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Did You Know?

The Benefits of Fasting

Health-minded individuals have probably heard the term ‘intermittent fasting’ thrown around in recent years, but what exactly does it look like, and is it good for you? In general, like any other form of dieting or nutrition management, the effectiveness of intermittent fasting varies by the individual and should be discussed with your primary care professionals. Broadly speaking, intermittent fasting focuses primarily on when you eat and at what intervals, less so on a specific dietary plan.

Potential Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

According to an article in Johns Hopkins Medicine titled “Intermittent Fasting: What is it, and how does it work?" research so far has indicated that intermittent fasting has several possible benefits, such as:

• Better memory- Studies have noted that intermittent fasting can boost working memory in animals, as well as verbal memory for adult humans.

• A healthy heart- Blood pressure and resting heart rates have been measured to improve with intermittent fasting, as well as other heart-related measurement factors.

• Physical performance- Young men fasting for 16 hours demonstrated fat loss while maintaining muscle mass. Mice fed on alternate days showing better endurance running.

• Help with obesity and weight loss- In studies conducted on animals, intermittent fasting prevented obesity. Six brief studies showed that obese adult humans lost weight by intermittent fasting.

• Tissue health- In animal studies, intermittent fasting reduced tissue damage related to surgery and improved results.

Who Shouldn’t Intermittent Fast?

As a relatively new dietary technique, intermittent fasting still requires further examination to fully evaluate its effectiveness. You should always consult with your primary care professionals before making any major long-term dietary changes.

There are some individuals who should not engage in intermittent fasting, according to the John Hopkins article. It is not considered safe to intermittent fast if you are a child or teen under age 18, a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, a person with diabetes or blood sugar problems, or a person with a history of eating disorders.

Popular Intermittent Fasting Methods

Here are three common formats that intermittent fasting can take:

• Daily time-restricted fasting- This is probably the most common and most manageable form of intermittent fasting for most people. It focuses on eating a normal diet but only within a standard six- to eight-hour time window each day. For example, a person might have their first meal around 10:00 a.m., smaller snack meals around Noon and 3:00 p.m., and a final meal at about 5:00 p.m. each day. Then, no more eating after 6:00 p.m.

• Alternate-day fasting- This is kind of a day-on and day-off scenario. One day, a person eats a normal diet for them. The next day, they would either abstain from food or limit themselves to one small meal with fewer than 500 calories.

• 5:2 fasting- This involves eating a normal, healthy diet five days a week and engaging in two fasting days a week. The severity of the fasting on fasting days can vary based on dietary requirements.



Remember that if you engage in an intermittent fasting plan under advisement of a primary care professional, you may experience symptoms such as headaches, anxiety or nausea. If these symptoms do not ease over time as your body grows used to your diet, then intermittent fasting may not be the best option for you.

Healthy Tips For 2025

Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

I was honored to speak at the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce’s holiday meeting. It is always a pleasure to meet and hear from business owners. Pictured L to R: GBCC Executive Director Darrell Carrington, GBCC President and Bowie City Councilmember at Large Wanda Rogers, Senator Ron Watson. 

I was excited to witness my niece, Bria Roy, interview our Acting County Executive, Tara Jackson, for a project for the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Bria did a great job! Pictured L to R: Acting County Executive Tara Jackson, Gloria B. Thornwell (Chair, Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy), Bria Roy, Lynn Hawthorne (Bria’s proud Mom).

The Greenbelt Business Alliance’s inaugural Business Awards Gala was a tremendous success! Many amazing Greenbelt businesses were nominated. Congratulations to all of the WINNERS! I am pictured with Senator Alonzo Washington, Mayor Jordan and members of the Greenbelt City Council, Greenbelt City Manager Josue Salmeron, Darrell Carrington (far left) and John Mason (far right).

Please review the In Layman’s Terms section and click HERE to view all legislation and click HERE to view the calendar with the dates and times for committee meetings and public hearings.

I am proud to continue to serve as the Chair of the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee, the Vice Chair of the Education and Workforce Development Committee and a member of the Health and Human Services and Public Safety Committee. I am also serving on the Council of Governments Board of Directors and Council liaison to the Prince George’s Municipal Association.

You can click this link to view all 2025 County Council Committee Assignments. 

Dear Non-Profit Organizations,

Thank you for ALL of the tremendous work you do in service to the residents of District 4 and Prince George’s County. I am encouraging you to apply NOW for a District 4 Special Appropriations Grant for FY 2025. 

Please click here, FY25 Prince Georges County Council Grant Application to apply.

Applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis throughout the fiscal year. Be sure to include Council Member Watson's name under "(C)" Grant Application to Council Member.

Best Practices for HOA Meetings

This month, our SPOTLIGHT features some “best practices” for running effective HOA meetings – including a Robert’s Rules of Order Cheat Sheet and a Sample HOA Meeting Agenda

(see below).

You will also find the link to the county’s premier online HOA training program, EDvantage.

The online program is self-paced and is another beneficial tool for your community’s success.  

Start today, visit: https://ocredvantagepublic.princegeorgescountymd.gov/

SAMPLE AGENDA

New Town HOA Meeting Agenda

New Town Clubhouse

February 3, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.

Call to Order

Type of Meeting: (Regular or Executive Session)

Determination of Board Quorum

Approval of Minutes (from previous meeting)

President’s Report

Treasurer’s Report

Committee Reports

Unfinished Business

New Business

Review of Action Items

Next Meeting

Adjourn

Relish Wellness Market is a family owned and operated brand, where we strive to bring you fresh, ethically and organically sourced pantry items.

We want to heal our collective community; one cup of mushroom tea at a time.

From Powders and tinctures, to loose teas and fresh pressed juice cleanses, Relish Market is all about inside-out health and wellness.

About The Founders:

Stephanie Freeman and Alexia Yates are co-owners of Relish Market located in Brentwood, MD. Relish Market is a specialty market focused on beverages, pantry, and wellness. The market is known for its house-made beverages, smoothies, wellness products, soups, herbs & spices, and condiments. The market also hosts over 16 local DMV vendors. 

Stephanie Freeman founded Relish Market in 2018 and opened a storefront inside of Savor Food Hall (now miXt Food Hall) in October 2019. Stephanie started in the food industry in 2013 as an urban farmer and food entrepreneur selling her hot sauce and condiment brand, Pepperly Love, at farmer’s markets and events throughout the DMV area. 

Alexia “Lex” Yates formally joined the company in 2020 and is focused on catering, custom and private label beverage orders, and is the one behind “Soups by Lex”. Lex has a background as a chef in facilities and large restaurants, and she enjoys cooking and creating new beverages.

3809 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD 20722

info@relishmarket.com

202-838-7568

Important Contact Information For You

Greenbelt Recreation's Spring & Summer Camp Guide is Live!

It's time to start planning for your spring and summer campers!

Greenbelt Recreation’s Camp Guide for 2025 is here to help. Mark your calendars for spring camp from April 14 to 18, and get ready for five exciting summer camp sessions June 23 through August 22. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Registration opens on February 10 for residents and February 18 for non-residents.

Learn more at www.greenbeltmd.gov/camps

Prince George’s County Snow Response Plan

Please see the Prince George’s County Snow Response Plan HERE.

Greenbelt Celebrates Black American History Month

Fatherhood Empowerment Initiative

Participants will engage in a 6-month Rites of Passage program that will culminate with a graduation ceremony. 

In addition to weekly interactive group sessions, participants will engage in coursework outside of class, including tasks to further enhance the foundation of fatherhood, family reintegration, and relationship sustainability. 

Presented by Bruce D. Edwards, Esq., in conjunction with the Returning Citizens Affairs Division of the Office of the County Executive.

Nutrition & Cancer Wellness - A Virtual Event

Help Stop Human Trafficking

The February Bowie Spotlight

Check out the February Spotlight for details on new speed camera locations, the Electronics Recycling Event (2/22), National Anthem and Voice of Bowie Auditions (2/22), #BowieSpeaks Community Conversations (2/25), the Bowie Youth & Family Services Open House (2/27), and ways to get involved in Bowie!

Link: https://www.cityofbowie.org/Archive.aspx?ADID=4946

Check out this week's hottest job opportunities now available on Employ Prince George's website!

Whether you're interested in Hospitality, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, or more, we've got a diverse range of positions waiting for you.

Click the link below to explore all the exciting job openings and discover your next career move today!

https://www.employpg.org/hot-jobs/

For more information about Employ Prince George's visit EmployPG.org or visit the

American Job Center Largo

1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 120, Largo, MD 20774

Phone - (301) 618 -8400

Job Fair and Resources at the Diyanet Center

Career Takeover 2025

Don't Forget Your Pets

Cold Weather Tips For Pets

Looking For Volunteers

Are you interested in helping with animals at Prince George's County Animal Shelter?



Join us on Wednesday, February 5th, 6pm, 2025, at 10 a.m. for our volunteer orientation.

Volunteers would assist with:

• Helping walk & socialize dogs.

• Play with cats.

• Assist with feeding.

• Cleaning pet spaces

• Office work

• Events, and more!



For more information, visit

www.princegeorgespets4us.com

The mission of the Department of the Environment is a healthy, beautiful, and sustainable county through programs that provide clean water, flood control, recycling and waste management, litter prevention, sustainable animal management and pet adoption in partnership with residents and other stakeholders.

I invite you to collaborate, engage, partner, and champion with them as they employ innovative and sustainable approaches to their environmental challenges.

Some of their core services include:

• Providing clean water services;
• Flooding prevention for buildings and structures;
• Collecting, processing and diverting waste from the county-operated landfill, commercial facilities and households;
• Providing sustainability services to reduce greenhouse gas and emission; and
• Facilitating pet adoptions, managing an animal holding facility, issuing pet licenses, investigating cruelty complaints and conducting humane outreach and education events.

Please click HERE to learn more about them on their site as it is intended to assist you with learning more about their organization and its programs and services.

Pick It UP! Campaign

Do You Need A Reusable Bag?

By using a reusable shopping bag, you can decrease the resources used on plastic bag production and disposal and protect the environment from plastic pollution.

At the same time, you can save money, look stylish, and enjoy a better quality of life.

If you should need a complimentary District 4 reusable bag, please contact my office.

Phone: (301) 952-3094

Email: councildistrict4@co.pg.md.us

Get Help Filling Out Financial Aid Forms

The Office of College Readiness will host two FAFSA/MSFAA support sessions to assist families with completing financial aid forms.

February 22, 2025

Fairmont Heights High School

6501 Columbia Park Road

Landover, Maryland 20785

March 7, 2025

Parkdale High School

6001 Good Luck Road

Riverdale, Maryland 20737

Both events will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Please bring your 2021-2022 tax documents for reference.

For more information, email alonzo.bailey@pgcps.org or olivia.pearson@pgcps.org.

Paul Nadler - Animal Advocate

Do you remember the day your first pet adopted you? It felt pretty good, didn’t it? Well, Paul Nadler remembered that feeling too and has dedicated his entire retirement to making sure that others get to experience that magical feeling. Since 2012, this overachiever has united thousands of pets with people, greatly improving the lives of various dogs, cats, ducks, rabbits, turtles and birds, as well as the very special people who love and care for them. Numerous studies have pointed out the physiological and psychological benefits of companion animals for people in all walks of life. By rescuing unwanted pets and ensuring a better life for them, there is a much broader benefit to the humans with whom they bond. Paul instinctively knew this when he began his full-time commitment to animal rescue.

Paul served in the Navy and worked for the Washington Metro Transit Authority for many years as an electrician. After his formal career, he began volunteering to transport animals from high-kill rural shelters in the south, to organizations in the Mid Atlantic where they could be adopted. In Beaufort County, North Carolina, Paul built a coalition of rescue contacts and the group was able to reduce the kill rate at one shelter from sixty percent to under five percent in less than 5 years. Dream Runners, the animal rescue transport organization that Paul founded, transports dogs, cats and the occasional rabbit three times a week, ensuring that upwards of eight hundred pets, and counting, get to a safe haven for adoption where they can enrich the lives of hundreds of families each year.

Not content to simply drive hundreds of miles transporting shelter animals up and down the East Coast, Paul started trapping feral and stray cats for Bowie Citizens for Local Animal Welfare, Incorporated (Bowie CLAW), a non-profit dedicated to protecting the animals in our local community. One aspect of that is to humanely deal with the feral cat population. To do this, Trapper Paul will trap, neuter and return (TNR) cats to their colonies where there are volunteers who feed and care for them. Feral cats are not usually cooperative and thus it takes a special person to trap them so that they can be vaccinated against rabies and be altered to prevent reproduction so as not to continue contributing to the cat population. Retrieving a lost pet cat or a stray who was abandoned by its family also necessitates the ability to trap, and Paul takes the job very seriously in both cases. Paul has traversed storm drains and attics, crawled into dark spaces under houses and sheds, scaled trees and fences, and entered into various other nasty places in order to rescue cats and dogs in difficulty. In the last year alone, he has trapped over 500 animals, mostly cats and kittens, but also some fan-tailed doves.

Another aspect of Paul’s commitment to the people and animals in the local community is his willingness to take on the leadership role within Bowie CLAW. While he prefers the more hands-on activities to which the group is dedicated, such as fostering cats and kittens, taking animals to medical appointments, setting up for adoption events, and nursing sick animals back to health, Paul stepped in and cheerfully took on the role of President, which entails a good deal of administrative burden. He held this position for the past five years and only recently stepped down, all the while continuing his other animal related activities, including stepping in to help other volunteers in their roles.

Paul Nadler has made a difference in so many people’s and animals’ lives that it is tough to quantify all the good he has done in the community. His technical skills, and leadership acumen have been integral to thousands of happy outcomes between people and pets. Another facet of his volunteering with Bowie CLAW has Paul contributing to the welfare of the recipients of the local Food Pantry by distributing pet food and other pet needs to the people who use it, allowing people to keep their companion animals with them despite hard times. This also keeps those pets out of overcrowded and underfunded shelters. Currently supporting 30 pets and their families each month, this action has impacted hundreds of families and their pets over the years. In addition, his work with Bowie CLAW alone has led to the adoption of over 200 cats and kittens each year. In a world where the media is always ready to report troubling news, Paul’s unselfish efforts for animal welfare are an uplifting example of the good occurring in our community.

Ingrid S. Watson

District 4 Council Member - Prince George's County