Anacostia Heritage Trail Launch!

Did you miss it? This weekend, the long awaited launch of the Anacostia Heritage Trail took place at The Big Chair! After nearly eight years of hard work and consistent dedication by residents the community came together to celebrate the history of the Greater Anacostia Community as we move forward to a positive future for this special neighborhood. I've blogged about of efforts in the past. Here are some pics to share from this weekend.

Photos Credit: Nancy Shia from the Washington Informer

That is me talking about Chuck Brown's Big Chair Performance

Wanda Lockridge was featured on one of the signs from the 1980 King Parade

DDOT Director...hoping they fund the Congress Heights and Ft. Stanton Trails

Eugene Kinlow, Philip Pannell, Arrington Dixon, Me, Art Slater

Teaching our kids the history of the community

The ever-present Ron Moten taking it in

Barry Farms Protesters! I'm sure they will be on the signs 20 years from now.

John Johnson performing his poem

I like that jacket Wanda Lockridge

Philip Pannell hyping the crowd

Former Anacostia residents

Arrington Dixon providing remarks

Sam Ford as MC

Audience Members

Councilmember May addressing the crowd

Audience

Grandpa and Son

Philip and Mayor Bowser

Ward 8 Matters

Ward 8 Matters is a call to action to raise the political and social profile of the Ward 8 Democrats. The "Ward 8 Matters" Slate are individuals who are willing to take on the leadership of the Ward 8 Democrats and engage Ward 8 voters in every aspect of our great Ward. We want the city to feel the impact and voice of Ward 8 and use our political power to ensure we get the resources needed to improve the quality of life in our communities.

So does Ward 8 Matter? Yes it does, and we need YOU to come vote for the "Ward 8 Matters" Slate. Help us take Ward 8 Politics to a new level so it powerfully impacts every resident in Ward 8. I invite you to attend theWard 8 Democrats Convention on Saturday September 19, 2015 and vote for a team of Ward 8 Residents who will work diligently to ensure Ward 8 Matters in all aspects of city politics.

When: Saturday September 19, 2015

Time: 12-2pm (You Can Vote and Leave)

Where: Thurgood Marshall Academy - 2427 MLK Ave SE

Charles Wilson       - President

Barbara Jones        - 1^st Vice President

Leonard Watson     - 2^nd Vice President

Darryl Ross             - Treasurer

Anthony L. Green   - Recording Secretary

Deloris Walker        - Corresponding Secretary

Anacostia Honey is Back!

Art of War Concept: Each pound of food  taken from the enemy is equivalent to twenty pounds you provide by yourself.
________________________________________________________________________

After a year of beekeeping disappointment, it looks like I am back in business. Anacostia Honey is back! I have been a backyard beekeeper going on three years now. Yeah, the stings suck, but I have a greater appreciation for God’s perfect bug – the Honeybee.

Just how important are honeybees to our diet? According to the USDA these under-appreciated workers pollinate 80 percent of our flowering crops which constitute 1/3 of everything we eat.

Losing them could affect not only dietary staples such as apples, broccoli, strawberries, nuts, asparagus, blueberries and cucumbers, but may threaten our beef and dairy industries if alfalfa is not available for feed. One study estimated that honeybees annually pollinate $14 billion worth of seeds and crops in the U.S. Essentially, if honeybees disappear, they could take most of our insect pollinated plants with them, potentially reducing us to little more than a water diet.

But back to the Honey. If you would like a $10 8oz jar of Local Honey, meet me this weekend at the Ward 8’s Farmer’s Market from 9-2pm. I will be doing a beekeeping demonstration. The market is located at the TheARC at 1901 Mississippi Ave SE. I don’t have much to sell so get there early. First come first serve!

See You Saturday,
Charles E. Wilson aka "The Honey Man"

My four bee hives

Some don't believe I actually have beehives in my backyard.
For some odd reason, I could not get any friends or neighbors to take a pic
of me in front of the hives as proof so I had to take a selfie. LOL

Get your $10 8oz jar of Local Honey this Saturday at the Ward 8's Farmer's Market
TheARC - 1901 Mississippi Ave SE

First Come, First Serve!

Benefits of "Local" Honey

Allergy Protection

Some research supports the theory that local honey – obtained as close as possible to where you live – may help build immunity to seasonal allergies. Honey made by bees in the vicinity of the allergenic plant will contain tiny amounts of pollen from that plant. This honey will act as a sort of vaccine if taken in small amounts – a few teaspoons per day – for several months, and can provide relief from seasonal pollen-related allergies

Antioxidants and Phytonutrients

Honey is also reach in powerful antioxidants and cancer-fighting phytonutrients, which can be found in propolis, or “honey glue” that the bees use to sterilize the beehive. Raw honey contains some of these compounds while pasteurized honey does not 

Digestive Aid

In its natural, raw state, honey contains many enzymes that can help some people digest food more easily so it may also help treat ulcers and diarrhea

Vitamins and Minerals

The nutrient content of raw honey varies, but a 1-ounce serving contains very small amounts of foliate as well as vitamins B2, C, B6, B5 and B3. Minerals including calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc can also be found in raw honey in small amounts.

Topical Salve

Honey can be uses as medicine. It has anit-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. For this reason it can be applied topically to treat burns.

Cough Suppressant

Honey has also been found to be especially useful in treating upper respiratory infections.

See you this Saturday at the Ward 8 Farmer's Market
TheARC - 1901 Mississippi Ave., SE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 ME!

The joy of having a common name! Happy Birthday to ME!