Sandhills Naturally • January 2016

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YO U R G U I D E TO H E A LT H Y L I V I N G I N T H E S A N D H I L L S A R E A • J A N UA RY 2 0 1 6

A Bowl Full of Comfort

Back to Basics Medical Care • Winter Workout: Indoor Climbing

TABLE OF CONTENTS

january 2016 nutrition A Bowl Full of Comfort..............................4

A Bowl Full of Comfort, page 4

Recipe: The Best Minestrone Ever...............4 Recipe: Thai Coconut Soup........................5 Recipe: Curried Chicken with Butternut Squash and Peas...........................................6

Taking Medical Care Back to the Basics page 16

What's In a Name: Labels Explained..............7

living Opinion: COP21 Momentum.....................9 Shine a Light on Darkness........................11 DIY: This Idea Is for the Birds....................12

wellness Essential Oils for the New Year.................14

explore The Resurrection of Dinner Theatre..........15

Explore Indoor Climbing for a Winter Workout, page 18

Back to Basics Medical Care.....................16 The Climbing Place..................................18 Resource Guide.......................................20 Calendar of Events..................................22

“I want to offer patients more, know more, understand more.

There’s no one size fits all. ... Alternative/complementary medicine — people using essential oils, nutritional therapy — I believe in all of those things. They can work wonders with people, but it depends on the person.” — Dr. Robert Patterson 2

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Januar y 2016

FROM THE PUBLISHER

resolve to get involved

A new year is here! With a new year, we have a clean slate ahead of us. We can

Your Guide to Healthy Living in the Sandhills

fill it with resolutions, intentions, goals, dreams, ideas, new interests, learning — or just keep on keeping on.

Editor & Publisher Joy Godwin Crowe Associate Editor Karen Gilchrist karen@sandhillsnaturally.com Contributing Writers Kelli Edwards Sueson Vess Patti Ranck Cory Worrell Marketing & Advertising Joy G. Crowe joy@sandhillsnaturally.com Sophie Poppele (Moore Co.) sophie@sandhillsnaturally.com Andrea Julian (Cumberland Co.) andrea@sandhillsnaturally.com

Part of our mission at Sandhills Naturally is to help educate our readers about natural health and wellness, as well as issues facing our area, but we also are happy that we have the venue to share with you information about events that are happening in the Sandhills area — events that bring communities together and contribute to the quality of life in our area. If you are looking for ways to get more involved in your community in 2016, there are lots of opportunities. Between our covers this month, you'll find a local take on the international Climate Change Conference; information about a unique, "limited light" event that will help fund a mission trip to combat human trafficing; an article about the resurrection of dinner theatre in Fayetteville; and on our back cover, we invite you to

Published by Main Street Media 213 Skyland Plaza, Ste 1370-163 Spring Lake, NC 28390 For more information or to become an advertiser, please call 910.551.2883 www.SandhillsNaturally.com www.facebook.com/sandhillsnaturallync

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The cold weather has finally hit, and nothing sounds better this time of year than a big pot of soup on the stove. In our cover story, comfort food means warm, healthy, nourishment with three amazing soup recipes from local chef Sueson Vess.

If the cold is also leaving you looking for workout alternatives, try indoor rock climbing. In our Explore section, read about The Climbing Place and then go visit!

We wish you a happy, healthy New Year! Remember to like our page on Facebook at sandhillsnaturallync (be sure to select "get notifications") and share our page with your friends. If you frequent a business that is a natural fit for this publication, tell them they should be in it! You can also read all of our editions online at sandhillsnaturally.com.

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Copyright ©2015 by Main Street Media and Sandhills Naturally. All rights reserved.

No part of this issue may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without permission of the publisher or copyright holder. Neither participating advertisers nor the publishers will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints or typographical errors. The publishers reserve the right to edit any submitted material.

Main Street Media is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or other material. Information in this publication is not meant to diagnose, treat or prescribe for medical conditions. The opinions expressed by contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors and publisher.

participate in an art show to save the frogs.

Joy Godwin Crowe, Publisher

joy@sandhillsnaturally.com Proud member of

a

Proud member of

Januar y 2016

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NUTRITION

a bowl full of comfort

By Sueson Vess

Soup is comfort food at its best: warm, restorative and packed with nutrients. Whether hearty or light, creamy or clear, chunky or smooth, a good soup is a cook’s signature. Flavors

or nondairy substitute Optional to serve: Pasta (2 cups uncooked, regular or gluten-free as needed)

and ingredients vary depending on the season, availability and

1. In a large stockpot over medium temperature, heat

personal likes. Leftover veggies, a turkey or chicken carcass or

olive oil. Add onions, garlic and leek; cook until onions are

garden bounty can all be put to good use, making soup a cozy

transparent, about 4-5 minutes. Add zucchini, carrot, tomatoes

meal that’s also budget-friendly.

and juice and bring to simmer uncovered.

Make a double pot of soup, enough to share with family

2.In a food processor or blender, puree white beans until

and friends or freeze for another day. These gluten-free, dairy-

smooth, adding 1/2 cup of water if necessary. Add pureed

free recipes are soup-er ways to serve cozy comfort in a bowl.

beans, red beans, potato, cabbage, green beans and 4 cups of water; bring to a slow simmer.

THE BEST

3. Cook for 2-3 hours,

MINESTRONE EVER

stirring occasionally. Add

Minestrone is more

Swiss chard and basil, salt and

than soup — it is a

pepper and cook for another

hearty meal whose flavor

15 minutes. Taste and adjust

improves the next day.

seasoning.

Make this on a chilly,

4. To Serve: In a large

leisurely afternoon.

serving bowl, mix cooked

Serves: 6-8

pasta with a little olive oil and

2 tablespoons olive oil

chopped fresh parsley. Serve

1 large onion,

soup over pasta topped with

chopped

grated Parmesan cheese.

1 clove garlic, minced

NOTE: Bi-Aglut makes gluten-

1 leek, sliced,

free Ditalini pasta, a small

including part of light green top

tube-like pasta from Italy that is wonderful with Minestrone;

2 zucchini, chopped

however, any gluten-free or gluten-full pasta will work.

1 carrot, chopped 1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes in juice, include juice

THAI COCONUT SOUP

2 15-ounce cans kidney beans, adzuki beans or other small

Coconut milk, lemongrass and ginger are a most amazing

red beans, drained and rinsed

flavor combination, turning a novice cook into an exotic Thai

2 15-ounce cans navy beans or other white beans, drained and rinsed

chef. The base of this soup accommodates vegetarians, chicken or fish lovers and is also a great sauce to poach fish or serve

1 large potato, unpeeled, cut in large pieces

over grilled chicken or fish. The interesting combination of

1/2 head curly Savoy or Napa cabbage, cut into 1 to 1½-

flavors — spicy, sour and sweet — meld into in the creamy

inch pieces

coconut, creating an exotic vacation in a bowl. Try this

1/2 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 bunch Swiss chard, cut into thin ribbons

vegetarian version!

Lemongrass Notes: Dried lemongrass is available from

1 teaspoon dried basil (1 tablespoon fresh)

Thai Kitchen®, found in the grocery store ethnic or Asian

Sea salt and pepper to taste

food section in small jars, and is also available online though

To serve: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley Parmesan cheese

Amazon.com and other online retailers. Fresh lemongrass stalks

4

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Januar y 2016

are found in the produce

2 cups chicken or

sections of many grocers,

vegetable broth, preferably

and cut up fresh pieces are

homemade

also sold packaged where

2 cups combined sliced

other fresh herbs are sold.

bok choy, bell peppers and

If using fresh

carrots

lemongrass stalks (about

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

24 inches long), slice off

1/4 teaspoon chili

very tip of root end and

pepper flakes

cut into 3-inch pieces. You

To serve:1/2 cup fresh

may tie lemongrass pieces

cilantro, chopped

together with kitchen twine

1 lime cut into wedges

for easier removal after cooking or remove with slotted spoon.

1. Combine coconut milk, lemongrass, shallot, ginger, lime

If using fresh lemongrass already cut up in a plastic container,

zest and juice in large saucepan over medium heat and bring to

cut pieces in half.

a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let simmer, uncovered for 25

Serves: 4-6

minutes. Add broth and bring to simmer. Remove lemongrass

2 13.5-ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk, not light

and discard.

2 stalks fresh lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces or 1 package fresh or 3 pieces dried lemongrass

2. Add vegetables to the saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until carrots are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning.

1/4 cup minced shallots

3. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro; serve with a

2-inch piece fresh gingerroot, peeled and minced 1 lime, zest removed and juiced

wedge of lime.

Enjoy!

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Januar y 2016

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CURRIED CHICKEN WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH & PEAS (CROCK POT)

1 cup green peas, rinse to thaw if frozen 1. For best results, cook in a 3 ½ to 4-quart crock-pot.

The blend of cinnamon, curry and coconut create an

2. Turn crock-pot on high and heat oil; add chicken,

aromatic sauce that envelops the chicken and butternut squash

butternut squash, onion, bell pepper, garlic, spices and half

for a delicious change from the usual chicken casserole. This

of the coconut milk. Stir to distribute spices and until all

dish is a feast for your eyes with red peppers, golden squash

ingredients are well coated with coconut milk. Cover and cook

and green peas. May be served over rice.

on the low setting for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Serves: 4-6

30 minutes before serving, add thawed peas and balance of

1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil

coconut milk. Taste and adjust sesoning.

2 pounds boneless, chicken breast, sliced into 2-inch pieces 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch

Sueson Vess is a professional chef, author/food writer and educator helping people eat healthier, especially those with

pieces (May substitute sweet potatoes or fresh pumpkin, ready

celiac disease, autism spectrum disorders and others with chronic

to cook also available in grocery stores)

illnesses. Special Eats provides catering services, educational

1 large onion, chopped

presentations and monthly cooking classes at FirstHealth Fitness

1 red bell pepper, preferably organic, cut into 1-inch pieces

Center. Sueson’s cookbooks include “Special Eats: Simple

2 cloves garlic, minced

Delicious Solutions for Gluten & Dairy Free Cooking,” now in its

1 teaspoon cinnamon

6th edition, and “Living Without Magazine’s Best Gluten-Free

1 tablespoon yellow curry powder

Cookbook." www.specialeats.com; 800.981.5029; Facebook

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

page: Special Eats. Sueson’s homemade bone broth is available at

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Nature’s Own, Southern Pines.

1 13.5-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk, divided (do not use light)

6

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Januar y 2016

NUTRITION

what's in a name?

THE LABELS EXPLAINED

By Karen Gilchrist

With the recent news of Congress repealing a labeling law that required retailers to include the animal's country of origin on packages of red meat, labels have once again been in the spotlight. The December repeal of country of origin labeling is a major victory for the meat industry, which fought the law for over a decade. A win for the conventional meat industry is a lose for health-conscious consumers, who are asking for more information about where their food is coming from, not less.

Although you will no longer find required country of origin labeling on meat, you will still find plenty of labels in your local grocery store. We think the subject of food labels is worthy of a reprise for readers that may not have read our article in 2014 on the subject.

One finds them all over today’s food products, both fresh and prepared, on boxes and cartons, fruits and vegetables. Food labels –– those bar codes, numbers, descriptive words and acronyms with clever little images. Natural. Organic. Cage-free.

Non-GMO verified. Wild-caught. And the list goes on. But where did they originate, what do they mean and are they really necessary?

Prior to the establishment of the first self-service grocery store in 1916 –– a Piggly Wiggly® in Memphis, Tenn., founded

by Clarence Saunders –– consumers attended markets, picked their food at the farm or out of the back yard or gave a list to a grocery clerk who would collect and pack up the provisions for customers. The increased efficiency of allowing consumers to “hunt and gather” their food from shelves and refrigerated cases, combined with a world made smaller through improved transportation methods, increased variety in food offerings and the growing interest in eating more healthfully gave rise to the use of food labels, benefiting producers, distributors and consumers alike. And though occasionally irritating (some sticky

Januar y 2016

glue on tagged produce appears to be stickier than others), or even misleading in certain applications, food labels can provide quite useful information to consumers concerned with the source of their food –– and what is in it.

ORGANIC According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP), whose mission is to ensure “the integrity of USDA organic products in the U.S. and throughout the world,” the term organic “indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.” The following guidelines were established since October 21, 2002.

For single-ingredient foods, the word “organic” and the seal may appear on the packaging of cheese, eggs, meat, milk, etc., and as a sticker on fruits and vegetables or on produce signage.

Multi-ingredient foods, including beverages, snacks and processed foods, use a more detailed classification system: • 100% Organic – Made with 100% organic ingredients, excluding salt and water, and may display the USDA Organic seal • Organic – Contain by weight at least 95-99% organic ingredients, with remaining ingredients unavailable organically but approved by the NOP; may display the USDA Organic seal • Made With Organic Ingredients – Must contain 70-94%

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organic ingredients; may list up to three ingredients on the package front; no USDA Organic seal • Other – Containing less than 70% organic ingredients; may only list organic ingredients on the package information panel; no USDA Organic seal As use of the USDA Organic label is voluntary, not all producers certified organic choose to use it. Likewise, some producers maintain organic practices, but opt not to go through the strict (and costly) certification process.

NATURAL Many people –– a third of those surveyed by “Consumer Reports” –– believe the words natural and organic are interchangeable. The term “organic” is strictly regulated as noted above; however, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never formally defined the term “natural,” recognized as a buzzword that helps to generate over $22 billion in yearly sales.

A product labeled natural may in fact contain non-natural ingredients. To assure that a product’s ingredients are indeed natural, consumers should read the Nutrition Facts label on the package.

ARTISAN Like natural, “artisan” is another buzzword not formally defined by the FDA, but found on hundreds of products, from pizzas to tortilla chips to doughnuts. It may mentally evoke nostalgic images of handcrafted foods, like cheeses, breads and baked goods and confections produced in small batches.

Consumers looking for artisanal products might wish to look for the words “handcrafted” and “small batch.”

MULTI-GRAIN, WHOLE GRAIN AND WHOLE WHEAT Americans have been encouraged to increase consumption of more whole grains to help prevent heart disease, yet again, the FDA has no legal definition of what a whole grain is. Legally, “only whole wheat bread must be made with 100 percent whole wheat, but any other wheat product can have as much or as little wheat as the manufacturer decides.”1 Multigrain simply means the product has more than one grain, which could all be refined flour and not whole grains. If a product is labeled “Whole Grain,” the first and most prevalent item in the ingredient list in the Nutrition Fact list is –– whole grain.

NON-GMO VERIFIED AND GMO-FREE GMOs or genetically modified organisms, defined in detail by the Non-GMO Project, “are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE),” an experimental technology that “…merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that

8

cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.” GMOs differ from hybrids, which are created by “cross-pollinating two different, but related plants over 6 to 10 plant generations, eventually creating a new plant variety”2 and heirlooms, grown from “seed that has been saved and grown for a period of years and is passed down by the gardener that preserved it…. To be capable of being saved, all heirloom seed must be open pollinated.”3 Much controversy surrounds GMOs and their actual benefits and potential safety, which has led to their outright banning and importation in many countries and increasing demand for labeling in several states in the U.S. Most of the canola, corn, cotton, soy and sugar beets grown in the U.S. is GMO. The retailers who started the Non-GMO Project, North America’s only independent verification for products made according to best practices for GMO avoidance, believe “that consumers in North America should have access to clearlylabeled non-GMO food and products.” The Non-GMO Project Verified seal indicates that the product has gone through its verification process. The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is not a “GMO-free” claim. Products bearing the label GMO-free “are not legally or scientifically defensible, and they are not verified by a third party.” Furthermore, the risk of contamination from cross-pollination “to seeds, crops, ingredients and products is too high to reliably claim that a product is ‘GMO-free.’”

PRICE LOOK-UP (PLU) LABELS Yes, they can be annoying, those little sticky number labels on produce. But though originally created to help speed up the checkout process and track inventory in grocery stores, they enhance quality control for producers and distributors and help limit costs tied to tracing tainted products, as well as provide consumers with beneficial information about what they are eating, and where it was grown. The codes apply to fruit, vegetables, herbs and nuts and are most commonly affixed to fruit. One can look up a code online at http://plucodes.com.

• Four digits – conventionally raised, which may include the use of pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers • Five digits, beginning with 8 – grown from GMO seeds • Five digits, beginning with 9 – organic, grown in continued on page 10

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Januar y 2016

OPINION

COP21 momentum

By Alba Polonkey

Hundreds of people met in Paris last month for the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) on Climate Change. The makings of this meeting were set in motion in the 1980s, when the World Commission on Environment and Development officially defined “sustainable development,” a concept that if ignored could be the greatest threat to the future of humanity. Shortly thereafter, the Brundtland Report (a.k.a. Our Common Future) set the foundation for what would be the first United Nations convention to combat climate change, desertification and social environmental injustice, the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit.

Agenda 21, the outcome of the Rio convention, urged world leaders to work together with civil societies to support more sustainable development.

Fast-forward to present-year, and the momentum set forth from these earlier proceedings has resulted in a movement that is growing stronger by the day. Why do I say by the day?

Because daily conversations about what it means to make more sustainable choices spark meaningful interest. When you can show a person, a company, a planning committee or governmental agency that making green choices equates to social, environmental and economic prosperity, that makes sense to everyone. The fact that green or sustainable choices help to combat climate change is an additional perk, and one that has a powerful impact on the future of our humanity and quality of life. Essentially, combating climate change translates into lowering carbon emissions. Whether we make a concerted effort to lower carbon emissions or support more sustainable development practices, everyone wins!

We don’t have to agree on whether the climate is changing or whether it’s because of human activities; we just have to agree to make smarter choices. Complacency and money could be the two biggest pitfalls keeping our society and local governments from forward-thinking. I hate to focus on money, but that is the world we live in, one that revolves around what it can get you and what you can do to get more of it. Well, you get what you pay for! As far as complacency, it is linked to being content with what we have, and this is linked to not setting higher standards and improving upon what we have. It’s not enough to meet standards; you have to want to be extraordinary. We need leaders and people in positions of power that want the best quality of life, not just a better quality of life. We need leaders that can keep their eyes on what could be our reality, not what has been our reality.

This month, Sustainable Sandhills finished up a 10-month Januar y 2016

planning process that focused on sustainable resource management for Cumberland County and creating more climate resilient communities. It was a venture taken on with the help of representatives from Fort Bragg Directorate of Public Works, Fayetteville’s Public Works Commission, the Cape Fear River Assembly and the City of Fayetteville. The Cumberland County Climate Resiliency Plan will be made public in early 2016 and outlines five key strategies that support sustainable development, a concept not entirely foreign to local governmental and non-governmental planning organizations in the county. This effort and those proceeding it will have been in vain, however, if those in positions of power do not have a desire to create a quality of life that meets the highest of standards. A review committee is being assembled that will create a short-term working plan to get initiatives off the ground, and to monitor and continually evaluate their impact in our communities.

A powerful momentum has been set forth again through the COP21 Climate Change Summit, and we would be remiss as a society — a state, a county, a city, an individual — to let this source of energy settle on our shelves and collect dust.

As an individual, you can connect with organizations like Sustainable Sandhills to find out what actions can and are being taken. As a business, you can use and promote materials and operations that support the triple bottom line — social, environmental and economic sustainability. As a municipality, your allocation of staff and financial resources will dictate the quality of life your constituents will experience.

Perhaps the word “evil” should be replaced with “injustice” in the following quote, but the notion still stands: “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” — Albert Einstein Alba Polonkey is the Sustainability Manager with Sustainable Sandhills. She can be reached at greenplanet@sustainablesandhills. org or 910.484.9098.

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continued from page 8 accordance to the National Organic Standards Board

confinement, no antibiotics and no added hormones.”

CAGE-FREE, FREE-RANGE, FREE-ROAMING AND PASTURE-RAISED

So a grass-fed animal isn’t necessarily pasture-raised, and pasture-raised doesn’t necessarily mean grass-fed; grass-fed refers to what is eaten, and pasture-raised to where an animal eats. Farmers may feed grain to animals that feed on grass, especially during winter months, and to further confuse the consumer, “a product may say “grass-fed” on the packaging, but the cow might have been “finished” on grain, meaning it ate grain during the last 2 or 3 months of its life.” Consumers looking for 100% grass-fed beef should look for products labeled as such.

How an animal raised for food is treated during its life has grown in importance to many consumers as a result of information regarding crowded concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) that deny animals the opportunities to live outside or engage in their natural behaviors. Laying hens not confined to small cages (battery hens) with floors slightly smaller than a legal-sized sheet of paper will forage, nest, perch, spread their wings and take dust baths. A label on egg cartons including “free” suggests the opportunity to “act like chickens,” but can be misleading. The Humane Society of the United States provides detailed descriptions of these labels with regard to egg production.

• Cage-Free – Hens live un-caged inside barns, generally with no access to the outdoors.

• Free-Range – No government-regulated standards required, but hens typically live un-caged inside barns with some access to the outdoors.

• Free-Roaming – Also known as “free-range • Pasture-Raised – No government-regulated standards required, but hens typically live outdoors for most of the year on pasture and kept indoors at night for protection.

Chickens raised for meat are often labeled hormone- or steroid-free, but the use of either is not allowed in chicken production in the United States. Many producers today actively promote chicken as raised without antibiotics or antibiotic-free or without the use of antibiotics. According to the National Chicken Council, antibiotic-free, which is the same as raised without antibiotics, is not allowed on labels, but can be used in marketing materials. However, all chicken is essentially antibioticfree because of the time required between administration of the drugs and slaughter. Only certified organically raised chickens received a diet that is antibiotic- and/or pesticide-free.

GRASS-FED AND PASTURE-RAISED The USDA’s definition of grass-fed animals, which refers to bison, cattle, goats and sheep, requires that 100% of the diet consist of “freshly grazed pasture during the growing season and stored grasses (hay or grass silage) during the winter months or drought conditions.”4 However, it doesn’t indicate an animal’s access to pasture –– it could be fed harvested forage –– or whether it has received antibiotics or hormones, and yet it could still carry the USDA grass-fed label. Alternatively, the American Grassfed Association’s (AGA) independent third-party certification “verifies a 100 percent forage diet, raised on pasture that has a minimum of 75 percent cover, no

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Lastly, the term grass-fed cannot apply to pigs or chickens, as both require grain as part of the diet, but they may be pasture-raised and labeled accordingly.

FARM-RAISED AND WILD-CAUGHT Fish and seafood provide high-quality protein, minerals and vitamins and are considered heart-healthy. But concerns about overfishing and mercury levels in the oceans have contributed to the rise of the fastest-growing sector of animal food production, aquaculture or fish farming. Fish are raised in tanks or in netted cages in coastal waters. Responsible fish farming uses water filtration systems and non-polluting natural fish foods.

Wild-caught fish, which are often more nutritious, are caught where they live naturally, often using methods (like drag nets) that can negatively impact other marine species and ecosystems.

Consumers may want to look for the Marine Stewardship Council’s “Fish Forever” label verifying sustainable practices, such as hook-and-line fishing, long-lining and trap fishing.

While the original intentions of food labels may have been to increase efficiency and accountability for producers and distributers, consumers clearly benefit from knowing more about their food, enabling them to purchase products aligning with their interest in and desire for particular consumption habits. But the list above features just a small sampling of the labels used in product packaging, some of which are defined by government regulation; most, however, are not. Companies simply use them to market products, giving rise to confusion, misunderstanding, misuse and even lawsuits. For more information, The Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) Program’s offers its publication “Food Labeling for Dummies: a definitive guide to common food label terms and claims” at http://animalwelfareapproved.org/ wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Food-Labelling-for-Dummiesscreen-v9-041013.pdf.

Karen Gilchrist is a writer, yoga instructor and longtime resident of Southern Pines. You can reach her at karen@ sandhillsnaturally.com. A complete list of sources for this article can be found on our website, www.sandhillsnaturally.com.

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Januar y 2016

shine a light on darkness

LOCAL MISSION TEAM FIGHTS HUMAN TRAFFICKING WITH A NEW MODEL FOR MISSION TRIPS In conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Month,

locals there become more self sustaining, by replacing foreign

missionaries from Spout Springs Church in

missionaries with local staff to continue the

western Harnett County will host a unique

work in their own community.

benefit dinner on January 23 to raise funds to

The Hard Places Community is an

combat human trafficking.

International Non-Governmental Organization

Have you ever turned down a street at

that has been working in Cambodia since

night, alone, only to realize suddently that it

January 2009 to help stop the child sex trade

is very very dark? Or maybe closed your eyes

and bring restoration to its victims. With a

in a yoga pose and became a little unsteady?

constant front-row seat to the effects of this

Or eaten in a restaurant where it was a little

horrific crime against children, the team of five

too darK? Being in the dark can be a little unsettling. Now you

Americans and thirty Cambodian nationals works with victims

have the opportunity to savor a three-course meal in limited

as young as four years old who have been sold by their own

light to “Shine a Light on Darkness." The fundraiser will also

parents, relatives or guardians for sex.

include speakers, an auction, and live music at Carolina Trace

Tickets for the event are $50 per person, with sponsor

Country Club in Sanford, N.C. While dining with limited light

packages available. All proceeds will go towards the 2016 and

will provide a memorable and intimate experience, the real

2017 fundraising goals. You can purchase tickets and view

goal of the dinner is to illuminate the work of The Hard Places

sponsor packages on the website: shinealightondarkness.org.

Community, which strives to be a light in a dark place, as well as illuminate the public on local human trafficking issues.

The Missions Team will travel to Cambodia in February 2016 to help fight human trafficking by volunteering their time at The Hard Places Community in Phnom Penh. However, this isn’t your typical mission trip. “We wanted to change up how mission trips are traditionally done and really maximize our impact beyond our 10-day trip,” said Kim Schiffman, one of the team leaders. In addition to raising funds to send the group of 12 to Cambodia in 2016, the team has also pledged to raise funds to help pay the salaries of The Hard Places Community’s Cambodian workers in 2017. This is in an effort to help the

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NOW HIRING AN INDEPENDENT MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE FOR MOORE/HARNETT/LEE CO.

You asked and we listened!

FirstHealth Fitness-Pinehurst will be rolling back our clocks – permanently!

Beginning November 2, the Pinehurst center will open at 5 a.m.

Monday through Friday. Early birds, teachers, military, and hospital employees–get your workout in before the workday begins.

Do you have have sales experience, like to meet people, and have an interest in natural health and wellness and sustainable living? If so, we'd like to talk to you. For more information, call 910-551-2883 or email joy@sandhillsnaturally.com.

Januar y 2016

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Monday – Thursday • 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday • 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday • 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

170 Memorial Drive • Pinehurst, NC 28374 www.firsthealth.org/fitness

859-101-15

11

this idea is for the birds

By Patti Ranck

As I sit here gazing out the window watching the squirrels and the birds, trying to summon an idea or two for this article , I am struck again with the thought that Nature in general pretty much blows my mind. But even with all the different types of animals in the world, I’ve always had a special love for birds.

They’ve just always fascinated me. I mean, there’s that whole flying thing, which I think everyone will admit to being at least a little intrigued by. Nest construction is also a pretty amazing feat, considering they are supposed to be less advanced than we humans and don’t even have hands. But the other things that impress me are their strength and beauty and the fact that they do seem to interact with each other in an almost emotional way. It can’t be easy being one of the smallest players in the circle of life, and yet they survive and thrive. If you’ve ever watched them closely, they show a sense of loyalty and a protective instinct toward one another.

Just watch them care for their eggs and babies. Their interaction with each other is really quite incredible. I remember one unfortunate time when a bird apparently flew into our window and died instantly upon hitting the glass. Immediately, another bird (same type) flew down to investigate. With it’s beak, it began nudging the dead bird repeatedly, as if to wake him. Even after he had given up trying to wake his friend, he stayed by his side until the deceased bird was removed, and kept coming back to the spot as if looking for his friend. It was quite touching and caused us to imagine that there may be a bit more going on

12

inside their minds than we even realize.

So, for all these reasons, as well as the fact that they are also an important part of our ecosystem, we should help support our feathered friends, even something as simple as putting seed out for them in the winter when food is scarce.

Take care of Nature and it’ll take care of us.

Of course I happen to have (as you may have guessed) a few eco-friendly/biodegradable ideas for us to make some feeders. Super easy, so that you can include the kids. When the weather is too bad for them to play outside, you’ll have a quick activity for them. Then they’ll probably be occupied for a while just looking out the window at the birds loving their creation and maybe learn a thing or two about nature while they’re at it — yay!

Here we will be decorating the leafless trees at the same time as we create a bird feeder garland and a lovely little feeder wreath and hanging fruit birdseed “basket.” All three of these craft projects are almost self explanatory. In this case, a picture really is worth a thousand words, but I’m gonna say it anyway.

Almost all the supplies were household items — what I was lacking (i.e., the peanuts in the shell), I was able to get at the good ol’ $ Store! (FYI: they also carry No GMO popcorn — woot!)

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Januar y 2016

*While crafting the feeders, all sing the Mary Poppins song “Feed the Birds" (uh, totally optional, but I had fun with it).

orange (Note: caution with very young children.)

You'll start with 2 long lengths of twine. Poke these through the orange she'll so that it creates an X in the middle. Gather the four loose ends and make a knot toward the top so you can just loop it over a branch or hook. Poke a couple of short sticks through the sides for the birds to use as little perches. Fill with seed and done!

FOR THE GARLAND: *apples/popcorn (please be sure to use plain)/raisins/dried apricots/ peanuts in the shell *large nail for poking holes in the peanut shells *NOTE: caution with very young children *a large eyed embroidery needle for stringing the popcorn *scissors (Do I have to caution the needle and scissors? You know how old your kids are and how to be careful. Safety scissors are really all you need for cutting the twine and fabric scraps.) *jute or twine (I discovered this needed to be fairly thin, so I had some hemp string that worked really well, but probably waxed thread-like the stuff I use to make macrame jewelry would be a good alternative — it was a little challenging getting the needle threaded even with its large eye.) *old yarn pieces and fabric scraps cut into thin strips — this is a little extra that the birds can use for building their nests, and it looks pretty too — entirely optional though.

Tie a knot at the end of your string and you can start stringing. There’s no right or wrong. It is always to your liking. A note about the popcorn: verrrry difficult to string, but it has so many cracks and crevices to each kernel, that I just kind of pushed it onto the string until it held in one of the cracks.

(Expect some broken popcorn pieces.) You can tie it from both ends to your tree branch swag fashion, or simply tie one end to the branch and leave it hanging straight down. Either way, the birds will love it, and it is adooorable!

FOR THE FRUIT FEEDER: *orange (or small pumpkin or squash) *knife and spoon to cut and scoop the pulp out of the orange (Note: caution with very young children.) *twine *small branches/sticks *large nail to poke the twine through the side of the

Januar y 2016

FOR THE WREATH FEEDER: *small grapevine wreath *peanut butter *small spatula or spreader *birdseed *pie plate (or other plate or pan) large enough to accommodate the diameter of your wreath) *twine and scissors *fabric scraps (opt.)

I tied my twine on first, in a similar manner to the orangefeeder, so that you are again left with four ends to tie (it hangs more evenly this way, but you could use three ends on this).

I tied some fabric strips to the bottom of one of these and let them dangle down the side of the wreath. Fill your plate or pan with birdseed. Now comes the messy part — the part for kids. Using your spatula, spread peanut butter all over the top side of the wreath. Double check to be sure you are doing this on the top side of the wreath, trying to keep the twine out of the way, or you will have a bit of an issue when you attempt to hang it.

Flip over into the birdseed plate and push in a bit and wiggle around to completely cover all the peanut butter areas.

Put it right side up again and go out to your yard and hang it!

Fun and decorative! First one to see a bird on it gets to eat the leftover popcorn!

Patti Ranck is an artist and a dreamer who blends her love of nature and her passion for repurposing into the celebrations of life. She can help you create your one-of-a-kind celebration. indigoearthevents@icloud.com or 910.638.8322

www.SandhillsNaturally.com

13

essential oils for the new year

By Kelli Edwards

Happy New Year! As we turn over a new leaf and open to the mysteries of 2016, we have the opportunity to look back at what's transpired over the past year, and to look forward to what's brewing on the horizon.

Taking the time to look back and reflect allows for a more holistic viewpoint, allowing us to see the lessons that have presented themselves so we can move forward with clarity.

This past year was full of heartfelt memories of joy, as well as challenge and grieving. I lost my stepfather, with whom I had not been close in over 20 years, and with healing old wounds of the heart, we reunited two years ago to become even closer, grateful to have the courage to move forward and choose love.

I've been practicing lots of yoga over the last week and on New Year's Day taught a workshop on 108 Sun Salutations, which felt so wonderful to celebrate and bring in New Year's Day with two hours of movement focusing on joy, love, peace, forgiveness, compassion, courage, strength and in moving meditation, letting go of the pieces and stories of 2015 that no longer served me and allowing space to set intentions for 2016!

Inevitably at the close of the old year and the start of the new, people take time to look at where they have come from and where they are going — and traditionally resolutions are made.

Often this includes a long list of "shoulds," which are made with little genuine intention and, once lip-service has been paid for a few days, fall by the wayside.

I don’t like making New Year’s resolutions. I like making intentions.

A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something. An intention is a course of action one intends to follow. Maybe the same? But for me, the two have very different connotations.

When using aromatherapy and selecting appropriate and supportive essentials oils for New Year’s resolutions, look for those that release blockages, support the adoption and fulfillment of intentions and facilitate transition. Choose essential oils that cultivate openness, enthusiasm and action. Those that are calming and allay any reservations, fears, anxieties or addictive behaviors associated with change and the unknown can also be considered, especially if

the resolutions are challenging. The same resolution might instill different thoughts and emotions to different people. Some allpurpose essential oils for resolutions include Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) Nutmeg (Myristica fragans) Orange (Citrus sinensis) Tangerine (Citrus reticulata blanco) Cypress is cleansing and grounding and creates a constructive atmosphere for evaluating choices. It’s particularly helpful for resolutions that require inner strength and confidence. It will calm the mind and emotions and reduces anxiety. Jasmine and nutmeg promote enthusiasm and an appetite for adventure: new paths and behavior change. Cardamom encourages openness and a thirst for new ideas.

Ginger has a sharp, crisp fragrance like cardamom, and it, too, creates drive and action and helps one overcome procrastination.

Tangerine and orange are both uplifting and optimistic. They bring emotional vitality to transitions. Tangerine allows one to realize change without a great amount of anxiety, drama or trauma. Orange helps one detach from drama, expel negativity and feel confident and courageous.

To apply aromatherapy in support of New Year’s resolutions consider diffuser oils, sprays or roll ons. Put a few drops in an appropriate diffuser. The subtle (energetic) properties of essential oils are best applied lightly — less is best.

Whether your New Year's intentions are to begin taking a yoga class, create a vision board, or begin a detox, lifestyle changes are exciting and can feel overwhelming at times. Nurture yourself; de-stress by adding essential oil to your daily routine!

Kelli Edwards, mom to two boys and owner of Pure Phoenix Cleanse & Wellness, is a health enthusiast with a passion for helping people achieve optimum health. She helps people through yoga instruction, as a colon therapist and as an advocate and educator on essential oils.

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the resurrection of dinner theatre

By Janice Burton

Longtime Fayeteville residents will remember a time when dinner theatre was a regular part of the city’s social scene. But that hasn’t been the case for more than 20 years.

In a move to bring dinner theatre back to Fayetteville, Up & Coming Weekly publisher Bill Bowman has teamed up with the Holiday Inn I-95 and writer/actress/director Elaine Alexander to bring a Valentine’s Day Dinner Theatre to town. Bowman, a longtime supporter of live theatre and the cultural arts in Fayetteville, is excited about the opportunity to offer residents something new.

"It's all about expanding our quality of life, bringing people together, bringing the community together in a way that showcases the dramatic arts and the talent we have in the Fayetteville community," said Bowman.

Ever since Vivian Leigh sashayed her way through Gone With the Wind with her flirtatious winks and wicked laughter and her unbreakable strength in the face of adversity, Southern women have been the stuff of which legends are made. It is not something that can be copied or imitated. You either are a Southern woman or — you are not. Elaine Alexander falls into the first category. Raised on a farm, which has been in her family for more than four generations, Alexander proudly calls Fayetteville her hometown. Her cousins — first, second and third — still live nearby, and family gatherings are more like a reunion than a visit. That being said, Alexander has a keen understanding of the psyche of Southern women.

It is the tradition and passion of Southern women, that Alexander tackles in her play A Southern Girl’s Got to Have It, which is on stage over Valentine’s Day weekend during the return of dinner theatre to Fayetteville.

Alexander, who studied journalism and English at UNC-Chapel Hill, has made a career in the publishing industry working for newspapers and magazines and eventually serving as an advertising copywriter for Bank of America. Alexander also has another passion: theatre.

“I’ve done theatre from the time I was in high school on through my 20s,” she explained. “When my children started getting a little older, I was eager to get back into theatre, but I hadn’t done it in a while.”

To get back into the swing of things, she joined the Actor’s Lab, which is a highly regarded theatrical organization in Charlotte.

Each week, members of the lab had to go on stage and perform a monologue. She found that the roles that were available to women of her age were not as interesting to her, and decided to fall back on her other passion — writing — and started writing her own monologues and performing them. The members of the lab loved her work and encouraged her to focus on her writing.

She joined a playwriting class, where she further developed her storytelling skills and where she learned more about structure, and then, she wrote. Ultimately, she wrote several short monologues,

Januar y 2016

which together, became A Southern Girl’s Got to Have It. “These monologues were not all written at the same time; they were different pieces that came together,” she explained. “‘Carolina Fever‘ was an earlier monologue. It’s written about a mom whose child is going to college, and she really wants him to go to a good college.

Elaine Alexander And like all Carolina alumni, she is obsessed with UNC-Chapel Hill. It permeates her everyday world from cups to license plates — and that’s what sparked ‘Carolina Fever’.”

All of the monologues are about Southern women and the way they think and look at life, from a woman dreaming of a role in Hollywood, to dating the bad boy or a Yankee.

“All of these characters are strong, sassy Southern women with all of their craziness,” said Alexander. “They are people I grew up with, people I went to college with, my relatives down East. They all have impacted me, and I love their individuality and their quirks. That makes them human. It makes them real.”

When asked how much of her own personality is poured into each of the characters, Alexander responded, “You can’t help but write about yourself. You write about the most vulnerable, wacky aspects of your psyche and turn those aspects into characters.

“If I were as extreme as my most of my characters, I would be locked up,” she continued. “Most of my characters come from my observations of people and life and people I have known in the different stages of my life and people who folks in Fayetteville will recognize from their own lives as well.”

Alexander said the play is a humorous look at the life of a Southern woman, which includes the ugly parts as well. She says it is important for people to know that this is an adult play and is intended for adults — not children.

A Southern Girl’s Got to Have It is on stage at the Holiday Inn I-95 Feb. 12-14. On Friday, Feb. 12, and Saturday, Feb. 13, the doors will open at 6 p.m., followed by a wine tasting, dinner and the show. On Sunday, Feb. 14, the show is at noon, which includes a wine tasting and buffet lunch. A few packages are available. The Hotel Sweetheart package includes two theatre tickets, deluxe room accommodations, two complimentary breakfasts and a halfdozen roses with each pair of tickets purchased. Ladies’ Night Out includes a ticket, wine tasting and dinner, music and attendance to a champagne reception for the actors. Tickets are $75 and are available at the Holiday Inn, Up & Coming Weekly, the Crown Coliseum, Owen’s Florist and online at CapeFearTix.com. Discounts are available for seniors, active duty military and Cumberland County School Educators. For more info, call 391-3859.

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EXPLORE

taking medical care back to the basics DR. ROBERT PATTERSON PUTS PATIENT CARE FIRST by karen gilchrist Dr. Robert Patterson knew he wanted to be a doctor – Patterson says. specifically a family physician – at the age of six. After earning “There’s a group called the American Association of both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University Physicians and Surgeons, one of the oldest medical professional of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and completing his residency in organizations around, and they talked a lot about trying to Charlotte, he began practicing in Sanford in 1980, spending a practice like it used to be, without the hindrance of insurance couple of years with his family doctors before starting another companies – basically dropping out of contracts with insurance practice. In 1994, having built his practice into one of the largest companies and just contracting with patients. I looked at and in the state with about 175 employees, 30 doctors and work in studied what they were doing and talked with practices across 12 counties, Patterson sold it. the country that were doing just that.”

“At that time, practices were changing, and it looked Back then, the number of practices choosing this approach like I needed to be a part of totaled 8%; it is now about something even bigger,” says 20%. About three and a half Patterson. “When I sold, I years ago, Patterson let the thought I could lower costs insurance company, Medicare and also still provide good and Medicaid know that he service, but that was not what would no longer be working the people who bought my with them. practice wanted to do.”

“It’s back to the way Patterson stayed a couple doctors used to be, back when of years before leaving, signing I first started practice,” says a non-compete agreement Paterson. “About 80% of our that necessitated his driving patients have insurance or out of town for about an hour Medicare, but they privately to work for two years. He contract with us.” returned and set up practice, Patterson explains that but noticed about five years there are two types of practices ago that it was becoming really like this, concierge or physician frustrating to be a doctor. directed care, which both “It didn’t matter what the charge a membership fee. patient wanted or needed, and “But I’m not like either. I don’t — DR. ROBERT PATTERSON it didn’t matter what I thought charge a membership fee; I the patient needed or what I charge fee per service, and wanted to do for them. The insurance companies, Medicare and my fees are about 20-25% less than Medicare, so they’re very Medicaid pretty much called all the shots.” low fees. We get patients anything they need to help them file At the time, he scheduled office visits of 30 minutes claims, but we just don’t file claims. And it’s actually happened minimum. One of the largest insurance companies, through at a good time because what’s happened is insurance has gotten which he did about 80% of his business, decided that even more expensive, and most everybody has huge deductibles, so though he spent 30 minutes with a patient, it would pay him essentially people are paying for their primary care anyway.” only for five minutes. The resulting disagreement between He notes that the insurance system has moved from Patterson and the company led to the insurance company’s being a drawing power to employers, a perk to attract good holding all his payments for about a year, ultimately pushing him employees. It has changed to cover everything, but sometimes into bankruptcy. the companies want to cover nothing.

“And I just decided at that point that I was never going “I show people how they can set themselves up with to let an insurance company do that to my patients or to me,” catastrophic insurance and can actually save a bundle and

“I do an old-time practice. I do house calls.... I treat everyone as individuals."

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Januar y 2016

do their primary care. What makes it hard is that everyone is addicted to insurance.”

He cites an example of the cost of an MRI in the area, which may cost $4000, but if one pays cash, it may cost only $400.

And on his Back to Basics Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ BackToBasicsMedicalPractice, he lists five insurance plans for catastrophic insurance that are exempted from the Affordable Care Act guidelines and restrictions, yet meet the requirements and count as insurance so enrollees are not penalized.

“I have been trying to educate people,” Patterson says. “I do an old-time practice. I do house calls. People can walk in at any time or make appointments. A wait in our office is no longer than 15 minutes. I treat everyone as individuals. I go back to the way it was, educate people that these changes in healthcare are not necessarily good changes, in my opinion.”

Board eligible by the American Board of Family Medicine, Patterson brings to his practice 34 years of experience in Family/ General Practice and award-winning diagnostic skills. He is one of only two North Carolina physicians who are members of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology. His services include but are not limited to wellness visits, FAA pilot exams, sports and school physicals, weight management, anti-aging medicine, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, integrative and nutritional medicine, psychiatric medical management, preventative health, allergy testing and more. He also maintains a blog on his webpage and an active Facebook page.

In addition to traditional office visits, Patterson offers virtual visits via eVisit. In a growing trend, patients with established relationships with the practice can schedule online visits for treatment of urgent minor medical conditions on a totally secure platform. This option is great for mothers, young families and commuters and is available in the afternoon, at night and on weekends. Patients describe and show their illness, and Patterson can talk with them.

Patterson is happy to be practicing patient-centered care, free of dictated guidelines, and has no plans to charge a membership fee.

“People are struggling, and this approach lets people pay as they go, just for what they get, based on time, as much as they want. I cut my prices, and I do about 5% of what I did. I had a huge staff, but I have a staff of two now.

It allows me to cut costs so I can pass that on to the patients. It makes me the patient advocate again, which I always thought

Januar y 2016

that I was. This is the best way to practice medicine. Practicing is fun again, and it gives me time to pursue some of the other interests that I have.”

Among those interests are bio-identical hormones and natural medicine.

“I’ve been doing natural hormones for about 30 years, and I enjoy dealing with hormonal problems that men and women have and using bio-identical hormones to deal with those issues.

It is quietly growing as part of the practice.”

Patterson is also completing the coursework in naturopathic medicine for his Doctor of Naturopathy.

“I want to offer patients more, know more, understand more. There’s no one size fits all. Some people respond very well to Western medicine, some respond to Eastern medicine and some respond to a mixture of the two. Alternative/ complementary medicine – people using essential oils, nutritional therapy – I believe in all of those things. They can work wonders with people, but it depends on the person. I can build a specialized program with anybody and treat them naturally.

“We dedicate our practice to our patients,” Patterson says.

“All our patients get called back to see how they’re doing.

We call to make sure you like a referral. It’s patient service, but it’s customer service. It gives me a breath of fresh air, has reinvigorated my practice. Ten years ago, I questioned it. Now I look forward to coming to work every day, look forward to taking care of patients. We can take care of anyone we want, and everyone is an individual.”

For more information about Back to Basics Medical Practice, visit http://backtobasicsmedical.com or call 919.895.6339.

Karen Gilchrist is a writer, yoga instructor and longtime resident of Southern Pines.

BACK TO BASICS MEDICAL PRACTICE ROBERT PATTERSON, MD 1503 ELM STREET, SUITE C, SANFORD, NC 27330 919.895.6339 WWW.BACKTOBASICSMEDICAL.COM

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17

is winter driving you up a wall?

TAKE A WINTER EXPEDITION TO THE CLIMBING PLACE by karen gilchrist The Sandhills region enjoyed a very balmy holiday season

learned was that there were just so many different schools,

in 2015, allowing folks to extend their outdoor activities on the

and I saw potential for climbing for health, for fitness and

court, on the water and on the trail – comfortably in shorts –

for recreation. Toward the end of my career, I started to read

until New Year’s Eve. Alas, with January’s arrival, some outdoor

articles about the first indoor climbing camps, and I thought

enthusiasts may find that lower-than-usual temperatures during

this would be something that I would be interested in.”

these first few days have put a damper on outside fun (others

The Pinkstons looked for all kinds of buildings. “I was

of stronger mettle are hardcore and will be outside no matter

under the idea that we had to have a very tall building, but as it

what, and SN says, “Go for it!”). Those who wish to commune

turned out, 26 feet is as about high as most people climb. We

with nature but find greater pleasure doing so during fair

built the gym downtown and have been serving the community

weather can enjoy an indoor option that provides a workout,

ever since, and there’s probably not anyone whose door we

develops life skills and still encourages one to get outside –

haven’t darkened at one point or another.”

albeit when the mercury rises a bit more for some.

The Climbing Place does birthday parties, scout merit

Since January

badges for both boys and girls,

1, 1995, The

church events, youth groups, lock-ins,

Climbing Place

corporate team building and training

in downtown

sessions, numerous public school

Fayetteville has

activities, fundraisers and a lot of

offered area

military contracts. Among the events

residents and

the center hosts regularly are an annual

visitors the

epilepsy fundraiser and indoor climbing

opportunity to

competitions, as well as a whole range of

experience rock

summer camps.

climbing, no

The facility also owns a portable

matter the season.

outdoor wall that has made appearances

Owners Michael

throughout the county at fairs, festivals

and Martha

and baseball and

Pinkston operate

football games,

the largest and

as well as at

oldest indoor rock-climbing center in North Carolina,

the Downtown

with 18,000 square feet of climbing surface. In

Alliance’s 4th

addition to over 40,000 climbing holds and 60

Friday and

top ropes, the facility features an overhang area,

Wounded Warrior

a 300-foot gym traverse, thousands of square feet

programs, and

of bouldering surface and a top-out boulder. For

it is a supporter

Michael Pinkston, The Climbing Space was a natural

of Operation

outgrowth of his military career and hobby.

Ceasefire of

“For 21 years, mostly what I did in the military

Fayetteville/

was either organize climbing trips or I was part of

Cumberland

a planning trip,” says Pinkston. “I learned my skill,

County.

military mountaineering, and part of what I really

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Januar y 2016

EXPLORE oversight. It is really safe.

“There is also a misperception that ‘I can’t do that’,” Pinkston says. “Our motto is, ‘If you have the courage to walk through the doors, we have the courage to work with you.’”

As a longtime establishment of the Fayetteville community — any business, especially a private entrepreneurship that continues to grow for over 20 years, must be doing something right — The Climbing Place is second only to the Airborne & Special Operations in bringing people to the downtown area.

“Climbing is something that you can do all year,” Pinkston

“We wouldn’t be here if people didn’t like us,” Pinkston

says. “It doesn’t have a season like baseball or soccer. One of

says. “We are very, very grateful to our customers and all those

our goals is to get people outdoors.”

that support The Climbing Place, and we look forward to

And if the weather does not meet one’s definition of

another 20 years.”

outdoor friendly, one can practice climbing indoors during the fall and winter months and then try out newly honed skills on outings led by The Climbing Place during the spring and

THE CLIMBING PLACE

summer.

436 W RUSSELL ST., FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28301

“In the spring and summer, we probably do about 60 trips

910.486.9638

a year,” says Pinkston. “We like to go to Pilot Mountain and

INFO@THECLIMBINGPLACE.COM

Moore’s Wall. Those are the two main areas we go for outdoor

WWW.THECLIMBINGPLACE.COM

climbing.”

Another important goal, says Pinkston, is to teach and foster climbing for the entire family.

“One of the things that really defines us as a company is that we are definitely a family-oriented type facility. That is a bit

nature's own

natural foods market, lunch counter & juice bar

unusual. A lot of gyms pander to the young adults and don’t have much use for kids. We are definitely a kid-friendly, familyoriented business.”

The Climbing Place offers a variety of rate and climb time

(910) 692-3811 • www.naturesowninc.com 195 Bell Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387

options, from general climbing rates and daily specials, to memberships, punch cards and group rates, some inclusive of gear rental. Also available are special classes in technique and

Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: Closed

belaying. And for those who wish to pursue rock climbing at a more advanced or active level, The Climbing Place can ensure they are prepared.

“We have a full-range retail store with climbing ropes and harnesses and shoes,” Pinkston says. “We can outfit you from head to toe.”

For anyone who might hesitate to try indoor rock climbing, Pinkston allays any fears.

“There is a misperception about how dangerous climbing is. In 21 years, we’ve never lost anyone. Climbing is safer today than it ever has been in indoor climbing because of all the regulations that are in place. So many organizations have

Januar y 2016

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL $25 for 10 Days Bikram Yoga is a 90 minute class consisting of 26 hatha yoga postures and 2 breathing exercises in a heated room (105º and approx’ 40% humidity) which aids warming up your body to stretch safely and detox the body. Our state of the art studio uses renewable energy, LED lighting and green flooring. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive environment to help you feel at home during your visit.

190 Bell Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387 910.246.2007 • www.bikramyogasouthernpines.com

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EXPLORE

resource guide ANIMAL HEALTH & WELLNESS Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic Offering affordable spay and neuter for the Sandhills area. Call for an appointment, 910.692.3499 (FIXX), 5071 US Hwy 31, Vass. Donate at www.companionanimalclinic.org Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. Your neighborhood pet store with full-service grooming, self-wash room, grain-free foods, treats, toys and more. 1216 Ft. Bragg Rd., Fayetteville. 910.860.1200, www.WGBFay.com.

CHILDREN & EDUCATION The Griffin Academy: A Montessori Learning Experience. The only nonparochial, non-profit Montessori school serving students in Harnett and Lee County. Now enrolling. Located in the Spout Springs area of Western Harnett County. 919.499.1032, www.thegriffinacademy.org CHIROPRACTIC CARE Southern Pines Chiropractic, Dr. Joseph Wahl. Offering full-service chiropractic care, licensed massage therapists and nutritional counseling. 361 N. Bennett St., Southern Pines. 910.692.5207, www. ncchiro.com, drwahl@embarqmail.com COLON HYDROTHERAPY Pure Phoenix Cleanse & Wellness Center, offering Colon Hydrotherapy and Ionic Foot Detox. 305 Owen Dr., Fayetteville.

910.849.8891, purephoenixcleanse@ gmail.com ESSENTIAL OILS Joy Crowe, Wellness Advocate for dōTERRA Essential Oils.

IPC# 1318413. 910.551.2883, www.mydoterra.com/sandhillsnc Kelli Edwards, Wellness Advocate for dōTERRA Essential Oils. IPC#446470.

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910.644.2307, www.mydoterra.com/ detoxdiva ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HOUSEHOLD GOODS Kristen Wulfing, Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. The best way to clean your home without the use of harmful chemicals and toxins.860-978-3560, kristenwulfing.norwex.biz EVENT PLANNING Indigo Earth Events, LLC - Party Sustainably! Offering "green" event styling, custom decor, rentals for weddings/social/corporate events.

By appointment, 910.638-8322, indigoearthevents@icloud.com. www. facebook.com/indigoearthevents EYE HEALTH Cape Fear Eye Associates offers complete eye and vision care — from children’s eye exams and pediatric eye muscle surgery to cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment and LASIK. 1726 Metro Medical Dr., Fayetteville. 910.484.2284 or 800.829.2284, www.capefeareye.com HEALTH & FITNESS First Health Fitness, 170 Memorial Dr., Pinehurst. 910.715.1800, www.firsthealth.org/fitness HEALTH & WELLNESS Guiding Wellness, Inc., Wellness Consulting~Holistic Life Coaching and Therapy. "A holistic-centered therapeutic environment committed to the discovery, recovery and maintenance of living in balance." 3710 Morganton Rd., Ste. 110, Fayetteville. 910.864.6257, guidingwellness@yahoo.com MASSAGE THERAPISTS Michael Edwards, Intuitive Energetic Healer at Deeproots Bodywork, 5004 Spruce Dr., Fayetteville. 910.644.5181

www.SandhillsNaturally.com

Sandhills Therapeutic Effects, Amie O'Connor, LMBT. 237 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.

919.478.5647, www.facebook. com/sandhillstherapeuticeffects, sandhillstherapeuticeffects@gmail.com MEDICAL CARE Back to Basics, Dr. Robert W. Patterson.

Offering an integrative, patient-centered approach to medical care, including BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Family Medicine, Nutritional Medicine, Preventative Medicine, and complete diagnostic evaluations.

919.895.6339, 1503 Elm St., Ste C, Sanford. www.backtobasicsmedical.com NATURAL FOODS Nature's Own Natural Foods Market offers a wide selection of natural, organic and herbal food products, teas and remedies, hard-to-find herbs, roots and spices, supplements & more. The Kitchen lunch counter and Juice Bar. 195 Bell Ave., Southern Pines. 910.692.3811, www.naturesowninc.com NATURAL PARENTING Prana Doula, Ashley Keith, RPYT, CD, LCCE, Lamaze-certified birth doula, childbirth education & pregnancy yoga.

222 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.

910.585.4084, www.pranayogadoula.com Sugar Plums Mom, Cloth diapers, nursing supplies, slings and wraps, toys & more.

910.684.8016, 222 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. www.facebook.com/sugarplumsmom PRODUCE DELIVERY Sandhills Farm to Table. Eat fresh, locally grown produce. Now taking subscriptions for spring co-op boxes. 910.722.1623, info@sandhillsfarm2table.com, www.sandhillsfarm2table.com

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resource guide SKIN CARE Ava Anderson NonToxic, Michelle Callahan, Independent Consultant #12340. Organic, SAFE personal care and household cleaning products without harsh chemicals.

910.568.2994, www.facebook.com/ avaandersonbymichellecallahan, www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/ michellecallahan SUSTAINABLE LIVING Sustainable Sandhills is a nonprofit on a mission to preserve the environment of the Sandhills through education, demonstration and collaboration through four core program areas: Clean Air, Clean Water, Green Schools, Green Business. 351 Wagoner Dr., 2nd Floor, Suite 332-334, Fayetteville.

910.484.9098,

continued www.southernpinesyoga.com

info@sustainablesandhills.org, www.sustainablesandhills.org VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS Whole-food based nutrition, through Juice Plus+, including juice powder concentrates from 25 different fruits, vegetables and grains. And grow your own good health with the Tower Garden! www.jcrowe.juiceplus.com and jcrowe.towergarden.com

WRITING & EDITING SERVICES Plays with Words: Writing, editing, proofreading. Over 25 years' experience. Karen Gilchrist, 910.638.6397, playswithwords@embarqmail. com This Resource Guide is a directory of local natural health and wellness practitioners

YOGA STUDIOS Bikram Yoga. 190 Bell Ave., Southern Pines. 910.246.2007, www. bikramyogasouthernpines.com

and supporters of green living in

Southern Pines Yoga Company, 169 Beverly Lane, Southern Pines. 910.2460065, 910.639.1089. contact@ southernpinesyoga.com

joy@sandhillsnaturally.com.

our community. To be included in our Resource Guide, call Joy at 910-551-2883 or email

23 JAN 2016 6-9pm Carolina Trace Country Club Enjoy a limited light dining experience while raising funds to combat child trafficking LIVE MUSIC & AUCTION SANFORD NC

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www.SandhillsNaturally.com

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CALENDAR

calendar of events • january 12 23

TUESDAY WEWO Nature Book Club, 5 p.m.

Join us for the first meeting of Weymouth Woods’ Nature Book Club as we discuss January’s book, Silent Spring by Rachel Carson.

Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Call (910) 692-2167 or visit www.ncparks. gov for more information. 1024 Ft. Bragg Rd. Southern Pines, NC 28387

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FRIDAY Nature’s Seedlings, “Wildlife is Everywhere,”10 a.m. Nature’s Seedlings is a monthly nature discovery program for ages 3 to 7 being held every third Friday of the month.

Explore the world of nature through games, exploration, interaction and crafts. Raven Rock State Park, 3009 Raven Rock Rd., Lillington.

910-893-4888, raven.rock@ncparks.gov

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SATURDAY Volunteer Work Day, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Raven Rock State Park, 3009 Raven Rock Rd., Lillington. 910-893-4888, raven.rock@ ncparks.gov

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MONDAY Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade and Celebration, 11 a.m., Downtown Dunn.

Preceeded by MLK Breakfast sponsored by the Harnett County Chapter of the NAACP beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Dunn Community Building on Jackson Road. further details, contact Troy Williams at (910) 286-0368

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FRIDAY Forest Restoration Hike, 1 - 4 p.m.

Join a ranger on a 5-mile hike to a part of the park undergoing restoration to become a healthier portion of the park. This hike will focus on forest restoration efforts in the piedmont of NC while learning about the steps being taken to restore this tract of land we will be visiting. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Plan to hike for 3 hours. Meet the ranger at the picnic shelter. Raven Rock State Park, 3009 Raven Rock Rd., Lillington. 910893-4888, raven.rock@ncparks.gov

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SATURDAY "Shine a Light on Darkness" Benefit Dinner, 6-9 p.m., Carolina Trace Country Club. In conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Month, missionaries from Spout Springs Church will host a unique "limited light" benefit dinner to raise funds to combat human trafficking. For more info, visit www.ShineaLightonDarkness.org.

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SUNDAY Winter Tree ID, 3 p.m. No leaves needed!

Buds, leave scars and stems are all we will need to identify hardwood trees. Join a ranger in the auditorium at the Visitor Center to learn the skills to recognize our native tree. Weather permitting we can go for a short walk to test our skills. Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Call (910) 692-2167 or visit www.ncparks.gov for more information. 1024 Ft. Bragg Rd. Southern Pines, NC 28387

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WEDNESDAY Outdoor Video, Bonfire and S'mores, 7:30-9 p.m. The video will be a live premiere showing of the UNC-TV special on NC State Parks entitled, “Saving the Best: North Carolina State Parks at 100”. The video is a one-hour documentary hosted by Tom Earnhardt celebrating the centennial of North Carolina’s state park system. Raven Rock State Park, 3009 Raven Rock Rd., Lillington.

910-893-4888, raven.rock@ncparks.gov

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SUNDAY Paint Hill Hike, 3 p.m. Come explore a different section of Weymouth Woods, the Paint Hill tract, on this 1.5 mile hike. Meet at the Visitor Center. Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Call (910) 692-2167 or visit www.ncparks.gov for more information. 1024 Ft. Bragg Rd. Southern Pines, NC 28387 • ONGOING EVENTS & EXHIBITS • Cape Fear River Trail Golf Cart Tours. For seniors and persons with permanent limited physical abilities, interpretive golf cart tours along the Cape Fear River Trail are available for individuals or groups of up to five people.

Riders must be able to grasp and hold safety handles. Reservations are required. For more information, call 910.433.1547. Clark Park & www.SandhillsNaturally.com

Nature Center, 631 Sherman Dr., Fayetteville.

Rockefeller House Tours: Call for dates and times of Tours of the Rockefeller House. Staff will be leading a free historical tour through Mr. Rockefeller’s winter get-away. The park staff will be leading 10 people through at a time. You must sign up in advance for the tours. If you need a ride to the Rockefeller House, you must attend the Tuesday tour.

Carvers Creek State Park, 2505 Long Valley Rd., Spring Lake. 910.436.4681 Every Wednesday night, Kirtan Night at Breathing Space, 1404 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville. 910.977.4476, 7:30-9 p.m. It's free, and it's fun.

Every Thursday, 9 a.m. Hike for Your Health at Raven Rock State Park. Must be able to hike 2 to 5 miles on trails that can be flat, hilly and include steps. Ages 12 and up. Please call 910.893.4888 to register.

Second Thursday of each month. Naturalist Thursdays. Curious about nature? Kids 12 and under who attend 4 or more different naturalist programs at any park will receive a “Junior Naturalist” award. Call to register.

All ages; 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Free. J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center, 631 Sherman Dr, Fayetteville. 910.433.1579 Every 4th Friday, 6-10 p.m., Downtown Fayetteville. 4th Friday is a true celebration of the arts and downtown Fayetteville. www.theartscouncil.com/fourthmain.php 910.323.1776 • FARMERS MARKETS • Fayetteville City Market, Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Fourth Friday 6-10 p.m. Fayetteville Transportation & Local History Museum Grounds, Fayetteville. www. facebook.com/CityMarketAtTheMuseum 910.433.1457 Moore County Farmers Market, Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., year round at The Armory Sports Complex, 604 W. Morganton Rd., Southern Pines.

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coming up

Born out of a love for deep transformation and service, Southern Pines Yoga Co. is committed to meeting you where you are and taking you forward to where and who you want to be. We value all schools of yoga and aim to offer classes and workshops accessible for people in all stages in life.

Classes offered seven days a week.

Feb 20, 2016, 11 A.M. - 4 P.M. New Century International Elementary School 7465 Century Circle, Fayetteville www.sustainablesandhills.org

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February 12-29, 2016 Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve March 25-April 9 Raven Rock State Park ncparks.gov/leap

April 9, 2016 Crown Expo Center, Fayetteville www.holistichealthandwellnessexponc.com Come Visit Our New Location!

Colon Hydrotherapy • Ionic Foot Detox • Massage • Cranio-Sacral

169 Beverly Lane, Southern Pines, NC 28387 The Shops of Southern Pines ~ Next to The Fresh Market 910.246.0065 • www.southernpinesyoga.com

Natural Parenting in a Modern World Cloth diapers, nursing supplies, slings & wraps, gifts, toys & more.

910.684.8016 222 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Southern Pines, NC 28387 www.facebook.com/sugarplumsmom Offering Childbirth Education classes and events for expectant families with Ashley Keith, CD(DONA), LCCE

Your Community Solution to Animal Overpopulation!

The Companion Animal Clinic Foundation makes affordable spay and neuter available at the Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic thanks to your support. Donate at www.companionanimalclinic.org or call 910.692.3499 (FIXX).

Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic Surpassing 45,000 surgeries since opening in 2008 5071 US HWY #1, Vass, NC

910-849-8891 Formerly Waterdragon Wellness, now open at our new location.

305 Owen Drive, Fayetteville NC purephoenixcleanse@gmail.com

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www.SandhillsNaturally.com

Companion Animal Clinic Foundation PO Box 148, Southern Pines, NC 28388 info@companionanimalclinic.org 501c3# 20-2886984

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www.SandhillsNaturally.com

Januar y 2016