013 - Global Heroes News - August 2022

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GEORGE AND

AMAL CLOONEY WAGING JUSTICE WORLDWIDE

BECOMING A

KIND TRAVELER THE HEALING POWER

OF WILDLIFE

A Somali Boy's

MISSION FOR FOOD

SERVING THE HEMOPHILIA

AND OTHER BLEEDING DISORDERS

COMMUNITY OF NEW YORK @Hemophilia.Association.of.NewYork

@hemophiliany

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SINCE

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George and Amal Clooney are Waging Justice Worldwide RAYE MOCIOIU

“George’s father always said that the most important thing in life is to challenge people with power and defend people with no power. He says if you do that, you succeed,” said human rights lawyer and Clooney Foundation for Justice cofounder Amal Clooney.

This inspired the couple to set up the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), which provides free legal support to victims of abuse of power. From women to journalists, to survivors of atrocities, to LGBTQ+ people to democracy defenders, CFJ aids in access to justice, helping those in need to fight for their rights. We sat down with the Clooneys to discuss their upcoming Albie Awards, the fight for press freedom, and what it means to wage justice in an ever-changing world.

GH: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WAGE JUSTICE? HOW CAN THAT BE DONE? GEORGE CLOONEY: Our mission is waging justice to create a world where human rights are protected and no one is above the law. We believe we have to wage justice because justice doesn’t just happen. Peace, like war, must be waged. And justice, too, is something we must fight for, especially now as we see countries worldwide backsliding on human rights.

At CFJ, we provide free legal support to victims of abuses of power: journalists who are locked up just for doing their job and telling the truth; young girls who are denied the right to study or work or the right to decide who to marry; minorities who are targeted for genocide.

We help them to fight for their rights through the courts.

AMAL CLOONEY: One of our initiatives, ‘TrialWatch,’ monitors criminal trials in over 40 countries. Once local monitors whom we train up monitor a trial, we get some of the world’s leading legal experts to grade the trials and expose those that are a sham. Then we work with local lawyers to free those who are imprisoned.

‘The Docket’ gathers evidence of war crimes and genocide, from Ukraine to the Congo, Darfur, to Venezuela and Iraq, and represents survivors in trials where perpetrators are in the dock. Our newest initiative is ‘Waging Justice for Women.’ We work hand-in-hand with young women in Africa to pursue their rights through the courts and run ‘women for women’ legal aid clinics that provide free legal support to women and girls who are victims of gender-based discrimination.

All of this work is dedicated to advancing accountability for abuse because we believe that if you expose and raise the cost of abusive behavior, it is less likely to recur.

DR. JOSEPHINE KULEA © COURTESY OF CFJ

YOU ARE HOSTING YOUR INAUGURAL ‘ALBIE AWARDS’ THIS SEPTEMBER, WHICH WILL SHINE A LIGHT ON JUSTICE WARRIORS AT RISK—WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE AWARDS? AMAL: In our work, we come across many heroic people on the frontlines of the fight for justice, putting their lives at risk.

As a lawyer, I have represented countless people who faced prison simply because they challenged those in power—as journalists, judges, or politicians.

George has worked with activists and aid workers in some of the most dangerous parts of the world. They were focused on all kinds of causes—women, refugees, democracy—but what they had in common was that they wouldn’t back down from the fight for justice, no matter the cost. This event will shine a light on five courageous individuals who have put themselves at risk in the fight for justice. We hope the award will have a protective force on them.

GEORGE: The Albie Awards will be co-hosted by Darren Walker, a member of the CFJ Board and the President of the Ford Foundation. In addition, Nobel Laureates Nadia Murad and Maria Ressa, both brave women who pursue justice with Amal as their legal counsel, will be there, along with well-known figures like Meryl Streep, Aloe Blacc, Matt Damon, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Dua Lipa, John Oliver, Julia Roberts, Bruce Springsteen, and Patti Scialfa. Dr. Denis Mukwege, another Nobel Laureate who is on CFJ’s Board will be there along with other illustrious guests whom we are not announcing just yet...And we have leading corporations and firms supporting the event.

We believe that—as a U.S. judge once said—sunlight is the best disinfectant. It is harder for governments and regimes to target journalists, women, and vulnerable groups when the world is watching.

THE NAME OF THE AWARDS COMES FROM ACTIVIST AND FORMER JUDGE ALBERT SACHS— WHAT LED TO THE DECISION TO NAME THE AWARDS IN HIS HONOR? GEORGE: We met Albie with Justice Sonya Sotomayor in New York about four years ago—but we had heard about his work long before. He’s an incredibly honorable and brave man. He was an anti-apartheid activist who was detained in South Africa for his work, and the South African security forces tried to assassinate him through a car bombing.

He lost his arm and his sight in one eye, and he just kept going.

Kept fighting. He was one of the lawyers who drafted South Africa’s constitution, and Nelson Mandela appointed him to serve on the country’s highest court. When

iACT © COURTESY OF CFJ

© BEATRICE MORITZ PHOTOGRAPHY 2019

you think of fighting for justice, no matter what, you think of Albie, and that’s why he’s getting our inaugural lifetime achievement award and why this event will be called The Albies.

WHO ARE THE OTHER AWARDEES? AMAL: The awardees are remarkable. Our Albie Award for journalists is going to the extraordinary Filipino journalist Maria Ressa who faces a lifetime behind bars for her work in the Philippines, exposing government abuses through her reporting.

Our Albie for survivors goes to iACT—a group supporting refugees in dangerous war zones that worked with CFJ to gather evidence for a trial against a Sudanese militia leader for crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court.

Our Albie for democracydefenders goes to human rights group Viasna—one of the leading NGOs in Belarus, documenting abuses and helping survivors for nearly 30 years. This one may have to be an empty chair: both of the organization’s leaders are in jail, and more than half of the team has been forced to flee the country.

And finally, the Albie for women goes to Dr. Josephine Kulea on behalf of the Samburu Girls Foundation (SGF). This organization helps to provide safe refuge for girls looking to escape child marriage, female genital mutilation, and other harmful practices. SGF has been able to provide a safe place to live for over 1,500 girls in Kenya and place them in schools around the country, despite facing significant threats and abuse from men seeking to assert control over the girls.

ground in Ukraine investigating potential war crimes—we gather evidence and share it with prosecutors in Ukraine and around the world. We have tech experts working with Microsoft to analyze open-source material and satellite imagery so that we can present that evidence to the International Criminal Court. We are tracking cases of sexual and gender-based violence against women.

GEORGE: We are also tracking the activities of the Kremlinbacked mercenary Wagner Group. And President Zelensky appointed Amal to a working group of international experts to advise on international mechanisms for victims to access justice and compensation to rebuild their lives. We hope that those responsible for the crimes we see every day will be brought to trial—in Ukraine, The Hague, or elsewhere—and we will continue to assist Ukrainian survivors until that happens.

AS HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS AND PUBLIC FIGURES, YOU HAVE BOTH SHARED THE SENTIMENT THAT THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE IS NOT JUST A ONE CLEAR AREA OF FOCUS PASSION BUT A DUTY. HOW DO YOU STAY HOPEFUL IN FOR THE FOUNDATION THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE AT IS THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS AND THE FREE THIS MOMENT IN HISTORY? PRESS. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF AMAL: George always reminds JOURNALISTS, GIVEN THE our team that we will most likely THREATS THEY FACE? fail time and time again, but we GEORGE: Waging justice on journalists’ behalf has always been important to us. Amal has defended and continues to defend journalists all over the world. She has an unmatched track record of keeping journalists out of prison—from Egypt to Myanmar to Azerbaijan, and currently represents Maria Ressa in the Philippines.

AMAL: Our work representing survivors in Ukraine is the same work we’ve done in many other conflicts. We have a team on the

AMAL: This year, we’ve witnessed the number of journalists behind bars reach a record high. They are locked up simply for doing their job—sharing the truth.

We’ve seen members of the press murdered in the heart of Europe in countries like Malta and Slovakia and war-torn Ukraine.

Some governments are bold enough to kidnap journalists on

ALBERT SACHS © COURTESY OF CFJ

MARIA RESSA © REUTERS/ELOISA LOPEZ

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK IN UKRAINE. WHAT DOES JUSTICE LOOK LIKE IN THIS CASE?

commercial airliners in mid-air.

CFJ has now monitored dozens of cases in which press freedom is at stake. We have covered the crackdowns on journalists in Belarus, Thailand, and Hong Kong. We recently announced we’ll be monitoring the appeal of journalist and Washington Post contributor Vladimir KaraMurza, a prominent critic of the Russian government. And we don’t just expose what is wrong— we provide free legal advice and representation for those unjustly detained and push for legal reforms to prevent further abuses. In time, TrialWatch will use the data it gathers from courtrooms around the world to publish a Global Justice Ranking of national systems, using those rankings to support advocacy for systemic change.

have to keep trying. Failing is a natural part of a difficult journey.

George was raising awareness about atrocities committed by the government and ‘Janjaweed’ militias in Darfur two decades ago.

GEORGE: And now Amal is working to prosecute the first Janjaweed leader at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Journalists and opposition who’ve been behind bars with little hope have been released one after the other.

Just last year, Amal represented a Yazidi victim of ISIS in what became the first conviction of an ISIS fighter for genocide anywhere in the world. Justice for war crimes is not easy or swift. But we must continue the fight.

Learn more at cfj.org

VIASNA © REUTERS/ANTOINE MERMET/HANS LUCAS

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Friends of Firefighters: A Legacy of Healing RAYE MOCIOIU

Over two decades ago, just days after 9/11 shook the world, New Yorker Nancy Carbone was among thousands looking for a way to help. In a time of fear and catastrophe, active and retired firefighters or emergency responders from across the city flocked to the World Trade Center, and tragically, many lives were lost.

Carbone recognized that these brave men and women were carrying an immense load; between funerals, spending long hours at the disaster site, and still working at the firehouse, firefighters were suffering from PTS (post traumatic stress), survivor’s guilt, and physical and mental exhaustion. Carbone went from firehouse to firehouse, from Brooklyn Heights to Red Hook to the Bronx, asking how she could help ease the burden on those putting their lives on the line at Ground Zero.

It was around this time that Lt. Tony Mussorfiti, now retired, met Carbone and saw her willingness to help. At the time, Mussorfiti shared, the government was trying to provide support for firefighters or emergency responders, but they never felt like the right fit and were swiftly sent away.

“Nancy was different,” Mussorfiti, whose firehouse lost 19 members during 9/11, said. “She was already building that relationship with the firefighters by actively trying to help. She was trusted.”

The requests Carbone was filling for these firehouses ranged from funeral services to memorial supplies, but seeing the need for support changed the course of Carbone’s life: there was a dire need for counseling amongst the firefighters or emergency responders to help process the tragedy, the loss, and the impact of the disaster—and it needed to be done in a way that firefighters, notorious for keeping their vulnerabilities hidden, would feel comfortable.

Although Carbone had no experience in the counseling field, she took this request seriously.

She began asking the firefighters if anyone had started to display unhealthy habits—and because they trusted her, they were honest with her. They realized that counseling was something that they needed, and Carbone was there to make it happen.

Within months, she opened a space for firefighters to get confidential help without having it reported. Thus, Friends of Firefighters (friendsoffirefighters. org) was born.

In the days and months after 9/11, there was a lot of loss and grief. Having access to a trusted person who could help them was a lifeline. Even responders like Mussorfiti, who were focused on their mission, were reassured to know that help was available when times were tough.

© LLOYD MITCHELL, URBAN FIREFIGHTING PORTFOLIO

FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS FIREHOUSE © KIA CARBONE PHOTOGRAPHY

“Just making the call helped tremendously, but it took learning the tools to be able to overcome the physical reaction to the anxiety,” Mussorfiti recalled. “It wasn’t that I was afraid, it was that I was overwhelmed. I still use those tools today, and I share them with other people.”

Mussorfiti, who has sat on the Friends of Firefighters advisory board since 2005, also runs a breakfast club for members of HazMat 1. It began as a small outing of four people but grew over the years to a sizable group of firefighters or emergency responders who feel safe connecting and sharing their experiences and stories. For two hours once a month, the group takes over a diner and talks about the good times, the bad times, how they’re really doing, and everything in between. Carbone is the only non-FDNY member invited to this breakfast, a testament to how involved and trusted she has become within the community.

“We understand each other,” Mussorfiti said of the firefighters or emergency responders. “We

NANCY CARBONE © COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS

have shared experiences, and it’s a good way to reach out to those who may be struggling and don’t know where to turn.”

Mussorfiti regularly invites new members to the breakfast, checking in with them and seeing if they could benefit from the support services offered at Friends of Firefighters.

“What I always tell people is that one of the things we found that works best is peer counseling— speaking with someone who understands,” Mussorfiti shared.

“Not looking for sympathy, looking for guidance, directions, and tools.

What works for me may not work for everyone else, but I still use those tools to this day.”

For many firefighters and emergency responders, Mussorfiti included, healing is a lifelong process. The impacts of PTSD stay with a person long after the danger is gone, and images and sensations from the event will come back, sometimes without any warning.

Having gone through the tragedy of 9/11 and the aftermath, Mussorfiti understands firsthand

LT. TONY MUSSORFITI © COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS

the hardships emergency responders face on a daily basis—most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency responders toed the line for all of us during the pandemic with little or no access to their families and friends for support.

“During 9/11 we were there every week afterwards, you could go back to the firehouse, and go home and see your family,” he shared. “With the pandemic, you couldn’t do that. You didn’t know who was exposed, you couldn’t go home because you were fearful of bringing it home to your family.”

While Mussorfiti wasn’t working as a firefighter or emergency responder during the pandemic, he shared that they tell all responders—no matter what tragedy they’ve been a part of—to work through their emotions in whatever way works for them.

“All it takes, really, is being able to talk to somebody,” he said. “If you’ve got nobody you can talk to, I give them my card and I tell them ‘you can talk to me, I’ll listen.’”

“I used to travel a lot, before the pandemic,” Mussorfiti recalls. “One day, I had boarded my flight early and I started to feel really anxious, I could feel it coming on, but couldn’t figure out why. I suddenly realized that the music that they had playing over the speakers was familiar to me—I had heard it in a lot of videos about 9/11. At first, the familiarity didn’t register—all that registered was the anxiety I felt.”

At that moment, the tools he had learned through Friends of Firefighters counseling were able to help him. To Mussorfiti, moments like those are a testament to the long-lasting positive impact Friends of Firefighters can have.

Friends of Firefighters continues to connect active and retired FDNY firefighter communities and their families with free tools and resources for greater mental health, but donations are necessary to expand their team and their services.

Firefighters are there for us in some of the worst hours of our lives, and it is a privilege to be there for them in their times of need.

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Turning the Cycle of Poverty Into a Cycle of Hope Each year, hundreds of families in the Archdiocese of New York seek out Catholic school education for their children. Despite the modest tuition charged by inner-city Catholic schools, tuition is still an insurmountable barrier for many low-income families, but it does not have to be. Inner-City Scholarship Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a quality Catholic school education a viable choice for low-income families, seeks to eliminate this barrier through a variety of tuition assistance programs.

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WHEN WE IMAGINE THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF FAITH AND EDUCATION,

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FISHING FOR A FUTURE

In the face of climate change and overfishing, artisanal fishers battle to feed a growing population.

TOM CLYNES

Six days a week, hours before the first rays of sun brighten the pale cliffs above Cabo Blanco, Carlos Chapilliquén rows through the surf to his small wooden boat, climbs aboard and raises its sail. With a tug on the mainsheet and a flick of the tiller, he coaxes the wind into the cloth and the boat surges over the waves, into the heart of one of the most abundant marine ecosystems on Earth.

From the age of six, when his uncles taught him how to bait a hook and troll with the wind, Chapilliquén has worked the Pacific waters off his hometown in northern Peru, where the cold Humboldt Current sideswipes the warm equatorial current. The resulting upwelling of nutrient-rich water has long sustained a chain of rich marine life, from plankton and anchovies to mackerel, shark and tuna.

Chapilliquén, 44, has watched the horizon change dramatically over his lifetime as oil rigs multiplied offshore. Spills—such as a 11,900-barrel release near Lima in mid-January that devastated wildlife and left hundreds of fishermen out of work—are just one of “a mountain of challenges” that Chapilliquén says the area’s smallscale fishers face. Catches continue to decline as climate change advances. And large, industrial fishing boats from elsewhere—some fishing illegally—crisscross the nearshore waters, decimating stocks and jeopardizing local livelihoods.

“We play by the rules because we want to preserve the resource for future generations,” says Chapilliquén, a father of three who leads Cabo Blanco’s artisanal fishing guild. “But these giant ships come in and drop their nets to the bottom, killing everything in their path. We don’t have a chance.”

The fishers of northern Peru are not alone. As the United Nations names 2022 the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture—in recognition of the contributions small-scale fishers, fish workers, and aquaculturists make to their communities and nations—many of the estimated 820 million people who depend on marine foods for their livelihoods

are seeing catches and incomes plummet. A combination of destructive harvesting, pollution, climate change and coastal development is degrading already stressed ocean ecosystems and reducing fishery yields.

A LOOMING FOOD CRISIS IN THE TROPICS

For the past three decades, the human demand for wild fish has far outpaced what the world’s waters can reproduce. Today, more than one-third of fish stocks are below biologically sustainable levels.

The tropics have been hit especially hard, as waters overheated by climate change cause prized species to migrate poleward to the cooler waters they prefer. The smaller, nutrient-rich fish that remain are increasingly scooped up by high-volume fishing operations to sell in faraway countries. Without drastic action, many tropical developing nations could see catches fall another 40 percent by the 2050s.

By then, the planet’s population is projected to have grown by more than 25 percent, making declining catches a food-security concern as well as an economic and environmental one. More than three billion people rely on seafood as a vital source of protein in their diets, and billions more depend on it for essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and iron.

“It spells a looming food crisis in the equatorial band where people are already at the threshold for inadequate nutrition and fisheries are most at risk from illegal fishing, weak governance and climate impacts,” says Christopher Golden, a Harvard professor who studies nutrition and environmental health.

“BLUE FOOD” SOLUTIONS

Despite the dire outlook, many experts believe that foods captured or cultivated from the ocean or other waterways—sometimes called blue foods—could be the most promising way to sustainably feed growing populations while adapting to, and even slowing, climate change.

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and partners around the world are working to elevate seafood’s role in addressing food insecurity, particularly in tropical

developing nations, and to open new opportunities for sustainable and resilient marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. To be successful, the work requires governments, regulators and policy-makers to make a fundamental shift from treating fish not just as a commodity, but as essential food.

In Peru and many other developing countries, cash-starved governments either underestimate the value of their fisheries or sell the rights to harvest relatively “low value” fish to foreign entities, which profit by meeting the exploding global demand for fish oil and fish meal used to feed farmed fish and other animals.

“There’s nutritional gold in these countries’ waters, but they’re selling it as if it were fill dirt,” says Tom Grasso, who leads EDF’s work on climate-resilient food systems. The key to capturing that value, says Grasso, is for countries to align fisheries policies with nutrition and finance policies.

To establish the need for this shift, Golden and his collaborators created the most comprehensive nutritional database of seafood ever assembled, identifying more than 3,700 edible aquatic plants and animals ranging from seaweed to sharks, and analyzing the nutritional composition of each.

“We found some real surprises,” says Golden. For example, the team showcased several categories of small fish and shellfish with a far higher nutritional value than any type of cultivated terrestrial food including beef, and with a much lower carbon footprint. Farm-grown oysters, for example, have less than 0.5 percent of the greenhouse-gas cost of beef per kilogram of protein.

BETTER DATA DRIVES BETTER DECISION MAKING

All around the Pacif ic Rim, from Peru, Mexico and Chile to Indonesia and the Philippines, EDF and partners are working to build awareness of fisheries as critical food systems and encourage supportive government policies.

EDF also facilitates communications between traditional fishing communities across the world to share information and strategies

INDONESIA BLUE CRAB FISHERS © COURTESY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND

for management and advocacy.

One successful approach has been to put the ability to measure fish catches into the hands of fishers themselves.

“When fishers back up their observations with data, they can influence the regulators to help set sustainable limits on catches,” says Chris Cusack who leads EDF’s oceans technology initiatives. In Chile and Indonesia, Cusack’s team distributed a smartphone app that allows fishers to report the size of their catch to local monitors, who then compile the data for managers to use when setting policy.

Other emerging technologies such as on-board video cameras and GPS trackers hold the promise of better information and decision-making.

To get a broader picture and support data-informed policymaking, EDF recently created SAPO (Sistema de Alerta, Predicción y Observación), the Humboldt Current’s first early warning system for climate impacts on fisheries.

Onshore and on the high seas, vast amounts of data are collected each day from hundreds of instruments in Chile, Ecuador and Peru.

The project paves the way for more collaborative, climate-smart fisheries management across the three countries.

SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE CAN HELP FEED A HUNGRY WORLD

Many environmentalists believe that sustainably farmed fish could help meet a growing population’s demand for protein.

“With capture f isheries so

close to their limits there’s broad recognition that most of the growth in seafood production will need to come from well-managed aquaculture,” says Jim Leape, codirector of the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions. “The problem is that aquaculture relies too much on wild fish for feed.”

That’s a big problem, with about 25 percent of the world’s wildcaught fish now being converted to meal for farmed fish and other animals. Researchers are exploring alternative food sources, but farming species that are lower in the food chain may be the most effective way to reduce dependence on wild-caught fish meal.

Conservationists say industrial fish farms also need improved oversight, better waste management and new technologies for recirculating water. But when properly planned and managed, aquaculture can make an essential contribution to local diets and economies. In Bangladesh, for example, researchers found that increased farming of small, nutrient-rich, indigenous fish in household ponds would provide substantial health benefits by preventing diseases caused by vitamin A deficiency.

Whether the subject is farmed or wild-caught seafood, there’s a palpable urgency to the conversation about the role of blue foods in sustainably feeding people and fighting climate impacts— a conversation that fishers like Carlos Chapilliquén say is essential and long overdue.

“God gave us this beautiful sea and f illed it with life,” Chapilliquén says. “Now it’s up to us to defend her.”

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thehopeprogram.org August • 2022

globalheroes.com The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

New Yorkers Find HOPE For a Sustainable Future In communities hit hardest by the pandemic, economic recovery has been stalled by a disparity between available jobs, expectations from employers, and the experience and resources available to jobseekers.

This is especially true in New York City, where twice as many people are unemployed compared to the U.S. average.

There are a few bright spots.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupations projected to grow the most between now and 2030 are in the green sector. These occupations have also shown promising wages—in 2021, green sector salaries exceeded the national average annual income by 23 percent.

The HOPE Program is a New York City-based nonprofit that’s bridging the gap between unemployment in historically low-income, environmentally neglected communities and career opportunities in the burgeoning green sector.

HOPE empowers New Yorkers to build sustainable futures through comprehensive training, jobs, advancement and lifelong career

support. The organization serves adults facing significant barriers to employment, including histories of substance use, homelessness, criminal legal involvement, and limited educational attainment.

While most of their programs are focused on green sector skills—like high-efficiency HVAC maintenance, green construction, and landscaping—they are all rooted in core, essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management that set job seekers up for long-term success in any sector. HOPE’s participants also receive wages for their hands-on training, individualized job search assistance, and lifelong job retention, advancement, and wellness support.

As a result of this unique model, HOPE achieves employment outcomes among the strongest in the workforce development industry: 79 percent of those who graduated from the program last year have secured jobs. Historically, at least 80 percent of employed HOPE graduates remain employed for at least a year, a common indicator of long-term connectivity to the

workforce. In the past year alone, HOPE’s graduates earned a total of $17.1 million, a direct investment in communities that have long faced cycles of poverty.

Beyond financial outcomes, HOPE contributes directly to environmental sustainability. The nonprofit’s green jobs programs are based in the South Bronx, a neighborhood that is home to many of their participants and has long faced significant environmental challenges as a result of overtrucking, toxic air pollution from local power plants, and a lack of green space. Starting in their classes, and extending into their careers, HOPE participants are working to change this.

"HOPE connected me with an internship as a gardener,” shared David Diggs, a graduate of Intervine, HOPE’s green infrastructure training program.

“From there, I worked my way all the way up to Assistant Manager. I can see for myself the impact that my work has on New York City and the world at large. When I was in prison, I never thought I would be a part of something like this. I had

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no idea that I could have a job, a career, that I would be able to really, truly love.”

HOPE’s investment goes beyond New York City’s financial future.

Their programs are devoted to addressing environmental resiliency in historically neglected neighborhoods. By providing community members with training that supports successful, long-term careers in climate change mitigation and environmental restoration, HOPE

has created a space for those most affected by environmental injustice to make a difference.

Learn more about HOPE, donate, or get involved by visiting thehopeprogram.org.

U.S. Drug Dealer Turned Master Falconer Extols ‘Healing Power’ of Wildlife VANESSA JOHNSTON

Master falconer Rodney Stotts has written a book about his life path from drug dealer on the streets of Washington to wildlife expert, hoping to inspire others to take solace in nature.

“I went from ‘flipping birds’— selling cocaine—to flying birds, and the destruction that I used to cause in that life,” Stotts said.

“I’m just trying to make up for it.”

In his new memoir “Bird Brother,” the 51-year-old credits the “healing power of wildlife” for transforming his life.

As a young man in one of Washington’s roughest neighborhoods, Stotts had little to live for. His father had been murdered, his mother was addicted to crack, and many friends were dead from gun violence, Stotts wrote.

He expected to end up dead or in jail.

But a 1992 initiative to clean up the Anacostia River, led

by Hollywood filmmaker and conservationist Bob Nixon, changed everything.

Nixon hired nine young

helpers from a nearby public housing community, including Stotts. For the next several years, the drug hustler spent his days

RODNEY STOTTS, A MASTER FALCONER, HOLDS A HARRIS HAWK IN HIS HAND AS HE OVERSEES THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN AVIARY BY MEMBERS OF THE CAPITAL GUARDIAN YOUTH © REUTERS/KEVIN FOGARTY

wading through dirty river water clearing out trash and learning about birds of prey.

The group helped bring bald eagles back to the city. Over time, Stotts found himself drawn more toward nurturing birds than dealing drugs.

“The more I moved away from it, the happier I seemed to get,” Stotts recalled.

Skeptics had scoffed at Nixon’s decision to hire inner city youths, but Nixon said Stotts’ story had proved him right.

“He’s exactly the same. I mean, full of personality, an amazing, brilliant human being, and I could see that right away,” Nixon said about first meeting Stotts in the 1990s.

Becoming a master falconer requires passing a state test and finding a sponsor to learn the ins-and-outs of falconry: the ethics of the sport; how to identify, trap and care for the birds; and how to release them back into the wild.

Many potential sponsors did not take Stotts seriously, he said.

“I called this guy. He said, ‘You sound like you’re a Black guy.’ I said, ‘I am.’ He said, ‘Black people don’t fly birds, y’all eat them,” Stotts recalled.

Eventually he found a sponsor, and last June earned the designation of “master falconer.”

On a recent May evening, the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy—a program for young school dropouts—worked to build an aviary for birds in rehabilitation in Laurel, Maryland.

Thirty years after their first meeting, Stotts and Nixon are passing their knowledge to the next generation.

“I tell people, ‘Go to a creek and just sit and listen to the water for 10 minutes. Turn your phone off, everything,” Stotts said.

“That old saying, ‘Stop and smell the roses?' Stop. Actually stop and smell them.”

—Reuters

NY/NJ Family Fundraising for a Cure for Their Daughter’s Devastating Disease “I think of all of the wishes Ariya would have had as a little girl growing up, if she didn’t have INAD…now, I believe her sole wish would be to be able to interact with us again”, says Leena Panwala of her daughter, afflicted with INAD—a devastating rare neurodegenerative disorder that leads to a complete loss of awareness as well as gross and fine motor skills.

After a year of unexplained symptoms, frantic visits to top specialists and several rounds of genetic testing at top United States hospitals, Ariya Panwala received her diagnosis shortly after her second birthday. “She could still sit on her own but was rapidly losing ground. She had lost most of the skills she gained in her f irst year of life, including the ability to hold her head up, crawl, and play.

She never learned to walk or talk, and the doctors said she would continue to regress,”

Ariya’s mother, Leena, recalls.

It was a genetic disease—a mutation on the PLA2G6 gene, which causes Infantile

THE PANWALA FAMILY © COURTESY OF INADCURE FOUNDATION

Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects young children and shortens their lifespans

to just f ive to ten years. After wrapping her mind around the heartbreaking symptoms her daughter would suffer f rom, Leena asked if there was anything available that could stop or slow the progression. She quickly learned that there were no treatments, no cure, and that INAD was so rare that it wasn’t on anyone’s radar; thus, no hope.

For Leena, learning that nothing could be done to stop the progression of a disease that would leave her daughter immobile, nonverbal, with hearing and vision loss was terrifying. She spent sleepless nights searching for information, scouring every source she could find for help. Watching Ariya slip away has been a constant motivating factor for her to push for the best treatment possible for this disease.

With little Ariya as her inspiration and a desperate desire for children with this condition to have the best chance at life, Leena formed the INADcure Foundation.

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For the past five years, Leena and her team at the foundation have been laser-focused on accelerating a path to safe and effective treatments and a cure for INAD and other PLA2G6-related neurodegeneration (PLAN). The team of scientists and advisors has provided a 24-month path to transition their gene therapy initiative from preclinical studies to human trials. Leena has also created a campaign called Ariya’s Wish to not only spread INAD awareness within her local community but to raise the necessary funds to support the gene therapy preclinical studies as well as human clinical trials.

These achievements have established a monumental legacy for both Ariya and Leena in creating hope for families like theirs.

With a goal of $7 million, they are asking one million people to donate just $7 each and help Ariya’s wish to #beatINAD come true.

Please visit ariyaswish.org to be one of Ariya’s million!

HELP MAKE ARIYA’S WISH FOR CURING INAD COME TRUE BY VISITING ARIYASWISH.ORG

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Securing freedom at the end of life URGE NEW YORK LEGISLATURE TO ALLOW DYING NEW YORKERS TO END NEEDLESS SUFFERING On April 27, we participated with other families in a candle-lighting ceremony in Albany to commemorate the 22 advocates who have died while urging the New York legislature to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act. Our daughter, Ayla Rain Eilert, 24, was the youngest and most recently deceased advocate honored at the event. Before her diagnosis of tongue cancer last September, Ayla was living her dream as a ballet dancer in Manhattan.

On April 2, despite receiving the best treatment and palliative care available, Ayla died in agony. Without the one end-of-life care option that she begged for, medical aid in dying, what should have been a peaceful death became hell. For hours before Ayla died, she was clawing at her neck, crying, whimpering, convulsing. No parent should have to witness their child pointlessly suffer while begging for help. No loved one should have to relive that trauma.

Tragically, for six years the New York legislature has failed to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act,1 even though most New Yorkers2 and most New York physicians support it.3 Inaction is causing harm. For the sake of the dying, their loved ones who keep their memory, and the medical professionals who treat them, we pray that the New York legislature passes the Medical Aid in Dying Act giving options and agency to those who need one last act of compassion.

Thank you for your compassion.

— Amy & Daren Eilert

Envisioning a society that affirms life and accepts the inevitability of death, Compassion & Choices is working to empower people on their end-of-life journey.

PLEASE JOIN THE EILERTS BY TAKING ACTION AT CANDC.ORG/NEWYORK 1) Bill Summary, New York Medical Aid in Dying Act (A. 4321A/S. 6471). Accessed at: bit.ly/NYmedicalAidInDyingAct 2) Marist Poll of 822 New York State Adults, October 2021. Accessed at: bit.ly/NYmaristPollOct2021 3) WebMD Survey of New York Physicians, November 2018. Accessed at: bit.ly/NYwebMDpollNov2018

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A Somali Boy's Mission to Find Food as Climate Change Takes Its Toll Each morning in this Somali border town, 11-year-old Bashir Nur Salat plots his day's mission behind a crooked wire fence. Armed with only a friend's yellow school shirt, a borrowed book, and toothy grin, he eyes his prize through the mesh: lunch.

Bashir lives where three crises converge—global warming, spiraling food prices, and war.

He, like millions of others in Somalia, are in the crosshairs of what some aid workers are calling "The Three Cs": climate change, costs and conflict.

The worst drought in four decades in war-torn Somalia forced his family to leave their farm three months ago and to move about 62.5 miles north to the town of Dollow, on the border with Ethiopia.

Now, he leads a pack of younger children who gather when the Kabasa Primary School serves its students food. Through the school's wire fence, the children stare at students inside gulping warm porridge or plates of beans and corn served as part of a U.N.supported program, one of the few regular sources of food in the town.

Many of the gang were among the latest influx of people into Dollow, who were too late to register for schooling. One by one, they slink through the broken gate and dart across the dusty schoolyard to grab a meal when the teachers aren't looking.

"When I don't get food, I'm so hungry: I lie down and I can't sleep," Bashir said quietly. He had eaten no dinner the night before nor breakfast that morning. His eight brothers and sisters at home were all hungry, he said.

The drought, which began last year, is predicted to worsen, exacerbated by climate change, many scientists and humanitarian organizations say.

Somalia, riven by a long-running Islamist insurgency, needs to import more food but people can't afford to buy it. Foreign aid is dwindling and food prices are spiking because of war in Ukraine, the world's fourth-largest grain exporter.

of its requested $2.25 billion for six months. Senior U.N. officials have repeatedly sounded the alarm about the shortfall of aid in the Horn of Africa to tackle the worsening drought.

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BASHIR NUR SALAT POSES FOR A PHOTOGRAPH WITH HIS CLASSMATES AT THE KABASA PRIMARY SCHOOL IN DOLLOW, GEDO REGION, SOMALIA MAY 25, 2022. © ALL IMAGES REUTERS/FEISAL OMAR

At least 448 children have died since January while being treated for acute malnutrition, the United Nations said. The figures are likely a fraction of the true deaths since many will have been unable to reach help.

On a good day, Bashir's father may make $2 selling charcoal in a nearby town, but since May, he has managed to send only $10 because of lack of work. The family has not received any food aid, she said.

Such desperation is set to become more common in Somalia, and beyond, as rising temperatures fuel more natural disasters, many scientists say.

In the last 50 years, extreme weather events have increased five-fold worldwide, according to the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The Horn of Africa, including Somalia, is at its driest on record.

This year's March-to-April rains— the first of two annual rainy seasons—have been the smallest in 70 years, and the second rains from October to December are also predicted to be unusually dry, according to a warning last month from a group of 14 meteorological and humanitarian associations, including the WMO. "We've never seen a fourseason drought before, and now we're likely to see a fifth in October,” said climatologist Chris Funk from the Climate Hazards Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

NO TIME TO RECOVER

Bashir's family had never before left their home in south-central Somalia, even when famine in 2011 claimed more than a quarter of a million lives, most of them children. Aid workers say deaths may approach those levels again in this drought.

Bashir's family did not move then. Some livestock survived, so they stayed in their farm near Ceel Bon village.

Not this time. The drought took all of their 12 cows and 21 goats—a small fortune in a country where wealth is counted in animals. The family once enjoyed three meals a day: creamy milk from the family cows now reduced to scattered bones; and beans and sorghum from fields now parched and cracked.

"I've never seen a drought like this before," said Bashir's 30-year-old mother. She and her nine children now sleep on two mattresses in Dollow.

INTERNALLY DISPLACED CHILDREN EAT A MEAL AT THE KABASA PRIMARY SCHOOL

CLIMBING COSTS

At the school where Bashir hunts for food, 10-year-old Suleko Mohammed says she lost three siblings to measles in six weeks— two brothers, aged two and three, and her older sister who used to help her with homework.

Food prices have jumped by up to 160 percent in parts of Somalia, due to the drought and global supply disruptions from the conflict in Ukraine. Even in good times, Somalia imports over half its food.

The government has become alarmed by what it says is the slow international aid response, with its special drought envoy Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame saying countries need "to pay attention to this drought before it becomes a famine."

"All human lives are equal," he told Reuters. "The international community, particularly the Western nations, are paying more attention to Ukraine than the other crises."

To date, Somalia has received just 18 percent of the $1.46 billion it needs in humanitarian aid this year, according to U.N. figures—well below the level of response last year. Ukraine, by contrast, has received 71 percent

BASHIR NUR SALAT SITS WITH HIS MOTHER MEEREY MADEEY AND HIS SIBLINGS

The Kabasa Primary School was established to cope with the influx of families ravaged by the 2011 famine. Admissions swelled again during the 2016-17 drought, when early humanitarian intervention kept the death rate low.

About one-fifth of students typically leave school during hard times and never return, said Rania Degesh, deputy director of East and southern Africa for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

"When you uproot children, you expose them to incredible risks: exploitation, gender-based violence, early marriages, recruitment, neglect," Degesh said.

The meal program entices them to stay in school. Schools in Somalia get 41 U.S. cents per child for two meals a day, said the U.N.'s World Food Programme.

But dwindling funds have already forced cutbacks to the program supporting 110,000 Somali children. Schools have just started a two-month break; there is no funding for when classes resume in August.

Teachers said Bashir and his gang were among at least 50 unenrolled children who appeared daily hoping for meals.

Sometimes, teachers pushed them back. Sometimes, they offered leftovers. Sometimes they turned a blind eye.

"If they eat the food, then there is not enough for the students," said Kasaba's principal, Abdikarim Dahir Ga'al, as he watched Bashir's gang slip into the schoolyard.

Outside, Bashir scrambled among the last students to receive their meals, emerging triumphantly from the scrum with a metal plate of bean and corn mash.

His grin was wide and his head held high. At last, he would eat.

(Source: Reuters)

KALMOLE MOALIN ADEN, 11, STANDS WITH CLASSMATES AT THE THE KABASA PRIMARY SCHOOL

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What is Hemophilia? What is a Bleeding Disorder?

Since 1952, the Hemophilia Association of New York (HANY) has been striving to improve the quality of life for those with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, through direct assistance, education, and advocacy.

But what is hemophilia?

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that makes it difficult for a person’s blood to clot, sometimes even with minor injury. Depending on where in the body bleeding occurs, it can cause long-term injury, complications or disability.

Most bleeding disorders can be traced back genetically—many parents find out their child has a

bleeding disorder when there is unceasing bleeding during circumcision, or extreme bruising after a vaccine.

At HANY, it’s our mission to provide information and connections to medical treatment for families.

With educational resources, we work to advocate for proper medical treatment and research.

SYMPTOMS OF HEMOPHILIA AND OTHER BLEEDING DISORDERS:

• Frequent nosebleeds • Blood in the urine or stool • Heavy menstrual bleeding

2022 SELF ADVOCACY, INDEPENDENCE & LEADERSHIP TEEN PROGRAM © COURTESY OF HEMOPHILIA ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK

• Easy bruising • Prolonged bleeding from an injury or with surgery • Painful bleeding into muscles and joints • Bleeding during and after pregnancy • Intracranial bleeding A bleeding disorder requires lifelong treatment—untreated or undertreated bleeding disorders can result in a loss of function of muscles and joints, arthritis, brain bleeds, organ dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, and even death. Thanks to research and advocacy, many of the complications can now be mitigated, although not avoided entirely, for hemophilia and some of the other inherited disorders by preventative treatment with clotting factor, beginning in the very young child. These regimens can still be burdensome on the patients and families however, as most clotting factor therapies are still administered intravenously.

However, newer types of non-factor treatments are beginning to make this easier and research on curative gene therapies are

ongoing. Nonetheless, living with these disorders remains difficult for those affected and their families. Community support, advocacy, education and research all remain critical to their unencumbered futures.

ABOUT THE HEMOPHILIA ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK

HANY is a small non-profit organization that has served the bleeding disorders community of Downstate New York since 1952. HANY has been critical in taking care of the unmet needs of the community.

We provide advocacy, education and direct assistance through our emergency assistance, transportation to medical appointments, Medic Alert, and Co-pay and Deductible assistance programs.

Our mission also includes the support of research that seeks to find cures and better treatments for those with bleeding disorders.

Our clients number close to 800 and though many have Hemophilia A (Factor 8 deficiency) and Hemophilia B (Factor 9 deficiency) there are many with rare and ultra-rare bleeding/

SERVING THE HEMOPHILIA

AND OTHER BLEEDING DISORDERS

COMMUNITY OF NEW YORK @Hemophilia.Association.of.NewYork

@hemophiliany

hemophilia-association-of-new-york-inc

coagulation disorders, as well as von Willebrand Disease and platelet disorders.

Our education programs include peer group meetings on various pertinent issues affecting those with bleeding disorders. Our 2022 Events include: Self Advocacy Independence and Leadership (S.A.I.L), our Teen Retreat, our Blood Brotherhood Conference, a Women and Girls Conference, and our Steven L. Margolies, M.D. Family Educational Conference.

Additionally, we have hosted A Symposium for No 1, a national program for those affected by the rare condition Afibrinogenemia.

Medical Professionals also avail themselves of our education programs. Hematology & Pregnancy; Problems & Issues has been offered annually with a focus on complications of pregnancy involving blood disorders.

The Hemophilia Association of NY will continue its service to the hemophilia and bleeding disorders community, especially with the support of our donors.

Learn more and donate at hemophiliany.com

SINCE

1952

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FRIENDS IN SERVICE TO HUMANITY OF NORTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT

Join the effort to provide help to the homeless and the hungry served by FISH NWCT

fishnwct.org August • 2022

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FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern Connecticut: Providing Food, Shelter and Hope to our Neighbors in Need—the Hungry and the Homeless Amazing things happen under our roof at FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern Co n n e c t i c u t — a i d i n g o u r homeless and food insecure neighbors in need.

Since early March 2020, facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic , we have gone through the stages of fear and

anxiety, to what has evolved to become routine and cautious resilience in our services to the hungry and the homeless of northwestern Connecticut.

Today, we continue to focus on placing our residents into permanent supportive housing.

After two hard years, FISH is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO DEIRDRE HOULIHAN DICARA © COURTESY OF FISH

Our mission at FISH is to provide the most basic of human needs— food, shelter and hope.

The FISH homeless shelter has 35 beds, five of which are designated for veterans. Among our shelter residents there are three families housed with six children, including the birth of a sweet baby. In addition to the shelter, FISH also has a food pantry that has nearly 1,000 clients/ families registered.

Our Case Manager is dedicated to developing a detailed plan of action for each resident, overseeing educational and social service resources, medical and mental health needs, employment opportunities, and housing possibilities to lead to one’s independent, stable, “new beginning” future—into permanent supportive housing. We provide educational opportunities, GED and vocational training classes, and life skills workshops.

There are “feel-good” moments every day at the FISH shelter, such as last year when we welcomed

Barbara, a middle-aged woman, who lost her apartment while awaiting disability, who had been apprehensive upon entry to a homeless shelter. She was thankful to feel so safe—and today she is in a new apartment, which we helped furnish.

Any day that we move a resident into their own housing is a celebration, such as Walter, an aging plumber down on his luck following a divorce; or having a visit from a former resident Nicky and her daughter, learning she is excelling in life with her job at a medical office, and she is now happily engaged; or former residents embracing our executive and telling of their positive life progress; or the little girl that raced across the shelter to hug Santa at our “Cocoa and Cookies” party—saying, “I knew you were real”—showing that we provide hope and dreams.

At FISH, we see daily the very human, social welfare challenges of families, individuals and vets facing life crises, as well as

additional difficulties caused by the pandemic. We strive to restore and rebuild the confidence and self-worth of those who are the most vulnerable and seek our help. We recognize at both the FISH shelter and food pantry that it takes courage to come forward and humbly ask for help.

FISH has proven resilient, with renewed energy and faith in our future. We have never missed a beat as our staff and volunteers continue to serve tirelessly and bravely. We continue to be tenacious in our efforts, remaining in pandemic mode in our delivery of services, keeping people safe and well to the best of our ability. We focus on building the well-being and the confidence of shelter residents so that they receive the positive boost needed to be stable, independent and always a friend to FISH. Visit our website at www.fishnwct.org or connect with us on facebook.com/fishnwct

Making Music Accessible:

New York City Nonprofit Takes Kids Inside Broadway RAYE MOCIOIU

After nearly 18 months of no Broadway shows during the pandemic, Michael Presser, Executive Director of Inside Broadway, is making up for lost time.

Presser, who has been at the helm of Inside Broadway, a professional New York City-based children’s theater nonprofit, from the very beginning of the program, has long held the belief that art should be available and accessible to all ages—especially children. With that mandate in mind, Inside Broadway is committed to producing Broadway’s classic musicals in a way that is accessible and, most importantly, fun.

Since its inception four decades ago, Inside Broadway has impacted nearly three million New York City public school kids—many of whom have never experienced a Broadway show before. Inside Broadway brings classic Broadway musicals directly into New York City

MICHAEL PRESSER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INSIDE BROADWAY

© PHOTOS COURTESY OF INSIDE BROADWAY

school auditoriums to give the students, teachers, and staff a fun, educational, and safe live theater experience.

Originally called the Midtown Arts Project, Inside Broadway began as a weekly program in October 1982, where New York City students could watch preview performances of the musical Cats. During the 18year Broadway run of Cats, the Shubert Organization provided Inside Broadway with 50 tickets

to every Wednesday matinee performance, distributed among the city’s under-served public school students.

The program’s success was palpable, with Presser’s phone ringing off-the-hook with calls from parents who wanted their children to get tickets to the weekly shows—the program only had room to grow, and grow it did.

Throughout the years, Inside Broadway has brought professional tours of classic

Broadway musicals directly to school auditoriums throughout the city, allowing access to the arts in a way that many kids have never experienced before. The program has also changed shape, expanding from a ticketing service for students to a professional, youth-oriented theater company.

Complete with educational programming, Inside Broadway creates a connection between the magic of live performance and the effort that goes into producing

each show, introducing a love of theater to the next generation.

Inside Broadway annually serves over 80,000 through in-class residency programs, after-school workshops, and their Creating the Magic series, a careers-in-theater seminar, which connects students with a theater professional to build a musical that can be performed for their friends, family, and school community.

This year, Inside Broadway celebrates its 40th anniversary season. With every passing year, the program proves that the world of Broadway theater is not just about entertainment, it’s about enrichment, development, and ensuring that live theater remains accessible for this generation and the ones to follow.

“Our aim is to pass down the rich legacy of America’s musical theater to future generations so that the magic, music, and universal themes of the genre are not lost, but rediscovered and made relevant for today’s youth,” said Presser.

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Creating Change for Our Community:

The Mission Behind One Hundred Black Men of New York Working in the community for almost 60 years, One Hundred Black Men of New York (OHBM) is leveraging its members’ collective talent, ability, and energy towards achieving meaningful gains for the Black community.

OHBM’s initiatives focus on education through mentoring, wealth-building strategies, fostering economic development, and raising awareness of health issues affecting Black communities.

OHBM was founded to close equality gaps and help people overcome challenging situations to find success in life. Leading up to its 60th anniversary in 2023, the nonprofit is focusing on ramping up its community support.

“This year, we are fostering excellence by awarding 45 scholarships and 10 paid summer internships, mentoring over 600 students, twice as many as last year,” executive director Courtney A. Bennett explained.

“We are preparing to feed 10,000 people throughout NYC for the

holidays, and expanding our staff to help 800 court-involved young people through our new citywide restorative justice and business development initiative.”

Alongside their initiatives for the milestone year, OHBM also started a music performance program and awarded more than $2.6 million to struggling Black small businesses across the country in partnership with Hennessy.

OHBM has been a wellreceived program in New York for decades, in partial thanks to notable founders and board members, including late MLB player Jackie Robinson, former NYC mayor David N. Dinkins, and an abundance of political leaders and businessmen such as Charlie Rangel, Basil Paterson, Percy Sutton, and J. Bruce Llewellyn.

Since 1963, OHBM has put education at the forefront of its mission. They are actively engaged in the arts and culture scene of the Black community not only in New York City but worldwide. Utilizing

their presence in arts and culture communities, they work towards encouraging their scholarship recipients and mentees to learn more about the power of the arts.

Known for their positive

© ONE HUNDRED BLACK MEN

One Hundred Black Men of New York is Celebrating 60 Years of Service to the Community.

impact in the community, OHBM hosts annual events to raise money for their scholarships and other programs. Funds are used to uplift communities in need. The events include The

Annual Dr. Roscoe C. Brown Golf Classic, in which OHBM just hosted their 15th annual event; the first annual OHBM/PGA CEO challenge, which paired up 20 top executives from companies such as the PGA of America, National Grid, Enterprise Holdings, CBS, Goldman-Sachs, and others; and in 2004, OHBM founded the first Eagle Academy for Young Men, today there are six eagle academies serving more than 4,000 students each year.

Looking towards the future, OHBM is setting their sights on making New York City safe not only for the Black community, but all New Yorkers alike, OHBM is hosting a gun buyback program. Working in partnership with district attorneys, the police, and community partners, OHBM has been able to deploy these programs in every borough across the city.

Support One Hundred Black Men in their mission at ohbm.org

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Open Source Art Festival October 21-30, 2022

August • 2022

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Discover Local Art in New Haven This October, locals and out-oftowners alike are invited to dig deeper into the rich and diverse artistic fabric of New Haven at the Open Source Art Festival. Taking place from October 21–30, the festival—run by Artspace New Haven, a non-profit cultural hub—gathers artists, curators, cultural producers, organizers, and audiences across

the city of New Haven to convene around shared artistic processes and experimentation.

The newly-imagined fall 2022 iteration, In Common Spaces, takes its title from the idea of Artspace as a shared space for the visual arts to include the collective experience of communion in spaces beyond our gallery walls.

Art brings people together, both physically, emotionally, and culturally, through its capacity for storytelling and forging connections.

In keeping with the New Haven Municipal Cultural Equity Plan, the festival will ignite city-wide joy, curiosity, and questioning within New Haven’s artistic communities. In Common Spaces

© COURTESY OF ARTSPACE

is an opening of studio practices as the festival has done for 40 years, a new convening of exhibitions in our neighborhoods to broaden access to Open Source for all, and a reflection on New Haven’s desires to assemble around artistic experimentation and support through programming.

Open Source Art Festival is free and open to the public.

Into the winter and new year, Artspace New Haven is hosting a variety of exciting events, including Ilana Harris-Babou: Revelations, a solo video installation, collage, and sculpture exhibition that explores themes of desires and wellness in an all-consuming image culture, and Against the General Good by artistic duo Aeron Bergman and Alejandra Salinas, a new series of conceptual works that critique how systems of capitalism corral the commons, against the general good for humans and non-humans alike. Both exhibits will run from September 17 to December 3.

In addition to the exhibitions available onsite, Artspace also offers programs for up-and-coming artists, and resources to inspire the

next generation, including podcasts, interviews, fundraisers, and more.

ABOUT ARTSPACE

Founded in 1987 by artists, Artspace centers on community-building and education while providing a platform to present the work of visual artists in the city of New Haven.

Artspace’s exhibition and commissioning programs encourage experimentation and civic discourse while fostering an appreciation for the vital role artists play in improving our community.

Working to provide the community with a space where artists can come together, Artspace envisions a future where art is essential in New Haven, and in their space, they hope to encourage education, development, leadership, and equity in the visual arts. To do so, they work around values such as anti-racism, collaboration, empowerment, experimentation, and support of artists.

Visit our website for more information: artspacenewhaven.org/2022open-source-festival/

LottoLove: A Lottery That Guarantees Every Ticket is a Winner ALLIE MURRAY

What if for every scratch-off ticket you purchased, you were a winner?

And, what if that win gave life-saving supplies—like clean water, solar light, and nutritious meals, among others—to people living in impoverished countries?

That’s the mission behind LottoLove, a U.S. based social good company dedicated to making giving back more interactive and fun. LottoLove was founded by Laura Beck after witnessing firsthand the need for life-saving supplies in some of the most remote parts of the world, and she has made it her life mission to support those who need it most.

“My parents were advocates for helping others,” Beck shared.

“I grew up saying goodbye to my dad for almost two weeks every March while he traveled to Central America to help build an orphanage and provide muchneeded medical care. Eventually, we traveled as a family to some of the most remote parts

of Guatemala. I saw people struggling to live. That memory and feeling never left me.”

LottoLove works when a customer purchases a ticket and the proceeds are donated to their respective charitable partner. Encouraging gift giving, when the ticket is gifted to someone or scratched yourself, they discover what was donated in their honor. Every ticket is a winner and provides not only life necessities, but also supports women and girls to thrive in their communities, receive an education and access resources to run for office.

LottoLove has partnered with eight charities, including SolarAid, LitWorld, Rise Against Hunger, Global Glow and others, to provide the necessities worldwide.

“In this world where there is an emphasis on material things, LottoLove shifts the focus to something more meaningful: human connection,” Beck said. “More than a gifting company, LottoLove makes people feel good through doing good and

brings people together around helping others.”

LottoLove offers two different types of scratch tickets, both with varying winnings—the Basic Needs ticket and Win for Women ticket. Both tickets are available for purchase on their website givelottolove.com.

“I launched LottoLove with our Basic Needs line and giving birth to my daughter was the catalyst for launching the second production line, Win for Women, which focuses on supporting and empowering young women and girls,” Beck explained. “Now as a mother, I’m expanding my mission by raising my kids with the same awareness and desire to do good and to be kind.”

Beck reflects on the impact they’ve been able to make, noting that they would continue to do everything they can to make a difference.

“LottoLove has helped drill boreholes for clean water, provided tools necessary for kids to learn how to read and write, given girls an opportunity for education, mentored girls to

make changes in their lives and community, provided nutritious meals, and helped replace kerosene lamps with solar energy,” she said.

What's next for LottoLove? In the next few months they will be launching a digital product allowing them to increase their impact and partnership opportunities.

LAURA IN HONDURAS IN 2009 ON A MEDICAL MISSION TRIP © IMAGES COURTESY OF LOTTOLOVE

ADVERTORIAL

Life Long Special Needs Education Programs Atlas Foundation for Autism is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit school and community based program located in NYC, supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental differences.

Starting in 2009 as a therapeutic center, the program evolved into a formal school offering

students diagnosed with ASD and other developmental differences an array of approaches and supports to widen their scope of communication, social interactions, personal relationships, and learning opportunities.

Focusing on personal profiles of sensory needs, interests, and passions, as well as highlighted

ATLAS STUDENT HUGO ENGAGES WITH HIS SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST IN A FUN MUSICAL AND COMMUNICATIVE EXCHANGE PLAYING IN THE SENSORY GYM

AMANDA FRIEDMAN, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND ONE OF HER STUDENTS, NOEMI, SMILE TOGETHER AT THEIR ANNUAL TALENT SHOW. © PHOTOS COURTESY OF ATLAS FOUNDATION

skill sets has proven a f ruitful combination, rather than targeting only areas of deficit. The ability of team members—teachers, therapists, family members, and special guests—to always presume ability, competence, and good intention allows for confidence building and celebration.

So many families have experienced their children’s educational and social journeys through highlighted areas of need, focusing on what their kids can’t do in comparison with neurotypical peers. Understanding that students thrive on the opposite approach, Atlas aims to honor neurodiversity and creative spirit!

The program offers community classes within a range of subjects, including creative self expression, health and fitness, recreation, and social activities.

The program is open to students ages seven to 21 with unique flexible structures and schedules, allowing for custom strategies and approaches to integrate into academics, social thinking, and regulatory activities. Some of

these approaches include but are not limited to DIR/Floortime™, natural ABA, TEACCH, and sensory integration.

All areas of speech and occupational therapy are embedded into mandated services as well as the classroom time. Parents and team members connect and coordinate regularly to ensure that these skills and support are carried over into day-to-day activities and moods. As students get older and ready for more life transitions, vocational skills, activities of daily living, and all aspects of personal relationships are discussed, processed, and practiced in hypothetical play activities and real life opportunities.

Many families have sought information, support, and programs for their children as they mature into adulthood, but are hit what is all too commonly known as “the cliff”. This means they have aged out of the schools and have to navigate therapy, social experiences, and further learning on their own as they look for programs that will accept their kids with high levels of need or nuanced communication and

behavioral profiles.

The isolation and loss of beloved team members and routine can be tremendously dysregulating, and the need for outreach is astronomical. Atlas has looked to meet this need by creating a transitional program both in the city and in the Hudson Valley region.

Incorporating the PEERS program for teaching social skills and integration into community through internships, jobs, and shared social experiences has proven powerful and confidence boosting. Atlas provides continuing education that supports the joys of regulating power of movement and creative arts through community classes at their Chelsea based program and immersive family style retreats at different locations in the Hudson Valley.

It takes a village and Atlas is working to create exactly that in an inclusive and compassionate filled model that brings great happiness to the surface!

For more information, visit atlasforautism.org

Atlas Foundation For Autism Embark On The Journey

www.AtlasForAutism.org • 212 256 0846 • info@atlasforautism.org

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August • 2022

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Saving Lives and Forging Families: Support That Lasts a Lifetime

“I am often asked, ‘What does A Safe Haven for Newborns do?’” said founder Nick Silverio. “I reply, ‘We save newborns from infant abuse and abandonment through education, grassroots community involvement, direct assistance, and our 24/7 conf idential, multilingual helpline.’”

A Safe Haven for Newborns was born 21 years ago, on a night when Nick read an article about infant abandonment. He had been searching for something he could do to honor his late wife, Gloria, who had died in a car accident. Although they never had children of their own, they both loved children.

“We did not have children due to miscarriages,” Nick explained.

“We had a deep love for children and served as godparents to 14 children. I felt a calling to address the escalating worldwide crisis of infant abandonment.”

Nick was inspired and started researching ways he could help make a difference. He discovered there was no program that vulnerable mothers could turn to for help. In a state of panic and believing they had no other

recourse, these mothers would abandon their newborns in unsafe places, often culminating in the infant’s demise.

This heartbreaking realization only spurred his need to find a way to provide support and guidance to expectant mothers before giving birth. Although he had no experience setting up a nonprofit, he put his all into creating a foundation that would help pregnant girls who could not keep their newborns—and the foundation would bear his wife’s name.

A business owner all his life, Nick closed his successful IT business where he had worked for over 20 years, shifting his focus to launching the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation 501(c)3.

The foundation would host but one program: A Safe Haven for Newborns, helping the motherto-be by providing her with the resources needed to make an informed decision regarding her and her unborn child.

“Because of my business background, A Safe Haven for Newborns is operated as a business, but with love and care

© IMAGES COURTESY OF A SAFE HAVEN FOR NEWBORNS

at the heart of everything we do,” Nick shared. “With that in mind, all of our services are provided at no cost to the women we serve and collaborate with. Also, we do not rely on the government to sustain us. Therefore, it was essential that we learned about what motivated people to donate, how to reach them with our message, and how to touch their hearts. I believe if you touch someone’s heart, they will respond.”

Using his personal savings and converting his office space to become the foundation’s headquarters, Nick has made it his life’s mission to be there for the most defenseless and vulnerable of all—the newborn.

Today, because of Nick’s work, hundreds of newborns are in caring homes and are reaching for their dreams.

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY

Creating a foundation for mothers-to-be was far f rom an easy task, but Nick had the drive to make it possible. He knew that to make a difference, he would need a network of agencies and service providers that would be able to provide help and guidance at any hour of the day. He partnered with local hospitals, f ire stations, and emergency services to educate them on the process of rescuing and receiving surrendered newborns. He also established a 24/7 multilingual conf idential helpline, a webbased curriculum used by hospitals and first responders, and a Community Service App for students to fulfill their volunteer hours.

Outside of this network, Nick also made a continuous effort to include the community. Using a grassroots approach, Nick produces public service announcements, attends community events, speaks at high schools, and communicates the foundation’s mission on social media.

Because of his tireless efforts, A Safe Haven for Newborns is able to save lives across all 67 Florida counties and far beyond state lines. Even more impressive is the impact the foundation has made outside of its home—its success in addressing infant abandonment has been recognized in other states and countries, including an inquiry from South Africa.

In its first two decades of operation, A Safe Haven for Newborns helped over 5,000 women in distress and helped over 300 couples become a family.

L TO R: GLORIA HOPE, NICK, KRISTOPHER, MILAGROS

“Thank you for being there for my son and his birth mom when they needed emergency medical care and emotional support. He is 11 now, completely healthy, happy, smart, and a force for truth, justice, and compassion in our family and at his school.”

—G., a Safe Haven mother

A LIFETIME OF SUPPORT

Nick realized that, more often than not, A Safe Haven for Newborns was the only safety net in place for these mothersto-be. Faced with the impossible weight of making decisions that impact both their own lives and that of their unborn child, these young women need access to resources that can ease the load by providing judgment-free support at no charge, with no questions asked. These programs include referrals to counselors, parenting services, help with health-related issues, shelter, access to baby necessities, and confidentially placing their newborn at a Safe Haven location.

In order to provide these services to expectant mothers, the foundation relies on the generosity of its supporters and annual fundraising events.

Together with a group of volunteers, Nick organizes four yearly events to raise funds for A Safe Haven for Newborns—the ‘A Wonderland in Safe Haven’ Gala, a 5K walk/run, a golf tournament, and a virtual telethon.

“I said from the beginning if we saved one life all of our efforts would be worthwhile, and that was 361 precious lives ago,” Nick said.

One such precious life is that of Gloria Hope, one of the first Safe Haven for Newborns babies.

This fall, Gloria starts her sophomore year at college. Gloria is a bright, caring, and talented young woman who loves to learn. She keeps in touch with Nick, who she affectionately calls ‘Uncle,’ and recently wrote a letter to him, informing him that she had made it on the honor roll. Every year, Gloria and her parents come down to attend A Safe Haven for Newborn’s annual ‘A Wonderland in Safe Haven’ Gala, where she sings the national anthem.

This year marks the foundation’s tenth annual gala, a milestone event and an opportunity to support services that protect the most defenseless and vulnerable of all—the newborn. This hybrid event can be accessed from anywhere in the world and is a wonderful way to join in the celebration of lives saved.

There are many ways to support the work of A Safe Haven for Newborns; consider a monthly donation, or simply share the word through social media platforms. Your support can help save a life.

Find more information on A Safe Haven for Newborns and how you can be part of their mission at asafehavenfornewborns.com

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Need help? We are just a phone call away Dedicated to saving the precious lives of newborns from the dangers of abandonment and assisting pregnant girls/women in crisis.

WWW.ASAFEHAVENFORNEWBORNS.COM Florida Helpline - 1-877-767-2229 • National Helpline - 1-844-767-2229 @asafehavenfornewborns

@asafehavenfornewborns

A Safe Haven for Newborns

@haven4newborns

A Safe Haven for Newborns

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HELP THE CHILDREN OF FIRST RESPONDERS First Responders risk their lives every day to come to the rescue for us. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, First Responders Children’s Foundation supports the brave children left behind. #FirstRespondersStrong

DONATE NOW

1strcf.org // @1stRCF

August • 2022

globalheroes.com

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The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

First Responders Children’s Foundation Provides Mental Health Assistance for the Children of First Responders WILL RICHTER AND JODIE BURKE

For 21 years, First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) has supported the children and families of first responder heroes, across the United States, who risk their lives every day in service to their communities.

First responders have uniquely stressful jobs—they face everything from pandemics to extreme weather to wildfires and countless other situations that put them in harm's way, and the children of first responders often experience

LIEUTENANT ANDREA ENES OF TAMPA FIRE DEPT. © ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF FRCF

secondary trauma due to these unique pressures.

“You go on scene, and you see the bodies kind of mangled up,” said Andrea Enes, a firefighter and EMT in Tampa, FL who recently retired. “That’s something that I never experienced, except watching horror movies, and now I was living it.

So, I just took a deep breath, you know? And my daughters… if I had a bad shift and came home, I tried not to look in their eyes,” she said, “because the eyes are the window to your soul. So, if I didn't connect that way with

DEPUTY CONSTABLE CALEB RULE

them, then I thought, 'They’ll be okay.'”

The FRCF Resiliency Program helps the children of police, fire, sheriff, EMTs and 911 dispatchers, who are often suffering in silence, cope by providing free and conf idential counseling services to address fear, anxiety, isolation, loss of a parent, and other traumatic conditions.

“The risks we take—it’s a dangerous profession that we chose to pursue,” said Rafael Beaumont, an EMT in New York, NY. “I just wish the public knew that mental health is something

SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT ANNIE RULE WITH HER LATE FATHER DEPUTY CONSTABLE CALEB RULE

EMT RAFAEL BEAUMONT OF JAMAICA PLAINS HOSPITAL, NEW YORK CITY

that definitely affects all of us.”

“Therapy helps me grieve my father,” said Texas State University scholarship student Annie Rule, who tragically lost her father Deputy Constable Caleb Rule on the same day that she graduated from high school.

The Resiliency Program launched in May of this year, and proudly serves first responder families in California, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Tennessee and Texas, with future plans to expand into more states.

“Our SERVPRO teammates see up close the physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing work that first responders do every day, as we go in to help clean up and restore after their work is done,” said Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO. “As a result of witnessing and appreciating the long hours, commitment, and sacrifice of first responders, which their families often have to bear, SERVPRO has made it a point to give back. Our franchises are

proud to support FRCF and thereby assist with noble causes like the Resiliency Program for first responders and their families.”

First responders put their lives on the line every day to help others. They always go the extra mile, rushing into harm’s way to rescue others. They put others first, causing their families to suffer when tragedy strikes and they don’t make it home.

SERVPRO CEO Isaacson added, “When a first responder makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, their children must deal with losing their mom or dad, an incredible heartbreak to endure—not to mention the economic challenges as a result of the tragedy. FRCF is such a special cause; it’s a way to bless these heroes’ legacies by providing for their families in a meaningful way.”

Now you can give back to first responders and support their families by making a donation to www.1stRCF.org.

On and Off Screen, 'Aquaman’s' Jason Momoa Fights for World’s Oceans While attending the UN Environment Programme’s Ocean Conference in Portugal last month, Jason Momoa was named Advocate for Life Below Water.

“Without a healthy ocean life, our planet as we know it would not exist,” Momoa said with the sea behind him as he took part in an event on a Portuguese beach ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon.

The ‘Aquaman’ star—who hails from Hawaii—is an ocean conservationist. He was awarded the title by the UN Environment Programme for campaigning for the fight to help save the ocean.

Speaking at the summit in Lisbon, Momoa said: “With this designation, I hope to continue my own journey to protect and conserve the ocean and all living things on our beautiful blue planet, for our generation and the generations to come.”

On growing up in Hawaii, the 42-year-old actor continued: “For me, the ocean is an ancient teacher, a guide and a muse. It is also existential.”

AMERICAN ACTOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST JASON MOMOA MAKES AN APPEARANCE AT A PORTUGUESE CARCAVELOS BEACH AHEAD OF THE UNITED NATIONS OCEAN CONFERENCE © REUTERS/PEDRO NUNES

The ‘Game of Thrones’ star was applauded for his advocacy as he was welcomed into the “UN family”.

UNEP’s Executive Director, Inger Andersen, said: “In 2021, the four primary measures of climate change—greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean temperatures and ocean acidification—all hit record highs. This means the

time for action is now.”

UN Secretary General António Guterres warned attendees we are facing an “Ocean Emergency”.

He said: “Sea levels are rising.

Low-lying island nations face inundation, as do many major coastal cities in the world. The climate crisis is also making the ocean more acidic, which is disrupting the marine food

chain. Ever more coral reefs are bleaching and dying.

“Nearly 80 percent of wastewater is discharged into the sea without treatment. And some eight million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year. Without drastic action, this plastic could outweigh all the fish in the oceans by 2050.”

Momoa has been a notable advocate for ocean

conservation, previously working with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii and rePurpose Global.

Similarly, Momoa founded a water bottle company, Mananalu, which for every water bottle sold, they remove the equivalent of one planet-hurting plastic bottle from the ocean. To do so, they work with rePurpose Global, who also certify Mananalu as a plastic negative product, meaning they remove more plastics than they use.

After being appointed to the UN Environment Programme, Momoa took to Instagram to share his achievement, encouraging others to get involved.

“The time to act is now,” Momoa wrote. “Our Ocean is in trouble. If we combine ambition, dedication, and hope, we can change the outcomes. Without a healthy Ocean, life on our planet as we know it would not exist.

With this, I hand the nature baton to the next generation, who will make up our future leaders. The generation that reminds us of what is at stake. The one I lend my voice and my platform to protect.”

(Source: Reuters)

ADVERTORIAL

New York Council Navy League of the United States

More Than Just Fleet Week

Many New Yorkers and sea service personnel worldwide know the New York Council Navy League as one of the founders of Fleet Week New York, a beloved celebration of U.S. sea services, but they may not know that our impact is so much broader.

America is a maritime nation, and strong sea services are the driving force of a maritime nation.

Sea service personnel make sacrifices for us, and they deserve our support. The New York Council Navy League is a member-driven military support organization that supports the sea services—Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.

The New York Council was the first council established 120 years ago and is now one of the largest and most active of the Navy League councils, with nearly 700 members and five consecutive Outstanding Council awards.

We host programs that educate the public and our elected leaders on the importance of the sea services, foster youth

leadership development and, most importantly, support sea service personnel, families, and units. We’re financially independent of our national organization, so money given locally stays local.

This year’s Fleet Week marked the first in-person Fleet Week in three years. In addition to hosting 2,500 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen for Fleet Week 2022, we support ten local sea service units and two adopted ships with ties to NYC, serving 8,000 sea service personnel and their families annually. This number is only set to increase—this fall, another adopted ship will be added when we help commission the USS Cooperstown.

Advocacy and education are critical points of the New York Council. We meet with elected officials locally and through an annual Hill Surge to advocate for specific sea service needs, a mission made stronger with the help of our members who amplify our messaging. As well, we host a National Security Briefing Series, have highlighted the heroism of

the maritime industry with events discussing the 9/11 Boatlift, the largest maritime evacuation ever—larger than Dunkirk—and sponsor an annual reception with the Salmagundi Club for new works of fine art accepted into the Coast Guard Art Program. We are currently in the planning stages to host a major Maritime Security Conference this fall.

Our membership comprises veterans of all service branches, family members of those who serve, active duty and reserve military personnel, and other civilians f rom all walks of life who support our mission. This includes hosting youth programs that instill the values of service, citizenship, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment to 1,500 participants annually, many of whom come from lowincome neighborhoods and are first-generation Americans. We help fund uniforms, equipment, STEM programs, military drill meets, field trips, and academic stipends for four Navy JROTC

units, one Marine Corps JROTC unit, two Young Marines units, and one Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit. One of the most gratifying things we do all year is present awards to some of the topperforming cadets f rom our sponsored units. These young people never fail to impress with

Help us make an impact in NYC and beyond.

Visit nynavyleague.org to donate or join today.

their confidence in themselves and support for each other.

Our work is member-driven, as is our funding, so we encourage everyone to visit our website, attend an event, consider donating, and become a member.

Learn more at nynavyleague.org

© U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS ZACH SLEEPER/RELEASED

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Putting Patients in the Driver’s Seat

The Children’s Tumor Foundation is a Global Leader in the Fight to End NF Patient engagement in medical research is increasingly recognized as an important component of the research process and promises to accelerate the development of new treatments by focusing researchers on real-life issues that they may not have otherwise considered.

The Children’s Tumor Foundation Patient Representative Program is designed to prepare individuals with neurofibromatosis (NF for short) and their families to participate as advocates in the research process. Our goal is to help patients learn how to add their perspective during all phases of the research process— from the laboratory, to the clinic, to the community. Patient representatives are trained to work with stakeholders such as researchers, research institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, the Food and Drug Administration, and patient advocacy organizations.

In this role, patient advocates can have consequential influence over NF research and accelerate the development of treatments to the market, never more so than when a delegate of NF patients addressed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the firstever NF listening session.

In June 2019, a group of NF patients met with representatives from multiple centers at the FDA to share their perspectives on disease and treatment burdens, impact on daily activities, quality of life, and priorities to consider in medical product development programs. The objectives were to inform regulatory decision-making, educate review staff about NF, help patients understand the FDA’s mission and work, and provide a starting point to inform research and development.

“The role played by patient representatives has drawn our attention to some of the most important problems faced

by NF patients,” said Antonio Iavarone, MD Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology and Neurology Columbia University.

excerpted here. She has moved many to support the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s mission to drive research, expand knowledge, and advance care for NF patients, fostering our vision to end NF.

ALWYN DIAS

CAMILLE THOMS, PICTURED WITH HER FATHER ROLAND THOMS

“We are strongly convinced that the continuous interaction between scientists, physicians, and patient advocates will help us immensely to focus on the key unsolved issues on which we should direct our research efforts, in order to build tangible benefits for patients affected by neurofibromatosis.”

The following year, in April 2020, the FDA approved the first-ever treatment for a specific type of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) tumor, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas. Koselugo (selumetinib) was based on early research funded by the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

In addition to NF research, patient engagement extends to patient representatives in clinical care. NF patients Alwyn Dias and Dale Berg both sit on the Clinical Care Advisory Board (CCAB), a board established by the Children’s Tumor Foundation to improve the clinical care of patients with all forms of neurofibromatosis.

DALE BERG

One of the most consequential recommendations made by the CCAB was the establishment of the NF Clinic Network, a network of dedicated NF Centers to improve access to specialized care around the United States. CTF Europe extended the reach of the CCAB with the European Reference Network, a resource pool of expert patients that facilitate reciprocal communication and collaboration with the NF research community.

Nearly 100 peer-reviewed clinical centers are located around the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

In their role as patient representatives, Alwyn, who lives with NF1 and Dale, who lives with schwannomatosis, are able to offer their unique perspectives and represent the patient voice on matters related to patient clinical care best practices.

Patient participation is not limited to the United States, though, and CTF is accelerating the path to clinical trials and approved treatments on a

global stage. This includes the aforementioned European CCAB and European Reference Network, plus EU-PEARL (a unique strategic partnership between the public and private sectors to shape the future of clinical trials and enable patient-centric drug development in Europe), INTUITT (an innovative platform trial evaluating multiple treatments simultaneously), and the global NF Registry (the largest self-reported cohort of people with NF, now available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and soon German).

One final way to represent the patient experience is utilizing the megaphone that social media affords all of us. Despite incredibly diff icult struggles, including partial hearing and vision loss, Camille Thoms, a young woman who lives with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) has captured the emotional rollercoaster of living with NF2 through her writing. Her beautiful and courageous spirit shines through in her poems,

Sometimes I don’t want to talk about it…

Sometimes I do…

Sometimes I want to talk about it…

But not with you.

Sometimes my head screams I just want to yell into the void When things get all foggy and dizzied And I can’t do the things I enjoy No, sometimes it’s better not to tell you Because I tell you too much I worry you’ll always think I’m suffering when I’m not So I want someone to see What it’s like being me when I’m broken, weak, and down I’m not always a positive person That I’ve build my facade around I cry real tears I spit fire from my tongue Yelling at something I can’t see or someone Now I’m not mad at anyone My only grievance is this Why the hell do I have to struggle with this thing I can’t fix The rest of the poem can be viewed at ctf.org/camille.

In all these different ways, patient advocates are a network of patients and caregivers devoting their time, talent and experience with NF to help accelerate research and raise awareness. Their collaboration with researchers and other drug development stakeholders as advisors, mentors, and coinvestigators help these experts understand what it’s like to live with NF and what outcomes are important to patients. All of this fosters the vision of the Children’s Tumor Foundation: to end NF. To learn more, visit ctf.org or ctfeurope.org

ABOUT THE NF REGISTRY

The NF Registry is a patient-driven resource for accelerating research and finding treatments for all forms of neurofibromatosis (NF). Sponsored by the Children’s Tumor Foundation, the NF Registry is a safe and effective tool to empower NF patients and their caregivers by inviting them to take an active role in advancing NF research.

Information in the NF Registry is used for only two purposes: 1. Communicating with patients about news and clinical trials 2. Providing qualified researchers a summary of anonymous patient data about NF symptoms

ABOUT EU-PEARL

The Registry now has over 10,000 participants. The more people that participate, the greater the impact will be on the health and well-being of individuals living with NF, and the more likely it becomes to find patterns that explain why NF is different for everyone and what that means for treatment.

In addition to English, the NF Registry is available in Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese, translated in collaboration with LINFA, GER-NF, APNF, and Nothing is Forever.

Driving the first-ever public-private partnership for NF research in Europe, the Children's Tumor Foundation co-leads the NF world package in EU-PEARL (EU Patient-Centric Clinical Trial Platforms), a €26 million IMI (Innovative Medicines Initiative) -funded collaboration among European academic and industry leaders in NF. This exciting multi-stakeholder project will provide the framework for designing and executing cross-company Integrated Research Platforms.

eu-pearl.eu

nfregistry.org

FDA PATIENT ADVOCATES, FROM LEFT: JACK BURKE, BRIANNA WORDEN, JESSE SORMAN, AIDAN FRASER, AND MCKINNON GALLOWAY © ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S TUMOR FOUNDATION

CLINICAL CARE ADVISORY BOARD, UNITED STATES

• CHAIR • Scott Plotkin, MD, PhD (Massachusetts General Hospital) COUNCIL MEMBERS • Oliver F. Adunka, MD, FACS (Ohio State University) • Jaishri Blakeley, MD (Johns Hopkins University) • Gary Brenner, MD, PHD (Massachusetts General Hospital) • Jan Friedman, MD, PhD (University of British Columbia) • Jennifer Janusz, Psyd, ABPP-CN (Children’s Hospital Colorado) • Justin Jordan, MD, MPH

• • • •

(Massachusetts General Hospital) Bonnie Klein-Tasman PhD (University of WisconsinMilwaukee) Laura Klesse, MD, PhD (UT Southwestern Medical Center) Tena Rosser, MD (Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles) Pamela Trapane, MD, MME (UF Health Jacksonville) Kaleb Yohay, MD (NYU Langone Medical Center)

PATIENT REPRESENTATIVES • Alwyn Dias, MSW, ACC (NF1) • Reema Bogin (NF2) • Dale Berg (Schwannomatosis) CTF STAFF • Pamela Knight, MS • Heather Radtke, MS, CGC

CLINICAL CARE ADVISORY BOARD, EUROPE

CHAIRS • Pierre Wolkenstein, MD, PhD (Hopital Henri-Mondor, Paris, France) • Rosalie Ferner, MD (King’s College, London, UK) COUNCIL MEMBERS • Amedeo Azizi, MD, PhD (Medical University of Vienna, Austria) • Ignacio Blanco, MD, PhD (Germans Trias Hospital, Barcelona, Spain) • Gareth Evans, MD (University of Manchester, UK) • Said Farschtschi, MD (University Medical Center HamburgEppendorf, Germany) • Shruti Garg, MBBS, MRCPSYCH,

• • • • • • • • •

MMEDSCI, PhD (University of Manchester & Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital) Michel Kalamarides, MD, PhD (Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France) Eric Legius, MD, PhD (University Hospital of Leuven, Belgium) Viktor-Felix Mautner, MD, PhD, (University Medical Center in Hamburg-Eppendor, Germany) Rianne Oostenbrink, MD, PhD (Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands) Laura Papi, MD, PhD (University of Florence, Firenze, Italy) Juha Peltonen, MD, PhD (University of Turku, Finland) Sirkku Peltonen, MD, PhD (University of Gothenburg, Sweden) Scott Plotkin, MD, PhD (Massachusetts General Hospital) Cornelia Potratz, MD (University Medicine Berlin, Germany)

• Cecilie Rustad, MD (Oslo University Hospital, Norway) • Eva Trevisson, MD, PhD (University Hospital of Padova, Italy)

ABOUT NF NF is short for neurofibromatosis, a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. One in every 3,000 people is born with some type of neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis, which may lead to blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning disabilities, disabling pain, or cancer. NF affects all populations, and while there is no cure yet, the Children’s Tumor Foundation mission of driving research, expanding knowledge, and advancing care fosters our vision of one day ending NF.

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THE ALLIANCE FOR POSITIVE HEALTH Combatting the epidemics of HIV, sexually transmitted infection, opioid addiction, and mental health crises born out of poverty, stigma, and injustice.

Connect to www.allianceforpositivehealth.org to learn more and donate.

August • 2022

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The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

Breaking Down the Barriers in Access to Care The Alliance for Positive Health (AFPH) was founded almost 40 years ago as the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York. We are a community-based organization with f ive off ices reaching the marginalized and underserved in 17 counties of Northeastern New York.

AFPH strives to reduce health disparities for high-risk individuals by providing access to health care and support services, including housing assistance and social services. As a provider of HIV prevention, AFPH has experience working with individuals whose lives are complicated by stigma, addiction, poverty, homelessness, incarceration, and/or mental illness—those most at risk for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis C, opioid addiction, and suicide.

Despite our success in reducing HIV infections, there is an epidemic of sexually transmitted infections throughout New York. One consequence of the COVID-19 epidemic is that some

long-time survivors of HIV have foregone their medications and are no longer virally suppressed, putting themselves and others at increased risk. Our priority is to ensure that all who are infected know their status and are linked to early care and treatment, helping maintain their care and prevent new cases.

AFPH’s testing van and outreach target the most impacted communities, reaching those not willing or able to access medical clinics. Through HIV, STIs, and hepatitis C testing, we connect people to the treatment they need.

Our experience with harm reduction and syringe exchange as an HIV prevention tool provides expertise in addressing the opioid epidemic. The harm reduction approach meets individuals where they are and helps them move towards acceptance of and connection to appropriate treatment. Our staff is trained to manage overdose medication and support the community in making this more accessible.

As a leader of care coordination services for those living with HIV, we have always assessed our clients for a full range of what are now called “social determinants of health.”

From the beginning of the HIV epidemic, access to insurance, housing, transportation, childcare, good nutrition, and social supports have been recognized as critical to positive health outcomes. Our expertise with the HIV population now extends to individuals with other chronic illnesses, most often those with mental illness or substance use conditions. We take pride in connecting these individuals to the services they need and providers willing to work with them despite the challenges and stigma they face.

AFPH is committed to meeting NY State’s End the Epidemic goals. Though much progress has been made in reducing the incidence of HIV and AIDS in New York, the epidemic is NOT OVER. Youth, particularly young men having sex with men and

those sharing needles, are at continued high risk. But one in five new cases of HIV infection is someone over the age of 50.

There are also many long-term survivors living with HIV who, as a consequence of COVID-19, are disconnected from the sense of community, which once bound them together.

Due to a shortage of mental health ser vices, AFPH is attempting to build a Bridge to

Care program that will ensure clients needing immediate intervention receive short-term counseling while awaiting acceptance into a program.

Connect to allianceforpositivehealth.org to learn more about the services we provide to improve the health of our clients and community and the creation of our Bridge to Care counseling.

© COURTESY OF ALLIANCE FOR POSITIVE HEALTH

John Cena Breaks Make-A-Wish Foundation Record With 650 Wishes Granted John Cena has become the first celebrity to grant 650 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The WWE legend and Hollywood superstar has hit an incredible milestone for the charity and made more wishes than any other celebrity in its history.

Fellow WWE legend Hulk Hogan and NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon have each granted more than 200 wishes, but no other star has ever made it past the 300 landmark. Cena's achievement came during

© REUTERS/BANG SHOWBIZ

WWE’s celebration of the stars 20 years since his debut for the company, notably calling June “Cena Month.”

“I just drop everything,” Cena said when he was honored for granting 500 wishes. “If I can offer a fantastic experience, I’ll be first in line to do my part.”

The 45-year-old actor and retired wrestler is Make-A-Wish’s most requested celebrity.

After granting his first wish in 2002, Cena vowed to always be there for the foundation whenever they had a fan who wanted to meet him—it’s a vow he has been able to maintain for two decades, with no sign of stopping.

The foundation itself helps fulfill the wishes of children between the ages of two and a half and eight, who are battling critical illnesses.

Earlier this year, Cena said: "The reason I love Make-A-Wish so much is because those are those families’ wishes. You can do anything you want, and

Make-A-Wish’s list is enormous, they literally will do anything you want. ‘I want to kick it with John Cena and go see him wrestle.’ That is the coolest thing I have ever heard in my life."

Cena admitted it can be "difficult" when he gets correspondence from families whose children have passed since their meetings.

He added: "Those are always difficult to read. But at the same time, the strength of the parents in sending me a message about how much the time that I spent with their child meant to them, it’s very special.”

And Cena previously opened up on his very first Make-A-Wish, which he granted in 2002, and his promise to always be there if the organization had someone who wanted to meet him.

He said: “I said, ‘If you ever need me for this ever, I don’t care what I’m doing, I will drop what I’m doing and be involved because I think that’s the coolest thing.'”

Earlier this year, Cena surprised a teenage super fan with Down syndrome, who fled Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.

The boy’s mother, Liana Rohozhyn was forced to flee Mariupol with her family, including her 19-year-old nonverbal son, Misha. To comfort him through the journey, Liana told Misha they were going on a trip to find Cena—a fictional story made up by a mother in a dire situation that ended up coming true.

Cena just happened to be in Europe when Misha’s story appeared online, and the star flew to meet the family near Amsterdam, where they spent an afternoon building blocks and eating cake.

After spending the day with the family, Cena said, “This was a wonderful adventure in which I got to meet a wonderful new friend. Thank you for giving me strength.”

(Source: Reuters)

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Limbs for Life Serves Amputees in Need On average, 507 amputations take place each day in the U.S. alone. More than 2.1 million individuals are living with limb loss.

Limbs for Life Foundation is a global nonprofit providing fully functional prosthetic care to individuals who cannot afford

SAM M. © COURTESY OF LIMBS FOR LIFE

it and raising awareness of the challenges facing amputees.

Limbs for Life (LFL) works with a network of independent prosthetic clinic partners across the country to meet the needs of amputees in their local areas.

For the past two years, amid the pandemic, LFL set new records

funding the highest number of prosthetic limbs for amputees in its history. In 2021, over $1 million was spent on new prosthetic limbs alone.

Prosthetic devices help restore a person’s basic motor skills, mobility, and independence, but many amputees lack the f inancial resources to obtain adequate prosthetic care.

Prostheses range in price from $10,000 to $80,000 and beyond.

For amputees who are uninsured or under-insured and do not qualify for any other assistance program, Limbs for Life is the safety net to restore mobility.

Many insurance plans require additional coverage, creating gaps in service. LFL works to meet the needs of our clients in the shortest possible time f rame so they may return to activities enjoyed before limb loss. When amputees can work, attend school, enjoy social engagements, and return to their daily activities, the financial and emotional strain of limb loss is greatly reduced, furthering recovery and the return to a

productive, independent lifestyle.

Limbs for Life accepts used prosthetic limbs, which are recycled for parts and components to share with our clinic partners to assist individuals in need. Items restricted in the U.S. are shared with mission teams and clinic partners internationally, serving amputees on five continents.

LFL also provides referrals and resources to help amputees find the assistance they may not be aware of in their home state.

When there are none, Limbs for Life stands in the gap to ensure the individual receives quality prosthetic care to get back on their feet and return to activities of life.

Limbs for Life clients frequently reach out to say thanks: I want to thank Limbs For Life from the bottom of my heart for the donation of my prosthetic leg. It has been positive and life-changing for my family and me as well.

I will be forever grateful.

—Troy

Limbs for Life is putting amputees back on their feet. www.limbsforlife.org

Y’all have made all the difference, I cannot thank you enough—I’m getting to go to the ballfield and play catch with my grandkids and they are loving it.

—James Now I can get up and dance again. I told my husband, I won’t be how I used to be; I’ll be better.

Thanks to Limbs for Life!

—Raquel I truly believe I would have given up on life without this opportunity. Thank God for your kindness and understanding; it will never be taken for granted nor forgotten.

—Greg Gifts to Limbs for Life restore things most of us take for granted, like walking, dancing, going to the ballfield, playing with our children, or simple daily activities. The gift of a limb is a gift of life.

Your gift restores mobility for amputees, giving life to their goals and dreams. Learn more or donate at www.limbsforlife.org

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JUST OFF THE WILD PACIFIC TRAIL © DESTINATION BC/MIKE SEEHAGEL

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EDMONTON © SAMEER DESIGN/TRAVEL ALBERTA

OLD QUÉBEC © UNSPLASH/JOY REAL

BISON © ROBIN LAURENSON/TRAVEL ALBERTA

© CELESTINE AERDEN/TRAVEL ALBERTA

COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND © TOURISM VANCOUVER/BEN GIESBRECHT

CANOEING ON THE OCEAN © TOURISM VANCOUVER/BEN GIESBRECHT

ROCKY MOUNTAINS © LACEY GILMOUR/TRAVEL ALBERTA

OLD QUÉBEC © UNSPLASH/SONDOCE WASFY

Discovering Sustainable Travel in Canada ALLIE MURRAY

Filled with natural beauty, the coastlines and mainland of Canada have endless areas waiting to be explored.

Surrounded by three oceans, filled with more lake area than any other country, and home to some 50,000 islands, Canada is an adventurer's paradise.

Ranked ninth in the world for sustainability by Green Living Rankings, Canada is putting its focus on sustainable tourism, encouraging all tourists to travel with intention and kindness.

FOGO ISLAND, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Situated off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Fogo Island is a quaint town that boasts luxury and sustainability.

A stay at Fogo Island Inn allows you to enjoy picturesque views of the ocean, and if you’re lucky, see the northern lights. Fogo Island Inn is a one-of-a-kind awardwinning luxury property with 29 unique rooms and suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the ocean.

Built on the principles of sustainability and a true love

and respect for nature and culture, Fogo Island Inn offers a holistic immersion into community development and cultural preservation.

Working alongside local charities and sustainability practices, Fogo Island Inn is seen as a community asset.

All operating surpluses are reinvested to help secure a sustainable and resilient future for Fogo Island and contribute to the local and global economy.

On Big 7 Travel’s ranking of the 50 best eco-friendly places to visit in 2022, Fogo Island came in 46th!

ROCKY MOUNTAINS, ALBERTA AND B.C.

One of the most known landmarks is the Canadian Rocky Mountains, spreading across Alberta and British Columbia. Not only are the mountains known for their beauty, but they are also known for their focus on sustainability.

Canada’s west coast, Alberta in particular, is leading the country in sustainability. By focusing on sustainable practices for day-today life, the provinces also put an emphasis on sustainable tourism for those coming to visit.

With a visit to the Rocky

Mountains, enjoy a low-impact trip like Banff Adventures’ horseback riding trips within Banff National Park. The activity gives a unique look into the region’s natural beauty, designed to give you a taste of what Banff’s original settlers experienced more than 200 years ago.

The region is an adventurers paradise: offering hiking tours in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding slopes in the winter.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA

Last summer, Edmonton became the first city in western Canada to join the Global Destination Sustainability Movement, a global index that tracks environmental sustainability in a bid to become a more attractive tourism destination.

Since taking part in this initiative, Edmonton, Alberta has heightened its focus on environmentally friendly options in the city and surrounding areas. In October 2021, Edmonton was ranked second in participating North American cities and 20th in participating large cities for sustainable tourism.

Edmonton is home to an abundance of national parks, including Elk Island National Park, which was established in 1906 as Canada’s first federal wildlife sanctuary. The national park is home to herds of free roaming bison, deer, and elk—and protects endangered habitats and species in Canada.

UCLUELET, B.C.

Located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, and ranked 45th on Big 7 Travel’s list of 50 best eco-friendly places to visit in 2022 is Ucluelet, British Columbia.

In March of 2019, Ucluelet adopted its first climate action plan, setting its targets for 100 percent renewable energy and an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

In March of 2022, working towards that goal, they put a ban on single-use plastics, and continue to work towards achieving their goal by 2050.

With a visit to Ucluelet, enjoy a sustainable stay at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.

In 2021, the resort began its journey to become a zerowaste hotel. Joining forces with the Vancouver Island Green Business Collective, Black

Rock Oceanfront Resort has removed single-use plastics, implemented natural and locally made cleaning products, and so much more to encourage their guests to travel sustainably.

OLD QUÉBEC, QUÉBEC

Known for their sustainability efforts for more than a decade, Québec is striving to offer responsible travel options for tourists entering the region.

The Government of Québec put out an action plan for how they would emphasize sustainable tourism from 2020 to 2025, which included sustainable transportation, supporting businesses' response to climate change, and continuing to develop natural areas across the province.

Visit Old Québec and be immersed in historic streets and quaint shops. Old Québec offers a variety of sustainable transit options, including buses, bike rentals, electric cars, and tours to go along with any sustainable option you choose.

The city boasts nearly 400 kilometers of bike paths and corridors, allowing the region to be explored through the view of a local.

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See Where Your Curiosity Leads You in Fredericton, New Brunswick!

Whether it’s moments that’ll stay with you forever or a refreshing contrast from the ordinary, in Fredericton, you can get swept up in whatever your curiosity creates.

Rich history, artisan markets, world-class festivals, and outdoor adventure are all on the itinerary, making our Capital City your perfect travel destination. Discover why we are Atlantic Canada’s Craft Brewing Capital with the #FredTapTrail, paddle on the waters of the majestic Wolastoq, or go back in time to the 19th Century at Kings Landing.

Festivals are back in Fredericton, with over 30 events happening this summer. Our favorite week of the year is around the corner, when the Harvest Music Festival takes over downtown. Six days, multiple stages, and hundreds of world-class performances—it’s one of the best festival experiences in Atlantic Canada. Be sure to check out our calendar of events for the full schedule.

Get ready to sip the city. It

should be no surprise that Atlantic Canada’s Brewing Capital has its own Taproom Trail, a passportstyle map showcasing our local taprooms. Summer is the perfect time for crafty connoisseurs to hit the trails and sample the vast array of ciders and ales crafted in

© COURTESY OF TOURISM FREDERICTON

Take a break from the expected and uncover new worlds of creativity.

TourismFredericton.ca

our unique local taprooms. Don’t forget to snap some pics and share your #FredTapTrail brews and patio views with us!

The Fredericton Trail System is the city’s crown jewel. Rent a bike or electric scooter, or stroll the 120 kilometers of trails that

meander along the beautiful Wolastoq (Saint John River), countless streams, and tranquil wooded paths. If you are looking for a closer look at our beloved Wolastoq, Second Nature Outdoors is a great first stop for rentals. Don’t forget about Odell Park, where you can bask in the beauty amongst 400-yearold trees as you embark on a medicine walk with Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours.

Fredericton is New Brunswick’s market city boasting five weekly markets. The highly anticipated return of the Garrison Night Market tops the list. Every Thursday night until September 8th, Carleton Street, nestled in the core of Downtown Fredericton, comes alive with this artisan and food-infused market experience. A trip to Fredericton isn’t complete without sampling the wide array of internationally inspired cuisine and comfort food with a twist at the Cultural Market or Food Market at The Ex. You

LIFE WELL CRAFTED

can experience that and more at both the Fredericton Boyce Farmers’ Market and Northside Creators Market, where you will find delicious food, fresh local produce, and hand-crafted wares.

Fredericton is a cradle for creation. Infusing impassioned makers and thinkers, art is the heartbeat of this city. Here you will find the world-renowned Beaverbrook Art Gallery, artisan shops, public art pieces and murals to explore. Many of these options are accessible via our riverfront trail system, making it easy to take a self-guided tour.

Not sure where to start? Visit TourismFredericton.ca and craft your own Fredericton adventure. We love to reward those who extend their stay here in Fredericton, so take a look at our curated Two-Night Stay and Play Packages to make the most of your visit.

Fredericton. Life well crafted.

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THE CASE RESEARCH LAB © 2008 KRISTIAN S. REYNOLDS

Hollywood’s Roots in New York’s Finger Lakes: 100 Years of “Talkies” History comes to life in Cayuga County in Auburn, NY, the place where the “Roaring ‘20s” found their roar.

Pronounced ka-yu-ga, Cayuga County is known for its historical significance. Although Cayuga County has a population of just under 80,000, significant historical figures have called the region home. In the heart of New York, the small-but-mighty city of Auburn has been at the center of U.S. history, shaping revolutions of all kinds. That’s why the city goes by the name History’s Hometown.

2022 marks the 100th year of sound on f ilm, a historic anniversary and cause for celebration! Our suggestion to make the most of this milestone celebration is to visit the very laboratory where this marvel, the “talkies,” were invented!

In 1922, scientists in a private laboratory in an Auburn backyard, The Case Research Laboratory, ushered in a technology revolution.

The goal was to bring sound to the film industry to create talking pictures, also known as “sound cinema” or “talkies.”

The story of Theodore Case is a drama worthy of its own Hollywood picture. The gentleman scientist was a lover of fast cars, boats, and planes, throwing extravagant parties in his mansions while inventing in the 1920s. His life was one of powerful friendships,

betrayals, legal wars over patent ownership, and an early retirement built on his shaping of the entertainment industry. But while his name may have been forgotten

by Hollywood, it certainly was not forgotten by Auburn residents.

While attending Yale University, Theodore (Ted) Case explored his love of science by transmitting light and sound reproduction, developing a method of photographing sound waves. His passion for inventing would lead him on a journey to creating early synchronized sound films.

Thomas Edison had already given up on his failed attempts to make sound films. The film industry had no interest in the available technology until Theodore Case recorded the word “hello” on a film strip with perfect clarity and synchronization. The device he created would become known as the Movietone system, and the movie and news industries would never be the same again.

Case partnered with William Fox of Fox Film, known today as 20th Century Fox, to create the Fox-Case Movitetone, and the story of partnership and working together is as important as the astounding history that has been here in Auburn.

Visitors can discover this story at the Cayuga Museum of History and Art, where you can explore the Case Research Laboratory itself. Immerse yourself in history and explore the film industry’s early days at the dawn of the Talkie Era. Go back in time exactly 100 years to check out one of the first sound cameras ever made and see what the brilliant minds of the Finger Lakes were creating a century ago!

Cayuga Museum of History and Art to get a glimpse into the past of medical oddities and instruments of the in-mansion doctor’s office of the 1850s, Tiffany Glass, and beautifully curated exhibits. Currently on exhibit is “Proof Positive,” which takes visitors through the history, the process, and the impact of wine, beer, and cider in Cayuga County, especially during the Temperance movement and Prohibition, highlighting the

From Theodore Case and William Fox to Harriet Tubman, Frances Seward, and Emily Howland, history lives on in Cayuga County. Today, partnerships between organizations, historic sites, and tourism partners band together to preserve the physical sites and accurately tell the stories of those historical figures and events.

While on-site at the Case Research Laboratory, visit the

rebirth of the industry through legislation and the current economic impact. Another can’tmiss exhibit is “Auburn in Harriet Tubman’s Time,” which features Tubman’s devotion to the Black community of Auburn and the timeline of significant events from the 1860s to beyond 1900.

While many people know Harriet Tubman as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, few know the rest of her story. In

© IMAUREEN-MCEVERS

Cayuga County, you can follow in the footsteps of Harriet Tubman and experience her history in a whole new way by visiting the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park. Tubman’s friends and relatives described her as an “ordinary woman who did extraordinary things.” She loved nature, had a knack for business, and was deeply spiritual. “In God’s Voice: A Celebration of the Spirituality of Harriet Tubman,” by local artist Vanessa Johnson, focuses on Harriet Tubman’s spirituality and faith, exhibiting quilts and fiber artworks to share how Tubman used nature to guide her path as she freed enslaved people and her faith in the allies, both Black and white, who supported her rescues. Check out this exhibit at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, NY. Pay your respects to Harriet Tubman, Theodore Case, and his family at Fort Hill Cemetery right here in Auburn. There are many notable figures laid to rest here, such as Frances Seward and family, Doctor Sylvester Willard, and Martha Coffin Wright. A must stop while in the area.

Follow the Finger Lakes Film Trail to truly round out the experience. Find sites in Rochester and Ithaca where prolific film writers wrote, directors filmed, and inventors invented! For more information and events put on by the trail, visit tourcayuga.com.

WHERE THE

"ROARING 20s" GOT THEIR ROAR!

Walk the floors of the lab where sound on film was invented.

tourcayuga.com

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RIVER RAFTING © COURTESY OF SULLIVAN CATSKILLS

CHATWAL LODGE © ALLEN KENNEDY

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THE HERON © COURTESY OF SULLIVAN CATSKILLS

Your Guide to Visiting the Historic and Legendary Sullivan Catskills New York’s Sullivan Catskills is long on fun, so put it on your shortlist of summer getaways. You can explore the lush countryside (on foot, wheels, or water), kick back in luxury accommodations, sip on craft beverages, and indulge in inventive cuisine.

Once home to hundreds of summer resorts, this legendary vacationland is a two-hour drive from Manhattan. Today, contemporary full-service resorts, charming inns, and a multi-milliondollar arts center at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair make the Sullivan Catskills the country escape of choice for citydwellers to unwind and recharge.

Rove through the stunning landscape for outdoor adventure and end each expedition with a good meal. The food and beverage here are ever-expanding and inventive. Chef Kristian Unvericht is one of the new arrivals to the Catskill-icious food scene. He brings his special brand of Latin American slow food to The Cabin at Hessinger-Lare (which he recently purchased.) Try the slow-braised beef tacos and tortas. The Yarra in Roscoe is a four-bedroom inn named after a river in Melbourne, Australia and inspired by the owners’ travel experiences. The food is a nod to the eclectic Melbourne food scene.

T h e B a s h a k i l l Wi l d l i f e Management Area near Wurtsboro is home to the largest f reshwater wetlands in southeastern New York.

Recreational opportunities include 15 miles of flat hiking trails along the historic D&H Canal towpath. Along the way, stop at Bashakill Vineyards (part of the Good Taste Beverage Trail) for a taste of their smallbatch wines and a full menu of tapas, charcuterie boards, and tacos. In town, visit Canal Towne Emporium, a delightful familyowned business since 1869 featuring a collection of finecrafted gifts, country foods and home décor.

In Hurleyville, walk or bike the rail trail. Known locally as “The Milk Train Trail,” the nearly two miles of smooth-surface, ADA-compliant, multi-use trail extends in each direction from the center of the hamlet totaling 3.5 miles. While you’re there, swing by the Pickled Owl or the Tango Café for a bite or see a movie at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre. The little river town of Barryville grew up around the D&H canal. Once visited by JFK, Bette Davis, and Paul Newman, Barryville is experiencing a resurgence. Take the historic walking tour, and don’t miss the Barryville General Store and the

Saturday Farmers’ Market.

Beer lovers, head to Livingston Manor to visit the two craft breweries. Upward Brewing sits at the base of a 120-acre preserve called Beer Mountain. Work up a sweat on the 1.5-mile hike before you try the Opiate Sun. In a gold-certified LEED building, Catskill Brewery uses sustainable practices and organic ingredients to craft Night Shine and a handful of other flavorful brews. Other not-to-be-missed Good Taste Beverage Trail venues include Roscoe Beer Company, Shrewd Fox Brewery, Callicoon Brewing, Catskill Provisions, Seminary Hill Cidery, Do Good Spirits, Rock Valley Spirits, Russian Mule, Stickett Inn Cider, and Forthright Cyder and Mead.

The Tusten Mountain Trail near the river town of Narrowsburg is a moderately challenging 2.9mile loop trail. The trail features a few rough spots, and there is some elevation gain with a few steeper spots. It’s a great three-season hike, and your four-legged friends will like it too, but they must be leashed.

Afterward, mosey downtown and bring your appetite. Water sports on the Delaware River are wildly popular. Lander’s River Trips, Kittatinny Canoes, Indian Head Canoes, and others cater

to individuals and groups and offer rafting, kayaking, tubing, canoeing, and camping.

The crystal-clear waters here are perfect for fly-fishing, and the area is known as the birthplace of American fly-fishing. Lake bait fishing opportunities are many, too. Families love Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark, where it’s always 84 degrees. Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center has a wide selection of outdoor pools and water features kids and families love. One of the most unique and fun experiences is visiting the Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail, a collection of 60 hand-painted dove sculptures perched in villages, towns, and outside local businesses. The trail commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Fair.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has a full slate of concerts in August, including The Beach Boys, Santana with Earth Wind and Fire, Brandi Carlile, and Phil Lesh and the Midnight Ramble Band, among others. Located at the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, the center features an outdoor music pavilion with a seating and lawn capacity of 16,000. The Museum at Bethel Woods is dedicated to the ‘60s and the Woodstock festival.

There’s so much to explore it’s

worth spending the weekend— or longer. Book a room at the newly opened Chatwal Lodge.

Located on the historic Chapin Estate grounds on the shores of the massive Toronto Reservoir, this elevated escape features 11 exclusive guest rooms with a refined rustic ambiance with barn beams, carved wood bed f rames, and stone f ireplaces.

Indulge in a wellness stay at Yo1 Health Resort. Or stay at Resorts World Catskills, where you can play the slots or table games.

There’s also a spa and a host of dining options, including celebrity chef Scott Conant’s Cellaio. Other noteworthy accommodations with restaurant options include The Eldred Preserve, Callicoon Hills, and Kenoza Hall, which recently opened ten luxury bungalows and features an activity-concierge director, better known in these parts as “tummlers”—a nod to the bungalow colony resorts of the Golden Age of the Catskills.

Vacation rentals are all the rage and range from glamping tents to domes to country cottages with firepits and fireplaces. If you like to sleep under the stars, there’s a wide selection of campgrounds to choose from, too.

Visit SullivanCatskills.com to book your experience.

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© ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF LEWIS COUNTY

Exploration Awaits in Lewis County, NY Home to many state forests and wilderness areas, Lewis County, New York, has an abundance of beautiful places to explore.

Whether your kind of outdoor adventure includes spending time on the water, taking an offroad trip, or hiking through lush forests, Lewis County has options for every type of expedition.

Explore, play, eat, and experience all that the region has to offer.

EXPLORE

HIKING As an area with naturally beautiful places, Lewis County is home to many State Forests and Wilderness areas. There are many beautiful local parks and state parks with trails for hiking.

These areas offer plenty of opportunities to hike with beautiful scenery year-round.

Enjoying the hiking trails in Lewis County, the Adirondacks

Tug Hill Region? Join the LC33 Hiking Challenge today and record your adventure!

interesting local businesses, historic sites, and landmarks!

CANOEING & KAYAKING The waterways located in Lewis County have been in use for hundreds of years for a variety of reasons. From floating lumberyards to power dams, they have always been an integral part of life for residents and tourists alike. Whether you like calm waters for paddling your canoe or class five rapids, we have it.

OHV TRAILS Beyond the wet, muddy springs are warm, breezy summers and crisp, fresh autumns—making Lewis County a great place to ride! Hundreds of miles of trails and off-season roads offer a different terrain for every preference. Many businesses located along the trails cater to the OHV enthusiast. You can take short afternoon rides or, better yet, plan a weekend. One of our local guides can help you plan the perfect trip.

FOLIAGE HARVEST Lewis County is truly beautiful in the fall, with great views of fall foliage! Not to forget the annual Rocky Fawcett Fall Foliage Tour that happens the first weekend in October. Each year a new route is mapped through a different section of the county. Enjoy the fall foliage while visiting

PLAY

HUNTING With a long hunting season and more than 175,000 acres of public land with a mix of woodlands and open f ields, Lewis County is perfect for

hunting. Black powder, archery and regular seasons offer hunters an excellent chance to enjoy the region’s natural beauty.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Averaging about 200 inches of snow annually, Tug Hill is known for some of the best snowmobiling in the Northeast.

Lake-effect snowstorms cover this area in a canvas of white, perfect for you and your winter adventure. There are approximately 500 miles of groomed trails. Snowmobile trails are free with no permit required.

EAT

The Lewis County Cuisine Trail travels through back roads to the Villages of Lowville, Croghan, Castorland and Copenhagen and showcases locally sourced and produced foods unique to the area. From goat farms,

cow dairies, farmer-owned cooperatives, the International Maple Museum, famous Croghan Bologna, and restaurants carrying local products, the Lewis County Cuisine Trail offers a little bit for everyone.

STAY

With all it has to offer, the best way to experience Lewis County is to stay close to the action.

From camping and rustic cabins to lodges and comfy bed and breakfasts, there is an option to suit your needs. Don’t forget to check online booking websites to find houses or cabin rentals.

Your Lewis County adventure is waiting for you. With beautiful places to be explored and exciting outdoor activities to be experienced, there’s no better time to visit. Book your trip at adirondackstughill.com.

OUR BACKYARD, YOUR ADVENTURE. adirondackstughill.com ® NYSDED

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TRAVEL August • 2022

Sustainable Luxury:

© ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF LAABS CREATIVE LLC

An Eco-Friendly Getaway on a Panamanian Private Island ALLIE MURRAY

Nestled on a private island in Panama sits Bocas Bali, a luxury resort dedicated to sustainable practices, unforgettable culinary experiences, and providing guests with memories that will last a lifetime.

The getaway allows guests to unplug and relax on a private island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. Once arriving in Bocas Del Toro, the resort is a 15 minute boat ride away, and then you’ll arrive in pure luxury.

The resort is owned by Dan Behm, who purchased the island in 2017 and brought on the expertise of architect Andres Brenes, who designed much of the luxury resort.

Recently, the team built the world’s first aerial beach—a boardwalk lined with sand that is built on stilts over the water.

“We have the most picturesque private island retreat at Bocas Bali and the only thing missing was the beach,” Behm said. “We wanted to create an experience in a class by itself that pays homage to the incomparable natural setting while providing our guests the luxury of a private beach experience on our exclusive island.”

The beach took nine months to build and is now called KupuKupu Beach. It sits at 90 feet long and twenty feet wide and has white sand, lush palm trees, stylish lounge chairs, a bar, and a boardwalk.

A SUSTAINABLE STAY At the resort, they focus on not only providing guests with a one-of-a-kind stay, but also protecting the planet. Bocas Bali operates 100 percent off the grid—using solar energy, purified rainwater, and an eco-friendly wastewater treatment system that was specially engineered for mangrove islands. Since the resort is based on a mangrove island, the team at Bocas Bali has conducted many environmental studies to ensure they are being kind to the land and the water.

“We are now on our fifth

study, which will take up to two years to complete,” Behm explained in a blog post. “These studies have helped us to place our water villas in areas that do not disturb the coral, replace any mangrove removed with ten times the amount of mangrove plants in other areas of the island, and build on the island without disturbing the natural habitat.”

The journey to create a sustainable resort was one that Behm knew would be difficult when he purchased the

EXPLORING THE LUXURY mangrove island, but one that he was ready to embark on.

“We have learned to keep the island free of garbage and waste, place ocean and coral friendly soaps, hair products, and sunscreen in our guest villas, avoid disturbing the coral with our boats, exercise caution when painting or staining near the sea water, remove any waste accidentally dropped in the water, leave the larger trees on the island, and replace any small ones we remove with more and larger trees,” he shared.

The villas are suspended over the water and offer luxuries like a private pool, stairs to the sea, snorkelling gear, and so much more. The overwater villas make it easy to explore the Caribbean waters via kayak or paddleboard, or get up close and personal with the sea life with snorkelling gear.

Opening later this year is the IBUKU Island Treehouses, a new villa at Bocas Bali. The villa is a beautiful bamboo treehouse that reaches a

height of 40 feet, allowing for a unique experience of the island.

The design for the treehouse was done by Elora Hardy from IBUKU entitled. Behm knew he wanted Hardy to design the treehouse after watching her TED Talk “Magical Houses, Made of Bamboo”.

The resort allows travelers to enjoy a luxury getaway in Central America, while traveling responsibly and working towards making our planet a better place.

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Experience the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County With vibrant colorful scenery and unlimited exploration ahead, experience fall in the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County. Whether you get up early for a hike to watch the sunrise, or plan to toast marshmallows to golden brown perfection by the campf ire, discover the beauty of the Catskills this fall season.

From leisurely walking paths to more challenging climbs, visitors to the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County can forge connections with nature. Walk along and to the scenic Kaaterskill Falls Viewing Platform in Haines Falls—an easy 0.6-mile hike round trip to a viewing platform overlooking the high cascading two-tiered waterfall in New York State—or explore the Four Mile Point Preserve in Coxsackie to find scenic shoreline vistas.

For a tougher hike, try Hunter Mountain Fire Tower in Hunter, which is eight miles roundtrip and provides panoramic views of the Hudson Valley region. When hiking, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles and wear the proper gear.

© ANDREW PINNELLA

For an exhilarating adventure, go ziplining at New York Zipline Canopy Tours, located at Hunter Mountain. The Mid-Mountain Tour is family-f riendly and features ziplines, suspension bridges, and tree platforms while the Skyrider Tour is an extreme ziplining experience for thrill-seekers. Each tour offers beautiful views of the Catskills.

When you’re not exploring the outdoors, sip the flavors of the region at one of the many breweries. From IPAs and lagers to brown ales and stouts, prepare

to sample the latest creations of the Great Northern Catskills. Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company, Subversive Malting & Brewing, and Crossroads Brewing Co. Catskill Taproom all feature locally produced brews in the Town of Catskill. Head to West Kill Brewing in West Kill to try beers made with locally grown and foraged ingredients, located along a 127-acre farm. Prefer hard cider? Check out Left Bank Ciders in the Village of Catskill, Greene County’s first cidery—the ciders are made in small batches

FIND YOUR GREATER

#LETSGOGREENE

using locally sourced ingredients.

For wine connoisseurs, sip a glass (or two!) at The Vineyard at Windham or Ze Windham Wine Bar, both located in Windham and both offering a wide variety of wines to sample.

After a day of exploration, rest up at one of the Great Northern Catskills’ unique lodging properties. In Greenville, The Woodhouse Lodge provides a fun, beautifully decorated escape. With fire pits, hammocks, and access to nearby hiking, experience the splendor of the

Great Northern Catskills. Looking for a glamping experience? Stay at Treetopia Airstream Hotel and RV Campground in Catskill.

With Airstreams, RVs, canvas tents, cottages, and a treehouse, there are options for all types of travelers! End the day roasting s’mores by the campfire before sleeping in the great outdoors.

For a more relaxed stay, try Wylder Windham in Windham.

The hotel was built over 140 years ago with seven historic lodging options beautifully restored by local craftsmen. Days can be filled with exploring the 20 acres of endless opportunities to relax and have fun. From a morning walk along the Batavia Kill Creek after breakfast at Babblers, to afternoons playing pickle ball and corn hole at The Yard. Wylder has something for everyone all season long.

Adventure travelers and those looking for a relaxing getaway can all find fun in the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County. Begin planning your fall trip to remember at GreatNorthernCatskills.com.

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DISCOVER THINGS TO DO IN PENNSYLVANIA’S AMERICANA REGION � WWW.VISITPAAMERICANA.COM

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Make the Most of Autumn Travel in Pennsylvania Spectacular landscapes and countless seasonal activities make fall in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region worth the journey. Home to Reading and Berks County, PA, the area is known for unique festivals and crowd-pleasing events like Taste of Hamburg-er Fest, Chile Pepper Food Fest, NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, and Reading Liederkranz’s

Oktoberfest. The latter ranked as the top Oktoberfest in America by USA Today Top10 competitions in 2015 and 2017.

Fantastic arts happenings share the region’s fall lineup. Reading Blues Fest, Reading Film Fest, IX Imaginary Art Expo, and Berks Guild of Craftsmen Holiday Arts Show are annual events attracting worldwide visitors.

RIDE ALONG SCENIC MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS

Autumn is an ideal time to explore Berks County’s outdoor offerings.

Home to the Greater Reading Trails System (GRT), hikers and bikers delight in over 125 miles of year-round fun. This bronze-level International Mountain Biking Association Ride Center, GRT, is just one of the region’s amazing outdoor experiences. Folks kayak, paddle board, fish, disc golf, camp, rock climbing, and bird watch way into colder months.

ENJOY THE SCENERY FROM THE COMFORT OF AN EDWARDIANERA TRAIN

Take in the region’s rich fall colors as you enjoy the elegant trappings of the Colebrookdale Railroad. Built by soldiers returning from the Civil War, the beautifully restored train offers themed excursions and events that delight passengers of all ages. For an even closer view of the landscape and fauna, opt for a ride on one of Colebrookdale’s railbikes—weather permitting.

OKTOBERFEST © COURTESY OF PENNSYLVANIA’S AMERICANA REGION

SIP A CRAFT BEER AT ONE OF THE LOCAL BREWERIES

Quench your thirst with homegrown craft beers and mead as you follow the new BrewHaHa Trail.

The trail also includes pubs selling regional beers, bars with eight or more taps, and information about local wineries.

DRIVE IDYLLIC RURAL ROADS TO SEE COLORFUL HEX BARN ART AND HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGES

Follow the self-guided Barn Star and Covered Bridge Tours for an up-close look at Berks County’s stunning fall landscapes. As you travel country roads, look for colorful hex signs, the unique and best-known art form of the PA Dutch. You’ll also encounter Berks County’s five remaining covered bridges. Each of the barn stars and bridges is an American treasure.

PERUSE THE ARTS

Head to GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, a factory-turned-arts-center, for exhibits, classes, demonstrations, events, and more. As for

public art, whimsical bears dot the streets of Boyertown, and a sculpture by former resident Keith Haring graces Kutztown’s Community Park. West Reading’s Mural Walk includes over 30 artworks covering over three blocks.

RESTORED TRAIN © COURTESY OF PENNSYLVANIA’S AMERICANA REGION

MARVEL AT THE UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE OF THE PAGODA

A visit to Pennsylvania’s Americana Region isn’t complete without a trip to the Pagoda. The iconic landmark has watched over the City of Reading since 1908. While the interior of the building is closed for restoration, visitors can still view the impressive exterior of the structure and the incredible views from its mountaintop setting.

Get your free travel guide at visitpaamericana.com/ visitors-guide

South Africa’s First Black Hot Air Balloon Pilot Shakes Up Once-Exclusive Sport SISIPHO SKWEYIYA

Semakaleng Mathebula fires up the burner, aims a giant blue-orange flame toward a multicolored balloon and watches as it fills with hot air and begins to lift off the ground.

The 27-year-old is South Africa’s first Black hot air balloon pilot, and one of few women participating in the niche sport, which traditionally has been the domain of the white and privileged.

“Growing up I had never seen a hot air balloon. My interests were cooking, accounting... but ballooning was not something that was in reach for me,” said Mathebula, standing in a field in Hartbeespoort, a small town north of Johannesburg.

She got into ballooning by accident. When she was struggling to find employment a few years ago, a recruitment agency helped her get a job as a marketing assistant at a hot air balloon tour company.

“As soon as I stepped on the field and saw eight balloons I fell completely in love. I haven’t looked back since,” she said.

Mathebula got a scholarship to do her pilot training from the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Balloon and Airship Federation of South Africa (BAFSA), and earned her licence last year.

She competed for the first time in the South African Hot Air Balloon Championship in June.

In competitive ballooning, pilots use wind and altitude to navigate to fixed targets,

where they drop a weighted marker. They are scored on how close they get.

“We really need new blood, younger blood in the sport, because a bunch of us are growing old and we need to get new people in,” said Mathebula’s coach, Flip Steyn.

“I think years back ballooning was a very exclusive club, whereas now it’s becoming more open,” he said.

Mathebula also said she is keen to be an ambassador for the international sport and hopes to bring in more youth and diversity.

“When you don’t have a point of reference you always doubt if you’ll be able to achieve what you’re doing,” she said. “Once you feel like you belong, everything else comes in naturally.”

—Reuters

SEMAKALENG MATHEBULA, SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST BLACK FEMALE HOT-AIR BALLOON PILOT

SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST BLACK FEMALE HOT-AIR BALLOON PILOT, PILOTS A HOT-AIR BALLOON © IMAGES COURTESY OF REUTERS/SUMAYA HISHAM

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Charming Butler County: Loaded with History, Shops, and Restaurants Maybe you’ve never heard of Butler County, Pennsylvania. That’s not too surprising. But perhaps what will surprise you is how this county, located 25 miles north of Pittsburgh, has impacted the lives of countless people across the United States.

You see, Butler County has played an integral role in the birth of the nation, defending it during World War II (as the birthplace of the Jeep), welcoming the world of immigrants who helped build the country, and preserving its history in the form of small-town hamlets.

Butler County. Founded in 1832

by German immigrant brothers F. Carl and John A. Roebling, Saxonburg is a small town big on charm. John Roebling, the inventor of the wire rope and designer of the Brooklyn Bridge, envisioned a blend of agriculture and light manufacturing.

Visit the Saxonburg Museum, shop at Red Door Antiques, pick up locally sourced gourmet jams at Batch, beers at Conny Creek Brewing, and dinner at the Saxonburg Hotel, which once hosted President Woodrow Wilson.

HISTORY

ZELIENOPLE

It was a young Major George Washington of the British Army who, in 1753, was dispatched to Ft. LeBoeuf in Erie to demand that the French evacuate the region. During his trip, Washington, who would later be the U.S.’s first President, passed through what would become Butler County on his way to and from Ft. LeBoeuf.

This trip is documented through “Washington’s Trail 1753,” a Butler County driving tour that not only details the mission—including Washington’s escape from death

© COURTESY OF BUTLER COUNTY

that would have altered the course of the country—but passes through several quaint towns, which developed afterward and preserve their history.

HARMONY

Founded in 1804 by the religious freedom-seeking Harmony Society of German Lutheran Separatists, Harmony’s Landmark District retains the old world architectural character of a German Village and

includes more than 50 buildings.

Several specialty shops occupy older structures and make for a charming shopping stop.

If you’re looking for sweets or other eats, make time for Neff Haus Ice Cream, Wunderbar Coffee and Crepes (located in a historic opera hall), and finish with dinner and craft beer at the Harmony Inn.

SAXONBURG

Saxonburg is a can’t-miss stop in

German aristocrat Detmar Basse founded picturesque Zelienople in 1802 and named it after his daughter. Today, Zelie, as the locals call it, thrives as a smalltown gem. A bustling business district featuring restaurants, craft breweries, and shops has some people describing the town as similar to Mayberry of Andy Griffith Show fame.

Shops such as Curio, Eva Bryn Shoetique, Boutique 16063, The Strand Theater, and restaurants like Kaufman Tavern, ShuBrew, Della

Terra, and Burgh’ers Brewing bring a mix of new and old while paying homage to the town’s beginnings.

Make sure to visit the 1808 Passavant House, the home of Detmar Basse’s daughter Zelie, which is now a museum that tells the story of Zelienople’s history.

BUTLER COUNTY: AMERICANA

Above all, Butler County embodies Americana in the best way possible, with every corner of the county steeped in history and undoubtedly American characteristics. The residents, shop owners, and officials in Butler County understand that and celebrate it joyfully, boasting of their history. They invite all to visit their rolling hills through agritourism, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities on water or land.

These small-town communities are loaded with quaint shops and restaurants and are somehow even more welcoming than their outward charm appears. In the end, Americana may not define Butler County, but Butler County defines Americana.

Explore our Charming Towns VisitButlerCounty.com

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HISTORY LIVES IN THE NORTHERN NECK OF VIRGINIA

August • 2022

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE AT NORTHERNNECK.ORG

Experience the Road Less Traveled

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Experience the Beauty and Nature of the Northern Neck of Virginia Virginia Indians knew the Northern Neck peninsula by its villages and bodies of water. The current names of many of those waterways and settlements trace their origins to the Virginia Algonquian language.

Nestled between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, the “Northern Neck Proprietary” was a gift to Lord Fairfax from the English King Charles II and the region’s navigable creeks and rivers presented opportunities for English colonization in the 17th century. The Northern Neck is the birthplace of two brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence from the illustrious Lee family, and three of the first five presidents—George Washington, James Monroe, and James Madison, whose homesites are open to the public for tours and events. Learn about the Africans, African-Americans and indentured servants who built and operated the plantation of Stratford Hall, and how their foodways influenced American cuisine.

A commercially active region with the advent of the steamboat industry in the mid-1800s that brought thousands to the area for seafood and recreation, the

Northern Neck later mourned the decline of the Chesapeake Bay water-based trade. Bridges came few and late, and today, there are three bridges that access

the region. Scenic byways abound in the area and are more plentiful than traffic lights. Roads lead to forgotten steamboat landings on waterways and inlets no longer

© KATE THOMPSON

necessary for the delivery of mail or city-made goods, and they now provide launches for canoes or kayaks.

Wildlife and bird-watchers congregate in the area for bird walks, hikes, or paddles at the Rappahannock River National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the Civilian Conservation Corpsera Westmoreland State Park, Caledon State Park, and Belle Isle State Park, or state-designated Natural Areas on the waterfront.

Miocene-era cliffs are eroding along the Potomac River. Their crumbles yield whale skulls, sharks’ teeth, and other fossils that engage our inner paleontologist.

The Northern Neck is dotted with charming small museums that entice visitors to explore our past, with historic sites in stillscenic natural settings. Active boatbuilding, woodworking, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving and culinary guilds enliven centuries-old villages. Historic Districts and walkable downtowns provide restaurants, lodging, and specialty retail shopping. Mural artists have decorated buildings with scenes from the past, such

as tomato cannery labels, evoking the region’s well-loved export product that traveled to market by steamboat.

Well-established wineries have been joined by more recent vineyards and offer tastings, pairings, and events on weekends.

A cidery at a historic site offers cider and charcuterie. With the Virginia Oyster Trail traversing the region, visitors can engage with watermen on a heritage on-water tour, and see oyster cages floating in creeks and rivers where the bivalve is grown for the restaurant market.

Hike the parks and natural areas.

Paddle through our history. Visit the sites and taste the history in farm-raised produce, locally harvested seafood, and regional wines that complement both.

Relax at a bed and breakfast, country inn or The Tides Inn, a waterfront resort celebrating its 75th year. Enjoy the calm of the water and the peaceful vistas.

We’re good at that. For more information or to plan a visit to the Northern Neck, the website is www.northernneck.org, or email nntc@northernneck.org.

Becoming a Kind Traveler: Empowering Travelers to Make a Positive Impact in Communities ALLIE MURRAY

Eager to leave the world better than how they found it, Jessica Blotter and Sean Krejci joined forces to start Kind Traveler, the world’s first socially conscious hotel booking and media platform.

Launched in 2016, Kind Traveler empowers travelers to positively impact communities and the environment in the destinations they visit. Through the Kind Traveler Give + Get booking platform, travelers unlock exclusive hotel rates and perks upon a minimum $10 donation to a local charity.

When Blotter and Krejci first met, they both had goals of finding a way to benefit the planet. Krejci, an Air Force veteran, had grown up in Hawaii as the oldest of ten siblings to two blind parents.

While traveling themselves, Blotter and Krejci came up with the idea to provide travelers with

an easy way to make a difference while seeing the world.

“We dreamed that instead of creating marketing campaigns we would create movements, the kind with the power to make the world a better place,” Blotter explained. “When we found ourselves on a trip to Belize, that dream started to take shape. As our tour bus wound its way through the back roads of rural villages, we witnessed heartbreaking poverty, families living in tiny shacks near polluted swamps and emaciated dogs wandering the streets for food. The bus had never been so quiet. How could we get excited about visiting the Mayan ruins nearby and ignore the devastation around us?”

To do so, they launched Kind Traveler, which now represents sustainable hotels and tourism boards in 22 countries and more than 100 charities globally.

To continue offering travelers the best resources possible,

Kind Traveler launched their 2022 Impact Tourism Report.

The report surveyed more than 1,000 people and interviewed 64 partnered hotels, charities, and destinations, to identify ten trends shaping the future of sustainable and regenerative tourism.

In the report, 96 percent of respondents noted that it’s important that their travel dollars are making a positive impact in the places they visit, and 48 percent stated that choosing accommodations that are sustainable and socially conscious is the hardest part about traveling sustainably.

To make sustainable accommodations and traveling easier, Kind Traveler released the report to encourage other hotels, destination managers, and travelers to seek out partnerships and opportunities that make a positive impact. Some of the trends that were brought forth included how transparency around sustainability initiatives

HURAWALHI ISLAND RESORT, SOLARPANEL COVERED WALKWAY © COURTESY OF KIND TRAVELER

is required; the opportunity for hotels and local charities to be catalysts for destination wellbeing; hotels as regenerative powerhouses; and how stewardship pledges can be a critical roadmap to good.

When booking with Kind Traveler, travelers will have the opportunity to learn about how each hotel is advancing sustainability, wellness, and community impact.

Additionally, travelers will learn

about the exact impact of their donation to the community they plan to visit and why such donations are so important.

Setting their sights on improving and expanding sustainable and regenerative travel resources to all travelers, Kind Traveler promises to help travelers make a positive impact in the communities and places they visit, helping to create more purpose-driven, meaningful vacation experiences.

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Your Virginia Wine Adventure Awaits Pick a vineyard or a weekend.

Plot out the perfect itinerary or follow wherever the road takes you to explore the shifting landscape and extraordinary wines of Virginia. With 300+ wineries, ten regions and eight distinct AVAs spanning the state, there’s something for everyone.

Virginiawine.org helps personalize your adventure with customizable itineraries, searchable offerings, and a chance to track your favorite stops along the way.

Check out stops at wineries with unique tasting offerings, on-site restaurants, or overnight accommodations. For quick and easy access, download the Virginia Wine app to view saved itineraries, regional maps, events, and nearby wineries, all from your mobile device.

With so many options to choose from, the Gold Medal Wine Trail helps narrow the scope of your search and connects you with award-winning wineries. With a f ree signup at taste.virginiawine.org, you receive exclusive access

OCTOBER IS VIRGINIA WINE MONTH

© COURTESY OF VIRGINIA WINE MARKETING OFFICE

to special discounts and prizes while sampling the best of Virginia.

Sitting halfway between Europe and California, Virginia’s wines embody this unique position in the world. They are lush but structured, aromatic, expressive, and beautifully balanced—blending the subtlety of the Old World with the boldness of the new. Like perfect French spoken with a

slight southern drawl.

Whether you’re sipping on an exciting varietal like Petit Manseng, Albariño, or Tannat for the first time or sampling tried and true varietals like Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, or Merlot, Virginia offers a fresh take on the familiar.

At the heart of Virginia Wine is a community of farmers perfecting their own agricultural art. They don’t bend to trends.

They listen to their land and

draw out the story in every vine and vintage to craft wines that embody Virginia’s grace, grit, and experimental spirit.

Discover a new favorite, savor world-class wines, and venture off the beaten path for a trip to remember in Virginia’s Wine Country. With the pop of a cork, your wine adventure begins.

Learn more at virginiawine.org/pages/visit

A hint of a chill enlivens the air, the foliage bursts with brilliant color, and glasses everywhere are raised to celebrate the harvest—the perfect backdrop for a new adventure.

Dating back to 1988, Virginia Wine lovers have embraced the season by supporting local farmers and producers, adventuring through Virginia’s vineyards and toasting to the Harvest. Even before formal celebrations, there’s always been something magical about October in Virginia Wine Country.

Harvest Party is a day for the Commonwealth to come together to toast the richness of our region. People in the city, the country, and the shore gather in restaurants, vineyards, private homes, and open fields for a feast of Virginia-grown food and wine.

October 15 marks the official day to celebrate Harvest Party, but you can celebrate all month long with events, bundles and special offerings.

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August • 2022

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Explore the Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia Ellijay, GA, has the best of both worlds: a charming, small-town way of life and a variety of food and drink choices that rival big cities. Located between Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga, TN, Ellijay is best known as the Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia, but this idyllic location isn’t limited to biking adventures.

Home to 11 mountain hiking trails, 59 mountain bike trails, several impressive waterfalls, and some of the best trout waters in the Southeast, there’s no better destination for an allnatural vacation.

Ride. No mountain bike trip in Ellijay would be complete without a stop at Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp. Part-campground and part-resort, Mulberry Gap is surrounded by some of the best trails for mountain biking, gravel cycling, hiking, trail running, and outdoor exploration. Before and after your rides, grab a warm meal and join in community-minded events and sparkling conversations. It’s not just for mountain bikers, either— Mulberry Gap is a hub for other

types of trail exploration, including bikepacking, trail running, and even fly fishing.

For an outdoor experience that will get the whole family involved, head to the Big Acorn Trail at Carters Lake. This wellloved trail starts at the Carters Lake Visitor Center, which also serves as a nature center full of educational, fun, and free things for kids. This trail is short, easy, and ideal for budding trailblazers.

On the other side of Carters Lake

is the Tumbling Waters Nature Trail in the Ridgeway Recreation Area. Slightly longer, this trail is full of scenic stops and includes a 150-foot-long bridge that crosses 30 feet over Tails Creek and ends at the cascade’s peak.

The Bear Creek Trail, located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, is a must-see for families that love getting up close and personal with nature. This trail provides close-up views of some of the most beautiful trees

AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

True to its nickname as the Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia, Ellijay is home to incredible mountain biking trails fit for every experience level, from newbies to biking enthusiasts.

Find a like-minded community with the top trail recommendations at Cartecay Bike Shop, known for its mountain bike classes, top-of-the-line biking attire, and exciting Saturday Social

around, including the state record Gennett Poplar, the second largest tree in Georgia. Aside from the numerous physical and mental health benefits of spending time in the great outdoors, a family hike allows you to see the world through your child’s eyes—and when you’re immersed in one of Ellijay’s beautiful trails, the journey is often more fun than the destination.

Ellijay is just as fun on the water as it is on the land! With three rivers (The Ellijay, the Cartecay, and the Coosawattee) and Carters Lake (Georgia’s Deepest Lake), Ellijay is the perfect destination for kayaking, tubing, and boating! Bring your family for a whitewater adventure or relax on the Cartecay River.

Whether your version of adventure is a lazy day on the lake, a gentle walk along the river or something a bit more adventurous like mountain biking or hiking into the wilderness, you will find just the adventure to keep you coming back for more. www.pickellijay.com

© ALL IMAGES OUTLIVE CREATIVE

Sustainability in Travel and Tourism: In Practice with The Travel Corporation For two years, people around the world put their highly anticipated travel plans on hold. Communities worldwide dependent on the tourism industry suffered as a result.

During that time, many discussions took place within the sector about the need to re-evaluate operating practices so that when travel did return, the industry could build back better. COVID-19, it seemed, had jumpstarted the longdelayed conversation by travel and tourism to design with sustainability in mind. Now that travel has returned with pent-up demand, it’s time to understand what these promises look like in practice and ensure the conversation has moved beyond rhetoric.

The Travel Corporation (TTC), a group of 41 awardwinning travel brands operating in 70 countries, is uniquely positioned to enable positive impact at scale, and is determined to inform travelers how they are succeeding and where they’ve faced challenges. In May, TTC

released its first Impact Report (impact.treadright.org/progress), making it the largest privately owned travel company to do so. The report outlines progress against the 11 goals of TTC's five-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right, launched in 2020 to address the most pressing issues faced by the industry and the planet: climate, food, waste, travel experiences, DEI, and wildlife. Then came TTC’s five-point Climate Action Plan in 2021 to address the company’s emissions.

This year, TTC announced its goal to achieve near zero emissions by 2050, through a formal commitment to science-based targets. These targets are currently under review by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an independent body that developed the first global science-based net-zero standard to ensure businesses play their part in reducing emissions in line with keeping the global temperature below a warming of 1.5°C by mid-century.

WHAT DO CARBON REDUCTIONS FOR A TRAVEL BUSINESS LOOK LIKE?

While it varies on the type of business, TTC has an impressive and complex range including brands such as Trafalgar, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Contiki and Red Carnation Hotels. The group owns 500+ vehicles, 13 Uniworld ships, 18 Red Carnation Hotels, five accommodations, 30+ offices and one winery. In practical terms, emissions reduction means changing the way the business operates. Here are some ways they have already started.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

TTC has eight solar projects on its various properties, and since September 2020 has sourced 28 percent of global energy needs from renewable sources and switched nine additional properties to 100 percent. Contiki’s head office in London and accommodations Schöneck in Austria and Château in France all run on 100 percent renewable energy, as do seven Red Carnation Hotels in London.

CONTIKI SECURED 100 PERCENT RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR ITS SPECIAL STAY ‘CHÂTEAU DE CRUIX’, A SIXTEENTH CENTURY PROPERTY LOCATED IN FRANCE © COURTESY OF THE TRAVEL CORPORATION

The newly opened Xigera Safari Lodge gets 95 percent of its power from a state-of-the-art solar energy center.

SUSTAINABLE FOOD

Food is a big part of the travel experience as well as our respective footprints. Food waste is one of the top three contributors to climate change, so food waste reductions are critical. So too is prioritizing local and organic food products, enabling us to reduce emissions associated with transportation while supporting systems of sustainable food production within our favorite destinations.

In 2021, TTC introduced food waste management systems

Winnow and Leanpath at 13 hotels and ships and reduced food waste by 39 percent at Red Carnation Hotels since September 2020.

CARBON REMOVAL

Through its not-for-profit foundation TreadRight, TTC is investing in carbon removal solutions, which play a critical role in mitigating climate change.

Two such solutions, showing very promising results in their pilot stages, provide long-term, potential permanent carbon removal solutions while creating co-benefits through GreenWave’s sustainable food production approach and Project Vesta’s ocean de-acidification.

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Tranquility and Charm in Harford County, Maryland Located at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, Harford County, Maryland, is a convenient stop for travelers along I-95. Slow down as you take in the waterfront views in the charming and historic town of Havre de Grace. Engage your senses and adventurous spirit as you traverse hiking or biking trails, nature centers, or an awardwinning topiary garden.

Havre de Grace, a vibrant and charming waterfront community, offers a rich history and a full slate of events throughout the year. The five museums of Havre de Grace include a Decoy Museum, Maritime Museum, Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House, and Concord Point Lighthouse and Keeper’s House.

Shop art galleries, specialty boutiques, and antique shops.

Experience the tranquility on the water in a boat, kayak, parasail, or stand-up paddleboard. When it’s time to refuel and rest, choose a delightful restaurant and bed and breakfast to make your stay complete.

With 89 county parks and three state parks, there is a trail

for everyone! Rocks State Park, situated on 850 acres, is perfect for picnicking, hiking, tubing, canoeing, or fishing. Two unique landmarks are a must-see in Rocks State Park. The “King and Queen Seat” offers a spectacular 190-foothigh rock outcrop overlooking Deer Creek, where legend has it that the Susquehannocks, a local

© SEAN SIMMONS

Native American tribe, once sat in tribal council. The second is Kilgore Falls, a 17-foot free-falling waterfall that is the second-highest vertical falls in Maryland.

If you are looking for the perfect place to camp, try Susquehanna State Park. The park is home to some of the most popular mountain biking trails in Maryland,

and the mighty Susquehanna River itself beckons fisherman and boaters alike. Discover the Rock Run Historic Area with its working grist mill showcasing a 12-ton water wheel, the Archer Mansion, Jersey Toll House and the Susquehanna Tidewater Canal.

Add one of the following thematic trails to your Harford

County trip itinerary for the perfect getaway—Barn Quilt Trail, Libation Trail, Mural Trail, Snowball Trail, or Ice Cream Trail. The Barn Quilt Trail is a collection of colorfully painted quilts mounted on barns and showcases our county’s agricultural heritage. Take time to savor some Maryland crab soup, taste freshly picked produce or sample homemade ice cream and watch the sunset at a farm brewery or winery. Each of the 11 stops on the Libation Trail is a oneof-a-kind experience. Snowballs, a Maryland tradition, will satisfy that sweet tooth.

There is no place quite like Ladew Topiary Gardens, offering over 100 life-size topiaries on 22 acres. The gardens are exquisite in any season, which is why this spot is world-renowned and voted one of the top five gardens in North America. Fox hunting memorabilia and antiques fill the 1747 Manor House. Enjoy the butterfly house, nature walk, café, gift shop, and historical displays.

Plan your adventure at visitharford.com

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© PHOTOS COURTESY OF GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH TOURISM

Escape to Alabama’s Beautiful Beaches Relaxing by the water, discovering outdoor adventures and indulging in delicious coastal cuisine. You can experience all this and more in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

With beautiful beaches, exciting attractions and activities and incredible restaurants, you and your family will find the perfect escape on the Alabama Gulf Coast with a beach vacation like no other.

There’s nothing quite like digging your toes in the sand and feeling the waves wash over you, and there are plenty of places here to do just that. Our area is home to 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, perfect for relaxing, playing, and exploring. You’ll enjoy playing beach volleyball or tossing a frisbee with the family. The kids will love building sandcastles and searching for shells along the shore while you unwind with a good book or refreshing cocktail.

The possibilities are endless on Alabama’s beaches.

The lodging options are unbeatable on our beaches, with so many places to select from. Choose f rom condos, beach houses, resorts, hotels and campground sites. Wake up and enjoy breakfast on your balcony overlooking the water or fall asleep under the stars.

Bringing your furry companion along? No worries, as you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly lodging available. Whatever amenities you

need, you’ll find a place that best suits your family and your needs.

It’s no secret that the South is home to incredible cuisine, and on the Alabama Gulf Coast, you’ll discover a dining experience unlike any other. Fresh Gulf seafood, irresistible barbeque, and unique beach cocktails are just a few of the things you’ll find on the menu here. Not only is the food incredible, but so is the atmosphere of the area’s restaurants. You can’t beat enjoying a freshly caught meal and sipping a locally crafted beer while watching the waves and feeling the comfortable coastal breeze.

You won’t run out of things to do here as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to dozens of exciting family-friendly attractions and activities. Shop ‘til you drop at The Wharf, make a big splash at Waterville USA or go wild at The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. You’ll also want to check out the variety of mini-golf courses, museums, arcades and escape rooms in the area. No matter what you’re interested in, neverending fun awaits.

Want to get outside? There are plenty of opportunities to hit the water and explore the area’s natural beauties while visiting.

Traverse through the area on a boat or glide through the water on a paddleboard or kayak. You can also get your adrenaline pumping

by parasailing over the shores or bounding over the waves on a Jet Ski. For a truly unforgettable experience, try a dolphin or helicopter tour and discover the uniqueness of Alabama’s beaches.

If you prefer to stay dry, explore Gulf State Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Inside this 6,150-acre park, you’ll find 28 miles of trails, nine distinct ecosystems, and lots of opportunities to admire its unbeatable beauty. The trails are perfect for biking, hiking and running and offer guests a chance to discover the native wildlife and plant life. Additionally, you can earn about the park’s history and culture with a guided Segway tour as you navigate through the trails.

If you’ve got an angler in the family, they’ll have a blast casting a line on the Alabama Gulf Coast as there are plenty of opportunities to fish in the area, including surf, on-shore, off-shore and pier fishing. Bring your boat or choose to rent one and cruise the waters, searching for impressive catches. If you want a memorable experience, opt for a fishing expedition on a charter boat and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Alabama’s beaches are also a golfer’s paradise. Fifteen outstanding courses can be found in and around the area. You can play a round or two while enjoying

the coastal breeze and admiring the natural wonders surrounding you. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate after a successful round than a tasty seaside cocktail and an evening by the water.

In addition to all of the fantastic entertainment our area boasts, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also host a plethora of incredible events. There’s always something fun happening, f rom f ishing tournaments and art festivals to concerts and sports events.

If you’re looking for excitement, visit the legendary Flora-Bama on September 8-10 for Bulls on the Beach and watch the nation’s best bull riders compete at this highenergy rodeo. Head to the beach this fall for National Shrimp Fest on October 6-9 and get a taste of the mouth-watering fresh Gulf shrimp our area offers.

Whether you’re looking to unwind, explore or find adventure, Alabama’s beaches are the ideal vacation spot for you. We offer a family-friendly destination with something fun for everyone in your group. If you want an unforgettable family trip this year, start planning your escape to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and get ready for a vacation you’ll remember for years to come.

GulfShores.com OrangeBeach.com

...like watching your kids building sandcastles, spotting a dolphin pop out of the water, or enjoying a delicious waterfront dinner after a day packed with activities.

Rediscover fun, food, and family on Alabama’s beaches.

GulfShores.com | OrangeBeach.com 877-341-2400

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TRAVEL August • 2022

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Go Exploring: A Guide to Outdoor Adventure in Türkiye ÖLÜDENİZ, FETHİYE

KNOWN FOR ITS CRYSTAL-CLEAR TURQUOISE WATERS, pristine beaches, and many historical sites, Türkiye is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts—and there is no shortage of things to explore. Whether you fly over beautiful landscapes or cycle through ancient cities, Türkiye offers many outdoor activities to discover the country’s true beauty, culture and history.

LİKYA YOLU

PARAGLIDING

HIKING LİKYA YOLU, ANTALYA Combining traces of the ancient history of western Anatolia with magnif icent views of both Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines, Likya Yolu (Lycian Way) figures among the top hiking routes not only in Türkiye but in the world. The 535-kilometer trail surrounded by turquoise waters and the Taurus Mountains, offers many opportunities to observe the ancient ruins of the Lycian Civilization and to enjoy the region’s popular beaches such as Adrasan, Kabak and Patara Beach.

BELGRAD FOREST, SARIYER, ŞİLE IN İSTANBUL One of the world’s largest cities in the world is also one of the busiest. However, İstanbul’s forests offer the opportunity to trek and hike in their peaceful atmospheres. Not only will you avoid the huge crowds of the city, but it’s also the best way to get to know different areas of İstanbul.

One of the best places to hike in İstanbul is the Belgrad Forest.

Spanning 5,300 hectares, Belgrad Forest offers a variety of short and long trails. In the districts of Sarıyer, and Arnavutköy, you will find a lot of small forests for walks in nature. During hot summer days, hop onto a ferry and travel to the Asian side of İstanbul, where you can go for a swim or hiking on the Princes' Islands or to the Şile district where you can set up your tent at the district's campsite.

YENİCE FORESTS, KARABÜK Designated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the 100 biodiversity hotspots, Yenice Forests is a wonder of wildlife and monumental trees, which is also one of the lesser-known hiking trails of Türkiye. Twentyone marked trails along with the alternative routes cover a total of 396 kilometers and the 292-kilometer mountain bike trail allows outdoor

enthusiasts to journey through the wilderness.

LAKE ABANT NATIONAL PARK, BOLU Covered in pine tree forests and colorful flowers, Lake Abant is two to three hours by car from both İstanbul and the capital Ankara.

If you are looking for an easy and moderate route, you may find many short and long tracks around the lake suitable for hiking.

HİTİT YOLU, ÇORUM AND AMASYA AND KASTAMONU Hitit Yolu (Hittite Way) is a rich mosaic of Anatolian history and culture combined with beautiful natural scenery. Spreading along Çorum, Amasya and Kastamonu the Hittite Way passes through UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient city of Hattuşa (Hattusa).

Seventeen marked trekking trails cover 236 kilometers and if you include all the local trails, the Hittite Way spans a total of 385 kilometers.

ÖLÜDENİZ (FETHİYE), MUĞLA Looking for a first-time paragliding experience? Try it at one of the most preferred paragliding locations in Türkiye. Landing on the white sand of Ölüdeniz is spectacular and the topography guarantees a calm, slow, and easy final descent for first-timers as the winds are light and the beachfront is long. Babadağ Mountain of Ölüdeniz is almost 2,000 meters high, so you’ll have to make sure you’re dressed warmly since there’s ice year-round at the top. It takes about 30 minutes to paraglide all the way down to the bottom, and in that time, whether with a pilot or on your own, you can make 360-degree turns and wingovers.

KAŞ, ANTALYA The center of the turquoise sea, home of the Caretta carettas (loggerhead sea tur tles), ancient cities, deep caves, and Mediterranean seals...Kaş is popular for many reasons and is a great spot for paragliding. Look out over the stunning Çukurbağ Peninsula as the whole Mediterranean stretches out before you and land right in Kaş, a quaint and endearing town that will leave you with lasting memories.

UÇMAKDERE, TEKİRDAĞ Located less than three hours f rom the center of İstanbul, the village of Uçmakdere in the district of Şarköy in Tekirdağ is

KÖPRÜLÜ CANYON, ANTALYA

a great choice for paragliding.

After you take off f rom the Ganos Mountains, which has an altitude of 915 meters, you’ll be flying over the region’s beautiful beaches and nature. Uçmakdere is also a frequent destination for trekking lovers. Fill your lungs with plenty of oxygen while trekking along the enjoyable earth roads and hillsides of the Ganos Mountains.

ALİ DAĞ, KAYSERİ Prepare for an adrenalinepumping experience in the heart of Anatolia. Six kilometers from the city center of Kayseri, you can take off from Mount Ali Dağ, where the 2004 World Paragliding Championships were held. With an altitude of 1,750 meters; it’s suitable for professionals and semi-professionals however, you can also fly with a pilot.

BODRUM AND MİLAS, MUĞLA Another great paragliding experience is also waiting for you in the Muğla province.

Paragliding has become such a popular activity over the beaches of Ören in Milas and Bodrum that the hill from which you jump, which is the mountain’s peak, has been renamed “Paraşüt Tepesi” (Paragliding Hill). Take in the stunning views of nature while flying over the Aegean Sea, passing over beautiful green fields, pastures and forests.

KAPADOKYA, NEVŞEHİR

RAFTING KÖPRÜLÜ CANYON, ANTALYA Starting f rom the Taurus Mountains, Köprülü Canyon flows into the Mediterranean.

The 12-kilometer-long track is open all year long and is one of the most famous rafting centers in the country. While rafting down the canyon, which is fed by the underground waters, rafters have the rare opportunity to view historical bridges from a different perspective.

FIRTINA STREAM, RİZE If you're planning to visit Rize in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye, make sure to plan a rafting trip.

Fırtına, which means storm in

Turkish, is a challenging stream that has four difficulty levels in different sections. Even though it’s a challenging ride, rafters enjoy the beautiful surroundings of tea gardens and historical bridges.

BEKİLİ STREAM, DENİZLİ Bekili Stream is truly an a d r e n a l i n e b o o s te r . T h e 9.5-kilometer course is classified as levels three and four in difficulty and is completed in two hours, not suitable for amateurs.

However, there’s a second rafting course of 11 kilometers classified as level one difficulty allowing first-timers to enjoy a thrilling experience in TurkAegean.

ALAÇATI, İZMİR

WIND SPORTS ALAÇATI AND URLA, İZMİR The most prominent windsurfing destination in Türkiye is also the perfect spot for first-timers. In Alaçatı you’ll find pro surfers and beginners all surfing together, enjoying the winds and the sea of the TurkAegean. Also called a “windsurfing paradise” by the locals, Alaçatı nicely curls into a protected bay, which makes it a windsurfing and also a kitesurfing destination for all seasons. Among the olive groves and lush valleys, kiteboarders can enjoy the strong winds of Urla, also located in the province of İzmir. In both destinations, many windsurfing and kiteboarding schools offer private or group lessons.

GÖKOVA, MUĞLA While looking over the threekilometer wide Gökova, you’ll

find a skyline filled with different colors of kites. Thermal winds that blow every afternoon and around noon provide clean and consistent winds. The water is warm, clear and shallow so you can try new moves or learn to freestyle and freeride.

ALANYA, ANTALYA Famous for crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush green pine and cedar forests, Alanya located in the Turkish Mediterranean, now known as the Turkish Riviera, is one of the most popular spots for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

The average height of waves in Alanya ranges between 0.6 and 3.6 meters, and during the off-season (December to April), the best beaches Damlataş and Keykubat are mostly uninhabited and peaceful.

CYCLING KAPADOKYA, NEVŞEHİR Kapadokya (Cappadocia) is a mesmerizing place and its eccentric landforms allow cyclists to explore this fairyland. Here road and mountain bike routes vary from 20 to 40 kilometers.

Cycling through the beautiful valleys such as Güvercinlik and Ihlara, you’ll come across the famous fairy chimneys, rock churches, vineyards and stunning rock formations. Early morning rides with hot-air balloons flying over is definitely an experience you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

KEMER, ANTALYA Kemer is a perfect address for cyclists who appreciate good climbs and refreshing breaks by the sea. Whichever route you choose, the awe-inspiring landscapes will accompany you.

The beautiful town has lovely beaches, unspoiled bays with turquoise waters, and a total of 13 cycling routes including five roads and eight mountain bike routes with different gradients and levels of difficulty. You can explore the wonderful Mediterranean coastline accessible only by small paths, and visit small hilltop villages and ancient sites scattered among pine forests.

A SHORTLIST OF MUĞLA’S CYCLING TRAILS With more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline and around 300 days of sunshine a year, Muğla’s crystal-clear turquoise bays, pine-clad mountains, as well as lush plains with f ragrant sweetgum trees and blooming citrus orchards make it one of the most popular cycling destinations in the TurkAegean.

For day-long excursions, Lake Bafa and a 14-hour-long route Kral Yolu (King’s Way) in Milas district are great paths with archaeological signif icance and most importantly you’ll enjoy the peacefulness of 8,000 years old olive trees throughout your journey. Naturally, cycling stands out as an ecological way to discover everything that the province has to offer and to experience its local life, first-hand. As Türkiye began to prioritize sustainable tourism, a variety of cycling trails have been mapped out in the region by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in recent years, offering biking adventures that would take you through striking natural habitats as well as hidden villages and ancient ruins.

Take the 70-kilometer ecotrail that circles Lake Köyceğiz, a former Mediterranean bay that has been transformed into a lake over thousands of years by the alluvial deposit carried by the local streams. For history enthusiasts, the 39-kilometer Kaya Mezarları (Rock Tombs) route passes through the ancient city of Kaunos and is another great option to take a closer look at the Kaya Mezarları, with around 150 to discover in the region, including 15 that were built in the form of temples carved entirely into the rocks, overlooking the Dalyan Strait that connects Lake Köyceğiz to the sea through a maze-like wetland. For those who can’t get enough of the sea, one of Marmaris’ most challenging courses climbs eagerly f rom Turunç to Kumlubük, passing by some of the region’s most beautiful bays along a route of 57 kilometers. Discover the

sweetgum (liquidambar) forests on a bike, as you pass through the Sığla Rotası (Sweetgum Route), a 33-kilometer eco-trail ending up at the cooling Toparlar Waterfall. Or take the course of Mount Sandras, one of Muğla’s best destinations for mountain bikers, as well as outdoor sports aficionados. The 84-kilometer Trans Sandras route would gain an altitude of 1993 meters. Visit Karacasöğüt, an archaeological site inhabited since the Hellenistic period, the f irst stop on the 47-kilometer biking route, which also passes by secret bays and the village of Yeşilbelde, famous for its organic peanuts.

BIKE-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION: NOW IT’S CERTIFIED Accommodations can now receive the “Bicycle Friendly Accommodation” certificate to better serve cycling travelers.

To receive this certif icate, accommodation establishments must fulf ill several criteria, including employing staff who are familiar with the cycling routes in the region and offering special nutritional menus for cyclists.

Once you have chosen a bikefriendly hotel, you will reach all the help you need. goturkiye.com/turkiye-experiences

© ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF GOTÜRKIYE