Terra Madre hosts ‘Gathering’ as Escondido hosts Honeywell Green Boot Camp

Terra Madre ‘Gathering’

Billed as “a celebration of passion and action”  Terra Madre Gardens holds what organizers call “its first of many gatherings” on Saturday, June 18.

“Inspired by the power of community and the call to create positive change, this gathering is a beautiful culmination of  transformational Workshops, Yoga Sessions, Healing Experiences, Conscious Music and Visionary Art,” publicist Jennifer Root said.

The idea came to mind when Terra Madre “land stewards” Jessica Sanchez and her partner David Solomon took over Stone Farms and re-opened as Terra Madre Gardens this spring.

“As farmers of this piece of land for over 10 years, their family has been deeply woven into the breathe of life that permeates through the garden Root said. “Their open-hearted observation and ability to listen to nature’s voice guided them into the vision of opening the farm to community for experiences in education, wellness, and celebration.”

The seed of this gathering was planted when Terra Madre friend Brandon Sanskara offered to create a fundraiser event to aid the vision of being a valuable community resource., according to Root.

“Brandon, a local holistic health professional and social permaculture practitioner, is inspired to cultivate strong communities by facilitating transformational experiences that leave participants feeling empowered, revitalized and connected,” Root said.

“Together with a group of co-creators they have been nourishing the seed of this gathering and they are inviting the community to come and experience in its bloom,” Root said.

This event is being billed as a true convergence and collaboration of the arts. Its mantra: Connect, Cultivate, Celebrate is woven into the tapestry of the entire event.

A family-friendly event, there will be sing-alongs, painting workshops and live performances throughout the day. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. The event begins at 11 a.m. with an opening ceremony and a celebration of inspiration on the Pachamama Stage and continues until 11:30 p.m.

Tickets cost from $35 to $195 depending on package with kids under age 12 getting in free. Three-quarters of funds raised will go toward supporting Terra Madre Gardens in their vision as they deepen their roots and expand their ability to provide for this community in a myriad of ways.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/terra-madre-gathering-tickets-25398785451

Escondido hosts Honeywell’s Green Boot Camp

Sponsored by Honeywell International, the 8th Annual Green Boot Camp begins its four day workshop at the San Diego Gas & Electric Energy Innovation Center on June 19 before gravitating to Escondido on June 21 for hands-on learning on topics ranging from renewable energy technologies to green building materials.

The four-day interactive sustainability workshop that provides educators with the information, experience and resources to bring lessons on energy efficiency, sustainability and the environment back to their classrooms.

“In addition to teachers from the United States and Canada, Honeywell will welcome educators from China, India, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam, Romania, United Kingdom, Australia and the Philippines to this year’s workshop,” Honeywell spokesperson Jessie Timmerman said. “The 50 attendees will gain environmental learning and leadership insights from energy experts in the San Diego area.”

The Green Boot Camp curriculum will include expert-led activities such as designing and building solar houses, using watt meters to measure energy use and identify potential “energy vampires,” as well as collecting and analyzing water samples.

“From building wind turbines to learning about renewable energy initiatives in our own state, I’ve been able to better educate my students on important topics and concepts, and I’m grateful for Honeywell’s support,” Susan Koppendrayer, Calvin Christian School teacher and past Green Boot Camp attendee, said.

Middle school teachers from 13 nations learn about going green at Honeywell International Green Boot Camp.

Teachers this year will build rain barrels at Escondido City Hall to donate to city’s fire department, renovate the nearby Escondido pocket park, and assemble compost boxes. Following the activities, teachers will convene to discuss their lessons.

“Sustainability education offers an opportunity for educators to not only share insights in the classroom, but to inspire students to take those principles out into the real world and affect change,” said John Rajchert, president of Honeywell Building Solutions.

“Honeywell Green Boot Camp arms teachers with the latest practices in renewable energy and technology innovations, so they can prepare students for the green jobs of the future,” Rajchert said.

Green Boot Camp is made possible by a grant from Honeywell Hometown Solutions, Honeywell’s corporate citizenship initiative.