Meet Eric Gower on Oct. 7 -- Eric Gower, aka the Breakaway Cook, will visit Fresh Starts Cooking School on Thursday, Oct. 7, for an interactive demonstration class featuring his techniques for combining "global flavor blasts" to Northern California's bounty of fresh produce and products.
In this class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Eric will share tips from his cookbooks, "The Breakaway Cook" and "The Breakaway Japanese Kitchen," for incorporating exotic ingredients into weeknight-friendly menus with a tasty twist. His menu:
- Dukkah -- an Egyptian nut and spice blend eaten with olive oil and bread
- Green Miso Soup -- made with Swiss chard
- Autumn Udon with Herbs
- Persimmons Grand Marnier
Talk Focuses on Transitions -- A presentation on July 14 by Mary Kay Sweeney, Homeward Bound's executive director, at the National Conference on Ending Homelessness in Washington, D.C., shared ideas for converting transitional housing to other uses on the path toward ending homelessness.
Many communities have examined the concept of transitional housing -- usually designed for stays of one to two years for those who have been homeless -- and decided to convert some transitional units for long-term supportive housing or to serve those in need of short-term emergency shelter.
The presentation offered an overview of Homeward Bound's experience with developing models for long-term supportive housing like the Fireside Apartments in Mill Valley as well as important factors for consideration in converting units to short-term use.
This annual conference brings together people from across the United States who are involved in planning and providing services for people facing homelessness.
Mary Kay Sweeney Receives Visionary Award -- Homeward Bound's executive director since 2000, Mary Kay Sweeney was honored on June 17 by the Visionary Award in the countywide Cammie Awards sponsored by Community Action Marin. The award was presented at an event in the San Rafael Elks Club.
"Mary Kay has helped usher in an era of innovation in combating homelessness using imagination and the willingness to explore the untapped potential in everyone," broadcaster Spencer Michaels said in introducing the award.
Community Action Marin noted in a statement that Sweeney has "fostered and created innovative emergency shelters, family development systems, mental health programming, a first-of-its-kind culinary academy, and has continually provided life-changing opportunity to scores of individuals and families in need."
Her tenure has included the opening of New Beginnings Center, the first shelter on a decommissioned military base, and creation of the Next Key Center that opened in 2008.
She received the Heart of Marin Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership in 2006 and will present at the National Alliance to End Homelessness convention on "Ending Family Homelessness" from July 12 - 14 in Washington, D.C.
