R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center Coming to Ward 8!

Pics from the Mr. James Bunn Memorial Celebration!

Wanted to share some pics from the Mr. James Bunn Memorial Celebration. Mr. Bunn was a great man who cared very deeply for his family and the Ward 8 Community. We need more leaders like him in the Ward!

Honoring a great man and leader of his family and community

Sheila Bunn (daughter) help lead the way during the march

This shirt says it all about Mr. Bunn

Great seeing the young people honoring a great man

There is no celebration in Ward 8 without Marion Barry

Nice Crowd!

Candle light vigil

Mayor Gray joined the celebration

Woodcrest Villas?

Art of War Concept: Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt

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It looks like some things have quietly changed in Congress Heights. I am sure many of us have read about and failed housing development on 4th Street SE that went belly-up about 2 years ago and set vacant for a while. Last year the property was auctioned off and looks like some new money has been pumped into the project.  

This past weekend while at the Whole Foods Market at the St E’s Campus Pavilion I came across a flyer advertising the development entitled “Woodcrest Villas.” I stopped by on Saturday and saw brand-spankin new development where the houses are selling for $350+ and the condos are $250+. Each unit comes well equipped with all the bells and whistles a homeowner would desire. The listing agent says many of the interested buyers are employees from the Coast Guard on the West Campus of St. E's....Interesting. Check out the pics below.

The condos are selling for $250+

The houses are selling for $350+

Brand new everything!

The are selling more...get yours today!

Ward 8 State Board of Education - TOMORROW

Art of War Concept: Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.
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Did you know there is a Ward 8 Election tomorrow? Yup, all Ward 8 residents can go an vote for our next Ward 8 State Board of Education representative. It’s a special election, so turnout is expected to be low. This past weekend, I attended the only candidate forum for this position. Normally one would not expect much for this type of election, but this one was very informative. Both candidates have great ideas and are very insightful regarding education in Ward 8. 

There are two candidates running – Tierra Jolly and Philip Pannell. If you would like to learn more about each candidate please see there websites. Good Luck to Both Candidates

Philip Pannell: http://pannellforeducation.com/

Tierra Jolly: http://www.jollyforward8.com/

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.
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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

How to Open a Storefront Business in Your Neighborhood?

r.e.e.l. has another awesome event for you! How often have you complained about the lack of retail and restaurant amenities in your neighborhood? Have you ever dreamed of opening up your own storefront business? If so, this seminar is for you! Please join the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) and r.e.e.l. Tomorrow Night at the Gateway Pavilion! Be sure to bring a neighbor with you!

Date:        July 8, 2014

Time:        6:30 PM

Location: St. Elizabeth's East Campus - Gateway Pavilion

Looking forward to seeing you there.

 

Thanks,  

r.e.e.l. Board of Directors

Does DHCD Have a Plan? If so, what is it?

Art of War Concept: The general must be first int he toils and fatigues of the army. In the heat of summer he does not spread his parasol, nor in the cold of winter don think clothing... . He waits until the army's wells have been dug and only then drinks; until the army's food is cooked before he eats; until the army's fortifications have been completed, to shelter himself.  
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Don’t know if you noticed, but the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is scooping up a bunch of property in Anacostia. It must be the end of the fiscal year and the government has money to spend.  I suppose the good thing about DHCD is that they will at least keep the grass cut. But the consistent problem is…

1 - do they have a plan on how they will get these properties back on the market for redevelopment?

2 - have they articulated this plan to the neighborhood?

They have owned several properties in the neighborhood for years and have done absolutely nothing with

them. I have a blighted house on my block with a posted DHCD sign that my neighbors tell me has been that way for 20 years. How about we inquire? If you are concerned as I am please copy, paste and send the following email to DHCD.

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Email To: denisel.johnson@dc.gov  or call (202)442-7169 

Dear Ms. Johnson,

My name is INSERT YOUR NAME. I am an involved and concerned resident of Historic Anacostia. I noticed that DHCD has recently acquired several properties in the neighborhood. My neighbors and I would like to know the agency’s redevelopment plan for these properties along with a time lime of execution. We also would like to invite you to our next Historic Anacostia Block Association meeting in September. Please let me know your thoughts and availability.

Regards,

INSERT YOUR NAME

1600 Block of U St - this is one my neighbors told me has been blighted for decades

The corner of 16th and W St SE

The corner of 15th and U St SE

Valley Place that has been blighted for several years