French Meadows Classes - ohsawamacrobiotics.com

French Meadows Camp—www.OhsawaMacrobiotics.com

French Meadows ClassesJuly 4-12, 2015


July 4, 2015

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

2:00-3:30 pm—Workshop: Seven Laws & Twelve Theorems ......................... Mike ChenThis is a one-hour workshop designed for participants to learn about Ohsawa’s final and concise 1963 formulation of Oriental philosophical theory in 19 statements. Ohsawa writes that a physical practice such as a macrobiotic diet 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. Q&A as time permits. No strenuous exercise.

3:30 pm—Snack

4:00-5:30 pm—Macrobiotics and Cancer ............................................... Lawrence KushiHaruo (Larry) Kushi, ScD is a nutritional epidemiologist interested in cancer prevention and prognosis. His current research examines diet and other factors influencing early puberty in girls, and lifestyle and other factors affecting breast cancer prognosis. He chaired the American Cancer Society committee that developed its most recent guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention, and advised the World Cancer Research Fund on methods supporting their recent report examining food, nutrition and activity for breast cancer survivors.

4:00-5:50 pm—Shiatsu: Most Important Acu-points ...................................... Kerry LoebWe 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. This session will focus on energy, immune function, and digestion. (Please arrive with clean hands and feet if you wish to participate.)

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.


July 5, 2015

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—“Down to Earth” Wellness Yoga ...................................... Patricia BeckerLearn the fundamentals of good body alignment to grow flexibility and strength with each yoga practice. Yoga and breath awareness can release stuck energy and strengthen your immune system. Give a “Yoga Boost” to your overall vitality! We will do a variety of poses with some “get to know one another” Partner Poses. Learn the essentials of optimal yoga body alignment to build on during our time together.

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 facilitate openess to energy flow with what is called the “Basic Eight.” We will further enhance energy with “Rejuvenation” exercises as 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—Growing Up Kushi ...................................................... Lawrence KushiLarry grew up as a member of the Kushi family. He has a unique perspective of macrobiotics from the inside and from the outside in his years of working in California. He also will speak about Michio Kushi, his father, and share anecdotes on growing up in the early macrobiotic world.


July 5, 2015

Sunday Afternoon Classes

2:00-3:30 pm—Stress is Not a Four Letter Word ............................................. Bob LigonBy now most people are aware of the effects of poor diet, inadequate exercise, and exposure to environmental toxins. The toxic effect of stress receives far less attention. Stress can undo and overwhelm all of the healthy choices you make. We will discuss how to recognize stress and how to transform it so that it does not become toxic.

2:00-3:20 pm—Cooking Demo: Green Leafy Vegetables ........................ Gabriele KushiBeautiful green leafy vegetables provide us with calcium and other minerals, phyto-estrogen and other phyto-nutrients, including proteins and vitamins. Learn about the nutritional and longevity value of greens and how to incorporate them in great tasting recipes like the Green Leafy Vegetable Roll and other delicious dishes.

3:30 pm—Snack

4:00-5:30 pm—Being vs. Doing ......................................................................... Mary LoreThere are so many demands upon our time, energy, and money. So many things we feel we need to, have to, and must do. We feel stressed, out of control, uninspired. In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to rediscover what inspires you, restore your sense of purpose, and BE inspired and impactful in everything you do.

4:00-5:50 pm—Shiatsu: Head, Neck, and Shoulders ...................................... Kerry LoebWe will focus on the very important areas of the head, neck, and shoulders. This class will include effective stretching techniques and massage. We will be accessing many acupressure-points to facilitate even further relaxation. We will also be learning how to work these areas on our own by using self-massage. (Please arrive with clean hands and feet if you wish to participate.)


July 6, 2015

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.

6:45-8:00 am—“Down to Earth” Wellness Yoga ...................................... Patricia BeckerLearn the fundamentals of good body alignment to grow flexibly and strength with each yoga practice. Yoga and breath awareness can help you feel better than ever. You will learn how to strengthen your immune, endocrine, and lymphatic systems. Come get the “Yoga Boost” to your overall vitality! We will practice Standing Poses, where the body has the greatest range of motion. Move your hips and shoulders to easily access body awareness. Create power, strength, and stability in the legs, hips, and back. Gain poise and balance.

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


10:00-11:30 am—Practical Intuition (and How to Make it Yours) ................ Julia FerréGet out of the concepts and into what works! Intuition is more than a gut level reaction to what you do or don’t like. It is an innate, almost hidden power available to help you thrive. You can learn practical ways to enhance your mental acuity and stabilize your emotions. This class covers basic mental/emotional processes and offers practical exercises to further your own spiritual happiness. Be prepared to experiment. We will refer to Julia’s book, Food and Intuition 101.


July 6, 2015

Monday Afternoon Classes

2:00-3:30 pm—Nutritional Balance: Women’s Wisdom Lodge ............. Gabriele KushiThe right herbs and foods...suitably prepared, regularly eaten, and properly absorbed...provide a strong base for replenishing the nutrients you need every day. Yet sometimes we need to go deeper. When emotional issues, PMS, hot flashes, sleeplessness, or other concerns arise, it is time for the Woman’s Wisdom Lodge. There we can find the hidden knowledge needed to bring balance to our lives. Men are welcome to learn about supporting a Woman’s Wisdom Lodge, and Gabriele will also briefly talk about a Men’s Wisdom Lodge. Gabriele Kushi, author of Embracing Menopause Naturally, provides clarifying recipes and wise teachings to bring calm and peace to people of all ages.

2:00-3:20 pm—Cooking Demo: Summertime Fun in the Sun .................. Sheri DeMarisLight dishes to enjoy in the hot weather. Recipes include Cilantro Lime-Seared Tofu, Mexican Quinoa Salad, and Mello Gel-O.

3:30 pm—Snack

4:00-5:30 pm—Macrobiotics Beyond Food ............................................ Ronald KoetzschStaying healthy in body, mind, and spirit is getting more and more challenging. The food we eat is certainly an important factor but we need to be conscious and active in relation to the many other kinds of “foods” which we consume—EMF’s, digital information, sensory stimuli, ideas, and so on.

4:00-5:50 pm—Stepping on People .................................................................. Kerry LoebIn 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 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 7, 2015

Tuesday Morning Classes


6:45-8:00 am—“Down to Earth” Wellness Yoga ...................................... Patricia BeckerLearn the fundamentals of good body alignment to grow flexibility and strength with each yoga practice. Yoga and breath awareness can release stuck energy patterns and help you feel your best. Yoga can strengthen your immune, endocrine, and lymphatic systems. Come get the “Yoga Boost” to your overall vitality! Gentle twists can transform the connective tissue, internal organs, glands and circulatory system. This internal “rinsing and soaking” is an effective way to detoxify and boost your overall vitality.



10:00-11:30 am—The Legacy of George Ohsawa .................................. Ronald KoetzschGeorge Ohsawa brought our modern world an important and traditional approach to diet and health. He ultimately devoted himself to sharing those truths. We will look at Ohsawa’s own life and times and the relevance of his teachings today.


July 7, 2015

Tuesday Afternoon Classes

2:00-3:30 pm — G.O.M.F. Annual Meeting ..................................................... Carl FerréThe George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation invites you to join in its annual meeting. Current and future Foundation projects are discussed along with an election of several members of the Board of Directors.

3:30 pm—Snack

4:00-5:30 pm—Creating the Loves of Your Life .............................................. Mary LoreIs it time to create your next vision of your relationship—with a significant other, a parent, a child, a business partner? We have the power to create anything we can imagine. Do you know what you truly want in a relationship? Do you wonder how to create it? In this workshop, I will reveal a practical and powerful process to help you re-discover what you truly want in your relationships and turn it into reality.

4:00-5:50 pm—Shiatsu: Review of Arms and Upper Body ............................ Kerry LoebWe 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. (Please arrive with clean hands and feet if you wish to participate.)


July 8, 2015

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: Flexibility and Spinal Health ........................... Saci MacDonaldWe have scheduled a complete Pilates mat class so we have to pack it in! We will focus on strength and flexibility of the spine and the role your abdominals and breath play to support that. Everyone is welcome, bring a mat and dress comfortably.



10:00-11:30 am—Understanding and Applying Yin and Yang ................. Sheri DeMarisAre you yin? Or, are you yang? These are the big questions most macrobiotic counselors ask you during consultations. Understanding this simple concept can help guide your recommendations. But how do we deeply understand yin and yang to be able to help ourselves and our macrobiotic friends understand health? Sheri will guide us through this process.


July 8, 2015

Wednesday Afternoon Classes

2:00-3:30 pm—Macrobiotic Gourmet in Less Than Sixty Minutes ................ Bob Ligon“I don’t have time to cook.” “It’s too complicated.” “The food has no taste.” These are among the comments I hear when explaining how to eat a healthy diet and still integrate the necessary time and resources into a busy life. Come to this presentation (not a cooking class) and learn how to plan and prepare a nutritious, satisfying macrobiotic meal in less than sixty minutes.

2:00-3:20 pm—Cooking: Quick Summer Dishes ................. Cynthia and David BriscoeWhat? Another hot day in a hot kitchen? Here’s an alternative. Apply macrobiotic principles to the preparation of quick summer meals. These dishes were among the most popular at David and Cynthia’s award-winning Amber Waves Café. Take a break: Watch them do all the cooking...then you can taste a few a la carté items. Mmmm...mmmm.

3:30 pm—Snack

4:00-5:30 pm—Listen and Respond with Energy Kinesiology ............. Saci MacDonaldAre you aware that your body knows everything about itself? In this fun and informative talk, we will explore Energy Kinesiology and the art of muscle testing. We will access the body’s own “majestic medicine cabinet” of wonderful alternatives to conventional treatment. You will become aware of a few of the gems inside your “cabinet” to gently and effectively release blocked energy in your body. Join us for this one-time-only class.

4:00-5:50 pm—Internal Organ Massage ......................................................... Kerry LoebIn this final class, we will continue working with our hands and doing internal organ massage. In this work, we will learn the location of several organs and experience how to improve their function through Shiatsu, diet and self-massage. (Please arrive with clean hands and feet if you wish to participate.)


July 9, 2015

Thursday Morning Classes


6:45-8:00 am—“Down to Earth” Wellness Yoga ...................................... Patricia BeckerLearn the fundamentals of good body alignment to grow flexibility and strength with each yoga practice. Yoga and breath awareness can release stuck energy and strengthen your immune system. Give a “Yoga Boost” to your overall vitality! We will do a variety of poses with some “get to know one another” Partner Poses. Learn the essentials of optimal yoga body alignment to build on during our time together. Today we will do forward bends, especially good for stretching the hamstrings. Also they tone the liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, intestines, and pancreas. Please bring an extra towel or blanket to sit on



10:00-11:30 am—Inflammation Nation ........................................................ David BriscoeEverywhere today we are hearing “inflammation.” In many researchers’ views, almost every health condition today has something to do with inflammation. In this presentation we’ll look at the current mainstream medical and alternative views of inflammation. We will also consider the speaker’s view of it through a macrobiotic perspective.


July 9, 2015

Thursday Afternoon Classes

2:00-3:30 pm—The Future of French Meadows .............................................. Julia FerréCome learn about the new site for the 2015 summer camp, closer to Yosemite National Park and featuring numerous enhancements. We will discuss our exciting plans and answer your questions. Your suggestions will be heard and appreciated. All are welcome.

2:00-3:20 pm—Cooking: Manage Your Microbes, Pickle Style ..................... Laura StecChef Laura returns with a cooking class in honor of Cornellia Aihara and her amazing pickles. Laura says: “I can’t recreate her secrets, but I can channel her energy, and attempt her famous summer camp daikon (and watermelon rind) pickles.” Learn how to make a few other quick fermentations guaranteed to feed the hungry microbes within. We are more them...after all...than us!

3:30 pm—Snack

4:00-5:30 pm—Menu Planning: Creating Satisfying Meals ..................... Sheri DeMarisSo you purchased all the macrobiotic food ingredients and kitchen equipment but do not want to spend all day and night in the kitchen! Sheri will share with you some simple easy techniques for creating quick meal plans and using leftovers to save both time and energy. Preparing delicious and nutritious meals will be discussed and your questions will be answered.

4:00-5:50 pm—Yoga x Macrobiotics .................................................................. MoriyamaDuring this session, we will learn how to integrate yoga with macrobiotics in order to helpspread the essence of this way of life. Exercises are based on the work of Master Oki.


July 10, 2015

Friday Morning Classes


6:45-8:00 am—“Down to Earth” Wellness Yoga ...................................... Patricia BeckerLearn the fundamentals of good body alignment to grow flexibility and strength with each yoga practice. Yoga and breath awareness can release stuck energy and strengthen your immune system. Give a “Yoga Boost” to your overall vitality! We will do a variety of poses with some “get to know one another” Partner Poses. Learn the essentials of optimal yoga body alignment to build on during our time together.



10:00-11:30 am—Managing Your Microbes ..................................................... Laura StecDid you know humans have more cells from other species than we have from ourselves? What are they doing there? Recent studies are unlocking the the mystery of the microbiome. For instance, we know “beneficial bugs” that accompany a balanced weight seem to prefer a high-fiber, plant-based diet. In this class, Laura will teach you fascinating new information about your gut life. You will look at the “energetics of food,” in a whole new way. Chef Laura shares some up-to-date research from her upcoming new book, a partnership with Stanford University. We will discuss the best ways to make sure your new-found family of bugs eats a healthy diet!


July 10, 2014

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 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 help change our condition and recover our natural balance. Workshop includes a brief explanation of how the camp menus have been developed for maximum enjoyment and health.

3:30 pm—Snack

4:00-5:30 pm—Make Your Own First-Aid Herbal Salves & Balms ...... Cynthia BriscoeUtilize the healing power of plants from the garden and field. Easy and fun to make, these salves and balms are extremely effective healing agents for many common first-aid needs, including burns, bruises, sprains, and bug bites

4:00-5:50 pm—Yoga x Macrobiotics .................................................................. MoriyamaDuring this session, we will learn how to integrate yoga with your macrobiotic practice. The intent is to help spread the essence of this way of life to the general public. Exercises are based on the work of Master Oki.


July 11, 2015

Saturday Morning Classes


6:45-8:00 am—“Down to Earth” Wellness Yoga ...................................... Patricia BeckerLearn the fundamentals of good body alignment to grow flexibility and strength with each yoga practice. Yoga and breath awareness can release stuck energy patterns and help you feel better than ever. Yoga can strengthen your immune, endocrine, and lymphatic systems. Come get the “Yoga Boost” to your overall vitality!

Easy Backbends: most of our days are spent cooking, on computers, driving and so on. Backbends are the antidote that create tremendous suppleness and elasticity thereby giving a sense of youthfulness and lightness. Prepare for your travels home with this invigorating session.



10:00-11:30 am— Let Freedom Ring! ................................................................ Bob LigonOne of George Ohsawa’s most compelling ideas was freedom. What is meant by freedom? How can it be achieved? And how can it be sustained? We will address these questions and discuss practical means for achieving freedom.


July 11, 2015

Saturday Afternoon Classes

2:00-3:20 pm—The 2015 Closing Panel ........................................ Bob Ligon, ModeratorEvery question answered! Here’s the chance to ask the one question you’ve been unable to answer. All available presenters will answer your questions about health, happiness, and so on. Come prepared with your questions and we’ll go through as many as possible. Most years this Q&A session turns into a lively not-to-be-missed discussion. Be there.

3:30 pm—Snack

4:00-5:30 pm—Shiatsu ................................................................................. Mark VilkaitisIn this class we will examine the meridians in the face, hands, and feet. Discovery 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. Take home a practical souvenir of your camp experience. Be sure to wash your hands before class.

4:00-5:30 pm—Personal Time with Carl .......................................................... Carl FerréThis is your final chance to settle your camp account with Carl. You may ask any final questions you have AND Carl will give a prize at dinner to the person who asks the most intriguing question during this time period. So, drop by Carl’s place (next to registration), settle your account, and ask your question.


2013 - page 1French Meadows Presenters

Patricia Becker teaches Yoga classes at Stanford University School of Medicine. HerHer experi-ence includes staff time at Common Ground Garden Education Center, Palo Alto Monday Night Gourmet Vegetarian Dinners, Hidden Villa Organic Farm and the Ecological Farming Association Board. Patricia has led classes on Yoga for a Healthy Back and Seven Steps to Boost Vitality. She loves to empower people with Wellness Coaching for groups and private sessions. Patricia has a basket of tools and depth of experience to guide you including macrobiotic nutritional counseling, breathing exercises, therapeutic yoga, and neuro-linguistic techniques. Visit her website at www.patriciajoybecker.com.

David and Cynthia Briscoe founded Macrobiotics America and Macrobiotics Global, the firstmacrobiotic educational programs to offer courses via the internet. Since 1972 David has gained ex-pertise in every facet of macrobiotics, including personal practice, teaching, counseling, professional cooking, restaurant ownership, and center development. David has taught at The Kushi Institute Summer Conference, French Meadows Summer Camp, The Fall Health Classic, and The Whole World Summer School in Belgium. Cynthia is one of America’s most respected macrobiotic cooking instructors. Her cooking is admired for its clarity, patience and gentleness. She is highly regarded for her insights into motherhood, advice on macrobiotic pregnancy and delivery, and her earthy and considerate approach to women’s health. More information at: www.macroamerica.com.

Mike Chen: Mike brings his decades of practical and philosophical macrobiotic experience again this year to French Meadows. One of Herman and Cornellia Aihara’s longtime students, his wry sense of humor is enjoyed by many. 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 cook-ing at restaurants and cooking schools throughout the United States and Europe. She produces the alter-native health television show “Tea With Sheri.” She has also created a cooking DVD, a documentary on natural foods and several kids’ cooking videos. Sheri is an adjunct professor in the Alternative Health Program for medical students at Hahnemann University, Philadelphia and has been a full-time counselor for twenty-six years. Sheri is a graduate of the Level 4 Macrobiotic Certification Program at the Kushi Institute. She is a full-time Guidance Counselor at Valley Forge Middle School, Wayne, PA. Sheri of-fers cooking classes, lectures, seminars, individual counseling and cooking instruction. For more: 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 Julia Ferré, CHT is a certified hypnotherapist, Reiki master, and an integrative facilitator in helping to enable consciousness. Her work includes personal one-on-one and group sessions, workshops and writing for a worldwide audience. Julia is certified by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE) and Sylvia Browne and offers sessions for energy, attunement, and personal growth. Author of the recently-released Food and Intuition 101, Basic Macrobiotic Cooking, and French Meadows Cookbook. Julia is associate editor of Macrobiotics Today and plans menus for camp. For more information, see: www.JuliaFerré..com



Ronald Koetzsch, PhD teaches Philosophy, World Religions, Nutrition and ESL at Rudolf Stein-er College, and coordinates a volunteer Recorder Ensemble. He is author of Macrobiotics Beyond Food and Macrobiotics Yesterday and Today. Ronald is also internationally known as a comedian, offering one-man shows of interest to Anthroposophists in search of humor. He has degrees from Harvard Uni-versity, Princeton University, and Kyoto National University. Ronald has also studied Japanese Culture and Religion and Anthroposophical Study and is the current editor of Renewal: A Journal for Waldorf Education. He was an East West Journal staff writer from 1972 to 1995.

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 and joins us from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Gabriele Kushi, BFA, MEA, HC, AADP is an author, a board-certified holistic health practitio-ner, certified Hatha Yoga teacher, certified macrobiotic counselor, cooking teacher, and health coach. She weaves her extensive knowledge of macrobiotics and worldwide studies with indigenous healers into her masterful teachings and culinary art. The author of The Macrobiotic Kitchen in 10 Easy Steps (with Michio Kushi) and Embracing Menopause Naturally and a natural food cooking DVD series, she received the 2009 Aveline Kushi award for her dedication and work in macrobiotics. Gabriele was born in Germany, lives in the US and currently has an office in Minneapolis and NYC. For more, visit www.kushiskitchen.com.

Haruo (Larry) Kushi, ScD is a nutritional epidemiologist interested in cancer prevention and prognosis. His current research examines diet and other factors influencing early puberty in girls, and lifestyle and other factors affecting breast cancer prognosis. He also leads a nationwide consortium to support cancer research in integrated health care settings. He chaired the American Cancer Society com-mitee on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention, and advised the World Cancer Research Fund on their recent report examining food, nutrition and activity for breast cancer survivors. Larry will speak at camp about his work, his inside/ outside perceptions of macrobiotics, and about his father, Michio Kushi, and growing up in the early macrobiotic world.

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 an an internationally recognized leader, public speaker and executive mentor, and author of the multiple award-winning book Managing Thought: Think Differently, Think Powerfully, Achieve New Levels of Success and audio book Managing Thought: How Do Your Thoughts Rule Your World?®. Previous winners of Mary’s most recent book awards include Eckhart Tolle, the Dahli Lama, and Deepak Chopra. Mary is the founder and CEO of Managing Thought, LLC, which helps individuals and organizations develop self-awareness and change how they think and conduct business to attain true, long-lasting success. More information can be found at www.ManagingThought.com.



Saci McDonald began her journey in the healing arts in 1989. She received her initial training at Educating Hands School of Massage in Miami, Florida and further education from John Maguire at the Kinesiology Institute in 1997. In 2003, Saci added Pilates with an intensive training by nationally recognized Pilates teacher 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 since 2000 and will be teaching a Pilates mat class and will also be offering private sessions in energy kinesiology, massage and pilates. To learn more. To learn more, go to www.sacimcdonald.com.

Mikiyoshi Moriyama has been practicing macrobiotics since 1975. He lives in Chiba, Japan, and has been practicing organic/natural farming and managing a natural food store while spreading macrobiotic thought and yoga lifestyle. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster occurred on March 11, 2011, he has been especially focused on activity to purify and improve the natural environment. He is also the host of Studio Kutsurogi (http://kutsurogi.ciao.jp/).

Laura Stec is a corporate and private chef, corporate wellness educator for Kaiser Permanente and Bay Area businesses, owner of Laura Stec – Innovative Cuisine, and author of Cool Cuisine – Taking the Bite Out of Global Warming. The Food Party! is her featured blog for Embarcadero Media (Palo Alto Weekly, Menlo Park Almanac, Mountain View Voice). She teaches Bay Area corporations how to cook with onsite Food Parties including Discovery Bars, farmers markets, and hands-on cook classes with Bay Area wine pairings. Recently noted by Time Magazine as a “leader who pursued her passion to become a community resource and expert,” Laura is creating a new vegetable condiment line to inspire people to Eat More Vegetables! In her spare time, she volunteers with Michelle Obama’s Chefs Move to School program, boogie boards and adventures out to new places and spaces. Laura was one of Cornellia Aihara’s cooking assistants and was lead cook at French Meadows 1998-99.

Shirley Tung has a BS in Nursing, an MA in Pastoral Ministry, and an MA in Feminist Spirituality. Shirley has worked in medical/surgical, emergency room and office nursing, as a porta-medic, 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 is an advanced student of Tai Chi after seventeen years practice 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. Shehas taught Tai Chi and Qi Gong throughout Arizona and joins us at French Meadows for another year of invigorating classes.

Mark Vilkaitis has been a regular at camp since first volunteering in 1986, helping with setup, 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 McCarty, 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.


Join us for the 47th Annual French Meadows Summer Camp at

Pinecrest LakeJuly 15-23, 2016

Full details available in August at www.OhsawaMacrobiotics.com

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French Meadows Classes - ohsawamacrobiotics.com