Leland hosts series of workshops on going green

'Taking steps to become greener, the town of Leland invites its residents to have lunch at town hall and talk about the environment together.

The first workshop, part of the weekly Earthwise series, is scheduled for noon on Oct. 14. Headed by Jill Peleuses of Wilmington’s Wild Bird and Garden store, the discussion will center around birding in coastal N.C.

“The Leland Earthwise series is intended to educate citizens about issues in the natural world around them,” wrote Niel Brooks, Leland’s head of Parks and Recreation. Brooks is preparing Leland's comprehensive bicycle plan, which aims to connect the town’s neighborhoods and reduce traffic impact on the roads and environment.' Read the whole story in the Star News Online.

N.C. Fit Community Request for Proposals Released

Fit Community Designations and Grants PromotingHealthy Lifestyles
Available to NC Towns and Counties

RALEIGH, NC – Today (October 1) the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a fifth phase of its Fit Community designation and grants program.

With escalating numbers of diseases and preventable deaths in North Carolina linked to physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use, the public health implications of being overweight have become a growing priority for HWTF. These behaviors increase the risks for cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and many other serious chronic illnesses.

“North Carolina’s communities are taking steps to become healthier places for all people to live, work and play,” said Dr. Chuck Willson, HWTF chair. “A Fit Community designation is a visible sign of achievement among communities across North Carolina that attracts new residents and promotes tourism.”

All North Carolina municipalities, counties, and lead agencies that represent municipal or county partnerships and meet specified eligibility criteria outlined in the RFP are eligible to apply for the designation. Grants up to $60,000 will be awarded to applicants that demonstrate need, proven capacity, and opportunity for positive change in addressing physical activity and/or healthy eating in North Carolina. HWTF is committed to selecting designees that represent a broad geographic range, diversity of needs, and range of strategies used to address those needs.

There is no fee to apply for the Fit Community designation or grant. For more information about the Fit Community program, or to download a Fit Community application, visit www.fitcommunitync.com. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on January 15th, 2010.

About the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund
The NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund makes North Carolina stronger, both physically and economically, by funding programs that promote preventive health. Created by the General Assembly in 2000 to allocate a portion of North Carolina's share of the national tobacco settlement, HWTF has invested $199 million to support preventive health initiatives and $102 million to fund prescription drug assistance programs. For more information, please visit www.HealthWellNC.com.

DOT officials celebrate first NC "green" rest area

N.C. Transportation Secretary Gene Conti recently officially opened the state's first "green" rest stop/visitor center on U.S. Highway 421 North in North Wilkesboro.

Real time data from the center's energy saving technology can be seen on this online dashboard.

Read more about it in the DOT press release.