Mick's up with the Cold Results

Hang on!

“The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” Proverbs 18:14 (NIV)

We made it through the week!  Yay!  It’s the weekend!  Did it feel like you’d never get here? 

Maybe you feel like the Praying Mantis that went along for a ride to the store… on the outside of our car!  That tough guy hung onto the side-view mirror that entire 5-mile drive.  My daughter, even though a little afraid of the idea of the bug getting close to her, kept a close watch on it, cheering it on.  “Hang in there, little guy!”  We encouraged it, and it would look at us through the window, like it understood, but at the same time communicating, “What have you done to me?!”  Even while we ran in to the store, it stayed in its temporary home.  So, of course, the drive home again included, “Hang on!”

That’s our encouragement to you, too.  Hang on!  You’ll make it!  It’s not much further!

I can encourage you, because I’ve been encouraged.  We made it!  Remember the experiment in Monday’s post, Mick's Scoop on Sugar?  (I promised you an update.)  Even though our household started off the week with a bunch of sickies, feeling like we couldn’t be more miserable, we kept up with the Vitamin D3, increased water intake, soothing hot tea, sunshine when we could get it, sleep, and decreased sugar intake.  We made it!  We’re feeling better!  Our experiment certainly was not scientific, nor was it planned.  However, since over the past year we have been so faithful with our chiropractic care, nutrition, and overall healthier lifestyle... and have not felt this sick for this long during this same year, until our recent hiatus, we can now, even more confidently, say the 5 Essentials make for a healthier, happier family.

Enjoy a mom's perspective in this Mick’s up Life’s collection of blog posts, to get a handle on the 5 Essentials.  Then do your research and make the choice to live life as a healthier you... and have fun truly living with your healthy family!

Hang in there!  You can do it!

~

What’s the Mick’s up with Artificial Sweeteners?

“Artificial sweeteners can be found on nearly every restaurant table in America.  Sales of Sweet N Low, Splenda, Equal, and many other artificial sweeteners have sky-rocketed in recent years.  Everywhere we look, the multi-colored sugar substitutes enter our food and drinks by the packet.  Most claim to be “natural” and “low calorie.”  As consumers attempt to make smart choices on how to sweeten their foods and drinks, the dangers of these chemical sugars continue to be uncovered. ” - Dr. Aaron Sparks - Maximized Living: "The Yellow Blue and Pink Packets Could Be Killing You"

What are artificial sweeteners?  I don’t necessarily agree with everything said by the clinic, but here’s the Mayo Clinic definition:

“Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes but may be derived from naturally occurring substances, including herbs or sugar itself. Artificial sweeteners are also known as intense sweeteners because they are many times sweeter than regular sugar.

“Artificial sweeteners currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are:

• Acesulfame potassium (Sunett, Sweet One)
  
• Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet)
  
• Neotame
  
• Saccharin (SugarTwin, Sweet'N Low)
  
• Sucralose (Splenda)

“Approved sugar alcohols and novel sweeteners include:

• Erythritol
  
• Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates
  
• Isomalt
  
• Lactitol
  
• Maltitol
  
• Mannitol
  
• Sorbitol
  
• Xylitol
  
• Stevia preparations that are highly refined (Pure Via, Truvia)”

You can find a comparison of some of these sweeteners at WebMD.

The artificial sweeteners are chemicals, which have serious affects on children and their brains.  For example:  Aspartame has a known carcinogen, methyl alcohol, which in this product doesn’t have the pectin to bind it to be safe like it does in fruit.  Also, Splenda contains chlorine, bringing another carcinogen into our foods.  These sweeteners are in 6000+ products, so beware, especially if you have a child with challenges.  Check out this information at the Maximized Living Vlog with Dr. Ashly Ochsner, as well as in the article “Artificial Sweeteners: The Only Thing You Won't Lose is Weight” and the webinar: Know the Facts About Diet Drinks and Artificial Sweeteners (aired: 2011-04-19) (Scroll down to almost the bottom of the page, and find the title to click on.)

The choice has always been easy for me.  I hate the taste of artificial sweeteners, so I’ve always steered clear of them, and now I’m glad I did.  However, I know there are many people out there who are hooked on the stuff.  It’ll be difficult to break that, but it’ll be worth it in the long run, when there is less brain fog, more energy, and a healthier and more fit body.  Reaching that point will allow you to fully do what God has in store for you!

If you don’t do it for yourself, at least do it for your kidderz.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Don’t be like everyone else, and fall into the “diet” and “sugar-free” trend of artificial sweeteners.

Make the safest choices you can.

Do the research, and become empowered!

So, if we stay away from sugar, as in Mick's Scoop on Sugar, because of its affect on our Immune System, as we read in Mick's up on Your Immune System, among other things, then what?


I'm glad you asked!
A couple of safer options are described in Mick's up with Sweeteners.

~

Mick's up with the Sweeteners

Stevia Flowers

At this point, you probably are thinking we don't have much fun in life, if we are keeping sugar away from our house.  Well, let me tell you:  living with a bunch of sweet-tooths (is that how it's said, when plural?), and having a good-sized one myself, we had to find creative ways to bring the joy of sweets into our new healthy lifestyle.

Ready to be creative?  It is worth it!

There are two main sweeteners that I have found endorsed in the health arena:  Stevia and Xylitol.

You might have heard of Stevia, but where does it come from?  As Wikipedia explains: "Chemists isolated the glycosides that give stevia its sweet taste. These compounds were named stevioside and rebaudioside." The plant is named Stevia rebaudiana.  We can find it in products named:  SweetLeaf(includes inulin) or Stevita(includes erythritol) or store brands of Stevia, such as KAL and Vitamin Shoppe.  You can find Stevia in both powder and liquid forms.  You can also find several other brands, when you search online for Stevia.  Just be sure, as always, to look at the ingredients.

Steviol Glycoside

I like to use liquid Stevia in beverages and certain recipes, whereas the powder form seems best suited for most cooking.  Beware:  Stevia has a very powerful taste!  If you use too much, you will get scared away.  (Some of us also find it has an aftertaste.)  Definitely do not substitute Stevia in the same measurement ratio as sugar in your recipes.  You will want to go on taste, until you get used to it.  Be sure to have a conversion chart handy.  If you like the taste of diet drinks and foods, then you will probably find the taste of Stevia appealing.  If you really need a soda, then try out Zevia or Virgil's Zero.

Xylitol

The other sweetener we like to use in our household, Xylitol, is
considered the 2nd best sugar substitute (with Stevia being the #1 choice).  As you can read in Wikipedia and xylitol.org, it comes from fruits and vegetables.  It is easier to cook with Xylitol, since the substitution ration is basically 1:1, and it doesn't have the aftertaste some of us notice with Stevia.  It is also found to have health benefits.  You can read about some of them at xylitol.org.  The drawback is that Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, which means those who have digestion issues with sugar alcohols will find they have a reaction.  Great information about Xylitol can be found at this FAQ. 

There are many great products out there containing Xylitol instead of sugar.  Along with packaged Xylitol (brands such as XyloSweet and KAL at Vitamin Shoppe and Amazon as well as other stores), you can also find amazing treats, such as candies (Dr. John's and SparX) and gum and mints (Spry and Zellies), as well as necessities like toothpaste, mouthwash, and nasal spray.  (Spry and Xlear products are found online at places like Amazon and VitaCost, as well as in stores such as Vitamin Shoppe)!  (As always, read the ingredients! Don't be fooled by a product listing Xylitol as the sweetener and then adding to it some chemicals you don't want in your body.)

There are some other alternatives I'll get to in another post at a later date, but to get started on the
road to a healthier lifestyle for your family, reach for Stevia or Xylitol instead of sugar... and most definitely, stay away from the artificial sweeteners!  (There is some lifesaving information out there for you, and I'll be bringing it right to your fingertips in tomorrow's post dedicated solely to artificial sweeteners!)

Enjoy being creative!

"One who is full loathes honey from the comb,
but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet."
Proverbs 27:7 (NIV)

When you're hungry for sweets, you'll try anything!

Trust me, though.  This really isn't so bad.

Related web pages:
Maximized Living Blog: Parents, never ever feed this to your kids
Mick's Scoop on Sugar

SweetLeaf
Stevita

Do you want to know a secret?
We practically live on these for snacking:
LARABAR
(Still looking at ingredients, though...
we stay away from the chocolate chips!)

~

Mick's in the D3

OK.  Are you ready?  Get those mouse buttons prepped for clicking.  I told you I'd get Vitamin D3 information to you, and today's the day!

A source solely dedicated to getting us information about Vitamin D3 is the Vitamin D3 Blog.  The posts there tell about Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Myriad Diseases as well as Vitamin D3 and Influenza, among other very important topics.  It is mentioned in the "Influenza" post that the recommended daily allowance of D3 is much lower than we truly honestly need, and so a higher dose for maintenance is suggested, as well as a higher dose for giving your immune system a boost.  I've heard it suggested that at the sign of a sniffle or cough, increasing your daily D3 intake to be 1000 IUs per pound of body weight will help in the fight.  It can be summed up at this page about Vitamin D Therapy Protocol.  Personally, in our household we take 5000 - 40,000 IUs for daily maintenance (since we have a variety of ages and sizes), and then we follow the 1000 IU/lb protocol when necessary.  (As you can figure from yesterday's post Mick's Scoop on Sugar, this has been one of those protocol weeks.)

"VitaminD reduced flu by 50% vs 8% reduction using antiviral drugs."  This statement is from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and it is also sited in an article by Maximized Living and The Times.

Would you rather watch a video and listen to the information?  Check out what Maximized Living has to say about it.

We cannot get D3 from food.  It's best to get it from sunshine.  However, as I sit here indoors, typing on my computer, and you sit reading this, most likely indoors, also, we are not getting our daily dose of sunshine.  The sources I like to use for getting Vitamin D3 to my family are Maximized Living (with probiotics) and Vitamin Shoppe (liquid form is handy).  Wherever you shop, be sure to pay attention to the type of Vitamin D (needs to be D3), the number of units per dose, and what's in the ingredients.

Please leave any comments and/or additional information in the section at the bottom of this post.  Also, remember to mix it up with the poll in the left margin.


Until tomorrow...
Enjoy the "shimmering heat in the sunshine" Isaiah 18:4 (NIV) and be "like a well-watered plant in the sunshine." Job 8:16  (NIV) 

Well, OK, maybe not just like the descriptions in those verses when read in context... but a least get out and enjoy some sunshine!

~

Mick's Scoop on Sugar

"Sugar... aww, Honey, Honey.... 
Honey... aww, Sugar, Sugar...."
Sugar Sugar (Original 1969 Music Video) - The Archies
Do you want to know how hooked on sugar my honey used to be?  That song for the opening to this post was "our song..." well, one of them, anyway.  What was another of "our songs?"  Here it is: 
Sugar Shack (1964)
Written by: Keith McCormack & Faye Voss
Performed by: Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs
"There's a crazy little shack beyond the tracks,
And everybody calls it the Sugar Shack.
Well, it's just a coffeehouse and it's made out of wood,
Espresso coffee tastes mighty good."

Hmmmm... Do you see a pattern here?  Yes, sugar was his thing.  He wised up, though.  He's doing amazing at staying away from sugar, because he knows the consequences involved.

One of those consequences is a sluggish immune system.  I've been hearing this for the past year, but I want to get some more scientific information for you.  So, here are some links:
Sugar as Immune Suppressant:  "Sugar eating... decreased their responsiveness." - quote found in Mark's Daily Apple, and based on the following study:
Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis: "These data suggest that the function and not the number of phagocytes was altered by ingestion of sugars. This implicates glucose and other simple carbohydrates in the control of phagocytosis and shows that the effects last for at least 5 hr." - The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 
Better Life Unlimited summarizes the study really well in their "Sugar And Immune Function" article.

We have a bit of an unscientific experiment going on in our household this week.  Unfortunately, too many variables changed recently to make it any more scientific than it is... not to mention, we're not scientists in this house... yet.

My daughter started getting the sniffles last week, and then the other three of us began feeling a little bit of something happening in our sinuses, too.  We ate well during the week, staying away from sugar and foods high on the glycemic index.  Then the weekend hit.

We splurged big time!  We had lots of different foods, sodas, coffee treats, snacks, etc. with sugar.  Not only that, but our chiropractic care has been put on hold, while we are transitioning to a new doctor.  Right there, we've changed more than one variable.  Not very brilliant, I assure you.

What foods contain sugar?  It's just in things like candy and desserts, right?  Check out Sugar Stacks. 

My daughter seemed to do OK with healing from the cold during the week, but her healing process was slowed down a bit from the weekend's events.  So, she still sounds stuffy.

My son, on the other hand, had a scratchy throat from sinus drainage at the end of the week.  Then he lost sleep Friday, due to his participation in our church's teen all-nighter lock-in, which of course, involved no sleep.  (So, that is a third variable that was changed.)  He informed me this morning that he feels he's healing just fine, even with the weekend sugar splurges.  Mom has a different opinion.  Obviously, he would have healed a lot faster without the sugar and without the messed up sleep schedule.  So, he still sounds stuffy, too, is grumpy, and has a cough... a productive one, but a cough, none-the-less.

On the other hand:
My husband and I are barely moving around the house, moaning and groaning and acting like babies.  Our heads are pounding.  We're grumpy, and my husband needs extra prayer this morning, for his brain to kick in to gear, so he sounds sharp and at the top of his game during his phone meetings today.  (Variables reach a total of no less than 5 for us, because besides the decrease in chiropractic care and the increase in sugar, add in stress and poor sleep, as well as poor sleep schedules.)

More on our progress later this week!  In the meantime, take our word for it (and that of the resources in the links mentioned above), and stay away from sugar, if you know what's good for you!

Mark Sisson of Mark's Daily Apple summarizes it well:  "So, sorry, Poppins. Keep your spoonful of sugar. It may very well help your spoiled wards choke down their medicine, but it could also make the problem – a weak immune system – even worse."

PS ~ I think my kidderz are catching on to this sugar vs. the immune system stuff.  Yesterday, my daughter was going to share her extra lollipop with her brother, but his answer was, "That's OK.  I'm sick, and I want to get better, so I don't want the sugar."  That makes a mom's heart happy!  I dedicate this song to my kidderz.  (It is actually the song we sing for my daughter, since her nickname before she was born was Baby Lollipop.  Yes, more sugar references.):  Lollipop (1958) - The Chordettes

~

"Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks...”

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

This is what we did this weekend with our splurges,

eating sugary foods and drinking soda.

I don't recommend it,
when your immune system is already weak!
Blech!

~

You may also find interesting:  Mick's up on Your Immune System

Mick's up on the Sniffles

This seems to be sniffles week, so we'll finish it off strong!

You know how it goes.  Kidderz are the ones blamed for getting the sniffles and fevers and bringing them home (or from the teachers' point of view:  to school) for us adults to end up sick, too.  As the old saying goes, "Misery loves company!" 

It seems we're doomed.  It's just part of the process.  It has to happen… but isn't there a better way?

In my research, I found an awesome site:  International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA, Inc).  This site is all about helping your kidderz be at their 100%.  Remember from Mick's Signals: Central Nervous System at 100% = Immune System at 100% = Kidderz at 100%.

When is it best to start kidderz under chiropractic care?  You'll find the answer at the above ICPA link.  If you want to read more, check out the article on Chiropractic: The Answer for a Healthy Pregnancy and Healthy Baby!

"If a woman is pregnant her needs are increased, because the nervous system of a woman directs the creation of the fetus and the embryo to begin with. When a woman receives adjustments during her pregnancy, there is also better delivery, less back pain, healthier children, and less chance of a miscarriage" - Sir Jay Holder, M.D., D.C., Ph.D., of Miami, Florida

Are your kidderz beyond that stage already?  Well, have no fear!  Get them started today!  It's never too late for chiropractic to have a positive impact on a life.

Kids Having Fun
at the Chiropractor's Office

Look for a principled, corrective-care chiropractor near you, and get your family on your way to combatting those sniffles!

In the meantime:
Remember to load up on that Vitamin D3 over the weekend, and then we'll touch on it some more next week, as we get into the family's nutrition!  Have a restful, healthy, fun, family-oriented weekend!


"Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD."  Psalm 102:18 (NIV)

~

Mick's Mix of Information on Chiropractic

What's your view of chiropractic?  Does the word scare you?  Have you visited a chiropractor's office before?  Are you one of us who cannot live without the chiropractic adjustments?

 www.coordinatedhealth.com/

There are many benefits of undergoing chiropractic care, and it's not just for adults who are feeling old and rickety.  It's for the entire family:  from newborns to the elderly.  Check out these links for Benefits of Chiropractic and Regular Chiropractic Care and Advantages of Chiropractic.

During this time of sniffles this week, it's good to consider the importance of chiropractic care.  For information on the correlation between chiropractic care and the immune system, visit the blog post Mick's up on Your Immune System

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and the cause and prevention of disease. "
-Thomas Edison

B.J. Palmer, when suggesting they start a school for chiropractic, convinced his father D.D. Palmer that "they alone could not hope to adjust all the sick people in the world."  Quote from time at :40-:50 in the video BJ Palmer Adjusting in 1924

This article is good to reference again for information about D.D. Palmer and B.J. Palmer in Chiropractic History.


“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security."  Jeremiah 33:6 (NIV)
 

~

Mick's Signals

OK, so...
As a mom or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent, what do you prefer for your children... or even for yourself:  sickness  or  health ??

"I'm no good to my family if I'm sick or dead."
- Pastor Leon Fontaine senior pastor for Springs Church, Winnipeg, Canada

I think we all know the answer.  What are we going to do about it?

Did you know that the first system to develop in the body, while the baby is being formed in the womb, is the Central Nervous System?! 

"For you created
my inmost being;
you knit me together
in my mother’s womb."
Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

"Your baby's brain and spinal cord are visible through his translucent skin."  Inside pregnancy: Weeks 1 to 9 on BabyCenter.com

"Neural tube forms - It will develop into the nervous system (Brain, spinal cord, hair, and skin). Already your baby has the foundation for thought, senses, feeling, and more!"  Weeks 1-4  Pregnancy.org 

Since that's true, we can combine it with information about the Immune System we also now know from yesterday's blog post Mick's up on Your Immune System: 
"Basically what they were saying is that the nervous system has a direct effect on the immune system due to the nerve supply to the important immune system organs."  Murray DR, Irwin M, Reardon CA, et al. "Sympathetic and immune interactions during dynamic exercise. Mediation via a beta 2 - adrenergic-dependent mechanism." Circulation 1992 86(1): 203 

The Central Nervous System has to communicate at 100% with the Immune System for the Immune System to work at its 100%.  It needs to get the signals through to make it work (through the "nerve supply").  Right?  Just like you need to get a message across to your kidderz, so they can be at their 100%.

So… we need to…

Get rid of interference!  Just like you need to get rid of interference and distractions, when you're talking to your kidderz but they're not listening.  Check out what Maximized Living says about it?

What's your next step… for you… for your children?


"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  Psalm 139:14  (NIV)

~

Mick's up on Your Immune System

Is the weather turning colder where you are?  Are you fearing the unknown, as the kidderz are all being bombarded by the vast array of sicknesses at school, and as we enter the infamous cold and flu season? 

Click on the picture for
great information from
EnCognitive.com on
how the immune system works!

 
Have no fear!  Here is some useful information to help you combat what's flying around out there.  Can you imagine getting through this winter with no illness?  Take time to check out these links! 

Function of the Immune System:  "During an immune response, the brain and the immune system 'talk to each other' and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body.  If the Nervous System is not functioning properly, then the Immune System cannot function at 100%, thus the body becomes fertile ground for bacteria, viruses, and illness."  http://www.immunesystemremedies.com/benefits-of-chiropractic-care.html

Is your immune system stronger than the bugs?  This article from Maximized Living will give you the answer! 

Check out more information on BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNITY THROUGH CHIROPRACTIC. 

Watch this Maximized Living video to see how to avoid the impact of flu season.  It states that immune systems are 200% stronger in chiropractic patients who have been under care for 3 years or more.  *See Pero research link below.  It also states that studies show a 48% increase in the immune system's T-cell counts.  This study was performed at the Sid E. Williams Research Center of Life Chiropractic University: (Source) Selano JL, Hightower BC, Pfleger B, Feeley-Collins K, Grostic JD. "The Effects of Specific Upper Cervical Adjustments on the CD4 Counts of HIV Positive Patients." The Chiro Research Journal; 3(1); 1994. 


*Pero study sited:  The chiropractic patients also had 200% greater immune competence than those who had not received chiropractic care, and 400% greater immune competence than those with cancer or other serious diseases.  Despite a wide range of ages in this study, immune competence did not show any decline with age; it was uniform for the entire group.  Pero concluded that "chiropractic may optimize whatever genetic abilities you have" so that you can fully resist serious disease.  "I'm very excited to see that without chemical intervention... this particular group of patients under chiropractic care did show a very improved response," he told CBSRF.  "These changes occur from chiropractic treatment."  Source: East West Health Magazine, November, 1989. 

Would you rather watch a video about how you can boost your immune system by 200%?  Click on this link. 

Drs. Murray, Irwin, and Reardon:  Sympathetic activity has been shown to release immune regulatory cells into the blood circulation, which alters immune function.  This was reported by Drs. Murray, Irwin, and Reardon.  The authors stated:  “Growing evidence suggests that immune function is regulated in part by the sympathetic nervous system.  Sympathetic nerve endings densely innervate lymphoid tissue such as the spleen, lymph nodes, and the thymus, and lymphoid cells have beta 2 adrenergic receptors.”  Murray DR, Irwin M, Reardon CA, et al.  "Sympathetic and immune interactions during dynamic exercise.  Mediation via a beta 2 - adrenergic-dependent mechanism."  Circulation 1992 86(1): 203 

"This is one of the most exciting areas of chiropractic.  More and more research is pointing to an immune system enhancement effect of the spinal adjustment."  The effects of chiropractic on the immune system: a review of the literature.  Allen JM, Chiropractic Journal of Australia, 1993; 23:132-135.  

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) 

~

Mick's up on Birthdays

"You say it's your birthday!  It's my birthday, too.  Yeah!" - Lennon-McCartney

Is it your birthday?  If your birthday was yesterday, like a wonderful doctor I know, then you share it with an amazing healthcare concept called chiropractic!  Congratulations!  If you understand the importance of chiropractic, then you might feel the same as my doctor friend, Dr. Colin Elkin of Elkin Natural Health, who said yesterday, "Harvey and I both love this day!"

Harvey Lillard

"Who's Harvey," you ask?  Well, check out these links, and learn some great history! 
Hardick Chiropractic
The Naming of Chiropractic
Connection with Hippocrates
Become Healthy Now
Wikipedia's Summary
Chiropractic News
PowerPoint Presentation of the History of Chiropractic

Have fun celebrating chiropractic's birthday:  September 18, 1895, when the first chiropractic adjustment was given to Harvey Lillard by Dr. D.D. Palmer. 

Google™ might not have remembered it with the notorious changing of their logo, but chiropractic sure has changed a lot of lives over this 116 years!


Enjoy this video collection of pictures of Dr. D.D. Palmer's son Dr. B.J. Palmer and other early chiropractic pictures.



PS ~ Happy birthday to a brand-new chiropractic family member!  One of Maximized Living's amazing chiropractic couples welcomed a son into the world yesterday!  Congrats!


Thank you to Conway Family Chiropractic for a brand-new birthday video!  Enjoy!  Happy 116th birthday, Chiropractic!

 

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.  This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."  Proverbs 3:7-9 (NIV)

~

Mick's up on the Relief Efforts

Faith Without Works Is Dead
"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?" James 2:14 (NKJV)

"Preach the gospel.  Use words when necessary." - unknown, attributed to St. Francis of Asisi



A lot of lives have changed over the past few weeks.  What right do I have to sit here crying over my own little owies, when there are so many hurting people who have a lot more to be crying about... but instead... they are moving forward to get the work done that needs to be done, in order to survive.

Today's blog post includes several links and pieces of information for helping out those who are hurting.  May you find it full of useful information, and may you allow God to guide you in the direction you are to go, whatever your situation.  (Not all of the events have links, so please find them on Facebook and/or do a search online.  SORRY!)

Since we remembered 9/11 on the 10th anniversary this week, here are some links to organizations that raise money for those victims and families:

The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation is a scholarship program. Its purpose is to provide grants to enable children of firefighters and other victims of the September 11 attacks and other fires and disasters to afford higher education.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation The sole purpose of our Foundation is to honor the legacy of love given to us by Stephen Siller, FDNY, who laid down his life on 9/11, by “doing good” in his name. The mission is to follow Stephen’s footsteps through support of children who have lost a parent, firefighters, and military who have been seriously injured and sacrifice their quality of life in the line of duty.

My friend Pam's house in the Prattsville Flood 2011

In the Northeastern United States, which hits close to home, flooding occurred from the heavy rains that fell from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.  I've included links and information for benefits raising money and goods to try to rebuild areas dear to my heart. 

I am thankful that our family stayed safe, and that they are able to help those around them who are in need.  May we all do our part.

Flooding in the Catskill Mountains of New York:

Peaceful Prattsville - Summer 2010

Video of some of the damage in one little town in the Catskills:  Prattsville

The Daily Mail article describes some of the effects of the flooding.


There is also a Town of Prattsville Relief Fund.

You can find more relief information on Facebook, if you search for:

**Hurricane Irene Upstate New York (Lend A Hand)**
**Benefit for Prattsville**
**Hurricane Irene Save the Catskills**
**Prattsville, NY Natural Disaster Recovery Information**

Benefit for Prattsville
Saturday, October 8 - 1pm-10pm
Nick's Waterfall House
Proceeds go to help rebuild Prattsville - $20 Donation

Prattsville Benefit Party
Saturday, October 1 - Noon until October 2 - 8pm
Michael J Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre Grounds - 2267 Rte 145, Durham, NY
Proceeds go to Community Action of Greene County to benefit Greene County victims of Hurrican Irene


Saving Schoharie Bike Run
Saturday, October 1 - 9-11am
Sign up at the Sidedoor Cafe
$25 per person

Other donations can be sent to the school:  Gilboa-Conesville Central School District · 132 Wyckoff Road · Gilboa, NY 12076 · Phone: (607)-588-7541 · Fax: (607)-588-6820


 Flooding in the Southern Tier of Upstate New York:
 Owego Flood 2011 (video)

Owego Riverwalk - Summer 2010

Owego Elementary School needs books!  Due to the flooding, Owego Elementary School has been declared unusable, and the teachers have not been able to enter the building or salvage anything. They have lost all of their materials.  Also, help out at this link for the Owego Elementary School transformation contest.

 Owego schools are not planning to accept any more school supply donations. They are ETERNALLY grateful for everyone's support. If anyone has occupational/physical therapy equipment to donate please let me know. They lost all of that as well. UE schools stepped up and loaned/donated some but they are still working with the bare minimum. Thank you!

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Help Rebuild Owego!
Keep up on El Rancho de Paz updates, too!
Follow progress and news at Press Connects.
For more information, please contact:  owegoaskforhelp@gmail.com

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You can find relief information on Facebook, if you search for:
**Help Owego/Apalachin Rebuild**

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Information found on Facebook:
TIOGA COUNTY OPEN DOOR MISSION... NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO CLEAN OUT THE DEBRIS AT THEIR LOCATION SO THAT THEY CAN ACCEPT SUITABLE DONATIONS ASAP. 607-687-1121

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HELP: Tioga Center NEEDS donations. They have almost NO donations to give people. The fire station there is the distribution center for Tioga Center. They are looking for cleaning supplies and hygiene items. Take route 17C to 5th Avenue. (Right turn if coming from Owego)

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Due to the awesome generosity of the folks of Candor and their friends our flood relief distribution center at the Methodist Church in Candor is pretty well stocked. What we are lacking is customers. We know there are people out there that either don't know about us or don't have transportation to get here. Please spread the word about our facility and either bring people to us or let us know (607 659 4906) and we will deliver.

Owego Creek in Newark Valley 2002

Video of Newark Valley, New York, before the water reached the highest level

You can find more information on Facebook:
**Cardinal's Care Flood Relief Benefit Dinner**
Sunday, October 9 · 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Newark Valley Fire Department, Newark Valley, NY
NV Alumni are putting on a spaghetti dinner to benefit flood victims in the NV School District. For a donation of your choice, come enjoy good food, live music, a silent auction (also accessible online) and free gently used clothing for anyone to take. If you have clothing donations we will be accepting them the morning of the 9th at the Fire Station.
We have shifts from 9-12am for set up and taking in clothing and sorting, 12-2, 2-4, 4-6 and 6-? for cleanup. Even if you have mentioned volunteering before and I responded, please contact me again with your name and what time block you would like to volunteer in. Resposibilites include Kitchen Help, Drink Station, Greeter/Hostess, Buffet cleanup, silverware/trash cleanup, book collection and clothing sort if you have anything you specifically you want to do-otherwise we will just plug you in. Please contact the coordinator to get scheduled to help! 

The Newark Valley Middle School will be parking a bus right there at the NV Fire Station for "FILL THAT BUS!" to collect children's and youth books for Tappan Spaulding Memorial Library. Please bring any and all books that have been collected and "FILL THAT BUS!"

Find more thorough updated information on the Facebook page.

Also, find this event at WBNG.

The Cardinals Care Benefit raised $3000.27! That does not include any funds sent directly to the food pantries. There are so many people to thank....Go NV!

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You can find more relief information on Facebook, if you search for:

**Cardinal Cafe Newark Valley**

More information found on Facebook:

Volunteers are needed to work 2-4 hours at a time at the old J.J.Newberry Building on Lake Street in Owego. For the next three weeks, this location will be open to offer food and other needed items. People are needed to work in the building, organizing and passing out items. If you have food donations, you can drop them off there, NO CLOTHES. If you can donate time, send an email with your name and contact information to: owegoaskforhelp@gmail.com

If you are unemployed as a direct result of the recent flooding & live or work in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego & Tioga counties, you may be eligible for weekly benefit payments under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program. To apply, call the Telephone Claims Center (TCC) at 1-888-209-8124 or 1-877-358-5306 if you live out of state. Have your Social Security number, earnings from your most recent tax year & employment history available when you call. The deadline to apply is Oct. 14.

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Donation Update:
Agway Garage: Hours: 9 AM-3PM. They need volunteers if they are to be open next week. They have water & cleaning supplies.  Dollar Store: Hours, 7 AM- 7PM Has Cleaning supplies, water, hygiene products, non-perishable food, bedding, blankets, some furniture. Accepting donations of any kind.
Mellodears: Central Ave. Hours, 11AM- 6 PM, 7 days a week.107 Central Avenue, Owego, NY 13827; They have bedding, food & cleaning supplies.
Presbyterian Church: Hours 9 AM-7 PM, 90 North Avenue Owego NY; Cleaning supplies, water, hygiene products, non-perishable food.
Rural Ministries: Hours, 9AM- 4 PM, M-F. is distributing food and they're low. Please send food donations there. From North Avenue turn towards the laundromat, Mario's pizza, the video shop, at that corner make a right, at the corner by Home Central make another right and the Rural Ministries is a small house. It's literally behind Mario's pizza but you have to drive around to get to it. 607-687-3021.
St Pat's: Main Street; Update pending
St Paul's has clothes.Hours 10 AM-5 PM, M-F. They are full and are not looking for donations.
Tioga County Boys & Girls Club: Has showers, Hours 8 AM-7:30 PM Has plenty of clothes for those in need. They are looking for donations of children's school supplies. They can use volunteers to sort clothes.

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So far, we know of the following distribution centers - feel free to add info as you find out:

El Rancho de Paz is collecting food, clothing and cleaning supplies to distribute all over Tioga County. It is also sheltering and feeding about 30 people who were homeless after the flood. If any of you spent any part of your childhood summers at the ranch, you know how wonderful Mr. Pat and Kim are - bring supplies to them at 2857 Montrose Turnpike Owego, New York 13827. Phone: 607.687.2238. You can make donations athttp://www.elranchodepaz.org/donate.

J. Perry. Collecting: Clothing, toys, supplies. Help Owego/Aplachin Rebuild. 
C. Jacobs. Collecting Cleaning Supplies, baby items, food items.

*Southern Tier Food Bank: (This is great for folks from Western NY who want to drop off stuff but not drive all the way!) Collecting: food, less clothing, household items (small appliances), cleaning supplies. Warehouse in Elmira – 388 Upper Oakwood Avenue Elmira NY 14903. 607 796 6061 

First Church of the Nazarene. Collecting: Cleaning Supplies. Call (607) 687-1932 or send an email to owegonaz@verizon.net and leave your name and contact information and when you can help or for pick-up/drop-off of donations. 3732 Waverly Road, Owego. Contact: Larry Warner

The Salvation Army. Collecting clothing, furniture, no electronics or baby furniture. 703 East Main Street, Endicott - (607) 748-9042. Contact: Jerry Pierce.

TIOGA CENTER HAS ESTABLISHED A CLOTHES DROP OFF POINT AT THE TIOGA CENTER HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN!! IF YOU HAVE GOOD, CLEAN CLOTHES THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE, please do.

Union Center Christian Church. Collecting Clothes for infants and adults, hygiene items. Boswell Hill Road.

Tioga County Dept. of Social Services came in to Cardinal Cafe, while driving around town, asking if anyone needed help/assistance (including debris removal). If you know of anyone or need help/assistance yourself email jamie@cardinalcafe.net with a brief description and contact information and information will be passed along to Becky.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Mello Dears could use some help cleaning up the basement of the Mello Dear Bingo Hall...Someone is there from 11-6 at 107 Central Ave. Owego NY. This is a "dirty job" and does require some lifting and so our request. Most of us women of the group can't help much. Problem is our director at age 76, is determined and trying to do this on his own.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Owego United Methodist Church clean-up and repairs

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"Disaster Recovery Center In Tioga County Changes Location" The new location is:
The Church of the Nazarene
3732 Waverly Road, Owego, NY 13827
Operating hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays.

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For those looking for information on Transitional Housing Assistance that may be a good place to start and this section may help you:  FEMA

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JOHNSON CITY — Davis College is the base of operations for a disaster relief team from Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s Purse, which helped the community in 2006, is bringing in a disaster relief unit from Vermont, where the organization has been working for the past three weeks helping flood victims affected by Hurricane Irene. Volunteers from around the nation will provide assistance with cleaning flood damaged homes.  People who are in need of help can call (607) 349-5413.

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Worried about mold? Cornell Cooperative Extension Tioga will host an informational meeting on Thursday, September 29th, from 6:3-8:30 pm at the Hubbard Auditorium at 56 Main Street in Owego. Mark Pierce from Cornell's Department of Design and Environmental Analysis will talk about the steps needed to rebuild with a focus on mold prevention. Dee Gamble from NYSERDA will be on hand to discuss NYS rebate programs. Both presenters will be taking audience questions. Please repost and help spread the word about this important meeting.

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OWEGO/APALACHIN FLOOD RELIEF BENEFIT
Saturday, October 15 - 8pm-10pm
Rattle n Hum - 14 East 33rd Street, New York, NY
Please join us as we raise money for the Apalachin Lions Club Flood Relief Charity on October 15th at Rattle N Hum in NYC.  Many people may not know this, but before moving to the South Shore of Long Island, our Founder and Brewmaster Rick Sobotka grew up in a small town in upstate New York called Apalachin and attended high school in neighboring town Owego.  Both of these area were terribly flooded this year and are trying to rebuild.  Please come and have some beers with us in support of this great charity.  Proceeds from the event will go to the Apalachin Lions Club Flood Relief Charity which Rick's father John Sobotka is a member of.  Checks can be made out to Apalachin Lions Club - Flood Relief and mailed to Great South Bay Brewery - Flood Relief 2309 Union Blvd Bay Shore, NY 11706   Please check website for details under events www.greatsouthbaybrewery.com 

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Suggested Flood Relief Places to which to Send Donations
(The Cardinals Care Benefit October 9 will go to these organizations):

DONATION INFORMATION:
For the Newark Valley 'PROJECT NEIGHBOR':
make checks payable to:
PROJECT NEIGHBOR
and mail checks to:
PROJECT NEIGHBOR
6545 State Route 38
Newark Valley, NY 13811
For the Berkshire/Richford 'HELPING HAND PANTRY',
make checks payable to:
HELPING HAND PANTRY
and mail checks to:
HELPING HAND PANTRY
294 Forde Hill Road
Berkshire, NY 13736
Both of these groups have food pantries and some monies available for those in need. Or, if not, they are able to put people in contact with other groups that may be able to help those in need. Neither group has the capacity for handling the bookwork associated with tracking sub-Project funds separately, such as money coming in just for flood relief alone. To request assistance from either of these groups, all one needs to do is show their proof of address.

These groups work together whenever they can on whatever might arise. They also work with some of the churches in the area.

They all have committees that review the requests for assistance and then vote on whether or not they can help.

Office Hours: PROJECT NEIGHBOR - NEWARK VALLEY METHODIST CHURCH
OPEN TUESDAY & THURSDAY, 3-4PM (SOUTH MAIN STREET)

HELPING HAND PANTRY - BERKSHIRE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
OPEN MONDAY 6:30PM-7:30PM & THURSDAY 2PM-4PM

IF YOU NEED A RECEIPT,
please attach a note to the check requesting that one be sent to you....
thank you!

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Jack Sullivan has been employed by Tioga Opportunities to handle the large group flood recovery volunteer efforts. His daytime phone is 687-4222, x 328. His email address is jsullivan@tiogaopp.org

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News Radio 1330, WEBO: The creek that runs through the Owego Apalachin main campus, called Monkey Run, was filled with debris during the recent flood. Because of that, it was quicker to flood was the catalyst for the flooding at Owego Elementary, the high school, the playing fields, etc.  In the last few days, the creek bed has again overflowed, but not nearly to the September 7-8-9 levels.  The OA district doesn't have the funds or the equipment to go in and dredge the creekbed.  So ... a group of about a dozen college kids from Alfred State, which has one of the few heavy machine operator training programs in the state are on the OA campus, unloading donated equipment - bulldozers, excavators, dump trucks, etc. - to begin to work to dredge Monkey Run.  They will be here today, Saturday and Sunday, working along the side and back of the campus.

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A contact at Cornell sent a message stating their recycling department "really wants to get involved with the furniture needs of the community.  They have a stock pile of things right now such as bookshelves, desks, chairs and filing cabinets.  They also want to do a furniture drive for any household furniture that is needed.  Problem is we cannot find anyone who is interested in taking the items right now..."  Anyone have any ideas of places taking these kind of donations or know of anyone that needs these things?  Contact Cardinal Cafe in Newark Valley

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Tioga small business owners may apply for zero interest loans.

Newark Valley website: IDA Small Business Emergency Relief 0% Loan Program

Three More Disaster Recovery Centers Set to Open

Letterman to make TV pitch for flood victims

There is appliance flood assistance available.

Tioga County article: Tioga County looks forward after flooding.

Vote for Owego in the Coolest Small Towns Contest.
Helpful info:  Disaster Relief Info for Families

Read about area businesses uniting and giving to the community in this Owego Pennysaver article.

Senator Libous is coming to Newark Valley.  "I'll be at the Newark Valley Village Hall with members of my staff on Tuesday, October 25th from 6-7:30 PM. We'd really like to hear from you, so stop by and share your concerns on State government with us." It's part of his new Community Office Hours.


Taken from Rebuild Owego from Jennifer Hill who grew up in Tioga Center, but now lives in Brooklyn:

UPSTATE NY: I am having another tractor trailer full of donated furniture arriving at Bostwick Auction in Candor October 20th. Now, it's a help your self policy, Bostwick can not deliver to people due to lack of volunteers.

I think this is SO awesome that she has done this!! If you know someone in need, or you are able to volunteer your services (truck) to help deliver send them the Bostwicks!! Please pass the word!!

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Prattsville and Gilboa-Conesville School District updates:
Victims of Hurricane Irene - School Children In Need! *UPDATE* - September 7, 2011

Check out relief support through Dine Out Irene

Watershed Post:
Good news from Schoharie County: Those broken dam sirens are going to get fixed. Eventually.
DEP to pony up $300,000 to fix Gilboa Dam sirens.  This just in from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection: The DEP is putting $300,000 towards fixing Schoharie County’s emergency siren system for Gilboa Dam.

FEMA in Catskill this week — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is setting up a mobile disaster recovery center in Catskill this week.  Starting on Wednesday, FEMA will be at the Community Life Church on West Main Street in the village between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.  FEMA will be there Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to help area residents with disaster assistance.  To register:  visit FEMA or call 800-621-3362

Neighbors helping Neighbors: Greene County Hurricane Disaster Relief
Greene and Columbia County Flood Relief Benefit, Sunday October 2, 2011 12-8pm Tatiana’s Italian Restaurant, 601 Main Street Catskill, NY 12414
US Congressman Chris Gibson is a confirmed Guest
Full Italian Buffet- Soft Drinks Included (cash bar), Donation $20.00 Tax Deductible
Staff Labor Donated –Gratuity Greatly Appreciated; Host Jimmy & Angelina Gjergji & WCKL Family 560 AM

A post office box has been set up in Schoharie for those wishing to send checks for flood victims: Schoharie Recovery, PO Box 111, Schoharie, NY 12157

Donations to the Town of Lexington Hurricane Irene Disaster Fund are being accepted at the Greene County Savings Bank.  Make checks payable to “Town of Lexington Irene Disaster Donations.”  These may be dropped off at any branch of the Bank of Greene County in Cairo, Catskill, Chatham, Coxsackie, Germantown, Greenport, Greenville, Hudson, Ravena-Coeymans, Tannersville and Westerlo, or mailed to: The Bank of Greene County, PO Box 470, Catskill, NY 12414

Support for Catskill Mtns Recovery from Irene How can you help with the recovery effort? VOLUNTEER! Get your hands dirty. Get a group of friends together, go to Prattsville, and work! To volunteer, the recovery center can be contacted at 347-633-1536 or 347-782-2667.

Hard Times Come Again No More: America’s Heart Songs, two benefit concerts to aid the victims of Windham, Prattsville, Ashland, Jewett and Lexington who were affected by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee, will be held on Saturday, October 15 from 6-7 PM at the Zadock Pratt Museum in Prattsville, and from 8-10 PM at the Centre Church in Windham. The concert in Prattsville will be located on the front porch of the museum if conditions are favorable. Performers include David Kincaid, the 77th New York Regimental Balladeers joined by the Iron Jacks, the Susquehannah Travellers, The Irish Volunteers, and Mid-Night Legion. Concert attendees are encouraged to make a good will donation at each event. All proceeds from the concerts will be directed to help with local relief and restoration efforts. Organizations that will benefit include The Committee to Preserve the Centre Church, Community of Windham Foundation Adopt-A-Family Project, Hope Restoration Church Food Pantry, Pratt Museum and other local charities. All of our mountaintop neighbors are invited to enjoy the sounds of the fiddle, guitar and banjo for a toe-tapping and uplifting evening of American roots music.

Update:  Fox23News featured my friend Pam and the demolition of her house in a recent story:  Flood victims watch demo crews tear down home

"Therefore encourage one another

and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing." 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Visit Rebuild Owego!

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