french meadows classes · french meadows classes july 13-21, 2013 french meadows camp, po box 3998,...

French Meadows Classes

July 13-21, 2013

French Meadows Camp, PO Box 3998, Chico, CA 95927-3998phone 530-566-9765; fax 530-566-9768; email: [email protected]

July 13, 2013

Saturday Afternoon Classes9:00 am-8:00 pm—Registration ........................................................ Anita, Carl, and Neil

2:00-3:20 pm—Workshop: Seven Laws & Twelve Theorems ......................... Mike ChenThis is a one-hour workshop (with time for Q&A) designed for participants to learn how to present Ohsawa’s final and concise formulation (1963) of Oriental philosophical theory in 19 statements. Ohsawa writes that a physical practice (such as macrobiotic dietetics) is dangerous without an instructional philosophy. Note that the Ohsawan formulations and the subsequent interpretations of Michio, Herman, and others are not at all the same. Famously, Ohsawa gives parameters of thinking instead of getting into a lot of description. No strenuous exercise.

3:30-4:20 pm—Camp Orientation ..................................................................... Carl FerreCome and hear how to make the most of your French Meadows camp experience. During this talk, Carl will answer your questions and will relate some of the legendary stories that are a part of the camp tradition. Did Tinkerbell, Wolf, and Dish really exist? Did a logging truck driver actually run off the road while staring at three Swedish girls sunning themselves au naturel in the camp stream? Did the Forest Service really make us put boundary signs on all the trees around the campground? Join us and discover the true story.

Note: Kerry’s classes are inspired by Macrobiotic Barefoot Shiatsu as developed by Shizuko Yamamoto. All classes feature working with partners in applying Shiatsu with our hands and our feet. Classes will also include how to access and massage different areas of our own bodies through stretching and direct pressure. We will discuss certain dietary tips that can help free up the blocked energy in our bodies that can cause tightness and pain. All of the classes are non-sequential, allowing you to drop in on any of them without prior experience or knowledge.


4:30-5:50 pm—Strategies for a Vegan/Vegetarian Diet: Bob Ligon

Devoted practitioners of a vegan/vegetarian diet may encounter challenges maintaining general health. Some may develop digestion and assimilation problems. Some have low energy and feel cold much of the time. Still others have mental fogginess. Women in par-ticular may develop menstrual/fertility irregu-larities. This presentation details the reasons these conditions might develop and offers di-etary and lifestyle strategies that can help.

4:30-5:50 pm—Shiatsu: Most Important Acu-points: Kerry Loeb

We will learn how to access some of the most important acupressure-points in the body (beneficial for energy, immune function, digestion, etc.), and will work with our hands on the lower extremities.

July 14, 2013

Sunday Morning Classes6:00-6:30 am—Meditation ................................................................................. Mike Chen

With Clean Food Comes Clear Thinking: After singing to wake ourselves up, we meditate at 5,400 feet by the stream. Over 50 years of Ohsawa-style summer camp experience indicate that time speeds up for us during these few days. This should not come as a surprise—you can notice the difference in your metabolism! Meditation serves as excellent counterpoint to this increased speed. No previous experience required. Open to all styles. With clear thinking comes clean food.

6:45-8:00 am—Dō-in .................................................................................... Lino StanchichWake Up your vitality, circulation, and well-being the fun way! Energize your entire body with Dō-In self massage, a whole body work-out based on powerful Traditional Chinese and Japanese healing techniques. Lino Stanchich, Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist, teaches a lively and enjoyable class in how to massage yourself from the top of your head to the soles of your feet, following energy meridians to energize your internal organs and whole body. The class closes with a heartwarming group laugh. Just “Do” it!

6:45-8:00 am—Qigong ..................................................................................... Shirley TungQigong is Chinese Traditional exercises for cure and prevention. The daily focus is to clear blockages (inhibiting full health) in our meridians. The exercises facilitates openess to energy flow with what is called the “Basic Eight”. We will further enhance energy with “Rejuvenation” exercises as is taught by Grand Master Hong Liu.

9:15-9:45 am—Workshop: Cornellia’s Chanting ............................................ Mike Chen Cornellia Aihara taught Japanese chanting under the canopy of the trees and sky for many years at French Meadows. The French Meadows experience is filled with hopefulness. The evoking of this during the day—and forever—comes in the form of the Buddhist Heart Sutra, chanted in Japanese. We ask the Universe for enlightenment—that is, the overcoming of all measure of ignorance—of all sentient beings. With Shinto chants, we ask for the blessings of the Infinite on us all—we include campers, staff, the residents of Foresthill, even the ants! We express our thanks for the universal gifts. And using kototama chants, we harmonize ourselves and each other. Come and get your blessings!

10:00-11:30 am— Spiritual Evolution through Macrobiotics .................. Lino StanchichWe are divine beings capable of evolving into higher levels of consciousness. One of the major teachings of Ohsawa has been the importance of spiritual development and supreme judgement. This talk discusses how to evolve into a person who experiences greater freedom and universal love. Macrobiotic daily practices, especially eating cleansing and strengthening natural foods, can help us manifest to greater peace and happiness on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. As we consciously connect to the energy of the whole universe, the natural result is a higher vibration that emanates through our whole life, touching, influencing, and effecting positive change in our world. Lino will discuss powerful ways each of us may enhance our spiritual connection to the universe and live in harmony with all, as one family.


July 14, 2013

Sunday Afternoon Classes


2:00-2:50 pm Lecture—Reclaim Your Happiness: Mary J Lore

Life is hectic. Work is fast-paced. We want to be spiritual beings and our humanity keeps getting in the way! How can we stop doing, start being, and succeed in today’s world? This workshop shares tools you can put to use immediately to help you reclaim your happiness, re-ignite your soul, and be inspired and impactful in everything you do.

3:00-3:50 pm Lecture—Healing Your Family Tree: David Briscoe

Each of us is part of an endless family spirit, including mother and father, grandparents, great grandparents, and much farther back. In this session we’ll explore the connection between the lives of those who have come before us and our own life. The health of one’s family spirit is inseparable from one’s own health and well-being.

4:00-4:50 pm Lecture—Magic Pills: Michael Bauce

It seems as if we are all looking for “magic pills”—drugs, supplements, and superfoods. These substances not only get us quickly off-track, but may also have unintended consequences. They often end up in “the magic pill graveyard.” Macrobiotic diet and philosophy offer us an alternative to the quick fixes and solutions being sold today.

5:00-5:50 pm Lecture—Ginger Compress: Bob Ligon

The ginger compress is a traditional folk remedy for many conditions from indigestion to aches and pains and is an essential practice for a macrobiotic lifestyle. This presentation will cover the preparation of the ginger, the techniques for preparing the water and towels, and a demonstration of the ginger compress to both lower back and abdomen.

2:00-3:50 pm—Cooking: Intuitive Desserts; Julia Ferre

Parfaits for the party girl or boy in you! Nothing says celebration better than dessert. Learn how to make a delicious vegan chocolate pudding and a sensual lemon pudding and how to assemble a stunning parfait. Julia presents these recipes plus a few surprises.

3:00-4:20 pm—Afternoon Yoga: Karen Garvey

Each class is tailored to the needs of those present. Emphasis is given to the importance of the breath while guiding students through postures linking breath to movement. Students will practice a process that incorporates gentle and invigorating movement while learning comfort over strain and function over form. This helps students use postures to meet their needs instead of molding their bodies into poses that may not work.

4:30-5:50 pm—Shiatsu: Head, Neck, and Shoulders; Kerry Loeb

We will focus on the very important and frequently tight areas of the head, neck, and shoulders. This class will include effective stretching techniques and massaging the neck, shoulders, and head. Again, we will be accessing many of the acu-points located in this area to facilitate even further relaxation. We will also be learning how to access and work these areas on ourselves.

July 15, 2013

Monday Morning Classes

6:00-6:30 am—Meditation ................................................................................. Mike ChenWith Clean Food Comes Clear Thinking: After singing to wake ourselves up, we meditate at 5,400 feet by the stream. Over 50 years of Ohsawa-style summer camp experience indicate that time speeds up for us during these few days. This should not come as a surprise—you can notice the difference in your metabolism! Meditation serves as excellent counterpoint to this increased speed. No previous experience required. Open to all styles. With clear thinking comes clean food.




10:00-11:30 am—Save Your Brian ............................................................... David BriscoeMake use of the latest scientific knowledge coupled with traditional macrobiotic views to have a lifelong healthy brain. We’ll discuss the latest research related to food, exercise, and social activity. Take the memory test see where you currently stand. Learn about “brain plaque” and “denatured protein” and what you can do to avoid them. We’ll also discuss what can be done for someone who has developed Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia


July 15, 2013

Monday Afternoon Classes


2:00-2:50 pm Lecture—Healthy Back, Healthy Neck: Ronald Koetzsch

This class introduces simple physical exercises and body-use principles to help maintain a healthy back and neck. These exercises are based on the Alexander Technique. Ronald has been using the Labbs chiropractic exercises for over twenty years with excellent results. He is a trained teacher of the Alexander Technique.

3:00-3:50 pm Lecture—Maximum Energy from Daily Food: Lino Stanchich

How you eat is as important as what you eat. The more you get out of your food, the more you get out of life. Whole foods need to be eaten in a special way in order to fully as-similate their vital nutrients. Lino’s popular Power Eating Program has taught thousands how to increase vitality, healing, mental clar-ity, stronger digestion, and immunity.

4:00-4:50 pm Lecture—Macrobiotic Essentials for Healing: Sanae Suzuki

Macrobiotics is not a rigid way of eating; it is a way to be healthy and happy physically, mentally, and spiritually. Focus is on healing in practical ways using macrobiotic principles. Learning to be flexible and creative is the true path to a macrobiotic existence.

5:00-5:50 pm Lecture—Powerful Words: Mary J Lore

Words matter. Literally. The words we think and say turn into matter and create our reality—for better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and health—individually and collectively. In this interactive workshop, learn the ten words we use every day that are working against us, creating what we don’t want. And learn the powerful words you can use to help you experience profound change and be your highest vision of yourself.

2:00-3:50 pm—Cooking: All Steamed Up; Cynthia and David Briscoe

You may already know about steaming vegetables, but in this class we’ll make steamed desserts and entrees! We’ll show several different types of steamers and also how you can create an “instant steamer” with cooking utensils you may already have at home. Steaming is a wonderful summer style of cooking, but it can also be used year round.



4:30-5:50 pm—Shiatsu: Stepping on People; Kerry Loeb

In this class we will learn how to use our feet to apply shiatsu massage to others. This will include work on the shoulders, back and legs, feet and arms, along with various stretching techniques. NOTE: Come with clean feet if you want to experience the massage.

Message from Kerry Loeb: These Shiatsu classes are designed for people who have never practiced Shiatsu (maybe never heard of it) or for those wanting to fine-tune their skills. It is my hope and intention that after each class, the person will know enough to help a friend/loved one feel better by the use of their newly acquired skill.

July 16, 2013

Tuesday Morning Classes





10:00-11:30 am—Macrobiotics Beyond Food ......................................... Ronald KoetzschThis talk covers some of the many factors other than food that affect health, including sensory input, mental attitudes, and personal relationships. It will also deal with the increasing presence of electro-magnetic fields and radio frequencies in our living and working environments created by cell phones, computers, wi-fi systems, et al. and with methods for reducing possible ill effects.


July 16, 2013

Tuesday Afternoon Classes

2:00-2:50 am — G.O.M.F. Annual Meeting ...................................................... Carl FerreThe George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation invites you to join in its annual meeting. Current and future Foundation projects are discussed along with an election of one member of the Board of Directors.


3:00-3:50 pm Lecture—Healing with Ancient Sounds: David Briscoe

Traditional people used sound in many prac-tical ways for healing and peace of mind.In this session, David will share some ba-sic methods of sound healing from his Deep Peace approach to energy attunement. Learn simple sounds that are specific to different ar-eas of the body and energy centers.

4:00-4:50 pm Lecture—Psychic Healing: Lenny Rubin

The class teaches how we can heal ourselves and others, psychically or clairvoyantly. There will be a brief lecture followed by exercises, some of which include pairing off into groups. We will practice what we have learned on each other.

5:00-5:50 pm Workshop—Sotai Natural Exercise: Nobuo Otake

Come enjoy SOTAI practice in motion and learn the subtle technique, preventive method of slip and fall, and other good bodily things. In order not to raise a cloud of dust, this workshop will be held on the payment in the shade at the basketball hoop area.



4:30-5:50 pm—Shiatsu: Review of Arms and Upper Body; Kerry Loeb

We will be reviewing some of what was learned in prior classes and also continuing our work with our feet and hands on their arms and hands. We will be incorporating some stretches for opening up the middle/ upper body and neck area. We will also be learning how to access these areas on ourselves through self-massage and stretching.

July 17, 2013

Wednesday Morning Classes6:00-6:30 am—Meditation ................................................................................. Mike Chen

With Clean Food Comes Clear Thinking: After singing to wake ourselves up, we meditate at 5,400 feet by the stream. Over 50 years of Ohsawa-style summer camp experience indicate that time speeds up for us during these few days. This should not come as a surprise—you can notice the difference in your metabolism! Meditation serves as excellent counterpoint to this increased speed. No previous experience required. Open to all styles. With clear thinking comes clean food.

6:45-8:00 am—Pilates ................................................................................. Saci McDonaldWe only have one pilates mat class so we have to pack it in! We will focus on strength and flexibility of the spine and the role the abdominals and the breath play to support that. Everyone is welcome, bring a mat and dress comfortably in layers.



10:00-11:30 am—The Trees ............................................................................ Hugh TinlingTrees are much older than us; they help supply our breath, provide us with food and resources, and were the ancient habitat for our precursor ancestors. Hugh, using Ohsawa’s Unique Principle, examines trees’ functioning within the biosphere, and looks at many forms of our inter-relationship with them. He will introduce a new cognitive tool, Concentric Dynamics—an extension of Ohsawa’s centripetal/centrifugal philosophy—and in this context will look to tree’s bigger family, the plants, and examine the polarity between plants and animals as inter-dependency and complimentarity. We will address how collective modern humankind is altering the ancient interrelationships, and the future implications.

11:00-2:00 pm—Special Workshop ($20 fee): Chapati Extravaganza .... Chuck Lowery Includes several new faster and easier techniques recently developed. We’ll use a starter made only with organic whole grain spelt flour and water. (No yeast, vinegar, milk or anything else.) This is a hands-on experience so each participant will have the opportunity to make the dough, create the pizza or chapati (tortilla), and cook it over the wood-fire. Everyone in camp will enjoy our handmade chapati in a special evening meal. Pizza samples are for class participants only.


July 17, 2013

Wednesday Afternoon Classes


2:00-2:50 pm Lecture—Healthy Back, Healthy Neck: Ronald Koetzsch

This class introduces simple physical exercises and body-use principles to help maintain a healthy back and neck. These exercises are based on the Alexander Technique. Ronald has been using the Labbs chiropractic exercises for over twenty years with excellent results. He is a trained teacher of the Alexander Technique.

3:00-3:50 pm Lecture—Strengthening the Kidneys/Core: Line Stanchich

Your core is key to health of body, mind, and spirit. Learn how to strengthen weak kidneys and relax contracted kidneys with Lino’s clear descriptions of macrobiotic principles, diet, exercises, and remedies to balance your core/hara, your kidneys, thus your total health and happiness.

4:00-4:50 pm Workshop—Macrobiotic Forum: David Jackson and Kaare Bursell

In this workshop, we discuss subjects, personal concerns, and topical issues from a macrobiotic perspective. Those who wish to participate gather in a circle, there is an introduction to give brief biographical information, and the session opens with each of the participants bringing their particular topic, issue, or concern to the session. After all have had their say, the group as a whole decides which ones to discuss, times are allotted to each one, and the person who brought up the topic leads off the discussion. No issue or concern is off limits, no matter how controversial. Please join David and Kaare for a refreshing change from the usual fare!

5:00-5:50 pm Workshop—Macrobiotic Forum continues

2:00-3:50 pm—Cooking: Cooking with Sea Vegetables; Sanae Suzuki

Sanae will introduce various sea vegetable dishes to help your health and quality of life. Rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and iodine and high in protein and beta carotene, sea vegetables are highly nutritious. A daily dose will impart relaxing energy, reflected in their flowing movements underwater, strong and flexible at the same time.



4:30-5:50 pm—Shiatsu: Internal Organ Massage; Kerry Loeb

In this final class, we will continue working with our hands and doing internal organ massage. In this work, we will learn the location of the internal organs and how to improve their function through Shiatsu, diet and self-massage.

July 17, 2013

Thursday Morning Classes





10:00-11:30 am—Reviving Macrobiotics Within Us .................................. David JacksonHave you stalled a bit with your macrobiotic practice? Our minds and bodies have many secrets. This lecture/workshop will help you discover some of the agendas we hold and allow us to work through some of the unknown mysteries that may be hidden within. Come join in the fun of self-discovery.


July 18, 2013

Thursday Afternoon Classes


2:00-2:50 pm Lecture—Turn Tragedy into Inspiration: Mary J Lore

We hear of shootings, bombings, and deaths of innocent children. We experience tragedy and difficulty in our personal lives. We find ourselves filled with anger, outrage, blame, revenge, hopelessness, sadness, shock, and disbelief. In this interactive workshop, learn how these events serve as a defining moment, a significant opportunity to create the highest vision of ourselves. Learn how to use these moments to discover who you truly are and what you truly wish to create in this world.

3:00-3:50 pm Lecture—Your Daily Healthy Checkup: Lino Stanchich

This talk covers techniques for self-diagnosis on a daily basis. Areas discussed include skin, eyes, stool, urination, moods, and so on.

4:00-4:50 pm Workshop—Macrobiotic Forum: David Jackson and Kaare Bursell

In this workshop, we discuss subjects, personal concerns, and topical issues from a macrobiotic perspective. Those who wish to participate gather in a circle, there is an introduction to give brief biographical information, and the session opens with each of the participants bringing their particular topic, issue, or concern to the session. After all have had their say, the group as a whole decides which ones to discuss, times are allotted to each one, and the person who brought up the topic leads off the discussion. No issue or concern is off limits, no matter how controversial. Please join David and Kaare for a refreshing change from the usual fare!

5:00-5:50 pm Workshop—Macrobiotic Forum continues

2:00-3:50 pm—Cooking: Luscious Leftovers; Michael Bauce

A fun part of cooking is using leftover ingredients to design a new meal. Soup is a great start to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Leftover grains can be used to make refreshing salads in the summer months. Learning to creatively recycle your leftovers will give you more freedom in your kitchen, which tranlates to more enjoyment.



4:30-5:50 pm—Shiatsu: Mark VilkaitisIn this class we will examine the meridians in the face, hands, and feet. Discover happens when we have the intention of love, healing, and wholeness in our hands. You’ll learn how to do your own acupressure facials as a beauty treatment. We’ll also practice a highly-regarded headache and stress relief technique.

July 19, 2013

Friday Morning Classes





10:00-11:30 am—Awakening and Developing Intuition .................................. Julia FerréThere is a link between healthy and happy. Healthy food can help a person be happy. Happiness can help a person choose healthy foods. Learn how to access your intuition to increase motivation to eat healthy foods and reduce temptations to eat unhealthy foods. Julia presents exercises and ideas from her course, Food and Intuition, that can be used in your current situation and to help you be healthy and happy for your entire life. Julia presents this class with highlights from her two-volume series, Food and Intuition 101.


July 19, 2013

Friday Afternoon Classes

2:00-3:20 pm Lecture—Baseline: Food Analysis ............................................. Mike ChenOhsawan instruction encourages us to chew meditatively and to meditate thoroughly. Where does this put us? Evidently, a very zen moment! But what to meditate on? Oh, of course...our condition! By keeping keep a list of each meal’s ingredients, we can identify our momentary likes and dislikes. Doing so, we then consciously shift and adapt our food choices by focusing on the year ahead, asking where we are coming from and where we are going to. This can assist us changing our condition and recovering our natural balance. Workshop includes a brief explanation of how the camp menus have been developed for maximum enjoyment and health.

3:00-4:20 pm—Afternoon Yoga ................................................................... Karen GarveyEach class is tailored to the needs of those present. Emphasis is given to the importance of the breath while guiding students through postures linking breath to movement. Students will practice a process that incorporates gentle and invigorating movement while learning comfort over strain and function over form. This helps students use postures to meet their needs instead of molding their bodies into poses that may not work.

3:30-4:20 pm—Lecture: The Yin/Yang of Animals ...................................... Hugh TinlingA presentation of the ideas from Wolfgang Schad’s, Man and Mammals, Towards a Biology of Form. Schad, an evolutionary biologist and student of Rudolf Steiner, recognized an underlying three-fold organization within our, and other animals, structure and functioning. Hugh will examine our Phylogony (growth of species) and our Ontology (our personal embryological evolution), and describe our own three-coldness, addressing how it affects our lives. And he will also present, as per Schad, the various mammals as a spectrum from yin to yang.


4:30-5:50 pm Lecture—Creating Happier and More Fulfilling Relationships: Lino Stanchich

Relationships are profoundly important to happiness and health. Our relationships can be joyous, healing, and balancing or painful and destructive. Discover how your daily food and lifestyle effects your emotions, communication, energy, and sexuality. Learn Lino’s deepest insights into what makes a macrobiotic or any relationship more lasting, fulfilling, and fun! This teaching carries over to all aspects of our lives. It all begins with our relationship with ourselves. Developing inner health and peace is at the core and world peace could be the ultimate result.

4:30-5:50 pm—Shiatsu: Mark VilkaitisIn this class we will examine the meridians in the face, hands, and feet. Discover happens when we have the intention of love, healing, and wholeness in our hands. You’ll learn how to do your own acupressure facials as a beauty treatment. We’ll also practice a highly-regarded headache and stress relief technique.

July 20, 2013

Saturday Morning Classes





10:00-11:30 am—From Imagination to Physical Reality ................................. Bob LigonWe all have experienced frustration trying to control our physical reality. Don’t’ we all think at some time or another that if only I could get my way, achieve this status, make this money, or acquire this object that everything would be fine and I would be happy? This presentation will look at ways to influence reality that are not about controlling events and people, but rather using the subtle energies of thought and attitude to create physical reality.


July 20, 2013

Saturday Afternoon Classes


2:00-2:50 pm—Closing Panel, Part One ....................................... Bob Ligon, ModeratorEvery question answered! Here’s the chance to ask the one question you’ve been unable to answer. All of the presenters that are available will answer your questions about health, happiness, and so on. So, come prepared with your questions and we’ll go through as many as possible. Most years this Q&A session turns into a lively discussion that’s not to be missed. Be there.

3:00-4:20 pm—Closing Panel, Part Two ....................................... Carl Ferre, ModeratorEvery other question answered! Here’s Part Two of your chance to ask any questions you’ve been unable to answer. In addition to health and happiness questions, this session deals with camp issues. So, come prepared with many questions. Many of the suggestions made at this session become part of our future camp tradition.

3:00-4:20 pm—Afternoon Yoga ................................................................... Karen GarveyEach class is tailored to the needs of those present. Emphasis is given to the importance of the breath while guiding students through postures linking breath to movement. Students will practice a process that incorporates gentle and invigorating movement while learning comfort over strain and function over form. This helps students use postures to meet their needs instead of molding their bodies into poses that may not work.

4:30-5:50 pm—Shiatsu ................................................................................. Mark VilkaitisIn this class we will examine the meridians in the face, hands, and feet. Discover happens when we have the intention of love, healing, and wholeness in our hands. You’ll learn how to do your own acupressure facials as a beauty treatment. We’ll also practice a highly-regarded headache and stress relief technique.

2013 - page 1French Meadows Presenters

Michael Bauce has studied macrobiotics since 1988. He was a main chef at both the Macrobiotic Grocery and Learning Center in Oakland, California from 1990-1995 and Manzanita Restaurant in Oakland from 2006-2009. He has conducted private and group cooking classes at youth centers, schools, senior centers, summer camps, hospitals, and Farmers’ Markets. Michael has been teaching cooking in a Berkeley elementary school as part of the California Nutrition Network since 1999. He has two sons, 26 and 22. Michael is available for single/family consultations. You can contact him at: [email protected].

David and Cynthia Briscoe presented the first cooking classes at French Meadows camp, paving the way for many other teachers to follow. Over the years they have returned and delighted campers with original recipes. David and Cynthia worked at Vega Study Center with Herman and Cornellia Aihara and continue to provide macrobiotic education and seminars in Oroville, California, and wherever they travel. They host an active educational website and offer internet courses; audio, video, and CDs for home learning; certified counselor and cooking teacher career programs; and excellent personal macrobiotic guidance by phone (toll-free 877-622-2637 or 530-532-1918), in person, and online (www.macroamerica.com). David is coauthor of A Personal Peace.

Kaare Bursell has been a macrobiotic and anthroposophic student for over 30 years. He has lectured many times at French Meadows and is the author of The End of Medicine. Kaare lives with his family in Carson City, Nevada. His website is: www.alchemycalpages.com.

Mike Chen: According to his younger daughter Flavia, “Mike Chen started playing peewee diplomatic service at the age of two and began practicing macrobiotics twenty-odd years later. He is a member of both CIMO (France) and GOMF (USA). At present, he enjoys making mung bean soup with yellow onion and mung bean sprouts, sesame oil, and scallions. He will also have the occasional mung bean fun (bean thread) with vegetables. For him, 100% wheat soba is an acquired taste; he prefers the buckwheat.” Happily married (‘ever after,’ says wife Maria), he has two wonderful daughters, Julianna and Flavia. The family agrees that he became a nicer guy by avoiding vinegar and not driving a car. And it’s all thanks to George Ohsawa’s book, Zen Macrobiotics!

Sheri DeMaris, M.Ed is a holistic health counselor who has taught whole foods/macrobiotic cooking at various restaurants and cooking schools throughout the United States and Europe. She continues to host, produce and direct a local alternative health TV show, “Tea With Sheri.” She has also produced and hosted a cooking DVD for the network, a one hour documentary on the history of natural foods, and a number of kids’ cooking videos. Sheri holds a Masters in Counseling from the College of William and Mary, VA, and a postmasters in Counseling from Villanova University, PA. Sheri is a graduate of the Level 4 Certification Program at the Kushi Institute. Sheri is currently a full-time Guidance Counselor at Valley Forge Middle School, Wayne, PA. She offers cooking classes, lectures, and seminars as well as individual counseling and cooking instruction. Her website is: www.teawithsheri.com.

Carl Ferré began macrobiotic practice in 1975 and has been studying, practicing, and teaching macrobiotic thinking and lifestyle ever since. He is author of Essential Guide to Macrobiotics and Acid Alkaline Companion, president of the George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation, editor of Macrobiotics Today magazine, and director of the French Meadows camp. He enjoys music and hiking.



Julia Ferré began macrobiotic practice in 1980. She is author of Basic Macrobiotic Cooking and the French Meadows Cookbook, and is writing a study course, Food and Intuition 101, from which she offers lectures and consultations. She is a hypnotist specializing in past life regression, and a Reiki master focusing on sessions for energy, attunement, and personal growth. Julia lives in California and works for the George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation, where she writes and edits for Macrobiotics Today magazine, and helps run the French Meadows camp. She and husband Carl have four sons. For more information, see: www.JuliaFerre.com or www.OhsawaMacrobiotics.com.

Karen Garvey was first introduced to yoga while in graduate school at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, where she received her MFA in acting. Karen began her formal training at Yoga Works in Los Angeles under the direction of Maty Ezraty and Lisa Walford (YW Teacher Training and Advanced Teacher Training). She studied yoga therapy with Jasmine Lieb, and assisted her for two years. After that, she entered American Viniyoga Institute’s yoga therapy program with Gary and Mirka Kraftsow. Karen incorporates Viniyoga, Iyengar, Ashtanga, and other traditions into her own teaching and places great importance on the therapeutic use of yoga, as she works with many individuals with injuries or special needs. She has been teaching for nine years and has a private practice in Los Angeles.

David Jackson has been practicing Macrobiotics since 1977. He began in San Diego and then studied with Roy Steevensz at The East West Center in Los Angeles. He also studied at the Kushi Institute in Becket, Ma and received his macrobiotic counseling certification there. In 1991 David moved to Prescott Arizona to raise his family of 3 children along with his wife. He continues to teach and do personal counseling throughout the state with monthly trips to Flagstaff, Phoenix and Tucson. He is also available for phone counseling. Inquires can be made through the contacts page or by telephone. More information can be found on his website: www.sisalt.com.

Ronald Koetzsch, PhD began his study and practice of Macrobiotics in Boston in 1967 when he met Michio and Aveline Kushi. He was for years a close associate of the Kushi’s and taught at the Kushi Institute and at many macrobiotic centers in North America and in other parts of the world. A longtime writer for East West Journal, Ronald is the author of Macrobiotics Yesterday and Today, a history of macrobiotics, and of Macrobiotics Beyond Food. He is currently Dean of Students and a member of the faculty at Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, California, and the editor of Renewal: A Journal for Waldorf Education. Ronald holds a PhD from Harvard University in World Religions and did a three-year teacher training in the Alexander Technique.

Kerry Loeb has been a Shiatsu instructor for almost 20 years and began his studies in 1985. He apprenticed simultaneously with Shizuko Yamamoto, Patrick McCarty, and Edward Spencer over a seven-year period. He has taught Shiatsu classes at French Meadows since 1992.

Bob Ligon worked at the Vega Study Center and George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation from 1989-1993 and was the editor of Macrobiotics Today from 1992-2000. He studied acupuncture and herbology graduating from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego in 1998. He integrates his knowledge of macrobiotics and Chinese Medicine in his diet, lifestyle counseling, and life coaching. Currently, Bob practices Traditional Chinese Medicine in Akron, Ohio.



Mary J. Lore is founder and CEO of Managing Thought. She is the author of the award-winning Managing Thought: How Do Your Thoughts Rule Your World? and has devoted over 30 years to serving as a CPA, entrepreneur, executive coach, guide, and mentor to executives. Through her corporate and public workshops and thousands of hours working with CEOs, managers, employees, teachers, parents, couples, and teens, Mary has successfully assisted individuals and organizations throughout the US and Canada to develop self-awareness and change the way they think to achieve long-lasting success. Her print and audio books have received six Best Book awards in various categories: Books that Enlighten and Inspire, Conscious Business and Leadership; Business: Motivation; Self-Help/Motivation; Books of Exemplary Merit; and Communication. Previous award winners included Deepak Chopra, Thich Nnat Hanh, Eckhart Tolle, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Chuck Lowery is co-founder of Pacific Bakery, a yeast-free organic bakery in Oceanside, California. Thirty years ago, he was inspired by the words of Herman Aihara to create a macrobiotic food business with modern Americans in mind. Chuck’s personal journey through macrobiotics led him to learn about naturally leavened, yeast-free whole grain breads. After retiring from Pacific Bakery in 2010, Chuck was elected to the Oceanside City Council which he describes as “...a grueling experience that was thankfully brief.” To celebrate his recent retirement, Chuck will offer his personal chapati baking workshop at French Meadows and will donate 100% of the class fees to the Ohsawa Foundation. He is currently serving as an Executive Board Member at the nonprofit Tariq Khamisa Foundation, a youth non-violence educational organization in San Diego. (www.TKF.org).

Saci McDonald has been practicing massage and other bodywork modalities since 1989. She received her initial training at Educating Hands School of Massage in Miami, Florida and further education in 1996 from John Maguire with the Kinesiology Certification Program. In 2003, Saci added Pilates studying with Carol Appel of Body Kinetics in Mill Valley. Saci is currently in private practice at her home studio in San Rafael, CA. She has been attending the French Meadows Summer Camp for many years and will be teaching a Pilates mat class and offering private bodywork/kinesiology sessions.

Nobuo Otake emigrated to the U.S. in 1978 when the California State Medical Board gave him a certification to practice Acupuncture and Physical Therapies. He practiced in Beverly Hills until 2009. His expertise was to treat bodily injuries and post-surgery cases. Many patients liked his manual therapies and the balancing of moving parts adjustments better than acupuncture. Dr. Keizo Hashimoto, one of famous followers of George Ohsawa, has been a favorite mentor for Nobuo since 1977. His lifestyle was humble and in the middle of the road. Nobuo is pleased to convey Hashimoto’s Sotai “Comfortable Stretches” at French Meadows through his clinical experience.

Len (Lenny) Rubin has been healing people psychically (clairvoyantly) since 1990. He says this is a gift from God. He claims that each human being on earth is anointed with a gift of one form or another from God, and our mission here on earth is to share it with others. That is part of God’s master plan. Respected by other psychics, including world renowned Psychic Valerie Morrison and Mother Sarita Vásquez, Lenny has gained the admiration of peers and friends alike. Lenny has been studying into the depths of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), which is thousands of years old. Kabbalah is the seed to all metaphysics including systems used in other parts of the world. Kabbalah has helped him to cement and fine-tune his gift even further. Lenny has countless testimonials of clients who can account for his pleasant, loving, caring, and professional manner in which he utilizes his gift to serve humankind. His home is in San Diego but has performed healings in several parts of the world.


2013 - page 4

French Meadows Presenters

Lino Stanchich is a Licensed Nutritionist, Kushi Institute Certified Macrobiotic Educator and Counselor, and Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist with over 40 years experience. He is a respected author and teacher of the macrobiotic diet, philosophy, and lifestyle, along with energy exercises (Chi Kung), shiatsu massage, Do-In self-massage, and Conscious Eating Techniques. Mr. Stanchich received the prestigious Aveline Kushi Award, from Michio Kushi in 2006. Author of the popular books, Power Eating Program, You Are How You Eat, Macrobiotic Healing Secrets, and The Natural Bladder Control Program, Mr. Stanchich has created “Healing Mealtime Music” audio, and the dynamic self-massage and exercise video “Energize Yourself,” as well as the laughter therapy audio, “Laugh for the Health of It!” In conjunction with Sean DiMaria, he has recently produced the popular audio, “ Using Your Mind to Heal Your Body,” to assist people in creating positive and dynamic mental affirmations for periods of meditation while eating. Lino Stanchich has appeared on a wide variety of international radio and television shows. See his website: http://www.greatlifeglobal.com.

Sanae Suzuki is co-owner of the vegan-macrobiotic restaurant, Seed Kitchen in Venice, CA. She is the author of two vegan macrobiotic cookbooks. A survivor of ovarian cancer and a near-fatal car accident, Sanae overcame both of these extreme life challenges through a macrobiotic diet and lifestyle.

Hugh Tinling is a naturalist, organic gardener, long-time Macrobiotic student (of Herman and Cornellia Aihara, Jacques and Yvette DeLangre, Mr Muramoto, and Lima Ohsawa), and a Yin/Yang teacher of nearly forty years in Ohsawa’s tradition of the Unique Principle. He did Zen Buddhist training under Robert Aitken Roshi, teaches elementary Tai Chi, and—at one time—lived for more than a decade in America’s largest Rudolf Steiner community. Four the past 25 years he has lived in the forest of the Trinity River canyon (Six Rivers National Forest area of the far northern California coastal range), tending a garden, and watching the trees.

Shirley Tung was born in Phoenix, is widowed, and has 2 grown sons. She has a BS in Nursing, a MA in Pastoral Ministry, and a MA in Feminist Spirituality. Shirley has worked in medical/surgical nursing, emergency room nursing, office nursing, as a porta-medic (insurance physicals), in retail businesses, and as a specialist in adoptions and foster care in Arizona. She is currently Manager of Real Estate and Coordinator of Refugee and Social Justice Issues. Shirley is an activist in political issues, frequently doing civil disobedience. She has taken classes for 17 years in Tai Chi and is now doing “weapons and 2 persons sets.” Shirley is a certified teacher of qi gong which can be found on the website of Master Hong and is also certified in Yang style Tai Chi with Kai Yung Tung, L.A. through David Block in Phoenix. She has taught Tai Chi and Qi Gong at Phoenix College and Sun City groups, and at Camelback Inn Resort.

Mark Vilkaitis has been a regular at camp since first volunteering in 1986, helping with set-up, and sharing duties at kid’s camp and in the kitchen. His broad base in many forms of bodywork include certification in massage from Kripalu Yoga Center, second degree Reiki initiation, Svarupa Yoga Embodyment Therapy as well as special Shiatsu instruction from Shizuko Yamamoto, Patrick Mcarty, and Bob Carr. The time spent with Cornellia and Herman Aihara during extended residency at Vega Study Center and at camp is at the core of his macrobiotic practice, and, in his words, “the inspiration, sense of well-being, renewal, and joy that is French Meadows, I owe all to them.” Mark will be offering private shiatsu sessions at camp.


July 12, 2009

Sunday Afternoon Classes

2:15-3:45 pm — Lecture: The Feng Shui of Vision Boards Barb Jurecki-HumphreyA vision board is a concrete, one of a kind tool to depict and manifest your dreams. If you are not living your dreams, you can harness the power of your thoughts to create a life filled with success. Learn how to use the Feng Shui Bagua to enhance the nine life situations of a vision board. Barb will demonstrate using her own personal vision board. Success is not a random event! You can’t succeed without a plan!

2:15-3:45 pm — Cooking: Summer Favorites of Cornellia Cynthia BriscoeCynthia will share some of her favorites from the summertime recipes taught over the many years by French Meadows Camp co-founder, Cornellia Aihara. Join in and make Fresh Corn Tortillas using corn off the cob. Cynthia will also demonstrate the making of Scallion Miso and serve it on the tortillas with Lentils and Crispy Scallions, along with a delicious bowl of Cornellia’s Corn Soup.

4:00-5:30 pm — Acid and Alkaline Stephen StarkweatherAcid and alkaline theory is easy, yet there is much misinformation on the internet and in books. The reality is that most all disorders, including cancer, thrive in an acidic environment. Making our internal environment more on the alkaline side is vital for our health and longevity. This presentation provides information on how to determine the acid-forming or alkaline-forming effect of all foods as well as lifestyle factors that increase acidity or help neutralize it.

4:00-5:30 pm — Shiatsu: Internal Organ Massage Kerry LoebWe will continue working with our hands and doing internal organ massage. In this work, we will learn the location of the internal organs and how to improve their function through Shiatsu. All of the classes are non-sequential, meaning you can attend any class without having to have attended any prior classes.


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