3rd Floor Views

Pearl Purpose was created as a safe space for queer and questioning youth by Leandra Nichola. It started organically with kids meeting in the Main Street Pearl micro-cafe. Kids came for drinks and vegan food in an environmentally friendly restaurant. They stayed to play games, talk and be together with like-minded friends. Thus, Pearl Purpose was born.The space allows for self-expression and exploration, and offer programs that promote identity affirmation and inspire unconditional acceptance...

Birds of Maryland author and birding expert Marc Parnell discusses how to get into birding and how to set up your backyard for optimal birdwatching. Parnell’s book details the 140 species of bird that are common to Maryland. He follows a day in the life of each bird and also a monthly bird forecast, which birds can be seen in which months.Sponsored by Annapolis Pediatrics. What to bring8X binocularsSunscreenA water bottleWear long pantsWhere to goSandy Point State ParkSusquehanna State P...

This expert panel discusses tips to help manage anxiety in children. Despite recent school shootings that can be very scary for kids and adults alike, we are still sending our kids to school. Some kids may want to stay home and they feel safest in their rooms. Panelists Dr. Shandonna Harris, a therapist specializing in client-centered therapy and Michelle Schall, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) reveal strategies for easing anxiety in kids.

Author and illustrator, Carlyn Beccia takes a look at the childhoods of ten famous people in her book, 10 at 10: The Surprising Childhoods of Ten Remarkable People.Turns out famous people have pretty typical childhoods and at ten, none of the people profiled in the book had any idea that they would become famous later in their lives. Learn about research and process behind the book, and the one theme that seems to run throughout the childhoods of the accomplished people described, including A...

Motherhood can be an isolating experience, but Mom Milestones will make new parents feel seen, encouraged, charmed, and loved. From the horrors of toddler meltdowns to the sweetness of bedtime kisses. From crying in the bathroom to reclaiming your identity, every new mom will find something to relate to, and something to laugh at, in this heartfelt, funny book that covers first becoming a mom through starting elementary school.Author Grace Farris, a doctor, mother of two sons, and cartoonist ...

Planting a Pollinator Garden introduces children to the their place in the environment. By using native plants in a garden kids learn how their efforts help the birds and bugs that depend on plants for their survival. Pollinators, the critters who travel from plant to plant with pollen on their bellies, are responsible for assisting over 80% of the world’s flowering plants to reproduce. Without them, humans and wildlife wouldn’t have much to eat.Joining us for the interview are co-author of E...

Citizen science volunteers are often essential participants in monitoring and collecting data. They are also observers for many of the different habitats and species that scientists are studying. Participation in scientific studies allows volunteers to become involved in the data collecting process. Plus volunteers have the opportunity to learn more about ongoing scientific studies and the long term impacts revealed in the studies being done.Would you like to participate?Liana Vitali, is the ...

Kate Fritz, the CEO of Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, discusses Project Clean Stream a program initiated by the Alliance. Over the last 20 years thousands of volunteers have partnered with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to clean up miles of shoreline.Project Clean Stream offers hands-on opportunities for residents, local businesses, environmental organizations, local governments, community groups, houses of worship, schools and universities, to come together to take action to restore c...

What does Green Building mean? What impact does green building have on your home?Dr. Polly Bart of Greenbuilders discusses what it means to build green. Making green changes in your home, whether it’s a new kitchen or bath, a porch, or an addition, has many benefit and can pay off if you want to sell. Surprisingly, green building or remodeling doesn’t cost any more than traditional building. Green construction is beautiful and usually of very high quality.When a green home remodel includes lo...

What is Zero Waste Living?Rini Saha started a project in 2019 to help the Takoma Park/Silver Spring/DC community approach zero waste. Her business is now a storefront called FullFillery. They sell cleaning products in bulk or without packaging, with minimal fossil fuel use. Local vendors are used so that they come into the store to drop off their products, instead of shipping them.Zero Waste and Circular DesignZero waste means that there isn’t even anything to recycle in the product that you ...