Students from a number of secondary schools across Antigua will compete in the first schools aerobics competition slated for the JSC Sports Complex today.

The event, slated to start at 2:30 pm, is the brainchild of physical education teacher and sports enthusiast, Kelesha Antoine, who said the aim is to create an environment where such activities are the norm.

What we are trying to do is foster that whole physical activity within our students. Medical Benefits speaks about the prevention of the non-communicable diseases so the union has partnered to have this competition annually so in that way the schools themselves will prepare their participants for a yearly competition, she said.

Antoine, who is also president of the Antigua & Barbuda Fencing Federation, explained how the competition would work.

We are going to have 30 minutes of straight warm-ups during which no one can tap out. After the 30 minutes of warm-up participants get a break for water and so on and then the intensity goes up. When the intensity goes up and we see that the athletes and students cannot continue with the routine then we will pull them out. There will be some judges in the activity pulling out [participants] because they may not be able to continue because of breathing issues and many other issues, she said.

The initiative is supported by the Antigua & Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) and 2nd Vice President Tessa Roberts said it falls in line with the Unions mandate of creating well-rounded students.

We were asked by Antoine to partner with her concerning this aerobics competition and the union is very pleased to be associated with any effort that is going to encourage physical wellness. We are well into our

mandate to develop the whole person and to also develop sports in Antigua so we are very willing to partner with Antoine in this event, Roberts said.

Over 50 students are expected to take part in the competition. Admission to the event is free.

antiguaobserver.com is really happy to provide this forum in which all are encouraged to freely state their opinions without ridiculing anyone or being ridiculed. We've found that happens really easily if each comment is limited to the topic at hand. We will approve any comment that speaks solely to the story to which it is attached and is free from name calling and defamatory statements.

While we will not post comments questioning moderators' judgement, we will take such suggestions into consideration as possible ways to improve the experience of all community members. If you feel your submission has been disallowed unfairly or if a breech slips through our net, please let us know by e-mailing customer_support@antiguaobserver.com.

See the rest here:

Students to compete in first schools aerobics competition - Antigua Observer

Just a few blocks south of Lower East Side deli mainstays Russ & Daughters and Katzs is a new modern deli counter and grocery: Orchard Grocer. Here, the shelves are filled with specialty products like Sir Kensingtons Ketchup and organic rice ramen, and theres a tidy case of packaged products that at first glance look like standard sliced salami and bricks of cheese. But theres just one thing missing: animal products.

Completely vegan, Orchard Grocer recreates iconic New York sandwiches without the formerly requisite dairy and meat. Sandwiches like The Edith, with house-made cashew cream cheese and carrot lox" on a toasted bagel, and The Marlowe, a "reuben" with beet-brined seitan, kraut, house-made Thousand Island, and melted Chao cheese on marble rye, reimagine what New York deli sandwiches can be. But do they stack up to the originals?

Orchard Grocer is co-owned by Sara and Erica Kubersky -- the proprietors (and sisters) of neighboring vegan shoe store MooShoes -- and Joya Carlton, who has created veg-centric menus for Butcher's Daughter and Buvette. The Kuberskys first came up with the idea for a vegan restaurant after realizing how frequently they referred shoppers at their shoe store to local eateries offering cruelty-free dishes. So, why not keep all the business in-house?

Growing up in Queens, the Kuberskys often schlepped down to the Lower East Side for Jewish food, a pastime that shifted when Erica went vegetarian, and then vegan as a kid. It broke my moms heart, just a little, Ericasays of her decision to stop eating meat-heavy Jewish foods. But her mother didnt give up: She sourced tofu cream cheese from Zabars, tried to recreate brisket from seitan, and cooked a vegan version of noodle kugel. Vegan Jewish food was indeed possible. And in 2017, when by CHLOE.s plant-based mac & cheese, burgers, and kale ice cream draw long lines of vegan and non-vegan New Yorkers alike, the Kuberskys vegan Jewish fare seemed like a no-brainer.

Since its early March opening, Orchard Grocer has mostly seen customers looking for the Jewish food they sacrificed after becoming vegan -- others, including meat lovers, are just coming in for a good-tasting sandwich.

No one expects a Katzs reuben on rye, dripping in pastrami fat and creamy Thousand Island dressing to be considered healthy by any means, yet labeling any sandwich vegan (even the fast-food-style veggie burger at by CHLOE.) seems to easily convince many that its a more nutritious choice. Still though, without meat and dairy products, a vegan sandwich is still a sandwich, loaded with high-calorie ingredients between two slices of bread.

We dont want to give the false impression that were healthy, but were definitely healthier, Erica says. Healthy-ish.

Because Orchard Grocer is a small business, all the products are small-batch, made fresh, mostly organic, mostly local, and palm oil-free, making the menu offerings healthier than bigger businesses producing vegan food en masse, like by CHLOE.

To develop the recipes, Carlton tested various vegetables and other ingredients that would not only re-create the appearance and texture of their animal-made counterparts (smoked salmons spongy texture was eventually made from carrots soaked in aquafaba, the juice drained from chickpeas), but would also evoke the feelings associated with standby comfort foods.

Theres a reason why lox and bagels and pastrami are so popular, Carlton says. Its the feeling. I know that our lox doesnt taste like salmon, but it has a lot of the same textures and looks, and it gives you the experience of eating a bagel with lox.

At first glance, the Marlowe reuben could easily pass for non-vegan: The beet-brined seitan looks like cured beef, and the vegan Thousand Island dribbling down the rye doesnt hint at being made from chickpea juice. And at first bite, though its obvious theres no meat on this sandwich, the pickled sauerkraut and salty, red-hued seitan combined between bread truly mimic the original.

Carlton wouldnt know that though; she didnt conduct any taste tests with the non-vegan original sandwiches. No, no, gross! she laughs at the thought of trying beef. Still, she thinks her beef-like creations may help recent veggie converts acclimate to their new meat-free life.

Particularly for new vegans, this is the place, Carlton emphasizes. You can see that being a vegan isnt that hard!

The Kubersky sisters believe New Yorkers arent as timid about eating vegetarian, vegan food, and imitation meats as they once were, even as old veggie-fueled stalwarts like Angelica Kitchen leave town. [Vegan options] are definitely getting fancier, Erica says. Its going in a more gourmet direction, which is great, but we want to be a place where you can eat everyday.

Sign up here for our daily NYC email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun New York has to offer.

Melissa Kravitz is a writer based in NYC who was a vegan for a couple of days as a teenager. Follow her on Twitter.

See original here:

This New Deli Is Making Vegan Jewish Classics That Look Like the Real Deal - Thrillist

At first glance, new dessert bar Girls & Boysis just like any other Melbourne scene-stealer. The deconstructed ice cream dishes with baklava toppings are prime Instagram fodder, and though slightly pricier than the norm, its beauty pageant of cakes could rival that of any local confectioner. But there is one rather vital ingredient missing here: animal products. No dairy, gelatine or egg has ever crossed paths with this gleaming array of treats.

The latest venture from local restaurateurs Laki Papadopoulos and Mark Price, nothing about Girls & Boys screams vegan and thats just the intention. The whole crux of this shop is it's got to be fun and oops it's vegan, explains Papadopoulos. We don't take a hardline approach.

Part of a movement thats gaining rapid momentum, vegan restaurants seem to be spreading through the city like wildfire. Australia is now said to be the third fastest-growing vegan market in the world, after the UAE and China. Last month a new local magazine launched, devoted entirely to vegan living.

Melbourne where more than 12 per centof the local populace eats little or no meat according torecent research has long boasted a stronger vegan offering than its Antipodean siblings. But over the past five years the scene has flourished beyond recognition thanks to a spate of interesting vegan-only openings.

New kids on the block include Supercharger, the takeaway joint in a ritzy mall thats been supplying shoppers and suits with buddha bowls since mid-2014. In March 2015, suburban cafe Serotonininjected some lightheartedness back into the plant-based landscape, with indoor swings replacing chairs and a tagline that reads, Happiness is a drug and we want to be your dealers.

The mavericks at Matcha Mylkbaropened their doors last March, introducing folks to the delights of spiced latte flights, matcha bao buns and mock eggs. This February, Melbourne welcomed the citys first 100 per centvegan pizzeria, Red Sparrow.

Behind the bar at Smith & Daughters (Nicole Reed/Smith & Daughters)

The only thing missing was healthy fast food, but the latest addition to Melbournes growing vegan family has that covered. Such was the clamour surrounding The Alleys opening that before opening last week, it had clocked up more than 800 Instagram followers swooning over its jackfruit burgers and squash spaghetti with lentil and mushroom meatballs. Its what the publics asking for, says owner Alexandra Pyke. Our unique selling point is everythings grab and go. People still want to snack and have soft serve [ice cream] and burgers. They just want it to be healthier.

Boundary-pushing outlets are popping up citywide, but hipster hood Fitzroy is Melbournes vegan heartland. Here, around the corner from Girls & Boys, is where Papadopoulos and Price started out almost thirty years ago with local institution,Vegie Bar. When we came here in 1988 there were no other veggie places around, shrugs Papadopoulos. Now Fitzroy said to be Melbournes smallest inner-city suburb features more than 100 vegan-catering eateries, from creperies to fish and chip shops to taco bars.

But if anything can prove how solid Melbournes plant-based scene is, its the increase in upscale establishments, offering more than just food that ticks boxes.

People come from Sydney just to eat at the restaurant, explains Shannon Martinez, head chef and co-owner of Smith & Daughters, which opened in Fitzroy in early 2014. The demand for their rocknroll brand of Latin-influenced vegan food has been so strong that the duo has since opened up an offshoot deli for daytime trade, launched a cookbook thats sold nearly 40,000 copies in just five months, and even spawned their own line of T-shirts and totes.

Culinary mastermind Martinez ensures everything on the menu is made from scratch from plant-based cheeses to nougat to prawns to buffalo fried chicken pizza and plenty more beyond.

Such has been the restaurants draw that the majority of customers arent even vegan anymore. Youve got mums with expensive handbags coming in with kids for meatless Mondays, or just a healthy dinner, she says. Gone are the Hare Krishna vibes; veganism hasnt got that tainted image as it used to. A lot of fine dining restaurants are doing vegan degustations now theres no way they would have done that even five years ago.

The Alley was a sell-out joint even before it opened (The Alley)

Papadopoulos and Price launched their own take on upmarket vegan dining in March 2015. Transformer, housed in a former Fitzroy factory, is all about the dining experience. Also catering to vegetarians, it follows the small plates trend, serving a contemporary European menu against exposed white brick walls, recycled black timber panelling and pops of greenery.

The pairs vegan empire continues to thrive for two main reasons, says Papadopoulos. People are more mindful of what they're putting in their bodies now. That information wasn't there [before]. We've also got some amazing produce here and that's what helps drive it. I definitely dont think its a fad.

With almost any vegan taste virtuous, gourmet or otherwise catered to, theres no doubt Victorias capital is ahead of the game globally, Martinez says. I dont think theres anything you could possibly want thats not available. Were nailing it here.

Go here to read the rest:

How Melbourne has quickly become one of the vegan capitals of the world - The Independent

Another vegan restaurant is about to shutter in Denver. Govinda's Garden Caf, operated by Nandini and Carlos Rossi at the Radha Krishna Temple at 1400 Cherry Street, will call it quitson Saturday, April 29. The Radha Krishna Temple is retaking control of the restaurant space and may operate a vegan eatery out of there as it has before the Rossis brought their business in.

Govinda's and its owners became an active part of the vegan community and its shutter adds to others that occurred recently. In early March, Handy Diner, a small vegan eatery located in the Cole neighborhoodwas closed by city officials for lacking the necessary permits. In August,Love Peace & Sol closed after a short stint in Park Hill.

This is what the owners of Govinda's posted for its patrons and fans:

Dear friends and customers,

It is with a heavy heart that we are writing this communication to all of you. You all are very dear to us and we have developed wonderful personal relationships, friendships and connections with you. It has been our deepest satisfaction getting to know so many and to serve you over the past years.

The Temple had informed us that they want to take over the management and running of the restaurant awhile back. This was unsettling to us and we were hopeful in our numerous meetings and discussions with the temple management that things might change, but this was not to be. So, the sad news; my husband Carlos and I will be closing our Govinda's Garden Vegan Caf as of April, Saturday the 29th and as of that date we no longer be serving our healthy vegan buffet to you all, as we have for the past three and half years. We are so sorry.

At this point we do not have any information about what the temple plans are. When they plan to open? How many days and hours? We do not feel they plan to continue to be a 100% vegan buffet. We hope that they provide us with this information so that we can pass it on to you all before our departure. Our prayer is that the temple continues to run their buffet successfully that it remains the special place.

As the saying goes, "that which appears to be the end, may only be the beginning". Our favorite spiritual songwriter George Harrison sang in his first solo album: "All Things Must Pass". We see the signs and humbly accept the plan of our Sweet Lord.

My husband and I will be taking some time for rejuvenation and healing and to take care of some personal things. When the time is right, we plan to open a vegan catering business... a cookbook book perhaps with all the Govinda's Garden Vegan recipes you love so much. We will be dividing our time between Denver and Dallas, so we are still looking forward to see many of you in the future.

We will have our last event on Saturday, April 22, Earth Day. A combination of a farewell and celebration for Mother Earth. We will post about this happienng soon.

We hope we can see you and give you a big hug perhaps on our Earth Day Finale Celebration, before our departure, and look so forward to seeing and serving you all in this our final month.

In closing, we want to thank you all so much for your support, encouragement, appreciation and yes, love.

Many blessings and best wishes for you all.With gratitude

Your friends and servants

Nandini and Carlos Rossi PS: On a side note: The temple does not wish to the beautiful mystical art that so many of you have asked to purchase. We will a post with the price we paid for each art piece and also post under each piece in the cafe.

Read more:

Vegan Emporium Govinda's Garden Vegan Cafe Will Close - Eater Denver

Turn off the Top 40.

That's the takeaway from a study by the consulting firm Soundtrack Your Brand concerning background music in dining establishments. It found that certain types of playlists namely, those comprised of random pop hits arent as good for business as a curated playlist mixed with lesser-known, yet on-trend songs.

Before arriving at their conclusions, Soundtrack Your Brand experimented with four different types of background music at 16 chain restaurants in Sweden, where both the company and the HUI Research consultancy who helped with the study are based.

HUI Research confirmed to Fox News that those four types of background music included: 1) a mix of 100 songs from Spotifys Top 1,000 Sweden playlist that fit with the restaurants image, along with 260 more obscure songs that also fit the restaurants image; 2) a mix of 360 songs from Spotifys Top 1,000 Sweden playlist that fit with the restaurants image; 3) a mix of 360 songs from Spotifys Top 1,000 Sweden playllist, with no thought given to the restaurants image; and 4) silence.

NORTH CAROLINA RESTAURANT FEELING THE HEAT FOR BANNING YOUNG KIDS

After analyzing restaurant sales during certain playlists, as well as the data collected from more than 2,100 consumer surveys, Soundtrack Your Brand and HUI determined that customers are more likely to stick around for dessert if theyre listening to a curated mix consisting of music that isnt too mainstream.

On the other hand, playing music that didnt connect with the restaurants image, regardless of its popularity, was worse for business than silence, per a press release obtained by Fox News.

Our main result is that a brand-fit playlist that included less-well known songs (i.e., music treatment 1) increased sales (by) 9.1 percent compared to the no brand-fit music playlist (i.e., music treatment 3), study author and HUI researcher Sven-Olov Daunfeldt tells Fox News.

However, it should be noted that Soundtrack Your Brand, a company partially owned by Spotify, is itself a consulting firm that specializes in helping businesses create specialized streaming playlists, reports Quartz.

We have two goals," said Sven Grundberg, the VP of corporate communications for Soundtrack Your Brand, in a statement to Fox News. "One, if course, is to kill bad background music. We think a lot of businesses are quite mindless in what they play.To that end, we also want businesses to play good music music that helps them and has a real impact."

For us, this is of course vindicating, and in line with what we expected," he added of the results.

According to the site, Soundtrack Your Brand co-founder Ola Sars attributed the studys outcome to the subconscious mind, and suggested that overly familiar music is too distracting to be conducive to a relaxing dining experience.

Indeed, Daunfeldt reported in HUI's study that, for the most part, patrons aren't aware of what they're actually listening to.

"The survey responses also show that the customers often are unaware of the in-store music, suggesting that the effect of in-store music on consumer behavior is mostly on an unconscious level," the study states.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Daunfeldt also told Quartz he considers this to be the coolest research hes ever done. But more importantly, Daunfeldt said he thinks more businesses should be paying attention to their playlists.

Its a highly underutilized area, and its very important for businesses to try to tell consumers who they are by the music they play, he told Quartz.

Continue reading here:

Too much Ed Sheeran bad for restaurant business, says study - Fox News

Sophomore Christina Graves throws the discus and shot put for the York High track and field team. While she loves the competition, you get the feeling the sport serves as much as an enjoyable outlet as it is a competitive pursuit.

Following a recent practice, Graves took time to talk about herself and the sport.

Daily Press: What is your favorite television show?

A: Probably the Vampire Diaries. It's really dramatic and I like vampires.

Q: Who's your favorite musical group?

A: I don't really know. I don't listen to pop/modern songs. I listen to instrumentals and relaxing music. My favorite is (Mexican pianist) Jorge Mendez. I listen to it because it relaxes me and calms me down.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: I love food. I really like Mexican food so my favorite restaurant is Plaza Azteca. I always order the same things. I get a burrito, a taco and rice and beans.

Q: Where do you like to vacation the most?

A: I like going to Tennessee because I was born there. I like going to the mountains.

Q: What made you go out for track and field at York, and why do you throw the shot and discus?

A: Last year, I did track and I really liked it. It just helped me with things and was a lot of fun. This year, I didn't make sprints, so I went to throwing. The team is like a family and they're so nice.

O'Brien can be reached by phone at 757-247-4963

Read more:

Five questions with York High's Christina Graves - Daily Press

On The Edge ine Ryan

I must be mindful, stay calm, still, move my fingers across the keyboard as if they were floating through the air, as I write my On the Edge column this week. I must ensure too that my chakras root, sacrum, solar plexus, throat, third eye and crown remain centred, in preparation for my yoga class later this evening. This means I am not allowed think about the next paragraph or the one after that. Indeed, the conclusion of this column will remain a mystery until it unfolds itself miraculously while I slowly and serenely take deep breaths, expanding my diaphragm to the size of a hot air balloon. Inhale.. one, two three, four, five, six, seven. Exhale . one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight nine. Phew! (Gasp.) Naturally, I am sitting asana, cross-legged on the floor, relaxing music wafting through the air, which is filled with the scent of sandalwood and lavender, choruses of birds twittering in the trees outside, a parallel universe to my quiet brain, suspended like a big lump of eel jelly in my skull. I am in the moment. That doesnt mean Ill ever have the agility of Trudie Styler whose partner, Sting revealed, while drunk during an interview some years ago, that ashtanga yoga practice meant they had amazing tantric sex for hours and hours. For those of you who were not aware of this scintillating piece of information, it is worth noting that tantric sex is not just about amazing acrobatics in the bedroom it is essentially about intimacy with your partner. As an apprentice yoga student, the word intimacy really resonates. I dont mean sexually here (The Mayo News hasnt been purchased by Playboy) but rather having the time to hear the beat and rhythm of ones own heart and pulse, the rises and riffs of our bodies as we hurtle headlong through the day. In this big bad crazy world where we now have to go to detox sanctuaries to escape the multiple demands of our mobile phones, i-Pads, tablets and computers; where we we are so time-poor we often meet ourselves coming back; where we dont know our head from our heels as we rush around like blue-arsed flies or headless chickens. Stand and stare LIKE when do we take time out just to breathe? When do we sit silently and do nothing? I think of the classic poem by WH Davies, entitled Leisure, of: What is this life if, full of care,/ We have no time to stand and stare./ No time to stand beneath the boughs/ And stare as long as sheep or cows./ No time to see, when woods we pass,/ Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass./ No time to see, in broad daylight,/ Streams full of stars, like skies at night./ No time to turn at beautys glance,/ And watch her feet, how they can dance./ No time to wait till her mouth can/ Enrich that smile her eyes began. A poor life this if, full of care,/ We have no time to stand and stare. This poem may have been first published in 1911 but hasnt it even more relevance in todays frenetic world? Why have we so enslaved ourselves to the din of the digital world and all its trappings? Are we that afraid of the sound of silence? The whole Mindfulness movement, popularised in the western world since the late 1970s, is essentially based on many aspects of the ancient meditative practices associated with Buddhism. As the power of the institutional church wanes people are increasingly turning to yogic-style practices in the search for metaphysical meaning and fulfilment. Our everyday ethos is more about karma, that complex and enigmatic web of conditions that rule our world, rather than an eye for an eye, as espoused in the Old Testament of the Bible. Ironically, we are also embracing the hills and the mountains as if we were running from a herd of giant mammoths. But that fanatical trend is for another day. I am way too Zen here now to be donning my runners and lycra and working up a sweat that would put crooner Christy Moore to shame. Namaste!

Go here to read the rest:

Meditating on the moment - Mayo News

The Equestra at Colts Neck Crossing adult community, Route 33, Howell, will host a spring bazaar in the community clubhouse from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 8. Handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, spring/Easter items, home goods, childrens books, skincare products and more! Door prizes and refreshments. Details: 732-938-2222.

On April 9, folk musician John Gorka will perform in concert at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Road, Allentown. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of show; seating is limited to 186. For tickets, visit http://www.stjohnromancatholic.org/sjrc/ches or visit the parish office during business hours.

Congregation Ahavat Olam and Temple Beth Am Shalom will host a Yom Hashoah commemoration at 5 p.m. April 24 at Congregation Ahavat Olam, 106 Windeler Road, Howell. Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann will speak. Children in grades five through seven are encouraged to attend the main event and speaker. There will be separate childrens programs for grades one through four. The community is invited to attend. Details: 732-719-3500.

West Farms United Methodist Church, 153 Casino Drive, Howell, will host a Spring Thing sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 8. Spring flowers, candy bouquets, baked goods, new and used items. All are welcome to attend.

The Monmouth County Park System is looking for lifeguards, camp counselors, park and golf course maintenance workers, and other seasonal employees. A Seasonal Job Fair will be held from noon to 3 p.m. April 8 at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, 2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls. Prospective employees must be at least 16 years old and a county resident. Bring copies of resume. Full listing of seasonal jobs at http://www.MonmouthCountyParks.com. Details: 732-842-4000, ext. 4339.

New Egypt Day will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 20. Activities for children will include face painting, pony rides, inflatables, petting zoo and a tractor-pulled wagon. Food, music by Jakes Rockin Country Band and vendors. Festivities will take place on Main Street and Evergreen Road. Admission is free. A $6 per child wristband is required for unlimited access to childrens activities listed above. For more information or to request a vendor application, contact Peter Ylvisaker at 609-758-2241, ext. 132, or email pylvisaker@plumsted.org

Basket and Bag Bingo presented by the Cookstown Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary will be held on April 8 at the New Egypt Elks, 105 Lakewood Road (Route 528), New Egypt. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Bingo starts promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets: $30 per person. For tickets, call Karen Ivins at 609-668-2030.

The Optimist Club of Howell and the Howell Municipal Alliance will present the 22nd annual charity golf outing on April 24 at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, Howell. Various levels of sponsorship are available through April 15. Buffet barbecue luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Shotgun start (scramble format) at 12:30 p.m. Dinner and awards at 6 p.m. Proceeds to assist Howell youths and families in need. Cost is $300 per golfer; $1,200 per foursome. Details: howelloptimist@yahoo.com or call 732-915-3423.

The Plumsted Trap, Neuter and Return Committee will host a Spay-ghetti dinner from 4-8 p.m. April 29 at American Legion Post 455, 2 Meadowbrook Road, New Egypt. Proceeds will allow the committee to care for the communitys cats. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad. Cash bar, raffle. Donations of canned and dry cat food and dog food requested. All are welcome. Tickets: Adults, $12; Children under 10, $6; takeout, $1 extra. For tickets, call 609-317-0453.

Jackson VFW Post 4703 will host fish fry dinners from 4-7 p.m. April 7 and April 14 at 54 Magnolia Drive, Jackson. An $8 donation includes a fish dinner with dessert. All are welcome to attend.

The Jackson Friends of the Library will host a book sale at the Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, from April 29 through May 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A special preview sale for Friends members will be held on April 28 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Books, audio books, CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase. New items will be added every day. All are welcome to attend.

The Upper Freehold-Allentown Municipal Alliance will host Bike Night 2017 on June 7. All makes and models of bikes are welcome. American and metric bikes will be present. A car show will be held on June 28. All makes and models of cars are welcome. Both events will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Roost at the Cream Ridge Golf Course, 181 Route 539, Upper Freehold Township. Door prizes, judging, awards, music, food and beverages. Vendor opportunities are available. There is no entry fee, but donations for the alliance are accepted. Details:609-758-7738, ext. 230.

On April 19 at 6 p.m., the Jackson Library will host William Berg, a financial adviser with Waddell and Reed. Berg will discuss the importance of having the Five Wishes living will in force. All attendees will leave with the Five Wishes document filled out, signed and in force, at no cost. The program is for adults and registration is required. Details: 732-928-4400, press option 4.

On April 26 at 6:30 p.m., the Jackson Library will host a workshop from Ocean County SCORE that is designed to educate entrepreneurs and help small businesses start, grow and succeed. The program is for adults and registration is required. Details: 732-928-4400, press option 4.

Guests at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell, can meet one of the environmental centers resident snakes during a snake meet and greet at 1 p.m. April 23. There is no cost to attend the program.

Come and explore the woods and wetlands of the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, on Earth Day, April 22. Meet at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center. The day will include nature walks, live reptile and amphibian presentations, childrens crafts, and more. Activity times: animal presentations at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; nature walks at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

A watercolor workshop for adults, presented by Tomo Kitajima, will be held at the Jackson Library at 10 a.m. April 19. Learn how pigments and water play together. Participants must bring three round watercolor brushes, sizes 8, 12 and 16, to the class. Advanced registration is required. Seating is limited. Details: 732-928-4400.

A session of Coloring for Adults will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. April 25 at the Jackson Library. Coloring sheets and art supplies are provided, along with light refreshment and relaxing music. The program is free, but advanced registration is required. Call 732-928-4400 to register.

The Plumsted Library will host Master Gardeners Present: Hummingbirds and Butterflies, at 2 p.m. April 13. Join the Master Gardeners of Ocean County to learn how to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden this spring. Details: 609-758-7888.

The Plumsted Library will host at Book Caf at 3 p.m. April 17. Join the Book Caf group as members talk about new books and authors, and discuss their past favorites. Details: 609-758-7888.

The Plumsted Library will host a program about baby chicks at 3:30 p.m. April 19. Members of the New Egypt AG-U will celebrate chick season by sharing what people need to know about raising and caring for these birds. Program is for ages 4 and up. Details: 609-758-7888.

The Ocean County Library Puppet Players present Mr. Pusskins at 3:30 p.m. April 26 at the Plumsted Library. Mr. Pusskins decides to go on an adventure of a lifetime and leave his boring life behind. Program is for ages 3 and up. Details: 609-758-7888.

The Jackson Rotary Club will sponsor a bus trip to the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, on April 23. Cost is $34 which includes bus transportation, sandwich, chips and beverage on the bus, $25 back in slot play and gratuity for the driver. Bus leaves Jackson at noon and returns at 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit Rotary Club charities. For reservations, contact Tom Barchie at 732-207-4029.

Brookdale Community College will present its annual guitar show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30 in the Brookdale Recreation and Events Center, Lincroft. There will be live performances, exclusive deals on guitars, musical equipment and more, and educational workshops. General admission: $12; free for children 12 and under. Details: http://www.brookdaleguitarshow.com

The Adelphia Fire Company, 925 Adelphia Road (Route 524), Howell, will hold a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon April 9. All are welcome. Adults: $10. Children: $6. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, orange juice, tea and cocoa.

A blood drive will be held at Howell Middle School South, 1 Kuzminski Way, Howell, on April 27. Babysitting and refreshments will be available. Online scheduling is available. Enter ZIP code 07731 in the Find A Blood Drive box and enter password HMSS17 to schedule an appointment. Details: Email patrice_mcdow@yahoo.com

The Adelphia Fire Company, 925 Adelphia Road (Route 524), Howell, will hold its annual Steak Bake and Gift Auction on May 6. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner from 7-9 p.m. Ticket donation: $35. Includes all you can eat steak, fries, salad, dessert, soda/tea and beer. For tickets, email Mark or Katie at adelphiafiresteakbake@gmail.com

The Sons of the American Legion Post 455, 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, invites the community to its all you can eat breakfast on the first Sunday of each month (May 6) from 7-11 a.m. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children. Children under 4 are free. Breakfast features scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pork roll, potatoes, french toast, pancakes and more. There is also a station to order omelets.

The Jackson Librarys knitting group, Knit-Chat-Chain, is seeking donations of yarn and wool. The members of the group create sweaters, hats, scarves and blankets to donate to charity. Yarn donations may be brought to the Circulation Desk during library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: 732-928-4400.

A knitting group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Sabbath House, 8 Front St., New Egypt. Members are knitting and crocheting scarves for the Seamans Church Institute in Newark. Patterns, yarn and help is available.

New Jersey Blood Services is in need of volunteers to work blood drives in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Tasks include assisting donors with registration, watching donors for post-donation reactions and responding to their needs. Details: Jan Zepka, 732-616-8741.

St. Aloysius Church, 935 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson, offers support groups to help people better understand their feelings and to meet others who are dealing with the same life issues. A bereavement support group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. and a divorced and separated support group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Both meetings are held in the parish office. A freewill donation of $5 is requested. Details: Email St AloysiusGonzagaGroup@gmail.com.

Items for the Datebook may be sent to gmntnews@newspapermediagroup.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.

Read more from the original source:

Tri-Town News Datebook, April 6 - Greater Media Newspapers

iStock/fstop123

A new Nielsen report released by the Organic Trade Association last month found that organic food items are regularly purchased bymore than 82 percent of American families.

The study, claiming to be the first comprehensive look at household purchases of organic food, looked at the purchasing habits of more than 100,000 households between 2015 and 2016. Not only did the researchers find a high prevalence of organic food, but data in 2016 rose 3.4 percent over the organic placement in 2015.

Several states showed organic food in 90 percent or more of households, with the lowest placement per state still surprising at 70 percent. The biggest growth in organic purchases happened in North Dakota, where nearly 86 percent of homes reported organic purchases in 2016, up more than 14 percent from 2015. Rhode Island was up to more than 88 percent, up 12.3 percent from 2015. Wyoming was at 90 percent; Wisconsin, while only showing organic in 77.6 percent of homes, was up more than nine percent from 2015.

These new findings show how important organic has become to millions and millions of American families everywhere, Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of OTA, said in a statement.

Organic food sales in the U.S. hit more than $40 billion last year and the upward trend isshowing no end in sightfor numerous reasons, according to the OTA.

Organic provides a healthy choice for consumers everywhere, and a profitable choice for farmers, said Batcha. The industry relies on a few critical public institutions to support this burgeoning industry, including the National Organic Program for global oversight and uniform standards and research investment targeted to organic production. Organic is fueled by consumers, and it thrives when USDA recognizes the importance of organic to rural economies and to rural households.

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

Related on Organic Authority

New Research Finds Organic Food Offers More Superior Health Benefits than ConventionalGeneral Mills on Track to Meet $1 Billion Organic GoalGlobal Organic Food and Beverage Market Expected to Nearly Triple by 2022

Jill Ettinger is a Los Angeles-based journalist and editor focused on the global food system and how it intersects with our cultural traditions, diet preferences, health, and politics. She is the senior editor for sister websites OrganicAuthority.com and EcoSalon.com, and works as a research associate and editor with the Cornucopia Institute, the organic industry watchdog group. Jill has been featured in The Huffington Post, MTV, Reality Sandwich, and Eat Drink Better. http://www.jillettinger.com.

Go here to see the original:

82% of American Homes Stock Organic Food, Survey Finds - Organic Authority

APPOMATTOX Don and Nancy Wilk always had thought about opening their own business in order to spend more time together.

After one visit to Appomattox, they decided to buy an old building on Church Street and open an organic food market and education space by the end of this year named Local Apx Market.

It was not something we were working on [for a long time]; the idea was always there, its still developing. We heard the other day, you build it as you buy it, Don, 59, said.

They moved in 2015 to the town of Appomattox from Pennsylvania after just one visit in 2014. The couple used a portion of Dons pension to purchase the circa-1912 downtown building for $156,000 and now live in its second-floor apartment.

The Wilks were inspired to open the market because of their own experience with clean eating, a new diet trend that emphasizes consuming minimally processed foods that are as close as possible to their natural state.

The kitchen will be used to cook clean food recipes, and customers will be able to eat in an indoor dining space that looks out to Church Street, or on an outdoor deck behind the 4,800-square-foot building, which is located across the street from the old Appomattox train depot.

We dont do it perfectly by any means, but we started looking in this direction when our kids, grandkids and ourselves had health issues because of additives, preservatives and things like pesticides in the food, Nancy said.

She said after that, the family had to learn to eat differently, and as hard as it is to eat clean at home, it's harder when going out to eat or traveling.

As owners of the building and residents on the second floor, they can watch life go by on Church Street. The business location on the main thoroughfare in town could encourage people to just stop by, Don said.

A big part of why we are here is to build a Christian community, build things biblically and all that entails, Don said.

The building of the market will be slow to some because the Wilks believe the Bible says they are not to incur long-term debt.

Were going to build this slow, sure; we dont want to get down the road [and say] oh, we have to do something different because we have to pay the mortgage. Thats going to make sure we are sustainable, Nancy said.

To start momentum and raise money, they have held monthly farmers markets in the building since December. The producers-only market offers a new venue to vendors whose next-closest farmers markets are in Lynchburg or Farmville. So far, nine vendors and at least 200 customers per month are taking advantage of it, Nancy said.

In May, they hope to host the markets up to once per week in a parking lot behind the building.

They have been pleasantly surprised by the number of small producers who have expressed interest in attending the pop-up farmers markets. Several times per week, someone is calling, texting or emailing, asking to participate or if a product is offered, said Nancy, 57.

Everyone from raw milk providers to a yak farmer have offered to bring products to market, she said.

Its really exciting to see people stepping up, and it took someone to plant the flag and say, this is what we are doing, Nancy said.

The pop-up markets have coincided twice with a group of local artisans who hold a vintage market at the same time and day as the farmers market in Abbitt Park, a few blocks from Local Apx Market.

Appomattox resident Laura Dawson, who started Appomattox Vintage and Artisans Market in 2016, said her event was inspired by what she saw happening in the town with new events and businesses like Local Apx Market.

Just to have someplace for people to gather and have a family-friendly event. I think thats what we will see start to arise, those type of community-knit events, Dawson said.

The Wilks want to build a combined effort with other small businesses in Appomattox, like the vintage market, to offer events for downtown residents.

Once the downtown building upgrades are finished, including a kitchen and bathrooms, the food market will be open six days per week.

Upstairs, a room will be reserved offering classes on nutrition and gardening. Nancy said she hopes some of the farmers who bring products to the market will teach classes on sustainable agriculture.

All those things [are] to continue moving our family, friends and neighbors to a healthier food space. Its our responsibility to do that, Nancy said.

See more here:

A 'clean' start: Couple look to launch organic food market in Appomattox - Lynchburg News and Advance