A joint program series presented by the Jefferson County Library and the Port Townsend Public Library.

Stephanie Tourles Living Better Never Looked or Tasted so Good! Wednesday, January 13, 2010  -  6:30 p.m. Port Townsend Public Library Licensed esthetician and holistic skin care specialist Stephanie Tourles will discuss the creation of natural body care formulas and distribute samples from her book Organic Body Care Recipes. Her back-to-basics approach to healthy, vibrant skin, hair and nails includes using herbs, essential oils and other natural ingredients in aromatic concoctions that anyone can whip up. Tourles will also discuss her latest book, Raw Energy, and provide a collection of snack recipes everyone can enjoy - from the committed raw foodie to the simply curious, health-conscious cook.

Langdon Cook Fat of the Land: Adventures of a 21st Century Forager Wednesday, January 27, 2010  -  6:30 p.m. Jefferson County Library A master forager, Langdon Cook crafts together delicious menus from wild nettles, freshly dug clams, berries, mushrooms galore and Dungeness crab. Through trial and error, along with years spent experimenting, Cook finds the literal "fruits" of his labors both nutritious and rewarding-especially when he's spent the better part of a day in pursuit of a meal. Cook celebrates the bounty of the land and sea through the pleasure of foraging. His book, Fat of the Land, is an inspiration and a reminder that eating local foods connects us to the land we live on.

Hanson Hosein and Heather Hughes Independent America: The Two Lane Search for Mom & Pop Friday, February 12, 2009  -  6:30 p.m. Port Townsend Public Library Hear the story of how filmmakers and award-winning journalists Hanson Hosein and Heather Hughes took the road less traveled to make a thought provoking documentary which uncovers the growing opposition to big box retail across the United States and the often desperate fight being waged by independent retailers to stay alive. The expedition covered 13,000 miles and 32 states. Self-imposed road rules barred them from major highways and corporate chain retail. Traveling on alternative roads, the duo only does business with Mom & Pop. Hosein and Hughes will answer questions following a fifty minute showing of the film. Cosponsor: Community Wellness Project

Lorene Edwards Forkner Preserving the Harvest Wednesday, February 24, 2009  -  6:30 p.m Jefferson County Library When important principles are followed, traditional preserving methods - freezing, canning, drying and live storage - do a fine job of keeping provisions. Beyond these basics, vinegar, sugar, alcohol, and other cures are primarily employed for the additional flavor they impart as well as their effectiveness at prolonging the shelf life of various foodstuffs. Edwards Forkner will show that through their almost magical alchemy, food is not just preserved but transformed and elevated into something altogether different to become the fare of festive celebrations and artisan craftsmanship.