Sustainable Workout

Sustainably Sadie

Sustainable Workout

Healthy eating is only one ingredient in the recipe for sustaining a happy, productive life.  Staying fit with regular exercise would make our ancestors roll over in their graves; daily life was exercise back in the day.  These modern times, you never have to leave the comfort of your home.  Work from home via internet, order everything to be delivered.  Even with the beautiful wide open outdoors and chores and ranch life, many of us have exercise equipment stashed away under the bed or in the closet.  Let the mosquito-less spring inspire you and your workout:  take it outdoors.

I know us Montanans to be healthier than most.  The fresh air alone is reason to rejoice.  Spring into a healthier you by creating a sustainable (user-friendly, do-able, long lasting) workout.  Incorporate the outdoors into your routine.  Get out from under the electric lights; keep the treadmill unplugged in the corner and head outdoors for fun and healthy exercise. 

Find a loop, a new trail, maybe a friend to help inspire, and GO!  Find spots along your route to circuit train with reps of jumping jacks, lunges, push-ups, and stretches.  Do what works for you and your busy life.  Once a week is better than not at all—twice is better yet and walking 3 times a week is something about which to brag. 

Include the kids one day a week for a family bike ride, or play Discoverers on a kid-friendly hike:  2 birds, 1 stone/ multi-tasking, family time and exercise.  An outdoor workout is good for environment, and good for your health.  If you have a gym membership you don’t use, consider sharing with someone who may enjoy the gift but can’t afford it for themselves.  Support your local gymnasiums and workout facilities, they provide a wonderful service.  If you have a favorite hiking trail, please share with me at sustainablysadie@hotmail.com.  I would love to compile a list for my Ruby Valley Living blog.  Share your stories, share the things about the Ruby Valley that make you proud to live here, share your own successes with canning, gardening and sustainability.  www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com

Twin Bits

Ruby Valley Holy Week Services

Bethel Methodist Church (Sheridan) will have Palm Sunday, Apr. 1, and Easter Sunday, Apr.8, Services at 9 a.m.  The Ruby Valley Chorale will present “Whispers of the Passion” by Joseph M. Martin at 2:30 p.m. on Palm Sunday.

The Ruby Valley Episcopal Churches will celebrate Palm Sunday, at Christ Church (Sheridan) at 10 a.m. On Apr. 5, the ceremony at St. Paul’s at 5:30 p.m. will include an Agape meal, followed by the Maundy Thursday Service at 7 p.m. On Good Friday, Apr.6, 10:30 a.m., those who wish to participate in the Ecumenical Stations of the Cross will meet at Christ Church, Main and Poppleton, and procession through Sheridan. The procession will end at Christ Church for a noon service.  On Easter Sunday, the Service will be at 10 a.m..  

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (Sheridan) will have an Easter Egg Scramble for children ages toddler through 6^th grade on Holy Saturday at 1 p.m. and Easter service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. 

The Church of the Valley (Twin Bridges) will have Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Services at 11 a.m. The Ruby Valley Chorale will present “Whispers of the Passion” by Joseph M. Martin at 7 p.m. Palm Sunday.

 The Dayspring Church (3648 Hwy 287) Easter Service will be at 10 a.m.

St. Patrick’s (Ennis) will celebrate Palm Sunday at 11a.m. Holy Thursday Mass will be at 7:30 p.m. Good Friday Service will be at 5:15 p.m. Easter Vigil, Holy Saturday, will be at 8:30 p.m.

St. Mary’s, (Laurin) will have Palm Sunday Mass at 9 a.m.; Holy Thursday Mass at 5:30 p.m. Good Friday Service will be at 3 p.m. Easter Sunday Mass will be at 9 a.m.

          Notre Dame (Twin Bridges) will celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Mass at 11:00 a.m.

          Please know that you are welcome to attend any of these services. If you are hosting a service(s), and it is not included, please contact Paula Gilman, 684-5636, or The Madisonian for inclusion in the next issue.

GRVCCA Monthly Mtg:  Tuesday April 3rd, Noon at Sheridan branch RVNB

The GRVCCA Local Business Expo will May 12^th, 2012 at the Multi-Purpose Gym at Twin Bridges School.  The event will run from 10 am to 3 pm.  This is a kid-friendly, free event, open to the public.  Please contact Sarah Miller, 684-5222 or jumping_rainbow@hotmail.com if interested in having a booth at this year’s Expo or with any questions.

The next TBCA meeting is Friday March 30, 8:30 am at the Old Hotel.  Membership dues for Twin Bridges Community Association are $10 and must be paid by March 30^th if you want to vote in officers.  Contact Paula Kinoshita @ The Old Hotel. 

Louis Wendt and his Car Cruz Group are getting together every 2nd Thursday of the month at 7pm at The Shack, in Twin Bridges. They are putting together the details of this year’s Car Cruz which will be held on Saturday August 11th at Jessen Park. They are looking for sponsors and/or volunteers for this event.

Sam Novich and family are putting together the details of this year's Roping Series. It should be an exciting season with events starting in May and the finals in September. They are looking for event sponsors as well as hoping to gain community support for this great Series. If anyone is interested in participating, volunteering, or just looking for additional information, please feel free to check out their website: www.novichlivestock.com or call Sam at 596-1017.

The Twin Bridges Book Club will meet Thursday April 19^th @ 7 pm, The Weaver’s Studio.

Looking Ahead:  Garage-A-Rama is scheduled for Saturday June 9^th, contact Twin Bridges Public Library or Cynthia Osborne. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs. March 29:  Early Out; Parent- Teacher Conferences 1 – 8 pm, Book Fair @ School Library

Friday March 30^:  No School, Spring Day

Sat. March 31:  Madison County Madness BB tourney, both gyms

March 25 – April 1:  Close-Up in Washington D.C.

Thursday April 5 – April 9:  Easter Vacation, No School April 5,6, 9

April 12 – 14:  District Music Festival @ Butte

Monday April 16:  7 pm – 8 pm, Trailblazers 4-H @ Lunchroom

Tuesday April 17:  7 pm School Board Mtg @ MT Room

Thursday April 19:  JrHi Track Meet @ Manhattan

April 20- 22:  Senior Trip to Salt Lake City, UT

April 26-27:  5^th/ 6^th Grade Field Trip to Havre

Saturday April 28:  Track Meet @ Bozeman HS

Clothing Exchange

Sustainably Sadie

Clothing Exchange

It was through my Mother that I was first introduced to the “Clothing Exchange” …party, might as well call it what it is, a “party”, an excuse to get together with friends, share delicious snacks and giggle.  Every couple of years, she and her friends would gather up large bag-fulls of in-good-condition, ready-for-donation clothing- the good stuff-- and then empty those bags onto someone’s living room floor. 

With a mountain of clothes in front of them, the swapping and laughter begins.  The most hilarious of fitting room experiences, and usually everyone walks away with a new favorite ensemble or perfect accessory.  Some gals entice you with a sales pitch, mock-modeling their old clothes that no longer excite, get worn, or fit. 

The leftovers get donated.  The Nearly New in Ennis and Ruby Valley ReRuns in Sheridan are not only great thrift stores to shop, they are local, easy to get to places to take your donations.  The space above the Public Library in Twin Bridges has been pretty well picked over and could use more donations. 

This consumer-driven culture sometimes makes me feel really overwhelmed.  Moving is the worst; you have to come face to face with all of your “stuff.”  Did you know that women are responsible for about 80% of the shopping done round the world?  Women spend millions of dollars each year on clothes.  And we only wear about 20% of our closet 80% of the time.  A Clothing Exchange is a great way to spruce up your wardrobe, take care of the “give away” pile and have fun with friends.      

Perhaps you took on the awesome challenge of not buying any new clothing for one year.  A Clothing Exchange is a way to add to your closet without buying something new.  Encourage friends to bring a potluck dish along with their give away threads.  Bring your kids’ clothes and toys.  I am so impressed how great our community is at passing around kid clothes.  It sure helps the family budget!

Share your stories at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com, sustainablysadie@hotmail.com, 531-1422, Box 491  59754

Twin Bits

The Rotary Club of Twin Bridges has scheduled March 24, 2012 for its annual Casino Night Scholarship Fund Raiser.  Blue Anchor Bar and Café in TB, Bingo and Poker 7:00 to 10:00 pm, Silent Auction 8:00 to 9:45 pm, Everyone welcome, Contact Rand Bradley 684-5686 for additional info

Ruby Valley Lenten Schedule

Mar. 28- New Beginnings, Sheridan

Ruby Valley residents gather on Wednesdays during Lent to receive words of encouragement and challenge from local ministers and lay people. This has been, and continues to be, a very ecumenical gathering.  Every one is welcome regardless of their personal religious convictions. Breakfast is scheduled early, 6:30 a.m., so that folks can make it to work on time. 

          A basket will be available each Wednesday for those who would like to donate non-perishable items or money to the local food bank.

          If you need a ride to the breakfast, you may call Carol Braach, 842-5521, or Carol Wilcox, 684-5142.  If you would like to offer rides, please let Carol Braach or Carol Wilcox know.

March artist featured at Twin Bridges Public Library, Deborah’s Art Wall:  Richard Flager from Alder.  Photographer.  Carver.  Painter.  Mr. Flager’s reception is schedule for Friday March 23^rd 4 to 5:30 pm. 

GRVCCA Monthly Mtg:  April 2^nd, Noon at Sheridan branch RVNB

Membership dues for Twin Bridges Community Association are $10 and due by March 30^th.  Contact Paula Kinoshita @ The Old Hotel. 

The Twin Bridges Book Club will meet Thursday April 19^th @ 7 pm, The Weaver’s Studio.

Looking Ahead:  Garage-A-Rama is scheduled for Saturday June 9^th, contact Twin Bridges Public Library or Cynthia Osborne. 

From TBS Calendar:

Friday March 23:  End of 3^rd Quarter; 6-8^th Grade Band Festival @ Sheridan

Sat. March 24:  Twin/ Sheridan PROM, @ Twin MP Gym

Thurs. March 29:  Early Out; Parent- Teacher Conferences 1 – 8 pm, Book Fair @ School Library

Friday March 30^:  No School, Spring Day

Sat. March 31:  Madison County Madness BB tourney, both gyms

Healthy Eating Tips

Sustainably Sadie

Healthy Eating Tips

For being a person who believes that I can get all necessary vitamins and minerals from the foods I eat, I sure have a hard time sneaking fruits and veggies into my diet.  I’ve come across several news stories describing a whole foods/ raw foods/ vegan diet as the proverbial fountain of youth.  I’m not about to give up meat, cheese or wine but I know that eating healthier will result in a long and happy life.  “An apple a day keeps the doctor away, better yet—eat 3 apples a day.”  Here are some other tips I’ve collected:

Prepare veggies early in the week (maybe on Sunday if you do a Sunday-dinner tradition) for easy use.  Chop onions, cut carrots and celery and store in easy-to-grab, reusable containers.  Burritos are one of my most favorite foods.  Create delicious veggie-filled wraps (think salad contained neatly in tortilla wrapper) for healthy snacking—let the kids build their own for a healthy afterschool snack.  Asian-style spring rolls (filled with cilantro, mint, carrots, greens, red peppers, your favorite flavors) rolled up in rice paper wrappers are a Gluten Free and healthy burrito alternative— use lettuce or cabbage leaves for wrappers and fill with meat or vegetarian fillings.

Dips are another way I sneak veg into my diet.  I threw together crumbled feta, plain yogurt, dill, lemon juice and onion flakes—quick, easy and a delicious dip for carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes.    

With a can of garbanzo beans (chick peas), olive oil, lemon juice, spices and food processor you can quickly create delicious hummus, a Mediterranean style dip.  You could use other canned white beans and even create protein-rich pasta sauces.  Guacamole is another awesome veggie dip.

You can make your own corn flour tortilla chips by cutting corn flour tortillas into triangle-shaped pieces and baking in oven or on griddle—it’s Gluten Free and corn is a whole grain.  Another great snack option—air popped pop corn. 

Share your ideas at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com , sustainablysadie@hotmail.com, 531-1422, Box 491  59754.

Twin Bits

TBCA mtg:  Friday March 16 @ Old Hotel, 8:30 am

March artist featured at Twin Bridges Public Library, Deborah’s Art Wall:  Richard Flager from Alder.  Photographer.  Carver.  Painter.  Mr. Flager’s reception is schedule for Friday March 23^rd 4 to 5:30 pm. 

Mar. 21- Notre Dame, Twin Bridges

Mar. 28- New Beginnings, Sheridan

Ruby Valley residents gather on Wednesdays during Lent to receive words of encouragement and challenge from local ministers and lay people. This has been, and continues to be, a very ecumenical gathering.  Every one is welcome regardless of their personal religious convictions. Breakfast is scheduled early, 6:30 a.m., so that folks can make it to work on time. 

          A basket will be available each Wednesday for those who would like to donate non-perishable items or money to the local food bank.

          If you need a ride to the breakfast, you may call Carol Braach, 842-5521, or Carol Wilcox, 684-5142.  If you would like to offer rides, please let Carol Braach or Carol Wilcox know.

Congratulations to the Lady Falcons on their 2^nd place Win at State!!

From TBS Calendar:

Friday March 16:  Student Ski Day @ Discovery

Sat. March 17:  Mason-sponsored 3 on 3 Tournament @ MP Gym, St. Patrick’s Day!

Monday March 19:  No school; Trailblazers 4-H Mtg @ Lunchroom, 7 pm

Tues. March 20:  TB School Board Mtg, 7 pm, MT Room

Friday March 23:  End of 3^rd Quarter; 6-8^th Grade Band Festival @ Sheridan

Sat. March 24:  Twin/ Sheridan PROM, @ Twin MP Gym

Thurs. March 29:  Early Out; Parent- Teacher Conferences 1 – 8 pm, Book Fair @ School Library

Friday March 30^:  No School, Spring Day

Sat. March 31:  Madison County Madness BB tourney, both gyms

Reusable v Disposable: Plastic Water Bottles

Sustainably Sadie

Reusable v. Disposable

Plastic Water Bottles

Disposable Products are the most pervasive indicators of consumer culture conveniences.  Plastic water bottles, plastic grocery sacks, Styrofoam containers and petroleum-based toxin-laden packaging make up a large portion of human-produced waste.  With seven billion people on the planet, each person throwing away a plastic water bottle every day—it’s no wonder there are islands of trash bobbing in our oceans. 

There are easy, convenient ways to help preserve the planet and the natural beauty that surrounds us here in Southwestern Montana.  Most bottled water comes from the tap and most of you have been enjoying delicious refreshment from your own homes all along.  Reusable water bottles make it possible to take that healthy drink option with you wherever you go. 

Brightly-colored Nalgene bottles were popular in the early 2000s.  Since then, I’ve come to believe the news regarding toxins that are released as plastic slowly breaks down.  Glass is the cleanest, reusable container material, but potential breakage makes it less than convenient.  Stainless steel containers (like Klean Kanteen) are cleaner than aluminum ones but may be more expensive.  I got a great deal on a stainless steel H2O bottle from Ross in Bozeman. 

Seek out businesses that make environmentally-friendly choices for their disposable products.  At Jumping Rainbow Espresso, we encourage our customers by offering a discount to those who use their own travel mug. 

There will more discussion re: Reusable v. Disposable.  The small efforts will add up in a big way.  Sustaining the planet through smart choices will help to ensure that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty of this place like we do.  Share your ideas and successes.  I also welcome snail mail:  Sarah Miller, P.O. Box 491, Twin Bridges, MT  59754;  531-1422; www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com; sustainablysadie@hotmail.com

Twin Bits

TBCA mtg:  Friday March 16 @ Old Hotel, 8:30 am

March artist featured at Twin Bridges Public Library, Deborah’s Art Wall:  Richard Flager from Alder.  Photographer.  Carver.  Painter.  Mr. Flager’s reception is schedule for Friday March 23^rd 4 to 5:30 pm. 

Ruby Valley Lenten Schedule:

Mar. 14- Dayspring Church 3648 Hwy 287, Sheridan

Mar. 21- Notre Dame, Twin Bridges

Mar. 28- New Beginnings, Sheridan

Ruby Valley residents gather on Wednesdays during Lent to receive words of encouragement and challenge from local ministers and lay people. This has been, and continues to be, a very ecumenical gathering.  Every one is welcome regardless of their personal religious convictions. Breakfast is scheduled early, 6:30 a.m., so that folks can make it to work on time. 

          A basket will be available each Wednesday for those who would like to donate non-perishable items or money to the local food bank.

          If you need a ride to the breakfast, you may call Carol Braach, 842-5521, or Carol Wilcox, 684-5142.  If you would like to offer rides, please let Carol Braach or Carol Wilcox know.

Congratulations to Twin Bridges Falcons Men’s Basketball Team!! 

From TBS Calendar:

March 8 to 10:  Girls’ State C Basketball Tourney, Great Falls

Sunday March 11:  Spring Ahead!  Daylight Savings Time begins

Monday March 12:  Piano Recital, Mrs. Holden’s students @ Church of the Valley, TB, 7 pm

Tuesday March 13:  Jr Hi Academic Olympics;  Pep Band to play at BB All-Star game, MT Tech, 6:30 pm

Wed. March 14:  HS Academic Olympics

Sat. March 17:  Mason-sponsored 3 on 3 Tournament @ MP Gym, St. Patrick’s Day!

Monday March 19:  No school, Trailblazers 4-H Mtg @ Lunchroom, 7 pm

Tues. March 20:  TB School Board Mtg, 7 pm, MT Room

Friday March 23:  End of 3^rd Quarter; 6-8^th Grade Band Festival @ Sheridan

Sat. March 24:  Twin/ Sheridan PROM, @ Twin MP Gym

Thurs. March 29:  Early Out; Parent- Teacher Conferences 1 – 8 pm, Book Fair @ School Library

Friday March 30^:  No School, Spring Day

Sat. March 31:  Madison County Madness BB tourney, both gyms