insurance Agency insures Gabriella Café, we felt having lunch there was a must.

 

Gabriella Café is a quaint little restaurant, patrons feel comfortable and welcome the instant they enter.  Owner Paul Cocking chose this location for its unique architecture and building structure. After taking a look around, I quickly understood why. Guests enter through the side patio relaxing in the open air feel that continues into the dining room with its distinctive old fashioned Dutch door.

 

 

 

We selected a table by the front window and settled in to enjoy an all organic meal. Jolene ordered the Tre S consisting of salad, a small pizza and soup, all made with local seasonal produce. I opted for a pizza made with organic tomatoes, Italian sausage, olive oil and feta cheese. The food was both delicious and delightfully fresh!

Of course we had to try dessert. I ordered the Happy Valley Pear & Plum compote with a warm biscuit and cinnamon cream. It was phenomenal, the flavors meshed wonderfully and tasted like a summer memory! Jolene selected the Chocolate Semifreddo, a favorite with regular customers. She eagerly ate the hazelnut cream and graham cracker. In the infamous words of my grandmother, we each had a “happy plate” all evidence of food gone and we each walked away with a happy tummy.

 

Give Gabriella Café a try today. The combination of healthy, local ingredients, a charming dining room and the wonderful service makes for an enjoyable experience.

We were able to talk with owner Paul Cocking about the Cafe. Check out what he had to say.

Until next time,

Jolene & LeAnne

 

Introducing our New Program for Partners

At Harrington Insurance Agency, we value our customers. Not only do we want to insure your businesses in case the unfortunate happens, we want to help you grow your business and ensure that you are successful. Our new program spotlights commercial clients of ours who are each unique and great at the services that they offer.

You can find out more about our Partners by visiting our Partners Page on our website. Not only will we be sharing the companies with you there, we are also starting a great video project with our partners.

The first feature goes to FCC Collision Centers, located in Mountain View, Ca and also Milpitas, Ca. FCC Collision Centers provide repair services for all types of collision damage. Both shops are equipped with state-of-the-art auto body repair equipment including electronic framework measuring and wheel alignments. Each shop is also equipped with modern downdraft spray booths for excellent paint results, using only premium Dupont paint. Their managers and office staff offer personalized service and all workmanship is guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle. Check them out, you will not regret it!

A little life inspiration…

Creating a Healthy Life

There is so much more to being healthy than just eating your fruits and veggies. The truth is, you cannot just say “I’m going to stop eating junk food” and magically become a healthy person. The idea of becoming healthy is a lifestyle change.

Eating Right.
Yes, eating right is a key part of this. To be a healthy person, you need a balanced diet. Try balancing your meal by colors, variety and freshness. Do not be afraid of trying new recipes or ingredients. Once you find some foods that you enjoy, look for recipes that use them in different ways so you will not get bored with your new diet.

As mentioned before, this is not a change that will happen over night. Expect to ease into it over a period of time. Make small steps, choosing a salad over a burger or adding fresh fruits and veggies to the menu for dinner instead of fries and coleslaw. Remember that this is not about cutting out the pizza, fries and burgers but instead eating them in moderation and even cooking them differently with fresher ingredients and less fats and oils.

Some additional tips for a healthy balanced diet:
– take your time when eating. When you enjoy your food and converse over dinner your stomach realizes it is full while you are eating. By doing this, you would eat less than you would if you shovel the food in your mouth quickly.
– drink a lot of water. Fruit juices, sodas and energy drinks have tons of sugar and artificial ingredients. By choosing water, you give your body what it needs to hydrate and even help your skin! 🙂

Exercise.
Chances are you have heard this one over and over again. Exercise can get you fit. The thing is, it is true! Exercise is key to being healthy. The problem is that most people avoid it… in any way they can.

By adding movement to your day, you can help save your life. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, joint improvement, flexibility, maintained bone mass and improved moods are just a few things that regular exercise can help.

Just like with a healthy diet, you can ease into it. Do not expect to go out and run 5 miles if you have not been running in months. Instead, try going for walks around your neighborhood. Gradually increase the distance and/or speed of your walks and add bursts of jogging or running if you feel ambitious.

New habits need practice to stick and needless to say, the first two weeks are the hardest. Just keep pushing yourself and if possible find a buddy to exercise with and help keep each other motivated.

Additional tips for exercises:
– Use local facilities. Have a nearby park? A local gym? A levee? Use it! Go out and take a walk, jog or bike ride. Just make sure you have FUN doing it!
– Use workout videos on YouTube. A great Pilates workout video (10 min series) is POP Pilates. Check it out here.
– Stretch after a workout. This will help your muscles and improve flexibility. Hold stretches for no more than a few minutes.

Happy Earth Day!

A video to inspire us all to work together to make the world a better place.

A look at the Earth we all share

Earth Day is April 22, 2010. Take a moment to think about the environment & what we can do to help keep it beautiful.