Public Health in the City of Cows and Culture

So. I have lived in Fort Worth for just under a month now, and while I’m adjusting to a drastic reduction in the number of craft coffee shops and restaurants with locally-sourced, veggie-centric menus, I can already see great potential in this city. There are a number of beneficial pedestrian-friendly projects going on and a huge focus on mixed-used developments that allow for a more walkable, livable city. Couple with this with a place that continues to embrace its musical and cultural offerings while paying loving homage to its historic Texan roots, and you have a city prime for great change.

In fact, I’ve come to admire the work I see Mayor Betsy Price promoting on a daily basis. Throughout her time in office, Price has focused on creating a stronger economy through public-private partnerships. She has also established a series of faith-based and citywide health initiatives that are set to launch soon. Price also provides opportunities for young adults to be more civically engaged in Fort Worth through SteerFW, a group of 300+ young Fort Worthians who have a passion for seeking solutions to about current challenges in this forward-thinking city. However, I really love The Mayor’s “Rolling Town Hall” meetings. An avid bike rider herself, Mayor Price has recently announced her summer “Tour de Fort Worth” -- a series of weekly rolling town hall meetings that seeks to encourage Cowtown citizens to be more physically and civically fit.

I started thinking about Fort Worth’s public health initiatives early one morning when I suddenly heard loud, boisterous cheers of encouragement outside my window. You see, I live right by De Zavela Elementary School on College Ave. I see the kids playing outside and see them running outside to play. Their parents even park in front of my complex at the start and end of each school day. But this morning was unique, because the school was hosting a race around the school -- every student was lined up along the block and cheering their teammates on with signs and excitement.

I was so delighted seeing kids have fun running and supporting one another, that I decided to do a little research. It turns out De Zavala Elementary was one of the six schools in Fort Worth to receive a $10,000 grant from the Texas AgriLife Extension Service's FitKids initiative to establish fitness trails on their campus. create running paths at their school. Since over 66% of people 18 years or older in Fort Worth are either obese or overweight (2009/2010), these preventative measures have the potential of making a huge impact on our city’s future.

The following images are designs for the outdoor fitness area, created by students and faculty from Texas A&M University’s Recreation, Parks and Tourism Science Department. From what I can tell, the school has not moved into Phase 2 yet (i.e. I do not see community gardens yet). However, I’m so happy to be a part of this community. See you on the flip side kiddos. And by flip side, I mean Near Southside.

Momofuku Noodle Bar and Healthy Living

Before I delve into pictures of the amazing meal I had at Momofuku Noodle Bar, I feel the need to talk through the difference between maintaining a healthy lifestyle in New York City and Texas. In Supersize Me, Morgan Spurlock took on the task of eating the “McDiet” meal plan, which required him to eat three full meals from McDonald's per day. Additionally, Spurlock decided to eat a super-sized meal when offered, but he was not able to super-size by his own accord.

He planned to walk about as much as a typical U.S citizen, (about 5,000 steps per day), but he could not closely adhere to this, as he walked more while in New York than Houston. Overall, Spurlock "Supersized" his meals nine times along the way -- five of which were in Texas and three in New York City. I found this interesting because I’ve called both these places home and can absolutely attest to the differences in health, weight and lifestyle. In fact, from just adjusting to a pedestrian lifestyle in New York City, I lost about twenty pounds in six months. (Supersize Me information via Wikipedia).

I wanted to give this little monologue to point out that I know how hard it is to maintain the same routine in Texas, to strive to be fit and healthy. So while I did enjoy a few nice meals in NYC and often speak of eating out in my home towns, I am increasingly more aware of the need for good practices.

During one of my first nights in Manhattan, I met up a friend at the famed Momofuku Noodle Bar. We sat quickly, near the energic kitchen space and found a spot squeezed between a number of similarly excited customers. My friend and I both ordered lambrusco, the chilled, sparkling red wine that’s making a comeback in the foodie scene. As a person who almost only drinks red wine, I loved it and can’t tell enough people about the drink. We shared an order of the shitaki mushroom steamed buns, with hoisin, scallion, and cucumber. I then dove into a bowl of ginger scallion noodles, complete with pickled shiitakes, cucumber, cabbage. The night -- full of big conversations on careers, graduation, and life goals -- ended at Terrior, a fantastic wine bar on East 12th Street. Oh New York, I enjoy you and your food.

NYU Graduation and the Athenian Oath

Coffee, sunshine and the start of something new. 

While sipping coffee out of my new, shiny NYU mug and preparing for my first day of work at The Starr Conspiracy, I can’t help but pause and think over the last three years. Since graduating from Texas A&M in 2009, I’ve studied Spanish in Argentina, moved to New York City, returned to Austin and entered into a series of classes and internships that certainly reframed my mindset towards the future.

Often stumbling along the way with worry and questions, I’ve developed my own path rooted in a deep passion for understanding what drives human behavior. However, while I wouldn’t have expected this, I realized at graduation that Wagner did in fact prepare me to “find change in the intersections.” Partnerships and collaborations are the only way to make real, meaningful change happen. And because of this, I’m happy to place my career atop the edge of that fence -- dancing between the intersections of public, private and nonprofit missions and capabilities.

This said, upon graduation, each of us were asked to take the Athenian Oath, the oath new citizens of Athens took as they became members of the “Great Democratic City.” Perhaps it is a little much (Wagner has a flair for the dramatics), but it is a good reminder to maintain a heart of service throughout all endeavors:

We will never bring disgrace on this our City by an act of dishonesty or cowardice. We will fight for the ideals and sacred things of the City both alone and with many. We will revere and obey the City’s laws, and will do our best to incite a like reverence and respect in those above us who are prone to annual them or set them naught. We will strive increasingly to quicken the public’s sense of civic duty. In all these ways we will transmit this City, not only less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.

Now, I’m off to change the world. Be back by dinner.

P.S. If you are still confused as to why I am going into advertising and marketing, read this article to understand the positives I see -- Empowerment Marketing: Advertising To Humans As More Than Just Selfish Machines | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation http://bit.ly/MaEOQ5

“For decades, companies have made you feel inadequate in order to get you to buy things. In an excerpt from his new book Story Wars Jonah Sachs traces the history of the growing field of marketing products in ways that make us better people and the world a better place.”

Mothers CRAVE Cupcakes

For Mother’s Day this year, I decided to splurge and give my mom the best gift ever -- an afternoon with her fun, enjoyable and crazy cool daughter. I know what you’re thinking. How could it get any better than that? With nothing more but a loose plan to brunch at Hungry’s Cafe in Rice Village, we proceeded to frolic around the area, taking goofy pictures, buying rings and eating cupcakes. You know, the usual.

Hungry’s Cafe has been a staple dining option since my early childhood days. It seems like they had a policy to only hire students from Stratford High School -- where I reigned in popularity. I always end up going to the Memorial location at some point on visits home, but the cafe in Rice Village has a nice ambiance. However, it still has that slightly obsessive valet system. I recommend just parking in the surrounding neighborhoods near Rice University and walking around the tree-covered roads.

After lunch, we found our way to Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit fair trade retailer with artisan-crafted items. Amidst the beautiful pottery, linens and jewelry, we found some unique rings to celebrate our Mother’s Day-O-Fun. Afterwards, it seemed natural to finish the experience with pumpkin and dark chocolate cupcakes from CRAVE.

Please enjoy the following snapshots from the day, including a final floral tour of our backyard. By the way, my mom is my favorite model, because she lets me get in her face and be incredibly annoying with the camera. Let's all give her a big thank you.

Graduation, Moving, Jobing and Beyond

Dear friends,

I have a lot of fun news to share with you! After years of shuffling between New York and Texas, I am graduating from NYU’sWagner School of Public Service with my Masters in Public Administration (MPA). While in school, I focused much of my studies on social entrepreneurship, socially-minded business models, and the art of communications and marketing. Through that process, I stumbled into a particular focus on social media once I realized how many non-profit and start-up organizations needed help getting their message out to the public. Who knew this world of digital, social engagement would turn into such a fun and valuable skill set?

I’m also thrilled to announce that I have accepted a full-time position as an Account Executive at The Starr Conspiracy, a marketing and advertising agency in Fort Worth, TX. The agency is in Near Southside, a historic part of town that is currently going through a period of growth and revitalization. In addition to a new job, in a new town, I’m excited to be moving back into the same city as Daniel, which is of course a plus.

So I'll now be chronicling my new life in the town of culture and cowboys. Don't fret, I'm positive it will be as exciting and (potentially) more interesting for you to follow my blog now. I am planning on a lot of fun things for the future! As always, you can keep up with me on Twitter too (@stacynedwards).

Thank you for all your support! See you in the big DFW. More updates soon.

Puck Building, NYU Wagner offices

Foodie Friday: Easy Tiger

When deciding on essential elements for a new bar and/or restaurant space, there are a few things you can include to ensure success. 

1. Make all your own bread, pastries and condiments.
2. Make your own sausages and serve only the best, humanely-raised meats.
3. Have an extensive craft and local beer selection. But include solid wine options too (please).
4. Have a fantastic, communal and shaded outdoor space. Preferably with twinkle lights.
5. (Optional) require all waiters have tattoos and provide easy access to ping pong tables.

Sound too good to be true? What if I through in having a water view and being surrounded by trees? Well, head down to the Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden on E 6th street in Austin, TX. You’re sure to have a good time. And you’ll feel cool doing it.

Or food and beverage choices for the night included a pretzel with homemade beer cheese (a blend of lager, sharp cheddar, and garlic), the smoked turkey sandwich (with Pain au Levain, avocado, radish, and roasted jalapeño aioli on country bread), a vegetarian sausage (a mix of beets, lentils, brown rice, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, herbs, and smoke with peperonata), AND some fresh cole slaw. For drinks? I recommend the Cigliuti Serraboella for a red wine and Ommegang Hennepin for a crisp summer beer. Enjoy!!

P.S. If you do go, ask if they have gluten free bread. They will say no, but three people had already asked my kind waitress about it the night I went. If every person asks, it will happen.

Cuvee Coffee Field Trip

I love good coffee. Have I mentioned that before? I've even started drinking coffee black -- you know to get the full intended flavor. Or maybe it was to impress people by my sophisticated palette. I can’t remember. When I moved to Austin, I was lucky enough to move within walking distance to Thunderbird, a local coffee shop that serves Cuvee Coffee. I was instantly hooked and became a huge advocate of the blue bag.

Needless to say, I was thrilled when Cuvee signed on with our team as their first advertising agency on record. To get a feel for their office and the roasting process, we took a field trip out to Spicewood, TX and sipped a couple of tasty cappuccinos. Not a bad day at all. To find a location that serves Cuvee near you, go here. Oh, and if you live in the DFW area - demand they start selling Cuvee! I’m going to miss it.