Inspiring Reading Skills Close To Home

Two volunteers from Young Millenials of Texas bring a book to life for a student, with puppets.

The joy of reading! In order to develop that joy, access to books is needed. Even today, with all of the latest technology and public library systems, some children don't have that access. Trish Schapell, a Texas educator, noticed that there were children in her section of Houston who had no access to books in their homes. That observation called for action.

Trish and her husband, Vince went to work, creating special places where children CAN have access to books very close to their homes, THE KIDS' READING ROOM. Starting in two apartment complexes, these rooms were furnished with donated books, snacks, volunteer storytellers, and lots of cozy spaces where kids could read.



Ms. Schapell  said, "The Kids' Reading Room makes an impact socially through promoting literacy in children. My goal is to create children who will grow up to be not only Readers, but Leaders in society. It all begins at an early age. I have the opportunity to help them set goals at an early age and to understand that they too can make a difference in the world."

Since 2013, when the first two reading rooms were furnished, the program has now grown to five reading rooms. Each reading room contains 2000 to 3000 books, all donated, and a group of volunteers, who provide that all-important reading motivation, read with the kids, and mentor them, too.

Most important is the support from various organizations and individuals. Around Christmas time, Reading Is Fundamental donated 600 new books, while other organizations, like the Barbara Bush Foundation, which donated 500 new books, also came through. The local Chapelwood United Methodist Church donated funds to provide furnishings and snacks for the student users, just in time for the start of this year. That fifth reading room, which opened this year, couldn't have had its timely start without the help of JCS Furniture, which donated six bookshelves. The organization is working on a sixth reading room and JCS has also provided shelves for that one, too.

Trish Schapell opens a box of books from Half Price Books.

The Kids' Reading Room is an organization that continues to grow, raising the next generation of reading Leaders. In everyday functioning, these rooms and volunteers motivate students to make one of the biggest steps to being able to access today's technology, for that can't happen without being able to read.

An enthusiastic kickoff of the summer reading program.

Thanks to information from this article on Pollination Project: http://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/trish-schappell-the-kids-reading-room/; and the above link.

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Help For Those In Time Of Grief

The Consoling Place logo.

Loss is a profound experience. The closer that person, who has died is to you, the deeper the grief. Of course, there are many other aspects of your relationship with that person that affect how you experience the grieving process.

Mary Ann Plummer, from Spartanburg, SC, lost her son one year not long ago. From her own experience, she wanted to create a place of solace and healing that would be located in her community and that would serve the surrounding area. With the help of Ross Collins, a licensed professional counselor with more than 30 years of experience helping clients with their emotions, and Linda Hopson, a licensed social worker with over 30 years of experience, some of that working in hospice, she developed THE CONSOLING PLACE.



This organization addresses the needs of grieving individuals by offering professional counseling and outreach, reducing isolation, and providing comfort. In addition, it provides education and clinical programs for licensed professionals, who serve those grieving.

There are several different types of programs offered by this organization, that had its beginnings in 2014. Started in 2015, Stepping Stones to Healing utilizes the imagery of stepping stones to bring enrollees toward the future where there is healing and growth. An educational seminar, The Underestimated Problem of Unattended Grief, can be presented to any type of audience, including grieving individuals.

There are three different types of day workshops, addressing specific needs of special groups - parents grieving the loss of a child, teens who have lost a friend or classmate, and those who have lost a spouse. Another program, The Transforming Power of Grief, is offered to any type of group and produces an art project related to the grief experience, and can be a weekend retreat or summer camp program. There is also a weekend family retreat, Lives Under Reconstruction, which is designed for families that need intensive help.

The transforming nature of grief.

There are three different professional education programs. One is specifically for clergy - Addressing Grief in the Pulpit. The other two are designed for mental health and health care professionals and also offer accredited CEUs - Managing Your Own Grief Issues In The Helping Profession and Help For Grieving Children.

The truth is that you never forget the person you lost. As tine goes by, it hurts less to think about that person.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: http://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/mary-ann-plummer-the-consoling-place/; along with the above link.

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Is There A Link Between Happiness And Preserving The Environment?

Theresa Belton, author of Happier People Healthier Planet.

Did you ever stop to ponder what makes people happier? Theresa Belton has thought about it. The thought came up while she was bicycling and noticing the many sights and sounds of nature. That's when the thought came up that most of what makes people happy don't harm the environment - such things as gardening, singing, volunteering to help others, even reading a good book.

Her thoughts turned into a book, HAPPIER PEOPLE HEALTHIER PLANET. Now, think about it, here we are depleting earth's resources in our desire for things, but all that stuff we acquire won't make us happy. The things that matter - friendships, creativity, knowledge, skills, being part of the community, spending time surrounded by nature, altruism - can't be bought; they aren't stuff.



So, what's going on here? Well, acquiring something does give most people a buzz, a high, if you will, but that's only temporary. When that high wears off, it can only happen again with another thing added to the pile. On the other hand, the experiences that don't involve acquisitions, like learning a new skill, helping someone else, they last longer and sometimes even give a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

So, why are many people trying to buy their way to happiness? A lot of it has to do with image, how you appear in someone else's eyes. It's the notion that having that thing boosts your image with others. Maybe it's time for those whose images depend on acquisitions to get comfortable with themselves, as they are. After all, self-acceptance is an important part of wellbeing.

Another reason for acquiring things is the feeling of unhappiness, you know, retail therapy. You go out and get that fashionable dress or new pair of shoes, so you can escape from the feeling, when a simple walk along a nature trail, a good talk with a friend, or writing about your feelings, would help to resolve that feeling better.

Happier people have been found to have greater self control, so they are less likely to succumb to impulse buying. Being happier allows a person to see the bigger picture, while negative feelings narrow your view. That makes it easier for happier people to realize the impact of their decisions on the larger world around them, actually leading to more eco-friendly choices.

When Ms. Belton was researching her book, she took note of those people who lived relatively modest lifestyles. Frequently, she heard about how fulfillment came up, even when unsought, from those non-materialistic activities. Such things as being physically active, interacting with nature, spending time with other people, mindfulness and appreciation in the moment, are what lead to feeling happy.

Self-acceptance is a key part of wellbeing.

One of her subjects, who was pursuing a modest lifestyle, said, "Because 'more' isn't better. Because I hate waste and greed, and [possessions] are weighty and unsatisfying while nature is free, generous, delightful, and uplifting. Because consuming only what I find I need reduces my carbon footprint and allows me to feel good about myself and my place in this environment."

Choose the bigger picture for your focus.

Thanks for information from this article by Theresa Belton on Action For Happiness: http://www.actionforhappiness.org/news/happier-people-healthier-planet; and the above link.

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Humphrey Management Continues To Grow

Howard County Executive, Allan Kittleman, Maryland Speaker Mike Busch, and staff members tour the Burgess Mill Station community.

Out there on Old Columbia Road in Columbia, MD, is a property management company, HUMPHREY MANAGEMENT. Their task is to manage residential apartment communities spread throughout the DC-Baltimore area. They take their job seriously and are known for treating their employees well.

Just last month, Humphrey added three communities to its growing portfolio. These three communities are located in Montgomery County, north of DC. Forest Glen Apartments is situated within walking distance to the Forest Glen Metro station, off Georgia Avenue, in Silver Spring. Another acquisition, Hillbrooke Towers, also in Silver Spring, has a bus stop at the entrance. Hillwood Manor, on the other hand, is located in Tacoma Park. It is placed within a wooded section, off New Hampshire Avenue. All three communities have one- and two-bed rental apartments, with all utilities included in the rent.



According to Bethany Hooper, President of Humphrey Management, "This is an exciting opportunity to again partner with MHP [Montgomery Housing Partnership] as we continue our first project together, the new building for seniors in downtown Silver Spring, The Bonifant. We look forward to working with MHP on these new communities as we bring them into the Humphrey fold."

June wasn't the only busy month. As I previously noted, Humphrey Management is growing, and that's what they did in April, too. They added the Arnold Gardens community in Suitland to their portfolio, becoming the eleventh apartment community in PG County managed by them. This community offers 68 one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental apartments, with easy access to Suitland Road and I-95.

April 6 saw the groundbreaking ceremony for Rainier Manor II, an extension of the existing Rainier Manor community in Mt. Rainier. There are 57 senior apartments planned. The apartments, plus community room, greenhouse, library, fitness center, and cyber cafe, will all be housed in an Energy Star-certified building.

Construction of the Bonifant in Silver Spring was being completed in April. There are 149 apartments for seniors in this 11-story building, located next to the new Silver Spring library. First move-ins occurred in May.

The exterior of the Berger Square apartments.

The other construction was on the Berger Square community in Odenton, which was projected, and on schedule, to be completed in June. More than 40 potential residents had already applied to move in. This LEED-certified building also includes a community room, fitness center, playground, and bike storage.

That's just a sample of the projects and portfolio additions to Humphrey Management. It was, indeed, a busy spring.

An interior area of the Bonifant in Silver Spring.

Thanks for information from this article on Humphrey Management blog: https://humphreymanagement.com/blog/latest/1747/; this article on Humphrey Management blog: https://humphreymanagement.com/blog/latest/humphrey-management-adds-three-new-communities-portfolio/; and the above link.

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On Campus Animal Advocacy

Members of GW Animal Advocates with Animal Defenders Award.

When you love animals and have had many furry friends in your life, you just might start an organization at college/university consistent with your passion. Marissa Price did that when she started GW ANIMAL ADVOCATES in her senior year at George Washington University in 2014. While Marissa was, indeed, a senior and graduating in the organization's founding year, the three other board members were sophomores and freshmen, and quite prepared to continue the organization's mission.

Ms. Price explained what she had in mind for the organization, "GW Animal Advocates seeks to provide educational outreach as well as organize advocacy-based initiatives to relieve the plight of animals and work across sectors to reduce/eradicate cruelty to all living creatures."



This organization doesn't have to reach very far to find issues requiring advocacy. They weighed in on GW Hillel and GW for Israel bringing a camel to campus for the Israel Fest on Kogan Plaza through the words of current President Hannah Moskowitz. While she explained the usual living environment of camels in the desert, she was also able to point out how camels are limited in captivity to a pen, surfaced in concrete, and spending periods of time being transported to events in the back of a truck. Then, once the animal arrived at the venue, visitors would then poke and prod it, all in the name of promoting travel and increased knowledge of another culture. Then the ultimate indignity of being included in visitor selfies to be placed on social media sites. She urged people to respect animals and to provide exploration of cultures without including animals in the event.

On the same day, April 18, Animal Advocates discovered a giveaway, free nondairy Ben and Jerry's ice cream. The tastings giveaway was being held at Square 80 and followers were urged to stop by for a free sample taste.

Toward the end of April, GW was approaching the start of final exams. That is usually a stressful time for University students, since a major portion of a course grade comes from those all-important finals. In order to relieve some of that stress, the GW Program Board and GW Class Council brought in a petting zoo. Now, it's one thing if the animals are domesticated and used to human contact, even to the point of seeking it out and relishing it. But it's another thing when the animals are not domesticated, but are wild baby animals. It's an unnatural situation for the animals, so for them this exercise increases their stress considerably. Not only that, but some of these enterprises that hold these animals, drug and starve the animals so they remain cute, small, and sedated, just for human pleasure. Animal Advocates was urging students to protest by boycotting the event.

Some of the educational literature that the group provides.

Just for a short period of time towards the end of spring semester, GW Animal Advocates remained active and involved, in issues and events no further away than the campus border. Educational, informational, and activist, this group was providing vital information to the student body, as they engaged in campus activities.

A visit to Crumbs and Whiskers, destressing students and cats.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: http://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/marissa-price-gw-animal-advocates/; this article by Hannah Moskowitz on the GW Hatchet blog: http://blogs.gwhatchet.com/theforum/2016/04/18/op-ed-animal-rights-dont-stop-with-companion-animals/; and this post on GW Animal Advocates Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GwAnimalAdvocates/posts/705302312943608

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Research On Using Heat To Treat Depression

Professor Charles Raison

In asking the question of whether a small rise in body temperature can relieve symptoms of depression researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's CENTER FOR HEALTHY MINDS set out to test this idea in a small study sample, led by Professor Charles Raison.

Researchers utilized the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to assess level of depression in this double-blind study. The findings revealed that 60 percent of the subjects had a positive response, while 40 percent met the criteria for remission of depression.



Professor Raison said, "Our hope is to find better and faster-acting treatments for depression than the antidepressants currently in use. We think that using heat to stimulate the skin activates serotonin-producing cells in the midbrain, which then produce a change in how the brain functions. In a way, one might think of this pathway from the skin to the brain as a deep-brain stimulator crafted by evolution. We tap into this pathway because heat makes the brain feel happy.

To raise body temperature, researchers used a whole-body hyperthermia device to raise the temperatures of 16 subjects to 101.3 degrees F. Fourteen subjects were given a sham treatment that also had those subjects lying in the hyperthermia device, but utilizing just a small amount of heat.

According to Professor Raison, "Our sham intervention was so realistic that most of the participants (10 of 14) thought they were receiving the real treatment. That is important because it suggests the antidepressant response was not due primarily to placebo factors associated with the treatment."

In the end, the true hyperthermia treatment resulted in a rise in HDRS scores by a mean of 5.67 points more than the sham treatment produced. These changes were measured at six weeks after each intervention. Subjects in both groups reported only minor adverse effects, while their self-reports described some lessening of symptoms. Professor Raison noted, "We were surprised to see that the effect (of reduced depression symptoms) was still present six weeks after the initial treatment."

In a previous study, Christopher Lowry, an associate professor of integrative physiology at the University of Colorado-Boulder, had demonstrated that whole-body heat treatment activates brain neurons that produce serotonin, something that SSRI antidepressants also do. As Professor Lowry said, "We know that warming the skin activates areas of the brain where activity is low in depressed patients."

Interestingly, in certain parts of Europe, hyperthermia has been used for a number of years to fight cancer, although these treatments typically raise body temperatures much higher than this study did.

The type of heat device that was used in the study.

Although the results of this study were positive, researchers caution against generalizing the results due to small sample size. Further research is needed to determine optimal delivery method, amount of temperature rise to give maximum benefit, and the amount of time exposed to heat that produces the best results.

Christopher Lowry

Thanks to information from this article on Center For Healthy Minds: http://centerhealthyminds.org/news/raising-body-temperature-relieves-depression-symptoms-small-study-finds; along with the above link.

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Natural Body Products And Spiritual Healing

Veronica Harris

See a need and act. Have a need and act to meet that need. It could almost be a mantra for what Veronica Harris has done in the middle part of her life. Her own need came from developing skin and respiratory conditions while working among the chemicals at the full service beauty salon where she worked. The need she saw was young women in transition needing a leg up, a boost to stabilize their lives at a critical juncture.

Using her background as a licensed Christian clinical counselor and ordained minister, Ms. Harris developed a five week program that provided spiritual and nutritional health, while teaching the women to make their own bath, body, and cleaning products, that were also free of chemicals. The additional component of making their own products would allow these women independence and provide a living in which they could sell their handmade products at local fairs and markets. As Veronica said, "[H]ealing is in the earth and we must learn to nurture what the Creator has given us and use it for wellness."



With that start, Veronica was able to turn her gifts into the development of an online storefront, KEZMINE NATURALS: THE HEALING SHOP. This storefront sells a variety of natural products, in the realm of aroma therapy, hair care, facial treatment, and bath and body. They are made from all natural ingredients, like shea butter, goat's milk. cocoa butter, olive oil, etc. Ms.Harris also offers Spiritual Healing sessions to groups or individuals, which are designed to assist with life transformation.

One of the products is an aluminum-free deodorant stick, which give you 24 hours of odor control. It comes in several scents, including lemon lemongrass, cool waters, sandalwood & sage, bergamot grapefruit, and 3 others, It retails for $8,50 each - and those stick deodorants can last for quite a while.

Aluminum-free deodorants

The newest product is goat milk face & body hydration. It is sold as a cream, is unscented, and contains vitamins and skin nutrients. Usable by all age groups, it costs $28.00.

Interested in these types of products and want to learn more? Stop by the above link and check it out.

Veronica running a KeAZmine Naturals table on Earth Day.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: http://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/veronica-harris-spirt-wellness/; this bio on KeZmine Naturals: http://www.kezminenaturals.com/veronica-harris-bio; and the above link.

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