Building a Green Dream

The women’s forum, “Awakening Your Legacy – Big Ideas and Rich Conversations with Women” – continues May 26 with Victoria Johnston and Kathleen Quinn at Ramekins Culinary School and Event Center.

Victoria builds dreams and this time her vision created green building at its best.  In April 2010 Salmon Creek Falls Environmental Center in Occidental was given the highest honor, the prestigious LEED-Platinum (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) award.  The newest building for the Salmon Creek School and the Harmony School District has the distinction of the first Platinum certified building in Sonoma County and the first public K-12 school building in California.

Victoria Johnston began when she was elected to the school board with the idea of starting a school-wide garden program, cooking in the garden space and teaching nutrition.  Now the new Center provides a living classroom of sustainability for students, teachers and the community and the organic foods grown by the children is served in the cafeteria.

Victoria met Kathleen Quinn, a videographer, and believed in her.  She asked Kathleen to do a documentary on the Salmon Creek Falls project.  Two dreams were joined and Kathleen stepped out of her comfort zone to produce her first documentary, Building a Dream.

Each month’s event includes a freshly prepared meal by the Ramekins chef, an interview with a thought leader and thoughtful conversations among the women guests about visions that light up their lives.

The program and dinner begin at 5:45 pm with a cash bar and end at 9:00 pm.  Tickets are $60 per person, $62 online.  Ramekins, 450 W. Spain St, Sonoma.  Advance registration by May 17 by contacting forum co-founder Carole Peccorini at 996-2167 or online at sonomabigideas.blogspot.com