APRIL UPDATES FROM THE BLUE ZONES PROJECT - LAKE COUNTY TEAM
Lower Lake High School students after their Blue Zones Project-inspired presentations
PEOPLE HIGHLIGHT
KUSD Community Event with Blue Zones Project - Lake County
Kicking off the weekend's festivities, on Friday March 31st, Mrs. Weidner's math classes presented Blue Zones-inspired research projects to a panel of judges. This project began in March, when the BZP team visited students to share the history of Blue Zones and an overview of the Power 9® principles. After this, students created a question to survey their fellow LLHS students, analyzed results, and used that information to generate a proposal to improve health and well-being at Lower Lake High School that related to one of the Power 9.
On Saturday, April 1st, the Lake County community came out to show their support for Konocti Unified School District as they hosted a celebration highlighting all things Blue Zones and wellness. With vendors from all over south county, live music from the high school band and choir, a variety of dancers, baby goats, an art bike, crafting stations, healthy snacks, and more, it was the perfect way to celebrate the BZP/KUSD partnership!
We want to thank KUSD for all their hard work putting on such a wonderful event for the community and are excited to work with them on their journey towards becoming Blue Zones Project Approved! For more photos of the weekend’s activities, check out their Facebook page.
Ripe Choice Farm and Catering, located on Soda Bay Road, Lakeport
Ripe Choice Farm and Catering has been Recognized as a Blue Zones Project Participating Organization
Ripe Choice Farm and Catering may be a somewhat recent addition to Lake County, but they are making an incredible impact on the community since their move here in early 2020. Not only does Chef Tammy Lipps make some of the best food around, but their farm in Big Valley is a beautiful event space, Airbnb, and catering kitchen that takes health and wellness to heart.
It is because of their dedication to health, wellness, and their community they decided to dive headfirst into becoming a Blue Zones Project – Lake County Recognized Organization. We are thrilled for Mark and Tammy Lipps and can’t wait to see what they do next! If you want to follow along on their journey, check them out at theripechoice.net
Saw Shop Public House owner Weston Seifert with staff and Blue Zones Project team at approval ceremony on March 29, 2023
PLACES HIGHLIGHT
Saw Shop Public House Achieves Blue Zones Project Approval Designation
Saw Shop Public House is the first restaurant in Lake County that has achieved designation as Blue Zones Project Approved™.
“The partnership with Blue Zones Project - Lake County was a natural fit for us here at the Saw Shop,” said Weston Seifert, owner of Saw Shop Public House. “We are committed to using local ingredients when possible and take great pride in our scratch made dishes. Being able to highlight Blue Zones Project inspired dishes is a natural progression for us in promoting health and well-being in our county.”
To become Blue Zones Project Approved, the restaurant worked with the local Blue Zones Project team to identify best practices they were already implementing, as well as new practices to employ, such as providing half-sized portions on some of their top-selling dishes, offering a side salad in place of fries with all their sandwiches at no extra cost, and offering grilled proteins as an alternative to fried.
Who’s next? Is your restaurant or a restaurant you know interested in becoming Blue Zones Project Approved? Click here to register and learn more!
E Center WIC team at approval ceremony on March 29, 2023
E Center WIC is the First Lake County Organization to Become Blue Zones Project Approved
E Center WIC believes that good nutrition is the foundation for good health and strives to provide families with the inspiration and skills needed to succeed at being healthy, active, and creating positive habits. WIC offers nutrition education and counseling, provides nutritious foods, and makes referrals to healthcare and other community resources as needed.
“Throughout the process of becoming an approved Blue Zones Worksite we have found opportunities to focus efforts inward to our staff,” says Kim Schott, Program Director. “We recognize that in order to invest in others, we must invest in ourselves. By implementing small changes on daily basis, we are noticing improved morale. We know this can only lead to improved service to our community.”
To become Blue Zones Project Approved, the organization worked with the local Blue Zones Project team to identify best practices for health and well-being they were already implementing. Additionally, they identified new practices to embrace, such as mapping two different walking routes for staff to utilize during work breaks, creating a health brand to support staff and clients, and forming a Well Being Committee to discuss Blue Zones Project progress at each staff meeting.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad at Foods Etc.
RECIPE
Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad
With warmer days ahead, this Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad is perfect for outdoor cookouts, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. All ingredients can be found at Blue Zones Project Approved Grocery Store, Foods Etc in Clearlake and are both nutrient dense and delicious. This dish also stores well and can be made ahead of time or eaten throughout the week.
Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2, 15-ounce cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
Place diced sweet potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
Combine all other ingredients in a large bowl and add dressing. When the sweet potatoes have cooled add them to the bowl and mix. Top with toasted pecans and enjoy!
INFLUENCER VIDEO OF THE MONTH
Sarah Marshall, Garden Project Manager for North Coast Opportunities, speaks about the public gardens around Lake County, in Middletown, Clearlake, Lucerne, and Lakeport. Through NCO, the Garden Project offer classes on gardening, leadership, conflict resolution, as well as provides community gardeners with the tools they need to get started on their own garden.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check out the below events and follow us on Facebook to see more happenings around Lake County!
Children's Advocacy Day, April 15; 10am - 3pm, Library Park
Children's Advocacy Day, April 29; 10am - 3pm, Austin Park
Blue Zones Project Lake County, 3195 Main Street, Kelseyville, CA 95451
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