Monday, March 26, 2012
More Development Coming to Edgewood?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Casey Trees issues annual spring tree-care guide
Casey Trees has provided us with the following tips on keeping all the young trees alive and healthy in our neighborhood. Please consider adopting any new trees that have been planted on your block to make sure they survive the summer!!
Proper watering techniques and mulch installation are crucial for the growing season.
(Washington, D.C. — March 20, 2012) Though the D.C. area has experienced spring-like weather for weeks now, March 20 marks the official first day of spring and with it comes some useful tree-care tips from Casey Trees.
D.C. residents are encouraged to:
Install slow-release watering bags around newly planted trees. Practice 25 to Stay Alive by giving trees that have been in the ground less than three years 25 gallons of water, equal to 1.5 inches of rain, a week.
Remove winter weeds and emerging grasses from around the trunk base.
Add trunk guards if lawn mowers or weed whackers will come near the trees. If you live near locations with deer populations, install deer guards.
Mulch your trees to keep the soil moist, discourage summer weeds and deter pests and diseases.
Apply mulch using the 3-3-3 rule — 3 inches of mulch in a 3-foot ring with a 3-inch space around the tree trunk.
Inspect for dead or crossing branches. Damaged branches should be pruned carefully. Dead branches should be removed.
For step-by-step instruction on how to properly plant and care for trees and information on programs available to D.C. residents to help offset the cost of purchasing trees, visit www.caseytrees.org.
###
About Casey Trees:
Casey Trees is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, established in 2002, dedicated to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the nation's capital. For more information, visit www.caseytrees.org
Proper watering techniques and mulch installation are crucial for the growing season.
(Washington, D.C. — March 20, 2012) Though the D.C. area has experienced spring-like weather for weeks now, March 20 marks the official first day of spring and with it comes some useful tree-care tips from Casey Trees.
D.C. residents are encouraged to:
Install slow-release watering bags around newly planted trees. Practice 25 to Stay Alive by giving trees that have been in the ground less than three years 25 gallons of water, equal to 1.5 inches of rain, a week.
Remove winter weeds and emerging grasses from around the trunk base.
Add trunk guards if lawn mowers or weed whackers will come near the trees. If you live near locations with deer populations, install deer guards.
Mulch your trees to keep the soil moist, discourage summer weeds and deter pests and diseases.
Apply mulch using the 3-3-3 rule — 3 inches of mulch in a 3-foot ring with a 3-inch space around the tree trunk.
Inspect for dead or crossing branches. Damaged branches should be pruned carefully. Dead branches should be removed.
For step-by-step instruction on how to properly plant and care for trees and information on programs available to D.C. residents to help offset the cost of purchasing trees, visit www.caseytrees.org.
###
About Casey Trees:
Casey Trees is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, established in 2002, dedicated to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the nation's capital. For more information, visit www.caseytrees.org
Ward 5 Budget Town Hall
Please see the message below about the Mayor's budget meeting in Ward 5. This is a good opportunity for us to speak out as a community about the needs we have and need to see filled by the upcoming budget.
Good Afternoon Ward 5,
Please join Mayor Vincent C. Gray and your neighbors for an important presentation on our City's Budget. It is crucial to have you present, so that we may have the opportunity to share details about the budget that may be of interest to you and your family. Also, we expect several key cabinet and agency directors will be present to answer any questions or concerns regarding other important matters for our community.
We look forward to seeing you there.
With warm regards,
WHAT: MAYOR’S BUDGET TOWN HALL
WHEN: April 10th, 2012
TIME: 6:30-8:30pm
LOCATION: McKinley Technology High School (151 T st. NE)
Carl Thomas
Ward 5 Community Liaison
Good Afternoon Ward 5,
Please join Mayor Vincent C. Gray and your neighbors for an important presentation on our City's Budget. It is crucial to have you present, so that we may have the opportunity to share details about the budget that may be of interest to you and your family. Also, we expect several key cabinet and agency directors will be present to answer any questions or concerns regarding other important matters for our community.
We look forward to seeing you there.
With warm regards,
WHAT: MAYOR’S BUDGET TOWN HALL
WHEN: April 10th, 2012
TIME: 6:30-8:30pm
LOCATION: McKinley Technology High School (151 T st. NE)
Carl Thomas
Ward 5 Community Liaison
Edgewood Community Garden
Please see the message below about the expansion of the Edgewood Community Garden this year! This is a great community amenity and a way to meet your neighbors! I am excited that they are taking over from me and expanding the garden!! Please read below and join them.
Good Morning!
I want to make sure everyone know they don't have to sign up for the WHOLE day on the dates listed. If you can come for an hour, 2, 3, 5, etc., that is AOK! Whatever you can do, will be great! Just respond back to this e-mail and let us know, when you know, which date(s) you would like to help out.
Also! If you have kids, bring 'em on down! There is a playground next to where the garden is and a soccer field and so many wonderful things for the kids to be involved with, not just playing in dirt (who didn't love playing or even eating dirt as a kid?!).
And lastly, we intend on having food and drinks available on these days, so knowing how many can help out ahead of time will ensure that we will have enough on hand. Of course, this is still a few weeks away, so we just want to make sure that we at least given everyone a head start in planning ahead.
We are looking forward to seeing, meeting you in April! Thank you for considering in volunteering your time with us in building a garden in the Edgewood DC neighborhood, in Ward 5!
Karin & Cassie
--
Cassie Phillips & Karin Bleeg
Edgewood Community Garden*
E-mail: edgewoodcg@gmail.com
Blog: http://edgewoodcommunitygardendc.blogspot.com/
*sponsored & supported by the Public Service Grant Commission, a program of The George Washington University's Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service
I want to make sure everyone know they don't have to sign up for the WHOLE day on the dates listed. If you can come for an hour, 2, 3, 5, etc., that is AOK! Whatever you can do, will be great! Just respond back to this e-mail and let us know, when you know, which date(s) you would like to help out.
Also! If you have kids, bring 'em on down! There is a playground next to where the garden is and a soccer field and so many wonderful things for the kids to be involved with, not just playing in dirt (who didn't love playing or even eating dirt as a kid?!).
And lastly, we intend on having food and drinks available on these days, so knowing how many can help out ahead of time will ensure that we will have enough on hand. Of course, this is still a few weeks away, so we just want to make sure that we at least given everyone a head start in planning ahead.
We are looking forward to seeing, meeting you in April! Thank you for considering in volunteering your time with us in building a garden in the Edgewood DC neighborhood, in Ward 5!
Karin & Cassie
--
Cassie Phillips & Karin Bleeg
Edgewood Community Garden*
E-mail: edgewoodcg@gmail.com
Blog: http://edgewoodcommunitygardendc.blogspot.com/
*sponsored & supported by the Public Service Grant Commission, a program of The George Washington University's Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service
Monday, March 19, 2012
Edgewood Development Update
Chancellor's Row (3015 4th Street NE) - 10-acre residential
development on St. Paul's campus which began construction Fall 2010 as promised
and already has residents living there. They have sold all 100 houses in Phase I and they will all be complete and occupied by May. Phase 2 starts construction in April and is currently open for sales having already sold 29 houses. They have already added a ZipCar to this location and they are supposed to be adding a Capital Bikeshare Station as well.
Monroe Street Market (formerly CUA South Campus Development) (7th Street and Michigan Ave NE) - mixed use development will include approximately 720 housing units, 45 townhouses, and a public square with a college main street with 83,000 square feet of street-level retail, 15,000 square feet of artists' studio space and 850 below-grade parking spaces. They started demolition on the CUA buildings in 2010 and broke ground on November 9, 2011. The first phase of 562 residential units is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2013. There will also be improvements made to the sidewalks, crosswalks and Met Branch Trail connection in that area.
Brookland Artspace Lofts (3225 Eighth Street NE) - 41 live/work rental units directly adjacent to Dance Place's HQ and studio space for qualified DC artists making 60% or less of the area median income construction began Spring 2010 and is completed and at 100% occupancy now. They are accepting applications for their wait list.
Developments Surrounding Edgewood
Rhode Island Row (919
Rhode Island Ave NE) - This project is well underway and already has residents
moving in as the apartments are completed. They have posted the rents and they range from $1740 for a 1 bed/bath to $3465 for
a 3 bed/bath. The retail is still being kept pretty hushed even though it was supposed to be anounced the end of last year and
open Spring 2012 it is rumored to have over 60% of the space "spoken for". I have only heard that CVS, Five Guys, Dunkin Donuts, DMV and Sprint are going to open over
there. The CVS "coming soon" sign is up on the corner retail slot on Rhode Island Avenue NE. This development is also supposed to add a Capital Bikeshare Station.
Mint Condos (329 Rhode Island Ave NE) - This project is currently underway and is across the street from Edgewood in Eckington. The burnt out shell of a building is being converted into 24 luxury condos priced between mid $250,000 and mid $300,000. The building is also supposed to include five retail units and is currently selling. The last I heard they had 4 condos already under contract. They are close to being finished and it looks great with the new fence and landscaping.
901 Monroe Street NE - This project was recently approved by the zoning commission across the street in Brookland and looks promising. The plans are to demolish the current buildings and build 212 Apartments, 16 units at below market rents, and 13,000 sq. ft. of neighborhood-serving retail including a restaurant. Groundbreaking is scheduled for Fall 2012.
Washington Gateway
(Intersection of New York Ave and Florida Ave NE) - This project which has been
recently revived and modified to include more residential instead of a
hotel will connect NoMa with the Eckington neighborhood. A huge empty 3 acre lot
will be transformed into office space and residential with a small retail
component. There will be improvements made to the Met Branch Trail which will
connect to this development. The groundbreaking is supposed to happen before the
end of the year for Phase One which is a building with 400 residential units and
5,200 sq. ft. of retail.
NoMa West (Eckington Place and Q Street NE) - This development
broke ground in March 2011 and they have been hard at work with construction
ever since. There will be a total of three buildings when they are completed
and a small amount of retail. There will be an extension of Q street, a
pedestrian walkway and connection with the Met Branch Trail included in the
project. Apartments are scheduled to be available starting in Fall 2012.
McMillan Sand Filtration (North Capitol Street, Michigan Ave,
1 Street NW) - This huge 25 acre site has been the focus of many meetings and
plans over the years and I'll put its timeline as I'll believe it when I see it.
The current plans call for mixed-use development and park space which I think
would be amazing! There are many sites and posts about this development as
everyone seems to have an opinion as to what should happen with this piece of
land. They have recently filed a draft PUD and there have been more meetings
so I am sticking to my last update that I will believe it when I see it.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Edgewood Home Sales
Here is the updated data on homes for sale in Edgewood. I am using Redfin because it allows you to search by neighborhood, but if you have any other ideas or ways to get listings or open houses please let me know!
Edgewood has a very diverse housing stock with a wide range of sizes and prices. Right now the most expensive places listed are the new homes being built in Chancellor's Row listed at $649,900 while the least expensive listing is a condo listed at $137,000. It seems that there continues to be a steady number of houses selling across the price ranges and there are quite a few pending sales that have yet to be posted. The overall number of houses in the neighborhood for sale continues to be low.
618 Evarts Street NE sold for $349,900 on January 27th
227 Cromwell Ter NE sold for $175,000 on January 30th
2517 3rd Street NE sold for $181,000 on January 30th
2625 3rd Street NE Number ? sold for $129,900 on February 3rd
2333 3rd Street NE sold for $180,000 on February 17th
The Chancellor's Row development continues to be a high seller in the neighborhood having sold 129 homes to date. The prices have gone up again for some of the models as their listings have been recently updated.
There are no open houses currently listed for Edgewood. If you know of any please add the information to the comments section.
Edgewood has a very diverse housing stock with a wide range of sizes and prices. Right now the most expensive places listed are the new homes being built in Chancellor's Row listed at $649,900 while the least expensive listing is a condo listed at $137,000. It seems that there continues to be a steady number of houses selling across the price ranges and there are quite a few pending sales that have yet to be posted. The overall number of houses in the neighborhood for sale continues to be low.
There are new sales posted.
618 Evarts Street NE sold for $349,900 on January 27th
227 Cromwell Ter NE sold for $175,000 on January 30th
2517 3rd Street NE sold for $181,000 on January 30th
2625 3rd Street NE Number ? sold for $129,900 on February 3rd
2333 3rd Street NE sold for $180,000 on February 17th
The Chancellor's Row development continues to be a high seller in the neighborhood having sold 129 homes to date. The prices have gone up again for some of the models as their listings have been recently updated.
There are no open houses currently listed for Edgewood. If you know of any please add the information to the comments section.
Stolen Phone or Electronic Device? MPD may have recovered it for you!
If you have missed the recent news MPD has arrested many people and found hundreds of stolen items that were being illegally sold in corner shops and gas stations around the city. They have created a system where they are cataloguing the items and if you have had something stolen you can email them identifying information and may be able to recover it from them.
Here is the message from MPD:
I wanted to follow-up on my posting regarding the recent operation that resulted in the recovery of several hundred stolen electronic items. If you believe your property may be among those recovered, you may now submit your ownership information to stolen.property@dc.gov. In order to help us search the available information and conclusively establish ownership, please submit a serial number or other uniquely identifiable information, and our members will follow-up with each inquiry. Thank you.
Here is the message from MPD:
I wanted to follow-up on my posting regarding the recent operation that resulted in the recovery of several hundred stolen electronic items. If you believe your property may be among those recovered, you may now submit your ownership information to stolen.property@dc.gov. In order to help us search the available information and conclusively establish ownership, please submit a serial number or other uniquely identifiable information, and our members will follow-up with each inquiry. Thank you.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tree Rebates available to green residential, commercial property in D.C.
If this weather has you thinking about fixing up your yard - then see the press release below from Casey Trees about rebates for adding a canopy tree.
Rebates up to $50 for small and medium canopy trees, $100 for select large canopy trees offered.
(Washington, D.C. — March 14, 2012) Spring is an ideal time to plant trees and Casey Trees offers rebates up to $100 per tree to individuals who plant trees on private property — residential or commercial — in the District.
Small and medium canopy trees — including standard-size fruit and trees — are eligible for rebates up to $50 per tree, as long as the tree reaches 15 feet tall and wide at maturity. Seven genera and 27 species noted for their large canopy and environmental benefits qualify for rebates up to $100 per tree. There is no limit to the number of rebates per property.
Invasive tree species and any species of ash, dwarf trees and shrubs do not qualify for a rebate of any amount.
To help customers identify rebate-eligible tree stock, many D.C.-area nurseries and home improvement centers are promoting the program in their stores with promotional signage and special tree tags. However, trees may be purchased from any store and through landscaping and landscape architecture companies.
The Tree Rebate program is funded by the District Department of the Environment.
Downloadable rebate forms, submission instructions and a complete list of trees eligible for the increased rebate are available at www.caseytrees.org/rebate.
Rebates up to $50 for small and medium canopy trees, $100 for select large canopy trees offered.
(Washington, D.C. — March 14, 2012) Spring is an ideal time to plant trees and Casey Trees offers rebates up to $100 per tree to individuals who plant trees on private property — residential or commercial — in the District.
Small and medium canopy trees — including standard-size fruit and trees — are eligible for rebates up to $50 per tree, as long as the tree reaches 15 feet tall and wide at maturity. Seven genera and 27 species noted for their large canopy and environmental benefits qualify for rebates up to $100 per tree. There is no limit to the number of rebates per property.
Invasive tree species and any species of ash, dwarf trees and shrubs do not qualify for a rebate of any amount.
To help customers identify rebate-eligible tree stock, many D.C.-area nurseries and home improvement centers are promoting the program in their stores with promotional signage and special tree tags. However, trees may be purchased from any store and through landscaping and landscape architecture companies.
The Tree Rebate program is funded by the District Department of the Environment.
Downloadable rebate forms, submission instructions and a complete list of trees eligible for the increased rebate are available at www.caseytrees.org/rebate.
Cherry Blossom Shakes to help add trees to D.C. school campuses
Please see the following press release from Casey Trees. I cannot think of better weather to take a bike ride down the Met Branch Trail to NoMa and a better community group to help- all by having a milkshake!
Cherry Blossom Shakes to help add trees to D.C. school campuses
Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s limited time only shake purchases to green 22 D.C. schoolyards.
(Washington, D.C. — March 15, 2012) From now until May 1, Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s 22 District locations will donate 20 cents from every Cherry Blossom Shake purchase to Casey Trees. With this partnership, each of the District shops will pair up with one school in D.C. to support the planting of trees. Potbelly is introducing Cherry Blossom Shakes for a limited time only as a part of its Cherry Blossom Festival celebration.
“We are thrilled to partner with D.C. Potbelly locations to green schoolyards across the District with trees,” Executive Director Mark Buscaino said. “With each Cherry Blossom Shake purchased, Potbelly customers will be helping to increase opportunities for recreation and outdoor environmental education, make schools more welcoming for students, parents and faculty and reduce facilities' energy costs.”
Students at the 22 schools receiving trees this spring through Casey Trees’ Community Tree Planting program are also invited to participate in Potbelly’s “Artists in Bloom” poster contest. The grand prize winner will receive a $250 Potbelly Sandwich Shop gift card, lunch for his or her entire class and fun Potbelly merchandise.
Potbelly shops in the Washington D.C. suburban area will also donate 20 cents of each Cherry Blossom Shake purchased in those locations to the Arbor Day Foundation.
For a complete listing of neighborhood shops, visit Potbelly.com.
To learn more about Potbelly, contact Alicia Aldrich (media contact) at 847.945.1300 ext. 246 or Carrie Simms (local contact) at 202.600.6102.
###
About Casey Trees:
Casey Trees is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit established in 2002 committed to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. To learn more about Casey Trees, visit www.caseytrees.org.
About Potbelly Sandwich Shop:
Potbelly has built a passionate, loyal following of fans who spread the word about the fun, energetic atmosphere and great food. The unique Potbelly experience is defined by its combination of toasty warm sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes and friendly, lively people. For more information, visit the shop’s web page at www.potbelly.com.
Cherry Blossom Shakes to help add trees to D.C. school campuses
Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s limited time only shake purchases to green 22 D.C. schoolyards.
(Washington, D.C. — March 15, 2012) From now until May 1, Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s 22 District locations will donate 20 cents from every Cherry Blossom Shake purchase to Casey Trees. With this partnership, each of the District shops will pair up with one school in D.C. to support the planting of trees. Potbelly is introducing Cherry Blossom Shakes for a limited time only as a part of its Cherry Blossom Festival celebration.
“We are thrilled to partner with D.C. Potbelly locations to green schoolyards across the District with trees,” Executive Director Mark Buscaino said. “With each Cherry Blossom Shake purchased, Potbelly customers will be helping to increase opportunities for recreation and outdoor environmental education, make schools more welcoming for students, parents and faculty and reduce facilities' energy costs.”
Students at the 22 schools receiving trees this spring through Casey Trees’ Community Tree Planting program are also invited to participate in Potbelly’s “Artists in Bloom” poster contest. The grand prize winner will receive a $250 Potbelly Sandwich Shop gift card, lunch for his or her entire class and fun Potbelly merchandise.
Potbelly shops in the Washington D.C. suburban area will also donate 20 cents of each Cherry Blossom Shake purchased in those locations to the Arbor Day Foundation.
For a complete listing of neighborhood shops, visit Potbelly.com.
To learn more about Potbelly, contact Alicia Aldrich (media contact) at 847.945.1300 ext. 246 or Carrie Simms (local contact) at 202.600.6102.
###
About Casey Trees:
Casey Trees is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit established in 2002 committed to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. To learn more about Casey Trees, visit www.caseytrees.org.
About Potbelly Sandwich Shop:
Potbelly has built a passionate, loyal following of fans who spread the word about the fun, energetic atmosphere and great food. The unique Potbelly experience is defined by its combination of toasty warm sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes and friendly, lively people. For more information, visit the shop’s web page at www.potbelly.com.
Guest Post: Introducing a Neighborhood Healing & Arts Practice
Introducing a Neighborhood Healing & Arts Practice
By Melanie St. Ours
As a little girl, I accompanied my mother on more than one occasion to welcome a new neighbor who'd just moved in to our subdivision. Mom would always bake something and walk over to the our new neighbor's house with kind words and a treat. It was an early lesson that building community and a sense of trust in a neighborhood begins with kindness, sharing, and consideration. It was a lesson in giving.
So today I am practicing what I learned from my Mom all those years ago and writing to introduce myself---and to share something with you, too. I'm a brand new neighbor at 4th and Franklin NE. My life's work is as a healing & arts practitioner and I've just opened a beautiful home studio here where I practice massage therapy, herbal medicine, personal training, and community-based theater arts. You can learn more about me and my practice at http://www.MelanieStOurs.com . Instead of bringing over a tin of cookies, I'd like to share with you five of my best tips for healthy living. My goal is to be a resource for the community. Please let me know how I can be of service through
my newsletter, blog, and through my practice itself. I'm looking forward to meeting you and sharing this neighborhood with all of you.
So with no further ado, here's the list!
Melanie's Top 5 Natural Health Tips:
Get enough sleep. Chronic sleep debt causes incredible hormonal shifts in the body that affect everything from our metabolism to our mood and mental performance. Going without sleep sets you up for weight problems, depression, anxiety, poor performance at work, increased stress hormones and a decreased tolerance for pain. The average person needs 8.5 hours of sleep each night. Our chronic lack of sleep (under 6 hours for most Americans each weeknight!) contributes directly to the epidemics of obesity, heart disease, and mood disturbances like anxiety and depression.
Take action. Make an effort to get to bed just 15 minutes earlier aach night. Work up to getting enough sleep so that you wake up feeling rested. If you have a hard time winding down and getting ready for sleep, drink a cup of chamomile and lavender tea with dinner and another cup about 30 minutes before bed to help aid with relaxation.
Add before you subtract. When people decide to clean up their diets, they often start aggressively, removing every food and drink that could be considered unhealthy. They clean their cabinets of packaged treats, skip their morning doughnut, cut out coffee, swear off sugar and dive headlong into dietetic purity. Even the most resolute of dieters will almost inevitably succumb to cravings or overeating on these same foods that they've banished. To make a real change we have to address why we reach for those foods in the first place and slowly transition away from them. Fatigue, stress, nutrient deficiencies, insulin resistance, and emotional eating are often at the root of poor eating. If unhealthy foods, cigarettes or caffeine is a crutch for you, the way to permanently recover is to build up your strength so you don't need the crutch anymore. It's no use to throw your crutches away when your legs are still broken; you have to recover your strength first.
Take action. Increase the nutrient dense foods in your diet. Add as many green leafy veggies as you can, and be sure to include a wide variety of natural foods that are brightly colored. Consult with a qualified provider to see if you could benefit from any supplements or special foods. Get the good stuff into your diet each day and after a few months of better nourishment you'll be amazed at how much easier it is to let go of the cookies, chips, and soda. When you are ready to start letting go of unhealthy foods, start with the ones that you're least passionate about. Love chocolate but can live without chips? Then let the chips go and let yourself enjoy small servings of chocolate.
Move your body every day. You already know how beneficial exercise is for almost every parameter of human health. Why is there such a large gap between our knowledge about the benefits of exercise and the amount of exercise that most of us do on a daily basis? I think it comes down to one thing: joy. When we exercise because it's another obligation, another “must do” to check off the list, it's easy to want to skip your workouts.
Take action. Find an activity that you enjoy---and that's challenging enough to bring a flush to your cheeks and some sweat to your brow. Focus on how good it feels to move your body---or how good you feel when your workout is over. If you still don't look forward to your workouts, build in some social support. Try something new with a friend. You can motivate each other and enjoy spending time doing something that's good for both of you.
Give and receive nurturing touch. The cascade of “feel good” hormones that your body releases when you give and receive nurturing touch is truly impressive. Massage, hugs, back scratching, light touch with the fingertips---all of these produce major benefits in terms of mental health, feelings of love and acceptance, and even boost your immunity. Don't wait to be in a romantic partnership to get the benefits of nurturing touch. If you're single, find a friend to trade backrubs with or get a professional massage.
Take action. Give and receive hugs. Get a massage. Exchange massages with your partner. Give your best friend a backrub when her shoulders hurt and ask her to do the same for you. And yes---petting your dog or cat counts, too!
Connect to something larger than yourself. This is by far the most important of all. Human beings are seekers, meaning-makers. We naturally long to be connected to something larger than ourselves, whether that is a Higher Power as we understand it, an inspiring project, or a sense of service to others. Health is not an end in and of itself; the purpose of health is to allow us to be as strong as we can be in order to make a difference in the world and give the unique gifts that we are here to give.
Take action. Remind yourself of what matters most to you. Connect to your spirituality. Seek out activities, people and places that make you feel whole and alive. Enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Play with a puppy or a child. Embark on a creative project that excites your spirit. Dance. Give generously of yourself. Remember your ancestors, your mentors, the people who have supported you. Practice gratitude for all that you have, all that you are, all that you've
learned, and all that is coming.
Thank you for welcoming me into our neighborhood and for taking the time to read this post. I hope that you've found something here that will inspire you to take even better care of yourself and I look forward to meeting and working with you in the near future.
By Melanie St. Ours
As a little girl, I accompanied my mother on more than one occasion to welcome a new neighbor who'd just moved in to our subdivision. Mom would always bake something and walk over to the our new neighbor's house with kind words and a treat. It was an early lesson that building community and a sense of trust in a neighborhood begins with kindness, sharing, and consideration. It was a lesson in giving.
So today I am practicing what I learned from my Mom all those years ago and writing to introduce myself---and to share something with you, too. I'm a brand new neighbor at 4th and Franklin NE. My life's work is as a healing & arts practitioner and I've just opened a beautiful home studio here where I practice massage therapy, herbal medicine, personal training, and community-based theater arts. You can learn more about me and my practice at http://www.MelanieStOurs.com . Instead of bringing over a tin of cookies, I'd like to share with you five of my best tips for healthy living. My goal is to be a resource for the community. Please let me know how I can be of service through
my newsletter, blog, and through my practice itself. I'm looking forward to meeting you and sharing this neighborhood with all of you.
So with no further ado, here's the list!
Melanie's Top 5 Natural Health Tips:
Get enough sleep. Chronic sleep debt causes incredible hormonal shifts in the body that affect everything from our metabolism to our mood and mental performance. Going without sleep sets you up for weight problems, depression, anxiety, poor performance at work, increased stress hormones and a decreased tolerance for pain. The average person needs 8.5 hours of sleep each night. Our chronic lack of sleep (under 6 hours for most Americans each weeknight!) contributes directly to the epidemics of obesity, heart disease, and mood disturbances like anxiety and depression.
Take action. Make an effort to get to bed just 15 minutes earlier aach night. Work up to getting enough sleep so that you wake up feeling rested. If you have a hard time winding down and getting ready for sleep, drink a cup of chamomile and lavender tea with dinner and another cup about 30 minutes before bed to help aid with relaxation.
Add before you subtract. When people decide to clean up their diets, they often start aggressively, removing every food and drink that could be considered unhealthy. They clean their cabinets of packaged treats, skip their morning doughnut, cut out coffee, swear off sugar and dive headlong into dietetic purity. Even the most resolute of dieters will almost inevitably succumb to cravings or overeating on these same foods that they've banished. To make a real change we have to address why we reach for those foods in the first place and slowly transition away from them. Fatigue, stress, nutrient deficiencies, insulin resistance, and emotional eating are often at the root of poor eating. If unhealthy foods, cigarettes or caffeine is a crutch for you, the way to permanently recover is to build up your strength so you don't need the crutch anymore. It's no use to throw your crutches away when your legs are still broken; you have to recover your strength first.
Take action. Increase the nutrient dense foods in your diet. Add as many green leafy veggies as you can, and be sure to include a wide variety of natural foods that are brightly colored. Consult with a qualified provider to see if you could benefit from any supplements or special foods. Get the good stuff into your diet each day and after a few months of better nourishment you'll be amazed at how much easier it is to let go of the cookies, chips, and soda. When you are ready to start letting go of unhealthy foods, start with the ones that you're least passionate about. Love chocolate but can live without chips? Then let the chips go and let yourself enjoy small servings of chocolate.
Move your body every day. You already know how beneficial exercise is for almost every parameter of human health. Why is there such a large gap between our knowledge about the benefits of exercise and the amount of exercise that most of us do on a daily basis? I think it comes down to one thing: joy. When we exercise because it's another obligation, another “must do” to check off the list, it's easy to want to skip your workouts.
Take action. Find an activity that you enjoy---and that's challenging enough to bring a flush to your cheeks and some sweat to your brow. Focus on how good it feels to move your body---or how good you feel when your workout is over. If you still don't look forward to your workouts, build in some social support. Try something new with a friend. You can motivate each other and enjoy spending time doing something that's good for both of you.
Give and receive nurturing touch. The cascade of “feel good” hormones that your body releases when you give and receive nurturing touch is truly impressive. Massage, hugs, back scratching, light touch with the fingertips---all of these produce major benefits in terms of mental health, feelings of love and acceptance, and even boost your immunity. Don't wait to be in a romantic partnership to get the benefits of nurturing touch. If you're single, find a friend to trade backrubs with or get a professional massage.
Take action. Give and receive hugs. Get a massage. Exchange massages with your partner. Give your best friend a backrub when her shoulders hurt and ask her to do the same for you. And yes---petting your dog or cat counts, too!
Connect to something larger than yourself. This is by far the most important of all. Human beings are seekers, meaning-makers. We naturally long to be connected to something larger than ourselves, whether that is a Higher Power as we understand it, an inspiring project, or a sense of service to others. Health is not an end in and of itself; the purpose of health is to allow us to be as strong as we can be in order to make a difference in the world and give the unique gifts that we are here to give.
Take action. Remind yourself of what matters most to you. Connect to your spirituality. Seek out activities, people and places that make you feel whole and alive. Enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Play with a puppy or a child. Embark on a creative project that excites your spirit. Dance. Give generously of yourself. Remember your ancestors, your mentors, the people who have supported you. Practice gratitude for all that you have, all that you are, all that you've
learned, and all that is coming.
Thank you for welcoming me into our neighborhood and for taking the time to read this post. I hope that you've found something here that will inspire you to take even better care of yourself and I look forward to meeting and working with you in the near future.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Friends of Edgewood Update/Garden Planting Today
Dear Friends of Edgewood,
Today (Wednesday) we will begin the first of several projects at the Edgewood Recreation Center. For the first we will be moving soil onto the upper level of the picnic area, where we will then plant blueberries and flowers which we purchased over the weekend. We would love it if you could join us (many hands make light work!). We will begin at 7 pm. (3rd and Evarts Street NE)
There will not be a music class tomorrow as we will be planting at that time.
Michael Henderson
President
Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center
http://www.edgewooddc.org/
Today (Wednesday) we will begin the first of several projects at the Edgewood Recreation Center. For the first we will be moving soil onto the upper level of the picnic area, where we will then plant blueberries and flowers which we purchased over the weekend. We would love it if you could join us (many hands make light work!). We will begin at 7 pm. (3rd and Evarts Street NE)
There will not be a music class tomorrow as we will be planting at that time.
Michael Henderson
President
Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center
http://www.edgewooddc.org/
Green Tomorrows health & gardening program for income qualifying residents
What: Launch of Common Good City Farm's Green Tomorrows program to improve health and develop life-long skills for low-income DC residents.
When: April 21st, 2012 at 10:30am (V st NW, between 2nd and 4th st NW)
This spring, Common Good City Farm will be kicking off its Green Tomorrows program for members in our community, a unique and innovative education initiative for income qualifying residents of Washington, DC. Since 2007, Common Good City Farm has made it its mission to provide educational opportunities for all people that help increase food security, improve health, and contribute to environmental sustainability. We had over 70 applicants for last year's Green Tomorrows program and hope to expand this year.
In conjunction with a variety of local community organizations, the Green Tomorrows program seeks to provide low-income individuals with hands-on educational experience in gardening and health awareness. Over the course of six weeks, participants will go through a series of workshops including horticulture, nutrition, food preparation and food budgeting, developing important skills for a productive and healthy future. With community feedback, we are restructuring the program this year to include a Green Tomorrows certificate of achievement for those participants who complete the program. As an added benefit, participants will also receive a weekly supply of fresh produce direct from the farm. Intake interviews for participation will be held in March and orientation for the first of two Green Tomorrows sessions will be held on April 21st, 2012 at 10:30am. We are now accepting applications on a rolling basis.
All of our programs are free for residents who apply and qualify. Common Good City Farm is a neighborhood focused organization and is committed to improving the lives of those in its community and empowering people through food. For more information or to sign up for Green Tomorrows online, please visit our website: http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/ or contact jeremiah@commongoodcityfarm.org.
Common Good City Farm is located on V St. NW between 2nd and 4th.
Jeremiah
Common Good City Farm
Program Coordinator
When: April 21st, 2012 at 10:30am (V st NW, between 2nd and 4th st NW)
This spring, Common Good City Farm will be kicking off its Green Tomorrows program for members in our community, a unique and innovative education initiative for income qualifying residents of Washington, DC. Since 2007, Common Good City Farm has made it its mission to provide educational opportunities for all people that help increase food security, improve health, and contribute to environmental sustainability. We had over 70 applicants for last year's Green Tomorrows program and hope to expand this year.
In conjunction with a variety of local community organizations, the Green Tomorrows program seeks to provide low-income individuals with hands-on educational experience in gardening and health awareness. Over the course of six weeks, participants will go through a series of workshops including horticulture, nutrition, food preparation and food budgeting, developing important skills for a productive and healthy future. With community feedback, we are restructuring the program this year to include a Green Tomorrows certificate of achievement for those participants who complete the program. As an added benefit, participants will also receive a weekly supply of fresh produce direct from the farm. Intake interviews for participation will be held in March and orientation for the first of two Green Tomorrows sessions will be held on April 21st, 2012 at 10:30am. We are now accepting applications on a rolling basis.
All of our programs are free for residents who apply and qualify. Common Good City Farm is a neighborhood focused organization and is committed to improving the lives of those in its community and empowering people through food. For more information or to sign up for Green Tomorrows online, please visit our website: http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/ or contact jeremiah@commongoodcityfarm.org.
Common Good City Farm is located on V St. NW between 2nd and 4th.
Jeremiah
Common Good City Farm
Program Coordinator
Friday, March 2, 2012
Community Weatherization Project in Edgewood
Please see the message below about the community weatherization project in Edgewood. I am one of the homeowners participating and there is still time to join us.
Groundswell guides community members in coordinating their home energy upgrades. Pooling residents’ purchasing power helps lock in a discounted rate for efficiency services, generates savings for each household budget and lowers families’ energy use. The initiative makes investing in home energy efficiency simple and affordable, and it helps to stimulate growth in the local clean energy economy.
Now one of these projects is taking place in our community! A group of eleven homeowners have already come together, chosen a contractor, and secured discounts for energy efficiency services. There is still an opportunity to include more of our neighbors in the project. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Groundswell’s Field Program Manager, Ayla Schlosser, at ayla.schlosser@groundswell.org or 202.630.9381.
Groundswell guides community members in coordinating their home energy upgrades. Pooling residents’ purchasing power helps lock in a discounted rate for efficiency services, generates savings for each household budget and lowers families’ energy use. The initiative makes investing in home energy efficiency simple and affordable, and it helps to stimulate growth in the local clean energy economy.
Now one of these projects is taking place in our community! A group of eleven homeowners have already come together, chosen a contractor, and secured discounts for energy efficiency services. There is still an opportunity to include more of our neighbors in the project. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Groundswell’s Field Program Manager, Ayla Schlosser, at ayla.schlosser@groundswell.org or 202.630.9381.
REMINDER: Edgewood Neighborhood Cleanup TOMORROW!
The weather is looking okay for the cleanup tomorrow and we will be there rain or shine! I have asked the Ward 5 candidates if they are coming and I think we may see a few. Please join us in making our neighborhood a better place.
Just wanted to send out a reminder that tomorrow is the Edgewood Neighborhood monthly cleanup. The group meets in front of the Edgewood Rec Center at the corner of 3rd and Evarts NE at 10:30 a.m. The cleanup is sponsored by the Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center and occurs the first Saturday of every month same time and location. The group picks up trash around the neighborhood including the rec center and has a cookout afterwards.
This is a great way to meet your neighbors and show pride in our neighborhood!
If you cannot come try and cleanup around your block today or tomorrow morning so we can cover more areas!!!
Just wanted to send out a reminder that tomorrow is the Edgewood Neighborhood monthly cleanup. The group meets in front of the Edgewood Rec Center at the corner of 3rd and Evarts NE at 10:30 a.m. The cleanup is sponsored by the Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center and occurs the first Saturday of every month same time and location. The group picks up trash around the neighborhood including the rec center and has a cookout afterwards.
This is a great way to meet your neighbors and show pride in our neighborhood!
If you cannot come try and cleanup around your block today or tomorrow morning so we can cover more areas!!!
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