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FO R E V E RYO N E W H O LOV E S TH I S COU NTRY S E P T. – O C T. 2 0 2 6

‘God Bless America’ AMERICAN ESSENCE BY BRIGHT MAGAZINE GROUP

An anthem that came straight from an immigrant’s heart

Power w e to Inspire i ev r P

t en t n Young scientist Gitanjali Rao is blazing a unique Co d path in a challenging field, and helping her peers e ct e l e do the same S of S E P T. – OCT. 2026 | 1

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Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River near the town of Page, Arizona, at sunrise.

“We came to America, either ourselves or in the persons of our ancestors, to better the ideals of men, to make them see finer things than they had seen before, to get rid of the things that divide and to make sure of the things that unite.” President Woodrow Wilson S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

CONTENTS First Look 8 | Social Calendar Our picks for exciting events worth attending across the country.

10 | Culture Shortlist What to read and watch to appreciate the immigrant experience.

12 | A Kaleidoscope of Colors Where to see stunning fall foliage in America.

14 | Hats Off to You An etiquette expert explains the rules around proper hat-wearing.

12 A fall sunrise at Shenandoah National Park, Va.

Profiles 16 | Passion-Driven Innovation

A young scientist transforms her wonder and interests into significant scientific breakthroughs.

22 | Mentoring the Future

One inspiring after-school program teaches vital life skills and discipline to empower underprivileged boys in Georgia.

28 | Safeguarding His Adopted Home

An immigrant exposes the hidden oppression behind collectivist promises that he now sees endangering America.

30 | Honoring 9/11

Two veterans bike across America to raise funds for first responders, veterans, and their families.

32 | America Runs on Ingenuity

At a glance, facts about the innovative contributions immigrants made that have changed America and the world.

34 | Life Lessons Through Music

A world-class violinist tells her story of overcoming self-doubt and finding a greater purpose for her art.

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Lifestyle 40 | For the Love of Cacao

Get to know the entrepreneurial journey of leading chocolatier Maribel Lieberman.

46 | Harnessing the Power of Nature

Tata Harper on building a clean luxury skincare brand from the ground up.

52 | Canning the Season’s Best

Homesteader Melissa Norris shares why canning can be possible wherever you live, and benefits the family beyond the dinner table.

56 | Unwind by the Sea

How to enjoy California’s Mendocino Coast with relaxing stays amid picturesque views.

History

Culture

62 | A Stalwart First Lady

80 | Daprato Rigali Studios

Mrs. James Garfield’s stoic demeanor helped her navigate life’s tragedies with compassion and forgiveness.

The multi-generational family business has compiled one of the most impressive portfolios of church renovations in the country.

67 | The Lieber Code Prussian-born American legal scholar Francis Lieber wrote a document that has impacted warfare ever since.

70 | The Legacy of Commodore Barry Lionhearted in battle, the valiant Irish American captain helped shape the United States Navy.

84 | A Revolutionary Metalsmith We think of Paul Revere as a patriot, but his fellow colonials thought of him as a skilled artisan.

88 | An Americana Hymn

74 | Legend of the Golf ‘Squire’

Two decades in the making, Irving Berlin’s famed tune “God Bless America” was published as a peace anthem during World War II.

The Babe Ruth of golf, Gene Sarazen set numerous records and was one of the longest hitters of his era.

90 | Why I Love America A first-generation American reflects on how his immigrant parents showed him how to love this country.

92 | Family Roots Hailing from generations of patriots, Jimmy Jensen discovered how he could fulfill his duty to the nation.

94 | Musical Memorial An organ pipe builder honors the 9/11 victims with a remarkable instrument.

98 | Rx for Life Dr. Howard Schubiner explains the cutting-edge research on rewiring the brain’s perception of pain. S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

AMERICAN ESSENCE BY BRIGHT MAGAZINE GROUP FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES THIS COUNTRY S E P T. – O C T. 2 02 6 | VO LU M E 6 | I S S U E 5

P U B LI S H E R

Dana Cheng, PhD

E D I TO R I A L

Editor-in-Chief Profiles Editor Lifestyle Editor History & Culture Editor Editor-at-Large

Sharon Kilarski, PhD Brett Chudá Annie Wu Jennifer Schneider Tynan Beatty

C R E AT I V E

Lead Designer Designer Photographers Production Manager

Luba Tistarelli Karen Tang Adhiraj Chakrabarti Samira Bouaou Astrid Wang

SA LE S

Sales Director Sales Assistant

Ellen Wang Onon Otgonbayar

C O N T R I B U TO R S

Sandy Lindsey, Tim Johnson, Annie Holmquist, Conan Milner, Deena Bouknight, Randy Tatano, Dean George, Andria Pressel, Kevin Revolinski, Michele Vrouvas, Ryan Cashman, David Coulson, Jeff Minick, Dustin Bass, Walker Larson, Brian D’Ambrosio, Andrew Benson Brown, Trent Beattie, Michelle Plastrik, Tiffany Brannan, Alan Wakim, Jimmy Jensen, Bob Kirchman

American Essence (USPS 24810) is published bimonthly by Bright Magazine Group at 129 W 29th St. FL. 8, New York, NY 10001. Periodicals postage is paid at New York, NY. Postmaster: Send address changes to American Essence, 129 W 29th St. FL. 8, New York, NY 10001. General Inquiries: AmericanEssence.net/help Advertisement Inquiries: ad@americanessence.com Submissions: editor@americanessencemag.com

www.AmericanEssence.com

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Crafted With

Passion Expertise

EDITOR’S NOTE

Greetings, This fall, we turn to the rich harvest that immigrants, finding a land fertile for new ideas, have sown and reaped in our country. Just as their past contributions have shaped our world, today’s newcomers plant seeds for our tomorrows. Consider our cover story of first-generation American Gitanjali Rao. With the many opportunities that fostered her growth, the award-winning inventor now hopes to inspire other young scientists to tackle the problems they find pressing (page 16). Similarly, entrepreneur Tata Harper focused on a problem. In trying to resolve a relative’s health issue, she founded a company to ensure that her skincare products relied on natural ingredients only, an effort that sparked a new approach to skincare (page 46). From the past, we highlight the legacy of an Italian craftsman; for five generations, his company has restored and beautified our churches (page 80). We feature the Prussian immigrant Francis Lieber, whose War Code informed the humanitarian Geneva conventions (page 67). Taking a step back, we also look at the big picture: how immigrants continue to build our world at large (page 32). Join us as we share with you the fruits of their ingenuity and determination.

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Editor-in-Chief

Editor@AmericanEssenceMag.com

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SOCIAL CALENDAR Creative Carving

Virginia’s Happiest Day

MORTON PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

POWHATAN FESTIVAL OF THE GRAPE

Morton, Ill. | Sept. 16–19

Powhatan, Va. | Oct. 3

Since 1967, the Village of Morton has been the epicenter of a festive, week-long celebration of pumpkins guaranteed to delight all ages. This year will be no exception, with a family fun patch, a carnival, pumpkin decorating contests, musical performances, the crowning of the Pumpkin Princess, pumpkin pies galore, and even a tennis tournament.

For 23 years, the historic district of a tiny, picturesque town in Virginia is transformed into a lively celebration of the state’s wine industry. Drawing thousands of visitors, the event features local wineries, distillers, and craft brewers, live musical performances, vendors offering handmade jewelry and crafts, and a plethora of food trucks serving delicious fare.

MortonPumpkinFestival.org

A Feast for the Taste Buds

PowhatanWineFestival.com

A Glimpse of War

SANTA FE WINE & CHILE FIESTA

BATTLE FOR THE AIRFIELD WWII RE-ENACTMENT WEEKEND

Santa Fe, N.M. | Sept. 22–27

Hudson, Mass. | Oct. 10–11

This event in the “Land of Enchantment” will delight all the senses, as local and national chefs, winemakers, and more gather to share their favorite wines and food, while vying for hotly contested “best of show” honors. As a bonus, the event also features dinners at local wineries and an exhibition of art inspired by mesmerizing New Mexico scenery.

To help pass on memories of World War II to new generations, twice a day over two days, soldiers will engage in mock warfare, using period-correct tanks and weapons, to battle for control of an airfield. This dramatic simulation provides a glimpse into the realities of war. Guests can also peruse an exceptional collection of vintage aircraft and vehicles.

SantaFeWineAndChile.org

AmericanHeritageMuseum.org/Event/WWII-Re-Enactment-Battle-forthe-Airfield-October-2026

Taste the Fresh!

NATIONAL APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL Biglerville, Pa. | Oct. 3–4 & 10–11 The heart of Pennsylvania’s apple country is the setting for this annual celebration of Americana. Truly defining the term “something for everyone,” the festival will have every conceivable dish made from apples, as well as pony rides, an antique car show, craftsman skill displays, steam engines in action, and plenty of live musical performances, too. AppleHarvest.com

Rolling Perfection

HILTON HEAD CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Hilton Head Island, S.C. | Oct. 29–Nov. 1 In the world of car enthusiasts, this event reigns supreme as some of the finest vehicles, in as close to original condition as possible, are arrayed on the rolling lawn. With no barriers in place, guests are given an unfettered view of polished wood, supple leather, and gleaming metal. Another notable activity is the guided Lowcountry Driving Tour. HHIConcours.com

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CELEBRATE OUR NATION’S 250TH IN AMERICA’S MOST PATRIOTIC DESTINATION

WHERE HEROES GET

a standing ovation. Come to a place where your service is honored and your legacy is celebrated. From memorials to museums, this is where freedom takes center stage. Plan your trip to the most patriotic destination in America at

ExploreBranson.com S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

CULTURE SHORTLIST

WATCH

‘The Donut King’ This evenhanded documentary chronicles Ted Ngoy’s immigrant success story in America, after surviving the genocide perpetrated by Cambodia’s Marxist regime. Ngoy’s entrepreneurship drove him to own or lease 70 Los Angeles area donut shops, many managed by Cambodian families he sponsored and empowered to become co-stakeholders. DIRECTOR

Alice Gu

DOCUMENTARY RELEASED

2020

STREAMING

Kanopy, PBS app

WATCH

‘I Remember Mama’

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This warm family drama follows a Norwegian immigrant mother guiding her household through hardship, sacrifice, and small daily joys in early 1900s San Francisco. Irene Dunne as Mama gives the film its gentle strength, while director George Stevens turns ordinary family memories into something tender, funny, and deeply humane. DIRECTOR

George Stevens STARS

Irene Dunne, Barbara Bel Geddes, Oscar Homolka RELEASED

1948

STREAMING

Amazon, YouTube, Apple TV

READ

‘Cowboys and Indian: A Doctor’s First Year in Texas’

READ

‘All But My Life’

Sandip Mathur, born in India, trained as a doctor in London and Houston. In Houston, he and his wife realized they loved Texas. To get a residential green card, he agreed to be a doctor in Hotspur, a small West Texas town. This book describes his first year there, when he, his family, and the town’s residents discovered that, despite differences, they had much in common. A delightful story of immigrants embracing America.

Gerda Weissmann Klein’s American patriotism shines as she describes not only Liberation Day from a Nazi labor camp but also as she lauds the country she called home for seven more decades of her life. Her 1957 memoir reveals how she demonstrated and clung to hope during her captivity. It’s a remarkably glass-half-full narrative of the Polish Jewish woman, taken from her home and family, who chose optimism despite overt oppression.

Texas Christian University Press, 2021 Paperback, 184 pages

Hill and Wang, 1995 Paperback, 264 pages

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S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

Profiles | First Generation American

Inspiring Innovator

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First Generation American | Profiles

Science pioneer Gitanjali Rao has earned massive accolades and a patent for her early inventions— and she believes her peers can do the same

By Conan Milner

t an early age, Gitanjali Rao developed a remarkable talent for problem solving. In 2017, at 11 years old, she won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Her winning invention, inspired by the water contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan, employs carbon nanotube sensor technology to identify traces of lead in water, with results sent straight to a mobile app. Rao was granted a patent for her device, which earned her a place on the list of Forbes “30 Under 30 in Science” in 2019. And, at age 15, she became Time magazine’s first “Kid of the Year” in 2020. In her teens, Rao continued creating her award-winning inventions, such as Epione—an AI-driven tool used for early detection of opioid addiction. It looks at levels of protein produced by the MU opioid receptor gene (a protein that often correlates to addictive behavior). Kindly is another invention of hers, a UNICEF-backed app designed to curb cyberbullying by suggesting kinder options before people hit “send” on toxic texts.

Rao believes that the process of sampling her options strengthened her sense of what she liked and what she didn’t. “Not a lot of people find their passion at that young of an age. I really do owe it to my parents for exposing us to what opportunities exist out there,” she said. She said that when her parents were young, they were both eager to broaden their horizons. They immigrated to the United States from India about a decade before Rao was born, attracted to the opportunities America had to offer. “They’re both very, very ambitious people, and I think a part of them always knew they wanted to do something more, and that’s why they came here,” Rao said.

Trying New Things Both she and her younger brother have always been excited to try new things since they were little. “We were those kids that, you name it, we did it,” she said. Her parents prompted them, but Rao and her brother chose their activities and schedules. “If we didn’t like it, we could quit the next day, but we [felt we] had to try it once.”

Inventor, author, and MIT student Gitanjali Rao dreams of launching a startup dedicated to sharing innovative ideas with the world. S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

Profiles | First Generation American

“There’s a

big difference between being pushed down a specific path and being exposed to things.

These pages ar in the p Gitanjali Rao

Rao believes the secret to success is to seize every opportunity that life presents and discover one’s passion.

Rao describes her father in particular as an intellectually restless individual, forever seeking a new challenge. She recalls that every time he would get too comfortable at a job, he would apply for a new job, and the family would pack up everything and move to a new city or a new state. Although her parents remain a big influence, Rao insists that she blazes her own trail. People ask all the time if she was pushed toward a career in science and invention, but Rao said that her parents merely presented her with as 18

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many options and opportunities as they could. In that same vein of encouragement, Rao helps others to create their own solutions for the problems that are important to them. It’s the message behind many of the workshops she has run around the world that focus on education, creative problem solving, and social empathy. Rao has authored two books on the topic: “A Young Innovator’s Guide to STEM” (science, technology, engineering, and math), and “A Young Innovator’s Guide to Planning for Success.”

First Generation American | Profiles

Today, Rao is a student at MIT and says she believes that her peers have a natural capacity for innovation. All they need is some guidance, exposure, and support. “I’m a strong believer that anyone can come up with creative ideas if it is something that they love, and something that they actually have a passion for,” she said.

Rao earned her private pilot license in 2023.

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Traveling is one of her favorite hobbies.

In 2021, Rao received a patent for Tethys, an invention she developed at just 11 years old.

Tethys

Epione

Rao’s inventions include Tethys, a portable device that detects lead in drinking water, and Epione, an AI-powered tool that analyzes protein levels to identify early signs of opioid addiction.

A Love of Travel In addition to her studies, Rao draws, plays piano and bass, pilots planes, and is hoping to get back into fencing soon. “I dabble in a little bit of everything,” she said. “I also DJ on the side. My poor suite mates. They hear me practicing every day.” One activity that fuels much of Rao’s inspiration is travel. She has been to Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, and Cambodia, just to name a few destinations. “My parents take travel very, very seriously,” she said. “We’ve been back to Japan six times because we love it so much. Everything is so efficient and respectful.” Anywhere she travels, Rao reaches out to schools in hopes of running another workshop. “And every time I do it, I end up meeting so many cool people,” she said. “I end up finding a second family in a lot of these countries. It’s so incredible, being able to make that community, despite living literally across the world from each other.” Rao imagines one day that she may live abroad, but she considers herself very fortunate to have grown up in the United States. “The technology is always growing here. We have the opportunity, and we have the funding in our research labs to be able to contribute to these big solutions in society,” she said. Being Herself Everyone faces challenges growing up, but many of Rao’s growing pains happened in the spotlight, as a highly publicized child inventor. “I think what people saw more novel than my work was my age. That used to make me really mad,” she said. Another hurdle Rao has had to overcome is the pressure of pleasing everybody at the expense of her own identity. She often felt S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

Profiles | Charitable Feat

Coast to Coast to Remember Two Navy vets pay homage to first responders and veterans with a cross-country bike ride By Dean George

eptember 11, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil in U.S. history. Stories of inspiration and courage emerge every year on 9/11 as Americans solemnly transform tragedy into triumph and sorrow into success. Navy veterans Jim Serger and Cory Hardy are two examples. Earlier this summer, the former chief petty officers, who first met in Japan aboard the USS Independence in the 1990s, bicycled cross-country 3,500 miles to raise money for Tunnel to Towers Foundation. T2T, as it’s commonly known, supports military veterans and first responders throughout life when they need it most.

Why Tunnel to Towers Foundation? Having served their country in the U.S. Navy, both men understand principles like duty, honor, and sacrifice. They have an enormous respect for the mission of T2T and what the organization has accomplished over the past 25 years. “I have a lot of friends who served in Vietnam, and T2T has helped many of them,” Hardy said. “T2T helps out everyone, from firefighters to law enforcement to military veterans. They have done a wonderful job helping those individuals who have contributed to society, and they do it seamlessly.” Serger agreed, stating that T2T is all about giving back to society. “Our lives changed on 9/11. People responded then, and thanks to T2T, they are still responding today. I applaud all those first responders, firemen, police, and veterans for all that they’ve done and sacrificed,” Serger said. Serger and Hardy are among the legions of Tunnel to Towers Foundation supporters. On their crosscountry trek, Serger and Hardy put their pedal to the metal in fundraising for their favorite charity. American Essence caught up with the men in June, before their journey began. 30

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Jim Serger is a Navy veteran who has contributed support for his fellow veterans and first-responders for many years.

Cory Hardy, also a Navy veteran and bicyclist, loves to give back to his community.

Charitable Feat | Profiles

‘Let’s Do It!’ This past New Year’s Day, Serger made a call from his Ohio home to his friend Hardy in Montana. When Hardy picked up, Serger asked simply, “Are you in?” Recognizing his friend’s voice, Hardy chuckled, “Yeah, let’s do it.” “He didn’t even know what I was pitching,” Serger said, laughing. The bicycling buddies set an ambitious fundraising goal of $250,000 prior to their trek. Their route had them traversing 14 states plus the District of Columbia with the Pentagon as their first East Coast stop. From the Pentagon, the two planned to ride to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed on that fateful day, before concluding their journey in early August at the 9/11 memorial in New York. The two began their ride July 14 in California with the goal of riding 200 miles per day. The plan was for Serger to bike 100 miles while Hardy drove alongside, then switch roles every 100 miles. The support vehicle carried bike parts, inner tubes, bike chains, a medical kit, along with energy bars, waffles, Gatorade, and water. At night, the pair planned to load up on carbs by eating spaghetti, pizza, or pasta before grabbing some sleep at a local motel. “We want to eat the same meals consistently,” Serger said. “Protein during the day and carbs at night.”

Serger and Hardy begin their charity bike trek in San Diego, Calif., July 14, 2026.

Dedication In Motion Hardy is a 51-year-old owner of a drywall company and an avid bicyclist who has ridden across Japan, Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, Mexico, and several Southeast Asian countries. He sets a personal goal every year of going on a 1,000-mile bike trip. Serger, 55, is the author of 10 books, including three whose proceeds were donated to T2T. When he’s not writing or riding, Serger works as an usher at Cincinnati Reds baseball games and University of Cincinnati football and basketball games. He once biked from Indiana to Orlando, Florida. He also has climbed Mt. Fuji and backpacked throughout Asia. Serger asserted he wouldn’t have any trouble keeping up with his younger friend. “As long as I’m riding downhill, I can stay with him,” he said. He added that Hardy also boxed while in the Navy, and he knows that if he doesn’t keep up with Hardy, “he’ll give me the old one-two punch.” Serger stressed the importance of always remembering 9/11. “The biggest thing is we can’t allow what happened then to fade away,” he said solemnly. “This is the 25th anniversary, but a lot of people weren’t around then. We must never forget that day.” Visit JimSerger.com and click “Donate to T2T” to see their current fundraising amount.

‘Let Us Do Good’—The Tunnel to Towers Foundation September 11th marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, when 343 firefighters and first responders lost their lives trying to save others. One of those was fireman Stephen Siller (right). Tunnel to Towers (T2T) got its name from Siller’s brave actions. He was at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on his way to the Twin Towers to help when the tunnel closed to cars. Undeterred, he strapped his fireman’s pack to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the towers. He sadly lost his life that day.

T2T’s motto is “Let Us Do Good,” inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. Since its founding, it has delivered more than 1,700 mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders and veterans. It has built custom designed smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. T2T provides housing assistance and supportive services for more than 17,500 homeless veterans. Its effort to remind America to never forget September 11, 2001, is the cornerstone of the organization.

S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

IMMIGRANTS’ CONTRIBUTIONS

Celebrating Immigrants’ Spirit of Innovation By Andria Pressel & Annie Wu

Throughout the history of this country, immigrants have embraced innovation and entrepreneurship. From pioneering inventors like Nikola Tesla (originally from the Austro-Hungarian empire) to enterprising minds like James L. Kraft (an immigrant from Canada) who created processed cheese, immigrants have made important and

Top-Notch Ingenuity

creative contributions that have changed the course of the world. Today, immigrants continue to be a driving force in our economy, from operating the small businesses making a local difference to founding the tech companies that power our modern lifestyles. Here’s a snapshot of the ingenuity that runs through our country.

1 6These pages ar in the p 1 4 in

INVENTORS ARE IMMIGRANTS

of entrepreneurs in America are immigrants, though immigrants make up just 14 to 15 percent of the U.S. population.

Nikola Tesla

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James L. Kraft

About

PATENTS ARE AUTHORED BY IMMIGRANTS

A Stanford study of U.S. patents issued from 1990 to 2016 found that 23% of patents came from immigrants, though immigrants comprised just 16% of inventors listed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Jensen Huang

Pierre Omidyar

Elon Musk

The U.S. Small Business Administration found that immigrant business owners made up

of all business owners with employees

of all business owners without employees

What Immigrants Have Built

1990

Media

SiriusXM, a leader in satellite radio, was co-founded by David Margolese from Toronto, Canada.

Created by Juicy Fish from the Noun Project

1993

s are pre wner sen so t in s e in

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of businesses in the accommodations and food services industries are owned by immigrants.

stry indu

ery ev

Immigra nt bu s

Created by Hanbai from Noun Project

Tech

Nvidia, one of the world’s most advanced chipmakers, was co-founded by Jensen Huang, an immigrant from Taiwan.

1995

E-Commerce

eBay was founded by Pierre Omidyar, originally from France. Immigrants have founded or co-founded

of America’s privately held startup companies valued at $1 billion or more, according to a recent study by the National Foundation for American Policy.

2002

MORE THAN

46%

Created by Resa Valen from Noun Project

FORTUNE 500

COMPANIES IN 2025 (231 out of 500) were founded by immigrants or their children.

Aerospace

SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, originally from South Africa.

2012

Grocery Delivery

Apoorva Mehta, who was born in India and grew up in Canada, co-founded the popular online grocery platform.

S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

Lifestyle | Beauty & Wellness

A Powerful Alchemy In the world of skincare, Colombia-born Tata Harper is a pioneering stalwart for using all-natural ingredients for maximum effectiveness By Michele Vrouvas & Andria Pressel

ong before she built her eponymous skincare company, Tata Harper’s story began in Colombia. She grew up in a culture where self-care routines were a non-negotiable. “People take pride in caring for themselves through routines, treatments, and wellness practices for the whole body: hair, skin, nails, and more,” she said. But it wasn’t until a major turning point in her life that she thought of starting a skincare company. In 2003, her stepfather was diagnosed with cancer. His doctors cautioned against using harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients. When Harper looked for clean alternatives, she found that the skincare market was mostly dependent on synthetic, lab-created compounds.

Tata Harper used her engineering background to research and develop formulas for skincare products with natural origin ingredients.

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Beauty & Wellness | Lifestyle

“

Seeing how our products become part of people’s lives and routines is incredibly fulfilling. S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

Lifestyle | Beauty & Wellness

Determined to make a change, Harper didn’t just start a brand; she sparked a movement. Since traditional manufacturers couldn’t produce her formulas, she applied her engineering background to building her own lab and manufacturing facility that would make skincare products with only natural origin ingredients. Today, her brand is a huge success because she refuses to cut corners and insists on full transparency. Here, she shares her journey of discovering how true luxury skincare means harnessing the power of nature. American Essence: You were born in Barranquilla, Colombia, and later built a global brand in the United States. What first drew you to the United States and inspired you to start your business here? Tata Harper: I came to the United States in the fall of 2000, following love. Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs, and many members of my family owned businesses, so entrepreneurship was always part of my life. What drew me to the U.S. from a business perspective was its unique entrepreneurial

culture. In many countries, starting and growing a business can be much more difficult, but in the United States, entrepreneurship is widely embraced. AE: What parts of your Colombian upbringing still influence the way you think about beauty, wellness, and entrepreneurship? Ms. Harper: From a very young age, my mom was always finding ways to keep my sister and me busy and working toward something. In Colombian and Latin American culture, there is a strong sense of pride in hard work. As a teenager, I made and sold things, and those experiences were incredibly formative. AE: The idea for Tata Harper Skincare emerged from a very personal experience within your family. Could you share how that experience influenced your understanding of health and everyday products? Ms. Harper: After my stepfather was diagnosed with cancer, he would travel from Colombia to the United States for treatment at some of the country’s leading hospitals. I vividly remember going with him to one of his first appointments and being surprised when

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Ingredients for the skincare products are sourced from all over the world.

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Beauty & Wellness | Lifestyle

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ABOVE Tata Harper Skincare’s most popular products take advantage of hydrating and antioxidant

properties found in plants and fruit.

BELOW Harper with her three children, whom she hopes to inspire with her entrepreneurial journey.

the doctors began asking detailed questions about the soaps, cleaning products, food, and everyday household items he was using. They even asked us to bring in the products so they could review the ingredients. The medical team had a long list of ingredients they no longer wanted my stepfather exposed to. They spoke about toxic load and environmental exposures, including pesticides and plastics. Today, people are increasingly aware of issues like microplastics, but I have been thinking about these concerns for more than 20 years. That experience completely changed the way I looked at health and everyday products. As I began searching for skincare products that met the standards I was looking for, I realized there were very few luxury products that were both highly effective and pure. We wanted to harness the power of natural compounds and formulate products with a high level of purity, transparency, and performance.

S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

Lifestyle | California Travel

An Autumn Excursion Along the Mendocino Coast This rugged stretch of California coast is dotted with distinctive inns that serve delicious fare and offer experiences to unwind in nature’s splendor By David Coulson

n the mesmerizing Mendocino Coast, life is lived in the slow lane. The salty sea breeze and surging surf seem a world away from hectic city life. We cruised carefree in our metallic-blue Mustang along the curving coastline on charismatic Highway 1. Etched between sheer cliffs and crashing waves, the road twisted and turned from crystalline coves to redwood groves. Just three hours north of San Francisco are Mendocino coastal communities chock-full of character. Cozy inns invite you to curl up by a crackling fire and to enjoy a gourmet dinner. They serve up freshly caught seafood and organic produce from local farms. Cheeses are crafted in family dairies, honey is supplied from coastal hives, and mushrooms are foraged from redwood forests. Small-scale vintners make award-winning wines in nearby Anderson Valley.

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California Travel | Lifestyle

A panoramic view of Mendocino in northern California. RIGHT

MacCallum House Inn is a historic Victorian property dating to 1882.

We also ate at three memorable restaurants in the hamlets of Elk and Albion and in downtown Fort Bragg. We rode horseback on a sandy beach, paddled a canoe on a forest river, and ambled through botanical gardens. Autumn is the best time to visit the Mendocino Coast for wonderful weather and the chance to view a palette of colors. In Mendocino, the trees transform into a vibrant tapestry of yellow, red, and orange. The pinot noir grapes turn deep purple at harvest time in Anderson Valley.

Quartet of Inns The quaint maritime village of Mendocino is more reminiscent of Cape Cod than California, with its prim saltbox cottages and charming Victorian homes. My wife Maria and I stayed at four Mendocino-area inns for two nights each, over eight days, with breakfasts and a dinner or appetizers included. The distinctive inns and their delicious fare differed dramatically. They ranged from a vegan eco-resort to a rustic-chic bed and breakfast to a family-friendly seaside resort among the redwoods.

Vegan Delights Amid a Wildlife Haven Just south of Mendocino Village on the first day of our fall excursion, we drove on sinuous Highway 128 through Navarro River Redwoods State Park. Under the emerald canopy, the sunlight dappled onto the forest floor in a mosaic of light and shadow. The road turned dark at times in tunnels of majestic redwood groves. Shortly, we arrived at the Stanford Inn above the Big River estuary. Jeff and Joan Stanford have spent the last 46 years nurturing one of the country’s only 100 percent vegan eco-resorts. The organic farm’s terraced garden that steps down the hillside provides vegetables and herbs that make it to your plate at the onsite restaurant, Ravens. It serves whole-food, plant-based cuisine with no alcohol, a contrast to most vegan restaurants that introduce at least some processed ingredients. Wellness is woven into the experience. Spa services include massage therapy, Kundalini yoga, and guided meditation. The property also has a saltwater pool inside a greenhouse solarium, as well as hot tubs and saunas in the guest rooms. You can cook with the culinary team, practice tai chi, or join Joan, who is also an art therapist and the author and illustrator of the book “The Art of Play.” She involves adults in S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

Lifestyle | California Travel

Canoeing on the Big River.

imaginative play that can expand awareness and joy, such as learning that you can chew turkey tail mushrooms like bubblegum. Joan graciously stopped by our table to explain the restaurant menu. Maria chose roasted beet salad, shiitake stir-fry, and creamy polenta that were a union of sweet-earthy and umami-rich. I selected the sea palm strudel for its oceanic taste and flaky, pastry texture, along with a hearty hemp-ricotta ravioli. Located on the Big River estuary at the neck of Mendocino Bay is the Stanford Inn’s boathouse, Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too! Guide Morgan Dunlap took us out in a handcrafted outrigger canoe made with wood from an old redwood barn. We paddled by lolling harbor seals. Otters cavorted in the water around us. Kingfishers, blue herons, and double-crested cormorants also find sanctuary in the forested solitude of the longest undeveloped estuary in California. The tranquility of the river and redwoods inspired introspection and contemplation. It served as a peaceful setting to seek soothing solace. As Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” 58

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Grand Hospitality The MacCallum House is a historic Victorian inn steeped in elegance and charm, ideal for wedding receptions and romantic escapes. When we arrived at the MacCallum House, a wedding party was gathered on the inn’s wide, wrap-around porch. Men milled about in handsomely tailored suits and ties, and superbly coiffured women in chic dresses clicked around in high heels. Built in 1882 as William Kelly’s wedding gift for his 23-year-old daughter Daisy MacCallum, the inn has six guest rooms with claw-foot bathtubs and other period flourishes. Accommodations also include seven cottages and a barn commendably converted into attractive modern rooms. The grand home is surrounded by large lawns and lush gardens with roses MacCallum planted at the turn of the century. College educated, she contributed to Mendocino’s cultural life by hosting salons with artists and intellectuals on the veranda. At the MacCallum House Restaurant, we requested a table next to the tall windows on the sun porch. Maria opted for saffron arancini with black olive and pistachio sauté that presented a lush richness and hint of nuttiness. I chose pan-seared duck breast with syrah-morel mushroom jus, which had a smoky suc-

California Travel | Lifestyle

culence and a flavor undertone of dark chocolate. For libations, an Anderson Valley pinot noir had a vibrant fruitiness on the palate, a reflection of the region’s terroir that gives the grapes their distinctive character. Fifteen miles south of Mendocino on Highway 1 is a cliffside hamlet of about 200 souls, where there are commanding views of sea stacks and rock arches amid cerulean sea. Elk was recently recognized as “America’s Best Small Food and Wine Town” by Travel + Leisure magazine. We made reservations at the small Sibo Restaurant, located inside the Elk Cove Inn. The husband-andwife team is composed of Peruvian-born chef Victor Passalacqua, who made his culinary debut in Montreal, and French-born sommelier Melissa Boon. They create a convivial atmosphere and carefully curated meals with a distinct French flair. For example, shrimp sautéed à la Provençale was light and aromatic with an herbal accent and bright finish. The St. Jacques aux poivre vert et au cognac—pan-seared scallops with peppercorn-cognac sauce—had robust flavor and peppery piquancy. Both were complemented well by an Anderson Valley sauvignon blanc with citrusy notes and a subtle oak influence.

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riding on the broad shoreline or walking cypresscrowded pathways with the sharp scent of salt and pine, you learn to listen to the wind, the waves, and yourself. You begin to realize that being in nature leads to a growing self-awareness that we are part of an intricate web of life. Near the towering Albion River Bridge, the only remaining wooden-trestle bridge on Highway 1, Terra Mar Kitchen is located on a precipitous ocean cliff. The experience was perfectly pitched, as we enjoyed savory mussels and fresh-catch rockfish seated at a corner-window table and witnessed a surreal sunset.

Rich With History Snuggled amid redwoods above the seashore, the Little River Inn is family and pet friendly with 65 ocean-view rooms. The Victorian house built in 1853 retains some of the original rooms with ancestral heirlooms. Our spacious accommodation had a balcony, a sitting area with a gas fireplace, and a jetted bathtub big enough for two. There are tennis courts that light up at night and a nine-hole Audubon International-certified sustainable

Rustic and Refined Atop a bluff overlooking Smuggler’s Cove, the 10-room Brewery Gulch Inn is a bed and breakfast with a rustic demeanor and refined sensibility. Constructed of 150-year-old redwood logs reclaimed from the Big River, the centerpiece of the inn is the main hall, with its imposing glass-and-steel fireplace that combines stunning design with a sense of home and hearth. Ten-foot-tall, redwood-framed French doors open to the back deck, where we joined other guests for viewing brilliant sunsets. A wine tasting hour each evening included appetizers served in bento-style boxes emblematic of Japanese culinary culture. A short drive from Mendocino is the Ricochet Ridge Ranch, which provides trail rides. Guided by wrangler Kyle Papke astride his handsome chestnut-and-white paint Poncho, we rode horseback on Ten Mile Beach at MacKerricher State Park. The fog wafted across the sandy dunes and sunlit sea, enveloping us in a gentle embrace before once more slipping away. Whether

ABOVE RIGHT The sun sets behind an ornate gazebo

at Sibo Restaurant in the hamlet of Elk.

RIGHT Jeff and Joan Stanford, owners of

The Stanford Inn, a vegan eco-resort.

S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

History | First Lady

A portrait of first lady Lucretia “Crete” Garfield, photographed between 1870 and 1880. Mrs. Garfield supported her husband’s political career as his trusted advisor and campaign assistant.

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First Lady | History

The Quiet Strength of a First Lady Beyond an assassination lies the story of Lucretia Garfield, who saved her marriage from its ‘years of darkness’ with love By Jeff Minick

n July 2, 1881, Charles Guiteau, a crazed and disgruntled office seeker who believed President James Garfield (1831–1881) owed him a position in the government, fired two shots from a British Bulldog revolver into the president, grazing his shoulder with the first bullet and striking him in the back with the second. Garfield lived for another 79 days. During this time, Lucretia Garfield (1832– 1918), often called “Crete” by family and friends, remained constantly at his side, consulting with the doctors and doing what she could to help her husband of 22 years fight the horrific pain brought by infection. She herself was only just recovering from life-threatening malaria when news of the shooting reached her, yet she raced to be with James in the White House. That ordeal and her composure at what some then called “the funeral of the century” won the first lady the admiration of the American people. Tributes appeared in the papers, and hundreds of notes of condolence arrived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Only a few of her contemporaries were aware of the backstory to the Garfield marriage, details that only polish Lucretia’s reputation of grace and character.

‘To Try a Life in Union’ Lucretia was the oldest of four children of Zeb and Arabella Rudolph. Three influences from her upbringing on the family’s farm near Garrettsville, Ohio, would deeply affect her personality and her life. Her mother taught Lucretia

President Garfield watches the ocean with Lucretia by his side during his final days at Francklyn Cottage in Elberon, N.J.

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History | First Lady

the practice of “self-government,” the importance of control and doing one’s duty. And, although it was clear to the children that their mother and father loved them, they were not at all affectionate parents. Lucretia would later remember rarely being kissed by her mother and never by her father. Finally, she was an inveterate reader, once writing, “It would be of about as much use to stop breathing as to let books alone if they are anywhere in the region about me. I have to read … as I have to live.” After Lucretia had finished with the local school, this thirst for reading along with her keen intelligence prompted her parents to send her at age 15 to the Geauga Seminary, a boarding school for boys and girls about 20 miles from the farm. There, she met James Garfield, whom she first considered “an overgrown, uncombed, unwashed boy.” Yet they became friends. In 1850, Lucretia enrolled in the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, a new educational college that Zeb had helped found. When James entered that school a year later, their friendship evolved into a romance. In 1854, they exchanged a kiss in the college chapel 64

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FAR ABOVE

A young James Garfield and Lucretia Rudolph around the time of their engagement.

ABOVE

A letter from Lucretia to James on April 18, 1873 (the eve of her birthday), reflects the couple’s newfound attraction.

First Lady | History

and commenced a long and bumpy courtship. After graduating that same year, Lucretia worked as a teacher at the Institute and other schools while James continued his education at Williams College in Massachusetts. There, he became deeply attracted to another student, Rebecca Selleck. Matters came to a head when Lucretia attended James’s graduation and met Rebecca, who clearly had laid claim to James. In this critical moment in her relationship with James, Lucretia relied on the principle of self-government her mother taught. She sent him a letter in which she first wrote of the “generous and gushing affection of [his] warm impulsive nature,” so different, she recognized, from her own temperament, and then offered to release him from their relationship if he could love Rebecca better and she were better suited to his nature. Unfortunately for Lucretia, she was unable to express her love face-to-face; a cool demeanor often masked her warm emotions. She herself was aware of these tendencies, that the emotional reticence she had learned from her parents might offend or harm those close to her. Nevertheless, James chose to remain with Lucretia, and their romance continued on its uneven course until 1858, when they agreed to “try life in union,” to marry. For both of them, however, especially James, that union seemed to rest more on duty and obligation than on love.

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An Affair Becomes a Love Affair The next few years were so strained that the couple later referred to them as “years of darkness.” James was away from home much of the time, serving first in the Union Army and then in the U.S. House of Representatives beginning in 1863. Their letters echo a cold reserve. Each blamed him- or herself for this rift, with Lucretia writing of “the mask my heart had worn.” After five years of marriage, Lucretia pointed out to James that they had spent only a total of 20 weeks together. Then came two horrendous back-to-back blows that might destroy any marriage. First, in late 1863, their firstborn 3-year-old, Eliza,

A portrait of James and Lucretia Garfield by Charles M. Litchfield, circa 1880.

“ James became much more aware of Lucretia’s value to him as a guiding star.

whom they affectionately called “Trot,” died of diphtheria. Less than two months later, rumors broke that James had earlier conducted an affair with a young journalist, Lucia Calhoun. In June 1864, James confessed his affair to Lucretia, promised her that it had ended, and begged for forgiveness. Again, she demonstrated, as she had during the earlier crisis, her strong moral fiber by forgiving him and attempting to put the affair behind them. And then, remarkably and perhaps for the first time, the couple fell truly and deeply in love. The tone of their correspondence reflected this shift in their affection, with James writing to her, “We no longer love because we ought to, but because we do.” In an 1873 letter written on the eve of her birthday, Lucretia confirmed their newfound attraction: “Tonight in closing up my forty-first year I can scarcely realize I am so old. I do not feel old, and our love is so fresh and full of rosy light that I cannot believe we are more than lovers yet.” James became much more aware of Lucretia’s value to him as a guiding star, while Lucretia, apparently, became much more capable of expressing affection.

Partners in Politics, Partners for Life Soon after this reconciliation, Lucretia played a larger role in her husband’s political ambitions. She edited his speeches and freely discussed his policies and troubles with him. When he received the Republican nomination in 1880, she was key in organizing what became known as “the Front Porch Campaign,” serving cookies and lemonade to those who came to their home in Mentor, Ohio, seeking a word with the candidate. Garfield took office in March 1881 and was shot in July. During her brief time in the White House, Lucretia laid plans to renovate the shabby interior of the presidential home, continued the practice of hosting twice-a-week public receptions, and continued to care for her children and her motherin-law. After her husband’s funeral, she returned to their Ohio farm, where she raised her children and avoided the limelight of publicity. She established what might be considered the first presidential library, a fireproof vault which contained S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

History | Professional Golfer

The Career Grand Slam Golfer Self-taught, Gene Sarazen became one of the sport’s most colorful, dynamic personalities By Brian D’Ambrosio

harismatic, lively, and outstandingly driven, Gene Sarazen exemplified the soul and spirit of his era. Coinciding with the mass production of automobiles, the introduction of sound in movies, and the expansion of electrical recordings and radio, Sarazen was a household name equivalent to Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig. In 1932, the golfer was voted the Associated Press Athlete of the Year, winning over them both. An inventor and lifelong ambassador of the game, his improbable shot in 1935—dubbed the “Shot Heard Round the World”—endures as the pinnacle of the sport’s legend.

The Self-Taught ‘Squire’ Sarazen was born in 1902 as Eugenio Saraceni in “a small Italian colony” north of New York, “midway between Rye and Harrison, New York.” His father, Federico Saraceni, an Italian immigrant carpenter, was said to be displeased with his son’s chosen profession, although Eugenio posted a steady string of successes. The elder Saraceni returned to Italy to retire after his wife’s death. Eugenio took to golf at a young age and worked as a caddy for local golf clubs, including the ritzy Apawamis Club in Westchester County. One of his earliest inspirations was amateur golfer Francis Ouimet’s upset win at the 1913 U.S. Open, held at The Country Club in Brookline,

The legendary golfer Gene Sarazen demonstrates to a large crowd of fans at Potomac Park in Washington, 1922.

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Professional Golfer | History

Sarazen poses proudly next to the J.K. Wadley Trophy, which is presented annually to the winner of the BMW Championship, in 1934.

Massachusetts. Ouimet’s defeat of British professionals stunned the golf world, and the underdog’s triumph indelibly imprinted on the 11-year-old. As a teenager, Eugenio purportedly read a piece in a small, regional newspaper about his sinking of a hole-in-one and decided that he needed to change his name. He later said that his name sounded like a concertmaster’s or a violinist’s, whereas “Gene Sarazen” had a bare and unadorned ring to it. Sarazen’s teen years were spent caddying, learning, and studying. Employed as “a club professional” at a number of New York area golf courses, he was like blotting paper: highly absorbent in soaking up all of the proper techniques, positions, and swings. He quickly mastered the game. At 20, he won his first major championships, the 1922 U.S. Open and PGA Championship, crediting his unique interlocking self grip as perfectly fitting his hand size. No one had previously won both tournaments in the same year, which catapulted him into the public spotlight.

Sarazen and his wife, Catherine, married in 1924 and remained together until her death in 1986.

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History | Professional Golfer

“

He invented the contemporary sand wedge, which he called the ‘sand iron,’ building a prototype in 1931.

On an exhibition tour, Sarazen met Mary Catherine Henry, and they married in 1924 and remained together until her death in 1986. When the Ryder Cup was first held in 1927 between the United States and Great Britain at the Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts, Sarazen took part. The U.S. team, captained by Walter Hagen, emerged victorious, and Sarazen would serve as a member of six Ryder Cup teams from the year of its inception to 1937.

Modernized and Dominated the Game As Sarazen progressed as a player, he modified the game. He invented the contemporary sand wedge, which he called the “sand iron,” building a prototype in 1931. He first used the club at the 1932 Open Championship (the British Open), his ingenuity propelling him to victory. Sarazen explained: “I used to be the most terrible bunker player of all. One day, I was taking … flying lessons, and, as I sat on the floor of this little plane, I pulled a stick back and the tail went down and the plane took off. So something flashed in my mind, and I immediately went out to the hardwood store and got all of the solder, and I soldered the back of the niblick. So when the club went into the sand ... [the ball] had to come out.” The sand wedge is now a common piece in a set of clubs. “It probably should have been called the Sarazen wedge,” Arnold Palmer once said. Sarazen’s twin victory in the British and U.S. Open golf tournaments, two weeks apart, was one of the great highlights of American sporting life in 1932. The Associated Press honored him as Athlete of the Year. Sportswriter Grantland Rice was at the Fresh Meadow Country Club in Flushing, New York, enthusiastically taking note

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An action portrait of Sarazen swinging his club in Miami, circa 1921.

A Career Grand Slam

From 1922 to 1941, Sarazen’s accomplishments were on peak display. He was the first golfer to win all four major professional championships, known as a “Career Grand Slam,” something that has only been done by five others since.

U.S. OPEN VICTORIES 1922, 1932

PGA CHAMPIONSHIPS 1922, 1923, 1933

CAREER PGA TOUR VICTORIES

Professional Golfer | History

of Sarazen’s back-to-back achievements. The wins were heralded as “spectacular” and “record-breaking” by The Atlanta Constitution. Sarazen was now “golfdom’s emperor” and “real king.” Hailed as “the successor to Bobby Jones,” Sarazen, according to Rice, had broken “more records than Man o’ War, Babe Ruth, Benny Eastman, and Bill Tilden combined.” Rice exuberantly detailed Sarazen’s U.S. Open triumph as the “greatest finishing performance and the greatest 27-hole performance in the history of golf.” Though only 5 feet, 5 inches tall, Sarazen was on top of the world. He purchased a large dairy farm for his family in Brookfield, Connecticut, and, looking like and embracing the part of a refined landowner, he was furnished with the nickname “The Squire.”

re not included preview. One month before his passing, 97-year-old Sarazen at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga., on April 8, 1999.

A Shot Heard Round the World Sarazen’s discipline was singular. He practiced his swing as well as running through long and shorter distance shots for hours straight—without stopping. He thought of each and every possible scenario on the course and would attempt shots from all conceivable directions. Such fastidiousness paid great dividends. At the 1935 Masters (then known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament), Sarazen whacked the “shot heard round the world,” perhaps the most unbelievable single shot in the history of American golf. In the final round, Sarazen sunk a 235-yard shot with a 4-wood on the par 5 15th hole. It was an extraordinary double eagle, forcing a playoff with Craig Wood, which he won the next day. “It’s a lucky shot,” said Sarazen years later. “It’s a low shot trajectory. Boy, it hit just short off the green and kept bouncing, bouncing, bouncing. And I didn’t realize how close it was until the 22 people that were sitting around the green all jumped up in the air, start applauding.” To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the incredible shot in 1955, the Sarazen Bridge was dedicated at the Augusta National Golf Club. A Golden Career His post-peak years seemed just as busy. During World War II, Sarazen used his celebrity to support the troops, fundraising through exhibition matches. In the 1960s, Sarazen hosted a televised series of golf events called “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf.” In 1974, he was among the 13 inaugural inductees into the World Golf Hall of Fame, in St. Augustine, Florida, where a Slammer & Squire golf course was designed in his honor. The old champion never strayed too far from the courses or clubhouses, and he was gracious with interviews even into his 90s. In 1999, he died from complications of pneumonia, at age 97. Jack Nicklaus was among the many notables of golf who lionized the times and talents of Sarazen. “When you discuss or research the history of golf, the name Gene Sarazen is unavoidable,” Nicklaus said. “He was the cornerstone of the game we all enjoy today.”

S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

Culture | Church Restoration

Daprato Rigali is one of the country’s leading firms in new stained glass window design and fabrication. Its artisans are trained specifically in painting-on-glass.

Bringing Sacred Architecture Back to Life A Chicago family business makes churches shine through 5 generations

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By Trent Beattie

ecognized as the maestro of his art school in Florence, Italy, John E. Rigali migrated to the United States in 1881 at age 16. While the prodigious sculptor intended to bring his artwork to Roman Catholic churches in North America, he never imagined that he would expand the family business into every aspect of interior church design, and that it would still be going strong nearly a century and a half later.

The Family Legacy Begins Upon arriving in Chicago, Rigali apprenticed with the Daprato brothers at the Daprato Statuary Company. A younger cousin of the four Daprato brothers, Rigali became a partner only three years later and the company’s president in 1890. Daprato Statuary Company was awarded the prestigious title of Pontifical Institute of Christian Art by Pope Saint Pius X in 1909, an honor given to no other design

Church Restoration | Culture

studio. The pontiff whose motto was centered on spiritual restoration saw in the American company an entity worthy of manifesting this noble aspiration in the realm of church interiors. By the 1920s, the Daprato Statuary Company had opened offices in Montreal, New York, and Pietrasanta, Italy. The company continued thriving for decades, but by the 1960s, modernist movements such as abstract expressionism found their way into church design. As marble altars and multicolored stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes gave way to plain wooden tables and earth-toned glass depicting nothing in particular, the company’s additional offices closed. A business that had once staffed over 200 employees was now pared down to three: Robert Rigali (grandson of John E. Rigali), his wife Therese, and a noted stone mason, Lucherino Lucherini. “Those were tough times for our Church and for our family business,” said Mike Rigali, the son of Robert, who changed the company name to Daprato Rigali Studios in 1960. Although only a small child in the 1960s, Mike later heard stories of how employees were released to form their own specialty businesses. Sculptors, glaziers, carpenters, and bronze workers were contracted only when Daprato Rigali secured a rare commission requiring their specific services. In the 1970s, Daprato Rigali witnessed a small upsurge in sacred art projects. Churches once again sought the “old-world” craftsmanship that Daprato Rigali provided. The company’s reputation for quality and beauty allowed it to endure when competitors failed. This facilitated steady growth that accelerated throughout the following decades. “It went from two employees in the ’60s, to five in the ’70s, to 10 in the ’80s,” Mike said. It was a slow but sure revival of a once-dying family business. Mike graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1983 with a degree in American studies. “The degree had an emphasis on American architecture, so I basically studied architecture without officially becoming an architect,” he explained. After graduating, he officially joined the growing family business. By the early 1990s, Daprato Rigali Studios was operated by the Rigali family’s fourth generation. Mike, his two older brothers John and Bob, and his younger sister Lisa were running

Water damage restoration at St. Michael’s Church in Old Town, Chicago.

“The

company’s reputation for quality and beauty allowed it to endure when competitors failed.

the company as their father transitioned into retirement. This core family team was poised to usher in a new renaissance in sacred art.

A Thriving Sacred Renaissance In recent years, Daprato Rigali—thanks to its nearly 40 employees—has compiled one of the most impressive portfolios of church renovations in the country. Among their notable projects in Chicago are Saint Hedwig Catholic Church, done in the ornate “Polish cathedral style,” and Saint Alphonsus Church, whose celestial ceilings have gained attention from both sacred and secular sources. Beyond Chicago, projects include the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, Illinois; the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta; the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, and St. Boniface Catholic Church in San Francisco. S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

Culture | Church Restoration

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The family business’s fourth and fifth generations pose at the Daprato Rigali Studios after winning the 26th annual Illinois Family Business of the Year Award, 2019.

A key component of all these projects is awareness and respect for the church building. Mike said that “our artists know that they are working in, not just a shell structure, but a sacred place that people come to for prayer, so we try to keep it as serene as possible. That includes daily cleanups that ‘minimize our dust’ and keep the projects moving forward.” An example of this is the restoration of the Motherhouse Chapel of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The sisters needed trustworthy hands to reassemble and repair a reredos (large wall artwork directly behind an altar) from Spain that was over 100 years old. Mother Assumpta summed up the experience: “Not only did they treat every piece of the reredos with reverence, they seemed to enjoy the elegance of this amazing work of worship and of art—and we enjoyed their careful work as well!” “My dad always emphasized quality, quality, quality in church decoration and restoration,” Mike remembered. “That meant doing the big things well, but also the little things.” He recalled how his father, Robert, would ensure 82

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“Daprato

Statuary Company was awarded the prestigious title of Pontifical Institute of Christian Art by Pope Saint Pius X in 1909.

even a hidden plank of wood inside a small door near the pipe organ was painted to match the rest of the color scheme—because, after all, it was part of the church’s interior.

The Next Generation of Rigalis Because the fourth generation wants to beautify churches indefinitely, they are pleased to have the fifth generation stepping up. Dan Rigali, 39, the oldest of Mike’s four sons, is the first of his age group to take an active leadership role as a project manager. “I had worked with my family intermittently in high school, and, after graduating with a construction management degree from the University of Denver, I worked elsewhere for a few years. I’ve been back for about 11 years now, and I’m completely dedicated to keeping the family business growing,” Dan said. Dan’s brother Jack and cousins Audrey Galvin, Tommy Galvin, Ellie Galvin, Taylor Rigali, and Joey Dealba have also joined the family business. Not many people can say they work for a company that has endured for 145 years, with family at its heart. This longevity is reflected in strong worker retention, with a

Church Restoration | Culture

decorative painter who has been with them for 45 years and another for 42 years. The company’s commitment to continuing excellence was recognized by Loyola University in Chicago with the 2019 Illinois Small Family Business of the Year Award. Dan said he loves being part of this sacred family tradition and hopes to expand their artistic efforts even further, keeping in mind the intimate relationship among the transcendental realities of beauty, truth, and goodness identified by classical philosophy. He explained that all congregants should be able to enter their parish churches and—due to the objectively harmonious order before them—exclaim, like Jacob in Genesis 28, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of Heaven.” Indeed, the Rigalis believe that the ultimate goal of sacred art is to inspire viewers into continual prayer, empowering a life worthy of admittance to eternal beatitude. Although Robert Rigali died in December 2020 at the age of 88, his noble work of carrying on his father’s and grandfather’s artistic legacy has been passed down to his own children and grandchildren. The Rigalis have made it their goal to restore all things sacred —a timeless ideal.

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CLOCKWISE

Daprato Statuary Company’s skilled artisans painting statues for churches, convents, hospitals, and schools in their Chicago studio, circa late 19th century. A Daprato Rigali Studios crew member paints stars on the ceiling of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Palatine, Ill. A detail of the repaired Spanish reredos from the chapel of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Mich.

S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

Why i Love

America

Our Home Defined by Liberty What it means to protect the country my parents believed in so deeply By Alan Wakim

n 1966, my parents came to the United States to build a new life. They were from Lebanon, where religious turmoil was a constant part of daily life. Their journey took some time and included other chapters, but America was always the end goal. They arrived with very little, but they carried something more important: hope and gratitude. They truly believed they were entering a nation where your future would be shaped by hard work, not by your pedigree or creed. I was born the following year, in 1967, a first-generation American. As I grew up, I watched my parents turn hope into reality through steady grit. Despite her limited formal education, my mother had a sharp mind and an indomitable spirit; in time, she built and ran a successful clothing alterations business. My parents worked tirelessly so that my brother and I could enjoy opportunities they had never been given, including a college education and the chance to build secure lives. The greatest gift my parents gave us wasn’t economic mobility, but patriotism. They never forgot their past, and they remained proud of their Lebanese heritage, but they firmly believed America was the better path. They chose this country with remarkable conviction and looked optimistically into the future. There was no hesitation or backward glance. They chose America fully, and that choice shaped everything about our home. Our household proudly embraced American holidays and traditions. When the Apollo

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astronauts planted Old Glory on the moon, we felt their triumph as if it were our own. We also felt deep, personal reverence for the achievements of our armed forces, from Yorktown and Saratoga to Normandy and Midway. Then came September 11, 2001, a day of infamy that solidified my love for this country like no other. As horrific images and details were broadcast everywhere, I learned that the terrorist who commandeered United Flight 93 was from Lebanon—the same country my parents had left behind. He shared their birthplace, but nothing of their values. That knowledge struck me on a deep personal level and filled me with a terrible resolve: a fierce obligation to protect the nation that had given my family everything against those who wished it harm. That betrayal did not weaken my allegiance; it forged it into steel. Determined to protect my country, I applied to join the CIA. I was already in my 30s, and I believed I could serve more effectively as an intelligence officer than as a soldier. My knowledge of Middle Eastern history, religion, and culture—along with my fluency in Arabic—were tools I could use in service of America’s defense. I wanted to help ensure that a heinous act like 9/11 would never happen again. Although my life ultimately took a different path, my desire to defend America came from a true patriotic spirit that was also displayed by the ordinary citizens on Flight 93. When those passengers chose to fight back, knowing death would be the likely outcome, they refused to remain passive, charged the enemy, and saved

“The greatest

gift my parents gave us wasn’t economic mobility, but patriotism.

An illustration of a Fourth of July celebration in 1876, by Dominique C. Fabronius.

the lives of countless Americans. That same spirit shapes my admiration for the Founding Fathers—men like George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin—who looked at a world ruled by kings and imagined a government of, by, and for the people. In the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, they expressed a radical belief—that our rights come from God, not the state, and that the government derives its power from the consent of the governed. This vision relies on a just society rooted in Judeo-Christian principles—chief among them, liberty, family, sacrifice, and the inherent dignity of every human soul. That moral foundation, as I see it, helped unlock extraordinary human potential— fueling economic growth, technological innovation, and military strength. When I look across this land, from its vast farmlands and

skyscrapers to its natural beauty, I see a nation blessed by our Creator. My parents fled a divided region to find a home defined by liberty, and they taught me that being American is not defined by where your bloodline began, but by your devotion to this nation’s history, legacy, and foundational traditions. I love and celebrate America because it gave my family refuge, gave so many a future, and continues to offer an enduring promise of hope and freedom to the world.

Why do you love America? What makes it worth celebrating? What moves you about the people and places that make up our country? Tell us in a personal essay of about 600 to 800 words. We welcome you to send your submission to: Editor@AmericanEssenceMag.com

S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

My Family Roots

A Family of Patriots From my grandfather to my uncle and dad, our family has always felt a duty to serve. I found a way to serve the country without the use of weapons By Jimmy Jensen

y grandfather, Antonio, and his brother, Luigi, my mom’s only brother, tried to serve in World Dominic, arrived in America a century War I, but he was rejected because he was too young. ago. Circumstances forced them to leave On December 8, 1941, he also tried to enlist to serve their families in the old country. They in World War II, but he was rejected because he was came to America to be Americans. I still display the portoo old. Fortunately for America, he was a fabulous trait of Antonio taken the day he became a United States mechanic and soon went to England, where he worked citizen. He was in a suit and standing in front of a rather on a lone B-17 for the duration of the war. He noted large 46-star-spangled banner that most days, the plane he built (before more states were added to came back looking like “Swiss the union). cheese.” On several occasions, his He and Dominic got jobs delivcrew had to honorably remove ering blocks of ice (in the times crew members who had made the pre-refrigeration) during the warm ultimate sacrifice, and others who months of the year, and truckloads were wounded. His plane flew of coal in the colder times. They all but about 10 days during the both became very muscular due entirety of the war. Some days, the to climbing 20 to 30 flights of plane required extensive repairs stairs with 50-pound blocks of and was unable to fly for a day or ice slung over their shoulders. two. Only by God’s providence, the For the next three years, the two plane returned to England each brothers pooled their money and time it went out. spent as little as possible while Dad enlisted in the U.S. Navy Antonio Quercia, the author’s saving for the transit of their because of the great pay and benegrandfather, on the day he became a U.S. citizen, circa 1916. families still suffering and dying fits: a nice uniform, a place to sleep, in the old country. After they were three hot meals a day, you get to go all made whole, both families moved from New York to over the world, and all that money! Five dollars every Groton, Connecticut. Their partnership blossomed month made Dad wonder what he would do with all into a profitable business when they bought their own that money. He decided to send two dollars every month truck. Antonio’s family grew with the arrival of three to his mom. The recruiter informed Dad, “We might daughters, the youngest of whom was my mother. In late send you some place where there’s fellers shooting at 1920, both families moved again, this time to Boston, you.” Dad asked, “Can I shoot back?” The recruiter said, Massachusetts. They continued to prosper, having “Hell yeah! We load ’em, you shoot ’em.” Dad signed up. that treasured endowment, from God, of their “certain Dad later met my mom and they got married. Soon, they inalienable rights.” Two of the three girls grew up and had a daughter, and two sons. Shortly after World War married soldiers, but the baby girl married a U.S. Navy II started, Dad was sent to Green Cove Springs, Florida, sailor. to work on the fleet. Every time he got a ship floating,

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These pages ar in the p

ABOVE The author’s mother and father, Aug. 13, 1940. LEFT The author’s grandfather (center)

re not included preview. “ With the endowment of rights from God comes certain duties.

running, and into battle, he got a medal. He ended up with a chest full of ribbons for “just doing my job,” as he said. I, like Uncle Luigi, was also rejected for Army service, but I added to the list of rejections: the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy. Some years later, I noticed a job in the classified ads with only a phone number to call. The job opening was for a math and physics teacher. I figured it was right up my alley, and called. The more I talked to the gentleman, the more interested I became. I asked, “What is the name of your organization?” “The United States Navy.” He said, “You can skip OCS (officer candidate school), lieutenant junior grade, second lieutenant, and we will make you a first lieutenant, if you can be in Orlando, Florida, on Monday morning.” The thought running through my mind was, I would be out-ranking dad on my first day at work, and pulling rank at Christmas dinner. Alas, the Navy ultimately rejected me for health reasons, as I had chronic asthma.

with his wife and children. Uncle Luigi is in the back right, and the author’s mother is the youngest baby girl at center.

With that phone call came the inspiration on how to best serve America. I decided to go into teaching. I became a journeyman math teacher. I taught at seven different schools over 31 years, helping around 4,000 youngsters develop the ability to think, reason, and follow procedures. I used to take a break in class with a variety of stories that blended into the math lesson of the hour. Eventually, I was made department head, after a bumpy first five years. Then, to my wildest dreams, my students performed above all expectations. For 26 years more, 90 percent of my students passed the state-mandated exam at the end of the year. With the endowment of rights from God comes certain duties. Yes, my entire family loves America, and will do anything we can to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, even at the expense of our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. Only at death do these duties expire. Is there a family member who has positively impacted your life? American Essence invites you to share about your family roots and the lessons passed down from generation to generation. We welcome you to send your submission to: Editor@AmericanEssenceMag.com S E P T. – OCT. 2026 |

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