Wellness​​

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John was our go-to for health info and ideas. If we were beginning to feel sick, we asked him what to take. He was always curious about homeopathic remedies and natural health solutions. After being hit by a car on North Avenue while hand delivering his transcript to the Georgia Tech admissions office for undergrad transfer in December 2010, he became even more curious and determined to pursue the best physical therapy options. He discovered Gyrokinesis. He eventually became a certified Gyrokinesis instructor and loved teaching classes and connecting with that community. John even contemplated switching careers to become a chiropractor.

 

From his purchase of a Rainbow carpet cleaner to creating his own healing chocolate recipe with frankincense, orange, of course, gluten and dairy free, to countless essential oils and flower/plant essences to his Spa Umberge, we could always count on John to show us how to improve our wellbeing.

 

While attending Christ School, John took a class on environmental studies taught by Kristen Dotti. Her teaching shaped his view and understanding of the importance of caring for the environment. His concern led him to discover Restore Mass Ave. There are delightful and hilarious stories of John needing to borrow water hoses from one embassy to water trees and rose bushes at another embassy. He enjoyed measuring trees, cataloging them along Massachusetts Avenue, and more. To honor and remember his efforts, we will be donating annually to Restore Mass Ave to plant trees and have an annual John Umberger volunteer day in DC.

 

Additionally, we have a long-term plan to establish and build the John Umberger labyrinth in North Carolina, featuring his infamous JL Nipper owl totem pole. It will be a place of meditation, healing, and restoration for those of us still living this side of Heaven.

 

Thanks to our board member, Carol Maloney, we were able to track down John’s chocolatier and remake his chocolate. You may purchase the chocolate by contacting the foundation directly.