It’s Michele, the new Healthy Eating Specialist at Whole Foods Market Paramus. I wanted to say, “Hey!” and let you know that Health Starts Here events are back in action! Health Starts Here is a Whole Foods Market initiative that helps support customers with dietary needs and healthier living through education.

At the Paramus store, I lead healthy cooking classes, tours, and nutrition consultations. All Health Starts Here events are free and open to the public. (If I were you, I’d get connected!) There’s been such a great turnout.

My intention is to grow a community of like minded health conscious folks in this area. HSH events are always listed on our Paramus store homepage (look to the right under the Healthy Eating Calendar). You can also join our Meetup group and get events emailed to you. Check it out and I cannot wait to meet you!

2012 is your year to shine! Just admit it, already.

Michele Santo

Healthy Eating Specialist

Toddler and Kid’s Classes

The first two Tuesdays in the months will feature Pumpkin Painting and Trail Mix Classes for kids and toddlers. Check out the store calendar (also available on our website) for times and ages. We’re going to have a ton of fun, decking out our pumpkins with paint, foam shapes, and more. Plus, it’s hiking season, so we’ll be showing the kids how to make a healthy trail mix that will be downright yummy, too!

Tasting Days

Remember Thursday Night Tastings? Well, they’ve moved! For those of you who don’t get to visit the store at night, we’re sharing the love…tasting days will feature fun themes like local food, apples, and the color orange. And you’ll find them in the store every Friday afternoon from 12-2pm. 

Harvest Fest and Halloween Family Fun Day

If you don’t make it to the store for anything else, make sure you mark these two days on your calendar. We’ll be inviting in local bands, celebrating fall with seasonal samples, and offering some fun crafts!

Beer & Wine Classes and Events

When you’re in the store, be sure to pick up a copy of our Beer & Wine Event Calendar. There are a ton of great events coming your way, including Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 1st from 12pm to 4 pm.

In a company where we stand behind the earth-saving concept of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”, Avi fit right in. He and his mom asked us if we would be involved in his Bar Mitzvah project, which involved recycling corks. Of course, we were so excited to say “yes!”. Here’s Avi’s story in his own words:

Corks Here, Corks There, Corks are Everywhere!

My name is Avi Sommer and I became a bar mitvah in June. As part of the process of prearing for this milestone, I planned a project which would help take care of the Earth. I am interested in environmental issues, so I decided to participate with Cork Re-Harvest, a non-profit organization which recycles corks. I learned that corks are made out of the bark of the Mediterranean cork trees. Cork forests have one of the highest levels of forest biodiversity, second only to the Amazon rain forest. The cork trees are not cut down to produce corks. Instead, they are stripped of their bark. This does not at all harm the trees, in fact it promotes their health, increasing the amount of carbon they store which is great for the environment! By recycling the corks, we are continuing the life of the cork. Cork Re-harvest send corks to companies that reuse the corks to make new products. This reduces the amount of corks in landfills, another great thing for the environment!

My goal was to collect over 500 corks. In order to do this I handed out containers in my neighborhood and asked people to keep their corks. After a few months, I collected the corks.  I also set out a container in my synagogue where people could bring their corks. Instead of 500, I collected a whopping 3550 corks! I was amazed at how far beyond one’s goal one could go. I was also amazed by the thought of 3550 wine bottles!

Here at Whole Foods Market in Paramus, we want to thank Avi for his hard work. We hope his interest in the environment continues, and we’re so excited to see what he does to save the earth next! Great job, Avi!

On Tuesday, I was put to work on the first site (since it is a little farther along and the work is not as strenuous) with four other people. We helped prepare all the cement, cleaned out the floor in the tank (all four walls are up!), collected rocks for the flooring and filled the corners with cement. The other two were sent to the second site, doing the same breaking and digging. I forgot to tell you that the President of the town visited us last week to express his thanks and to take a picture with all of us. Today, the VP came and did the same. It was so nice to meet them both and so kind of them to express their thanks. Tuesday night we had a futbol game of GVI vs WFM; it was so much fun!

I think we all had reached a mutual point of exhaustion and a little bit of frustration with how long it is taking to get past the first stage of the second site, and just the difficulties working with the masons and the working conditions in general, so our Team Leader gave us the day off on Wednesday. Another one of our group guides took us on a walking tour around the city and then to the communal pool. It was cool to see parts of the city we had never seen, as well as to take a dip on a hot day. It was a much needed break for all of us, leaving us ready and refreshed to take on the next two days of work. 

Thursday and Friday were more of the same at both sites, just the finishing touches at the first sight and continuing to dig, etc at the second. We also needed to carry 30 bucket fulls of cement rock mix up to the second site. Instead of walking up and down the hill a bunch of times we created a “congo” line. What a great idea haha. It was done in no time and no one was beyond exhausted. 

Friday was my last day of working on the site; it was such a mix of emotions. I am sad we were not able to finish both tanks, but also because I won’t ever be in this area again. Even though I was so excited to get back to the casa and it was a truly amazing experience. We wrapped up Friday with a delicious dinner and dancing at one of the discotecas. 

Thank you to everyone again who donated to the challenge; I leave at 3 am on Monday morning. Here’s a glance at what the week will look like. 

*One foot equals .3048 meters. I am attaching a few links with info and pics of some of what we will be seeing. 

Monday – Pick up at 3 am, three hour drive to Chivay (3,650m) for breakfast. Continue to Colca Canyon  (http://gosouthamerica.about.com/cs/southamerica/a/PeruColca.htm) to see the Cruz del Condor (http://www.lascasitasdelcolca.com/web/ocol/colca_condor.jsp) for an hour and a half. Then a bus ride to Cabanaconde (3280m) where we meet with our guides and mules, then a two hour bus ride to Choco. Walk for an hour till we get to Choco Bridge (1904m) where we have lunch. Ascend for four hours to the town of Choco (2500m). Dinner and camp at the local stadium. 

Tuesday – Five hour walk to Mina (3550m). Magnificent canyon views, rock formations and Valley of Quenas, the tree on Peru’s Shield. Have lunch, continue walking for three hours to the Cerani Ravine. Camp, eat, sleep. 

Wednesday – Walk to the Cerani Pass, http://www.goldposters.com/item-4071234/yareta-below-cerani-pass-on-the-colca-canyon-to-andagua-trek-colca-canyon-arequipa-peru.htmland over the western mountain range (5220m), the highest point of the hike with absolutely breathtaking views. Descend down a dry colorful pass for eight hours to Chacas (3077m). Relax, eat, sleep. 

Thursday – Six to seven hour hike from Chacas to Andagua (3575m). Stop along the way to observe the Valley of Volcanes http://www.vivatravelguides.com/south-america/peru/arequipa/colca-canyon/colca-canyon-activities/valley-of-the-volcanoes/ Set up camp in Andagua, enjoy the last night sleeping outside, dinner and bed. 

Friday – Breakfast and then on the bus back to Arequipa; it is only a four hour ride there, but a ten hour ride back! Stop in Toro Muerto at a petroglyph field, one of the largest of its kind in the world with over 3,000 volcanic rock drawings dating to the Huari Culture. http://www.google.com.pe/imgres?q=toro+muerto&hl=es-419&sa=X&biw=1192&bih=650&tbm=isch&prmd=ivns&tbnid=L_sj8Ml_HsHatM:&imgrefurl=http://www.todoarequipa.com/fotos/castilla/toro-muerto/petroglifos-toro-muerto.html&docid=–WtzKpNGynmTM&w=640&h=480&ei=f-gsTpSDD8KftgeK6aTXAg&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=506&page=1&tbnh=150&tbnw=182&start=0&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0&tx=133&ty=71

 We will be back to Arequipa around 7pm..after a long and much needed shower we are having a goodbye party in the courtyard at the casa. We all leave Saturday night! 

 I am so excited to take on this challenge, to really see if I am capable of spending five days outside hiking, to meeting and spending time with the people going, for all the beautiful things I am about to see, and of course I am so happy to be taking on the challenge in order to help out such an amazing organization.

 I am about to take a long hot shower and then right to bed. Have an early start tomorrow and a long five days ahead of me. Wish me luck! 

 http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.768406485477.2258381.39610037

Currently, there are also no toilets are garbage cans in the town, so there is literally waste of all kinds everywhere. Even while digging, we are finding toilet paper, etc. in the ground; the smell is indescribable. I can smell it now even just thinking about it! It is so sad to see the conditions people live in, and very discouraging to think that this is just one little town, that these tanks will help only a handful of people. There are people all over the world living in these conditions and even worse. We’re just trying to stay positive and have hope that it can be changed one little town at a time, but it is very emotionally draining. The people of the town are so friendly and happy, just like the Whole Planet women were, which does make it a little easier.

I am also amazed at the amount I have been able to push my body physically, as well as everyone here. We are all working to our absolute limit and are determined to have these tanks finished and painted by the end of the three weeks. I am completely covered in bruises, scrapes and blisters. It kills while you are up there, and you feel like you literally can not lift another finger, but once the day is over and you look back at all the work you have accomplished, you don’t even remember how hard the day was. 

Monday: Today was a light day, a good first introduction for us. After breakfast we all hopped into the van and made our way up to the site. It looked exactly like how we imagined it, based on what Patrick told us and the diagram I attached in the last blog. What we didn’t anticipate was how high of a hike it would be up the hill, or how the houses actually looked and the rundown condition of the town. We are working on two sites that are about a two minute walk from each other. The masons were on typical “Peru Time” and just didn’t show up. So we looked around the first site and then walked to the second. The first one is mostly dirt and looks easy to dig the foundation, the second is all rock…not as easy at all! Patrick then walked us two hills over to see the last water tank that was built. It really helped us visualize and understand more what the goal is. We also met the town leader, Mariah, who spoke to us a little about herself and why it is important to the town that we are there. By the time this was all done, we only had about an hour and a half left. So all 12 of us started digging and breaking the rocks at the second site. Even though we only actually worked for about an hour, we were all exhausted and wondering how we would be able to work for four and a half hours the rest of the days. The rest of the afternoon consisted of a massive lunch with lots of veggies and all of us napping in the courtyard, followed by a delicious dinner and bed.  

Tuesday: Today, we all started out on the first site. Walking up the hill was a little bit easier for me, but it took a few people about ten minutes to make it to the top. The goal today was to dig out the foundation of the first site. It is a little hard to work in such a small space with 12 people trying to do the same thing, and using ancient tools that are unsturdy, but Audrey brought her Ipod and speakers, so we were all having a great time, laughing and enjoying the work, changing the words of every song to somehow relate to what we are doing. I was tasked with cutting the wire, but after about an hour, four of us were sent to the other site. The goal is to get both tanks completed by the time we leave, so it made sense to split up. The other site was brutal, solid rock that just needs to be chiseled away piece by piece, and we spent the next three hours working on that. The first site finished digging out the foundation and are ready to move on to the next step. Tuesday afternoon we had Spanish class, but it was cut short so we could all go watch the Peru versus Chile soccer game, which was followed by a celebration dinner and drink after their big win. I had a cheeseburger which was amazing, but will not eat cheese here again; it did not mix well with my stomach!

Wednesday: It was a little hard to get out of bed this morning, and although the walk up the hill to the site seemed endless, the first hour of work passed pretty quickly, more of the same: breaking, digging, moving rocks. The materials were supposed to be brought up to the site for us, but weren’t, so three of us were asked to go to the bottom of the hill and carry them. I volunteered to help since I need to be training for the hike challenge and yikes was it hard. Up and down the hill at least eight times carrying heavy planks of wood. It was exhausting, and definitely comical to the masons and towns people that were watching us struggle. After about two hours of that, I headed back to the site to finish up a little more work there, but the day was not done! Just as I was about to head down the hill Patrick told us there were more materials to be brought up, and since there was only three of us left at the site, we had to carry it. Up and down the hill three more times! Once back at the casa, we all were silent during lunch; it was like we hadn’t eaten in a week, and we still had two hours of Spanish class to sit through. It was so hard to focus during class! I passed out immediately after dinner; it was a fun night, three of the girls made dinner for all of us. The sites are coming along though; the first site already has the foundation laid and the four corner pillars built. 

Thursday: Today was even harder than yesterday to get out of bed, but after a delicious breakfast of egg and avocado on toast, I was ready to go. We all started out on the first site together. Since they are so far along, the masons needed us to collect flat rocks. Once there was enough, six of us headed to the second site to continue breaking the ground, etc. for the rest of the day. By the end of the day, the first sight had the next layer of foundation finished, the second sight is making progress but still in the digging stages. Luckily, Spanish class was moved to Friday, so we were able to just relax after work and celebrate one of the girls’ birthdays.

 Friday: Friday was more of the same, but we really worked ourselves to the max at the second site, determined to have the foundation completely finished. Sadly, we were not able to, but we did move some massive rocks. I am confident that after one more day there, we should be good and ready to move onto the next stage of construction. It seemed extra hard today trying to break the rocks, and I think we all had reached a mutual feeling of frustration, but we still accomplished a lot and did clear out the largest rock in the site. Here is a little video showing our victory over the rock!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbnorrie/5948052221/in/photostream/

The other site has one wall up!

 Friday night after Spanish class, we had a big party in the courtyard with a potluck BBQ and bonfire. Three of our team members are sadly leaving tomorrow. I cannot believe two weeks has passed already; we have all become so close that it is going to be hard to say goodbye. But as Billy said, we are all lifetime friends now. 

 Sunday: I just spent the last two days taking it easy, walking around the city, exploring the markets and different restaurants and historical sights with the rest of the group. I also was able to sketch a little; it was a much needed relaxing weekend. Back to work tomorrow! I will try and blog more often this week, but can’t promise I won’t just pass out every night again

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far to the hike challenge! I have almost reached the set goal; one more week – please check out the link: 

http://www.globalgiving.org/dy/fundraiser/prevfund/gg.html?regid=6123&utm_source=email2.globalgiving.org&utm_medium=email&utm_term=rothlaur%40gmail.com&utm_content=Someone+donated+to+Lauren%27s+Peru+Challenge&utm_campaign=Fundraiser%2FDonation 

Note from Whole Foods Market: Don’t forget, you can click on the pictures to make them larger!

We left early Wednesday morning to catch our flight to Cusco, and spent the past four days there. It was a lot of fun; we went on a few walking tours of the city, went to three art galleries of a famous Peruvian artist, horseback rode to Sacsayhuaman, shopped at all the markets, I went to church at the main Catholic cathedral, we all celebrated in the main square for the 100th year of Machu Picchu, and of course took a trip there. 

Cusco is the closest city to the site, but it still took us almost five hours to get there. A two hour bus ride through the country with incredible views of the Andies. An almost two hour train ride through more country and up into the mountains which brought us to the town of Aguaes Calienties. From there another scary thirty minute bus ride winding up and right along the cliff side in the Andies, finally to the entrance. After a five minute walk over a little hill we were there! 

I can not describe the feeling and the view, I think it was just complete awe. We took a two hour guided tour throughout the whole site. It’s not that large, but our tour guide was full of knowledge and stories. For me I was mostly amazed at the things they had there, like a compass that is in the exact position of all four directions, or a window placed in the right position for the sun to shine through and create a pattern, one for summer and one for winter solstice. There was a temple for the sun, earth and wind, as well as a beautifully carved dedication to the condors. You are literally in the middle of nowhere in the Andies, so how they ever were able to build this or know the things they did really is mind boggling. So many unanswered questions and mysteries; it is definitely a place to visit and learn more about. 

There is also just an overall feeling while you’re there…I can not describe that either. Even with all the other tourists there, you just feel a certain way. It was almost hard to leave. Plus, you are still in the middle of the Andies, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. 

After four days in Cusco we were all exhausted and ready to go “home” to Arequipa. The group has really gotten along and formed a strong bond. I think this first week of “cultural immersion” has really been important for us. We all know each other now and are there for each other, which I think will make going to the site and working more productive and enjoyable. Today starts the first day of work. We had a meeting last night to go over again exactly what the town looks like and what we will be doing. 

 After hiking in Cusco and at Machu Picchu, which are both around 11,000 feet, I have decided I am going to take on the yearly GVI challenge. The challenge consists of an intense five day hike starting on Monday, July 25th. The organization I am with relies fully on donations. They take on a challenge like this every year in order to raise more. We happen to be here at the same time they are going and were given the option to join. Please click on this link to find out more info, any donation helps: 

http://www.globalgiving.org/dy/fundraiser/prevfund/gg.html?regid=6123&utm_source=email2.globalgiving.org&utm_medium=email&utm_term=rothlaur%40gmail.com&utm_content=Someone+donated+to+Lauren%27s+Peru+Challenge&utm_campaign=Fundraiser%2FDonation .

 Off to get some breakfast and head up to the site…wish us luck! It is hot and at a very high altitude, we will need it!

Today we took our first Spanish class, four hours straight! I am amazed actually at the amount I remember from HS, but it should be easier to communicate from here on out (hopefully). We were invited to sit in on two meeting with the microlending clients; they hold them in the city and in the country for the people who can not drive into the city.  We were lucky enough to attend both. The businesses they run vary from hair salons to mini 7-11 type markets. It was so heart warming to see how happy, determined and successful they all are.

When we drove to the second meeting in the country, we had more time to sit and talk with the clients about how it has helped them and what exactly they do. There were kids and dogs running around everywhere and the town was completely run down, but they still carried the same positive attitude and were even teasing us about being American and they way we looked and are dressed. When we left they all thanked us and expressed their gratitude for the money donated, saying it has changed their lives. It brought tears to my eyes as well as a few of the other volunteers. It was very humbling; I feel so lucky to have met them. 

 The project managers invited us to be a part of their yearly challenge to raise money for the cause. This year it is an intense five day hike that happens to be the last week we are here. Everything is provided for you including mules to carry your things. I went for a jog in the city today and could barely breath because of how high an altitude we are at, so I guess the mules are a necessity in order to tackle this hike. I am debating taking on the challenge. 

 Tomorrow we leave early to catch a flight to Cuzco to spend the next three days checking out the ancient Incan city and Macchu Picchu. This year, Thursday to the day, marks the 100th year it was officially discovered.  The city will be filled with dancers and festivities in celebration…what a great time to be there! When we return we have more Spanish classes, and Monday we start building the water tanks. 

Oh, and my luggage came! Woohoo!

 The hotel manager said this to us tonight before bed: “Sueño con los angeles” which means “sleep with the angels”. I thought it was a pretty phrase to share. 

 The first picture is just a shot from the bus window, there were random oasis tucked into the dry mountainside on the way there. The rest are pictures from the meetings, and the last is one of the other volunteers buying some Lays from one of the microcredit women. 

On the plane ride to Arequipa we met four other people on the trip…it is funny how we were able to pick each other out from a crowd haha. We were picked up at the airport by a GVI (that is the volunteer group we are working with, an incredible organization based in several different Latin American countries) and brought back to the hotel where we will be spending the month. We are so lucky to be here; from what I have heard you are usually put with a host family without running water and electricity so this a real treat. Other WFM volunteers trickled in through out the day, and we had a small orientation and a delicious lunch together. Afterwards we all walked through the city and explored the markets and local shops. It is a beautiful city, nestled right at the foot of the Andies and surrounded by three large inactive volcanoes. On the other side of the city is the driest desert in the world, so it is in a very unique location and is the second largest city in Peru. The markets were filled with interesting meats, produce, textiles and everything else you would imagine. We even caught a beautiful sunset, and stopped at a great little pastry shop to share dessert.

Everyone is getting along great and instantly clicked. I am touched at how generous they have all been with me; one guy gave me his spare jacket, another girl her shoes, another their spare toothbrush! It is nice to be sharing this experience with such kind people. Today we had breakfast early and went for a walk through town, then had about a five hour orientation going over the mission of GVI, what the people here are like, why we are building the water tanks, safety and the intinerary for the rest of the trip. The owner of the hotel made us a typical Peruvian BBQ, which included drinking the juice from both yellow and purple corn, it was surprisingly good! He told us stories of the Incan and the history of Peru.

Being here and hearing how the people live really puts things into perspective, how lucky we are to live where we do and the privileges we have that you don’t even give a second thought. One being, you can not flush anything down the toilet: the rule is “if it didn’t come out of you, dont flush it”. There are waste baskets next to each toilet. Or the fact that I drink several bottles of water everyday, shower, wash my hands, water the garden, cook, never giving any of that a second thought, but there are people in the world that dont even have access to water! Not to cook, drink, flush, garden..nothing, The tanks we are helping build will be filled with water and attached to taps around the village, giving them water whenever needed; it is really going to be making a change in their lives, which is incredible. But even aside from that, just seeing and hearing about the extreme poverty, lack of education and more really makes me thankful for everything I do have and has made me realize that I would like to continue to do more of this in my life.

Tomorrow we are going to the meet the women that Whole Planet supports. It will create a full circle of raising money to actually meeting the woman, seeing where they work and live, and buying their products. I cannot wait.

The first three pictures are from when I first arrived in Arequipa, the dessert we shared and typical peruvian dressed couple.

The last six are all taken at the market. notice the pig head! As well as cheese wrapped in palms and the clothing made from alpacha (thats not me under the hat). I also learned today that Peru is the original place that potatoes were grown and that there are over 2,000 varieties. They also have a place in Cuzco, where they keep a back-up of each seed, just in case the world ever goes into a food shortage!

Until next time!

I have all I need to take off: a coffee, my passport, sketchbook and favorite pen. Goodbye New York!

I feel like I have not had the time to really think about the adventure I am about to embark on…the last few months have been a whirlwind between moving from Hawaii, starting a new job and preparing for this trip. But as I sit here waiting to board, I am overwhelmed with excitement! I cannot wait to meet new people, help a community in need, explore Peru (especially Macchu Picchu; this year marks the 100th anniversary of when it was officially discovered) and hopefully be inspired artistically. We will be staying in Arequipa and working about an hour out in the desert.

To see more info about the Whole Planet Foundation, check out this website: http://www.wholeplanetfoundation.org/. I first learned about the Foundation back in 2007, two months after starting in Whole Foods Market Montclair. One of the ladies in charge came to give a presentation and I was immediately fascinated, I knew I wanted to be more involved. Over the years I have thrown a charity show to raise money, designed the 2009 t-shirt and been involved anyway I can. What is more perfect than actually coming to one of the countries that benefits so much from it?!

I will try and blog as often as I can, until next time – have a great weekend!

One of our Store Graphic Artists is spending the month in Peru, working as part of our company’s Whole Planet Foundation. As if that weren’t enough to keep her busy, she agreed to keep all of us in the loop by blogging on-location! Check in on our Facebook and website to hear all about what happens when she trades in chalkboards and artwork in Paramus, New Jersey for a hammer and nails in South America.