Hello Friend,
Happy December! Earlier this week we hosted our annual supporter appreciation event where our community gathered over a healthy meal and were able to mingle with each other, with staff, and enjoy a property tour. Our staff love hosting this event as it’s our way of saying thank you for the work that is done year-round to ensure our programs are top-notch and our property is thriving. We are grateful for the hundreds of volunteers, financial supporters, community partners, board members, and more who make up our community.
We also invite you to bring friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. to our next open garden – Saturday, December 17, or sign up for our family DIY Family Gift Class (same date). And, please keep us in mind for employee thank you events, corporate events, family classes and more as we have both hands on garden and cooking programs suited to meet your needs for teambuilding fun!
We have big news coming in 2023 and can’t wait to share more with our community. On behalf of the Olivewood team, we wish you a healthy and happy holiday season and new year.
With gratitude,
Jen Nation, Executive Director of Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center
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Open Garden Tour
Saturday, December 17, 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Join us for a public tour of Olivewood Gardens! Learn more about the property, our programs and get a sneak peak of the historic Queen Anne Victorian House built in 1896.!
We’ll have a public tours starting at 10:15AM & 11:15AM, and guests are free to enjoy the gardens and invited to learn more about our programs.
No pre-registration required.
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Featured Spotlight: Jannet Valdes Ramirez returns to her beginnings |
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Jannet is shown here teaching first graders at Central Elementary in National School District about Seeds and Living Things |
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“Being part of this Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center partnership allows me to be more involved in my community by providing fun and educational experiences as an Environmental Education Specialist.” |
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Born and raised in National City, attended an elementary school in National City and now works at Olivewood Gardens
Jannet Valdes Ramirez returns to her beginnings: Born and raised in National City, attended a National City elementary school and now works at Olivewood Gardens.
Jannet Valdes Ramirez, one of two Environmental Education Specialist–recently hired in October of 2022, has the opportunity to teach students in 5 out of the 10 National School District (NSD). She is teaching environmental and nutrition lessons in their school gardens.
After receiving her college degree, her desire was to put her degree to use. She feels privileged to have had the opportunity to attend college. Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center allows her to use the knowledge she gained as a college student to provide educational lessons to students of varied ages and backgrounds. “My involvement with Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center has allowed me to fulfill my desire to be able to share my knowledge and education with my community.”
Leading in the Community
“For me, being a community leader means embracing the diversity of the community. Honoring and respecting the richness of our cultures. Being a community leader requires empathy, sympathy, compassion, commitment, credibility, collaboration, and creativity. A community leader should be able to be understanding and aim to provide not only equality but equity as well. As a leader in my community, I strive to be a good role model and I continuously embrace our diversities.”
Paying it Forward. Jannet wants to use her experiences and knowledge to educate others, and not just keep the skills, knowledge, and experiences to herself.
Wishes for a better future
I wish to see that my work as Environmental Education Specialist continues at the National School District - to continue to provide knowledge for the children of the future. As well as guidance to continue to take care of the environment and live healthy lifestyles. Altogether this will continue to provide a bright and positive future for all.
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Dietetic Nutrition Intern-Laverne Brikho |
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Take Two: Registered Dietetic Intern Lavern Brikho returns to Olivewood Gardens for a second rotation.
Laverne decided to complete her dietetic internship at Olivewood Gardens because she enjoys being around kids and knew she would gain a ton of experience with the field trip programs.
We asked her a few questions about her experience at Olivewood Gardens. Here is what she had to say:

What motivated you to volunteer at Olivewood Gardens?
I've always loved working with people, but at Olivewood I found a new love for community work. A fun fact is that when I first began my internship I actually had selected the Diabetes Concentration to specialize in. However, once I spent time at Olivewood, I decided to switch to the Wellness Concentration because I just enjoyed my time here so much! I was very lucky that Olivewood hosted me a second time
What excites you the most about Olivewood Gardens?
It is exciting just being around everyone, whether it be the team or those who attend the programs. Being at Olivewood, I was part of an amazing team, but really it felt like a family. It's also amazing to see the participants that come to Olivewood that are passionate about learning and trying new things, and love being a part of that as well!
How has your involvement with Olivewood Gardens impacted your life or your family's lives?
It has really encouraged me as a future registered dietitian to be dedicated to encouraging those around me, whether it be family, friends, future patients, or clients to explore new things when it comes to a healthy diet and organic gardening that will impact their lives for the better! This way they can be an example to their loved ones and be inspired to do the same!

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Friday, December 16
10AM - 11AM
Does your little one enjoy nature?
Bring them to Olivewood to have a garden adventure! Talls & Smalls is a 1-hour class for children ages 2-5 with an accompanying adult. They'll explore our beautiful gardens, use their senses to smell, taste, see, listen and taste a garden snack.
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Saturday, December 17
1 PM - 2:30 PM

This once a year family class will have some fun kitchen crafts & recipes, as well as a cardmaking station for take-home DIY gifts! Light snacks and instructor-led DIY gift ideas provided!
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Saturday, January 14th, 2023
10AM - 11:30PM or 1PM- 2:30 PM
We invite your children to join us in person where we will be making delicious spaghetti squash casseroles with seasonal vegetables and bake a fun, seasonal crisp for dessert. Chefcitos (ages 5-14) will be exploring new flavors, textures and skills in the kitchen this month!
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Gift a Cooking Class this Holiday Season! |
Gift Certificate Cooking Class for the foodie in your life! Participants will join Olivewood's nutrition educator for a fun and interactive cooking class to learn new cooking techniques and make delicious seasonally-inspired recipes! |
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Volunteer & Internship Opportunities |
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"Leonard and the garden staff shared so much valuable information with me about sustainable urban agriculture that I will take with me through my career and life"-Alison Peppers (pictured on the right with staff member Rocina) is a Point Loma Nazarene University student, graduating this month.
We are looking for passionate volunteers that want to extend their knowledge and skills in community education, group management, nutrition, environmental science, gardening, marketing, communications, and more!
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Want to make your commitment to health equity go a little farther?
Join our monthly giving program to become a Roots for Health, ensuring that Olivewood can meet the needs of our community through education, access & advocacy when it’s needed most.
Or donate to some of our partners!
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Butternut Pecan Squash Sweet Potato Mash Recipe |
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Ingredients
1 large sweet potato (or sub 6 small per 3 large halved // skin on // organic when possible)
2-3 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash (1/2 butternut squash) -
2 melted coconut oil (divided)
1 pinch each sea salt + black pepper
1 pinch of ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp vegan butter
Pecan Topping
- ½ cup pecans (roughly chopped)
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of sea salt
- 1 Tbsp vegan butter (optional)
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Instructions
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2.Peel & chop your sweet potato and squash into 1 inch cubes
3.Add all veg to the baking sheet, drizzle with 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil & toss with hands to coat.
4.Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5.Roast for 15-20 minutes, then remove from oven and test doneness. It should be very fork tender and easily mashed.
6.Once it's done, remove from oven and set aside.
7.For the pecans, heat a medium size skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and toast for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. If smoking or browning too quickly, turn heat to medium-low or low.
Careful the oils in the nuts can make them burn fast. Enjoy!
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SDG&E Tips: Emergency Preparedness |
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SAVE 18% ON YOUR MONTHLY ELECTRIC BILL WITH FERA
SDG&E recognizes this is still a challenging time for many customers. Even if you have never qualified for assistance before, you may be eligible now. If you have three or more people in your household and are having a hard time paying your electric bill, you may be eligible for an 18% discount on your electric bill. To apply, visit sdge.com/FERA.
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