Business Beat

Healing through horses

For some victims of trauma, whether it be abuse, neglect, or violence, the pain is too severe to openly discuss in traditional therapy settings. For some of these victims, the safe haven created at Belos Cavalos, an equine experiential education nonprofit recently founded by Dr. Charlyn Belluzzo in Kenwood, may be a better place for them to start.
Through experientially-based therapy, education, and the arts, Belos Cavalos seeks to create a “protected space” where healing may take place, using the potential strength of the bond between horses and humans.
Belluzzo, a longtime equestrian, bought her property in Kenwood in 2012, with little intent to start a formal nonprofit. “I thought I could [provide services] myself, but the demand was so great I couldn't contain it. That's the good news and bad news.”
Belos Cavalos doesn't employ any of its own psychotherapists, and never works with clients without a mental health professional present, but instead receives referrals from across the nation, Canada and Europe. Belluzzo said these may come from social workers, law enforcement and even the FBI. Right now, Belos Cavalos works only with victims of criminal trauma, but Belluzzo said she could see expanding its work to include military veterans suffering from PTSD or even victims of sex trafficking.
“Our horse professionals literally have over a hundred equine assisted activities that can be applied to almost any post-traumatic circumstance,” said Belluzzo. Although Belos Cavalos' emotional and behavioral health program is only open by referral, the same equine assisted activities have been adapted for its public programs, which fall under the umbrellas of personal development and wellness workshops, professional development and group education, and performance art events. “There are occasions that activities include the clients on horseback; but primarily the equine activities keep the clients on the ground. Many clients in all our work, have little or no horse experience,” Belluzzo said.
All of these programs pivot on the nine horses that call Belos Cavalos home. From Zaozerny, a tall black Friesian born in the Netherlands, to Coco and Chloe, the two rescued “mini” horses, Belluzzo and her staff take great pains to care for the horses. As a nonprofit, all funds raised by Belos Cavalos go directly back to the programs and the care of the horses. Belluzzo does not pay herself a salary.
Belluzzo said the mix of horses lets clients - many who are not horse savvy - find a horse they feel comfortable working with. “That's what a community is. We're not all the same,” said Belluzzo.
Belluzzo very much sees Belo Cavalos as a small community, reaching out to be a part of a larger one. Already, Belluzzo has set aside part of her 33-acre property for use by Santa Rosa Junior College's Young Farmer and Rancher program this spring. What is grown on site will be integrated into Belos Cavalos' therapy and the wellness programs, which have a holistic focus awakening all five senses.
Health, community and self-actualization are themes that pulse throughout Belluzzo's life. A humanitarian, activist, author, speaker and philanthropist, Belluzzo is also an expert in global health research and a doctor of public health and tropical medicine. Belluzzo is certified by the United Nations as a Conflict Resolution Facilitator and worked with the UN in conflict resolution in a number of northeast African countries. She is certified by the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A) as a qualified Equine Education Facilitator. She is also co-author of the personal development and wellness curriculum for E3A.
At a recent public open house, Erica Tom, a graduate student from Rutgers University in New York and Belos Cavalos' first artist-in-residence (Belos Cavalos plans to host one artist-in-residence annually), performed a dance with one of the horses working “at liberty.”
Liberty training is a type of communication and body language whereby you teach a horse to move with you in a creative and bonding way, without the use of tackle.
“A horse is not like a dog. A horse has to choose to come with you,” said Belluzzo. “There's a lot you can learn about yourself, about your community with horses.”
To see a video of Belos Cavalos' open house, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjQw0W6C9uY. You can find out more at beloscavalos.org.

Toy drop-off in Glen Ellen

Marshall's Body Shop in Glen Ellen has volunteered to be a drop-off point for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
The mission of the Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during the holidays each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
For more information on the Toys for Tots program, go to www.toysfortots.org.
Marshall's Body Shop is located at 13695 Arnold Dr. in Glen Ellen. They can be reached at 996-8155.

Take the Glen Ellen Stroll

Get your holiday cheer on by taking the 2nd Annual Glen Ellen Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2 to 6 p.m. This festive event is put on by The Glen Ellen Block, which is made up of four walkable downtown Glen Ellen tasting rooms.
Taste your way around town at Korbin Kameron, Kivelstadt Cellars, Laurel Glen Vineyards, and Talisman. Festivities include bites prepared specially for each tasting room by neighboring restaurants, caroling with the stars from Transcendence Theatre Company, raffle prizes, and of course beautiful wines fit for celebrating the holidays! Come experience Glen Ellen all dressed up and celebrate the season of lights.
Presale tickets are limited; purchase yours at $20 per person, ticket price at the door is $25. Ticket includes a tasting at all four tasting rooms, bites, and non-alcoholic warm beverages for designated drivers. Go to www.eventbrite.com/e/glen-ellen-stroll-15-tickets-18808833728 for presale tickets.
If you're a wine club member with any of the four participating wineries, make sure to contact them for information about claiming your tickets. Any questions? Call 721-1628.

Winery gingerbread contest

The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Association is hosting its 10th Annual Winery Gingerbread Contest, from Nov. 27 through the end of the year. Come see gingerbread masterpieces at wineries throughout Sonoma Valley. These sweet creations will be displayed in tasting rooms throughout December. Tasting room guests are invited to vote for their favorite gingerbread creations and with each vote you are entered to win a case of fabulous Sonoma Valley wines. This is a wonderful holiday outing for the whole family.
For a list of participating wineries, go to www.sonomavalleywine.com.

Thanksgiving food drive

Sonoma Raceway is holding its 15th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, which runs through Nov. 20. Community members have the opportunity to donate at eight different locations, and all food collected through the drive will be distributed to two local food banks: Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) and the Redwood Empire Food Bank. All donations to the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB)will go directly to the victims of the Valley Fire in Lake County.
The Red Cross of California Northwest, one of the primary response groups for the Valley Fire, designated the REFB as the donation recipient of non-perishable food items. In an effort to streamline responses, the REFB collects all food donations, serving as the clearinghouse for organizations and agencies that are on the ground serving individuals displaced by the fire.
Sonoma Raceway's annual food drive has generated more than 61,700 pounds of food over the past 14 years, including nearly 7,700 pounds in 2014.
Non-perishable food items for the Thanksgiving Food Drive can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Sonoma Raceway (at Gate 1 or the main office), 29355 Arnold Dr., Sonoma.
• Sonoma Market, 500 West Napa Street, Sonoma.
• Glen Ellen Village Market, 13751 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen.
• Angelo's Wine Country Deli, 23400 Arnold Dr., Sonoma.
• Carneros Deli, 23001 Arnold Dr., Sonoma.
• 76 Gas Stations, 19080 Arnold Drive and 23003 Arnold Dr., Sonoma.