FEBRUARY2021 2021 FEBRUARY
HOW HOW
DESSERT CAN CAN DESSERT CHANGE LIVES LIVES CHANGE
Alexis Streets, Streets, Alexis Owner of of The The Dessert Dessert Owner Junkie shares shares her her Junkie delectable vision vision delectable
Art In In The City City
Gorgeous Gorgeous Murals Murals Across Across the the Metro Metro area area 1
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Peacock Proud Design PeacockProudDesign.com • Handcrafted beaded jewelry • Custom, hand-painted, address-number signs • Vintage/original stencil patterns • Hand-painted magnets • Note Cards • Jewelry roll pattern • Garden statue repainting/ minor repairs
301-249-6659
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A showcase of colorful, one of a kind, handmade accessories for a woman & her home to wear with pride!
Table of Contents 8
18 6 7 8 11 18
Publisher’s Corner Arts & Makers
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Letter from the Editor All You Need Is Love
Photo Story Here’s To The Next Four Years – Inauguration Day 2021 How Dessert Can Change Lives Entrepreneur Alexis Streets brings joy with sweet treats Art In the City Gorgeous Murals decorate Washington DC with historical and positive scenes.
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Publisher & President Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net
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Editor In Chief Alyson Turner Alyson@simplymagazines.net Contributing Writers Alyson Turner Contributing Photographers John Wardell Sheldon Johnson Nay Renee’ Layout & Ad Design Natthaphon Foithong Advertising Director Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net
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On The Cover: Alexis Streets Photography By: Sheldon Johnson
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On The Back Cover: Tyler Gordon Photography By: TylerGordon.com
Happy Anniversary, Simply Bowie!
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Barbara Lee Life Coaching Center Relationship Coach Barbara Tydings brings resolution to relationships
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Artists Amy Sherald & Tyler Gordon impress the world with their art.
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The Bin Men Working Towards a Cleaner & Safer Community
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Simply Happening Check out these amazing stories about Bowie’s hometown heroes.
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February 2021
CURATING CREATIVITY
PUBLISHER’S CORNER
FEBRUARY—IT’S THE SHORTEST MONTH OF THE YEAR, BUT THERE’S DEFINITELY NO SHORTAGE OF EXCITING THINGS HAPPENING HERE IN BOWIE; BLACK HISTORY MONTH, VALENTINE’S DAY, AND THE INAUGURATION. When thinking of ideas for our Arts + Makers issue, we were inspired by the talented local creatives who beautify our community with their work. Whether it’s local virtual theater performances, the DC Metro mural arts scene, gourmet desserts by Alexis Streets “The Dessert Junkie”, Bowie art connoisseurs or handmade goods from local artisans; we were inspired by the creative culture our City is bursting with. Some of our favorite arts-related things to experience around the area include local galleries, makers’ spaces and classic American dance theater that offers virtual performances. And if you are on the hunt for some locally made gifts for your sweetie, we recommend you checking out this issue for something unique they’ll always remember. From local visionaries and designers such as Overdue Recognition Art Gallery and Peacock Proud Designs to artists such as Tyler Gordon and Amy Sherald — we hope you find inspiration in these pages and appreciate our unique perspective here in Bowie & the Washington DC Metro area. Consider this issue your guide to all things creative! Happy Love month and healing to our Country!
Veronica Fountain President & Publisher
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It’s the month of Love! Of course, it is Valentine’s Day, but on our journey to thrive in 2021, I think that it is important to spread love now more than ever. We have dealt with a lot of fear and isolation, but for me I would like to counter that with love;. Kindness to our neighbors and to those in our community who are hurting, lending a helping hand where we can, sharing a positive word or note of encouragement. Sometimes a small gesture can make all the difference. This month we have decided to share our love of the arts with stunning creations from murals to canvases to desserts and more. We hope these works of art will make you smile and inspire you to spread a little bit of love in your own world.
Light & Joy,
Alyson Turner Editor In Chief
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All You Need is LOVE
LETTER From The EDITOR
Here’s To the Next Four Years Inauguration Day 2021 A Photo Story
Caroline Brehman/AP
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Robb Carr/Getty Images
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Getty Images
Evan Yucci/AP
Getty Images
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Reuters
Getty Images
Getty Images
Tyrone Turner/WAMU
Reuters
Chang W. Lee/AFP
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Even in the midst of the challenging and historical events that America has faced recently, many citizens came together to celebrate the commencement of the four year term for the 46th President of United States of America; President Joe Biden along with Vice President Kamala Harris on January 20, 2021. 9
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Wardell’s Photography strives to provide artistic images for every event in Maryland, District of Columbia, or Virginia. We have specific expertise in various forms of photography and we vow to bring our customers the most admirable images. https://wardellbody45.wixsite.com/wardells-photography IG: Wardellbody Wardellbody45@yahoo.com 301.905.7600 My photography is dedicated to my three daughters, Jamanda, Ashley & Lanaya.
HOW
DESSERT CAN CHANGE LIVES
Basket Treats by Alexis Streets started as a gift basket business and flourished into a dessert empire featuring event catering, balloon dĂŠcor, event planning, wedding cakes, gourmet cupcakes, milkshakes, homemade ice cream, pastries, novelty items, and keepsakes that continues to bring smiles to the faces of so many.
Article By Alyson Turner Photography By Sheldon Johnson & Nay Renee' 11
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Entrepreneur & Sweet Treats Conniesour Alexis Streets started Basket Treats by Alexis Streets out of her home in 2009. “I had been a stay-at-home mom for so long and wanted to do something different. My daughter was born in 2000 and she was an extremely premature baby at 1 pound, 4 ounces. I chose to stay home because I wanted to take care of my baby. As she got older, she was healthy and she started doing more things. I started out creating novelty baskets and put that on hold when I found out that I was pregnant with my son who was born in 2007,” Alexis tells us, “When he was almost 2 years old, I started my business. After speaking to family and friends, the name came to me- Basket Treats by Alexis Streets. I celebrated my 12-year anniversary [of opening the business] in January 2021.”
Photography By Sheldon Johnson
Alexis found success building her novelty baskets when people began asking if she also did treats like chocolate covered strawberries. This started her down the path towards sweet treats and gourmet desserts in beautiful baskets. Alexis says, “I am who I am. I am very particular and meticulous about so many things. Ninety percent of my clientele are women and many women love pretty things. You have to pay attention to detail and how things are structured. People eat with their eyes first so everything that goes out has to be beautiful. The first year I did my baskets from home and I realized that I needed a location. We were there in Upper Marlboro for 3 years. I did most of my consultations and internet orders there. I knew that I wanted to expand and was able to secure a beautiful storefront in Laurel, Maryland that we have been at for almost 8 years
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this summer. We also opened a location in North Carolina for about a year, but the pace wasn’t there yet.” The current store, Basket Treats by Alexis Streets in Laurel, Maryland is a dessert shop that sells gourmet cupcakes, cakes, monster milkshakes, homemade ice cream, chocolate covered strawberries, and many more treats. They also sell novelty items and keepsakes. Her subsidiary Bougie Balloons was established in 2018. Alexis desired to use her craft in balloon artistry and wanted to introduce and incorporate her elite balloon company to her events package. Alexis creates vibrant and colorful art like sculptures with balloon designs. She ensures that each client walks away with an experience. Bougie Balloons sculptures have been seen at locations and major brands such as Microsoft, Ulta Beauty and New York Fashion Week 2018.
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Photography By Sheldon Johnson
Photography By Nay Renee’
The Dessert Junkie ™ Alexis expanded her business to include The Dessert Junkie™ in 2017. Alexis knew that she wanted to bring jobs to the community and continue putting a smile on people’s faces through her delicious desserts. The Dessert Junkie™ Mobile Dessert Truck currently brings treats to Prince George’s County and the surrounding areas. Alexis felt called to open another location The Dessert Junkie™ bakery so that they could begin doing all of their baking on-site and offering more gourmet desserts. She knew that she needed to find the perfect location. “I had been looking for a new location for over a year. I started out going to the harbor, then I went to Bowie Town Center, and went from there to Crofton. I realized that none of these were the right locations for me. Then, I started doing more research to find better traffic. The Dessert Junkie™ bakery location is off 450 in Bowie and will be opening this Spring,” Alexis tells us, “I told my agent if this location didn’t work out, I was going to take a break from looking. This location was meant to be. We ship nationwide and we are right near a UPS. The location is very well-thought out with many other stores and restaurants [to bring in traffic]. You can see it from 450. We are definitely hiring and we have already put a teaser up. We have gotten so many inquiries, over 80 resumes. I am looking for an experienced decorator and artist, a front counter associate and someone who can assist with making desserts and treats.” Loyal customers continue to rave about Alexis’ gourmet cupcakes. They have been as described mouth-watering, amazing, and have been compared to big-name celebrity cupcakes. These perfect little desserts have carried the business through the early years and the pandemic. They are a staple in the dessert shop that customers come back for time and time again. If you are looking for an equally decadent dessert, you don’t want to miss the monster mega milkshakes that started in 2016. These milkshakes are so delicious and are carried all-year round. Unlike a traditional milkshake with toppings, these monster shakes include candy, cupcakes, homemade ice cream and more. The Dessert Junkie™ will also be selling its exclusive line Primo’s Choice catering to your puppies and dogs for celebrations, birthday parties, and treats. 14
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Photography By Nay Renee’
Alexis’ vision doesn’t just include catering, gourmet cupcakes, wedding cakes, monster milkshakes, dessert cups, chocolate covered strawberries, and other exquisite desserts. “I want to be able to provide jobs for the community. I want to be able to keep moving. I am a self-motivator and I believe in creating your own way. A lot of people would sit there and wait for an opportunity to jump out at them, but for me personally, I try to grab the bull by the horns and do everything imaginable to make it work. It is very important for me to get the bakery running and put the right people in place so that I can move onto my next project,” Alexis says
The Cupcake Foundation (501c3 PENDING) What started as a business has blossomed into a service to the community. The next big project for Alexis includes giving back through her newest venture, The Cupcake Foundation founded in 2020. According to their mission statement, “The mission at The Cupcake Foundation is to brighten the smiles and hearts of children that are hospitalized. The Foundation’s hope is to allow the parents and children to celebrate birthdays, milestones, or just a day to bring them cheer. The Cupcake Foundation will partner with the Children’s Hospital and other neighboring non-profit organizations.” Alexis says, “We are in the process of establishing this foundation because I want to be able to provide kids with smiles. I have two of my own children and I know that something as small and simple as a cupcake can bring a smile to a person. I want to be able to provide children with these experiences. I believe that everyone should be able to engage in or enjoy a birthday celebration. I want people to be able to donate things [items like formal clothes so I can provide a ball for them with cupcakes, balloons, laughter and joy no matter the circumstance in order to help them forget anything that doesn’t make them happy at that moment. That is just something that I want to do. I want to bring smiles and make children and their parents happy with my gifts. 15
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Photography By Sheldon Johnson
The Visionary Behind Basket Treats by Alexis Streets Alexis Streets is a Maryland native who lives with her two children. She believes in putting a smile on people’s faces. Her vision is to bring customer service to the forefront of business again. Her most precious love is building a foundation for her children and spending time with them. “I am just someone that does things from the heart. If it is not anything that is heartfelt you shouldn’t do it. You should go out for your dreams. There is enough out here for all of us to join hands and make this happen. We can come together and do more for one another to help the next person out. It is okay to do that. I believe in being your brother’s keeper and sharing information to allow someone who is interested to provide a service that they want to do. I feel that it is not enough of helping your neighbor in the world. I just wish people would work together. I want to help and I want everyone to win. I want everyone to be successful and I wish we lived in a world where we didn’t have so much craziness to get where we want to be.”
The Team • Basket Treats by Alexis Streets Desserts, Catering, & Events - Alexis Streets, Shavon Brown, Raven Duvall, Chef Byron B. Landers and Chef Kim VanKline • Basket Treats Dessert Shop, 349 Main Street Laurel, Maryland - Alexis Streets & Vickie Bell (Mom) who manages the Laurel Dessert Shop. • The Dessert Junkie Bakery located at 15480 Annapolis Rd. Suite 204 Bowie, Maryland operated by Alexis Streets, Shavon Brown, Vickie Bell. This new location is dedicated to Reign Miller who worked as Alexis’ wonderful assistant for 8 ½ years. • The Dessert Junkie Mobile Dessert Truck is run and operated by Ted Streets & Manuel Orozco • Bougie Balloons operated by Alexis Streets, LaShawn Orozco & Raven Duvall • The Cupcake Foundation Operated by Alexis Streets & Alana Prince
Photography By Nay Renee’
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Full-Service Wedding Photographer Events & Fashion Photography Owner Sheldon Johnson ShelshotPhotography.com sheldon.johnson@verizon.net @shelshotphotography Sheldon Johnson Shel Shot Photography
301-213-5187
Art In The
City
Art is an expression of inspiration, joy & love all wrapped into one. These gorgeous murals around the Washington D.C. Metro area tell stories, spark joy, and bring hope to those who see them.
Artist: Cameron “Camer1” Moberg @Camer1sf Location: Cortez Restaurant & Rooftop Tequila Bar 1905 9TH St, Washington, DC Photo Credit: CortezBarDC.com
You Are Loved Artist: César Maxit @csrmaxit Location: Atlas Performing Arts Center 1333 H St NE Washington DC Photo Credit: Mikaela Lefrak/WAMU DCIst.com
George Washington Artist: Mark Paul Deren @MadSteez Location: 331 N Street NE Washington DC
You Complete Me
Photo Credit: StreetArtNYC.com
Artist: JAH-ONE @Your-Are-JAH Location: 4608 14th Street NW Washington DC Photo Credit: Mikaela Lefrak/WAMU DCIst.com
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SHH
DC House Rep Eleanor Holmes Norton
Artist: Karl Addison & James Bullough
Artist: Lisa Marie Thalhammer @LisaMarieStudio
Location: 8 Florida Avenue, NW Washington DC
Location: 4608 14th Street NW Washington DC
Photo Credit: Murals DC MuralsDCProject.com
Photo Credit: Mikaela Lefrak/WAMU DCIst.com
Nourishing & Flourishing With Delight Artist: Eric B. Ricks @EricB.RicksNextChapter Location: 5600 East Capitol St., NE Washington DC Photo Credit: Murals DC MuralsDCProject.com
Elizabeth Taylor Artist: Byron Peck and Ivo Koytchev Location: Dacha Bear Garden on 7th & Q Street’s NW Washington DC Photo Credit: John Wardell/Simply Bowie
Train & Car Artist: Jerry, Pat, Bryan & Cory Deere of Deere Signs
Buck Hill “Wailin’ Mailman”
Location: 4810 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, MD Photo Credit: Alexis Asenbach/Mommy Nearest
Artist: Joe Pagac @JoePagac Location: 14th & U NW Washington DC Photo Credit: John Wardell/Simply Bowie 19
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HAPPY ANNIV SIMPLY BOW MOVERS AND SHAKERS Women We Admire In The Community
TheofArt Desserts
Angyono Custom Cakes Creates Masterpieces
Full of Color The Newest Kitchen Trends on Instagram
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TIMBERLAKE
march 2020
ARTICLE
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Keep Yourself Entertained At Home with Great Movie Picks
DESIGN | BUILD
Takes Time To Care For Homeowners
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May 2020
Around the World
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HOTEL & SPA
Is The Perfect Wedding Destination
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Shares His Vision For the Future march 2020
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Shares Why Planning For The Future is Imperative – More Than Ever May 2020 | 1
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JUNE 2020
The Movers and Shakers
Here’s To Our Favorite Gentlemen
These Top-Notch
Realtors
Will Help You Find Your Forever Home
Looking For The Best Food In Town? Check Out The Battle of the BBQ
Ju ly 2020
Getti’s Island Spyce Brings The True Taste of Jamaica To Bowie
Ready for SUMMER?
Check Out This Season’s Hottest Swimwear
Just A Drive Away
Outdoor Dining is The Best Way to Enjoy a Delicious Meal On The Town
Head Out for a Weekend Getaway Close to Home
Don’t Forget
to Grab The
Perfect Gift For the Awesome
Dad In Your Life
Try These Summer Pasta Recipes for Your New Favorite Dish
Grab A Bite To Eat While Flying High Above The City
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CHECK OUT
DUKE ELLINGTON
WHAT BOWIE TOWN CENTER HAS TO OFFER BOLD, BEAUTIFUL, BRILLIANT Girls Youth Empowerment Group Celebrates Its First Stepping Up Ceremony
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRODUCES YOUNG STARS
Here’s To Our Local Farmers
August 2020 | 1
Meet THE TALENTED YOUNG AUTHORS FROM DJP FAMILY PRODUCTIONS
VERSARY WIE! And thank you, dear readers, for celebrating with us during the month of love, and every month. Without your continued support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love – bring fresh and exciting content to you.
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providing you with maximum comfort, air quality and energy savings
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DESIREE CALLENDER & ASSOCIATES
The The Month Month For For GIVING GIVING THANKS! THANKS!
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THE VOICE CONTESTANT
Bowie Native Tamara Jade Shares Her Joy & Musical Journey
FEBRUARY 2021
HOW
DESSERT CAN CHANGE LIVES
Alexis Streets, Owner of The Dessert Junkie shares her delectable vision
Art In The City
Check Out
Gorgeous Murals Across the Metro area
Our Classic Gift Guide & Favorite Holiday Traditions
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Barbara Lee Life Coaching Center Relationship & Transformation Coach Barbara Tydings
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To begin your transformation, visit BowieLifeCoach.com or call 410-212-0671.
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Barbara Lee
LIFE COACHING CENTER
Article By Alyson Turner Photography By John Wardell
Certified Relationship & Transformation Coach Barbara Tydings is here to help those who feel stuck in their relationships and guide them on the way to happiness. 23 true | February 2021
In challenging times, people often retreat into their own comfort zone. This can be especially true in relationships when partners or spouses feel disconnected from one another. Relationship Coach Barbara Tydings works to serve people in the community in order to help them transform their relationship to one of joy. “My specialty is couples. I enjoy helping couples emotionally bond. I am really big on serving vs selling and purpose vs profit. I want to help people and serve my tribe,” Barbara says, “I want to be able to help others to improve their lives and improve their relationships.” For Barbara, her calling to serve others has led her on this path. “We are all put on this earth for a reason. We are all put in a community, we all have an appointed purpose and not everyone realizes that. I believe that healthy relating is essential to any relationship. A lot of people look at relationships as disposable. We were never intended to get married and divorced. I am a Christian and I do believe that God has a plan and his original plan is for us to live joyfully and abundantly,” she says, “There is a lot of confusion in the world. People are confused and hurting. I believe in the value of marriage, the sanctity of marriage and coming together to create a happy life in a community. I also believe in helping the individual. That is my purpose to help people.” Many people first seek out a relationship coach because there is a disconnect or an unhappiness within that relationship. From a coaching standpoint, Barbara believes that there is enough happiness to go around and that it starts in the home. “I help couples, I help individuals, and I help even a few very young adults.
Currently, Barbara is doing complimentary discovery calls. All coaching is virtual or24 over the2021phone due to COVID-19. | February
People are looking to be happy, looking for their purpose and they want to know their why. Everyone has a different walk. People don’t understand why they are stuck and it is because of their belief and their conditioning,” Barbara tells us, “We all are conditioned from birth-whatever someone believes becomes feelings, feelings become actions, and actions become results. Those results can feel be good or bad. I help people have breakthroughs, to get unstuck, and to see what they want to achieve. I help people see through the impossible. Oftentimes, people are brought together who have these problems and they don’t realize that all it takes is a little shift in thinking. They are stuck in the problem and they are not focused on the solution. They are cut off from the creative side of the brain. There is no room for growth and there is no resolution.” Barbara is here to help with that resolution. She offers a very organic process that starts and ends with conversation. She believes that a short-term investment in yourself offers a lifetime of results. While many people can feel unsure about starting the coaching program, they find that once they do join, the impact lasts forever. “When a client comes to me, they know what they want, but they don’t know how to get it. I help them get what they want to let them live a very joyful life. When you really believe in something, you know it works if people work it. There is no magic pill and anything worth having is worth working for,” Barbara says, “We live in a ‘microwave society’, people want what they want now. They forget the value of waiting and working. That influence infiltrated households and people give up. When there is conflict, I help people get clear on what it is that they want.” Barbara’s transformation program is there to help clients work through the pain in their life. “Someone is in enough pain to say, ‘Hey, I need help.’ I speak with them and ask, ‘What is the source of the pain? What are you feeling? What do you want?’ Every single client knows the answer and they just don’t know how to get there and that is my job.” The process starts with a complimentary discovery call in which Barbara speaks with potential clients to figure out their wants and needs. The initial process is a 10-week commitment called “Transformations”. Barbara works with clients once-a-week for those 10 weeks to help them get where they want to be. Clients are also able to continue in another second 10-week session if they feel that they have more to work on.
“I help couples emotionally bond so that they can enrich and grow their relationship. Some people may say ‘What does that mean?’ A lot of people don’t understand the term love languages. I use the methodology of love languages for couples to emotionally bond, to grow that relationship whether it is a romantic relationship, a marriage or a platonic relationship such as in the workplace. Emotional bonding is knowing that love language; to know how to give love in the way that your partner receives love. Oftentimes, you are not speaking the same language that your partner needs. You need to fill your partner’s love tank. You need to understand how to connect through the love language of the partner even when it’s not your love language. Your partner will learn to do the same for you.” Discovering that love language, discovering how to communicate and connect is Barbara’s expertise. Through the coaching process, Barbara helps clients uncover what they need and where they want to go. “I help people make visions for the future and to rewire their brain to make decisions [that create] that future,” she says, “A quote that I have adopted is, ‘It is not about finding the right person it is about being the right person.’ It is about being the right person by understanding what it is your partner needs. A lot of couples don’t even realize why they were attracted to each other in the first place. It is very important to get clear on that, you need to give your partner the respect of their love language. When people are emotionally bonded, it is an active love and you are sacrificing yourself for someone else’s well-being. You are saying, ‘Your needs are so important to me that I want to make sure your needs are met.’ It is contagious and in return your spouse is going to do that for you. It takes time to learn, to grow, and to get to know each other.” “There are a lot of breakthroughs that go on in my sessions. It is very liberating. People don’t truly understand that when there is an obstacle there, they are not operating from their true-self. They are operating from old programming and that is the transformation piece. Only then is the trueself is allowed to emerge. We are shedding the old thinking and replacing it with the true-self; what they are called to do. It is my job to help guide people to that place. It is scary for some. People are used to doing what they know. They say, “I don’t know if I am ready for this,” but on the other side of fear is success. It is really cool to be part of that journey for others and to help them get there. The initial transformation process is just 10 weeks, but a small investment for a lifetime of results is priceless.”
To begin your transformation, visit BowieLifeCoaching.com or call 410-212-0671.
ARTISTS Who’ve Captured AMY SHERALD
Photo Credit: AmySherald.com
“The Bathers”
Amy Sherald, 48, is an American painter based in Baltimore whose subjects are black people participating in everyday activities. According to her website, AmySherald.com Amy was born in Columbus, Georgia in 1973. She “[r]eceived her MFA in Painting from Maryland Institute College of Art (2004) and BA in Painting from Clark-Atlanta University (1997), and was a Spelman College International Artist-in-Residence in Portobelo, Panama (1997). In 2016, Sherald was the first woman to win the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition grand prize; an accompanying exhibition, The Outwin 2016, has been on tour since 2016 and opened at the Kemper Museum, Kansas City, MO in October 2017. Sherald has had solo shows at venues including Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago (2016); Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Baltimore (2013); and University of North Carolina, Sonja Haynes Stone Center, Chapel Hill (2011).” She is well-known for painting the stunning official portrait of Michelle Obama that delighted both art lovers and Obama fans alike. As reported by CultureType.com, “A double portrait by Amy Sherald set an astronomic new auction record December 7 at Phillips New York. “The Bathers” (2015) soared to $4,265,000 against a low-six figure estimate of $150,000-$200,000. The painting sold for about 20 times its high estimate with bidding ongoing for 15 minutes. “The Bathers” was the first lot in the 20th Century & Contemporary Art Evening Sale and, among the results, it was the fifth highest-priced lot.”
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Photo credits: Getty Images
the Hearts of a Nation TYLER GORDON Photo Credit: TheTylerGordon.com
14-year old artist Tyler Gordon has faced many struggles in his young life. His website, TheTylerGordon.com, tells his inspirational story, “Born and raised in San Jose California, Tyler Gordon has been through a lot in his 14 years. He was born deaf and at the age of six, he underwent an experimental surgery and regained some of his hearing, he then had to learn to speak. This left him with a stutter, which led to bullying at school. As an artist, that struggle and adversity has shaped who he is. At age ten, he told his mother, “Mom, I want to paint.” His mom, a painter herself, knew that Tyler liked to sneak up at night and watch her paint, but he’d never shown interest in trying himself, until now. She gave him some black paint and left him to work. Twenty minutes later, Tyler had painted a portrait of his school principal that blew his mom away. He was a natural. Tyler began posting some of his paintings on Facebook and was encouraged by the response. He painted a portrait of Golden State Warriors basketball star Kevin Durant, which led to Durant’s mother reaching out to buy it. Soon he was commissioned to paint portraits of the entire team. Even with more eyes on his paintings, Tyler still had struggles to overcome. In 2019, he was diagnosed with a Vitamin D deficiency after his femurs broke while he was just walking. He spent a year and a half in a wheelchair, but continued painting, progressing and evolving. This year, he was awarded the “2020 Global Child Prodigy Award” for his art. Through it all, Tyler remains humble, grounded and determined to make the world a better place. While the celebrity portraits, news shows, and big sales are all nice, his favorite thing to do is share what he’s learned through his “Paint with Tyler” videos online.”
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The Bin Men
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Owners and Founders of The Bin Men, Kareem Dennis and Jermaine Newman, have the drive and the desire to serve the community. Their state-of-the-art equipment sanitizes and deodorizes residential and commercial trash bins and dumpsters as well as commercial offices. They are the first black-owned company of this sort in the area as no other company offers electro static UV cleaning for trash bins. They are an ecoconscious, licensed and insured business dedicated to world-class customer service. The Bin Men was born of a goal to maintain a healthier and happier community. Kareem and Jermaine were neighbors in Laurel, Maryland, who met one evening when a fire alarm had the residents of their apartment building heading out to the parking lot. “One particular night, there was a fire alarm going off and I proceeded to knock on everyone’s doors to get them outside,” Kareem said. “It was an emergency fire drill and Kareem was making sure everyone was safe. We started a conversation as we were standing outside in the cold,” Jermaine added. After that first conversation, Kareem and Jermaine began a friendship that turned into a business partnership. Kareem had been working in sanitation for 17 years for the City of Bowie as well as for an energy savings company. Kareem says, “I used to sit on the balcony a lot [wearing] the multi-level marketing company apparel and I never realized I was advertising for that the company. [Jermaine and I] were talking about that as the
drill was being conducted. One day Jermaine stopped me when I was going to a presentation.” “It was an interesting day and I was having a hard day at work when Kareem said he was going to a meeting and I invited myself,” Jermaine says, “We went to the meeting and it blew my mind. It was something I had never heard of before and it opened up my mind to a different world- to dabble in that business structure and [Kareem] took me under his wing.” Jermaine decided to join Kareem as a part of a business working to reduce energy bills and they formed their team, “TBM -Teach. Build. Motivate.” They both felt strongly about the importance of residual income and being able to provide for their families. This business bond was the beginning of their partnership that would eventually lead the two men to forming their own company called The Bin Men – the first company to bring a machine like theirs to Prince George’s County. Kareem tells us, “Prior to opening The Bin Men, I had told Jermaine that [friends had told him], ‘You should start cleaning trash bins when you are dumping them every day.’ Then, I started doing some research.” Kareem realized that there was a dire need for this type of service. After 17 years in sanitation work, he knew that a multitude of illness-carrying bacteria and viruses lingered on trash receptacles. He would often see young people on his route
The Bin Men work in both residential and commercial areas. They also can connect with HOA’s and Property Management 30 | February 2021 Companies for group rates.
who were getting sick after bringing the trash bins in from the street. “I know that kids and teenagers are getting an allowance to take their cans and trash bins back to the house and they were catching colds. I saw them every day and every week. [Sanitation workers] are touching over a thousand cans a day with the same pair of gloves. In 2013, I researched a company in the UK that had an actual machine [to sanitize trash bins] and I found a vendor, but I wasn’t financially ready. I then showed Jermaine this machine in the midst of selling energy and once he saw it, he grabbed the concept. That is when we really put it in production around 2015 to start building the machine. This was way before COVID-19 occurred and this became our mission,” Kareem says.
Kareem says, “It is going very well so far and every day we are retaining customers. I want people to know that we are here for them. Right now, we are serving Prince George’s County and the surrounding areas. There has been a huge demand in Annapolis and Charles County. We have also been going out and servicing other areas as well where there is a high need.”
Kareem and Jermaine understand why people don’t want to touch trash cans that are filled with spoiled food, waste, and bugs. They saw this as an opportunity to help people and serve the community. The vendor finished their truck in 2020 and delivered it to The Bin Men. It is unlike any other service in the area. Kareem says, “A lot of people try to DIY [Do-It-Yourself], but as we learned during our environmental classes that when you clean out your cans with running water and bleach, all of that waste water goes into the drain and into the ground. Our machine takes that waste water and filters it back to natural water so that it is not running back into the street. Inside the truck, there are spinning heads that rotate 360 degrees at 3500 PSI with 220-degree water to clean, sanitize and deodorize.”
In addition to the services that they offer The Bin Men believe in giving back and providing for those in need. They gave away 400 meals for Thanksgiving, and 400 meals the week prior to Thanksgiving. For Christmas in collaboration with Prince George’s County, they helped to provide gifts for 150 children. Kareem, who has been married for over 20 years, feels a deep connection with Bowie. Not only was he an employee of the City of Bowie for 17 years, he was a Bowie resident for over 20 years, and attended First Baptist Church of Glenarden for over 22 years. He has always worked to serve the community including speaking to the young men housed at Boys Village’ of Maryland (Cheltenham Youth Detention Center) to help motivate them on to the right track.
The way that the service works is that customers schedule their appointment for after trash collection day. Cans must be empty because The Bin Men do not do waste disposal. Once the trash has been picked up and cans are empty, they will come to the home or business and clean the bins. They can clean residential cans from 32 gallon to 96 gallons. They can also clean dumpsters from 2 yards to 8 yards. They also offer electro static UV cleaning for free for those who order the monthly package. The electro static UV cleaning is also available for doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and other commercial offices. It is highly effective at killing viruses and unsafe germs.
He attributes his success to the way he was raised and seeing the strong work ethic of his family. “My grandad was the owner of multiple gas stations; my father was the owner of a fleet of limousines and busses. I also worked in the music business with my uncle, George Clinton, for 15 years. My mother raised me to do mission work, took me to church every Sunday along with teaching me the ropes of business and how it works.”
Kareem, Jermaine and their team are proud of the work they are doing in the community. Kareem tells us, “Airports, bus stations, and other forms of public transportation are using this electro static UV cleaning technology because it keeps the virus down. With our monthly package we just give it away because it is so effective when it comes to the [COVID-19] virus.”
Today, The Bin Men continue that legacy of hard work and service to the community. “Our mission is making a healthier community.”
For more information or to schedule your service, visit TheBinMenDMV.com or call 240-348-4486. 31 | February 2021
Simply Happening
Capitol Policeman Eugene Goodman Acted Heroically During the Storming of The Capitol As reported by MSN.com, “Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman was hailed as a hero after he put himself in harm’s way during the violent riots last week. While a pro-Trump mob breached security and stormed the Capitol, Goodman diverted a group of rioters away from the Senate chamber. Now, several members of Congress want to recognize Goodman for his bravery. A bipartisan bill to award Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal has been introduced by U.S. Representatives Charlie Crist (D-Florida), Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Missouri) and Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina). In a press release, Crist called Goodman a hero.” The United States Capitol was under attack by armed, violent extremists, and Officer Eugene Goodman was the only thing standing between the mob and the United States Senate,” Crist said. “I shudder to think what might have happened had it not been for Officer Goodman’s fast thinking and commitment to his duty and his country.” “While some will remember last Wednesday for the very worst in our country, the patriotism and heroics of Officer Eugene Goodman renew my faith and remind us all what truly makes the United States great,” he continued. Mace said that when Goodman “was the only thing standing between Members of Congress and the violent mob, he quickly and selflessly redirected their fury upon himself so those Members could escape. Thanks to his valor, we are here today,’ she continued. ‘From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank him enough for his bravery and for his dedication to the call of duty.’ Several members of Congress have opened up about their experiences during the rioting, with some saying they feared for their lives. Video taken by HuffPost politics reporter Igor Bobic shows Goodman standing in a few steps ahead of the mob, trying to hold them back, and then heading up a staircase as the men chase after him. The harrowing video went viral and Goodman was quickly identified. Goodman is an [alumnus of Central High School in Prince George’s County] Army veteran who spent time in Iraq, CBS Washington, D.C., affiliate WUSA reported. While the Capitol Police leadership has been criticized for the security failures, and its chief has resigned, many immediately praised Goodman for his brave and quickthinking reaction at a crucial moment in the crisis. Now, there is an effort to praise him publicly and award him with a medal.” Photo Credit: Twitter
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Hometown Heroes
Abby Phillip, Bowie High School Alumna, Promoted to CNN Anchor Announced in January 2021, CNN Political Correspondent Abby Phillip is being promoted to CNN Anchor. According to her profile on the CNN.com website, “She joined the network in 2017 to cover the Trump Administration and served as White House Correspondent through 2019. In January 2020, she moderated CNN’s Democratic Presidential Debate in Iowa. She also anchored special coverage of Election Night in America surrounding the 2020 election, which lasted several days until CNN was the first news outlet to project Joe Biden as the winner. Phillip joined CNN from The Washington Post where she most recently served as a national political reporter, covering the White House. While at The Washington Post, Phillip wrote on a wide range of subjects related to the Trump White House, including efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, the president’s overseas trip to Poland and Germany for his first G-20. As a campaign reporter during the 2016 election Phillip extensively covered Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Phillip was also a general assignment reporter for the Washington Post, where she covered domestic an international news including the tragic Charleston, S.C. and San Bernardino massacres. Before joining the Washington Post, Phillip was a digital reporter for politics at ABC News. She has also covered the Obama White House for POLITICO as well as campaign finance and lobbying. Phillip is working on her first book, THE DREAM DEFERRED: Jesse Jackson, Black Political Power, and the Year that Changed America, which will be released in 2022 and serve as the first major contemporary book on the life and political legacy of Jackson, focusing on his groundbreaking run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988. Phillip was raised in Bowie, Md. and is a graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Government. She currently lives in Washington with her husband. Photo Credit: CNN.com
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FEBRUARY 2021
HOW
DESSERT CAN CHANGE LIVES
Entrepreneur & Sweet Treats Extraordinaire Alexis Streets shares her delectable vision
Art In The City
Gorgeous Murals Across the Metro area 34
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February 2021