The Screaming Eagles’ Nest

Daniel Pezzola is an active member of his community in Washington, DC, where he participates in homeless food runs and mission trips. Outside of his volunteer work and delivery work for Washingtonville Pharmacy, Daniel Pezzola is a fan of soccer team DC United and a member of the Screaming Eagles.

Founded in 1995, the Screaming Eagles is a registered nonprofit organization of fans of the DC United soccer team. The group, which promotes professional soccer through community efforts and charitable engagement, has more than a thousand members. 

The Screaming Eagles meet for DC United home games at RFK Stadium section 139, known as the Aerie, or sections 132 through 134, known as the Nest. A general admission area of the stadium, the Nest features rowdy cheers and chants in support of DC United.

Although there is no assigned seating, the Screaming Eagles expect those in the Nest to participate in supporting DC United and practice sportsmanship etiquette. For additional information on the Nest, visit www.screaming-eagles.com.

Street Sense Vendor Program Helps Individuals Become Independent

A graduate of the Catholic University of America, Daniel Pezzola holds a bachelor’s degree in politics. Maintaining an active presence in his community, Daniel Pezzola has volunteered with organizations such as Street Sense.

Since 2003, Street Sense has been providing individuals who are homeless with economic opportunities through its vendor program, which helps people gain economic independence and make their voices heard. The Street Sense newspaper is produced by and for individuals in Washington, DC, who are impoverished and homeless. The newspaper is the only paper in the area focused on issues relating to poverty and homelessness, and it serves as the foundation from which Street Sense vendors can earn money. 

Before starting work as vendors, individuals must complete a Street Sense New Vendor Training session, which is held at the Church of the Epiphany every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and lasts around an hour. After training is completed, all vendors operate as independent contractors, responsible for managing their owns sales and hours and making their own decisions.

Catholic University of America Homeless Food Runs

Daniel Pezzola's work experience ranges from serving as a sales associate at Macy's department store to delivering medications for Washingtonville Pharmacy in New York. While earning his bachelor's degree in politics at Catholic University of America, Daniel Pezzola became a leader for the school's food runs to serve the homeless.

Catholic University of America offers its students numerous opportunities to get involved in service and to grow in faith and charity. The school's community service and social justice programs bring students out to minister to those in need, including through its Homeless Food Runs.

Volunteers for the university take the metro into Washington, D.C., and bring water and hot meals to those living on the streets. They also visit with the people they encounter and spend time developing individual relationships which bring joy to the parties involved.

One homeless man who sells the newspaper Street Sense shared his gratitude for the group of students who come. He enjoys talking with them and always greets them with a smile.

Three Tips to Run a Faster 100 Meter Dash

Daniel Pezzola previously worked on the maintenance crew for Montgomery, New York’s Holiday Inn Express & Suites. He now works as a delivery driver for Washingtonville Pharmacy, located in Washingtonville, New York. An accomplished athlete during his high school years, Daniel Pezzola sprinted the 100-meter dash in just 12 seconds. 

The 100-meter dash is all about speed, so as a sprinter preparing for the dash, your main goal will of course be improving your time. Follow these three tips to help shave precious seconds off your 100-meter dash. 

1. A Good Start - A fast start can mean the difference between breaking your personal record or falling short of it. Get off the line quickly by placing your weight forward and resting it on your toes and palms. Consider practicing your start by itself to both improve your speed and get used to the starting pistol. 
2. Form Over Reach - Though you may be tempted to reach, trying to cover more distance with each stride, aim for perfect form instead. Reaching can actually slow you down, as the poor form causes your leading foot to absorb your momentum. Instead, focus on never exceeding a 90-degree angle with your knees, ankles, or hips, which gives you an ideal mix of stride length and speed without sacrificing any of your power. 
3. Breathing Speed - Improving your breathing speed is critical to improving your actual speed. With all the explosive energy required to run a 100-meter dash, you need to supply your muscles with adequate oxygen, lest you run out of energy before the finish line. Practice your breathing speed daily by breathing in and out as quickly as you can. Do several sets of this breathing exercise, starting with each set lasting 30 seconds and working your way up to one minute. Ensure your breaths are deep, and when resting don't hold your breath, because it may cause you to faint during the drill.