The Magazine Lifestyle - The Empowerment Issue

THE EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

CHAMPION CHANGEMAKERS

Cover photo by Mychal Watts

Dear Readers,

It’s hard to recall a time when the seasons have just flown by so quickly. The year 2023 has been a whirlwind for many including myself. Perhaps it is because the world finally feels normal again after the pandemic.

I think everyone has been going nonstop to catch up on what felt like a missing two years in our lives. We all feel this need to fill in a gap. Patch it with some extra events, extra family time, extra work – it’s all extracurricular activity to the max!

While the time quickly goes by the spin of it all is leaving many in a tailspin. It may be exciting and thrilling to get back to all these moments out of the confines of our once pandemic homes, but with it also comes a cost. At the same time, we cannot ignore that more and more folks are feeling the pressure of these days in 2023. The year is good, but without has come an intense feeling that creates the experience of panic. The questions start to arise like am I doing enough or am I even good enough. It’s a hard world and when you add the social pressures to live up to social expectations it just gets more difficult.

It should not be surprising that the month of May is Mental Health Awareness month. It has been observed in the United States since 1949 and was started by the Mental Health America organization. Spring is a time that people bloom with a stream of emotions coming up inside of them. It can be happy, but also depressing. The overwhelming obligations that come with the new season have especially hit hard for those trying to keep up appearances that everything is okay, especially in the realm of social media.

No one can deny the recent uptick in suicide numbers in our society, which stand out loudly as the growing number of school children expressing anxiety as well as our treasured military veterans who live in crushing fear. The media openly discusses these things, and it is even more poignant as we honor those who have served and lost their lives on Memorial Day.

No one escapes the power of mental health. Even I go through the motions and deal with everything that checks the boxes. I have family members who deal with anxiety. I have children in school who see through their innocent eyes a much deeper world than I grew up in. And, I even have both a husband, who is a disabled veteran from the Gulf War and a recently deceased

father-in-law who suffered from PTSD due to his time in the U.S. Air Force. People suffer everywhere and my own inner circle is no different.

It is why I dedicate our summer issue to those who recognize all these challenges, but do not step away and turn a blind eye. We are proud to salute the changemakers who dare to dream of a better world any season of the year. We share their stories loudly and proudly and each page that we turn we find it brings us together. In unity, we see what they do to support communities throughout the country, and it reveals a superpower. A person who uses their voice for the better of mankind is a true American hero. What they do for the world is done with grace. Their power is one thing that cannot be taken from us ever.

It is a season for fun in the sun, but it is also a time to reflect on those who matter most in life. There is so much in life to applaud. This is why over the season we will release two back-to-back issues that honor those who are changemakers as well as those leading the way with philanthropic causes around America today.

Here is to the season of golden sunshine radiating outside and inside the hearts of so many we passionately celebrate in 2023.

Sincerely,

Renee M. Wagner

Renee M. Wagner Editor in Chief/ Publisher

MEET THE TEAM

RENEE M. WAGNER CEO/Founder/Editor in Chief

Native New Englander, Renee Wagner has over 20 years of experience in the fashion and modeling industry, including pageantry, events, and print promotional campaigns. She has a degree in Marketing & Small Business Management and has accumulated many years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry.

Wagner is the driving force behind Wagner Productions, which launched “The Magazine Lifestyle” in 2020 to rave reviews. The publication reflects what means most to her, which is fostering change, creating opportunities, and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Reaching out to her audience through print, television, and events, “The Magazine Lifestyle” brand is a place for a diverse array of consumers to feel empowered, inspired, and connected to a community of people who are committed to making a difference.

Her personal platform is supporting mental health awareness and substance abuse and recovery, which lends support to families affected by addiction. Even with all her professional success, Wagner is most proud of her greatest accomplishment - her husband Bob and their two children.

MEET THE TEAM

He was named “Top Chef” by Las Vegas Food & Wine, 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 (Finalist) & 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 the winner of “Top Celebrity Chef Showdown”. Chef Kev D is an advocate for such charities as Boston Children’s Hospital & The Light Foundation. His 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; Garth Brooks, John Legend, Tommy Lee Jones, Giuliana Rancic, Kathie Lee & Hoda, Isiah Thomas, Gavin DeGraw 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

CHEF KEVIN DES CHENES Executive Producer Executive chef “To The Stars” and author of “Beyond My Chef Coat” Kevin Des Chenes has 25+ years of experience in the hospitality industry.

Photo Credit: Mia Campopiano

MEET THE TEAM

ElizaBeth Taylor is a journalist with featured articles in “Variety,” “E! News,” “Knockturnal,” “Times Square Chronicles,” “Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam,” “Retreat Magazine,” “Gurus,” and many more. A frequent reporter at film, fashion, sports, and art events due to her stature as “The Sensible Socialite,” she is passionate about people she is blessed to interview.

The Texas native has also spent many years working as a travel writer and television producer after graduating with high honors from the University of Southern California. She is currently gearing up for the globally televised “2023 New Year’s Eve Ball Drop” in Times Square while continuing to write at various publications.

ELIZABETH TAYLOR Producer and Writer

The work over the years has afforded her the opportunity to explore Europe, Russia, South America, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Greatly influenced by her time on the road, Taylor has created a heightened awareness for the way people around the world live today.

MEET THE TEAM

Tom Elliot is the owner and Art Director for TG Graphics, an independent, full-service advertising and design firm specializing in creative marketing strategies and innovative design.

Tom has more than 30 years’ experience in marketing, advertising and design. He is a designer, an illustrator, a photographer and copy writer.

Tom brings his keen marketing sense to every design project, helping clients to define their market, choose the perfect medium, write the words and create the pictures that will drive their message home. Learn more at tggraphics.com.

TOM ELLIOT Graphic Designer

MEET THE TEAM

Mychal Watts is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and has worked to become a professional entertainment photographer after serving our great nation. He developed a keen talent for photography working at a professional photo lab in New York City Box One as a technician where he earned the distinction of a Master Black and White and Color Technician.

During a 9-year tenure he was introduced to entertainment photographer John Bellisimo, as well as Kevin Mazur. Eventually he became a technical advisor and over time he shot his first live show which was published with George Clinton and The Funkadelics in Central Park.

This exposure eventually landed him gigs covering the Sundance Film Festival, Grammys, Oscars, A list actors and red carpets, as well as assignments for Getty/Wireimage for media placement. He also became the Director of Photography Services for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, which is a charity organization that provides financial and emotional family support for wounded troops returning home from injuries received during combat tours in the middle east.

Based in New York City, his current focus is creative portraiture, fashion editorials and headshots. He also remains an active contributor and stringer photographer at Getty/Wireimage.

MYCHAL WATTS Photographer

MEET THE TEAM

As President of Indra Public Relations, MJ has supervisory and strategic control over all functional disciplines of the organization. As a former partner and CEO of Pro Players Sports Marketing Group, Inc., MJ brings over two decades of experience working with professional athletes, world-renowned brands and individuals on top-tier public relations campaigns, branding, producing high-profile events and crisis management for her global clientele.

MJ’s ability to present and articulate comprehensive public relations and marketing strategies and complete the loop of communication has always been recognized as exceptional. MJ’s relationships and roster of clients reads like a “who’s who” of professional sports, entertainment, hospitality, and corporate America. MJ’s forward-thinking approach and business strategies has led to unique and successful opportunities for her clients. Integrity is the foundation of her values and character and is inherent in the methodology that she has employed in forming her company and trusting relationships.

MJ is a result driven and an award-winning leader who has successfully grown her agency which has been named “Top Celebrity PR Agencies” by PRWeb, “Top 5 PR Agencies in NYC” by Expertise.com and Top 5 Sports Agencies by Provoke. MJ has been featured in “Forbes” for “How I Made It in A Man’s’ Field: 5 High- Powered Women Tell All.” MJ is one of the top female entrepreneurs to receive the Puglia’s Award of Excellence for Public Relations & Nonprofit Leaders, Top Entrepreneur in Business Award, Gotham Comedy Philanthropy Award, Power Women in Business Hall of Fame Award by Schneps Media, and Top Nonprofit Public Relations leader by Int’l Association of Top Professionals.

MJ PEDONE Contributor

MEET THE TEAM

Norah Lawlor began her career in Canada hosting a cable TV show and producing fashion shows, bringing the hottest Canadian talent to New York. This fired her ambitions to build her career in communications and PR. After moving to New York City, she initially handled events and PR for the nightlife scene from which her success evolved into the launch of Lawlor Media Group, Inc.

The Agency, in business for over 20 years, has an innovative approach to generating buzz and media interest for her clientele, which includes names familiar to New York, Hamptons and Palm Beach in the social and society scene.

Today, Norah’s business has evolved, providing strategic PR consulting, communications and campaign implementation for a roster of national and International luxury lifestyle brands and clients encompassing real estate, charitable organizations, fashion,travel, health & beauty, hospitality, television, movie premieres, authors plus celebrities and high-profile personalities.

NORAH LAWLOR Contributor

Photo Credit: Rob Rich SocietyAllure.com

Meet the Changemakers

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Photos by Mychal Watts

THE GENEROUS GRIDIRON GIANT GIVES BACK

Photo by Mychal Watts

Tony Richardson

True trailblazers guide the way to a brighter future. They may stand in the center of the spotlight, but they always showcase a spot for humanity to shine.

This kind of pure and joyful energy radiates when you are in the same room as Tony Richardson. The generous spirit and support he gives to the community are rooted in his belief system. Considered one of the most innovative players of his generation, there is no denying that Richardson has a rather impressive background. The formidable NFL player’s career is wideranging and his status in the community is deeply meaningful. Defining his public persona comes with chapters of enthralling poetry. His storied background is full of highlights as impressive as the game he played as a professional athlete.

He always throughout his career had a big heart for the game, so when he shut the door in the locker room, he took on a new role model position with NFL Legends, which eventually led to the crowning achievement of being named NFL Legends Community Director. The inspirational journey has also led to him being an instrumental part of several spinoff programs. Motivated by his own family’s history in the military, he now proudly serves as a guiding force with such organizations as Merging Vets & Players. Bringing combat veterans and former pro athletes together, the foundation falls in line with Richardson’s principles to actively support past and present American heroes. He shines a light on their needs for mental health and universal equality.

Richardson spent a remarkable 17 seasons in the NFL. After the one year with the Dallas Cowboys, the pro would play 11 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and two with the Minnesota Vikings, earning three trips to the Pro Bowl. His incredible ability and team player reputation led the Jets to reach out when he became a free agent in 2008. With the New York team for three seasons, he had a memorable time with them in the 2010 playoffs.

“I’ve always known how important mental health is in life,” he reflects. “I struggled with it when I left football. I went from having a team for 17 years and I had my best friends to go to work every single day. And then suddenly you retire. You still have friends, but then to me it was a different level. It was important to recreate that locker room feeling. And that’s our main model with NFL legends. It’s creating an environment where guys know that we’re still a team and we still have each other to lean on. It’s that same wonderful aspect that I really loved most about what I do for MVP.”

It simply is what I should be doing. It is my path, and I am very fortunate to be in a position to help others.

The global undertaking of his history helps paint the picture of what true leadership looks like across America today. He joins a class of rare and special individuals who are recognized for their physical capabilities as much as by the way they issue a plan to help so many people win at the great game of life.

At a moment when society’s problems can seem insurmountable, it is so inspiring to see Richardson’s guiding light and philanthropic endeavors combined to create a leading changemaker. He is an advocate and philanthropist who has fresh perspectives and is always willing to share groundbreaking ideas to help charities and foundations. He can make an appearance at an event, but the fans leave with so much more than an autograph. They take home with them a meaningful moment full of lessons of humble gratitude.

A magnetic and multifaceted presence, the kind that doesn’t come around very often, the retired football player doesn’t shy away from using his star power to help the future generations carve out a prosperous road. He leads the journey of many young and upcoming NFL players just as much as he takes the time to teach the importance of combating bullying in elementary schools. He prays to his maker with the same ease he kneels before a military vet. Richardson humbly takes on the position of gratitude. He is proud of what he does daily to inspire a better tomorrow.

“I can say I never say work because it’s not work,” Richardson expresses. “It simply is what I should be doing. It is my path, and I am very fortunate to be in a position to help others.”

The charismatic celebrities and famous sports stars of the world don’t have to take these measurements, but the heroic TRich who is forever branded as number 49 from his jersey wearing days does and he does it as he deploys his infectious smile to all those who stand before him to shake his hand.

Opportune moments to help others and be a guiding light from this strong-willed man who fights against society’s expectations of what a famous person is deserves applause. But don’t expect TRich to take it willingly. He would rather share it any given Sunday or day for that matter. He is an ethos on how to wield influence. Simply put, Richardson is the gridiron great who puts generosity above all else.

Doing things with positive intent and impact has never been more vital. We honor this changemaker and the innovators who are leading the world to a more viable future. His unwavering work in the community proves that when ingenuity, imagination, meet purpose and grit, the human capacity for problem solving is boundless.

Changemaker for the Children

President & CEO enCourage Kids Foundation Jean M. Butler

Since 1985, enCourage Kids Foundation has helped humanize healthcare for children and their families by resourcing impact-driven pediatric programs and supporting the Child Life Community. Programs offer relief from the constant burden of treatments, hospital stays, and doctor appointments, while also supporting pediatric facilities to meet the unique needs of their patients. enCourage Kids Foundation envisions a world where every child regardless of the difficulty of his or her medical journey—experiences joy, hope, resilience, and healing.

Serving nearly one million children annually, enCourage Kids is focused on making hospitals a better place to get better. As the new President & CEO of enCourage Kids Foundation, Jean M. Butler is a changemaker who is making a tremendous difference in the lives of people of all ages. Leading the well-established nonprofit which helps humanize healthcare for children and their families through impact-driven pediatric initiatives, Butler is an advocate businessperson with a heart of gold.

Prior to this new role, she was instrumental as the Chief Executive of The Toy Foundation, where she created and launched many national programs, including those with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the U.S. Department of Defense, CASA For Children, Amazon, Target, and many more.

Never one to shy away from the work that makes a powerful impact on mankind, Butler reflects on the importance of the foundation in America today with grace and dignity. It is fight worth fighting for every single day, especially as the organization focuses on the latest fundraising endeavors.

“We exist to benefit children who are in need, children who are sick, and their family members. So, if we don’t have a means of funding, we are not able to operate these programs, which have a direct impact on the well-being of children, not just physically, but emotionally, socially, psychologically,” she states. “They really impact the entire child as well as the family unit. It would be a shame if we weren’t able to expand our work because that’s certainly our goal. We know the need is out there.

In fact, particularly when it comes to mental health, there aren’t enough partners and professionals who are able to help these children. We know we have a role to play here. And right now, our ambitions are very big.”

Expanding in her new role, she is honored to help be a part of the enCourage Kids Foundation’s 38th Anniversary Gala, which takes place on June 22, 2023. The group is proud to honor Adam Doneger, Executive Vice Chairman, Newmark, and Josh Cromer, Head of Credit Investments, Rialto Capital, and their spirit of philanthropy. This year, Mount Sinai will be the recipient of The Michele Hall Duncan Humanizing Healthcare Award. This award is in memoriam of our late President & CEO Michele Hall Duncan for her over two decades of dedication of humanizing healthcare for pediatric patients and their families.

We were so fortunate as to have raised millions through this gala. That would mean that we could roll out these mental health wellness comfort kits nationwide. It would mean that we could impact millions more children in hospitals. And we know that our work goes well beyond the walls of the hospital. Our work touches the hearts, not just of the children. But the parents and the siblings and, and other family members who are connected to the child who happens to be going through some type of suffering.

The extremely rewarding night plays a big part in big plans for the future of the foundation. Butler expresses the desire to triple in size and do much greater good for every family that needs help. We honor her advocacy along with the organization for the passionate work they strive to accomplish in 2023 and beyond.

Jeff McQueen THE MENTAL HEALTH CRUSADER

Jeff McQueen is a man who daily sets out to improve mental health in our community through advocacy, education, program development and the delivery of quality direct services. As the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Nassau County, he is a true changemaker in every sense.

McQueen is a combat veteran equipped with first-hand experience within multiple facets of recovery. “It truly is an honor to serve in this role because I am the model of who we serve in our community,” he states.

The organization is a not-for-profit membership foundation dedicated to improving mental health in our community through programs. Since its founding in 1953, MHANC has been an advocate for the needs of adults and children with psychiatric and emotional difficulties. Throughout the 1970s, MHANC provided information for individuals seeking treatment or services while continuing its advocacy efforts. In the 1980s, the agency grew rapidly to fill the growing need for innovative community services.

As a leader of the group, McQueen believes mental health is as important as physical health, and that recovery is possible. Services fall in line with his principles and help assist individuals facing chronic and serious mental illness and psychiatric disabilities, supporting them on their paths to building productive and meaningful lives.

Photo by Mychal Watts

“My background is that of recovery. I come from a world of trauma and substance use and incarceration and homelessness. It took a lot to arrive at a place where life has pretty much become whatever it is that I focus on making it,” McQueen Reflects. “This is what we believe to be necessary. And vital to the community of those who live with diagnosis or live behind these walls of substance use disorder. I always try to hold a candle of hope and keep it available for those who have yet to find it.”

“We always want to make sure that at the forefront of anyone receiving care that the experience that they receive from their team is a worthwhile and comfortable and loving experience,” he says.

McQueen presents implementation techniques throughout the country on topics such as personal growth, change, time management, and other recovery-based modalities all while learning from a variety of adversities and obstacles throughout his own experiences. It is something that makes the mission of MHANC powerful.

The champion changemaker goes on about how assistance should be given for all who seek help. “When we look at something like this, it is not like we are looking at cancer where it is unavoidable. We are not looking at a situation that is out of our control. In our community overdose can be prevented. And so, this is even more reason why we should devote attention and time to it because it’s actually something that we know we can impact.”

He takes great pride in learning from life’s challenges and in turn educating society and empowering the world.

“We have to become a society that understands that not all wounds are physical wounds,” McQueen passionately reflects. “People have had things happen to them and we need to become a loving, caring society that understands this and is able to embrace people regardless of the wound.”

“We always want to make sure that at the forefront of anyone receiving care that the experience that they receive from their team is a worthwhile and comfortable and loving experience,” he says.

Ed Schloeman’s faith in mankind is what makes him fight the good fight. With his organization, Operation Warrior Shield, which is led by him along with Walter Primoff, and Patrick Kernan as well as a board of directors and advisors, he is the definition of a true changemaker.

OWS provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, first responders and their families that are focused

FINDING THE COURAGE WITHIN with Ed

on transition, health and wellness, employment, prevention of homelessness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources. The emphasis is to help heal their hidden wounds through such services as helping veterans find jobs; eliminating veteran homelessness; teaching Transcendental Meditation; providing a community based holistic wellness program; and providing the well-known Companion Dog Assistance program.

Schloeman of Operation Warrior Shield

Photo by Mychal Watts

Schloeman and the late Jerry Yellin established the organization in 2016 when they spent time traveling the country to speak on behalf of the non-religious modality of Transcendental Meditation. In turn, they became partners with many veteran service organizations including Wounded Warrior Project, USO, US Army, USMC, NYC Department of Veterans Services, NYPD, and others.

Today with relationships with the David Lynch Foundation and The NY Open Center OW continues to bring proven treatments to help heal hidden wounds and to build resilience to the stresses of life. And, in 2020, with a new partnership with The Doris Day Animal Foundation, Hope for Heroes, and Tunnel to Towers Foundation, OWS has established Operation Companion Canine. It provides companion dogs to America’s most seriously wounded Veterans.

“I’m just proud to say I’m able to do this,” the advocate says. “I suffered all by myself when there was no one when I came home from Vietnam in 1966. There was nothing. I must give thanks that I was able to have a wonderful wife to handle my emotions. And I do believe that I’m just another instrument of God add that he is getting to these people. So, I would say that I really thank God that I’ve had the opportunity to be his vehicle to help save these lives that are at risk of being destroyed by broken marriages, alcoholism, drug addiction, and more. I believe that it’s very worthwhile what we have accomplished to help others in need.”

Earlier this year, OWS honored Marine Veteran Mychal Watts for his work with OWS and his outstanding service to our country. The event also honored American boxing champions Gerry Cooney and Monte Barrett. It was here that Schloeman with presented with an official Citation for his outstanding work raising funds and providing support for servicemen and servicewomen.

Motivational Artist Billy Alsbrooks is currently on his 2023 “Blessed and Unstoppable” World Tour.

Photo Credit: Francisco Cruz Jr.

Motivational Artist

Billy Alsbrooks

As the voice of this generation, Billy has created a massive movement that is taking the world by storm. He’s more than just a motivational speaker, he’s a motivational artist, a world influencer, multi-award-winning poet, and former Billboard charting recording artist. His charismatic booming voice and thought-provoking words shake the foundation of every venue in which he speaks. NFL teams and major corporations all over the world hire Billy to come speak to their organizations.

From the tragedy of his own father’s passing to the rise and rebirth of his existence, Billy has become an unstoppable force in the motivational speaking industry. His viral motivational messages have currently been streamed globally more than 70 million times in 170 nations and his top selling book “Blessed and Unstoppable: Your Blueprint for Success” has been sold in over 32 countries. In 2019, Billy was awarded an honorary doctorate in Humanities for his massive impact around the globe. His new album, “The Art of Motivation” is now available worldwide on all major streaming platforms.

His words of wisdom are powerful messages. He makes statements like, “The difference between the common person and the champion is the excuse.

Common people will find any excuse to get out of doing what needs to be done to achieve success. The champion will make any excuse possible to ensure that they can and will do what is required.”

His four-hour intense personal development workshop will change the trajectory of your whole life. Billy has this rare gift of being able to help people who haven’t found their passion, who feel lost, defeated, or stuck. His words and vocal charisma open the listener’s mind, and then with a few perfectly timed self-assessment questions, he instigates the paradigm shifts that unlock the greatness that’s been lying dormant within.

American tour stops this summer include seminars in Dallas, Baltimore, Kansas City, Chicago, Denver, Indianapolis, San Diego, Phoenix, San Antonio, Nashville and more.

No matter what area of your life you’re struggling in, the profound success principles Alsbrooks teaches, and the masterful way he presents them will usher in the breakthroughs you’ve been looking for. This will be more than just a seminar, it’s going to be a complete spiritual experience, a chance at a new and more meaningful life. Billy is going to give you the blueprint that will truly make you Blessed and Unstoppable.”

“What separates highly successful people from common people is what they do when presented with an opportunity,” he says.

Francesco’s Foundation Fights for Change

Francesco’s Foundation has been created to help prevent teenage suicide through providing financial support for education in schools, where the focus will be on prevention of all types of bullying including in the LGBTQIA+ community. Education is the focus about the risks of teenagers engaging in dangerous activities online and about the risks of leaving firearms unsecured with teenagers in the house, which can all lead to suicide.

Seventeen-year-old Francesco took his life with an unsecured shotgun in 2021 on a warm October evening on a moonlit beach in the Hamptons. He was discovered by the police after a call from a school friend. He had to be identified by his dentist, so devastating is the destruction from a shotgun suicide.

Photo credit: Francesco’s Foundation

No parent should ever have to live with that image. The aftermath of his death has devastated his two mothers and family and friends. Prior to Francesco’s unexpected death he had a very exciting future ahead of him. For a seventeenyear-old boy he had already accomplished a lotgaining entry to Winchester College in the UK, amongst the top high schools in the world, he had played the violin at both Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center,and was an accomplished sailor. He had a great sense of humor and a zest for life. He was an honors and straight A student who had no history of depression, drug, or alcohol use.

Francesco was open about his sexuality and had confided in everyone but his family. His only mistake had been in divulging his questioning sexuality to people at school. The last few weeks of his life were the target of spiteful, malicious lies, gay slurs, and ridicule. One night he was unable to take any more and he had a very uncharacteristic night of recklessness and although he had not set out to end his life that night he did.

Francesco’s Foundation has been set up by Francesco’s mother, Diana and her partner, Jennifer to honor the memory of Francesco and to help reduce the terrible risk of teenage suicide by providing financial help for charities investing in the education of teenage mental health.

Diana Cochran and her partner, Jennifer Allsop are working tirelessly to make changes at schools to protect the mental health of teenagers and help prevent more unnecessary teenage suicides. They are working to make significant changes to the country with the help of board members.

A major new report from the CDC published in February 2023 shows that there has been a huge increase in teenage suicide, especially amongst girls and the LGBTQ community. The report shows that one in four teenagers identifying as lesbian, bisexual or gay attempted suicide in the first half of 2021. The foundation aims to work towards introducing legislation regarding the safe storage of sporting shotguns - those that are not intended for self-defense but for sport, and therefore not protected by the second amendment. Francesco’s Foundation.

A Fashion Forward Movement WITH HOPE WEAR CLOTHING

In 2021, Cathy and Hope Cardenas launched an inspirational clothing line called Hope Wear to produce empowering change in the world. The company over the past few years has gained a loyal following of individuals who share a common goal of spreading positivity through their day-today fashion choices.

“When we look at the unparalleled platform that fashion has to communicate, there was a real opportunity for us to create clothes with a specific focus on encouragement,” said Cathy Cardenas, co-founder, Hope Wear Clothing. “We are a big believer in the power of positivity and designed these offerings based on what we would want to wear, which are cute, stylish, and comfortable options that uplift others.”

Cathy and Hope design their pieces to reflect their ideals with a portion of proceeds benefiting three philanthropic organizations that are close to their hearts - HOPE Mental Health Foundation, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation and Veterans Matter.

Known for fresh, minimalistic designs with motivating messages of pure encouragement, Hope Wear Clothing showcases clothing, jewelry and accessories that feature a variety of styles, including fitted tees, hooded sweatshirts, tanks, jewelry and more adorned with the brand’s signature uplifting words.

Highlights include Inclusive sizing with design elements that focus on the company’s patriotic and faith-based values.  Customers often purchase the products for themselves, as well as to gift to loved ones, friends or coworkers that are going through challenging times.

“It’s paying it forward. It fills my soul,” Cathy proudly reflects on her work that makes the company successful.  “And I know that God works through each of us. There have been so many times when I’m just seeing myself as a tool in his hands. God uses us to do his work. I think it’s really important that we serve and give back because you never know how that one little thing can change someone’s life for the better.”

Made from high-quality materials, Hope Wear is perfect for casual get togethers, school pickups, beach days, cookouts, hiking or simply running errands. Since inception, the company has created more than 50 uniquely designed apparel items to meet up with the growing demand from their customers.

Photos provided by Cathy Cardena

The company has also designed specific tees in which 50% of proceeds on purchases of those items are donated to the organization.

“It’s paying it forward. It fills my soul.”

Il Tinello Restaurant “

Discover the joy of the traditional eveningout meal full of warmth, passion, and resounding character at Il Tinello East. This restaurant is welcoming an astonishing number of returning restaurateurs and unique visitors in New York City at 244 East 46th Street. From United Nations diplomats to tourists to those in the know, this restaurant is serving up delightful meals and exquisite service daily. The city’s ever-changing landscape may evolve on the restaurant scene with trends that come and go, but one thing is

certain, a phenomenally traditional meal, such as found at Il Tinello East will never go out of style.

The treasures found at Il Tinello East blend years of tradition with innovative Italian cooking and provide a rich experience through presentation that is purely matched by a delicious menu.The quality Italian ingredients, spectacular wine list, hand-crafted cocktails and impeccable service showcase the restaurant’s heritage and pride in serving customers a memorable meal.

The menu boasts a lunch and dinner service that is notably divine in presentation and taste factors that all together create a magical experience. The fresh homemade pastas, regional ingredients and diverse wine list are all desirable. Portions are as large as skyscrapers and tastes are as rich as the Wall Street stock markets.

The selection of freshly made inhouse Pastas are woven into dishes such as Tagliolini with sea scallops, shrimp, cultured mussels, little neck clams, garlic, fresh herb; Penne with portobello mushrooms, fresh chopped tomato, garlic, olive oil; and Rigatoni with roasted eggplant, fresh tomato, basil, diced buffalo mozzarella. The Entrees are just as superb with Tagliata with black angus steak, garlic, rosemary, roasted potato; Scarcapariellowith lemon, white wine, garlic; Veal Parmigiano with parmigiano, tomato sauce; and the Campagnola for two with beef, chicken, sausages, peppers, potatoes, white wine, rosemary, and garlic.

Such highlights at this quintessential restaurant include antipastos of Grilled Portobello with mixed green salad, goat cheese, balsamic dressing; Capesante with pan-seared jumbo sea scallops, brandy, saffron, herb sauce; and Crispy Calamari with tomato sauce. Enjoy the house favorite Caesar Salad for two prepared table side and served classic style: or the Siciliana with mesclun, tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, and cucumbers.

Leave room for the famed desserts that include sweets such as Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, Italian Ricotta Cheesecake and Banana Flambe table size. Cocktails also are a part of this joyous experience with the 2nd Avenue Spritz with Litchi Liqueur, Prosecco, and St-Germaine Elderflower Liqueur; the New Fashion with Cincoro Reposado Tequila, Ramazzotti Amaro, fresh orange; and Side of 46th Street with Hennessy Cognac, Grand Marnier Liqueur, lemon juice.

We passionately care about tradition. We know that people care about food quality as much as they do about ambience and service,” states owner Benny Bello. “It humbles us to be able to operate a beloved restaurant that values and honors the quality of a good old-fashioned New York meal. There is simply nothing like it.