Signing the Petition to Keep Mountain Island Lake Clean!

Mountain Island Lake, a glorious view from my backyard.

Sustainable Healthy Living, by Sheila Mullen – Dec. 6, 2012

Health and wellness go far beyond what you are putting in your mouth or the number of times you get to the gym. Our environment, in which we live, has a major impact on our well being. Clean water is essential to healthy living. Water nourishes and maintains our vital body systems. It also feeds our spirit and our soul, when we sit serenely observing the water lost in our thoughts or at play on a hot summer day.  

As a resident of Mountain Island Lake, I expect healthy and clean water. I want the main source of Charlotte's drinking water to be healthy and clean. Unfortunately, over the last year I have become increasingly aware of the threats to our river, thanks to an active group of River District residents, who organized and created We Love Mountain Island Lake (WLMIL).  
WLMIL was established by Sara Behnke's leadership and passion to educate Mountain Island Lake residents about the current and potential threats to Mountain Island Lake water due to the Riverbend Steam Station, a coal-fired power plant. The group began educating themselves and others through the vigilant work and research of the Catawba Riverkeeper organization, Sierra Club and Greenpeace.

Tests finding dangerous substances

We all should be alarmed about what state authorities are discovering about the source of our drinking water - after finally being pushed to look at the issues by the Riverkeeper's privately funded studies. Friends of the Catawba River is advocating for change. The Catawba Riverkeeper has been the main driver of the research that has uncovered the heavy metals and chemicals in sediment near coal-ash ponds in Mountain Island Lake. There is plenty of info on the catawbariverkeeper.org website (see recent articles on chemical seepages from the ponds, on the left side of the page dated Nov. 13 and Nov. 8).

I would also like to bring to your attention a petition that is circulating to be allowed to create constructive dialogue with the North Carolina Utilities Commission.  Please educate yourself and consider signing the pledge. The link is provided below.  

Hello!

We Love Mountain Island Lake has started the petition "North Carolina Utilities Commission: Hold a public hearing on energy rate increases in Charlotte." and need your help to get it off the ground.

Will you take 30 seconds to sign it right now? Here's the link:

http://www.change.org/petitions/north-carolina-utilities-commission-hold-a-public-hearing-on-energy-rate-increases-in-charlotte

Here's why it's important:

Duke Energy operates Riverbend Steam Station on Mountain Island Lake near Charlotte, North Carolina. Riverbend is the oldest, dirtiest coal-fired power plant in the region, emitting toxic mercury and other chemicals into the air, as well as cancer-causing arsenic and other toxins directly into Mountain Island Lake, drinking water for 860,000 Charlotte residents. Riverbend’s two massive coal ash waste containment dams are leaking dangerous poisons into our drinking water, threatening our health, our water, our lake, and our property values. Duke Energy should quit investing in dirty energy and invest in the renewable technologies and efficiencies they claim to support. We are asking Duke Energy to properly clean up the ash ponds at Mountain Island Lake and protect our drinking water. As residents directly affected by Riverbend Steam Station on Mountain Island Lake and Duke Energy's proposed rate increases to fund more dirty energy, we believe we deserve a public hearing held in Charlotte (in addition to the hearing already scheduled in Raleigh) so that our community's voice can be heard by the Utilities Commission.

You can sign the petition by clicking here.

 Be Well!

About Sheila Mullen – The founder of Continuous Motion Consulting, Sheila is passionate about engaging friends, family and community in improving their lives and the lives of those around them. Sheila spent more than 20 years in technology sales, marketing and development. She also has a background in organizational development, innovation and executive wellness coaching.

Thread Trail Forum on Dec. 6 is for outdoor enthusiasts

Clean And Clear Catawba, by Alice Battle - On December 6, the 5^th Annual Carolina Thread Trail Forum will be held at the Charles Mack Center in Mooresville.  This is a wonderful forum for those who would like an outdoor volunteer program that will enhance the region. The Carolina Thread Trail, when it is completed, will go through 15 counties and cover 150 miles. A good portion of it will go through the Catawba River District.

Two Ways To Avoid Sugar Shock at Halloween

Sustainable Healthy Living, by Sheila Mullen - Sugary treats are everywhere from Halloween through the holidays, but you don't have to go into sugar shock to enjoy the season.  Below are two fantastic and free resources sharing ideas on how to nourish your body, mind and soul to be well throughout the holiday season.  

Carolina Thread Trail segment now open on Long Creek

Clean And Clear Catawba, by Alice Battle – A new trail that is part of the Carolina Thread Trail opened last summer in the River District in Mecklenburg County. The trail runs through a Catawba Lands Conservancy conserved area and connects with existing trails at the U.S. Whitewater Center. Recreation on the trail includes walking, hiking, running and mountain biking.

Urban Agriculture and Local Foods Listening Session - November 15th

Sustainable Healthy Living, by Sheila Mullen - Oct. 20, 2012

Are you engaged in developing the local food system? Do you have ideas about how to build a local food economy and increase access to fresh, healthy food? Would you like to see more children eating fresh, local food? Come on Nov. 15 to this special event where you can share your ideas and learn more about food policy in Charlotte, in Mecklenburg County and in the state of North Carolina. Farmers, local foods entrepreneurs, food distribution companies, and others working to develop the region’s local food economy are especially welcome.  

Who will be there?

Representatives from the NC Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council, a state council that advises the General Assembly, the governor and the commissioner of agriculture about policy affecting local food, will attend to listen and to answer your questions. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council and Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension are partnering to host a listening session in Charlotte on November 15 from 4-7 p.m. See below for details and registration.

About Sheila Mullen – The founder of Continuous Motion Consulting, Sheila is passionate about engaging friends, family and community in improving their lives and the lives of those around them. Sheila spent more than 20 years in technology sales, marketing and development. She also has a background in organizational development, innovation and executive wellness coaching.

Urban Agriculture and Local Foods  Listening Session

You are invited... Event Details   Date:  November 15, 2012 Time:  4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Location:  Charlotte School of Law  2145 Suttle Avenue   Charlotte, NC 28208 Click here to register or call 704.336.2082 NC Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council  Charlotte Area Listening Session On November 15th, Charlotte will welcome the NC Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council to gain insight on local food issues regarding the Mecklenburg County region. Participants will provide input to the state NC Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council for the purpose of stimulating the local foods economy on issues related to: urban agriculture and local foods in the areas of entrepreneurship/business start-up and value added opportunities on the farm     land use and zoning  children's access to local fresh foods among others The event will be an excellent opportunity to provide direct feedback on how state level rules, regulations and laws affect urban agriculture and local foods in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. Expertise on state and local laws will be on hand to assist facilitators and participants in identifying areas for clarification.

Supporting Agencies About the NC Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council The purpose of the North Carolina Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council is to contribute to building a local food economy, thereby benefiting North Carolina by creating jobs, stimulating statewide economic development, circulating money from local food sales within local communities, preserving open space, decreasing the use of fossil fuel and thus reducing carbon emissions, preserving and protecting the natural environment, increasing consumer access to fresh and nutritious foods, and providing greater food security for all North Carolinians. Learn more Don't forget to reserve your space by registering here.

Celebrating Autumn’s Succulent, Sweet Fruit – The Apple

Sustainable Healthy Living, by Sheila Mullen – Oct. 7, 2012

There is no season in all the year so beautiful, so radiant with glory, as the early autumn. There is no time when the human soul drinks in so fully the glory and beauty of nature.  ~ Northern Advocate

Fall comes with annual rites of passages: the start of school and football season; leaves begin to turn radiant jewel tones of ruby red, golden yellow and burnt orange; and autumn’s succulent and sweet fruit, the apple, coming into season. I want to ensure the long awaited apple gets some red carpet celebrating.

Crisp apples are perhaps the most common tree fruit in the world.  There are roughly 7,000 varieties. North Carolina can brag about growing at least 14 varieties, including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji and the newest variety, the little Pink Lady. The sweet, thin-skinned apples are best for eating raw alone or can be complemented aged cheese. Tart apples are ideal for adding to salads or making homemade applesauce. 

Buying Apples

Look for firm fruit with smooth skin free of bruises and blemishes. For best flavor and texture, look for newly harvested, locally grown apples rather than fruit sold from old storage.  Apples continue to ripen at room temperature. Store them in a heavy paper bag away from onions and potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 2 months … assuming they last that long.

Health Benefits

We have all heard the adage, “An apple a day will keep the doctor away,” but here are just a few of apples' nutritional strengths. The mighty apple with only 95 calories is a fiber powerhouse and a good source of immune-boosting vitamin C. Research has discovered that, by eating an apple before working out, you may increase your endurance and speed your weight loss. The Iowa Women's Health Study reported that, among the 34,000-plus women it's been tracking for nearly 20 years, apples were associated with a lower risk of death from both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Don’t these simple healthy benefits make you want to jump in your car, drive to your local farm and pick up a big bag of North Carolina apples?

Local Farms

We are fortunate to have two farms right here in Gaston County growing apples ripe for our picking. I have also included links to finding additional North Carolina farmers who also grow apples in the resource section below. Some of these farms allow you to ramble through a orchard, picking crisp, juicy apples and crunching into one, fresh off the tree. You can’t get more local, can you?

• Double B. Farms
 7311 Flay Road
, Cherryville, Gaston County, NC 
(704) 435-1073
• Apple Orchard Farm
640 Mariposa Road
, Stanley, Gaston County, NC 
(704) 263-2635

Cranberry Applesauce

Finally, it is time to savor the flavor of these rich and abundant beauties. I can never wait to make a big batch of homemade applesauce early in the season. This simple recipe makes a sweet accompaniment to a savory winter meal with a tangy twist.

6 apples of choice, peeled and cored

1 cup water or apple cider

½ cup unsweetened cranberry juice

2 tbs. maple syrup

Place apples in pot with water or cider and cranberry juice. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until apples are soft. Remove from heat, add syrup and puree with handheld blender/food processor or Vitamix blender. Server warm or chilled. Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer. 

You might double the batch.  Freeze the extra applesauce in one-cup baggies to use throughout the season. I am a big believer in "cook once; use many times over in different forms." They can be a fast after-school snack, or team sauce with tender pork tenderloin. My favorite option is using the applesauce to substitute for the oil in your fall baked goods.  You will experience moisture while eliminating the unnecessary fat.

Resources

• Apple Varieties Commonly Grown in North Carolina – Website
• Health Benefits of Apples – Website
• North Carolina Apple Picking Orchards and Apple Farms Guide – Website
• Orange Pippin: A comprehensive resource for apples and orchards – Website

Sources

• Recipe from Clean Food by Terry Walters – Website
• Williams-Sonoma Cooking from the Farmer’s Market – Website

Be well

About Sheila Mullen – The founder of Continuous Motion Consulting, Sheila is passionate about engaging friends, family and community in improving their lives and the lives of those around them. Sheila spent more than 20 years in technology sales, marketing and development. She also has a background in organizational development, innovation and executive wellness coaching.

Three Things I love about Autumn

Sage ready for Autumn on Main in Mount Holly

Sage Canine Advice, by Sage Riverdog – Sept. 30, 2012

There are three things that I really love about this time of year: community events and fairs that allow dogs, lying in the leaves on a cool day, and oatmeal. I spent last weekend at Mount Holly's annual Autumn on Main. My people helped at a booth that supports the Catawba River District and the Catawba River Women's Group. I love these events because I meet so many people who give me attention. I particularly love interacting with the shorter people who rub my head and tummy when I roll over.  

Being a social black lab, I thrive on attention.  It seems to me that the communities that host these types of events also thrive on them, because everyone I meet seems so happy to be there. 


Meditating on a fall day

My next favorite thing about fall is enjoying my own backyard.  I lie in the leaves and watch squirrels scurry about, getting ready for the winter. I watch acorns fall on the deck (my silly sister eats those things!). I will soon be rolling in the piles of leaves being raked - what fun!  

Enjoying the sights and sounds of autumn

The cool air has many scents and feels wonderful. If I get chilly I move to a sunny spot. This is my meditation and relaxation and it's way better than any of those silly Yoga poses I see going on in the house.

Oatmeal – yum!

The third wonderful thing about autumn is the many good smells in the kitchen. My sister virtually parks in front of the oven as the kitchen comes alive with smells of pumpkin pie, apples, soups and crock pot stews. 
I keep my nose focused on oatmeal on Saturday mornings. I know I'll be getting a second breakfast when I smell oatmeal.  My owners always make a little extra for us dogs. We love it straight – no milk or sugar; just the wholesome filling goodness of oatmeal.  
Did you know oatmeal is a good substitute for sensitive dogs' stomachs or dogs who are allergic to wheat?  Umm, my mouth is watering! Let's go check the kitchen.  

About Sage – Sage is an 8-year-old black Labrador retriever who lives with River District Executive Director Edna Chirico and Edna’s husband, John Huber. Sage earned a Canine Good Citizen award, which allows her to visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools. Sage loves to run, fetch, swim, ride in boats, travel in the car and play with just about anyone, especially children.