boiMAG.com "Wedding" by boiMAGazine & boiMAG.com

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EDITORIAL Publisher: BOI Magazine, Inc. Editor: Nate Daniels Feature Editor: John Stephens Media: Sylvia Shields Graphic Design: Titanium Graphics

layout & design Titanium Graphics, Inc. Layout Specialist: Jerry Ellison

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DISTRIBUTION Chicago & Suburbs: DSE (Delivery Service Enterprises) World Wide Distribution: AnyFlip Media Network

COVER Chad Brittian - NVS

What is the difference between a Wedding

Officiant, a Minister, and a Justice of the Peace? When you’re trying to plan a wedding, you find the suddenly you have to be an expert on everything! It’s confusing to try to understand the difference between different types of wedding officials, but we are here to explain the difference. A minister can officiate a wedding, but most ministers will be restricted in what they can or will officiate, due to their religious affiliation with the church they belong to. This is a great choice for individuals who already belong to a church that they regularly attend, if they want a traditional church ceremony. A justice of the peace is a special type of court officer that can perform civil marriages. These are a simple option for individuals who want nothing more than a marriage certificate, but they are limited in terms of schedule and location, and are strictly no-frills marriage ceremonies. Lastly, a wedding officiant is anyone who can legally officiate a marriage ceremony. In wider use, a wedding officiant often refers specifically to a nondenominational and sometimes non-religious official who carries no affiliation with a church. Couples who don’t regularly attend a religious service or church often find this sort of wedding officiant

ideal because of the flexibility this approach affords. When you use a non-denominational wedding officiant, you aren’t bound by the limits of any specific religious tradition or dogma. Couples who have differing religious backgrounds also tend to prefer a wedding officiant like this, because multi-religious ceremonies can be custom-made, honoring the religious tradition and beliefs of both families. At I Tie the Knots, we have even written ceremonies that include Catholic liturgy and Hindu ceremonies in Sanskrit! For couples that prefer a non-religious ceremony, wedding officiants also afford this flexibility, without the shortness and rigidness of the courthouse ceremony. Most wedding officiants, such as ourselves, also offer quick elopement ceremonies, which is a more flexible option as compared to the justice of the peace ceremonies. Officiants offer these quick ceremonies during nights and weekend hours, where a justice of the peace would often have a narrow time availability. Overall, a minister, justice of the peace, and a non-denominational wedding officiant are all perfectly capable of running your wedding ceremony. If you want the ultimate customization and flexibility in schedule and ceremony your best bet is a non-affiliated wedding officiant. boiMAG

HEALTHY TRAVEL Tips for a Safe Getaway

What do travelers think about when planning travel to a foreign country? Do thoughts turn to spectacular scenery, exotic foods, and the opportunity to experience another culture? Are there worries about diseases, insects, and water safety? Most of us consider both parts of the picture, excited about the good prospects and nervous about the bad. We wonder how to get the most out of travel while guarding against any health hazards that might exist. This guide is for those who want to enjoy the opportunities of travel without spending time and energy dealing with problems that could be prevented. The threat of disease worldwide, although real, is often different from what many people expect. Ebola virus disease, cholera, avian influenza, plague, and coronavirus may make headlines, but they rarely affect travelers. Other outbreaks, like chikungunya or Zika virus infection, may impact travelers for short periods of time in very specific places. This doesn’t mean there is no cause for concern; take all reasonable precautions to reduce the chances of becoming ill. However, the problems that are most likely to affect travel plans are much more ordinary, ie: travelers’ diarrhea, jet lag, or an auto accident. Travelers who follow preventive behaviors can avoid most travel-related health and safety problems. This guide provides reliable explanations and practical ideas about the best ways to stay healthy while traveling abroad. Some travelers may choose to follow all the advice carefully, especially if they are traveling in a high-risk area or have existing health concerns. Others may evaluate the risks and decide to follow only some of the precautions mentioned, based on individual needs. Travelers spending time exclusively in developed countries, in resort areas of developing countries, or within the international hotel circuit will generally have a much lower risk of illness. Adventure travelers and persons staying abroad for extended periods of time, spending a good deal of time with local populations or eating and sleeping in rural accommodations, are typically at higher risk. This is especially true for persons traveling in developing countries.

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Your Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel Every year more and more Americans are traveling internationally for vacation, business, and volunteerism, and to visit friends and family. Whatever your reason for traveling, the information on this page will help you to be Proactive, Prepared, and Protected when it comes to your health—and the health of others—while you are traveling. BE PROACTIVE! Take steps to anticipate any issues that could arise during your trip. The information below will help you plan for a safe and healthy trip. • Learn about your destination. • See a doctor before you travel. • Think about your health status. • Are you too sick to travel? (Recent illnesses, injuries, or surgeries) • Do you have any special health needs? (Babies and small children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, people with weakened immune systems) BE PREPARED! No one wants to think about getting sick or hurt during a trip, but sometimes these things happen. You may not be able to prevent every illness or injury, but you can plan ahead to be able to deal with them. • Pack smart. • Plan ahead for illnesses or injuries during your trip. • Know what to do if you become sick or injured on your trip. • Know and share important information about your trip. BE PROTECTED! It is important to practice healthy behaviors during your trip and after you return home. This section outlines how you can protect yourself and others from illness during your trip. • Pay attention to your health during your trip. • Use sunscreen and insect repellent. • Be careful about food and water. • Try not to take risks with your health & safety. • Wear protective gear when doing activities. • Respect your host country and its people by following local laws and customs. • Pay attention to your health when you come home.

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Affordable Winter Vacations In The U.S.

After the holidays, airfares and hotel prices start to drop dramatically, especially since most of us have used up our vacation days and aren’t planning on traveling too much. We can’t think of a better cure for the winter blues than jet setting off to a brand new location. If you’re looking to get away from the freezing temperatures, there are a lot of places, like California, New Mexico, Arizona and Florida, that are waiting to give you a nice, sunny respite from the harsh, winter winds. Check out these incredible destinations to plan out your next winter vacation.

Sun Valley, Idaho

According to Cheap Flights, roundtrip flights from Los Angeles start at $183, or $277 from New York City area airports. But besides the savings, it’s a skiers paradise. Since Sun Valley, if you can’t tell by the name, has an average of 205 sunny days per year, skiers can hit the slopes nearly any given day without worry.

San Diego, California

You’re probably thinking San Diego is an expensive city, so why is it on this list? That may be true, but usually pricey trips to San Diego happen in the summer. But the winter is just as rewarding a time to go. The average temperature is 66 degrees in January, which may not scream “beach weather,” but it does seem like great weather for visiting the famous San Diego Zoo. And, the average hotel stay cost ranges anywhere between $50 and $200, depending on how close you want to be to the city center.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe hosts a bustling artistic community where tourists can come and absorb the local culture in over 250 art galleries ranging in style and subject from contemporary to traditional Native American art. In fact, the city prides itself on being a go-to destination for people wanting to learn more about Native American culture and history, with its many events, museums and historical sites. It’s also an excellent place to relax at a local spa. Average hotel cost is around $163, according to USA Today.

Portland, Oregon

Foodies, coffee addicts and beer snobs, look no further for your perfect vacation. Even in the chilly Oregon weather, there’s still plenty to do in Portland. Take a brewery tour at one (or more) of the city’s 70+ breweries, visit some local coffeehouses, pizzerias, and of course, Voodoo Doughnuts. Arguably the best donuts west of the Mississippi (if not the world). Hotels can cost as low as $65.

Washington, D.C.

Care to visit the Nation’s Capital when it’s a verifiable winter wonderland? We thought so. Although D.C. averages about 43 degrees in January, don’t let that deter you from feasting your eyes on the Lincoln Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the Smithsonian, and dozens of other museums, galleries and historic sites that everyone simply must-see. Many of them are free! According to USA Today, the average hotel cost is $115. boiMAG 11

Affordable U.S. Winter Vacations Orlando, Florida

What better way to spend the dark, winter days than in the most magical place on earth? The winter months, especially after the holidays, can be a little less packed at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, as well as Harry Potter World at Universal Studios, so it’s an amazing time to pack up the family and go for a New Year’s Disney trip. Plus, lots of airlines post cheaper airfares to Orlando in the winter, so you might even be able to snag yourself a last minute deal. Otherwise, according to USA Today, the average hotel cost is $148 and the average flight cost is around $282.

Sedona, Arizona

Don’t expect arid and hot Phoenix weather when you’re in Sedona. This gem of a desert getaway is especially magical in winter because the average temperature is a crisp 57 degrees in January. This time of year is perfect for people to visit the charming town, go hiking among the Red Rocks or take a spa vacation. And, luckily for you, hotel stays range between $76 and $475.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Jazz, beignets and booze are probably the biggest motivating factors for tourists coming to New Orleans, but the city also has a rich history, unique architecture, one-of-a-kind culture, and an average temperature of 63 degrees in January. You can basically walk all over the French Quarter without breaking a sweat, not the easiest feat in Punta Gorda, Florida The Big Easy most of the year. Foodies, South of Tampa is the gorgeous, art enthusiasts, music lovers, wannabe historic Punta Gorda, with a beautiful historians and people who just love a downtown, fishermen’s village, harborwalk in Charlotte Harbor, and an good party all have something to do here, so it’s a good thing the average average temperature of 74 degrees in January. It’s bliss for anyone looking to hotel cost is around $130 and the get away from near-polar temperatures average flight costs $288. up north. Prices for a hotel stay can Pahoa, Hawaii range anywhere between $75 and $250 per night, but you can also check Get everything you want in a Hawaiian vacation, without all the touristy stuff. Airbnb for more deals. Located on the Big Island, you can get some quality time on Hawaii’s beautiful Austin, Texas beaches, enjoy romps through the Food trucks and honky tonks meet east coast hipster culture Texas’ coolest rainforest, or go snorkeling with tropical fish without having to compete with city. Rainey Street, Red River and Sixth tons of other vacationers. Some places Street are all popular places to go to get some local entertainment, and not even have average prices as low as $79 per night for a 3-star hotel. to mention delicious local food like tacos and authentic Texas queso. Plus, Chicago, Illinois you can find any music under the sun Beautiful hotels, an incredible art within the city, from country to punk museum, the aquarium, and of course, a rock. Hotels range between $50 to can’t-miss ice skating rink in Millennium $300 depending on where you are in Park are all great reasons to visit the city. Chicago in the winter. 12 boiMAG

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return to the everywhere The Weinberg / Newton Gallery

The Weinberg/Newton Gallery located at 688 N. Milwaukee, announced a series of public programming events taking place in alignment with Return to the Everywhere, an exhibition featuring work by Gwyneth Zeleny Anderson, Jesse McLean, Sayward Schoonmaker, Sonnenzimmer and Sadie Woods. Free and open to the public, the exhibition will run from through April 4. Programming events taking place at the gallery are also free and open to the public. Presented in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago, Chicago’s NPR news station, Return to the Everywhere is the second exhibition in the gallery’s new location in River West. The exhibition considers various modalities of communication in an attempt to grasp the broader implications of our current “post-truth” era. Works on view create space to consider the consequences of truth’s tenuity for interpersonal connection at large, and will spark discussion surrounding vital topics including fact versus fiction, truth, transparency, objectivity, bias, and belief. Truth, Knowledge, and the Power of Storytelling presented by WBEZ and Weinberg/Newton Gallery Thursday, March 12, 6:30 – 8:15 pm, doors open at 6 pm, Weinberg/Newton Gallery, 688 N. Milwaukee Join WBEZ’s arts and culture reporter Carrie Shepherd on March 12 for an interactive experience at Weinberg/ Newton Gallery. Taking place within the current exhibit, Return to the Everywhere, it will feature self-reflective and participatory exercises by Imagination Theater and a conversation about truth and community-powered journalism In the age of fake news and

heightened political tension, many Americans have lost faith in the media and question the role and impact of journalism. They are increasingly turning to partisan sources of information, yet free societies depend on unbiased news and information to monitor and question those in power. In response, this event will consider how community-powered journalism can help us parse fact from fiction, and create authentic trust and understanding among different perspectives. Vocalo: This Is What Chicago Sounds Like Friday, March 20, 4 – 7 pm Weinberg/Newton Gallery, 688 N. Milwaukee Join Vocalo, WBEZ and Weinberg/Newton Gallery to celebrate the multifaceted culture of Chicago’s music scene through a variety of media. Additional details to be announced at a later date. Coincidence Archive, with exhibiting artist Gwyneth Zeleny Anderson Sunday, March 29, 2 – 4 pm Weinberg/Newton Gallery, 688 N. Milwaukee Coincidence Archive is a public event intended to generate synchronicity. Visitors can listen to live radio, past radio programs from the WBEZ Chicago archives, as well as audio works included in Return to the Everywhere while perusing the texts in the exhibition and various publications from the exhibiting artists’ personal collections. They will then be invited to write down any words that they accidentally read and hear simultaneously. By the end, a collaborative poem will be created that might provide some strange and unexpected wisdom. The Weinberg/Newton Gallery is a noncommercial gallery with a mission to collaborate with nonprofit organizations and artists to educate and engage the public on social justice issues. Through artwork and programming, the gallery provides a vital space for open discourse on critical contemporary issues facing our communities.

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CHAD BRITTIAN Cover Story

LGBTQ Activist, Influencer, and CEO of NVS Design , a full-service advertising agency with branches in Beverly Hills, Indianapolis, and Chicago. NVS specializes in web and graphic design, digital marketing, traditional advertising and business services. Chad and his team have worked with an extensive client list that includes brands such as Adidas, Grey Goose, Red Bull, Hugo Boss, Prada, Mercedes Benz, Purdue University, GMCLA, Maxim, Shots Box and more. In addition, NVS (as in en·vi·ous) Design runs the annual marketing campaigns for events including the Route 66 Museum’s Great American Race (every June in CA); the International Wine Competition (May at Purdue University) and GMCLA’s Halloweenie (every October in West Hollywood) and now added to the portfolio is Circuit Mom: Indy (Coming March in Indianapolis). Chad also serves as a spokesperson for these events and was selected to moderate the Breaking Barriers in Business Series: “LGBTQ+ in the Workplace” presented by W Hotels and is hoping to return for their PRIDE series this July 2020. NVS Design started in 2010 and has grown tremendously over the last 10 years. They're a full-service advertising, graphic design and web development agency with their headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. They also have offices in Beverly Hills California and recently added a third location in Chicago, Illinois. NVS offers a wide range of services and products to their clients. Whether creating a fresh new logo, a beautifully designed website, or helping with a presence online, NVS Designs goal is to make their clients truly standout.

Growing up in the LGBTQ community in his conservative state of Indiana under Congressional representative (and now U.S. Vice President) Mike Pence, Chad is comfortable discussing politics. As such, he can use his expertise to dive into the importance of diversity and inclusion in marketing campaigns, such as commercials and digital ads for Super Bowl, the Oscars, and current political campaigns.

Now comes INDYpendent Circuit!

For 20 years CircuitMOM Productions has been producing world class experiential events designed for the LGBTQ Community not only in Chicago, but nationwide. Led by Matthew Harvat and Edwin Martinez, CircuitMOM Productions has also designed empowering, high-energy events for not for profit organizations, corporate clients, festivals and the general public. Their passion for music and unique environments inspires them to create exciting and theatrical productions cast with impressive talent and utilizing current technological trends. CircuitMOM Productions continues to produce events with a commitment to presenting fresh, safe, and quality experience for attendees. INDYpendent Circuit was founded with a goal of bringing a much needed presence to the LGBTQ space in Indianapolis. For years the Circle City has gone without a real place to showcase what we have to offer as a community that is vibrant, beautiful, united and strong. We aim to provide our guests with amazing DJs, talent and an atmosphere that is unlike no other. Follow Chad @chadbrittian, 2nvs.com and independentcircuit.com. boiMAG 21