The San Luis Obispo Garden blooms with an abundance of low-cost outdoor children’s activities this winter. With a goal of “education through exploration,” children of all ages will learn about sustainability, where food comes from, and how to eat healthfully. Our children’s garden was built to work with nature to help conserve water and help plants grow properly. The entire garden is made of edible plants that can be used for medicinal teas, spices or a side dish for dinner. We encourage children to learn about where their food comes from, and why it’s important to make healthy eating choices.

This year marks its 13th year with the return of free catalogs!  This year, for the second time, catalogs will be available free of charge. ARTS Obispo has again dropped the $25 catalog charge in order to encourage a broader attendance, increase visitors for the artists, and make the tour more family & group friendly. 

Why do visitors need this (almost) 50-page, full color catalog?  The catalog contains sample images from each artist, contact info and maps to locate studios during the 3-weekend event.  It will serve as their guide to hop from studio-to-studio.

The Open Studios Art Tour, in addition to being ARTS Obispo’s largest fundraiser, promotes public access to the arts and opportunities for local artists. 

The Women’s Network of San Luis Obispo, in conjunction with the League of Women Voters, is presenting a program celebrating the 100th anniversary of women in California receiving the right to vote and hold office at its regular luncheon meeting, 11:30 a.m., October 19.

The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

For more information, visit www.slowomensnetwork.org.

2012 is rolling this way so you better get ready!

The Central Coast Economic Forecast will be held on Tuesday, November 8 from 7:30 - 11:30 A.M. The program will begin at 8:30 A.M.

Master of Ceremonies: Bob Wacker
Guest Speakers: Chris Thornberg (Founding Principal, Beacon Economics); Brad Kemp (Director, Regional Resarch, Beacon Economics); Chip Visci (Associate VP, Communications, Cal Poly)

Continental breakfast & networking at 7:30 A.M.

Alex Madonna Expo Center at
Madonna Inn, SLO

$120/person by Nov. 4, 2011
$135/person after Nov. 4, 2011

Register online at www.slochamber.org.

Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (AGCH) is proud to present The Power of Prevention, an educational forum and health fair to local community members.

This free health symposium will take place on Saturday, October 15, between 9 a.m. and noon at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Avenue, Arroyo Grande.

The Power of Prevention symposium will feature a wide variety of important health topics on wellness and longevity and will be presented by expert physicians. Event presentations will focus on the following topics:

• The Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screenings – presented by Jeffery Mundorf, M.D.
• Early Detection for Breast and Lung Cancers – presented by Timothy Auran, M.D.
• Learn to Live Successfully with Diabetes – presented by Michael Lai, M.D.
• Prepare for the Physical Anatomy of Getting Older – presented by Richard Martin, M.D.
• How Diet and Nutrition Play a Vital Role in Disease Prevention – presented by Caryn Coffman, M.A., R.D.

Back for its second year, the San Luis Obispo Rotaract Club’s “Coats for Kids” drive will take place throughout the month of October, with coat collection centers placed around San Luis Obispo County, including at the following locations: Arroyo Grande High School and Recreation Department, Cal Poly, Meathead Movers and Storage, United Blood Service, San Luis Obispo YMCA, SLO Swim Center, and Scolaris Food and Drug.  For a complete list of drop-off locations, please visit slorotaract.wordpress.com/coats-for-kids.

The program runs from October 1 to October 31, with the Rotaract Club sponsoring a special collection night at the San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market on October 20. Please stop by our Farmer’s booth and drop off your coats!

Are you ready to ride with Dave Zabriskie, Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, Lucas Euser, and Nicola Cranmer?

Can you hang on to your bike for a 28, 50, or 100 mile ride through San Luis Obispo County? The second annual SLO GranFondo is October 15, a fully supported ride with on-course snacks and refreshments provided while you experience some of the most breathtaking views in the world. You will finish up the day at the historic Mission Plaza with a festival-expo featuring your favorite cycling brands, live music, lunch, beer, massages and a chance to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in pro-cycling. Check out www.slogranfondo.com for more information about the race and event details.

Want a chance to win Cavendish’s Green Jersey? Join us at registration on Friday, October 14 from 4-8pm at Art’s Cyclery in San Luis Obispo. The Bike for Babies Charity Dinner will be held in conjunction with registration and will offer amazing live and silent auction items. Enjoy a delicious pasta dinner, wine and live entertainment for only $20. Purchase tickets in advance. Live auction at 6:00 pm. Silent auction closes at 7pm. Auction highlights include: Tour de France Green Jersey autographed by Mark Cavendish, 2011 Winner, HTC Highroad signed team jersey, Ardennes SL Clincher set of wheels from HED, Calfee bike frame, Training ride with Ina Yoko-Teutenberg , Couples training ride with Jessica Phillips and TeJay Van Garderen , Latex mattress from DeCourcy and much more.

The Central Coast Professional Resource Group is presenting their 2nd Annual “Women Helping Women” Seminar on October 20. This year’s event, Getting Back on Track, is an interactive workshop designed for Business Owners who find their day-to-day tasks interfering with their overall long term growth and vision. The seminar will focus on sales techniques to ensure consistent growth, essential communication skills necessary in building a solid team with a vision, and protection strategies that are often missed as the business grows.

The workshop is co-sponsored by Pacific Teamworks, Team Building Specialist, Doris Rager; Momentum, Business Coach, Christine Sommer;  State Farm Agent, Susan Rodriguez.
Pre-register by October 13 for $59
Pre-register after October 13 for $69
Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 805-709-4820.

Central Coast Professional Resource Group was founded in 2008 designed as an industry support and networking group for female business owners.