Ecolocity  - Urban Gardening Planning

Ecolocity-DC, an organization formed to create an urban intentional community in DC, will meet to discuss the use of the ECAC land for an urban gardening program.  The program will ultimately involve training, certification, CSA, supplier gardens, garden service, marketing produce, and more. If you'd like to be involved please come to this meeting.  There will be a potluck following the discussion so please bring something to share.

a continuing open discussion on the rising food costs.  What are the necessary step of shopping & saving?  What are your views on GM (Genetically Modified Foods) and Seed Banks?  Share your views and ideas along with your art.

The Gateway Intro & Workshop

Learn to go beyond spiritual theory to positive, tangible proof of spiritual laws. This Intro Workshop will show you how easily anyone can learn to apply spiritual laws.  This workshop is an introduction to the Gateway Course, which demonstrates spiritual law in a way that not only gives undeniable proof, but also teaches WHY it happens.  You can learn to go beyond spiritual theory to positive, tangible proof of spiritual laws.  Graduates of the Course will demonstrate the basic skill of finding, diagnosing, and possibly healing strangers at a distance.  We will expand on those basic skills to further control and enhance their lives, as well as to explore other sources of knowledge.

For more information or to register call George Wilson at (703) 637-0353 or vmac1@cox.net.

Lecture: "Educating from the Roots" by Mercè Traveset i Vilaginés (Barcelona, Spain)

Join us for a presentation of the Systemic Pedagogy, an education based in the Orders of Love of Bert Hellinger, creator of the Family Constellations Therapy, by Mercè Traveset i Vilaginés. The Systemic Pedagogy is an education based in relationships. It is a methodology that allows parents and teachers to look at education as an ecosystem linked to familial, social, cultural, and historical systems and shows how all these influences have repercussions in any learning process. It feels like magic when one is able to educate free hearts while projecting rays of hope and light beyond darkness; when one is able to look at the solution and connect the people with the strengths of their love, their destiny and their potential. The lecture will include an introduction to Bert Hellinger's Family Constellations work, case studies and a practice. Questions and consultations from the audience are welcome, time permitting.

 Mercè Traveset i Vilaginés is a teacher, psychologist, family constellator, therapist with more than 25 years of experience, and teacher of teachers. She coordinates the formation of the Systemic Pedagogy in Barcelona. Mercè is the author of the book "Pedagogía Sistémica, Fundamentos y Práctica" (Systemic Pedagogy: Foundations and Practice) Ed. Grao, 2007. Visit www.mercetraveset.com for more information.

Cost: Donation

Meeting of Ecolocity DC

Meet other local people who live in, or are interested in making DC a Transition town starting with an Intentional Community, that will encompass Clean Energy, Freecycle, Natural Building, Organic Farming, Community Salvage, New Urbanism & Sustainable Development, Permaculture, Frugal Living/Voluntary Simplicity, Greentrification, Alternative Commerce (e.g. CES/LETS), Greentrepreneurs, Training and Education. We welcome anyone who appreciates the enormity of the perfect storm of peak oil, global warming, food shortage, and economic decline brewing on the horizon. You realize that life as we know it will never be the same and you are prepared to take radical and urgent action in concert with others. http://ecolocity.ning.com

Cost:

Self-Healing for the Eyes

Based on the principles developed at the Meir Schnider School of Self-Healing, we will spend the day learning self-healing techniques to relax and encourage the proper use of our eyes.  One day of work on your visual system can clear accumulated eye strain and improve your vision greatly. Come learn how to give your eyes breath and vitality! Be prepared to work without your glasses and contact lens.  We will work standing up as well as sitting on the floor or chair.  Bring your own lunch. For more information contact Elise Bryant, elise123007@verizon.net.

Cost: Donation

Bradley Method® Natural Childbirth Classes

Bradley® classes can help you and your coach (a trusted partner, friend or loved one who can assist you during your pregnancy and birth) become advocates for your baby. Look at your birth from a healthy perspective instead of a medical condition. Pregnancy is Not a Disease!!! Course content: Nutrition, exercise, relaxation, the coach’s role, first stage labor, second stage labor, planning your birth, variations and complications, postpartum preparation, preparing for your new family and more. Classes are held for 12 consecutive weeks for each series. For more information, please contact Shayla Boyd-Gill, AAHCC at 202-271-3240 or info@birthdiva.com .

Cost:

Drum Workshop: Roll patterns for Intermediate Students

Sharpen your 4, 5 and 6 roll patterns on the djembe and learn how to incorporate them into rhythms and solo techniques! For Intermediate students.  Registration/Questions: Call or email Kristen Arant to pre-register or inquire about the workshop: kristen@drumlady.com or 202-213-7810.

Cost: $35

Adult, Child, & Infant CPR with First Aid and AED

Do you or your employees need CPR and/or First Aid Training for your job?  If you need to be certified immediately, get the same Red Cross training, at better prices by taking TADAOW’S CPR & First Aid courses.  You will be certified that day with the nationally recognized American Lifeguard Association who teaches the skills required by the American Red Cross.  TADAOW (Theater And Drama Are Our Weapons) is a traveling theater company dedicated to staying active in the community.  All of our CPR/First Aid courses are taught by Red Cross certified instructors.  Students must preregister.  There are a limited number of spaces and it is filling up fast!  Classes must be prepaid in advance no later than August 20, 2008. For more information contact and to make payment plans Stephan Collins-Stepney 301-613-3222, scstepney@tadaowinc.ws

Cost: First Aid: $30; Adult, Child, and Infant CPR with AED: $45
           Adult, Child, & Infant CPR with First Aid and AED: $50

Extreme Makeover: Healthy Lifestyle Edition

Don't you wish you had more time to live healthier? It may be time for an Extreme Makeover approach to become more aware of the areas in your life that may be "off centered" and the obstacles which are hindering your progress to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Mind, body, and spirit must be nurtured in order for a lifestyle change to occur! Take this fun and interactive workshop from Kimberly Linton, a NASM-certified fitness trainer and lifestyle fitness coach. You will learn simple steps to achieve a healthy lifestyle, how to consistently find time to exercise and eat healthy, techniques to keep you motivated, top stress-busting strategies for busy people and much more.  You will also have access to several health & wellness resources onsite at no extra charge - 30-Minute Boot Camp, Blood Pressure Screenings, BMI & Body Fat Analysis and 10-Minute Massages.  Come learn what it means to be living the fit life! Register at http://healthylifestyleworkshop.eventbrite.com/

Cost: $40

Safety and Confidence for Women and Teens

Don't like going out alone?  Scared about being attacked?  Hate to face a harasser at work or on the street?  Don't know how to deal with people violating your boundaries or space?  Join us to learn: How to prevent or avoid attack or abuse...How to use words and body language keep a situation from getting worse...Physical strikes to end an attack and get away!  Women and teen girls ages 16+ are welcome.  Anyone can do this! You don't have to be an athlete or martial artist to help yourself be safer.  For more information call 301-608-3708, email  lauren@defendyourself.org, or check us out at defendyourself.org

Cost: $45 before Sept. 1, $55 after.Register with a friend or family member and get $5 off each!

Film: Apocalypse Africa – Made in America with Discussion by filmmaker Del Walters

Apocalypse Africa – Made in America is the most controversial documentary ever produced about Africa.  It is about blood diamonds, and uranium, and oil. It explores the role racism in US foreign policy played in the destabilization of an entire continent. It contains never before heard audio tapes, never before seen films, and interviews from the people who watched it all unfold.  There were the top secret studies ordered by US Presidents before the official policy of the United States is changed.  Most remain classified.  Two are considered the most controversial ever written.  National Security Study Memorandum 200 declared global overpopulation a threat to the national security of the US, and tied US foreign aid to population control which included sterilization.  NSSM 201, ordered one day later, increased arms sales to Africa. Filmmaker Del Walters is also author of the book “The Race”, a novel about a man poised to become the first Black president struggling to stay alive.  He will have copies of the book and the movie for sale at ECAC.

Cost:$10 suggested donation

Beginning Chess for All Ages

The next series in the ECAC Intergenerational Arts and Education program features the basics of chess. Many young people, especially girls shy away from this game but once the basic moves are learned, there’s no limit to the ways you can express yourself on the board. Learn from chess pros who will step you through the basics. Bring the whole family. Cheryl Richardson of FLAME Financial will host the sessions.

Jam Session & Potluck

Back by popular demand! This is an informal gathering of musicians who just enjoy playing, networking and eating together. If you aren't musically inclined, be an official audience member and enjoy the vibe.

Abstract Painting Workshop Series

Explore different painting techniques and fundamentals including texture, line, form, color and composition. This class, taught by the Blackstone Arts and Humanities Consortium & Ministry of Arts and Culture covers the basics of painting with water colors with an emphasis on abstraction. Through individual instruction, group critiques and simple exercises, students will be encouraged to develop their own styles. For information contact Anthony or Letitia at 301-585-4144.

Cost: $20 per workshop

Bradley classes can help you and your coach (a trusted partner, friend or loved one who can assist you during your pregnancy and birth) become advocates for your baby.  Look at your birth from a healthy perspective instead of a medical condition.  Pregnancy is Not a Disease!!! 

Course content: Nutrition, exercise, relaxation, the coach's role, first stage labor, second stage labor, planning your birth, variations and complications, postpartum preparation, preparing for your new family and more. Classes are held for 12 consecutive weeks.  

For more information, please contact Shayla Boyd-Gill, AAHCC at 202-271-3240 or info@birthdiva.com or visit www.birthdiva.com

Cost: Donation

Craft Circle

Do you knit, crochet, bead or do other craftwork? Bring it to our Craft Circle Friday March 2nd and be in the company of others who do handiwork as well. This is not a class, just a gathering for those who like to work with others and share what they do. All are welcome!

Cost: Donation

Qi Gong

Balance, refine and empower your energy in 2008 with QI GONG (the ancient healing art of energy management) by Manifest Health and Wellness. Qi Gong is an ancient 5,000 year-old Chinese healing art of energy management/cultivation emphasizing sitting, standing and slow moving meditation exercises that are gentle yet powerful and very transformative. Qi Gong has been proven to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and increase energy. Our classes focus on attaining optimal health and spiritual cultivation.

Each class will feature meditation, Qi Gong exercises and a discussion on energy healing and expanding consciousness. Manifest Ra is a certified Qi Gong Healer/Instructor from the Chinese Healing Arts Center and is a professional member of the National Qigong Association.

Cost: $15 per class

Renegade Voice From The Mythic Mosaic

Welcome to the world of "The Renegade Storyteller" Imakhu. Renegade Voice From The Mythic Mosaic is a unique two-act experience in theatre. Written, produced and performed by master storyteller & monologist Imakhu Mwt Shekemet,
Renegade Voice is a collection of African American folktales, contemporary urban stories, spoken word, music, and movement bringing a powerful, creative, often autobiographical voice to ancestral and contemporary Black culture. Humorous, poignant, provocative, edgy, engaging...Imakhu brings the wealth of her thirty year professional artistry to this powerful, yet simplistically staged One-Woman production.

Cost:

Kemetic Yoga

Tuesday and Thursdays at 6:30AM Khepere Anu will lead a Kemetic Yoga class which will focus on bringing Sacred Geometry to our body temple. Bring yoga, towel, and water. We will sweat! Call 202-489-8476 to register.

Cost: $10 per class

Reiki III

Presented by Catherine Locklair Barber, certified Reiki Master and Practitioner

The Third Reiki Degree is the teaching degree where information is given on passing Reiki to others. New symbols are learned and the students are able to teach Reiki Practitioners who have had Reiki II to become Reiki Masters. Reservations are required for this workshop. Call (202) 575-4472 or email clocklair@verizon.net.

Cost: $300

Reiki II

Presented by Catherine Locklair Barber, certified Reiki Master and Practitioner

This workshop is for anyone who has taken Reiki Level I and is interested in furthering their knowledge of Reiki and learning to send Reiki long distance. Registration is required. Contact Catherine Barber at (202) 575-4472 or clocklair@verizon.net.

Cost: $200

Reiki I Workshop
Presented by Catherine Locklair Barber, certified Reiki Master and Practitioner

One becomes a Reiki Practitioner by participating in a 1st Degree Reiki workshop conducted by a Reiki Master. It is not a religion. By attending the workshop and taking the initiation, one learns how to give Reiki to her/his self and others. It is an uplifting and empowering experience. The energy helps to release blockages and toxins from the body causing one to feel more relaxed and energized. Often during the training, one receives life changing experiences. Registration is required for this workshop. For more details, please call Catherine at 202-575-4472.

Reiki Intro
Presented by Catherine Locklair Barber, certified Reiki Master and Practitioner.

Reiki Share

Pleasant Plains Civic Association

Due to the renovation of Banneker Recreation Center, the September Pleasant Plains Civic Association Meeting will take place at ECAC.  Pleasant Plains is bordered by Florida Ave to the south, Spring Rd. to the North, Georgia Ave to the east and 14th St to the west.  Residents of Pleasant Plains are invited to discuss issues affecting your lives and meet other members of the community.  Seniors can meet in the front of the building at 11:45 to get a ride around back where there are fewer steps.  The Civic Association meets every second Saturday from 12-2pm.

Capoeira Children's Class

Capoeira Angola is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines acrobatics, fighting, music, history and philosophy.  It is an excellent activity for children since it stimulates coordination, musicality, socialization, discipline and curiosity about other cultures.  Classes will be held in a fun and safe environment for children 3-10 years old (classes will be separated into two age groups).  For information contact (202) 491-8870 or ficadc@hotmail.com.

Capoeira Angola Beginners

Be a kid again – sing, dance and play! A special beginning Capoeira Angola session starts on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9pm taught by Mestre Cobra Mansa. Capoeira Angola is a traditional martial art form brought by enslaved Africans to Brazil. It involves dance, music and acrobatic movements. Classes focus on movement, music and history. Email ficadc@hotmail.com to pre-register or for more info.

Visit www.capoeira-angola.org for more information

Capoeira Angola

Capoeira Angola is an African Brazilian martial art form characterized by such dynamic movements as cartwheels, handstands, spinning kicks and spontaneous acrobatics. At its highest level of practice, capoeira is considered an improvisational conversation between two bodies. The operative sensibility is very similar to a jazz performance. Capoeira Angola has its roots in Bantu tradition and was used by the enslaved Africans of Brazil as a form of revolution. In keeping with African war strategies, Capoeiristas masked the art's effectiveness from plantation overseers. The International Capoeira Angola Foundation teaches all aspects of this complex art – the movements, the music, the history, the traditions, the philosophy, bringing it all together on the first Sunday of each month with a roda or circle of Capoeira play. Visit www.capoeira-angola.org for more information

Youth Open Mike

Christylez opens this circle on Monday evenings for young people to express themselves through music, poetry, rap and whatever else they have to offer. All are welcome.

Codependents Anonymous

Co-dependency is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is also known as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive. Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA) is a 12-Step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. We gather together to support and share with each other in a journey of self-discovery -- learning to love the self. We rely upon the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions for knowledge and wisdom. These are the principles of our program and guides to developing honest and fulfilling relationships with ourselves and others. By actively working the program of Co-Dependents Anonymous, we can each realize a new joy, acceptance and serenity in our lives. Visit www.codependents.org for more information.

Volunteer Exchange Program

ECAC relies heavily on volunteer services to help in all aspects of our operation. No skill is necessary to be a volunteer, just a willingness to be a part of our growing community. Volunteer hours are rewarded with "service coupons" which can be exchanged for many of our program fees. Regular volunteer hours are on Saturdays from 10-3 but you can call (202) 462-2285 anytime and make an appointment to donate your services.