The Magazine Lifestyle

PREMIERE ISSUE 2020

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I S S U E N O. 1

THE

Inspirational living redefined

KEVIN DES CHENES

Celebrity Chef to the Stars

Kiss The Monkeys/ FAO Schwarz Event of the year

The “Big Daddy” of NFL Player Insurance & Fox News Contributor.

DAVE BRAY USA

Frank Shankwitz

Navy Veteran creating change through Music THE PANDEMIC

Winds Cultivating Respect w/ Darcy Castro TheMagazineLifestyle.com

“WISHMAN”

Everyone Can be a Hero

Inspiring Iconic Reality TV Superstar

Works Plays Hard. Harder.

Photo: Dino Petrocelli

It’s how we roll. miltoncat.com Milford, MA (508) 634-3400

North Reading, MA (978) 276-2400

Wareham, MA (508) 291-1200

Cranston, RI (401) 946-6350

Richmond, VT (802) 434-4228

Londonderry, NH (603) 665-4500

Scarborough, ME (207) 883-9586

Brewer, ME (207) 989-1890

Syracuse, NY (315) 476-9981

Batavia, NY (585) 815-6200

Binghamton, NY (607) 772-6500

Clifton Park, NY (518) 877-8000

This issue is extra special, for so many reasons, but living in a state of a pandemic creating this issue had many challenges and setbacks. We are all living through one of the most historic times in our generation filled with so much uncertainty and sadness. We were determined to create this issue to bring hope and resilience. We stayed the course and are finally bringing you all the amazing people who made this dream a reality. We want to send our thoughts and prayers to all who may have lost someone to this virus. May we all find healing and peace in such a challenging time.

Welcome to our Premier issue of The Magazine Lifestyle, TML. I am so excited to share all the inspiration behind the making of this publication. This issue is all about great people doing great things! I created this publication to give people a platform, a voice, but mostly an opportunity to showcase their passion, purpose, and mission to inspire others. In these pages you will find so many great stories that will hopefully leave you feeling inspired, intrigued, and full of motivation to go after your dreams! I hope you feel connected, motivated, and mostly welcomed into our community and lifestyle.

The Magazine Lifestyle’s mission is to become the publishing industry's recognized voice in living your best life. In featuring inspirational people doing great things to unmissable stories and interviews representing the names you need to know now - spanning music, fashion, luxury living, wellness, family, athletic endeavors and more The Magazine Lifestyle aims to become an indispensable part of our readers' everyday lives.

Luxury.Inspiration.

Each issue we will share our inspirational staples and special segments, from Luxury Lifestyles, to People making a difference through, Fashion, Events, Music, Health & Wellness, Charitable Foundations and Everyday Life. We will be highlighting all our amazing contributors, so you can connect and get to know who makes this publication so unique and special! I will also be sharing pieces of my life, my story, my inspirations, struggles and everything in between. I want to connect with you, as a person not just a brand. I am a Mom, Wife, business owner and I live life to the fullest. I struggle with life challenges, but these are the things that make me who I am. I created this brand to bring people together in every walk of life to feel a place of acceptance and place to have a voice, a platform to showcase who they are and what means most to them in life. Whenever anyone asks me what my magazine is about the first point I make is that this is not just a physical magazine, it is a place, a feeling, a community, and a voice. It represents people, places and things that brings us positive energy, a place of no judgement, competition and mostly a place to feel motivated and inspired to conquer our biggest dreams. My goal is to create a platform that I looked for most of my life for myself, and now I hope I created that for you!

Behind every business they are blood sweat and tears and yes, I will not sugar coat it, this was one of the biggest challenges in my career, creating this brand and publication with little resources, but I have always made mountains out of molehills, something my Mom taught me, to always make the best out of any situation and keep moving forward. I will always remind my children of this, that there are no limits in what you

can achieve in life, no one can keep you from achieving your dreams, but you. I know this sounds cliché, but if I could give you any advice is that no matter what life brings your way, if you let go of the fear and find a place to believe in yourself you can achieve what you set your mind to! Growing up in poverty and living in a very dysfunctional lifestyle, I knew I wanted to achieve more in life, yes it wasn’t easy overcoming the paralyzing fears and self-doubt that will never fully go away, but at the end of the day that’s what keeps me determined. We only live once, have one life, and it goes by fast, a blink would be putting it lightly, so go out there and grab those dreams, let go of those fears, and hold your head high because the world is waiting for you! Don’t let your story be untold or your fire or passion not be heard or explored!

Being a publisher has given me an avenue to bring people together, by living out my passion and purpose in life! This is a magazine on a mission to open as many doors as I can to help people connect, unite, and create change through inspiration. This venture has opened new doors, old ones to close, and it has given me the opportunity to help people grow and make a difference. This is my legacy to my children and family, and it will be one I hope that is shared for many years to come!

It’s the people and experiences that you surround your life with that create lasting memories.

Be sure to follow us and subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay in touch with all the exciting happens within our community & Lifestyle at TheMagazinelifestyle.com

INSTAGRAM @themagazinelifestyle

We look forward to having you part of our lifestyle! We have some very influential people leading our brand into a new evolution in the magazine industry!

TWITTER

Welcome and enjoy the ride with us and stay tuned for all the exciting announcements as we grow together!

@TheMagazineLifestyle

Until next time,

Renee M. Wagner

Founder/Publisher

@TMLMAG FACEBOOK

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Marketing@themagazinepublication.com

SANTOS M. LOPEZ

SARA ROTHSCHILD

CONTRIBUTING PARTNER

DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGN

VP, Orange County Choppers

Owner, Sara Rose Creative

ADAM CLEAR

DONNA SOUSA

CEO, Adam Clear Photography

CEO, Makeover Artistry

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

BRENDA CORTEZ

DR. DAVID WARMAN

Author & Writer;

CEO,Chiro Freedom Production Founder, Traffic Catapult

WRITER

Founder, Howl The Owl

WRITER

AMY JO RICHARDS

MICHELLE CARPENTER

CREATIVE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

CEO, Studio Hair Design

CEO, Michelle Carpenter Photography

DARCY CASTRO

JULIE ANN CAIN

CEO, Cultivating Respect Podcast

CEO/Founder, Be It Girl

WRITER

WRITER

Life Coach

STERLING GOLDEN

DAVE OSTER

WRITER

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Radio & Entertainment Influencer

CEO, TDO Video Productions

Inspirational People

On the Cover Cover Shoot by Michelle Carpenter Photography & Adam Clear Photography

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Rich Salgado: Turning a passion for football into business and philanthropy

18

Ola Hawatameh: Women Empowerment Advocate, Fashion Designer, Cancer Survivor, and on a Mission to Create Change

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Heroes Without Capes by Brenda Cortez

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“Wishman” Frank Shankwitz: Everyone Can Be a Hero

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Abigail Adams: Inspirational Rising Star

100 In the shop with Orange County Chopper’s Paul Teutul Sr.

26 Dare to Care: Dr. Fabiana Marie

July 2020 Inspiring Fashion 50

Veteran Couture

60

Michael Emmanuel Couture

66

Violeta Lucce

Travel 70

Sara Rose Travels

76

New England Travel Journal: Explore New England

40 Rise to the Top: Heritage India Fashions Husband-Wife Duo Takes on the Fashion World

Chefs & Food 82

Kevin Des Chenes: Private Chef to the Stars

86

Sushi Traveler

90

Hunt & Fish Club: Exceptional Food, 1960’s Flair

132 Candice Wu: Boston’s Couture Wedding Designer

July 2020

Dif ference Makers

96

Paws & Warriors Introducing LaVonne L. Bower

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Cultivating Respect with Darcy Castro: The winds of change won’t knock you down

126

9/11 Remembered Traveling Memorial Exhibition: 9/11 did not end in 2001

128

Carlos Siqueira: World Renowned Motivational Speaker

Dave Bray USA

Entertainment

Health & Wellness 142 146

116

Evening Rituals to Decrease the Effects of Stress

by Dr. David Warman Leah Mello: Royal Caribbean Health & Fitness Instructor

153

Joel Ros: My Music Journey

156

Giada Valenti: From Venice with Love

160

Alexander Padei: Interview w/ Sterling Golden

Luxury Lifestyles

190 2019 Inaugural Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week

176

Kiss the Monkeys: From social club to one of the fastest growing philanthropic groups in America

198

The New Koenigsegg Gemera: the world’s first Mega-GT and Koenigsegg’s first for four

Inspirational People

Turning a passion for football into business and philanthropy Rich “Big Daddy” Salgado’s presence spans all four major sports leagues, and several TV networks. A regular contributor to Fox & Friends and a Super Bowl commentator, this former University of Maryland offensive lineman has made a mark in the insurance world, building plans that protect athletes, entertainers and business professionals. He’s created a successful, meaningful business because he knows firsthand how life can change in the blink of an eye. After making a remarkable recovery from a brain aneurysm in 2008, Salgado can now add COVID-19 survivor to his list of accomplishments. You never know what tomorrow will bring.

Photograph by Michelle Carpenter Photography

In 1998, Salgado founded Coastal Advisors, LLC, an insurance firm specializing in disability and life

insurance that began by catering to the needs of the professional

athletes in his close circles. He now proudly represent over 500 clients from all walks of life, with several

big names that utilize his services to

protect themselves and their families should the unthinkable occur, like

a career-ending illness or injury. He even serves the needs of college athletes making the leap to the

professional world, advising them

on how to best plan for their future.

He’s a man that does what he says

he will do, and he’s built a reputation as a solid insurance provider that takes care of his clients.

Salgado recognizes that he is

blessed to be surrounded by good people, both friends and business associates, and he’s extended the positive benefits of these

relationships to his philanthropic efforts. In 2014, he established

the Big Daddy Foundation, which has enjoyed immense support

from Salgado’s many friends and

colleagues in the pro sports world.

Photograph provided by Rich Salgado

The foundation is best known for their Big Daddy Youth Football Camp and the Big Daddy Golf Classic. He teamed up with

his brother, Jim Salgado, assistant coach

with the Buffalo Bills, to kick off the camp

in 2014. Each year, the duo recruits a staff of volunteers that hail from the fields and

sidelines of the NFL, and is held near their hometown of Hyde Park on Long Island in

New York. The popular event is a no-contact camp for kids in first through eighth grade with a particular focus on safety.

Current and retired NFL players and

coaches are on hand to teach not just the

fundamentals of football, but how to work

THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

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hard and apply the principles of the game to everyday life.

Salgado and his team aim to

inspire these kids to be the best they can be. They are eager to

give back to their communities by creating an event that they wish they could have had

themselves when they were

young, dreaming of a future in

pro sports. Although the camp was unable to safely operate this summer due to COVID

restrictions, plans are in full

swing to bring the players back out to the field soon.

Since the inaugural 2012 event, the golf outing has raised much-needed funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the North Shore-LIJ’s Brain Aneurysm Center, the hospital where Salgado received surgery for the brain aneurysm that almost ended his life. Salgado’s community efforts have also benefited charities and organizations in Long Island and beyond. His commitment to philanthropy is fueled by gratitude for his health and the opportunity he’s been given to make his life’s work matter to those he serves.

Along with bringing both of these events back in 2021, Salgado is working on his first book, in talks to produce a pilot episode for Fox, continues to lend his time as master of ceremonies to charity events including the Orthopedic Foundation, and is part of a new mobile, on-demand vehicle fueling company called Gas It Up. If you ever see Salgado around NYC, send him a socially distant high five, cause this guy’s a good egg… and beat COVID to boot. Standing at 6’5” and with a heart just as huge, Big Daddy has certainly earned the moniker. His friends at The Magazine are grateful he’s healthy and back doing what he loves – inspiring his community and making a difference.

You can learn more about Rich Salgado at www.coastaladvisorsllc.com INSTAGRAM: Big_daddy_insures FACEBOOK:Rich M Salgado Photographs provided by Rich Salgado

THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

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Women Empowerment Advocate, Fashion Designer, Cancer Survivor, and on a Mission to Create Change.

Ola Hawatmeh is a first generation American, mom of 3 boys, small business owner, fashion designer and philanthropist. Her parents are Jordanian immigrants who settled in the Hudson Valley and taught her the value of working hard and playing fair, principles that she applies to her daily life.

After graduating from Marist College with a degree in Communications and Media Studies, Hawatmeh started her own fashion company, OlaStyle that has expanded across the country.

Fashion quickly turned into philanthropy after she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She founded both Mom Me Makeover and Makeover for a cause, charities that provide free makeovers to underprivileged women as well as military veterans and their wives.

A decade later, Ola hit with a breast cancer diagnosis. Yet again, Hawatmeh used her circumstances as an inspiration to help others and started Survivor Fashion week, a charity that allows fellow cancer survivors to walk as runway

models and donates proceeds to Susan G. Koman to help fund a cure.

Her never-ending desire to help others earned Hawatmeh the “Top Business Woman in Business” award from Small Business Monthly 2017-2020. She was also named “Most Influential Woman in St. Louis” by Alive Magazine three times.

Despite all her success, Ola remains humble in her work and follows her true passion – helping people find their confidence and realize their value in life.

Ola has a unique understanding of what it means to pursue the American Dream, and she’s running for Congress to ensure that the freedoms and ideas that make our country great are preserved for the generations to come. Ola is ready to bring to change to the NY-19th Congressional District.

Learn more about Ola and her platform for congress at olaforcongress.com Photographs provided by Ola Hawatmeh

THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

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H

by Brenda Cortez

s

h t o i u w t s c e a o p r e e

The year 2020 has been a year like no other for nearly everyone in the world. Our lives have been turned upside down and any kind of plans have been tossed out the window.

But despite all the chaos and uncertainty, there are still amazing people who persevere, adapt to the changing times, and help others. These people come in all shapes and sizes, and have many different roles.

I want to start with recognizing the children and adults who have been dealt an unfair hand, as some might say, but despite all of this they adapt, accept, and continue to “go with the flow”.

Can I get a T for all the teachers who have turned their classrooms into virtual learning academies without any time to prepare. Let’s not forget the parents who have become teachers overnight while still trying to work, cook meals, fill in as play dates and more. You are amazing! You are a hero of mine!

Let’s begin with all the children and young adults who have to adapt to learning from home, no play dates, some no prom or graduation, and so many did not get to participate in their favorite sport. You all are my hero!

To all the happy couples anxiously awaiting their wedding days after spending months, or even years, planning their magical day and have had to postpone or forget about the wedding they dreamed of. You are real heroes!

To all of those who have stepped up to make this time a little brighter by planning birthday and graduation parades, making masks for strangers, donating to those in need and so much more. You are the helpers, you are heroes!

My heart is smiling witnessing all the good people doing what they can to “Help Others With Love”!

I want to share with you an initiative that I have the honor to be a part of called Howl’s Heroes. It originally started as a Facebook group to honor our everyday heroes via posts or articles recognizing these people, but it has now taken on an even bigger direction since the pandemic. If you read my last article, you were briefly introduced to my children’s

Let’s not forget all the expecting parents who have had to navigate pregnancy in fear of contracting the virus, wondering if their partner will even be able to be present for the delivery. You are our heroes!

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book series “Howl the Owl” and the saying “Help Others With Love”. This is an acronym for Howl and Howl the Owl is the main character in these books, in addition to being an adorable plush animal.

I am blessed to have a tribe of supporters behind myself and Howl, who I call Howl Ambassadors. One of these amazing ambassadors, my sweet friend Jean, lost her sister Vivian to Covid-19. Vivian was an essential worker at a hospital in New Jersey where she contracted the virus. Family was not allowed to visit and they were not able to say goodbye in person, but a wonderful nurse took the time to call her family and let them say goodbye with an IPad. This wonderful man didn’t even work at this hospital yet had volunteered to come and help all the way from Texas. He left his wife

and children, and put his life at risk to “Help Others With Love”. A hero in the flesh. This man’s wife is also a true hero, because as soon he returned home she was leaving to take her turn at the hospital.

My friend was so touched by the kindness from this stranger, and the dedication of her sister to go to work despite the circumstances, that she wanted to do something to honor these people. Howl’s Heroes seemed to be the perfect fit. After a team meeting with the ambassadors, we all agreed it was a wonderful idea and we wanted to help! Each ambassador thought of who they could honor as a Howl’s Hero, and ordered a plush Howl the Owl to present to that person. To help grow this initiative we also started a fundraiser, and to our surprise almost $500 has been raised so far to honor Howl’s Heroes.

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We are also accepting nominations! If a Howl Ambassador isn’t available to deliver a Howl in person to the hero we will ship it to them. So far we have been able to honor people all over the United States, including nurses, grocery workers, postal workers, teachers, bankers, volunteer workers, medical professionals and more. We are happy to say our list of nominees is growing!

Despite the pain and heartbreak, my friend Jean was still able to see the good in people, and I ask you to do the same. We can’t always imagine what other people are going through, so please consider compassion and empathy. Be kind to the people who have had to go work during these difficult times, and be kind to the ones who lost their jobs during this time. Take a deep breath, smile, and “Help Others With Love”.

If you would like to nominate a hero for Howl’s Heroes, or donate to the cause, please message us in the Howl’s Heroes Facebook group or email me at howltheowl3@gmail. com. I cannot wait to share more of incredible heroes with you!

meet the author

Brenda is an organ donation advocate and has a passion for helping others. She inspiresother to do the same through her books and her plush character Howl the Owl®️.

Howl has been traveling the world with various hosts and owners who are helping spreading his message of kindness, helping others and organ donation.

Brenda is married to Shawn, they have two grown adult children, and two dogs. They live in Franklin, Wisconsin.

Brenda enjoys doing author visits at school and libraries, and presenting to various groups to share her message.

You can find Brenda on LinkedIn and Facebook, and you can follow Howl the Owl and Howl the Owl on the Prowl on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and www.howltheowl.com

Her personal vision is to promote “HOWL” and kindness worldwide, and to share stories that will inspire others. Howl the Owl®️ is the perfect tool for doing just that!

Photographs provied by Brenda Cortez THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

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By Dr. Fabianna Marie

THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

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I work hard on the relationship I have with myself. The way I speak and look at myself. Knowing what I give power to, has power over me. I have been known to be harsh on myself and to myself, so having a healthy relationship with myself is so important.

When you are confronted with your own mortality at a young age it’s easy to get stuck in the web of pity parties and self loathing.

When you feel your own body has betrayed you, the negative self talk can bring on a life of its own. I work daily to love myself and the vessel that keeps me afloat.

This article has been on my mind for a while now as I fell into the trap of negative self talk and in-turn started down the path of self loathing. I would look In the mirror and point out every flaw on my face, I would change my clothes 3 times before choosing an outfit that I settled on after ridiculing my body for every lump and bump. The negative thoughts about myself over

The good news is, I caught myself before the ship went down.

took the positive ones and I found myself in a downward spiral. I was sinking the vessel that has kept me afloat with my hateful words.

The good news is, I caught myself before the ship went down. Am I happy with my body and the way it looks?

Not always. But I am proud of this body for keeping me alive and all it continues to go through.

I have written about this before and I know I most likely will again‌ this topic is not uncommon for anyone.

But as a cancer fighter this topic is more prevalent than most want to admit. Because although we are fighting

an incurable disease, most believe you should just be happy that we are just alive. Why worry about how you look?

But the truth is, we all want to feel beautiful, more so when you have a disease that ravages your body. It’s not easy to love a body that has betrayed you in a way.

Self love is not an over night process. It is a daily process.

It’s letting go of the idea of perfection. It’s loving your flaws and never apologizing for them. Celebrating your true self. The cracks that let the light shine, the unique lines that tell your story, the beautifully broken pieces that reveal the authenticity of you.

I continue to work daily on my dialogue and loving the woman I have become. I encourage you all to do the same. We are beautiful beings that get wrapped up in our own sabotaging thoughts. But we can change that at any moment. Reminding ourselves that being authentic is the most beautiful thing we can be. Recognizing that you don’t have to be perfect to be fabulous.

Wrapping you all in Fabulous Love and light.

WHO IS DR. FABIANNA MARIE? Dr. Fabianna Marie is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in BioPhenotype (The unique Biochemistry of every individual) and Homeopathic Medicine. Dr. Fabianna is a 14 year Metastatic Breast Cancer thriver, an award winning author and national speaker. Her writing has graced the pages of Women’s Day, Vegetarian times, Raw Food Magazine, Yahoo, The Mighty, and many others. Dr. Fabianna is the recipient of the 2017, 2018, & 2019 National Association of Professional Women, Woman of the Year Award, for her contribution to empower women in business. Each month’s article will engage our audience with candor, humor, and fabulous insight that intentionally sparks human conversation.

Follow Dr. Fabianna at fabulouslyfighting.com and on all social media platforms @fabfighting Photographs provided by Fabianna Marie

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Photographs provided by Frank Shankwitz

EVERYONE CAN BE A HERO Frank Shankwitz is best

Officer, and retired as a

Co-Founder, and first

the Arizona Department of

known as the Creator, President/CEO of the

Make-A-Wish Foundation, an extraordinary charity that grants the wishes to children with life-

threatening illnesses.

From humble beginnings, the Make-A-Wish

Foundation is now a global organization that grants a

child's wish somewhere in

the world on an average of every 28 minutes.

Frank is a U.S. Air Force veteran and has a long

and distinguished career in law enforcement. He began as a Arizona

Highway Patrol Motorcycle

Homicide Detective with

Public Safety, with 42 years of service.

Frank has been featured

in numerous publications and television programs, including Inside Edition, The Doctors, Hallmark Home and Family, Fox

News and CBS and is a

board member on several non-profits, including

U.S. Vets, The Wounded Blue, Broadway Hearts,

Project Kind, The Rugby Foundation, Safebeat,

Women of Global Change, and Level Up Home Seattle.

Information on how to contact Frank for a speaking engagement is available on Frank's website - wishman1.com.

THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

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Identified as one of the "10 Most Amazing Arizonans", in a frontpage article in the Arizona Republic newspaper.

Following his commencement address, Frank was presented with an Honorary Doctorate Degree, Doctor of Public Service, from The Ohio State University.

Joined six U.S. Presidents as well as Nobel Prize winners and industry leaders as a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Identified in a Forbes Magazine article as a "Forbes Top Ten Keynote Speaker".

Frank has received several awards, including the White House Call To Service Award from both President George W. Bush and President Donald J. Trump, and the "Making A Difference In the World" award from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Highlighted here are some of his other most recent achievements

Presented with the Unite4:Humanity Celebrity ICON Social Impact Award, joining past recipients Matthew McConaughey and Morgan Freeman

Frank shared the stage with Matthew McConaughey at Universal Studios at the LA City Gala and was presented the first City Gala Hero Award.

Appointed as an Honorary Commander of the U.S. Air Force 161st Air Refueling Wing, based in Phoenix, AZ, a two-year position.

Received the 2019 Arizona Ambassador of the Year Award from the Consular Corps of Arizona.

Frank's new book, "Wish Man", was re-released and is available on Amazon.com and his website, wishman1com.

Joined 89 celebrities, when he received his “STAR” on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame.

Delivered St. Norbert College’s commencement address and was presented with an Honorary Doctorate Degree, Doctor of Law.

Received a Lifetime Service Award from Women of Global Change.

Received his “STAR” on the Coronado Island Walk of Stars.

Frank’s life story, “Wish Man”, a feature motion picture, was released in June 2019, and has won several awards, and qualified for an Academy Award for Best Picture Oscar. It is currently streaming on Netflix.

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THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

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Inspirational rising star, Abigail Adams, leads the way, showing what’s possible for people with Down syndrome if you follow your dreams.

Photos by Michelle Carpenter Photography & Adam Clear Photography

and appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, the Disney World Parade, and the NFL Pro-Bowl. Her public speaking engagements include dozens of venues around the world, inspiring tens of thousands of listeners. Her philanthropic work has helped raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, St. Judes Children’s Research, Special Olympics, and other great charities!

Abigail is a model, actor, athlete, and motivational speaker. She recently walked for celebrity designers Prashant Goyal of “Heritage India Fashions” and Pamela Quinzi of “Kilami”. That exclusive fashion show, “Once Upon A Runway”, was presented

by Alexander Harris and Raquel Sanchez of KTM Events and CoHosted by Jennifer Murphy and Prince Mario-Max SchaumburgLippe at the flagship store of FAO Schwartz in New York City.

Abigail’s impressive resume also includes acting for the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), television commercials for Disney World and Volcano Bay,

Abigail is also proud to help on a personal level. She teaches drown proofing for children, tutors aspiring special needs models, feeds the hungry, reads to the elderly, studied CPR, and has donated her beautiful hair 3 times to make wigs for cancer survivors who lost their hair during chemotherapy.

Abigail, known to her friends and followers as Abigail the Advocate, is on a mission to inspire people to be the best they can be! She reminds us that everyone has obstacles in their life, but how we respond to those challenges is how success can be truly measured!

Abigail’s goal is summarized in her motto “Reach high, be confident, and help others!”

For details on how to contact Abigail and follow her on social media you can visit her website, AbigailTheAdvocate.com

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Inspiring Fashion

by Nicole Bryan King

Photograph by Michelle Carpenter Photography & Adam Clear Photography

Heritage India Fashions Husband-Wife Duo Takes on the Fashion World.

THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRING FASHION

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There is a bustle in the rooms sectioned off as changing areas. A large group of models congregates near tables filled with brightly colored skirts, crop tops, scarves, and jewelry.

In the center, several assistants hurry to follow the directives given by a man standing in the middle; the teal and gold lehenga for this one, the red zari saree for that one. Everyone rushes to follow his instructions, while the models assist each other with minor adjustments to their hair and outfits.

That man is Prashant Goyal, and he is about to debut his 2020 Couture Wedding Collection at the EPN Fashion Week Glitz and Glam Runway Extravaganza in New York City. With over 25 models presenting his designs, he’s making sure that everything from the pleats of the scarves to the jewelry selection is perfect.

His meticulousness is neither unnoticed nor unappreciated.

The room is filled with diplomats, politicians, and community leaders, and as each of the models walk the runway, the crowd murmurs at the beauty of the designs. The bridal gowns are rich in both hue and textures, hand-embroidered in brightly colored silk, gold and silver threads with Swarovski crystal and gemstones hand-stitched into the designs. As the models move, the light bounces off Photographs by Michelle Carpenter Photography & Adam Clear Photography THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRING FASHION

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the heavy silk fabric, the richness of the material almost seems to radiate from the gorgeously unique designs.

This was by no means the first fashion show for Heritage India Fashions. Since opening their Manhattan store in 2017, Prashant and his wife and business partner, Ruchi, have taken their vision to bring the rich culture and heritage of India to New York and worked full force to make it a reality. After over three years of hard work, they now being able to boast of a million customers globally, their hard work has reaped its benefits, and their designs can be found worn by Hollywood and Bollywood stars, politicians, and dignitaries from the around the world.

Their store has everything from casual Indian wear, to ornate lehengas, sarees, and anarkalis for women and formal sherwanis and kurtas men for weddings and Indian parties. But their designs found their footing in Indo-Western fusions, focusing specifically on traditional Indian wear but incorporating western cuts and styles, creating unique formal designs that could be worn for corporate jobs and formal events alike. While Prashant and Ruchi both seek to maintain and honor their own Indian Heritage, they work towards the goal of bringing the richness and vitality of beautiful Indian wear to people of all cultures.

Besides the intricate designs, the selection of fabrics used sets apart Heritage India Fashions. They have a vast collection of velvets, silks, and cotton fabrics from the 18th century, the 1920s and 1930s, all of which are kept in their office in Delhi. For the older, rarer fabrics, Prashant creates unique, one-of-a-kind designs that cannot be found anywhere else. He uses these, along with silks and organic fabrics, to create designs that are a fusion of western influence and traditional India formal wear to create beautiful, trendy clothes that appeal to his wide client base, who come to them for guaranteed statement design.

Prashant takes his inspiration from the colorful villages he visits in his travels, the detailed designs found in the Victorian era, and beauty found in nature and art. Ruchi, who studied at the University of Dehli, has an extensive background in the business of textiles and manufacturing, is the lead designer of all of the company’s crochet fabrics.

Prashant and Ruchi have also created their own vegetable-dyed Khaadi, a hand-woven organic cotton clothing.

Together, Prashant and Ruchi have created several thousands of unique designs, Prashant has designed over 3,000, and Ruchi has designed over 400 herself, which includes her specialty crochet line of scarves, baby

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booties, hats, purses, and other accessories.

Before beginning a new design, it can take months to source the proper fabric before it’s sent to their factory in Delhi. The factory employs eight skilled embroidery artisans, that execute their visions before they are sent to a staff that sews each piece by hand.

Each formal piece is a unique design and can take the seamstress and tailors up to fifteen weeks to complete for the most elaborate pieces.

Heritage India Fashions has been featured in multiple publications, Model World Magazine, Style Magazine, Fashion Avenue Magazine, Fashion Magazine NYC, as well as scores of other publications and write-ups.

Brand Ambassador and former Ukrainian Playmate of the Year, Lera Levinski has appeared in multiple global publications dressed designs by Heritage India Fashions, as has cover model and Miss India New York Renuka Joseph, actor and composer Samrat Chakrabarti, and humanitarian and community leader Meera Gandhi.

In addition to designing, Heritage Indian Fashion has been in scores of fashion shows, including New York Fashion Week, The MTV Staying Alive Foundation, International Fashion and Arts week, and many others.

Ruchi has taken over as the Lead Creative Stylist of the company, styling an extensive list of Hollywood and Bollywood stars, including Madonna, Priyanka Chopra, Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, Lindsay Lohan, Zakir

CREDITS

Top Models Lera Levinski, Lorena Oliverira, Kateryna

Photographers Marcos Vasconcelos, Dana Hall Make up Artist & Hair Marcus Pacha, Apoorva Rao, Dana Hall, Ashley Simon

Saveiko, Kayla Stern, Dagamara Huk, Holly Zuelle, Helena Simon, Nicole Bryan, Arum Seo, Arieli Saito, Pamela Quinzi, Iryna Grygorenko Celebrity Jennifer Murphy

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Hussian, Padma Lakshmi, Kenan Thompson, and Robert De Niro.

Their clients have come to trust their ability to find the perfect outfit that not only enhances their own unique appearance, but reflects their personality as well.

Their stunning apparel can be seen worn on television shows, such as Madam Secretary, House of Cards, and Quantico, The Real Housewives of Beverly

Hills, Orange is the New Black, Disney productions, the film Eat Pray Love, which starred Julia Roberts. The couple has also designed and styled for several government officials, including Prince Mario-Max SchaumburgLippe, and Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney.

Their tenacity, attention to detail, and passion for their work have made them rising stars in the

fashion industry and the global leader in Indo-Western ethnic fashion. In the past 12 months alone, Heritage India Fashions has been given multiple awards. In February 2020 at the United Nations, Mayor Michele Delisfort of Union, New Jersey, presented Prashant was presented with the Highest Honor Award, a Resolution from Her Excellency for outstanding promotion of multiculturalism, arts, and cultural diversity. He was also presented with the Clock of Conscience and Peace, symbolizing outstanding service in the world by promoting multiculturalism, love and peace and conscience by United Nations Ambassador Hugues Sanon.

But their rise to the top doesn’t mean that they have forgotten about their roots or their community. Both Prashant and Ruchi both share the goal of using fair trade and eco-friendly, sustainable fabrics, and stress the importance of taking care of their workers, especially in an environment where poor working conditions pervade the clothing industry. In January of this year, Heritage India Fashions co-produced their first charity event with Kiss the Monkeys, Kiss the Mermaids. The event, hosted

by Prince Mario-Max SchaumburgLippe and American pageant queen Jennifer Murphy, was the first fashion show held FOA Schwarz, with the sole

Photograph by Michelle Carpenter Photography & Adam Clear Photography

purpose of raising funds for the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

At the end of the event, Prashant was given The Evolutionist Award for Fashion Icon and Outstanding Business Leader.

Prashant maintains that he could have never won these awards without his highly esteemed wife, Ruchi. “Without her support, her knowledge of textiles, and her creativity, I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without her.

She is the backbone of our business.”

Having already taken over New York City, there’s no doubt that this power couple is ready to take the next phase, expanding Indian culture, beauty, and designs throughout the United States.

Heritage India Fashions is located in Manhattan, New York, on 131 Lexington Ave. heritageindiafashions.com | Email: info@Heritageindiafashions.com.

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Carolina Hernandez Inspired by her childhood in Mexico, Carolina Hernandez was destined to become a designer with a purpose. After watching her Mother and Grandmothers sew and create garments, Carolina was fascinated by the process and decided to join in the family tradition, which led her to Los Angeles, California with the desire to attend fashion design school.

However, in 2005 Carolina decided to give back to the country that had given her a life changing opportunity.

Therefore, she joined the U.S. Navy and served on board USS Pearl Harbor where she deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism 2005, Partnership of the Americas 2007, conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Arabian Gulf 2008 and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 2012.

Photographer: Anjanette Arnold; Make Up Artist: Michelle Limon; Hair Stylist: Amanda Coots

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In 2014 Carolina earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in fashion design from the Art Institute of California and also received a scholarship during the 6th annual fashion show competition receiving the most creative award.

Because of her diverse background, Carolina decided to incorporate her military experiences with her first passion, design. For this reason, Carolina created the brand Veteran Couture founded in 2015. In her designs you will see vibrant colors, various textures, unique embellishments, asymmetrical silhouettes, and fabric manipulation techniques, which tease and trick the eye.

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Currently, Carolina continues to progress and evolve as a creative designer.

Considering the American dream often requires patience, hard work and dedication, barely a moment goes by where Carolina is not creating new collections.

She had collaborated with nonprofit organizations showcasing her designs raising awareness on human trafficking and domestic violence. Close to her heart, Carolina is also busy promoting and supporting entrepreneur veterans, hoping her story can inspire others to find the best version of themselves.

“STAR SPANGLED” Inspired by the American Flag Make Up Artist: Isabel Valencia @isabel1l_effects Hair Stylist: Jennifer San Martin @jennysanmartini Jewerly Designer: Ladie Blingy @ladieblingy4 Photographer/Set Designer: Amanda San Martin @amandasanmartinphotography Fashion Designer/Creative Director: Veteran Couture @veteran_couture SPRING COLLECTION: Models: Ariuka Nergui, Elena Tretyakova, Timayo Williams Photographer: Anthony Mitchell MUA: Jessica Hernandez Hair Stylist: Trish Griggs

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Model: Diane Mae Tan Photographer: Ken Hugh

Model: Sky Verbenec Photographer: Johnny Jones

Model: Jena Masero MUA: Isabel Valencia Hair Stylist: Jannet Cruz Photographer: Joseph Mustin

Model: Selina Hall MUA: Isabel Valencia Hair Stylist: Jannet Cruz Photographer: Joseph Mustin THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRING FASHION

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Michael Emmanuel Couture’s signature style is made of bold silhouettes created with exciting prints and a daring color palette.

Well known for offering both menswear and womenswear, Michael Emmanuel Couture has proven he has range and brings much-needed perspective into the fashion world—wearable fashion,

drama in stylish and fashionable ready to wear, out on the town, party dresses, resort wear, and “grand entrance, stop, look and take notice” gowns.

His media coverage includes features in: Florida Today (Gannett News), Spotlight magazine, LaShe Magazine, Mahogany Magazine,

Elan Magazine,Inconique Magazine and City to County Magazine.

This year looks to be one of exponential growth and importance for Michael Emmanuel Couture. Michael’s work has been showcased on national runways such as the Apollo Theatre in Harlem New York, , Atlanta Fashion Week and many other stage platforms throughout the United States, and invitations have come up to showcase in LA, New Orleans, NC, and Paris.

Fashion fans in Atlanta and Florida know that Michael Emmanuel Couture runway shows are always a fusion of cutting edge fashion, music, and staging.

Michael just recently showcased his collection at the NYFW: IEFW2020 PEEKAPOSE Production, The Infinite Exposure Show, and will be also showcasing in NYFW @ the IEFW SS21 In September 2020.

Always pushing boundaries, Michael puts the fun back in fashion with his fun and colorful designs. Michael is excited about now starting his own shoe-line for men and women. The first pair for men is a fashionable stylish sandal and the first for the women’s line is his Glammour Pump which will be launching this month at aliveshoes.com.

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Photographs by Elizabeth Martin Photography and Jimmy Hong

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For more on Michael Emannuel: Instagram: @Mec4u Facebook: Michael Emmanuel Couture Michaelemmanuelcouture.com Michaelemmanuelcouture@yahoo.com THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRING FASHION

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Welcome to Violeta Lucce, where the world of Fine Art and Haute Couture is fused together in order to create the most extraordinary masterpieces that can be draped over your body shifting your spirit into true magnificence.

Our bespoke Art Couture is one of a kind, hand painted on silk and signed by European Master, Violeta Lucce. Every painting is a museum quality fine-art that flows, that is never still, that is sensual, original, sophisticated, has a soul and tells a story through the inner eye of One, connecting to all life force. It is like looking through the magnifying glass in nature where we zoom into the details: a butterfly’s wing, a raindrop, a blossoming flower, a crashing wave, the depth of an eye, the depth of the ocean.

Inspirations are captured on luxurious 100% silk depicting the most harmonic emotions of life through vivid colors, sophistication and sensuality of flowing styles. The silk becomes alive when the brush strokes the surface and the finished results capture the true essence of beauty and femininity. Due to silk being a live medium, you are wearing ENERGY. Why Silk? While painting on silk, Violeta is working with such an incredible energy because silk fiber has a structure similar to crystals so that whatever energy it has been infused with - light, healing, purity or love - is amplified in a painting. Silk is a natural fiber known for its luster, shine, strength, and durability. It is one of the strongest natural fibers and is the epitome of luxury due to its soft feel, and elegant appearance. The fabric of royalty is not only timelessly elegant but also keeps you cooler when the weather is warm and warms you up when the weather is cool.

It takes a 100 - 400 hours to create one masterpiece. When we custom create your couture garment, we look into your eyes, we see your soul, your personality, skin tone, hair color, your style and we create a work of art that reflects your beautiful being.

Being our client, you will definitely make a statement and will never run into a friend with a similar dress and get discussed who wears it better. Nobody in the entire world will have the same piece like yours.

Violeta Lucce art couture is exquisite, expensive and timeless. It invokes exclusivity and prestige while transforming YOU into a FINE ART MASTERPIECE. We want to share this passion of ours with all women who are looking for something unique... Something that has a meaning and a soul... Something that is not mass produced but rather created from our hearts... Something that takes days, weeks even months to create...

Something that needs an inspiration to paint...

Something that becomes a timeless piece that can be given to next generations... Something that appreciates within time just like famous artwork... Something that needs the purest intention to seek beauty through nature and woman’s eyes Violeta Lucce hand-painted masterpieces become a walking art, a piece of nature on human’s body, reminding that we are all connected. Our message through art is to awaken people to see the beauty of nature, to feel the flow and connectedness and mostly, to become aware of sustainable green fashion that cares about our Planet.

Photographs provided by Violeta Lucce

www.violetalucce.com violetalucce@gmail.com Instagram: @violetalucce Facebook: facebook.com/VioletaLucce/ THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | INSPIRING FASHION

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Travel

I hopped in an uber on an abnormally warm day in January from my friend’s apartment in Southie to make my way to Logan International Airport. I’ve made that ride to the airport more times than I can count, but this time I stared out the window with a sense of nostalgia.

As I looked at the buildings I thought of all the friendships and incredible moments Boston has given me over the past 5.5 years. I moved to the city right after college with a car packed to the brim with clothes, furniture, and miscellaneous knick-knacks ready to dive into adulthood. Now, a month away from turning 28, I was on my way to start a whole new adventure. I looked at the two bags that now contained my life, double checked I had my passport, and smiled at the one-way ticket to the other side of the world I held in my hand.

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There’s A Virus in China The first time I heard of this mysterious virus I was on the back of a Vietnamese man’s motorbike riding the stunning Ha Giang Loop, Northern Vietnam’s famous motorbike loop. Typically the trip takes you to the border with China, but our guide had gotten word of a virus breakout in the country so we took a different route that day. No one thought much of it at the time and we continued to enjoy an unforgettable 3 days filled with unparalleled views, local hospitality, and rice wine.

view on the p oo l g n a i g ha

Over the next several weeks I traveled from Vietnam’s Capital Hanoi to Ho Chi Mihn in the south with a group of other solo-backpackers taking in the unique landscapes of Nihn Bihn, staying up all night at a karaoke bar in Phang Na, and riding down the Mekong delta to celebrate my birthday.

mekong delta

golden h da nan and bridge , g

train street, hanoi THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | TRAVEL 73

Decisions Decisions

Traveling Turned to Living

My next stop was Cambodia for a few days to explore Siem Reap before heading to Chiang Mai to work at a hostel for a month. My plans were still on track but crowds slowly started to dwindle, not a day went by without a conversation about how COVID was impacting travel plans, and temperatures started being taken when going into bars. From Chiang Mai I headed to a chain of islands in the south to meet with my friends from Vietnam.

Within a day of getting to the island Koh Phangan borders were closing all around the world and the US Embassy issued a statement that travelers abroad should come home immediately or be prepared to stay indefinitely.

Before I left I had roughly sketched out an itinerary for my trip around the world. I’d start off in South East Asia, meet my mom in Budapest in June, some friends in Croatia during the summer, then find myself in Peru in the fall before coming back for a friend’s wedding in October. Now, instead of exploring eastern Europe, I’m writing this on an island in Thailand, a country I’ve been in since February.

I was standing on the beach and gave my mom a ring to try and sort out the best next move. Staying in a tropical paradise forever sounds amazing but as someone with two chronic illnesses and considered higher-risk for COVID, the options were stressful. Do I travel home where I have no job or apartment and risk being exposed, or stay put.

At the time,I didn’t know if Thailand would allow visitors to extend visas and restaurants and hostels were starting to close. Ultimately I decided the best option was to stay.

Thailand gave visitors visa-free stays through July 30th, restaurants are opening, and curfew was just lifted so it’s been easy to forget that this virus is still out there. For now, I’m staying put, playing soccer, scootering around the island, doing work, and going out with friends.

In the next couple weeks I’ll at least start traveling a bit more around Thailand and hope to be exploring around the world again this fall.

This has been an unreal experience, not at all the one I had imagined, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible people from all over the world as we try to navigate what traveling is with COVID.

scootering around koh phangan

Follow Along For more stories, pictures, and tips from my travels follow my blog and instagram: sararosecreative.com/sararosetravels | @rosesara9

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New England Travel Journey Traveling around New England is not something we do, it is who we are. Experiencing the unique culture that New England offers is something special and we want to share our experiences with you and hopefully you will share your experiences with us. For more on us follow us at: NewEnglandTravelJournal.com and on instagram: @NewEnglandtraveljournal Rose Island Lighthouse (Newport, RI) Photographer – Veterans Aerial Media Michael Hughes

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Pemaquid Point Lighthouse (Pemaquid Point, ME), Photographer - Susan Bell Photography. Top: Marshall Point Lighthouse (Port Clyde, ME), Photographer - Susan Bell Photography; Middle Sugarloaf overlooking the White

Mountains (Bethlehem, NH), Photographer – New England Travel Journal; Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough (Noank, CT), Photographer – New England Travel Journal. Bottom: Shoreline in Noank, CT, Photographer – New England Travel Journal; Mystic River (Mystic, CT), Photographer – New England Travel Journal; Low tide at Crosby Landing Beach (Brewster, MA), Photographer – New England Travel Journal

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Chefs & Food

Kevin Des Chenes Private Chef to the Stars

Photograph by Mia Campopiano

xecutive Chef, “Private Chef to The Stars” & Author of “Beyond My Chef Coat” Kevin Des Chenes has over 24 years of experience in the Hospitality industry.

He was named “Top Chef” by Las Vegas Food & Wine and is the winner of “Top Celebrity Chef Showdown” He has been a Chef Expert for Gordon Ramsey and appeared as a Featured Chef on Food Network’s Chef Wanted, Great Food Truck Race & Beat Bobby Flay, as well as The Today Show, Nationally Syndicated Better Show, CT Style, Pickler & Ben, Fox Morning Show & The Rhode Show among others. He is also an advocate for such charities as Boston Children’s Hospital & The Light Foundation. Chef Kevin’s creativity in the kitchen & on the screen has not gone unnoticed.

Having served as Executive Chef at such New England landmarks as 156 Bistro, Centro Martini & Washington Square Tavern, He has since launched a successful event production, consultant & private chef company and become one of the most sought after Chef’s in the industry, working with some great people including; John Legend, Giuliana Rancic, Kathie Lee & Hoda, Isiah Thomas, Jim Courier, Little Big Town, Various New England Patriots & Red Sox players and coaches, among others. You never know what he’ll do next so keep your eyes peeled for this seasoned Chef, and if you find him in a city near you take your taste buds on an Epic Journey with Chef Kev D! For more on Chef Kevin D: INSTAGRAM: @ChefKevd1 www.chefkevd.com

Food and drink photographs by James Quinn THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | CHEFS & FOOD 83

Macadamia Crusted Salmon with Coconut Curry Broth

Ingredients • 2 salmon filets • ½ can coconut milk • 1 tbsp yellow curry powder • 3 cups orange juice • 1 tbsp butter • 12 macadamia nuts • salt and pepper • olive oil

Directions 1. Combine curry, orange juice, coconut milk and salt & pepper in saucepan with whisk 2. Reduce for about 10 min over medium heat whisking often 3. Add butter to finish 4. Coat salmon with chopped macadamia nuts and sear each side for 2 minutes over medium heat in olive oil 5. Bake in oven at 375° for 5-7 min 6. Pour curry broth over fish and serve!

Mango Sour

Ingredients • 3oz Keel Vodka • 1oz mango puree • 1oz fresh lemon Juice • 1 egg white

Directions 1. Combine ingredients in shaker and shake without ice for 30 seconds. It is important to shake without ice first to create an emulsification 2. Add ice and shake again for 30 seconds 3. Garnish with orange zest and fresh mango

• Fresh orange zest • Fresh Mango

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In upcoming episodes of the Sushi Traveler, sushi connoisseur Mike Takla travels around the world one sushi bar at a time.

Photographs provided by the Sushi Traveler

Takla grew up in Southern California where these sushi bars served as the fancy go-to restaurants, hosting family dinners, birthdays and celebrations.

In this new series, he will take his respect and appreciation for this Japanese delicacy to explore new locales, seeking out the people, places, customs and cultures behind this eclectic cuisine across the globe.

While dining at these establishments in Southern California, Mike Takla most of all learned one thing: sit across a sushi chef with the right conversation, and as a result the whole experience will take a turn for the best. Sushi Traveler is Mike's search for the world's most interesting sushi, and the chefs who rise to the occasion.

Follow Mike Takla: www.sushitraveler.com @sushitraveler on instagram

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Sushi Traveler

showcases some of the

best sushi spots around the world!

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Photographs provieded by Kristen Sugrue, Director of Events, Hunt & Fish Club

Hunt & Fish Club

exceptional food, 1960’s flair To recreate the glory of 1960’s New York, renowned contemporary artist, Roy Nachum joined forces with design and architecture firm Studio Iyor. The ritzy steakhouse vibe of days past reminds patrons of what it meant to enjoy life and encourages guests to savor every bite, every moment. The space features original artwork and over 50,000 lb of marble.

Hunt & Fish Club NYC is a 9,000 sq. foot steakhouse that debuted in the hard of Midtown Manhattan late 2014. With a classic, yet contemporary menu of exceptionally prepared steaks and seafood, an extensive wine list, the ambiance, and seasonly curated specialty cocktails, the restaurant strives to exceed expectations.

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DISCOVER A NEW LEVEL OF TASTE

125 WEST 44TH STREET | NEW YORK NY (212) 491-4030 (212) 575-4949 WWW.HFCNYC.COM

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Difference Makers

Paws & Warriors

Introducing LaVonne L. Bower; President and Founder of Paws and Warriors, Inc. and Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Legal, Universal North America

Ms. LaVonne L. Bower began her current position in April 2019, as Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Legal for Universal North America.

In her limited spare time, Ms. Bower also founded Paws and Warriors in October 2016, a 501(c)3 non-profit, all while battling and beating breast cancer. She currently serves as President, and volunteers her time to rescued animals, Veterans, First Responders, and Gold-Star Families.

Ms. Bower was raised in Washington State and currently resides in Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, both from the University of South Florida.

In college, Ms. Bower began volunteering for different organizations to help children with mental disabilities.

Years later, she still felt the calling to help others and

was introduced to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); quickly training as a victim’s advocate. Ms. Bower began speaking at victim impact panels, helping victims of drunk drivers and volunteered with Florida Highway Patrol to help with death notifications.

She was later appointed as the Manasota County MADD Leader.

After finishing her bachelor’s degree, Ms. Bower began her formal career as a Legal

Assistant (civil litigation, family law) at Grimes Goebel Hawkins et. al. from May 2009 to January 2013. During this time, she assisted with the preparation of legal documents, scheduling (hearing, mediations, depositions), tracking litigation status, and assisting with customer in crisis. She then moved up to Office Manager for Center for Sight from January 2013 to May 2015, where she was responsible for the management, supervision and scheduling of doctors, technicians, and office staff, and for day to day operations. From May 2015 to November 2018, Ms. Bower served as Condominium Lines Manager for Brown & Brown Insurance where she was responsible for the department with the largest book of business: $5M+ in annual revenue.

Through her volunteer work with Paws and Warriors, Ms. Bower has competed in three Spartan Sprint races with her therapy-turnedservice dog, Oz, representing Team Oscar Mike.

She and Oz also completed 4 ruck marches: 31 Miles for 31 Heroes, a tribute to Extortion 17 with the Brian Bill Foundation. In addition, Ms. Bower and Oz have flown twice with American Airlines to participate at the Boston Snowball Express: an annual flight hosted by the Gary Sinise Foundation to bring children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian on a therapeutic retreat.

Locally LaVonne and Oz have been providing pet therapy at veteran retreats, hospitals and the VA both before and after her battle with cancer.

In November 2018, Ms. Bower was honored to be interviewed by Nulo Pet Foods, subsequently earning Paws and Warriors their first official sponsorship. She is proud to be continuing this relationship today. In recognition for all her hard work, Ms. Bower was featured in Mutual Rescue: How Adopting a Homeless Animal Can Save You, Too. In the chapter “Discovering Purpose�, Ms. Bower explains what animals can teach us about meaning, love, and faith.

Visit pawsandwarriors.org for more information on Paws & Warriors.com

(1) Navy Veteran with Lavonne Bower of Paws & Warriors (2) Oz rescue and service dog. (3) Santos M. Lopez, VP Orange Choppers

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Cultivating Respect with Darcy Castro The winds of change won’t knock you down Photograph provided by Darcy Castro They are blowing, and not one among us has any hope of shelter. It is inevitable. The winds of change are here, and we have a very important decision to make. How will we adapt?

Covid has transformed our lives, and most likely not just for the short term. At the same time, our society is at a reckoning yet again, lights shining bright on race, class, gender, injustice. You may rightfully feel overwhelmed, or powerless, or frightened.

Change is scary for a reason. We are creatures who innately find comfort in the expected. However, we are at a crossroads, and things must change in order to progress towards a better tomorrow for each and every one of us. Whether that is shifting and adapting our habits to fight Covid or reconsidering our internal biases and worldview.

When you are standing at the edge of something new, whether invited or not, what does your instinct tell you to do?

Do the winds of change evoke optimism or pessimism? There are many mysteries to life on this planet, but the constant of change is an undisputed facet of the human existence. So perhaps our approach to change is pivotal to how it will affect us. And that approach may be the only thing we have control over when the world around us is a-swirl.

The Castro family is on the cusp of once again digging up our roots - roots that have barely had time to set in - and make a new life in a new state. You can imagine the knee-jerk reaction to this news when it made its way to our family.

It was excitement and sadness meshed

together like a bittersweet desert served up to a finicky toddler’s palate. That salted caramel, flaming crème brulee will definitely be good, but may take some convincing that the flames will flare out and all will be well.

Making the decision with my husband was not easy. This kind of life change never is. The mom in me oscillated between, “I don’t want to move the kids again,” to, “Wow! We are so fortunate to give our family so many new life experiences and opportunities for personal growth!”

We had a choice, and we made the best decision, in the best interest of our family, all during a pandemic. (Yes, we have been accused of being overachievers.) The winds of change will not knock us down.

On the contrary, we will be better for it. Are you ready for us Atlanta?!

But I see those numbers, and I am sobered.

Over 104,000 at the time I write this piece.

I think we need to take care that we do not become numb to the magnitude of lives lost, and it’s disproportionate affect on communities of color. It’s a virus. It’s biology. Viral illness has been part of humanity since the beginning. It’s not a mystery. We must work collectively in the interest of public health. No amount of wishing will make it go away without

enough compassion and care for others to change our own behaviors. As you read this, I hope you feel that I am lifting you, your family and your community up in my thoughts, and I care for your health and wellness as we work together to escape the clutches of Covid. Embrace the winds of change for the common good.

The intention of Cultivating Respect has always been to help readers and listeners to slow down, listen, be open to learn and grow in compassion and empathy for others. I humbly ask that in this time of political, social and public health unrest, we serve others before ourselves. We first consider the needs of our communities, and of the greater good. Protect the vulnerable. View circumstances through a lens of compassion. Look for the opportunity to learn from someone else’s experience. Acknowledge our common humanity and need for dignity, and that this is more powerful than anything that appears to divide us. There is nothing more patriotic than love of neighbor.

This is what Cultivating Respect in our communities means to me, and I thank you for opening your mind and heart to my interpretation of how to create respectful environments in our own pockets of the world.

Darcy Castro is the 2019 Elite National American Woman of Service, representing a national pageant focused on community service and empowering women. Cultivating Respect with Darcy Castro is an initiative focused on practical ways to create respectful environments in our own little pockets of the world. Each month’s article and podcast feature honest, thought-provoking ideas that aim to inspire and foster positive, respectful communities.

Follow Cultivating Respect with Darcy Castro at DarcyCastro.com.

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In the shop with Orange County Chopper’s

From craftsman to reality star and brand mogul, this American icon makes an impact that goes far

beyond the screen

“Badass biker” would be an easy moniker to slap on Paul Teutul Sr. Millions of viewers have come to know him simply as Senior, the patriarch of the cable series American Chopper. After 21 years in front of the camera, coming into our living rooms with his often brash, get-it-done persona, perhaps we don’t know Paul Sr. as much as we think we do. Peel beyond the tattooed veneer and you’ll find he’s more nuanced than the entertainment press gives him credit for. And with time and wisdom, his years of experience have given him new goals, along with a new perspective.

With his longtime partner Joan Bulger-Kay by his side, the Teutul’s and their Orange County Chopper empire are poised to continue the upward climb to success – both in business and in charity – on their own terms.

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He doesn’t do Hollywood Described by those in his inner circle as an affable guy, Paul Sr. is most comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans, dirty from a hard day’s work. He’s been in business for over 50 years, maintained over 35 years of sobriety and is a selfproclaimed “I don’t do Hollywood” guy who’s a celebrity, but using that status to make a difference in the lives of others. He’s made his mark as a philanthropist, coming up the ranks from steel shop owner, custom bike maker, reality show superstar and entrepreneur. Add community servant to that list, and this well-rounded picture of Paul Sr. is both inspiring and intriguing.

Having his life documented for the entertainment of the masses couldn’t have been easy. As viewers, we’ve had a front-row seat to some of his family’s most intimate and painful moments. From the beginning, Paul Sr. insisted that their reality TV show be authentic, none of the scripted, set-up scenarios that typically find their way into this genre. Even so, viewers are still getting a highly edited version of work, life and play at OCC, but Paul Sr.’s commitment to being honest and true is commendable.

25 years before the idea of making the leap to television was even conceived, Paul Sr. opened his own steel fabrication shop - Orange County Ironworks - in the Newburgh, New York area, a mid-sized town 60 miles upstate from New York City that sits on the banks of the Hudson River. He began building stock motorcycles in the basement, then custom bikes based on his own vision and creativity. The OCC we know today has stayed true to its roots, while becoming a destination for fans at their Newburgh shop, museum and restaurant. Come for the bikes, stay for the burgers, and, maybe if you’re lucky, get a glimpse of the characters from the show that has attracted fans from all demographics.

The entertainment industry did, however, take notice that Paul Sr. had the perfect combination of both persona and craftsmanship. The series struck a winning formula of spotlighting OCC’s custom bike design and manufacture, with a heaping dose of drama and everyday frustrations, in line with reality TV standards. Paul Sr. was an instant success. Fans loved him, and they still do.

After 12 seasons of shows, and the ups and downs of ratings, timeslots and other unsexy, behind-the-curtain drudgery of network TV, American Chopper and their cast of characters has held on to their dedicated following. The hit show is a household brand and is recognized the world over, broadcast in 160 countries.

You’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of Paul Sr., or would like to invite the OCC crew over for a BBQ and a beer. The brand is 100% Americana, and was built on Paul Sr.’s talent and commitment to be the same man on air as he is off, as comfortable in front of the camera as he is with a wrench or a blowtorch.

Photographs by Michelle Carpenter Photography & Adam Clear Photography

“The most important thing about

celebrity is that you’re in a position to

make a difference in people’s lives.”

Paul Teutul Sr.

A celeb with purpose His increased celebrity status and notoriety of the American Chopper brand has given Paul Sr. a platform to expand both his business and his ability to help others. The OCC Foundation formally launched in 2010, and the non-profit has helped to greatly expand their charitable work. Fans have seen the multitudes of bikes built for charity, and witnessed the creation of poignant tribute bikes over the course of the show, like their POW/MIA chopper or the THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | DIFFERENCE MAKERS 103

famous “Fire Bike” that was unveiled at an NYC fire station that was the first to respond on 9/11. It may make for great television, but the projects and the charity work stem from Paul Sr.’s big heart.

The OCC crew also creates steel fabrications that don’t run on two wheels, like a new torch for the Special Olympics that’s currently in production, or lending their skill and craftsmanship to help adaptive athletes get their life back through the Oscar Mike Foundation. Paul Sr.’s also a voracious wish granter with Make-A-Wish, giving his time to over 50 kids that want to meet him and get the insider’s experience, and he’s never missed the Make-A-Wish annual fundraising gala. Senior, Joan and the entire OCC crew are using their celebrity to be a positive force in the community, and their commitment to bettering the lives of others through this platform is another reason why fans have been faithful to OCC and Paul Sr. throughout the years.

Bikers may have a reputation for all things leather and inked, but the culture of the biker community has a very large charity and service component. Paul Sr. serves as a reminder that stereotypes are often off the mark.

Up close and personal Paul Sr. shares the inner workings of OCC with Joannie, as he calls her, who is both partner and business partner.

He’ll be the first to tell you, with a hearty laugh but with all sincerity, that the good news is that she’s smarter than him.

He admits he’s been a controlling personality his whole life, and believes that trait has contributed to his success as a business owner for over 50 years. But now Paul Sr. has embraced stepping back a bit, and making space for others to be a part of the decision-making process. He gives Joanie the credit for not only having his back, but also bringing the business to a whole different level.

The two met at the SPCA of Hudson Valley, where she was president at the time. They now share their home with a large number and variety of animals, including nine dogs, 12 cats, a pig, a horse and “a partridge in a pear tree.” He jests, but the two have seen a lot of abuse and neglect cases

POW Bike

Photograph by Dino Petrocelli

War Alliance Bike

Photograph by Storm Sasaki

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My Pillow Custom Bike

Photograph by Eric England

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Photograph by Dino Petrocelli

iRobot Custom Bike

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Orange County Choppers Head Quarters

in their work with the organization, and that has led to more than one unadoptable animal brought home to enjoy a new life as a Teutul. He’s always been an animal person, and with the space and resources to provide a safe haven to so many animals, the couple are committed to doing what they can to help the SPCA in their hometown, especially since it is a no kill facility and the only source of humane law enforcement in the county. Paul Sr. currently serves as the group’s vice president.

OCC Reborn The OCC brand and American Chopper have undergone a rebirth of sorts, and now includes a behind the scenes podcast and expanded digital

content on YouTube. The show was a huge, overnight success, and the family dysfunction narrative played into that for many years. After returning to the air, viewers were expecting more of the same, but time had passed, bridges had been rebuilt, and things had changed. Paul Sr. didn’t want to recreate that formula, even through it had been successful. The American Chopper personalities today are not necessarily the same as they were in the beginning.

A large part of the new flavor of OCC is their lead fabricator and shop manager Josh Allison. A favorite of the last two seasons, Josh has an impressive background as the creator of a multitude of high-end bikes featured in the most prominent publications in the industry, and has won several awards

for his work, cementing his celebrity in the custom bike world. This guy’s lifetime of passion for motorcycles is apparent in the shop and on the screen. We get another perspective from Jason Pohl, lead designer, who continues to wow fans with his uncanny ability to conceptualize jaw-dropping bikes.

Part science and part art, Jason’s ideas come to life in the machine shop, inspiring viewers with his own version of fine art.

Reality television is one thing, but an unadulterated, anything goes podcast is another window into the lives of the Teutuls and the OCC crew. This is an opportunity to sit with the personalities you’ve grown to

love through American Chopper, and get to know them better. There is life outside of OCC, and there was life before American Chopper, and the podcast peeks into those corners that are left out of the series.

The TV show may boil down 210 hours of film for each 42-minute episode that airs, but the OCC+ Digital Builds episodes are now available on the Orange County Choppers YouTube channel. They are more of a raw, unedited look inside their work and lives. Clips average about five minutes and are a must-see for any American Chopper fan.

photo caption here

Photograph by Jason Pohl

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There’s also an upcoming twohour special featuring Senior and Junior on location at his original steel shop. The building is slated to be torn down, but staved off demolition long enough to film the two working on a chopper together – two separate bike builders, two separate companies, reunited on the kind of project that made them famous. It will be the first collaboration since the two dramatically split in 2008, and American Chopper fans will surely appreciate this father-son moment, however imperfect it may be. The show is scheduled to debut later this summer on the Discovery Channel.

Cruising towards the future Paul Sr. says he’s never the guy who wanted to go to Florida, but nonetheless this New Yorker has begun building a presence in the southern state, forgoing harsh winter weather for warm sunshine.

After 21 years as a brand at its flagship location in Newburgh, the future site of OCC’s expansion will include a restaurant, retail storefront and museum across two destinations, one outside Tampa and the other near St. Petersburg.

The museum will truly be a special site to visit for American Chopper followers, meticulously curated with every piece of swag and licensed gear from all the years of

the show. Paul Sr. has also stashed away gifts from fans since day one of American Chopper, hoarding them in his home garage, and will give them a new home, and the spotlight, in the Florida museum.

He has always wanted to have a publicly accessible space for people to come see this generous collection, an illustration of the impact American Chopper has had on viewers over the years. And of course, there will be bikes, lots of bikes, on display and being built in a new Florida shop.

The original collection will stay at the OCC museum in New York, where their trademark choppers are custom created for individuals, corporations and groups that commission these pieces of machinery that double as art. Still, at heart of it all, the bikes are some of the finest handcrafted, Americanmade motorcycles. Patrons of OCC and fans of Paul Sr. have a lot to admire, from a talented guy who loves working with his hands to using his celebrity to maximize his positive impact. Yes, he really is a Badass American Biker, with a huge heart.

Darcy Castro is a freelance writer and creator of Cultivating Respect with Darcy Castro. Follow her work at DarcyCastro.com.

Jenny SuShe is a freelance reporter.

Cover Shoot: Michelle Carpenter Photography, Adam Clear Photography

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The Magazine Lifestyle traveled to Orange Country Choppers, HQ in Newburgh New York to shoot our very first Cover in early March just before the Pandemic hit and the mandated quarantines were in put in place. We are so thankful we were able to get in this last shoot of the year! What an honor to interview and shoot Paul Sr. in the shop where all the magic happens!

Cover Shoot by Michelle Carpenter Photography & Adam Clear Photography

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THE TRUTH: Most of you won’t take the time to read this article all the way to the end, but for those who do, you’ll finally know who “DOC” DAVE BRAY USA is and what his “Music on a Mission” is all about...

You’ll even find out how to get his Bestselling, storyteller album for free.

HISTORY: My name is Dave “Doc” Bray and I served as an FMF Corpsman for 2/2 STA Platoon out of Camp Lejeune, NC. I am a Husband, Father, Marine Corps League member and Proud American Patriot.

I am now a full-time touring musician and my family and I have created our own Record label, Apparel Brand and Patriotic Entertainment company!

For the last decade we have used our music to support our Men and Women of Service and the Families who have given the ultimate Sacrifice for our Civility and our Freedom.

Looking back, there is absolutely NO way I could have persevered and flourished in one of the hardest and most competitive businesses in the world without leaning into what I learned from my time and service with the United States Marine Corps.

Photo by Neal Palumbo THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | DIFFERENCE MAKERS 117

“Stay the Course, Finish the Fight, & Never Surrender!!!”

Dave Bray USA on tour 2020 Photo by PO Shots

WELCOME ABOARD: After graduating from Field Medical School and receiving the coveted “Top Dog” award I was highly motivated to meet my guys and finally be a part of the Marine Brotherhood I had heard so much about.

STA Platoon on the other hand was not so excited to receive a super green “Doc” fresh out of school. They were dirty, bearded, miserable, tired, and unexpectedly cantankerous. Not quite the reception I had in mind during my cab ride from Camp Johnson.

They had just gotten out of a field op and I had just graduated from some place up the road where Navy guys with a pocket full of Motrin, wearing pressed camo’s and polished boots are born.

Although it took me a few weeks to prove my worth to these Devil Dogs, they taught me everything from dealing with unplanned situations in the field to surviving your standard issue, Friday night, bar fight at the Driftwood.

My Marines took a young, Dixie cupwearin’, Rock and Roll-lovin’, fresh out of the can, squid and taught me how to

improvise, overcome and adapt my way out of just about any situation that came along. I very soon realized that most situations could be fixed with 550 cord, some kind of tape, water or just plain destroying everything within a square kilometer.

find me with guns pointing down range on top of an American Embassy in some far away country or that I would once again, be dealing with all of those creatures I got to know so well in that swamp, thriving so effortlessly within the music industry.

The thing is...Once I had earned their trust, those Marines had my back at all times-no matter what came along!

LIFE OF A MUSIC MAN:

Unfortunately, that loyalty is a VERY rare thing these days. After my service, I learned the hard way that loyalty is most certainly NOT a common trait among those who inhabit the bowels of the Music Business. But there are some similarities.

Being a part of the sniper teams on Lejeune, I got to meet many of those similarities face to face while crawling on my belly. If you’ve been blessed enough to serve on old Camp Swampy, I’m sure you’ll remember the chiggers biting your ankles, the snakes who liked to catch you off guard and every other matter of insect that enjoyed living off the blood of Marines in that insane and godforsaken humidity. Some days I can still smell that nasty Rich, clay-toned, swamp water that had no problem gushing into your boots and ruining your life for the day.

I learned a lot at Lejeune but little did I know, at that time, that my future would

After the Military I needed an outlet.

Writing and performing my music on stage was the perfect means to fill the void after service. It was a huge part of my transition back into civilian life and it was also the point in time that I met my wife, Becky…who turned out to be the best little battle buddy a guy could ask for.

Becky and I would spend the next 10 years of our lives grinding it out in the clubs and bars with numerous musical projects both while working full time jobs. We found some success, but the later years would leave us chewed up and spit out by our record label and the project into which we had poured our blood, sweat and tears. We were broken.

I felt lost and angry. I was seriously considering hanging up my guitar and giving up on my dream to honor our American Heroes through music.

However, somewhere within my emptiness and resentment there resided a small flame still burning inside. My Faith.

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LEAP OF FAITH: I just couldn’t believe that God had brought us all this way, just to drop us off the edge of a cliff. We started over. We began to reignite our Faith.

We went back to the basics of HonorCourage and Commitment and readied ourselves for the battle to come. We knew that if we were going to get back into the fight we would have to “Stay the Course-Finish that Fight & Never Surrender.”

It was on! Becky, AKA-“Mission Control” and I decided to start our own entertainment company and record label instead of hanging our heads and accepting defeat.

With two young boys to raise, we knew we were taking a huge gamble.

We knew what kind of time and effort it would take, and we knew from the second we put our boat in the water that we would be paddling upstream from the get go.

With little time to prepare and practically zero financial resources to draw from, we were knee deep in the brass, so to speak, and running low on ammo.

At minimum, we needed computers to work from, professional music and production, gigs and transportation, videos and editors, connections on social media, designers and printers

and merchandise to fund it all. Most importantly, we needed Faith. Not just a “we’re going to church now” type of Faith, but a deep down ancient kind of Faith...the Fearless kind...

The St. Michael has my 6 with solid coms and is waiting for a 10 digit grid coordinate type of Faith...and boy did we find it! We found our Faith in Friends and Family we never knew we had. We also found businesses and events who knew our situation and wanted to help…and help they did!

Without them, we never would have made it to where we are today, and we are forever grateful for their belief in us.

At that time, what would become my first solo album “Music on a Mission” had only a few songs finished, and Becky began sending out the singles to as many Military, Veteran and Law Enforcement organizations we could find.

As Becky began building the tour and booking the dates, I began focusing on the merchandise and apparel.

Just like our music, we wanted our shirts to pay tribute to the Patriotism as well as the Faith that we carried within our hearts. We wanted people from all walks of life, not just the service, to feel empowered when they put on one of our shirts. We wanted them to know what it feels like to put on a uniform and to feel that feeling you get when you are a

part of a team, a squad or a platoon.

It’s that unexplainable feeling of Pride, Invincibility, Fearlessness and Patriotism. It is the same feeling I want people to get when they hear my music. So, we searched until we found the most comfortable shirts we could find and started sketching our designs. Our Apparel line “Brave Day USA” was born. We finally had a tangible product to sell at the shows and events that we were playing in order to fuel our Mission and help get us across the finish line!

THAT FINISH LINE WAS ALSO THE STARTING LINE: After 2 long, hard years and with the help and support of so many God-Fearing, Freedom-Loving, FlagWaving Patriots across this Country, Music on a Mission (Storyteller Edition) the full length album was released and debuted at #6 on the iTunes global charts. As a true first of its kind, this narrated album listens much like an audiobook with some absolutely, awesome songs in

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between. I tell the history of Amazing Grace, God Bless America and the StarSpangled Banner as well as the stories of my service and the victories and heartbreaks along the way.

As a testimony, the album, Music on a Mission, and the videos on YouTube have been shared and viewed millions of times. It has been used as a teaching tool to remind school kids about the price that has been paid for their Freedom. It has also been used by Sunday schools to teach the importance of Patriotism as well as Faith and how the two go hand in hand in order to keep America the “Land of the Free.”

In the end…I consider “Music on a Mission” my “Continuation of Service.”

I feel like every service man or woman has earned the right to chase down their dreams in doing what they love for a living. This album and our Mission is our way of returning the favor to the brave Men and Women who have served, will serve and who continue to serve to this day. It is an audio Memorial, not only to our Military and our Veterans but also to our Law Enforcement, Fire Fighter and First Responder brothers and sisters. It is a reminder to the next generation that Freedom isn’t Free and that it has been paid for by the Blood of Heroes. It is also a reminder to the next generation that Freedom’s Flame will one day

belong to them to protect, carry, and pass along.

THE REWARD: There is a reward that comes with being a US NAVY (FMF) DEVIL DOC. It is one that very few will ever get to know. It’s earning the trust of your Marines and being honored to witness what makes them truly elite.

When you have proven your ability to save their lives on the battlefield, it allows them to be the most fearless and deadliest war fighting element on the planet. Because of their Faith in you, they will fight fearlessly and to the death.

Along with that trust they give you a glimpse of what it means to be a United States Marine. They teach you brotherhood and ingenuity. They teach you that failure and surrender is never an option. They prove time and again that every hill can be taken and that every enemy can and will be defeated.

They teach you Honor, Courage and Commitment and they teach you to learn these things because you’ll need to know those things if you’re crazy enough to march beside them and reciprocate that trust. In my eyes, there is no greater reward and I will forever be grateful for the time they called me “DOC.”

Dave Bray USA rocking our National Anthem Photo by PO Shots

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“Music on a Mission (Storyteller Edition album). Debuted at #6 on Itunes Global Rock Chart.

Photo by Neal Palumbo

As a way of saying “THANK YOU” for your support, I’d like to send you a FREE Autographed Album with every T-shirt you purchase from our online store:

If you made it this far – Thank You! We hope you will consider us for your entertainment or opening ceremonies at your next event!

Please go to: www.DaveBrayUSA.com and order today!

SEMPER FI my Brothers and Sisters, Be well and God Bless! – Doc Bray & Becky

Together, we can all soldier on in the name of those who have paid the ultimate price for our Freedom and Honor those who are still fighting on the front lines overseas or on our very own soil.

New Album “Music On A Mission” available on iTunes, Amazon & Spotify Booking: Becky BrayBecky@DaveBrayUSA.com

Together For The Good Inc

Military

Changing the way we address Mental Health, PTSD, Suicide

FIRE Medical

Dispatch

The long-lasting effects of war has taken its toll on veterans and their families. Some of these effects remain as “invisible wounds” – leaving families clueless on how to cope.

Michigan Based 501©(3) Supporting the Needs of our Military

Police

And First Responder Community

501©(3) 83-1615789 www.togetherforthegood.org

Corrections

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, IG (269)680-2935

Together for the Good Inc. is a veteran certified organization aimed to take a holistic approach to serving those who serve our country, and communities in return.

While a large portion of the 48,000 registered nonprofits seek to help the individual veteran, Together for the Good Inc. recognizes the veterans’ families often are the ones who stand on the sidelines supporting from afar.

These families take the brunt of the effects from PTSD and are left to pick of the pieces. We believe that a strong family foundation is the key contributor to minimizing PTSD and help as a driving force to a successful recovery.

Through Peer To Peer support to in person Education Family is the focal point to linking the chain of a successful family dynamic to healing.

Our strategic platform is designed with the family in mind.

“Without Family we failed to heal “

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9/11 did not end in 2001 The roots of the 9/11 Remembered Traveling Memorial Exhibition began in 2001 when Erick Robertson was deployed to Ground Zero with his Search and Rescue Cadaver Dog Porkchop. In the 18+ years that followed the day that changed the world forever, Erick has been speaking across the USA about that day and the roles that were played by the K-9 Service Dogs of 9/11. He discovered from those talks that 90% of the people he was speaking to never thought they would be able to visit the September 11th National Memorial and Museum in their lifetime. It was because of that answer that 9/11 Remembered was created. If 90% of America could not see the Memorials, then we would bring them to 100% of America, for free.

Our 4 Semi-Truck Mobile Exhibit Trailers open up into 1200 sq. ft each of museum space. These trailers house the most incredible and largest Tribute to all Police, Fire, EMS and Military Service members ever to travel the USA. On 9/11/2001, 2,977 people were murdered where they worked.

Since that day more than 3,000 First Responders and Civilians have died from “Certified� 9/11 Cancers and illnesses. There are currently over one hundred thousand people being treated in the Word Trade Center Health Program; approximately ten thousand of them have 9/11 Cancer. We lose another First Responder every week, to this day, from 9/11 Cancer.

We are beginning our journey to tell the stories that nobody has heard.

We will speak about 9/11 every day with this Exhibition, not just once a year. We will shine a spotlight on the hundreds of thousands who are still living with the aftermath of that day, but most importantly, we will make sure that America will NEVER FORGET those who have already been taken from us. Evil still exists. We will be the voice of those who no longer have a voice. We will never stop honoring those who leave their homes every day not knowing if they will make it home themselves, but for damn sure selflessly make every effort to make sure that we do.

GET INVOLVED: Visit: 911travelingmemorial.org Donate: 911travelingmemorial.org/donate Write:

9/11 Remembered

64 Beacon ST C-113

Worcester, MA 01608

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Carlos Siqueira World Renowned Motivational Speaker

Carlos Siqueira is an Ambassador, Inspirational Speaker, Social Media Influencer, and Business Acceleration Strategist, known internationally as the “Mentor of the highest paid coaches, consultants, experts, and speakers in the world.” He began his career at age 7—selling his mother’s bread on the streets of Northern Brazil —and rose to become a number one top selling sales executive and trainer/mentor for Fortune 100 companies in the U.S. He helped Xfinity, formerly known as Comcast sell over a Billion dollars of services.

He is the author of the incredible bestselling book, Work Like An Immigrant: 9 keys to unlock your potential, attain true fulfillment, and build your legacy today.

After achieving his own dreams, he now mentors other entrepreneurs, celebrities, coaches, consultants, service providers and speakers worldwide to create theirs. His focus is accelerated “Message-to-Market-Match™"; and finding ways to disrupt the status quo, create a legacy and to live an extraordinary quality of life. With his unique blend of real-world experience, business insight, high energy and contagious good humor, Carlos helps others achieve personal and professional success and fulfillment they once barely dared to dream! Tony Robbins himself, says on record, if there is one person in the world to give him a run for his money, it is Carlos Siqueira.

For more info on Carlos, visit his site: www.expertadvisoralliance.com Instagram: @carlosinspire

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Wedding

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Candice Wu developed a childhood love for fashion. After receiving her business degree, Wu graduated from the Boston School of Fashion Design. Wu’s functional and artistic designs are inspired by cultural, traditional, and moder influences.

Several fashion events have featured Wu’s work - including Boston Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week and so have prestigious institutions, including Peabody Essex Museum and Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Her work has appeared in Marie Claire magazine, Vogue magazine, and other national magazines, and she has been featured on Fox TV, ABC, and other media. Wu’s awards include recognition from Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Boston Fashion Award.

Wu has spent years designing gowns and formal dresses, and creates bridal dresses featuring convertible, functional designs and adorned with beading and Swarovski crystal accents. She debuted her couture wedding collection at her bridal boutique in the South End

Models The Beauty Within Models, @tbwmodels, Arizona & Caroline Location Rhode Island State House MUA @anniefitz69 Hair Letticia - @ur_main_chick_ from @calmasalon PR @ryan.fotografie

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Photographer Sabrina Scolari Photography Models TW Models Location Vanderbilt Grace Newport, RI, Makeup Makeover Artistry by Donna Sousa Production Jewelry Jason & Company, Newport, RI

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Health & Wellness

Evening Rituals to Decrease the Effects of Stress

By Dr. David Warman The world is an incredibly stressful place right now, with a pandemic that has cost millions of jobs, loss of physical connection, and now a new way of life we are in the highest stress environment in recent history. The problem is in high stress states it creates unhealthy effects on our body and mental health and if you don’t take action and control of your own health, you may suffer from long term health issues that may have been preventable.

High Stress has a negative effect on you because it causes your body to get into a fight or flight response. Fight or flight is your body’s sympathetic nervous system reaction to physical threats. It kicks in as a survival response to save your life. An example would be if a person comes to physically attack you, then your body will make all your stress hormones elevated and move most of your blood circulation from your gut to your extremities for you to be a strong and fast as possible to be able to fight the threat and then flea from the unsafe situation. This is supposed to be a short-term response for survival, but as soon as the threat is gone, then your body should normalize back down to rest and repair which is what is called a

Dr. David Warman - Founder and CEO of Warman Way Dr. David Warman founder and CEO of Warman Way, has a passion for health wellness and self-improvement. As a personal trainer, he worked his way through chiropractic school Graduating from Palmer Chiropractic College West, and has been a practicing Chiropractor and a leader in natural health care since 1999. After starting and selling multiple businesses, and having successfully trained or coached over 100 businesses in his career to exponential growth, Dr. Warman has acquired the knowledge and skill to train business owners to have a fully functioning thriving business.

Focusing on having the have it all lifestyle, Dr. Warman Realizes that people have a void in the knowledge of Fitness, Inspiration, Relationships and Entrepreneurial business strategies which is why he has created the Warman Way having a life on F.I.R.E.! Training countless hours to bring real world applicable processes to grow and sustain a Life on F.I.R.E. Dr. Warman has unique approach to coaching and consulting. Realizing that some of the barriers we have to success falls in the 6 inches of real estate in between our ears, and with his knowledge of personality types and human behavior, he can help you break through barriers and achieve the life of your dreams and have balance with your Fitness, Inspiration, Relationships, and Entrepreneurial, truly living a life that’s on FIRE! THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | HEALTH & WELLNESS 143

parasympathetic response of the nervous system. Rest and repair is like when you eat a big meal and your body causes you to get tired and you want to fall asleep on the couch because most of your energy goes to digesting of your food and repairing the damage you have done to your body.

The human body cannot be in protection and growth at the same time. The problem is in today’s society we are constantly under stress, with finances, deadlines, raising kids, relationships and constant bombardment with social media. With all of this constant stress our bodies are now stuck in this fight or flight response chronically. Since we are stuck in this protective mode our body has a more difficult time repairing and growing which creates an environment for the body to break down to get weak and sick.

The question is how do we get out of this chronic stress response?

You must get your body back into the parasympathetic response of rest and repair. The number one action step is physical movement, Exercise! The fight or flight response requires physical movement to bring your hormones back to normal out of the elevated state and it also

get the circulation of your blood to be able to return to your gut area more efficiently. The best exercise to combat stress is 20 minutes of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). The goal is exercise hard for 30 seconds and then moderate for 90 seconds allowing you to catch your breath again. An example would be to walk on a treadmill for 90 seconds and the sprint for 30. Walk for 90 and sprint for 30 and do 7 rounds of this. It’s even better if you add resistance training to this dynamic.

The most important time to get your body into this parasympathetic response of rest and repair is at night going to sleep. A large number of Americans don’t get high quality restful sleep, 7 hours for adults and 9 for teenagers and children, which is where most of our repair and growth happens. Lack of quality sleep causes you to wake up tired and allows your body to continuously break down. There is advice out there about morning routines and rituals which I think are important and critical, but I also think that having an evening routing to get into a rest and repair parasympathetic mode is just as important. There is a part of the brain called the Reticular

Activating System that focuses on everything you have seen or heard the last 30 minutes before going to bed. If we are constantly being stimulated in this time period it can cause a fight or flight stress response and affect your quality of sleep. Have you ever watched a horror movie then went to bed? How were your dreams that night? Usually they are stressful and stimulating. This is the Reticular Activating System kicking in. Looking on your phone or I-pad at social media will do the same thing, plus the blue light that your phones and I-Pads work on mimic the sun and tricks your brain think its daytime instead of night. Creating a routine at night is crucial for good sleep. Read something inspiring and uplifting (Not on technology), listen to soothing music, journal what you are grateful for that day, or meditation which I feel is the most effective. Prepare your body for rest and repair and wake up rejuvenated and revitalized.

Remember consistency is key to create the success and it takes a minimum of 21 days in a row to create a habit.

Other sleep aids may be magnesium.

Melatonin, and CBD oil. These create more balance to your system and allow for better sleep. Live the have it all life with the Warman Way life on F.I.R.E. Where you have abundance in your Fitness, Inspiration, Relationships, and your Entrepreneurial life.

For more information: www.trafficcatapult.com www.chirofreedomproducers.com Facebook - David Warman Photographs by Phyllis Lane Photography THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | HEALTH & WELLNESS 145

Leah Mello Royal Caribbean Health & Fitness Instructor

Photograph provided

by Leah Mello

From an early age, fitness and wellness has always been a part of my life. I graduated with a BS in Exercise Physiology and went on to achieve a certification in personal training at the American College of Sports Medicine.

I currently lead the Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD. corporate wellness program by offering onsite wellness initiatives to all our employees. We focus on many aspects of wellness such as physical, mental, spiritual, environmental, financial, intellectual, and social wellness. My team and I

work to create a corporate culture where wellness is intertwined and deeply rooted within the fibers of this company. By doing so, it not only promotes employees to become more mindful of their own wellness, it ultimately creates an exceptional workplace experience for the employees of our company. The overall health and well-being of RCL employees is a top priority to us.

Find Leah on Facebook - Leah Mello and Instagram for free workouts @lemfitwellness

what if you were unknowingly using products on your family that are known to negatively impact their health? join us to learn more

what if you were unknowingly using products on your family that are known to negatively impact their health?

join us to learn more.

THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | HEALTH & WELLNESS 147

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Probiotics help skin remain in a balanced state, resulting in a complexion that’s not too dry or too oily, and skin that can successfully repel the environmental conditions that cause inflammation.

What’s a microbiome and why is it so important?

You’ve probably heard about the importance of good gut health, which refers to the good bacteria in your gut. That’s your gut microbiome. Your skin microbiome, which is your skin’s healthy bacteria, is just as important, protecting your skin from pathogens, damage, and dryness. Plus, it limits exposure to allergens and UV radiation, minimizes oxidative damage, aids in wound healing, maintains moisture, and can lead to more glowing, radiant, healthy skin.

How does your microbiome become compromised?

In addition to the effects of aging, pollution, and other environmental stressors, products containing toxic ingredients are destroying your skin’s microbiome every day.

What is pure protect and why is it important to this skin care line?

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Even companies that use prebiotic and probiotic ingredients in their products often add toxic preservatives to prolong shelf life, which ruins all the good they may have tried to accomplish.

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THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | HEALTH & WELLNESS 149

Entertainment

Joel Ros my music journey I’ve always considered myself someone that doesn’t “follow the norm.” My mother said when I was little, I never learned how to walk; I simply went from crawling straight to running, and this set the pattern of my life for the next thirty years. Born into a big family of Lebanese and Jewish heritage, I started displaying characteristics of an artist at a young age. I wrote my first song on the family piano when I was five and started drawing horses in first grade. In gradeschool, I performed many solos in school music concerts and sang in church, giving birth to my passion for performing.

By the time I was a teenager, I was selling hand-painted greeting cards and taking music lessons. It was during this time that I began to be bullied in school for being “different.” It didn’t help that I was going through some awkward growing pains, but I buried myself into the craft of music and artwork. In my mid-teens, my parents bought me my first horse, and from that moment on, horses brought me out of my shell of shyness and lack of self-confidence.

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While training my voice, performing in school musicals, and developing my skills as a horseman, I decided to leave traditional school. I enrolled in an online school to finish highschool, but this allowed me to start taking college courses and spend more time working on my crafts. By the time I graduated highschool, I already had an entire year’s worth of college credits under my belt. After highschool, I attended Penn State University, acquiring a bachelor’s degree in Letters, Arts, and Science and started my own business as a Natural Hoofcare Practitioner. My custom-built degree focused on creative writing, science writing, and conservation genetics, with my capstone research project landing high honors in the Penn State Research fair and publication in the Oxford Journal of Heredity. It was during these college years that I started competing with my American Shetland Ponies on a national level.

I continued writing music into my twenties, writing my stories into lyrics and melodies, expressing the challenges I was facing as a young adult,

all while relying on my horses for strength to get through the hurdles. Although my parents and immediate family were always supportive of my creative endeavors, my extended family discouraged me from pursuing careers in my passions. They tried to convince me I could never make a living singing or “playing with horses.” This discouragement fueled me to train harder and to build a bigger horse business. I began physical training with my dad’s gym equipment and quickly transformed from an awkward young adult into a man.

I started recording my original music in my midtwenties, all while running the horse business. 2016 put my small farm and breeding program on the map with one of my young mares gaining a National Shetland Congress Grand Champion title, as well as multiple other national awards to ponies I had raised. While recording my debut original album in 2017, I was approached by internationally acclaimed vocal quartet, Vivace, asking me to join the group as the tenor. I accepted the role and formed

a family with Vivace, recording a song for my solo project with fellow member, soprano Tiffany Desrosiers. I launched the original album “11:11” on 11/11/17 to a sold-out audience in Pittsburgh, joined onstage by Tiffany.

Over the next few years, I toured extensively with Vivace and expanded my pony farm as I started raising the second generation of show animals. I wrote a second album entitled “Perfect Love” and will be returning to the recording studio in 2020 to continue telling my story through music.

The main theme of my music reflects the struggles I’ve endured and the strength and courage it takes to live outside the box and to see your dreams to fruition, despite the roadblocks along the way. The new project will feature songs about how horses and music have come together in my life to keep me in balance and how horses and music have given me a purpose bigger than myself. Spirituality and a relationship with God has always been a big part of my life, and I’ve woven some of these elements into the new music.

I do not have solid plans for the future, as we have to always be open to what life has to offer, but I do hope to continue living in this lane.

Being creative and expressing myself through music will always be a part of me, but I’d like to be able to share more than just entertainment.

I’d like to share a message of hope and of triumph through my music. I want to inspire young artists to push past their roadblocks and to overcome the criticism and discouragement they may face by sharing my story. Also horses will always be a part of my life. When I’m not on the road for music or horses, I find nothing can replace the stillness and peace in the solitude of being on the farm, away from the city sounds and lights. Under a blanket of stars and listening to the sounds of nature and seeing the foals play in the pastures while singing softly and taking in the present moment evokes the most deeply joyful fountain of gratitude for the unique opportunities gifted to me, and I’m lucky to get to do this.

Learn more at: Joelros.com Facebook: Joel Ros

Photographs provided

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From Venice with Love

Award-winning Venetian vocalist Giada Valenti whisks her audiences away with pageantry and poignancy, dazzling them with her breathtaking vocals, captivating beauty, and her lavish stage presentation.

Though every facet of her artistry has been meticulously nurtured—from her prodigious musical talents to her theatrical savvy as a performer—one thing is in the moment every night: her heart. That is because the Las Vegas-based artist has been brave enough to heed the calling of her soul.

“I could have had a safe life back home in Venice with my parents, but I dared to dream big. When you do this, people will say you’re

crazy,” the iconic performer says. “But don’t listen, push through the sweat, the hard work, the risks, and the rejection, and you’ll see, dreams do come true.”

Giada’s currently celebrating a career milestone with her PBS television special From Venice With Love which is now being released also as a CD and DVD. The show is a carefully curated celebration of romance that embraces a wonderfully eclectic canon of classic and contemporary love songs.

Within the stunning From Venice With Love show, Giada gorgeously reimagines songs made popular by such diverse artists as The Carpenters, Rosemary Clooney, The Beatles,

The Doors, Christina Perri, The Bee Gees, Linda Ronstadt, Dusty Springfield, Roberta Flack, Bread, Dean Martin, and Domenico Modugno, among others. The show is filmed in electric New York City, but the DVD is interspersed with transcendent footage of Giada’s beloved home, Venice, Italy. This year, Giada will support this mesmerizing release with a 25-date US tour.

In From Venice With Love, Giada takes her audience on an unforgettable journey of emotionality and elegance. Giada brings to America the spirit of Venice through her sensual sophistication in fashion, her welltimed sense of theatrics and the show’s set design, which evokes the lavishness of fine Venetian architecture. The major revelation of the show is, of course, Giada’s voice. A master singer with an emotive flair, Giada has a profound sense of dynamics and a boundless range, especially here, being backed by some of modern music’s most masterful and intuitive accompanying musicians. Giada can be sensual and sweetly tender, soar with angelic purposefulness, and fill the concert hall with a robust full voice. Throughout the unforgettable show, Giada has the audience in the palm of her hand, sharing reflective anecdotes and warm asides, and engaging with sensual charm.

A PBS special is a landmark event for any performer, but for Giada, there is another layer of significance to the association.

“When I came to America, I used to watch PBS’s children’s programming to improve my English,” she reveals laughing goodnaturedly.

In 2017 Giada made her debut as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Perming Arts, where she has become regular. In 2018 Giada made her debut at Carnegie Hall, where she was asked back for a concert in October 2019.

A career highlight in 2019 was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him at a concert benefiting his Foundation. She performed several duets with him and “La Vie En Rose” as a solo.

Giada was born and bred in Venice, Italy, and showed prodigious musical promise as early as seven, when she began studying piano and vocals. As a child, she would go on to electrify audiences in regional competitions, wowing audiences with her musical talents and her natural gifts as a performer. She honed her skills studying piano and music theory at the Santa Cecilia music school in Venice, and later through achieving her

“I could have had a safe life back home in Venice with my parents, but I dared to dream big.”

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Giadi Valenti singing with Andre Bocelli

music degree at the G. Tartini in Trieste. After her formal education, she skyrocketed to the top rung of Italy’s music artists, winning prestigious awards and charting with hit songs.

After moving to New York, Giada earned the distinction of being the subject of two hourlong documentaries about her life by the highly regarded Italian television networks Sky Italia and Rete 4.

Before moving to Las Vegas, Giada resided in New York and Los Angeles. For nine years, she was a fixture on the red carpet at the Columbus Day Parade, performing annually the song “Caruso” from her critically acclaimed independently released CD, Italian Signorina. In 2008, iTunes has selected Giada’s interpretation

of “Caruso” as one of the 50 best recordings in the Italian language, making it part of the Italian Essentials.

Onstage, Giada shines most purely. She was handpicked by producer Sonny Grosso (The Godfather, The French Connection) and musical director Phil Ramone (Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra) to be cast in the Broadway musical Be My Love based on the life story of tenor Mario Lanza. Her shows in cabarets, fine hotels, and elegant theaters have been sold out affairs, showcasing her imagination, and the depth and diversity of her musical talents.

One thing paramount to all of Giada’s success has been her humility and her commitment to giving back. “My grandmother once told me:

‘When you become successful, you are who you are not because of your God-given talent, but you are there because people love you so always give something back.’ I never forgot that,” she says.

It’s no surprise that because of her character and values, Giada has been recognized by many esteemed organizations. In October 2008, Giada was named Woman of the Year by the Organization of Italian Charities In America. In February 2010, she was honored by the Commission for Social Justice of the Order Sons of Italy in America for being a good Italian role model. In October of 2011, Giada was awarded the Merit of Honor by the Borough President of Queens, NY for her outstanding cultural contribution to the Italian community in the USA. In April 2012, she was honored by the Saint Brigid Parish for the Distinguished Service in Promulgating the Beauty and Value of Italian Culture and Heritage. In November 2012, she was honored by the Italian American Labor Council for her Work, Achievements, and Life Dedication to Music. Giada is also a nine times recipient of a Grant of the NIAF Sergio Franchi Music Foundation.

Throughout her journey, many things outside music have transformed her life.

One painfully complex event happened just as she moved to New York on the heels of a frenzy of major record label interest.

Right as she was closing in on her dream of establishing her career in the US, she found herself battling a life-threatening illness that involved fainting daily. The cause, Giada found out, was three tumors in her pancreas.

After intense surgery, Giada fought miraculously for her health, and then she had to reclaim her career. Her PBS special has been a special reward for her soulful resilience.

“A lot of people, when they’re on their deathbed say ‘I wish I said this, or did this, or lived in this way. But I got a second chance, and now I want to make the world a better place. Now, I cherish every moment. I know I am lucky to be here and still be able to share my gifts,” Giada says.

One other profound life change after her health scare has been a new interest in Transcendental Meditation through the renowned David Lynch Foundation.

“Learning to meditate has helped me to be calmer, sleep more, and be more productive. It’s totally changed my life,” Giada says.

Also enriching Giada’s life is connecting to her beloved hometown through its delicious culinary tradition, and through writing about Venice. Giada is a long-time member of the Academia Italiana della Cucina, a cultural organization recognized by the Italian government that checks Italian restaurants around the world. She is an indemand writer and blogger about Venice and the Venetian lifestyle. Recently, she was handpicked by Arianna Huffington to be a contributor of the Huffington Post. Of masterful meals, Giada says: “There is an Italian saying: ‘The whole world eats to stay alive, and we Italians stay alive to eat.’”

When Giada reflects back on her life and her powerful journey, she says: “My story has been really to look for happiness and spread happiness to others. What’s kept me going throughout everything is dreaming—dream big—that’s what keeps me going.”

For more on Giada, visit Giadivalenti.com Photos provided by JJ West, Giadi Valenti

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In today’s world of independent music, few create a more addicting tapestry of sound than Alexander Padei. A self-produced artist, music producer and DJ, Padei’s electrifying mix of R&B, Hip Hop, Reggaeton & Island sounds has made him one of the East Coast Indy community’s dopest young creatives.

Alexander Padei’s musical journey dates back to his early years, spending his childhood weekends in church choirs and taking cello classes. After spending his high school years in cover bands and a year singing college a capella, Padei kicked off his professional journey in 2012 behind the 1s & 2s as a DJ, and starting his training as a producer. Before long, Padei’s nightlife brand “The List” came to life, as he brought his one-of-a-kind style of a LITuation to college campuses and Boston-area nightclubs, scoring his first residency at the age of 19. For the rest of the decade, Padei split his time between DJing and honing his production skills.

From here, we know what Mr. Padei did last summer: he garnered much anticipation and attention by bringing 18 Boston-based recording artists together the collaborative effort Fuck It We’ll Do It Ourselves (released August 12, 2019), a magnum opus celebrating Boston’s independent music scene. The project achieved universal acclaim among consumers and critics alike, with Vanyaland’s Victoria Wasylak calling it a “practice and appreciation for the art of collaboration — and, perhaps more dauntingly, an exercise in improvising and growing past imperfections.” Following the release of Fuck It Will Do It Ourselves, Padei then unleashed its sister project The Cold Call, an unmissable show bringing artists into his studio to create an original song, start to finish, within a five-hour time limit.

Today, Padei is again raising the creative bar, showcasing his vast musical style with an ongoing series of weekly singles - all original material. One song per week.

The multi-genre series gives the listener a deeper look than ever before at the musical chops of Alexander Padei, spanning R&B, reggaeton, pop, and hip-hop to date.

Padei subscribes to the school of thought that says if a new endeavor scares you, it’s likely a good thing to try. In a time when many feel an air of apprehension on what to do next, Padei’s unending desire to continue recording, giving music aficionados a new venue of escape every week, can be seen as inspirational to artists who may feel unsure about testing the waters during - go ahead, roll your eyes and say it with me - “these uncertain times.”

Shortly after releasing the fourth of these singles, “Refill,” I talked with Padei via email for this inaugural edition of our interview series, exclusively for The Magazine Lifestyle.

This is our second conversation, following on the heels of our 2019 radio conversation on The Chop Session. You can find our original discussion wherever you listen to podcasts.

if something feels uncomfortable or scary it's probably the thing I should do.

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You've become a leading voice in our arts community amid a time of urgency for artist creation and innovation. Anyone who was following along when Fuck It We'll Do It Ourselves dropped cannot be surprised by this. Let's delve into why you decided to go with releasing a new single every week.

I think it comes down to this belief I have that if something feels uncomfortable or scary it's probably the thing I should do. Full disclosure, I got the idea from Russ, an artist’s that I'm super impressed with in terms of his own mindset. He and I read a lot of the same books and have similar beliefs around success and things of that nature. But as soon as I thought about it, I realized I didn't have an excuse to *not* do it. This is about growth to me.

It's about getting out of my comfort zone and forcing myself to take responsibility for certain pieces

of the puzzle that were still missing in my journey toward Career Success. Like, I put out the mixtape and managed to collaborate with all these artist’s, but I still hadn't properly handled a variety of core elements of a career. For instance, I realized that I was avoiding putting my own voice front and center in my own creative work. I was avoiding telling my own story. I was avoiding it in ways that I think a lot of artists avoid it: Perfectionism, Procrastination, always finding some reason to not release. So, at some point I had to put my foot down.

Honestly, I think it's a similar story to the mixtape. I didn't start collaborating with people with the goal of making a mixtape. I realize the opportunity was there about halfway into a year of collaborating with people just because I thought it was the best way to grow. And it's already paid obvious

dividends in a number of ways after just 4 weeks, in my knowledge of music marketing and, generally, in my artistic confidence. I've begun to really internalize that when I force myself to do the things I really don't want to do, good things tend to happen. In a way I think that idea is a fundamental cornerstone of innovation.

You identify your message and find the tribe of people who believe in it.

Whatever it is you do, do you feel you are getting across? Do you feel listeners are accepting it, and understanding it?

Definitely. It's funny, I remember hearing somebody say that even Justin Bieber, with a hundred million fans is still unknown or disliked by the majority of people on earth.

It's a freaky thought because you realize that you're not trying to get everybody to like you. You identify *your* message and find the tribe of people who believe in it. A huge part of my growth of understanding in marketing as an artist has been internalizing this, learning how to express my message more effectively and learning how to find people around me and on the internet who share my values. With that said, I also have a

really tight-knit circle of friends and partners who really understand me on the deepest level. That definitely keeps me going when I get, like, 20 likes on a post or something.

Let's deep dive into the first of these new singles, "New Normal."

I made New Normal a while back during the FI WDIO mixtape phase of my career.

At the time I wasn't doing a lot of individual sessions for myself because I was working with so many artists to get the mixtape done.

So, I had learned a lot from collaborating with other artists and I think that sort of came out in this song. It was pretty much the best song I've ever made up to that point in terms of songwriting quality, production

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and all that. Despite that, the first version actually didn't have a bridge so the song remained unfinished for about a year until I finally released it on May 5th of this year.

A lot of the songs that I made on my own in May 2019 ended up like that it took me a while to build up the creative confidence to be able to finish a song in one sitting and the collaborative mixtape with part of me building myself up to be able to achieve that. It's funny, actually, because distracted and going away have very similar stories. All three of these songs have a lifespan of, like, 10 months or more from initial conception to release. By comparison a lot of the songs that were made more recently were largely finished in maybe a week or less. Refill and I Know fit in this category.

Despite the title, New Normal doesn't really have anything to do

with quarantine or anything like that. It's more about that feeling when you realize that a romantic interest has become an important part of your life, despite initially thinking that it might not work out. It's like "oh, wow, you really snuck up on me."

When you hear the phrase "The New Normal" said repeatedly within the media, do you feel this is a social conditioning tactic? What does this phrase mean to you?

Probably. It's certainly put together in a marketer-savvy way and I have no doubt that many sources of our news come with an agenda. I guess at that point it all depends on your perspective whether that agenda is positive or negative. If you believe that it's a good idea to open up the economy as soon as possible, "New Normal" probably comes across as dangerous propaganda. On the other hand, if

you believe that Coronavirus is here to stay and too dangerous to treat mildly, then the phrase is more "white hat" conditioning than manipulative rhetoric.

It's a well-intentioned tactic to urge the population to accept that change is here to stay, to think about the countless lives hanging in the balance. What's more, I'm sure both sides 100% believe they are in the right!

Okay let's knock out the stories behind each of these new singles thus far (press deadline June 1, 2020).

"Distracted."

Distracted was developed on a very similar timeline to new normal, as I mentioned earlier. But, while New Normal is more Poppy, distracted definitely comes from the darker, more vibey place. The song grapples with the dual nature of work and love. Long story short, let's just say I have experienced first-hand what happens when

the two bump into each other. Many artists and entrepreneurs are committed to Big visions for themselves and the future.

Sometimes those goals come from a wellintentioned place, but sometimes a part of it comes from insecurity and wanting to be a badass. I think that when it comes from that place, Professional Drive can pull us away from the things that really make life worth living, namely relationships.

"Going Away."

I love this song. I really look up to what reggaeton artists are doing. I listen to the genre constantly and take a lot of influence from it, as well. So to be able to venture into that side of things would really exciting.

The the song steam is very relevant to the times as well. It's kind of about that feeling when you're fed up with your current surroundings and want to just get

photo by Matt Collamer

away from it all. It's like, "Aight peace out, I'll see y'all in a week. I'm gonna go do me for a minute." “Refill."

Refill came together really quickly. I'm really proud of it because the song felt like it deserved its 4 minutes 50 seconds run time.

I've been investing a lot of time and learning how to keep people's

attention through my song writing and arrangement. It's my newest skill and the last piece of the puzzle when it comes to putting records together. As a result of that, making this record felt like the culmination of 8 + years of work.

It's also the opposite side of a coin when it comes to my style when compared to songs like going away and New

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photo by Adrian Carballo

Normal. Those two songs come from a more Island style. Refill comes from my R&B side. You could say I have 4 sides. R&B versus Island crossed with Bright Dancey vs Dark Vibey. 2 times 2. You get it.

How do you look back on the work you've created so far?

Progress and Stepping Stones.

I’ve read it was a meetup with Laidback Luke that inspired much of your artistic trajectory. What can you tell us about your experience with Luke?

Laidback Luke is one of the greatest teachers of creativity that I've actually met in person. I surround myself with creative teachers through books all the time. Questlove, Stephen Pressfield, Napoleon Hill, Robert Greene, Steve Stoute and

Kevin Hart come to mind.

It's a special treat when I get to meet one of these people and actually talk to them.

Basically, I interviewed him in front of a bunch of college students. I knew going in that I wanted to talk to him about his creative process. He told a story about getting his first hit. She basically said that he got too comfortable and didn't produce anything for like

6 months. As a result of that he was surprised to find that, just as quickly as everybody I jumped on the train, they jumped right back off because he had nothing new to release.

At the end of the story he drove home an amazing point: You aren't ready for the music industry unless you're able to finish songs in 4 or 5 hours. The goal isn't to make one Dope song,

it's too be able to make a dope song every single day. It's to become so confident and fluent in your creative ability that it looks effortless. He cited multiple moments in his career when the best songs came together ridiculously fast. On a similar note, I remember him pointing out that a lot of those songs were incredibly simple, with only 5 - 8 layers of sounds TOTAL.

I can't explain how much that point affected me. I obsessed over this idea.

It was the spark that solidified my vision to be fully self-produced.

This brings me back to the mixtape and this song a week thing. It's all practice for me. I'm not done growing. I'm not done taking in new skills.

At the end of the day, I'm doing it to test the boundaries, to see if I *can* do it. Can I learn

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how to produce, write, sing and arrange?

Okay, now can I learn the ins and outs of marketing? How about live streaming? Bottom line, I'm a nerd. I'm totally obsessed with music making, creativity, technology and what happens when you try new things out. Laidback Luke lit that spark in me and gave me some much needed direction to pour my energy and direction of growth.

Alexander Padei, the DJ: describe his style and sound to us.

Honestly, I'm embarrassed to say I haven't had much opportunity to DJ, lately, at least outside of the private event DJ work I do, which I don't think counts. With that said, it's very open format, very reflective of my multiracial roots. I would credit DJ Tone Terra, who was my open format Zen master and mentor for a long time.

I am not married to any particular way of doing artistry. You could say I am creatively agnostic.

Alexander Padei, recording artist: what point did you figure out your artistic vision?

Honestly, I'm still working on it. That's what these singles are about. The mixtape gave me some freedom to try out a bunch of different hats in collaboration with the other artists that took part. These weekly releases are definitely getting closer but I have more work to do. Again, they are like exercise. I am practicing connecting to my artistic vision in public.

Are there any artists in today's mainstream industry who have any legitimacy to you?

They all have legitimacy to me. The thing is, I am not married to any

particular way of doing artistry. You could say I am creatively agnostic.

My story is a life of inbetweens and that applies culturally and creatively. In fact, I consider myself to be a guest in every creative field that I'm currently working in.

Because of that, I tend to connect with artists for their creative philosophy, work ethic and vision more than their capacity in any particular skill.

I look up to people who bridge gaps. For instance, while many may see Kanye as brash, I have immense respect for the way that he legitimized the producer / rapper formula. Same thing with Pharrell.

Meanwhile, I love the way that Questlove brings together the

else. Every single name I mentioned has equally viable lessons to offer, in my opinion. Equal but different.

Which people do you credit with influencing your work?

Self Portrait

influence of a wide variety of creatives, from rappers to restaurant chefs, to explain, Define and explore Universal Concepts that drive creativity. I even have immense respect for the Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber's of the world, who get a lot of hate on a creative level. I'd jump at the chance to meet either of them and pick their brains. Their commitment to their success, their

stories, are fantastic.

And look, the goal of an artist is to create ART. Who cares how it gets done? DJ Khaled organizes creatives into a bigger vision. We don't complain that CEOs of big companies aren't, like, writing the actual code for the iPhone.

They influence. They direct. To me, that's just as legitimate a creative function as anything

Too many. Each one in a slightly different way. Some influenced me stylistically. Toronto sound is a big one on the R&B side. Drake, dvsn, The Weekend, Party next door. Ozuna, Nicky Jam and Maluma influence the other side. That's not to mention the countless artists, producers and DJs from New England whom I had the pleasure to witness in their creative processes. They really provided me an excuse to take risks while making the mixtape. They put a ton of trust in me.

But as I mentioned, I'm a genre crosser. I used to listen exclusively to punk and alternative rock back in middle and high school. I even had a J-Pop phase. And throughout my adolescence I was playing the cello, too.

But I give equal-weight to

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the sinkers and philosophers who helped me get my mental game right on how to prioritize my growth. I talked about them in an earlier Answer.

Where do you think music is going now?

I think the self-produced model is going to take over. I also think that video creation is democratizing in a similar way to Music Creation. "selfproduced" was already here to stay, but now so is selfbroadcasted. I think that's a huge shift. It's going to mean that you now have to learn how to produce yourself, visually present yourself and broadcast all on your own if you want a competitive edge.

The bottom line is the tide raises All Ships. If technology makes it easy to make beats, to record, to market, to broadcast, etc., then you need to move your goal posts farther. By the way, all that coronavirus is doing is accelerating the shift.

Personally, at this point I would say if you don't have a microphone and audio interface, at least, you are

putting yourself at a serious disadvantage when it comes to your chances at success in the music and entertainment game. Obviously, people are realizing that, both with music and video broadcasting, hence why pretty much every form of video broadcasting technology is four times the price it was pre-Coronavirus.

As far as genre is concerned, as long as this pandemic is a factor, hip-hop and reggaeton will be at a disadvantage when compared to slower, more vibey forms of music.

That's not to say these genres are going to lose, just that their prevalence relies, in part, on their shareability in party settings. Streaming for both genres has gone down, percentage-wise, more than any other genre. I think that's because people tend to listen to them more in social settings.

So, who knows. Maybe some new genre get the chance in the Limelight in the midst of these new social norms. I don't know that this will be long term. Hip hop isn't just music, it’s a culture and a way of thinking. It's way too

Sterling Golden & Alexander Padei Photographs by: Phe "P" Sak, Following Boston, 320 Entertainment.

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ingrained and way too innovation drive to just disappear. With that said, I can definitely see artists making slower hip hop, more R&B, and so on. I can see these genres shifting down in BPM and getting more chill in response to shifting listening habits. Or the exact opposite could happen. Maybe Twitch becomes the new sports and hip hop finds growth by leveraging it. That's exactly the goal I have in mind as I dig into livestreaming studio sessions and exploring the capacities of broadcasting technologies. The pandemic is a crisis, but it’s also a big opportunity. The history of Hip hop is all about grabbing onto opportunity against expectation.

Music industry pundits often try to read some greater message into songs that doesn't exist. Do you ever get the feeling that happens to you?

I don't know. I'm open to any interpretation that listeners that listeners come up with. I believe that, as soon as I release a song it's not really mine anymore. The meaning of

a song is a mixture of the song itself and the person listening to it. Also, as soon as I finish the song it's not really me, anymore. Sure, it's a snapshot of how I was feeling at a particular moment, but if time passes, then I will have changed.

Let's end it here: the 2021 vision board and beyond for Alexander Padei.

I'm trying to explore the possibilities in the crossroad between music, video and live broadcasting. I'm going to keep releasing songs every week for the foreseeable future. I want to reach a world class level with my production, mixing, songwriting and live performance skills. That's going to take more time and hard work.

I'm also going to keep livestreaming my studio sessions and inviting artists and producers to collaborate with me on the platform. I don't know what will result from this practice and experimentation, but I have faith that I'll find myself in a good place if I keep moving forward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sterling Golden is a longtime Boston radio personality, event planner, podcaster,

activist and content creator. He is a 2017 SMC Honors winner, two-time "Boston's Best DJ" award nominee and one of the city's most recognized faces of the nightlife scene. This is his first feature for THE MAGAZINE.

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Luxury Lifestyle

From social club to one of the fastest growing philanthropic groups in America Kiss the Monkeys | Kiss The Mermaids (also known as KTM Events Inc.), is one of the fastest growing philanthropic groups in America. The group was started by Alex Harris and RaQuel Sanchez as a small social club but quickly became one of the leading events companies dedicated to benefiting charities. KTM Events has worked with countless charities such as St Judes, NCADV, YMCA, and Storm Aid. Their call to action for volunteerism earned Alex and RaQuel the Official Presidential Award from the White House and recognition from The United Nations.

The organization has a thriving Facebook community representing a diverse group of entrepreneurs, philanthropists, influencers, entertainers, professionals, and artists. KTM Events’ Facebook Groups pages highlight and introduce group members and their latest achievements with special attention to people and organizations that dedicate themselves to various causes.

Fashionistas flock to KTM’s red carpet charity events, and mastermind summits to enjoy its music performances, award ceremonies, and fashions shows. The weeks between

the galas are filled with coming together to feed the homeless or other volunteer community services and drives. It’s headquarters is in Southern California but there are chapters in several cities throughout the USA, including San Francisco, San Diego, Miami, Chicago and NYC. The end of January marked their last event before COVID 19 devastated the United States. NYC became the epicenter of the pandemic. The event, Once Upon A Runway was KTM’s first partnership with The Magazine at Rockefeller Center’s FAO Schwarz.

From KTM Events’ first gala in Beverly Hills each one to follow, exceeded expectations more and more. Once Upon A Runway was like the finalé/ aria before the long pause that no one expected.

Their mission always leads them back to the theme of a collective evolution.

In the background they are on Zoom meetings planning with like-minded friends representing Global Unity, Power Team International, Assuaged, The Best You Expo, Winn Slavin, ThreeSixty Group, GoGirl Worldwide, Melapa Fashion, Think & Grow Rich, The Magazine, just to name a few.

KTM is always innovative.

Look to them to be one of the pioneers to define how red carpet galas will be celebrated postquarantine. RaQuel and Alex understand that humans have a powerful need to connect with one another. What will that look like without the throng of photographers KTM Events draw? The answer to that is uncertain but you can be confident that Kiss The Monkeys and Kiss The Mermaids members will all reunite again in the name of charity and celebration in whatever fashion it takes. www.ktmevents.org Facebook: KissTheMonkeys

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Raquel Sanchez RaQuel Sanchez is a social media influencer, motivational speaker, movie producer, and a co-owner of the International Award Winning Events Companies and Online Network Communities known as Kiss The Monkeys and Kiss The Mermaids also known as KTM Events. She partners and consults with CEOs, international corporations, nonprofit organizations, entertainers, models, fashion designers, company executives, VCs, and solopreneurs to grow their personal images and/or professional brands.

Her knowledge comes from her diverse experience as a social media specialist, scientific research lab assistant, personal assistant to a high-profile music producer, service industry professional, real estate broker, medical spa marketing manager, owner of a dance production company, and as a core organizer of Help For Haiyan (named as the biggest grassroots charity drive in history, by various media outlets).

RaQuel found her hidden talents in social media in 2009 as a dance professional with no capital to market her dance company. RaQuel learned to use social media to gain international exposure for her dancers. When her friends took notice of her social media influence and marketing skills, she became highly sought-out to market for their start-ups and soon started working for several different companies as an outsourced marketer and influencer. This was when she found her everlasting desire to be an entrepreneur and to teach others how to become one themselves.

In 2013, when watching a CNN report of a devastating typhoon that hit her homeland in the Philippines, she and 4 friends decided to take action. They made The Rizal Filipino Community their headquarters to collect donations.

RaQuel used her mastery of social media to launch a Facebook group she named, Help For Haiyan. As a core organizer of Help For Haiyan, she was able to solicit generous donations from major corporations and attracted television

media for over 2 weeks with thousands of volunteers helping daily in the city of Chicago, despite the record-breaking below-freezing weather. A total of 18 containers were shipped to aid the victims of the typhoon.

RaQuel and her significant-other, Alex Harris, own Kiss The Monkeys and have become one of the fastest growing event companies in California. Beyond the mansion parties, festivals, summits and galas, KTM Events sponsors a variety of different charities and rallies their members to donate and volunteer for causes such as homelessness, domestic violence, environmental awareness, natural disaster relief, human trafficking, and women empowerment. RaQuel and Alex have been recognized and awarded for their humanitarian contributions by The Women’s Economic Forum and the United Nations and have also received the Presidential Award (2019). Together they connect people and brands that share a common interest in making positive global changes.

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Alex Harris Alex Harris is a Seventh Generation Antiques Dealer from the UK. He moved to the USA in 2004 and spent 11 years in NYC developing his business. He particularly specializes in vintage high-end jewelry with a client list of celebrities and royals clients..

While in NYC he started doing philanthropic work by founding a large social media network. In NYC his charity events quickly gained widespread attention for featuring internationally famous entertainers and working with foundations such as American Cancer Society, The National Wildlife Foundation, Wounded Warriors and The Salvation Army.

In 2015 Alex moved to Los Angeles to begin a new chapter with his girlfriend Raquel Sanchez.

Together they combined their networks and rebranded them to create their luxury events and social media community, Kiss The Monkeys. They have won multiple awards for their humanitarian efforts and philanthropic contributions to national and

global causes from organizations such as Arts For Peace and The World Networks that recognize entrepreneurs and dignitaries from all over the world.

Kiss The Monkeys is one of the most energetic communities on Facebook featuring its diverse members and creating the events where their members cross from VR to IRL all in the name of giving back.

He inspires a World Wide Network to realize their own legacy through business and servitude.

Alex’s most important role in life is being the proud father of his two children, Angus, Alana and working with his life partner RaQuel, who are the drive behind all things he does.

Photograph by Clear Photography at KTM’s most recent event Once Upon A Runway {A TOY STORY}.

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JANUARY 2020 - FAO Schwarz​closed its doors early to host a charity benefit for ​St. Jude Children’s Research Center​. An event in line with ​Kiss the Monkeys​and ​Kiss the Mermaids​by founders RaQuel Sanchez’s mission to integrate Fashion and Compassion. Also known as KTM Events, the organization partnered with designer ​Prashant Goyal​of ​Heritage India Fashions​to bring a diversified runway concept including Indian couture costume and disability models for ​Once Upon A Runway {A TOY STORY}​.

Photographs by Michelle Carpenter Photography & Adam Clear Photography THE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE | LUXURY LIFESTYLES 183

Santos M. Lopez & Elie Balleh VIP guests which included, Santos M. Lopez, from Orange County Choppers & Co-Founder of The Magazine Publication, New York socialites, artists, entrepreneurs, and influencers, streamed into the iconic toy store for red carpet interviews then greeted by champagne served by white gloves from a wall and hors d’oeuvres served by ​Chef Ray Taste Of The Islands​. A collective of artists including ​​John Mazlish, ​ Elsa Marie Keefe​, Ekaterina Abramova​, ​ Carol Scarvetto​, ​Ryan Cronin​, ​Vina Nguyen, &​Christian Nico, donated their art to give 100% of the sales from a silent and live auction, directly to St. Jude.

Lucia Kaiser

KTM’s signature “Evolutionist Award” ceremony to recognize its members for their humanitarian efforts and life achievements honored ​Meera Gandhi​ as a Living Legacy and Philanthropic FeNom, ​Lucia Kaiser ​(with her personal photographer, ​Jeff Smith​in tow), for Philanthropy and Pioneering Women In The Business Entertainment Industry, designer ​KiKi Wang​as a Fashion Empress (who is donating clothes from her new children’s line to St. Jude), and a surprise award to Prashant Goyal as a Fashion Icon and Outstanding Business Leader.

Cynthia Cherise Murphy, Celebrity Herbivorous Curators, President & Co-Founder at Assuaged

Jennifer Murphy, CEO of GoGirl Worldwide, Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg- Lippe, & Michelle Carpenter

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Fashionable socialites and philanthropists like Gloria Starr Kins, David Warren, author Luisa Diaz, Courtney Daniels, “Gotti� movie producer- Nino Fiore, TV personality - Chance Speissbach, movie producer Akeem Browder (brother of Kalief from Kalief Browder Story), Susan Gutfreund, Kevin and Sonali Rego, Maggie Delany, John Clark, Samrat Chakrabarti, were among the exclusively invited guests.

The highlight of the evening was the runway show. Hosts Jennifer Murphy and European royal, Prince Mario-Max de Shaumburg Lippe introduced Elie Balleh who opened the show followed by Vila Beauty Resources by Diem Ngoc Nguyen, Kilame by Pamela Quinzi - Cinderella Of New York (who flew in from Italy for the event), KiKi Wang, Teresa Costa Collections.

The show closed with the headliner and event partner, Heritage India Fashions by Prashant Goyal who flew in celebrity models and staff to impress with his colorful collection of sarees and kurta.

Disability models, Weston Wright (blind child model), Cynthia Murphy (Treacher Collins model), Alexis German Beautel (blind male model), and Abigail Adams (down syndrome) model/speaker), got audible reactions from the crowd.

Photographs by Michelle Carpenter Photography & Adam Clear Photography, Designer - Elie Balleh

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An after-party was held at The Royalton, the choice hotel of Once Upon A Runway {A TOY STORY} where guests were treated to tastes of Revanche cognac. The Royalton Hotel was also where many of the photoshoots and interviews were taken place in the days leading up to the event.

The evening was broadcast by B4U Corporate Music and TV and ET NOW. The main sponsor was FAO Schwarz that donated the venue by Mike Roberts of ThreeSixty Group. Other sponsors included Assuaged app and Do A Dollar (an app made for collective micro-donations that make a world of difference).

When mingling with the guests, event-organizer RaQuel chatted with an elderly couple that told her, “We don’t really go out much like we used to, and we don’t attach ourselves to many charities, but St. Jude stands above all the charities.”

This was evident by the number of clicks and donations from the event ticket link that redirected to the donations page of St. Jude.

Due to Covid-19, Kiss the Monkey’s is looking towards the future of 2021 to hopefully resume all their fabulous events!

Diem Ngoc Nguyen

was one of the designers showcased at the event

Photographs by Michelle Carpenter Photography & Adam Clear Photography

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2019Inaugural

Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week

Photographs by Katelyn Hegarty Photography

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The Magazine Lifestyle had the

Rhode Island and spanned over 4

Media press at this event!

full of celebrities, vintage and

honor to be among the Elite VIP This was one exciting event for

The Magazine Lifestyle team! This event was our first event in 2019, and it definitely set the bar high.

The event took place in Newport,

days of festivities. The day’s were modern cars, stunning mansion events and some of the best

celebrities’ chefs around. We look forward to attending the Audrain’s Concours Motor Week 2021!

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The Koenigsegg Gemera has made its world debut. It is the world’s first Mega-GT and Koenigsegg’s first four-seater. The Gemera is

limited to an edition of 300 cars. It is an extreme megacar that meets spacious interior and ultimate environmental consciousness.

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“Ultimate performance has belonged to the world of two-seaters with very limited luggage space – until now”, says CEO and founder Christian von Koenigsegg. “The Gemera is a completely new category of car where extreme megacar meets spacious interior and ultimate environmental consciousness. We call it a Mega-GT.”

ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE Since the birth of the company more than 25 years ago, Koenigsegg has been driven to create the ultimate performance car.

This new Mega-GT seats four large adults comfortably with space catering to their carry-on luggage, meaning the Koenigsegg megacar experience can be shared with family and friends. Despite being a four-seater, the Gemera easily outperforms most two-seat megacars, both combustion and electric. Still, the focus of the Gemera is taking on long-range public roads – family trips, in comfort, style and safety with neverbefore-experienced performance.

With its 1.27 megawatts of power and 3500 Nm of torque, the Gemera goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds and to 400 km/h in record matching pace.

The Gemera comes with an evocative and deep-throated growl from its large displacement Freevalve 3-cylinder engine.

CREATURE COMFORTS As the first in a new segment the Gemera Mega-GT is set to impress with its everyday usability and creature comforts. How about 4 cold and 4 warm cup holders, front and rear seat central infotainment displays, front and rear

wireless phone chargers, Apple CarPlay, Onboard internet and Wi-Fi, 11 speaker state of the art sound system, exterior and interior cameras, 4 reading lights, memory foam heated seats, electric front seats, 3 climate zones, Autoskin plus much more.

THE TINY FRIENDLY GIANT The Gemera yields a combined power output of 1700 bhp or 1.27 MW. The three electric motors – one for each rear wheel and one on the crankshaft of the engine – have a combined output of 800 kW or 1100 bhp simultaneously, or 1400 bhp when counted individually. On top of that, there is an added 600 bhp and 600

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ALL-WHEEL STEERING AND TORQUE VECTORING

Nm from the 2-liter 3-cylinder dry-sumped twin-turbo Freevalve engine, named the Tiny Friendly Giant (or TFG for short).

The TFG is a progressive outlook on the powertrains of tomorrow and offers a lighter, more efficient cradle-to-grave solution compared to any combustion engine before it.

The Gemera, if plugged in and filled with second-generation (Gen 2.0) ethanol or CO2neutral methanol like Vulcanol or any mix thereof, becomes at least as CO2-neutral as a pure electric car running on a “good� electric source. Before these second-generation renewable fuel sources are more accessible, the Gemera can also be driven on E85 and in worst case normal petrol.

Equipped with three electric motors, the Gemera can drive completely silent up to 300 km/h, and the powerful 800V battery gives a range of up to 50 km in EV mode.

The 3000 mm wheelbase gives unprecedented comfort and straight-line stability. The rear-wheel steering makes sure the Gemera corners with agility and can achieve a turning radius only seen in smaller cars. At high speed, the rear-wheel steering also gives better directional control.

The mix of all-wheel steering and all-wheel torque vectoring gives limitless tunability and adaptability of steering and driving feel, making it possible for the Gemera to be one of the most fun and safe cars on the planet.

SAFETY IN FOCUS The Gemera is one of the safest megacars out there and it is designed for world-wide homologation. The Gemera has a very strong carbon fiber monocoque, six smart airbags, stability control, TC, ABS and an ADAS 2.5 assistant system. It lacks nothing in ultimate safety.

The all-wheel steering and all-wheel drive and all-wheel torque vectoring give the Gemera maximum opportunity to offer a safe, stable and exhilarating drive. ISOFIX is also available for both rear seats.

100% FOUR-SEATER, 100% KOENIGSEGG The Gemera is the first of its kind in a completely new vehicle category. Still, it has clear ties to all previous Koenigsegg cars and their Swedish understated design roots.

The Gemera features giant full-length Koenigsegg Automated Twisted Synchrohelix Actuation Doors (KATSAD) that open wide. The doors are unhindered by the absence of B-pillars, thanks to a strong carbon monocoque. The door opens to reveal an impressive four-seater space that boasts equal ease of access, comfort and respect for both front and rear passengers.

CONTACT: Melissa Zhuo, PR and Content Senior Specialist +46 735 067493 melissa.zhuo@koenigsegg.com

The Gemera maintains recognizable Koenigsegg traits like its wrap-around jet fighter inspired windshield, the hidden A-pillars, the simple shapes, the short overhangs and the large side air intakes.

The front design is inspired by the first-ever Koenigsegg prototype – the Koenigsegg CC from 1996.

The Gemera is limited to an edition of 300 cars.

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THE WORLD’S FIRST MEGA-GT AND KOENIGSEGG’S FIRST FOR FOUR Ultimate performance has belonged to the world of two-seaters with very limited luggage space – until now. The Gemera is the world’s first Mega-GT and Koenigsegg’s first four-seater.

Extreme megacar meets spacious interior and ultimate environmental consciousness. ko e n i g s e g g .c o m

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