With the completion of the 9th Annual Riverside Neighborhood Partnership Conference, Seizing Our Destiny took on a decidedly neighborhood flavor.

Starting off by acknowledging Ramon Corona as this year’s Jack B.Clark Neighborhood Spirit winner, Ramon along with his neighbors surrounding Lincoln Park were honored for staging a series of events drawing a host of neighbors and successful partnerships with the Marriott and Maxi Foods that served over 450 Thanksgiving dinners.

Food was a theme during the day. From Growcology’s presentation to the door prizes and the great breakfast and lunch served by Cal Baptist, it appears seizing our destiny has a variety of flavors throughout Riverside.

The growing number of farmer’s markets and healthy eating options continue expand. Each first Saturday,Goodwin’s Organic Market hosts a farmer’s market in their parking lot.

Sprouts Market up in Orangecrest is about to celebrate their one year anniversary in Riverside. They’re celebrating by hosting a parking lot 4th of July Bar-B-Que Saturday July 3rd.  Summer is shaping up to be a tasty affair indeed.

Cherry tomatoes are threatening to take over my yard.  Along with the peppers, Japanese eggplant and zucchinis, we’re going to be testing lots of recipes for Friday afternoon’s happy hours.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday August 3rd. It’s National Neighbohood Night Out.

This is the potluck of potluck’s in our neighborhood and this year we’re kicking it up a notch as Emeril is fond of saying. Stay tuned for details and start thinking about your favorite Summer pot luck recipe to be included in the 2010 University Neighborhood Cookbook.

Playing the “Is It Healthy?” Game is what’s up for Summer. You’re invited to the party of your life! Register and post your comments and recipes.