009-Global Heroes News - April 2022

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April • 2022

STEVE BUSCEMI & NANCY CARBONE

ON FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS AND THE PROMISE TO NEVER FORGET

THE WORLD STEPS UP TO SUPPORT

A STORY OF

HOPE

UKRAINE

AND RESILIENCE

SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURE IN

GOOD THINGS IN SMALL BOXES

Break The Bias: Steve Nash’s Paving the Way for Off-the-Court Women in Healthcare Legacy

THE HEART

OF THE WORLD

The Zero Waste Teen Teaches Eco-Conscious Lifestyle

Restoring a South Bronx Urban Farm

The Wall Street Journal news organization was not involved in the creation of this content.

Rainbow Railroad: A Pathway to Freedom

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Cover Photo Special thanks to Getty Images for supplying the cover photo. © Getty Images/ Larry Busacca

April • 2022

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Steve Buscemi and Nancy Carbone on Friends of Firefighters and the Promise to Never Forget

BEFORE © COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS

© COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS

RAYE MOCIOIU

Twenty years ago, just days after 9/11 shook the world, New Yorker Nancy Carbone set out to find a way to help.

In a time of fear and catastrophe, thousands of active and retired firefighters responded to the collapse of the World Trade Center, and tragically, many lives were lost. Carbone recognized that these brave men and women were carrying an immense load; between funerals, spending long hours at the disaster site, and still working at the firehouse, firefighters were suffering from PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and physical and mental exhaustion.

Carbone went from firehouse to firehouse, from Brooklyn Heights to Red Hook to the Bronx, asking how she could help ease the burden on those who were putting their lives on the line at Ground Zero.

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

Although Carbone had no experience in the counseling field, she took this request extremely seriously. Within months, she opened a space for firefighters to get confidential help without having it reported. Thus, Friends of Firefighters was born.

Twenty years later, Friends of Firefighters operates out of an old Brooklyn firehouse, a space that feels like a sanctuary for firefighters and first responders, a familiar setting that offers comfort, confidentiality, and peace. They can go straight upstairs for services, from counseling to acupuncture, yoga, painting, or even just a quiet place to reflect.

“There are a lot of counseling centers,” Carbone said. “But I knew that if I could get these guys into a firehouse, they would walk through the doors and feel at home. Over 400 firefighters, active and retired, came to help repair the firehouse and build a safe haven. That, to me, meant that they really needed it, because they showed up to do that work.”

FORGING GOOD FROM EVIL

Among the thousands of active and retired firefighters who responded to the collapse of the World Trade Center was Steve Buscemi, celebrated actor and

former Fire Department of New York (FDNY) firefighter. Buscemi spent four years as a firefighter with the FDNY in the 1980s before taking a leave of absence to pursue his acting career.

“It was a time of my life that I really valued, even though being a firefighter wasn’t something that I necessarily wanted to do as a kid,” Buscemi explained. “But in taking the job, I really felt that I was doing something of real value and I was part of a community—a family. The work that firefighters and first responders do for their community is essential and important and it felt good to be a part of that.”

He shared that he always felt that he would eventually return to his team at Manhattan’s Engine 55, and 17 years later, he did exactly that. On September 12th, he found himself at Ground Zero, helping aid in recovery and rescue efforts.

Day after day, he returned.

Times of catastrophe tend to bring out the best and worst of humanity. Buscemi recalls the powerful feeling of unity and purpose among the first responders searching the grounds—he says it was a true display of humanity.

“It was pure love that I experienced,” Buscemi shared.

“There were people caring about each other, loving each other, having a job to do, and supporting each other so that we could all get through it. That feeling lifted your heart. You never lost the sense that this was horrible, tragic, and would stay with you for the rest of your life, but at the same time, that love was there.

“What I remember in the days after is that so many people wanted to help. People wanted to give blood, people wanted to volunteer. I just felt privileged that I was able to find a way to help and honored to have the trust of the firefighters.”

More than anything, Buscemi said that he felt grateful to rekindle his connection with the FDNY— since then, he has never let it falter.

“There’s just something about that consistency of all of us being together,” he said. “It’s simply showing each other that we care for one another and that we will never stop caring for one another.

So many people can feel isolated or that they’re the only ones that are going through this. It’s important to know that we’re all going through this together.”

Buscemi has since returned to the team at Engine 55 time and time again, both in times of tragedy, like during Hurricane Sandy, and in times of togetherness, like the annual 9/11 breakfast and memorial service held at the firehouse.

AFTER © KIA CARBONE PHOTOGRAPHY

Buscemi lends his voice to sharing the stories of firefighters in every way he can, including producing documentaries like “A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY” and “Dust: The Lingering Legacy of 9/11.” A few years later, he found another way to help the firefighter community when he met Carbone, who asked him to join the Advisory Council at Friends of Firefighters.

“Nancy was fulfilling a need,” Buscemi said. “Firefighters were dealing with heavy losses within their own firehouses and showing up at Ground Zero day after day, week after week, month after month. At the same time, they were going to funerals and they weren’t home a lot. She saw that they needed help.”

It’s simply showing each other that we care for one another and that we will never stop caring for one another. So many people can feel isolated or that they’re the only ones that are going through this. It’s important to know that we’re all going through this together.

Buscemi, too, still feels the weight of the days spent on Ground Zero. Since working with Friends of Firefighters, he has started to share his own experiences publicly and recognizes that even though pain and heartache still follow every time he relives it, feeling it is part of the healing process. Perhaps even more importantly, sharing these stories ensures that we never forget the sacrifices made that day—and the ones that continue to be made.

“This is a responsibility that we all share,” Buscemi continued.

“Maybe people aren’t aware that this is still a big issue. It’s important that we get it out there and bring it to the attention of the general public.”

Says Shelli Sonstein, a member of the Friends of Firefighters Advisory Council: “What people don’t know is that it’s not just that Steve feels a kinship to Friends of Firefighters—he’s there. He’s on the advisory board, he does fundraising, he really helps this organization. He’s the real deal.”

THE RESCUERS OF RESCUERS

“The brilliant thing that Nancy also recognized was that it wasn’t just firefighters that needed support and help,” Buscemi explained. “It was their families. It was their

We’re Still Here.

spouses, their kids, their parents. She opened it up to the whole community.”

Carbone explains that this was by design.

“How can you help a first responder if you’re not helping the family? Families have their own trauma relating to the jobs of their spouses and fathers and mothers,” Carbone said. “If you’re not helping the whole family, you’re really not helping the firefighter. Active or retired firefighters and their family members should have free services—not insurance-provided or noted on employment records—to give them the freedom to take down the barriers. And you have to include the families. If you don’t, you’re just putting a bandaid on things.

If you bring the families in, you can actually help them move forward together.”

Financed by grants, private donations, and online merchandise sales, Friends of Firefighters has offered firefighters therapy and a regimen of holistic healing practices, like therapeutic massage and acupuncture. They hold monthly breakfasts led by peer counselors and organized family getaways to upstate New York, where counselors helped couples and families hone their communication skills.

In an article for TIME last year, Buscemi wrote: “Admitting vulnerability is a hard thing for anyone, but especially for people whose primary identity is as a protector.”

It’s a common feeling among first responders and can make them hesitant to reach out for mental health support—or even admit they might need it.

“They have a group mentality where each person is a part of a chain and they keep each other alive,” Carbone said. “Firefighters in particular, they go in as a team and they have each other’s backs.

If there’s a perception that there’s a weakness in any one of them, it threatens the chain.”

Buscemi shares that part of what makes the work that Friends of Firefighters does so impactful is that it creates a space outside of the department for firefighters to share confidentially while at the same time feeling comfortable in an environment that’s familiar to them.

“It’s important for firefighters to have a place to go outside of the official fire department,” he said. “It gives those firefighters who are a little bit hesitant about coming forward that extra little bit of comfort and safety that they need. And once the members started

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

DONATE AT FRIENDSOFFIREFIGHTERS.ORG

seeking help, there were a lot of members on the fire department who realized that they never really had an outlet for what they went through.”

This was something that Carbone noticed as well, and still does to this day. However, she shares that after a few months of regular attendance, the same men who would have once described themselves as broken start to feel stronger. They start to feel whole again.

The effects of 9/11 are still felt today, especially in the FDNY. Hundreds of brothers fell that day, and more have fallen ill or passed away since then due to 9/11-related illnesses.

The tragedy lingers, and although New York has since rebuilt, the repercussions of 9/11 follow firefighters and first responders to this day. Without a set of tools to help them cope in a healthy way, PTSD and repeated exposure to traumatic experiences can pose significant risks to firefighters.

Last year, Friends of Firefighters held over 3,100 counseling sessions, and Carbone shares that the numbers are only going up.

“We serve the FDNY firefighters active and retired, and their families, and then there’s another couple of thousand of officers, plus an untold number of retirees,” she explained. “And, of course, new firefighters. We go in there and talk to the probies [probationary firefighters] and we tell them what we’re about. During their career, they will have disasters, they will have injuries and experience the deaths of their brothers and sisters. I don’t believe in waitlists because these people call for help when it’s a mayday, not when they think something’s coming down the road. They need to go in there with a toolbox for mental health, so we tell them ‘This is where you can go.’”

“It’s been a process,” Buscemi said. “It certainly took a few years, but I think it’s so much more accepted now. It’s not a stigma, it’s just available. The members know it, and that’s a great thing.”

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

Firefighters are there for us in some of the worst hours of our lives, and it is a privilege to be there for them in their times of need. Donate at friendsoffirefighters.org © FDNY FIREFIGHTER J. L. FORSYTH

© MAX FLATOW PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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1strcf.org // @1stRCF

April • 2022

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Caring for the Ones Left Behind INTERVIEWED BY JODIE BURKE VIA WEBEX

Eden Rule lost her best friend and husband of 18 years, Deputy Constable Caleb Rule, on May 29, 2020, when he was killed in the line of duty at age 37. In 2021, First Responders Children’s Foundation awarded college scholarships to 209 students. This is one family’s story.

My name is Eden Rule, and I live in Richmond, Texas. I’d known Caleb since I was 12. We both played trumpet in band. Caleb was way better than me. Any instrument you handed him, he could figure out how to play. We were married for 18 years when he was killed—we’d be celebrating 20 years this April. We have four amazing children, but of course, they have struggled through this tragedy. Even when I feel like I’m falling apart, I have to do my best to get through the day for them.

My parents both died when I was young, so I knew my husband longer than I did my parents. Now it’s just my kids and me. Even in a crowded room, it gets very lonely.

Caleb would tell me, “I’m a good cop and come hell or high water, no matter what happens, I’m coming home.” Being a cop was his life’s purpose—he was an amazing servant to his community, to his family. I miss being loved by him.

Caleb was killed on the same day our daughter Annie graduated from high school. Her principal and her counselor showed up at our house with her diploma, but when Annie heard that all these officers were going to be coming from all over the county to attend her graduation and stand there in the absence of her dad, she said, “Mom, I want to walk tonight.” She

EDEN AND CALEB RULE

returned the diploma and walked that stage with 100 police officers standing in place of her father.

They lined up down the road, all around the field, and on the track, and the entire town stood up and gave her a standing ovation. Annie stopped, took a deep breath, and smiled for her picture with her diploma. I am so proud of her strength and courage.

It’s so generous of First Responders Children’s Foundation to choose Annie as a scholarship recipient to honor the memory of my husband, Deputy Constable Caleb Rule. Annie will be mentioned as a scholarship recipient

with his name attached to it, and his legacy will go on.

“Heartbreaking, yet hopeful stories like this one from the Rule family are the reason why CSX partners with First Responders Children’s Foundation through our community investment initiative, Pride in Service. We are proud to help fund scholarships and other support programs, as our company’s way of showing appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice of first responder families across the country,” said Bryan Tucker, vice president of Corporate Communications at CSX, a premier transportation company

RULE FAMILY © IMAGES COURTESY OF THE FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

based in Jacksonville, Florida. “We thank First Responders Children’s Foundation for spearheading this important effort and connecting us with families in need.”

First Responders Children’s Foundation provides f inancial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty and families enduring significant financial hardship due to tragic circumstances. The Foundation also supports, promotes, and facilitates educational activities and programs created and operated by f irst responder organizations whose purpose is to benef it children or the community at large. FRCF has awarded college scholarships to hundreds of deserving children of f irst responders. Scholars are selected based on financial need, with priority given to children of first responders who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

Make a donation today at www.1stRCF.org. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @1stRCF.

More Than Three Million Meals Served as Chefs For Ukraine Relief Effort Grows ALLIE MURRAY

Within hours of the initial invasion of Ukraine, World Central Kitchen (WCK) began serving hot meals to those fleeing. The team quickly set up at the eight border crossings between Ukraine and Poland and did what they knew best: served meals.

World Central Kitchen began in 2010 when founder José Andrés and his wife Patricia heard the news of the earthquake in Haiti that devastated the country. José was cooking alongside displaced Haitians in a camp when he and his wife came up with the idea: when people are hungry, send in cooks. Not tomorrow, today.

Since then, they have been on the ground serving meals amid disasters in Puerto Rico, Texas, Indonesia, and now in Ukraine.

WCK’s Chefs for Ukraine response grew rapidly, and they began distributing food and fresh meals across the region, including in Poland, Hungary,

© IMAGES COURTESY OF WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN

Moldova, and Romania. They are also working with local restaurants, caterers, and food trucks to provide fresh meals at border crossings, shelters, and other locations.

The relief kitchen is based in Przemyśl—a Polish city just a few miles from the border of Ukraine.

From this kitchen, the team has the capacity to cook 100,000 meals per day.

The United Nations estimates that more than 3.5 million people have fled the country, with that number to continue to grow. Similarly, many Ukrainian people are staying in the country, sheltering in place and sticking with their country. In addition to their work on the borders, WCK also delivered prepared meals to 50 locations in Lviv alone, with many more across the country.

“From our WCK warehouses in Lviv, we are also helping fill gaps in the country’s strained food supply chain by sending meat, fresh produce, and dry goods like rice and bulgur to our restaurant partners,” the team shared. “Multiple trucks have already gone to Odesa, Mykolayiv, Zolochiv and soon to Kyiv. We are working with the mayor’s office in Odesa to

deliver bulk food to the city’s humanitarian warehouse.”

While working, the team has met countless people, amazed by their stories and bravery amid constant fear. They’ve heard stories of women and children, refugees who fled to Ukraine from other war-torn countries, and families fearing for their loved ones that are staying back to fight for their country—each story more heartbreaking and heartwarming than the last.

WCK remains on the ground in Ukraine and surrounding areas, working day and night to feed people in need.

“We’ve seen incredible courage from Ukrainians showing up every day to cook in cities under siege,” they said. “It’s our honor to be able to support these teams in ensuring that everyone is met with a warm, nourishing meal, and we are so thankful to all of our supporters who have come together to show the power that a plate of food can hold in even the darkest times.”

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Amy V. attended “Dating Abuse 101,” a Day One workshop where she learned about various types of relationship violence, consent, and technology-facilitated harm.

The facilitator explained how power and control were at the heart of abuse, including threats, gaslighting, and blame-shifting.

Amy saw all of these behaviors in her boyfriend.

Forbidden by her parents to date, Amy knew if her family discovered she had a boyfriend, they would send her back to their country of origin to live with relatives. Her high school

was prestigious, and Amy felt she couldn’t risk derailing her path to success. So she didn’t speak to her parents despite the debilitating fear and anxiety caused by her boyf riend’s threats to harm her or himself.

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Amy graduated and left the state for college, away from her ex, and has been successful in her chosen career.

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Relationship violence has surged amid the pandemic.

Though young people are often limited by what responses are available to them, they experience a full range of abusive behaviors, including physical, sexual, emotional/verbal, financial, spiritual, and technological harm. Introducing preventive education to adolescents and teens helps them enter their first relationships ready to treat each other with respect and expect the same in return.

YOU CAN PLAY A ROLE IN ENSURING YOUNG PEOPLE IDENTIFY AND MAINTAIN SAFE AND HEALTHY PARTNERSHIPS:

• Listen, believe, and don’t judge survivors. They are not to blame.

• With toddlers and young children, point out healthy and unhealthy behaviors in media

©THOMAS DONLEY

and teach them about consent, i.e., “Can I hold your hand?”

“Listen to your sister when she says stop tickling her.”

• Let young people know they can talk to you and that you can connect them with expert help.

• Ask your child’s school to teach about healthy relationships and spotting signs of dating abuse.

• Advocate in your state to require age-appropriate healthy relationships education in K through 12th grade.

To learn more about how Day One helps survivors of dating violence, 24 and under, and promotes healthy relationships among youth, see www.dayoneny.org.

BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS FROM DAY ONE To learn more about how Day One helps survivors of dating violence, 24 and under, and promotes healthy relationships among youth, visit www.dayoneny.org @dayoneny

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April • 2022

A Story of Hope and Resilience RAYE MOCIOIU

Ten years ago, while serving with the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan during his third tour of duty, Staff Sergeant Travis Mills was critically injured when the blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) took portions of his legs and both his arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees to survive his injuries. His experiences led him to write “Tough As They Come,” a memoir detailing his upbringing, military experiences, and inspiring story of perseverance and recovery.

Mills was taken to Walter Reed National Medical Center for recovery, where he met Gary Sinise, founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, which works to ensure that veterans, first responders, and their families who have put America’s safety before their own are never forgotten.

In the foreword of “Tough As They Come,” Sinise recalls being immediately struck by Mills’ positive outlook, humor, confidence, and sense of gratitude for having survived the blast.

“One would think that losing both arms and legs would slow a person down, but with Travis, it seems to be just the opposite. Travis has managed to trump over the harrowing experiences of war and ruin.”—Gary Sinise Just weeks after his injury, Mills insisted on starting rehabilitation, thinking only of his family and how much he wanted to be strong for them.

Day after day, Mills went to the rehabilitation center and put in as much work as he could muster, from small movements like bobbing a balloon to stomach crunches with his baby daughter sitting on his chest for added resistance.

Two months later, Mills took

his first steps on his prosthetic legs. Less than a year later, he was walking without the help of his crutches. The whole time, he had one thing in mind: never give up, never quit.

Now 34, Mills currently lives in Maine with his family. This month, he celebrates his 10th “Alive Day,” celebrating his survival and recovery on that fateful day a decade ago.

During his recovery at Walter Reed, Mills discovered a passion for encouraging fellow wounded veterans when he traveled from room to room in the hospital and met others whose lives had been radically reshaped by the wars. Today, he continues that mission with motivational speeches shared at hundreds of events every year, in which he shows wounded veterans and their families that they can overcome their physical and emotional challenges and find purpose. With a big heart and a wonderful sense of humor, Mills speaks to a wide variety of groups, inspiring everyone he meets to overcome their own life challenges.

With a big heart and a wonderful sense of humor, Mills speaks to a wide variety of groups, inspiring everyone he meets to overcome their own life challenges.

“I don’t hold the value of my service in the military above anyone else’s,” Mills shares in the opening of his book. “I don’t think I served better or harder or greater than any other soldier. I’m just thankful I was able to serve my country. Even though I’ve been wounded badly, I don’t think the challenges in my life are any greater than anyone else’s. Sometimes after people hear my story they say, ‘Man, I don’t know if I could ever press forward like that and overcome challenges like you have.’ But I say, everybody faces challenges

in life, big and small.”

Through it all, Mills has used humor as a way to cope with pain. He doesn’t consider himself a “wounded warrior”—he says he’s healed and welcomes the next chapter of his life. He looks back on the incident in Afghanistan and says he just “had a bad day at work.”

Mills retired from the United States Army in November 2013 and established the Travis Mills Foundation and Travis Mills Group, LLC with his wife, Kelsey. The organization provides unique support for veterans and their families through programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles. Veterans who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service receive an all-inclusive, all-expenses-paid, barrier-free vacation in Maine with their families, where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families, and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation.

The foundation recently established a new health and wellness center, set to open later this year. Even more recently, Mills hosted a benefit concert with country star and fellow veteran Craig Morgan right before Thanksgiving in Ocala, FL. “Travis is using his means to take care of a new generation of service members injured in battle,” Sinise says. “Whether speaking on behalf of his own foundation and his effort to build a retreat to assist wounded service members and their families or traveling to raise awareness and funding for other military charities, Travis is constantly serving and honoring the needs of his brothers and sisters in arms.”

Today, Mills lives his life to the fullest: he drives, jumps on the trampoline with his kids, and

enjoys swimming and boating with the family. In 2014, he and his family moved into their custom Smart Home constructed through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program.

“It is a true honor to serve as an Ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation,” Mills shares.

“The Gary Sinise Foundation has provided my family and I with so much more than a home. It is our duty to continue to support our wounded service men and women and provide them with the necessary freedoms to continue life without limitations. I am honored to play a small part in such an influential organization.”

TRAVIS MILLS FAMILY PHOTO | ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF © THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION

The World Steps Up to Support Ukraine Ukraine has shown incredible strength and resilience amid turmoil and war, stirring inspiring displays of humanity within the country and around the world. As the Russian invasion rages on and the people of Ukraine fight for their freedom, people from all walks of life are showing their solidarity with Ukraine.

From celebrities to professors to young children, the world is standing with Ukraine.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT ZELENSKIY VISITS WOUNDED TEEN

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is receiving praise across the globe for his courage in leading his country amid the invasion. At the same time, he has made a consistent effort to put his people first. Recently, during a visit to a wounded 16-year-old girl in a Kyiv hospital, he received some welcome news: he is a star on the TikTok video app.

After handing Katya Vlasenko a bunch of white and pink flowers as she lay in bed, Zelenskiy said: “It is not easy, but we do the right thing.”

Vlasenko, who was wounded when her family’s car came under fire as they fled Russian forces, replied: “And everybody supports you on TikTok,” prompting a smile from the president and members of his entourage.

“So we have occupied TikTok?” he asked. “All talk about you, it is all about you.”

CELEBRITY SUPPORTERS

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher launched a GoFundMe page to support Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. On March 17th, the couple surpassed their fundraising goal of $30 million for Ukrainian refugees, earning a call from President Zelenskiy himself, thanking them for their efforts in raising funds and awareness.

The 38-year-old actress— who was born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, but moved to the U.S. as a child—admitted she is a “proud Ukrainian” and has hit out at the “unjust attack” on her home country.

Mila wrote on the page: “Today, I am a proud Ukrainian. While my family came to the United States in 1991, I was born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, in 1983. Ukrainians are proud and brave people who deserve our help in their time of need. This unjust attack on Ukraine and humanity at large is devastating, and the Ukrainian people need our support. Our family is starting this fund to help provide immediate support, and we will be matching up to 3 million dollars.

“While we are witnessing the bravery of Ukrainians, we are also bearing witness to the unimaginable burden of those who have chosen safety.

Countless amounts of people have left everything they know and love behind to seek refuge.

With nothing but what they could carry, these Ukrainian refugees are in need of housing and supplies right away.

“Through GoFundMe.org, this fundraiser will provide an immediate impact on refugee and humanitarian aid efforts. The fund will benefit Flexport.org and Airbnb.org, two organizations that are actively on the ground providing immediate help to those who need it most.”

“Our work is not done,” said Kutcher. “We’re going to do everything we can to ensure the outpouring of love that came from you all as a part of this campaign finds a maximum impact for those in need.”

Many celebrity supporters have stepped up to aid Ukraine, including Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Hayden Panettiere, and David Beckham, all of whom have launched fundraising initiatives to support the nation.

FROM FRANCE TO UKRAINE

When Russia invaded Ukraine, French professor Yves Gineste didn’t think twice—he set off on a four-day drive to the eastern edge of Slovakia to offer his Perpignan house to refugees.

Bearing a cardboard sign seeking “One family for a house in France, travel and house free,” he registered with a charity at Vysne Nemecke, a crossing on the Slovakia-Ukraine border.

A few hours later, he was helping 26-year-old manicurist Nastia Kiselyova, along with a friend traveling with her daughter and niece, load their belongings into his campervan before heading back the 1,200

UKRAINE’S PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY PRESENTS FLOWERS TO KATERYNA VLASENKO, 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL WHO WAS INJURED AS SHE FLED WITH HER FAMILY FROM THE TOWN OF VORZEL AS RUSSIA’S ATTACK ON UKRAINE CONTINUES, AT A HOSPITAL IN KYIV, UKRAINE MARCH 17, 2022. © UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

miles to southwest France.

Kiselyova said she had left behind her parents, her father being military age and her mother employed as a nurse in a military hospital, and that her group had an acquaintance in Spain where they might try to travel on to from France.

SUPPORT IN SMALL PACKAGES

Gioia Maria, a 10-year-old Italian girl, says she would like to do more for people suffering from the war in Ukraine, “but I’m very small.”

So every night, she prays. And she wants Ukrainian children to know it.

The girl wrote a letter in her best English on a large yellow sheet of paper and gave it to her mother to bring to a church, collecting food, medicine, and clothing to be sent to Ukraine and border

areas taking in refugees.

“Dear Ukrainian friends, my name is Gioia Maria. And I’m Italian. I’m very sorry for this horrible war. I’m very close to you with my heart. I’d very much like to do more, but I’m very small and far away. Every night I pray for you and I ask God to help you. With love. Gioia Maria.” Six heart signs follow her name.

Her mother, Katherine Valerio, said Gioia Maria used her savings to buy gifts for Ukrainian children to send along with the letter.

“I have two daughters, a 10-year-old and an 8-year-old, and they ask me why all this is happening and above all, they ask me how they can help these children,” she said amid the bustle of volunteers receiving, sorting, and packing donations outside Santa Sofia church in Rome’s outskirts.

(Source: Reuters)

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April • 2022

Supporting New York’s Next Generation In the heart of Manhattan, Bellevue Hospital has a storied and remarkable past and a thriving, active present—built on the ideal of keeping New York City strong by providing life-saving services to every member of the community since its founding in 1736.

Bellevue Hospital—not just a place, part of the lexicon—is home to one of the nation’s first nursing schools founded in 1873 and a residency training program initiated in 1883 that is still the model for surgical training worldwide. Bellevue also opened the nation’s first children’s clinic and welcomed its very f irst pediatric patients in 1874.

Following World War II, a group of women volunteers began donating their time and money to Bellevue Hospital with the hopes that every New York City child had access to world-class care regardless of income. More than just supporting children and families in need, these dedicated New Yorkers wanted Bellevue to offer the best care for the best kids in the best city in the world.

Children of Bellevue (CoB), an independent 501c3 charitable organization and auxiliary to Bellevue Hospital, has been doing just that for the last 73 years.

Built on the passion of that first group of New Yorkers, CoB has quietly grown to become an integral part of Bellevue Hospital and New York City since its founding in 1949—providing essential funding and advocacy to support innovation and expand services for pediatric patients.

What began as a concerted effort to deliver companionship, support, and smiles to the young patients of Bellevue Hospital has since evolved into a professional organization on the front lines of pediatric care—developing, funding, and delivering worldclass therapeutic programs, innovative services, and thoughtprovoking research in support of children nationwide.

Children of Bellevue supported the creation of the first emergency pediatric and adolescent psychiatric unit in the nation,

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© PHOTO COURTESY OF CHILDREN OF BELLEVUE

and the first dedicated child life program at any public hospital in the United States to help children and families cope, adapt, learn and develop with and through their health care and life experiences.

CoB backed the formation of the first dedicated multi-disciplinary child abuse and neglect unit in New York State as part of the pediatric emergency room at Bellevue. Since its inception, Children of Bellevue has served more than 1.5 million children.

In 2021, CoB’s programs served nearly 40,000 children and families alone, a population that truly represents the rich diversity of New York City. Through it all, Children of Bellevue’s mission has been to advocate for children and families that lack access to

equitable resources and innovative care and support due to family poverty so that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The needs of New York City’s children and families have evolved over the more than seven decades since CoB was founded. However, it still serves working families, immigrants arriving in New York City, and children from every borough. In 2020 and 2021, the household income of the families supported by CoB fell under $36,000 annually—dramatically below the federal poverty guidelines for a family of four.

With many families still struggling with the economic effects of COVID, CoB has continued to support food insecurity programs

and outpatient services. CoB is constantly working within Bellevue Hospital and throughout the community to expand the ways in which it can serve.

Programs that support LGBTQ+ youth, teen parents, and expanded care for youth in foster care are all part of the new projects under consideration by the volunteers who make up CoB’s Board of Directors. Jennifer J. Giasone, Chair of the Children of Bellevue Board of Directors is quick to note: “One of the best attributes of Children of Bellevue is our ability to quickly adapt to the pressing needs of the children and families we serve. Whether it is to treat the children who were separated from their families at the border, address food insecurity

during the pandemic, or provide resources to unhoused LGBTQ+ youth coming from out of state, CoB has a flexible model to stay on top of urgent and ongoing trends that impact our most vulnerable populations here in New York City.”

Children of Bellevue has long understood that caring for the needs of children, the next generation of New Yorkers, requires more than medicine.

Children and families in New York City need advocacy for their needs, support for their mental health, attention to creating healthy lifestyles, and much more.

Your contributions make it possible for the next generation of New Yorkers not just to survive but thrive in our city.

SAVE A CHILD’S LIFE

Help provide equitable resources and innovative care to the next generation of New Yorkers

LEARN MORE AND DONATE AT CHILDRENOFBELLEVUE.ORG

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Steve Nash’s Off-the-Court Legacy RAYE MOCIOIU

Sport has the power to change the world. Whether on the pitch or the court, sports bring together people from all across the globe around a common goal: the love of the game. That pursuit ignores cultural, religious, and even language barriers, focusing on developing friendships, commonalities, and participation.

For South African-born Canadian Steve Nash, sports have proven an effective way to empower change and create opportunities for growth and development—not just for players, either.

Founded in 2004 by Nash and his family, the Steve Nash Foundation (SNF) works to assist underserved children in their health, personal development, education, and enjoyment of life.

Through a range of programs, the SNF focuses on investing in

research on what children need to grow, learn, and thrive, translating Nash’s legacy of assists to benefit underserved and vulnerable children worldwide.

Children are impacted by their environments and experiences before they are even born. Developments in neuroscience have shared that there are many ways that a child’s earliest experiences can positively impact their growth and development as they age, from maternal and parental health to childhood development programs and services.

Around the world, child health is an indicator of community health. The SNF brings research and actionable steps to vulnerable communities across the globe, focusing its efforts on attending to the critical needs of children.

In doing so, they are changing the trajectories of underserved communities and, thus, changing the world.

STEVE WORKING WITH KIDS AT HENRY STREET © COURTESY OF THE STEVE NASH FOUNDATION

OFF-THE-COURT ASSISTS In 2006, the SNF established its first project, a post-operative pediatric cardiology ward in Paraguay, which treated over 2,000 patients within the first two years. In 2009, the hospital expanded to include a program designed to address mortality rates from cervical cancers in young girls.

Since then, the foundation has expanded, taking its impact further and creating programs that support early childhood development science and literacy for both children and parents.

“There’s nothing more powerful than watching a child have access to high quality early learning opportunities. There’s not a more worthwhile pursuit, not only for that individual, but for the community.”

—Steve Nash

CELEBRATING WITH EDUCARE ARIZONA © COURTESY OF THE STEVE NASH FOUNDATION

THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Nash has made an incredible impact both on and off the court.

The two-time NBA VIP was one of only ten players to win the award in back-to-back years and the first Canadian to do so. True to his passion, Nash ensures that sports play an important role in the foundation, especially when it comes to fundraising efforts.

In 2008, NBA stars took to the Lower East Side to kick goals across the pitch instead of shooting hoops on the court. The match brought together soccer professionals and NBA favorites to raise money and awareness for the SNF. Since then, the annual charity

This is the sentiment behind the READy program, which increases diversity, equity, and inclusion through transformative social-emotional learning in public elementary schools. Launched in Brooklyn in 2021, the READy program uses teacher training, curriculum, and supplies to help students build their vocabulary

around feelings, fostering empathy and growth in pre-K to Grade 3 students. READy also offers grants to assist school libraries in increasing the diversity of authors, illustrators, characters, and stories available, with SNF-recommended booklists for readers of all ages.

Through READy, the SNF has also worked with the Brooklyn Public Library, establishing a new Let’s Read! Book List and collection of children’s books, working with local teens to create a companion list for high school readers and funding back-toschool kits for local students. To kick off the start of the NBA season, the foundation teamed with Brooklyn-based Bookshop.org to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, filling public school classroom bookshelves around the country through a giveaway to increase the availability of READy-recommended titles.

A father of five, Nash knows that fathers play an essential role in their children’s development right from the start. Let’s Talk Dads is the SNF’s collaboration with the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, focusing on fathers’ crucial role in supporting their children. Through Let’s Talk Dads, fathers can become

soccer match has become a tradition excitedly awaited by New York’s sports fans, featuring players from all 30 NBA teams (including 14 NBA Champs) and 12 World Cup soccer teams (including five World Cup champions). Though the event has been on hold due to changing health and safety regulations amid the pandemic, the anticipation has been building, and their return to the field will be worth the wait.

“Being in a position to not only provide a voice for underserved children, but to put action toward it with an annual event is something I’m really passionate about,” Nash said in 2018.

what Nash calls “our children’s personal neuro-developer” by learning research-based strategies to promote their child’s cognitive development simply by talking and interacting with them.

Studies show that at as early as two months old, babies whose dads were more present in day-to-day activities like bathing, changing, and feeding were more socially responsive than babies whose dads participated less. The benefits of fathers being present continue as the babies age, with higher developmental scores recorded by six months old and more resiliency under stress by the age of two. Bringing that science to dads in the community, Let’s Talk Dads provides weekly, small group classes in infant and toddler neurodevelopment for fathers— and soon, these sessions will be available in New York as well.

“How empowering the realization that each of us can be our children’s personal neuro-developer, that the sheer quality of our interactions can impact the attitude of inquiry and health of our kids,” Nash said. “The practical application is limitless; as a dad, and as someone invested in early child development, I’m excited to see how far it takes us.”

STEVE NASH FOUNDATION SHOWDOWN © AMANDA WESCOTT

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Guiding New Yorkers Homeward

© PEXLES/ KETUT SUBIYANTO

Tonight, 58,000 New Yorkers will sleep in the City’s shelter system.

Two-thirds of those New Yorkers are mothers and children.

Homeward NYC provides housing and wraparound services that empower homeless young mothers, LGBTQ+ young people, and older adults to live life forward. By obtaining housing first, homeless persons can find the stability they need to address trauma, build skills, and be active participants in their own care, goal setting, and achievement.

The nonprofit began in 1989 with a mixed-age residence.

Their Upper West Side site is a transitional family shelter for homeless mothers and children and long-term, affordable housing for low-income and homeless seniors. The relationships formed are rewarding for both seniors and young families.

Mixed-age activities improve physical and mental health in older adults.

The typical young mother they serve is age 22, with a child aged 23 months. These young women

are just starting adulthood—and doing so as parents. Homeward NYC supports and empowers these young women as individuals, young parents, and heads of household so that they may be successful when they move from shelter to permanent housing.

“I went to every session— mommy and baby classes, business classes, CPR training, parenting, resume writing, job fairs… I didn’t want to miss anything,” says Quadriyah, a former resident, when asked about Homeward NYC’s skills-building programs.

Like the young mothers the agency serves, LGBTQ+ youth start adulthood having experienced physical and emotional abuse for their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Recognizing an unmet need, Homeward NYC opened the City’s f irst LGBTQ+-aff irming supportive housing site in 2011 in West Harlem. Although LGBTQ+ folks are estimated at just seven percent of the total population, an astounding 40 percent of all homeless young

Housing and wraparound services that empower homeless young mothers, LGBTQ youth & seniors to live life forward

adults identify as LGBTQ+.

Supportive housing (affordable housing with social work and support services) is vital to ending chronic homelessness.

Homeward NYC supportive housing residents must be 18 to 24 when they enter, but the housing is non-time limited.

Young adults don’t age out on their 25th birthday, an innovation now considered a best practice in supportive housing.

In 2015, the nonprofit opened its second LGBTQ+ housing site, this time in the Bronx. In 2021, they broke ground on a third site that will serve 50 LGBTQ+ young adults. Homeward Central Harlem is scheduled to open in fall 2023.

Homeward NYC (formerly known as West End Residences and True Colors Supportive Housing) serves homeless and low-income New Yorkers from all f ive boroughs. In addition to suffering the trauma of homelessness, most of their residents have experienced family violence or rejection.

At each site, Homeward NYC provides housing and support

including counseling, case management for residents to access f inancial and health care benefits, connections to community resources, group activities, and basic life skills (today known as “adulting”).

These services work to prevent future homelessness through care, resources, and skills-building for housing stability.

“We are committed to providing trauma-informed care,” says Jeannette K. Ruffins, Chief Executive Off icer. She adds, “‘trauma-informed care’ simply means we recognize your life experiences affect how you respond to different situations.

We know that understanding trauma and learning to recognize your strengths helps young people understand who they are, what they really want, and helps them move forward to set goals and fulfill dreams.”

You can learn more about Homeward NYC’s work or make a gift at www.homeward.nyc.

Learn more or make a gift at www.homeward.nyc

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April • 2022

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L TO R: JULIA PERFETTI, MCKINNON GALLOWAY, AIDEN WARGA, DANIEL MCAVOY, (SITTING) KEN RUDD

Make NF Visible Neurofibromatosis, NF for short, is a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. It affects 2.5 million people around the world, yet few have heard of it. That’s because there is no one way to define neurofibromatosis; it affects each patient differently.

In some patients, NF is visible; patients are often covered with café au lait skin spots or disfiguring tumors. Many have bone problems causing them to wear a brace or even amputate. In some patients, NF is invisible; healthy-looking patients on the outside live with excruciating pain on the inside. Many have challenging learning disabilities. Others have hearing or vision loss or have brain tumors and are bound to years of chemotherapy. There is no one way to define NF, and as a result, there is no one way to define a person living with NF.

LIVING WITH NF “It is important that we make NF visible because people need to understand that although we may look different, we are still individuals with goals and aspirations,” said Brianna Worden, a young woman living with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). “It is also important to remember that no two cases are the same, we all struggle in our different ways.

JACKSON DECILLIS, AIDAN FRASER

We should all work together and lift each other up. No one should feel excluded. We will work together in order to fight for a cure.”

It takes a village to manage the challenges of NF. Depending on the patient, life with NF can mean living with things like neurofibromas and learning diff iculties, loss of hearing and excruciating pain, failed clinical trials, physical scars, and emotional wounds.

Still, with wider awareness spread through cross-country networks, it can also lead to unspoken understanding, successful surgeries, and unbroken bonds.

“There is no part of NF that doesn’t shape every moment of every patient’s life in ways big and small. With no cure and few manageable treatments, this can dramatically alter the life experiences and opportunities of those who are in the throes of it. Creating a wider awareness and understanding of the disease and its struggles, which run deeper than the eye can see, can lead to a more empathetic, vibrant, hopeful, and opportunity-filled world for everyone who deals with this. The more people who are aware of NF, the lighter its burden becomes on those who live with it, and the greater chance that this disorder can become a smaller, if not non-existent, blip on the radar,” said Laura Barbieri,

an adult living with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

When faced with a diagnosis, the road ahead may look scary.

Regardless of how NF manifests, each patient shows resilience, courage, and puts their all into facing another day. Their bravery not only helps raise awareness and visibility for NF but also helps healthcare workers in their efforts to find a cure.

“It is extraordinarily important to make NF visible. NF is an orphan disease with a huge variation in the way it manifests itself,” said Ken Rudd, an adult who lives with NF1. “When strangers look at me, they know something is wrong.

But that is far from true for many with NF. Continuing to make NF visible means getting researchers to work toward treatments and a cure; it means further educating clinicians; and it means helping those of us with NF feel comfortable telling our stories.”

There is no cure for neurofibromatosis, but there is one approved drug to treat inoperable plexiform neurofibromas, a subset of NF1 patients. Discoveries from Children’s Tumor Foundation-funded researchers led to the development of this treatment, and making NF visible and creating more awareness will only lead to more funding for critical research for all manifestations of NF.

BRIANNA WORDEN AND MARCUS RATLEY

SHINE A LIGHT ON NF NF affects one in every 3,000 births across all populations equally, and there is still so much to learn. There is no cure yet, but the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s mission of driving research, expanding knowledge, and advancing care for the NF community fosters our vision of one day ending NF. “By making NF visible, the world will have more information and NF awareness,” says Yaniry Lora, an adult living with NF1. “There will also be more donations given for NF research and clinical trials. As we let the world know about NF, the less embarrassed we will be of ourselves and showing our tumors.”

Every May, hundreds of buildings, bridges, waterfalls, and other landmarks light up in blue and green, the off icial colors of the End NF cause, to Shine a Light on NF. Over the years, iconic places worldwide such as Niagara Falls, the Coliseum in Rome, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, BC Place in Vancouver, Story Bridge in Brisbane, and London’s National Theatre have helped us raise awareness and make NF visible.

Shine a Light on NF is one part of a month-long awareness campaign that consists of online activities and community events designed to Make NF Visible and educate the public about this under-recognized and

LA SAGRADA FAMILIA, BARCELONA, SPAIN

life-changing disease. Whether you show your support by joining a community walk, decorating your own home with CTF spirit, or making a donation to a Shine a Light NF Walk, your contribution helps fund research to help better the lives of the millions living with neurofibromatosis.

CHILDREN’S TUMOR FOUNDATION The Children’s Tumor Foundation is the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to funding and driving innovative research that will result in effective treatments for the millions of people worldwide living with NF, a group of genetic disorders that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. One in every 3,000 people is born with some type of neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis, which may lead to blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning disabilities, disabling pain, or cancer. NF affects all populations equally, and while there is no cure yet, the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s mission of driving research, expanding knowledge, and advancing care for the NF community fosters our vision of one day ending NF. To learn more, visit makenfvisible.org.

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April • 2022

Honor Mom with a Gift That Gives Back This Mother’s Day, share the love with all the mothers in your life with gifts that give back! These companies support community initiatives and give back to charitable causes and efforts. From home decor to accessories, the moms in your life will adore these charitable gifts. No matter who you’re shopping for, these gifts are sure to keep on giving.

© CHELSIE STARLEY

© GUNAS

© METRIC COSMETICS

© MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE

© ACCOMPANY

LOTTOLOVE

GUNAS

ONEGRID CANDLE

MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE

ACCOMPANY

SPA TRIP—PRICES RANGE

SURI ALPACA SLIPPERS—$198

Founded by the Smiley family in 1869, the Mohonk Mountain House is nestled in Hudson Valley, boasting a 30,000-square-foot eco-friendly getaway.

The spa at Monok Mountain House includes 16 treatment rooms, relaxation verandas, a solarium, and so much more.

From April to late May, the spa is undergoing a refresh, but services are still available onsite. At the spa, they use all organic products, and utilize sustainable practices and mindsets.

Give mom the gift of relaxation this Mothers Day!

Selling fashion-forward accessories and home goods, Accompany is working towards bringing new economic opportunities to artisans worldwide.

Their Suri Alpaca Slippers are made locally in Peru with 100 percent baby alpaca fur and microsuede outsoles. The slippers are incredibly soft and luxurious and are handmade with alpaca fur that is ethically sourced and sheared with care. By giving the Suri Alpaca Slippers, you are helping to support a small community of alpaca farmers and artisans.

BASIC NEEDS SCRATCH TICKETS—STARTING AT $22

KOKO - LILAC VEGAN WORKBAG—$311

LottoLove is the first scratchoff ticket with a social mission and the only lotto that makes everyone a winner. Instead of winning money, the prizes are charitable donations—giving resources like literacy tools, solar lights, clean water, and nutritious meals.

To support people in need directly, LottoLove works with eight charities—Solaraid, LitWorld, Rise Against Hunger, Water is Life, Global G.L.O.W., Running Start, Camfed, and Womankind—to support people worldwide.

GUNAS is America’s first 100 percent vegan fashion brand dedicated to ending animal cruelty in the name of fashion.

Their Koko Collection is made in honor of famous gorilla Hanabiko “Koko” who is known for being the first gorilla to learn sign language.

The lilac purse is handcrafted with premium ostrich embossed rubber fabric, textured cotton lining, and zipper pockets for the most luxurious and fashionable accessory.

LIGHT UP A HOUSEHOLD—$38

Available in a variety of different scents, the Light Up A Household candle is hand-poured by women artisans and refugees, and for each candle purchased, 672 hours of solar light is donated to a family living with no access to electricity.

Each of the fragrances available are phthalate-free and picked with care and intention.

548 million people in Africa have no access to electricity, and by purchasing a candle from OneGrid, they hope to light up every home, school and clinic in Sub-Saharan Africa with clean, safe and renewable light.

Bags of Light, Made with Soul RAYE MOCIOIU

Growing up on the outskirts of Mombasa, Kenya, sisters and entrepreneurs Salima and Samara witnessed how so many children their age could not do their homework.

“Our mom was an advocate for educating girls,” Salima shares. “Not having access to clean, safe light meant that these girls would not have the grades to make it into secondary school, causing them to drop out and not have an income or job to look forward to.”

Each night, the families in villages without electricity would have to use kerosene, a costly and carcinogenic jet fuel that 1.2 billion people use as their only source of light when the sun goes down.

While attending McGill University in Quebec, Canada, Salima discovered that with solar-powered electricity, households would have a safe and less expensive alternative to kerosene. Moreover, girls like those she knew in Kikambala

IMAGES © COURTESY OF SAMARA

would be able to do their homework each night. Her realization led her to create The Soular Backpack.

“The intention is that as a child walks to school, a lamp in their bag gets charged through a solar panel on their backpack,” says Salima. “When they get home, they have access to clean, safe light and can do their homework and read, so they are empowered

to take control of their futures.”

At home, the children can connect the battery pack to an LED lamp, providing light in homes without electricity for about five hours. To date, around 10,000 children now have access to light every night.

To fund the project, Salima launched SAMARA Bags in 2017, a fashion brand selling simple, elegant, and cruelty-free vegan leather bags. Named after her

sister Samara, Salima started with just $500 and a production run of 10 bags—and it proved to be all she needed.

“Our goal was to find a way to keep our first not-for-profit, The Soular Backpack, alive in a sustainable way, which piqued our interest in the power of brands and communities in creating impact in the world.

From the night we launched in 2017, and our first 25 bags that sold out overnight, to now having our products in the hands of over 175,000 people, our North Star has always been to create impact in the world and to build a brand that makes the world better in as many ways as we can, all while donating 10 percent of our profits to The Soular Backpack.”

The two sisters, who run the company in memory of their mother, create timeless and chic styles made from innovative and planet-friendly materials. Their goal is to one day pivot SAMARA to be entirely plant-based, using only sustainable materials with the

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The Power of HOPE Having experienced the power of hope during a twelve-year addiction to drugs and alcohol and having seen the impact that hope can have on people’s lives, Dr. Rosalind Tompkins and her organization, Mothers in Crisis, Inc. launched a national public awareness campaign in 2018, beginning with the designation of April as the National Month of Hope through the National Day Calendar.

In honor of April National Month of Hope 2022, Mothers In Crisis is implementing the Hope, Pass It On Campaign by providing practical tools and training to help people become more hopeful and share hope with others. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

As we continue to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic, many have lost loved ones and need practical ways to stay hopeful. Mothers In Crisis provides practical self-help tools through the practice of hopeology for people to become more hopeful and spread hope with others.

Hope is needed now more than ever as we navigate the current crisis our nation is facing today because of the Coronavirus pandemic. “Whether you’ve lost a job or a loved one, or you’re experiencing general feelings of despair in these turbulent times, hope can give you strength, and as long as there is breath in your body, there is still hope,” says Dr. Rosalind Tompkins. This April and beyond, we encourage everyone to embrace hope because studies show that hopeful people excel in life, live longer, and live well.

In 2021 Mothers In Crisis launched a successful Balls for Hope Campaign, spreading hope to front-line workers and others by providing stress balls of hope to individuals and organizations.

Some of the groups that received the balls of hope include school teachers, students, administrators, nurses, healthcare workers, residents of nursing homes, hospitals, law enforcement, and many others in need of hope. In addition to the stress balls, Mothers In Crisis also provided hundreds of care packages to those in need.

Another way that Mothers In Crisis spreads hope is through the HOPEE (Helping Others Practice Enduring Empowerment) Awards given during April National Month of Hope to those who exemplify excellence by empowering and spreading hope to others through their various occupations and initiatives.

Challenging people to ‘think hope’ and ‘make hope connections,’ Mothers In Crisis Hope Campaign has turned into a powerful movement and is now international, with individuals in Pakistan and other countries adopting the tenets of the ‘Hope Campaign’ and celebrating April as their National Month of Hope.

FIVE TENETS OF HOPE CAMPAIGN • HOPE stands for Helping Others Practice Empowerment • Hope for Self • Hope for the Family • Hope for/within the Community • Hope for the Nation and World

least amount of processing—a mission that requires creativity and unconventional thinking.

Looking for a premium feel with a positive environmental impact, the sisters started experimenting with coconut husks and pineapple leather before discovering apple leather—made from apple skins that are a waste byproduct of the juicing industry mixed with PU (that acts as a binding agent). Working with a small factory in Europe, the sisters created the Apple Leather Mini out of this material!

“We are excited to be playing a part in the future of fashion and what that entails in terms of innovation, materials, and science,” Salima says. “We’ve created products with apple skins, castor seeds, recycled ocean plastics, and recycled plastic bottles, and we’re only getting started. Our dream is to one day have a factory in Kenya, so that we can provide employment to the parents of the children who receive Soular Backpacks in the village where we grew up.”

DR. ROSALIND ©STAN JOHNSON 2021

The idea is to apply these tenets throughout the entire year in one’s daily life but to pay special homage to hope during April. People are encouraged to demonstrate hope in action.

Hopeologist—trademarked with the U.S . Patent and Trademark Department, Class 35—it is defined as: promoting public awareness of hope by

CELEBRATING THE

NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE

“HOPE PASS IT ON” www.makeahopeconnection.com

means of public advocacy.

Hopeologist® services advocate for hope by promoting the Whole Hope Campaign, including April as the National Month of Hope.

For more information, please visit practiceofhopeology.com and makeahopeconnection.com

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April • 2022

Break the Bias:

Paving The Way for Women in Healthcare All around the world, women and girls are stepping up to break the bias, striving to achieve gender equality.

Last month, the world celebrated International Women’s Day following the theme of Break the Bias, challenging participants to imagine a gender equal world that is free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

These three women stepped up to break the bias in the healthcare industry, showcasing that women can thrive—and make a difference—in traditionally male-dominated industries.

DR. JALIKATU MUSTAPHA

© SUPER MOS PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESY OF DR JALIKATU

Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha is currently the only female ophthalmologist in Sierra Leone. She’s also head of the national eye care programme.

Throughout her career, Dr. Jalikatu has seen some remarkable changes in the country.

Before she began her studies, there was only one ophthalmologist working in Sierra Leone: there are now six. Yet as soon as she discovered the field and saw the impact that eye care could have on patients, she knew it was her calling.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in my life,” Dr. Jalikatu says.

“People are coming that are completely blind; they look like they don’t even have the will to live. And then the next day, the transformation after just a 15-minute operation was more than anything I’d ever seen. They are completely different: they have their independence. And that feeling was what inspired me to go into ophthalmology.”

Dr. Jalikatu now works at the Connaught Hospital in Freetown: the hospital is Sierra Leone’s main eye center. It’s also a teaching hospital linked to the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, where she lectures and trains the next generation of ophthalmologists.

Yet because there are only six ophthalmologists in the country, millions of people are

unable to access regular eye care services. This situation is often even harder for women.

“In Sierra Leone, eye health indicators have always been worse for women than for men,” she says. “So that’s one of the areas I’m passionate about. We’re being more intentional about reaching women and targeting them with eye health campaigns.”

Women’s eye health is a concern not just in Sierra Leone, but worldwide: globally, 24 million women are blind and 163 million women have a moderate to severe visual impairment. To tackle this, many countries, including Sierra Leone, are making a concerted effort to ensure women are able to be treated.

To recognize her work, in 2020 Dr. Jalikatu received an Eye Health Hero award from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).

This led to a meeting with the Queen and the Countess of Wessex, a moment she describes as “one of the proudest moments in my life. It was a real honor to meet the Queen—I was nervous, but they put me at ease with a personal touch.”

Dr. Jalikatu is hopeful that women in Sierra Leone will not share her experiences in future, thanks to steps being taken to stop discrimination.

“We are changing the narrative now,” she says. “There are more young women like myself who are in professional positions and who are speaking out every day against gender bias or discrimination at work and in their personal lives. And some men are on media or social media talking about gender rights and, you know, just fighting the cause. People never used to speak about these things five or 10 years ago.”

PASCALINE MEKATI MATOKO

© SIGHTSAVERS/ROSE NOA NGAMBIDA

Pascaline Mekati Matoko, the founder of Deaf Rights Cameroon Association, is passionate about promoting

the rights and education of girls and women with disabilities.

Pascaline became hearing impaired at the age of 12. But although she faced some difficulties and discrimination, this did not stop her from continuing her education.

“I experienced discrimination at school, at university and at work,” says Pascaline. “I applied several times to take the exam to enter the civil service, but I was discriminated against because people don’t accept applications from people with disabilities; they always look at the disability, especially for deaf people like me.

At university, Pascaline studied law and received her degree in 2012.

“After receiving my degree, I decided to create Deaf Rights Cameroon Association (DERICAM),” she says. “The main goal for our association is to promote rights and education for women and girls with disabilities and to help them learn how to be self-employed.”

Pascaline is also the president of the Association for the Promotion of Disabled People’s Rights in Cameroon and a member of the Decentralisation Working Group, which promotes local inclusive development.

“I like everything that has to do with defending the rights of people with disabilities,” she continues. “There is a bit less discrimination against people with disabilities today and people with disabilities continue to raise awareness within society, to change beliefs.

This is why the Decentralisation Working Group was created, for inclusion to become a reality and to stop discrimination against people with disabilities.”

Pascaline doesn’t just focus on the rights of people with disabilities—she also has a strong passion to break down barriers and stereotypes relating to women and girls with disabilities. She’s also helping lead the fight for gender equality in Cameroon.

“There is still a lot to do on the issue of inclusion for disabled women and gender equality,” Pascaline says. “Disabled women are still afraid to participate like everyone else. We must keep working on this so that women are determined to have the courage to make disabled women’s projects successful.”

Another project Pascaline has created is Miss Deaf Cameroon, a beauty competition to promote fair employment and education of women and girls with a hearing impairment.

Their goal each year is for at

least five to 10 girls to become self-employed, to reduce the number of women with hearing impairments affected by poverty or without jobs, and reduce cases of sexual harassment.

“Cameroon’s Ministry of Culture and the Ministry for Family supports this project,” says Pascaline, “and in its first year we empowered and awarded grants to five women to create micro-projects to help them become independent.

The grants that are given to them can be used to continue vocational training, find work, continue their education or begin their own business.”

What does Pascaline want the future to look like? “My hope for my country is that there are laws that promote gender equality,” she says. “And there are some laws that have been created by the government concerning the rights of people with disabilities and to protect women with disabilities.

“These things give me hope that things can change.”

PELAGIE BOKO-COLLINS

© COURTESY OF PELAGIE BOKO-COLLINS

Pelagie Boko-Collins, Sightsavers’ neglected tropical disease manager for Benin and Togo, is paving the way for more women and girls to lead in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.

When Pelagie began her career, she was the only female entomologist who worked on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in her home country, Benin.

“I chose to specialize in entomology—the study of insects—as at the time it was the only opportunity I could see for my research to have an impact on the community,” she explains. “For me, it is very important to see the positive impact of my research on the community in terms of development and good health.”

For the first eight years of her career, Pelagie worked on malaria vector control with Benin’s Ministry of Health. After hearing

a lecture about NTDs from Professor David Molyneux, emeritus professor and former director of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, she realized there were many diseases spread by insects, such as river blindness and lymphatic filariasis, that needed attention to free her country from the cycle of poverty and burden of disease.

“After I finished my course, I contacted the Benin Ministry of Health,” Pelagie says. “I asked if there was an NTD department, because I had never heard of that before studying at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. They said there was an opportunity, but they didn’t have enough technical staff.

“So after I finished my master’s degree in Liverpool, I returned home and joined the NTD programme team. It was very exciting and inspiring to see leaders involved in NTDs, and be able to learn from them and work in the field.”

Yet she also faced challenges: in Benin, the NTD sector is dominated by men. “From the beginning, I faced being told: ‘This is a man’s job, you cannot do this. It’s too risky for you as a woman,’” she says. “It’s quite frustrating to hear that because I think, ‘Did I fail?’ No, I did not. I can do the same tasks as a man and I cannot accept being told that as a woman, you have a limitation, and I challenge that all the time.

“In my country, the stereotypes of women are not subtle at all.

For example, before I started my job at Sightsavers a former colleague said: ‘That’s a man’s job. Are you sure you can do it?

Are you ready for the sacrifice?’

Here, if a woman wants to succeed beyond the common expectations, the pressure is always there to tell you that it is not your place. It takes great determination to continue the fight to overcome it.

“Women need to break this barrier and have the power to break the barrier, but until then, there is little hope of equality.

Women need to believe in each other to end the inequality.”

To help break the bias against women and push against gender-related stereotypes, Pelagie is a member of the Women and Science for the Developing World network. The group helps women to obtain scholarships, so they can progress academically and achieve great success in science.

“I think there’s still a lot to do to break the bias and I know my country is not unique when it comes to this.

I believe that if we women keep fighting, we will win and overcome one day.”

A Darn Good Mission: Changing Lives Through Yarn RAYE MOCIOIU

Seasoned knitters will tell you that part of the joy of knitting is making something that is uniquely yours, formed by your hands. It’s a great way to get in touch with your inner creativity—and it can also be a great way to support the lives of artisans across the globe.

In 2008, Air Force veteran Nicole Snow wanted to learn to knit. Instead of taking a knitting class, she took two of her passions in life—art and helping others—and combined them, creating Darn Good Yarn. She used her experience from college and the Air Force and looked for yarn that could change lives.

In love with color and interesting textures, Snow discovered that shredded remnants of old saris could lead to fabulous interpretations of something as commoditized as yarn. Snow took this opportunity, used this trash, and turned it into craft products and other apparel items.

From the start, Snow wanted to use her business as a conduit to create a globally conscious lifestyle through art. In parts of India and Nepal, where Darn Good Yarn is focused, there are high levels of unemployment.

Snow’s mission was simple: provide phenomenal quality fibers to enthusiasts, while helping the women of Nepal and India become autonomous

NICOLE SNOW WITH GIRLS WHO PREPARE YARN FOR SHIPMENTS BHAGULPUR BIHAR INDIA LEFT TO RIGHT MUSKAN ARFA SONAM AND MARIA © 2015 TAYLOR TAZ JOHNSON

and self-reliant—the first step to tackling generational poverty.

“The problem was that many of these women were caught in a cycle where, because of their gender, they had no opportunities available to them,” says Snow. “The women who work for us are hand-selected for their skill and given a wage that not only allows them to survive, but thrive. This affects the rest of their family as well—their children can stay in school and get an education. So, while our yarn and clothing is made from old

processes, it provides the most stability, and in turn, we can pay up to five times the daily rate for a worker in this environment because our core materials are discounted, since they are seconds or trash.”

To date, Darn Good Yarn has saved more than two million pounds of material waste from heading into landfills and has turned it back into exotic clothing and craft supplies. As well, Darn Good Yarn has employed over 600 artisans with steady work, effectively changing their

lives by providing sustainable employment and support.

“All of the yarns are handmade in small batches and undergo extensive quality control,” Snow shares. “This also means that all of our yarns are, essentially, mirrors of the amazing women who create them.”

For knitters and new crafters alike, Darn Good Yarn’s Yarn of the Month Club is an easy way to experience unique and beautiful yarn that directly supports artisans.

“Yarn of the Month is by far

our most important product we carry, going back to our mission of creating safe and sustainable jobs alongside carrying world-class yarn. For every 100 subscriptions, it creates one full-time job! It’s about making beautiful things and doing good at the same time.”

When you invest in Darn Good Yarn for your projects, you help a family eat, access proper medical care, and send their children to school—you are crafting a globally conscious life that you can feel great about.

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Good Things in Small Boxes ALLIE MURRAY

Since New York Times Bestselling Author Colleen Hoover released her first book, she has received overwhelming support from readers, which encouraged her to find a way to give back to other authors like herself and charities across the U.S. Hoover joined forces with fellow author Lin Reynolds and book cover designer Murphy Rae to start The Bookworm Box, a monthly book subscription box that gives back to readers and local charities.

The Bookworm Box fosters a love for reading, and 100 percent of the profits are donated to charities across the country. To date, the box has donated more than $1 million to more than 400 charities, most recently including the East Texas Crisis Center, Dyslexia Association, The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, and many more. So far in 2022, the team has donated more than $50,000 to charity.

Every box comes with an autographed book, reading accessories like bookmarks, and other reading goods.

“The method by which we choose our books comes down to authors who express interest in being featured, as well as authors who are in high demand from our subscribers,” co-founder Rae explained. “We tend

to put an emphasis on independently published books and try to purchase most of our swag items from small businesses.”

Working with a small team, the Bookworm Box loves to hear directly from their subscribers about what charities to support.

“We have a form on our website that charities can fill out to request grants, and most of our monthly subscription funds go to those organizations,” Rae shared. “Occasionally, we will do a special fundraiser and select organizations that are either important to one of the authors we’ve worked with or someone on our team.”

Rae also explained that they are starting to emphasize charities that support literacy efforts or tackle food insecurity.

Similarly, the June Bookworm Box is set to feature LGBTQ+ authors and donate to an LGBTQ+ charity in celebration of pride month.

The Bookworm Box makes it easy to discover a passion for reading and grow a collection of books in the romance and young adult genres. There are seven different boxes to choose from: The Digital Box, The Minimalist Box, The Author Stalker Box, The SwagTastic Box, The It’s All About the Books Box, The Digital Box YA, and The Swag-Tastic Box YA.

“The book community and their love for reading has been instrumental in the success of our subscription program,” Hoover explained.

“The power of reading reaches so far beyond the individual and the book, and our ability to help numerous charities is proof of that.”

To continue to pass on acts of kindness, Bookworm Box launched The Kindness Gift, an initiative that the subscribers of the box created.

The Kindness Gift is a gift you can purchase for an anonymous person. It costs $15 and includes one book and some book goodies. You can also submit someone who deserves some extra kindness by submitting the Nominate Kindness Recipient form.

To donate their profits to charities in need, the Bookworm Box team works with a group of dedicated volunteers and authors who donate their books and time to make sure each box contains an autographed novel.

Hoover has been publishing books since 2012, now with more than 20 titles to her name.

Online she has built up a wide following base through the #BookTok hashtag on TikTok, bringing some of her older novels back into the spotlight and climbing the New York Times bestseller list.

IMAGES COURTESY OF © BOOKWORM BOX

“It was surreal and still is surreal,” Hoover told Glamour earlier this year. “The first time I was told I made the New York Times in 2012, I didn’t tell anyone for an entire day because I didn’t think it was true. And that’s pretty much how everything has gone since then. It takes time for the good things

to sink in. My husband and I still sometimes look at each other and say, ‘How did this happen?

Why did this happen?’”

Earlier this year, Hoover published Reminders of Him and announced a prequel to her fan-favorite novel It Ends with Us, titled It Starts with Us, scheduled to release in October 2022.

The Zero Waste Teen Teaches Youth How to Live an Eco-Conscious Lifestyle ALLIE MURRAY

From the age of 12, Ava Langridge knew she wanted to do more to protect our planet.

After stumbling upon a YouTube video, Langridge began researching the zero waste movement, and a month later, her family transitioned into a zero waste lifestyle. In three months, she and her family went from sending three trash bags to the landfill per week to only half a bag per week.

Then, to show others how easy it is to live zero waste, she created The Zero Waste Teen, her Instagram persona that showcases the importance of a zero waste lifestyle, and how easy it is to make small changes to your daily routine for the planet.

“I wanted to reach the masses, and social media seemed like the perfect method,” Langridge explained. “The Zero Waste Teen was the only thing I could think of when Instagram asked me what my account name was. I have since embraced this title as my identity in environmentalism.

To me, The Zero Waste Teen is a climate activist who goes into

any situation with the goal of not sending any waste to landfill and shares my experience with others to help them do the same.”

Now 17 years old, Langridge has built an online following of more than 46,000 and has furthered her mission by founding Our Youth For The Climate (OY4C), a grassroots organization empowering youth through education.

Founded amid the COVID-19 pandemic, OY4C offers free weekly Zoom workshops on the climate crisis. This year, OY4C is offering four workshops, with plans to branch out to in-person events as COVID restrictions are lifted to attend climate strikes and use their voice to make a difference.

More and more youth organizations dedicated to tackling climate change have continued to pop up, pulling inspiration from climate activist Greta Thunberg.

For Langridge, she notes that working collaboratively is the best way to drive systemic change.

“Today’s youth is mostly driven by the wellbeing of others,” she explained. “We listen and share the stories of those most impacted by climate injustice.

I believe that collaboration with all communities will help us create the systematic change we so desperately need.”

Together, Langridge believes that we can save our planet and uses this as the driving force for OY4C. As a team, they work collaboratively to encourage youth to take the initiative to stop the climate crisis.

To do so, they’ve hosted virtual events and created a pledge, with

the goal of having 50,000 take the oath. Not only are they driven to make a difference for the climate, but they are also focused on creating ways for all people to get involved and give back.

“As a movement, we accept anyone from all backgrounds,” Langridge said. “For every project we have done in the past, including our weekly class and our educational webinar, we have included the concept of

intersectional environmentalism, which is defined as an ‘inclusive form of environmentalism that advocates for the protection of all people and the planet’ by Intersectional Environmentalism.”

Ahead of Earth Day, Langridge and the OY4C team encourage others to educate themselves on the climate crisis, research what they can do, and take the pledge. Together, we can create a brighter future.

AVA LANGRIDGE

© PEXELS/ N. JILDERDA

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Keeping People and Pets Together There is a special bond between people and their pets—one that is unconditional and non-judgemental. For millions across the globe, a regular morning includes spending time with their fluffy companions, and the thought of losing them is devastating. It’s no surprise, then, that people experiencing homelessness are just as loyal to their pets.

Like anyone else, they find solace, protection, and companionship through their pets, and they, in turn, want to protect their pets. With limited resources, this often means putting their pets before themselves.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless® (FPOTH) believes in the healing power of companion pets and of the human-animal bond. Their task, nationwide, is to feed and provide basic emergency veterinary care to their pets and thus relieve the anguish and anxiety of the homeless who cannot provide for their pets.

Since 2008, Feeding Pets of the Homeless has collected and

PHOTOS COURTESY OF © FEEDING PETS OF THE HOMELESS

helped distribute 1,608,215 pounds of pet food, paid for over 23,800 veterinary treatments, and provided over $2,301,050 in veterinary care, pet food, and crates. With a network of thousands of hospitals, wellness clinics, and emergency clinics, Feeding Pets of the Homeless is able to help the less fortunate access necessary care for their pets.

The pandemic has only made it harder for the homeless and

less fortunate to access the services and support they need.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless has seen a 38 percent increase in calls between 2020 to 2021, with no indication of slowing down in 2022. The three full-time case managers, who work with homeless people who have ill or injured pets, have seen emergency veterinary care appointments up 28 percent with costs up 54 percent.

“One out of three [pet owners]

will face an unexpected pet expense that causes financial worry,” said founder Genevieve Frederick. “For them, a $250 veterinary bill is a financial issue, but for the homeless without any funds, it can be devastating.”

This was the case for Ama, a service dog who lived on the streets in Santa Cruz, CA, with her human.

She was hurt and in desperate need of medical attention to save her life. Ama is a service animal that

DONATE TO SAVE TWO LIVES We help keep pets and humans together. Providing emergency veterinary care and pet food to the homeless. They find solace, protection and companionship through their pets. www.petsofthehomeless.org

helps her human know before she has a seizure so she can get to a safe place. With the help of FPOTH, Ama and her human were able to access the care she needed.

“I currently work with underprivileged youth teaching classical music and play violin professionally,” shared Ama’s human.

“I am able to give back to the community because I was able to make it through the most difficult period of time in my entire life because I had the love and support of my dog thanks to FPOTH.” Each day is a struggle for those experiencing homelessness, and their pets have little recourse. No matter where they live, no pet deserves to go hungry or suffer from illness or injury. With your help, the lives of these pets and their devoted owners can be made a little easier, healthier, and happier.

For more information on how to get help, volunteer, or donate, visit petsofthehomeless.org or call 775-841-7463.

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April • 2022

NEW ROOTS COMMUNITY FARM. ALL IMAGES © BEN HIDER

Restoring a South Bronx Urban Farm for Refugees, Asylees, Immigrants, and Local Residents ASHLEY BERTON AND LAUREN WILSON

New York Restoration Project (NYRP) has taken on one of its biggest green space renovations to date. NYRP teamed up with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the New Roots Community Farm in the South Bronx to revitalize and transform their half-acre urban farm.

Over three weeks, the team at NYRP engaged over 100 volunteers; built 26 new raised garden beds; installed a 60-foot-by-16-foot tunnel; upgraded an existing greenhouse; and planted 131 new perennials, 50 shrubs, and nine fruit trees. They also installed a new shade structure and a three-bin compost system while adding over 60 cubic yards of fresh soil and wood chips.

The New Roots Community Farm offers critical services to refugees, asylees, and immigrant communities, in addition to local South Bronx residents interested in tending their own plots.

Located on the Grand Concourse in The Bronx, this farm is part of the IRC’s national New Roots program that includes 15 farms

across the country.

Many of the refugees and asylee clients of the IRC who use this farm come from agricultural backgrounds or places that are less urban than New York City. In this way, the farm is a place for members to relax and connect with their culture through agriculture. “We find our clients often treat the garden like a therapeutic space to get away from the hectic city,” explains Maria Sigalas, the Economic Empowerment Manager at IRC. The farm also hosts a women’s job training program in addition to various agriculture workshops, financial literacy courses, and their weekly Tuesday Farmer’s Market. The market in particular is a great way to distribute healthy food to the community and an opportunity for clients to demonstrate leadership skills. “The farm has become a way for community members to connect and learn from each other,” says Sigalas.

NYRP’s partnership with the IRC and New Roots began in late 2019, when the group initially reached out just to repair their garden beds. “We

didn’t know the extent to which NYRP could provide support. And then we met with Jason Sheets, NYRP’s Director of Garden Horticulture and Citywide Greening Projects, and he offered to do a larger project, which we’re so grateful for,” explains Sigalas.

We are moving more and more in the direction of building a real community and learning what it means to grow food together.

Throughout the planning process, NYRP and New Roots participated in several community meetings where gardeners were able to voice their ideas for the space to ensure that they were incorporated into the new design. New Roots members, for example, wanted to abandon their original individual garden bed structure and shift to larger shared garden beds to better complement their focus on

combating food insecurity and increasing food production.

“We wanted to build a communal garden where people would steward it together and share responsibilities beyond just taking care of their own beds,” explains Sheryll Durrant, Food and Agriculture Coordinator at New Roots. These beds will also allow the group to create crop plans for the entire garden to have more crop diversity and increase food production.

Additional design elements that the group wanted include a new high-tunnel and greenhouse to extend their growing season into the winter months, as well as garden beds with seating to improve accessibility.

When reflecting on the construction period, Durrant jokes: “It was a good experience because it was the first time where I was told to just sit back and relax.

Coming together and rebuilding this farm and making it a place where anybody can come and enjoy is the highlight of this year.”

Thanks to this partnership with NYRP, the IRC and New Roots Community Farm can grow in new, exciting, and impactful ways. “We can

increase our seed saving project and there are gardeners who want to grow specific, culturally appropriate crops from their homeland. We want to see if they grow in this kind of climate,” explains Durrant.

Durrant also notes that the sense of community in the garden is shifting through this partnership. “We are moving more and more in the direction of building a real community and learning what it means to grow food together.”

The build captured local attention, increasing the waiting list for gardeners from 30 to 70 people in just one week. “We had so many community members come by just asking about the farm like they didn’t always realize it was there before,” explains Sigalas.

When community input is at the heart and center of garden and park design like at New Roots, it allows urban green spaces to grow beyond just places to plant seeds and enjoy the outdoors. These spaces transform into sanctuaries where people can connect with their culture, grow professionally, and improve the health of their communities.

Nurturing a Love of Learning Autism is a spectrum disorder where each person has a distinct set of strengths and challenges.

While some people with ASD may need significant support daily, others may need less or even none. Each person has their own unique needs and thus requires a unique set of methods to support their lifestyle.

At the Atlas School, class culture meets academic, behavioral, and sensory needs in an emotionally supportive environment, where a truly individualized fullday educational program is developed for each student.

The Atlas School is a nonprofit, non-public New York City (NYC) school serving children and young adults aged seven to 21 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental differences.

Their mission is to honor and embrace students’ unique minds, spirits, and voices. Empowered communication and respect for students’ passions and abilities ease them into rich social and emotional relationships and experiences. Self-identity, growth, and joyful engagement join with

academic learning and choicedriven community integration to aid students in pursuing their own life goals and happiness.

Atlas programs adhere to social and educational standards to build positive relationships and gain the ultimate learning experiences while schools are not in session. When schools are closed, Atlas camps and community classes are open.

Creative community classes focus on confidence, self-determination, and team development through movement, sports, art, and recreation. Like every Atlas program, the activities change based on every child’s interests and goals.

Community Classes supported

by OPWDD are available both at the city location and the Hudson valley sister program. Atlas aims to create the Atlas College Experience

offering life-long educational, recreational, employment, and living communities.

Students of all ages can attend Atlas’ community classes on weekends, after school, and during holiday breaks—and soon, Atlas will be expanding their services to meet the custom needs of the 21+ neurodiverse community! Social connectivity and community integration are

IMAGES COURTESY OF © THE ATLAS FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM

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critical pieces of this program, and new programs will include art and music, health and fitness, sensory exploration, technology, and vocational experiences.

Atlas has also started immersive experiences in the Hudson Valley, offering respite for families and further educational and social opportunities in more nature-based settings.

As families build rapport with Atlas’ team members, they also become eligible for the overnight program regularly offered in Manhattan and the Hudson Valley Immersive Experiences. These experiences include field trips, life skills, and support for greater independence in areas such as health and hygiene, participation in family-style meals, food prep, and home routines.

The school and adult programs customize goals and activities around all aspects of students’ lives and interests as they fold into academics, life skills, and social connections. With Atlas, students and families can take advantage of services that help them navigate both current challenges and future visions.

Atlas Foundation For Autism Embark On The Journey

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

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April • 2022

Could Robots Be the Key to Saving Our Seas?

The oceans are full of information—from data that can help protect at-risk species, to the most fuel-efficient routes for ships, to measuring changes in the oceans so that scientists can better understand the effects of climate change. However, much of the ocean’s data remains unknown—it is estimated that more than 80 percent of our oceans are unmapped and unexplored.

A lifelong adventurer and the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland, Julie Angus co-founded Open Oceans Robotics to help explore the unexplored using autonomous energy-harvesting boats equipped with sensors and cameras. These boats, produced

by Open Ocean Robotics, are used to make oceanic observations and instantly relay them safely and efficiently, transforming the way we explore and understand our oceans.

“My time on the ocean made me realize that human-less boats could do many of the tasks currently being done with big ships at a fraction of the cost, more safely, and with a vastly smaller environmental footprint,” Angus shares. “Our robotic boats do just that, collecting data necessary to protect and understand the oceans, which includes protecting against illegal fishing, monitoring endangered whale populations, and mapping the seafloor.”

Through these uncrewed boats that are operated remotely, Open Ocean Robotics is creating a digital ocean and allowing scientists to see the ocean in a transformative way, from the seafloor to the surface and across millions of miles.

“Creating a digital ocean is about collecting data autonomously through technology like our robot boat Data Xplorer,” says Angus, who works with her husband Colin, CTO and co-founder of Open Ocean Robotics, to produce the vessels. “Our boats can travel the ocean for months at a time powered only by the sun and send back the collected

© PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPEN OCEAN ROBOTICS

data by satellite. We can also work with submersible drones that collect underwater data or aerial drones that take measurements from the sky. This gives us the ability to create a 3D picture of what is going on in the ocean, from the seafloor to the sky.”

Conventional vessels can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $80,000 a day to operate offshore. Removing just one offshore vessel from the ocean has the same effect as reducing the emissions of 100 cars for a year.

These 250-pound unsinkable boats are doing the same jobs as the bigger boats but at a fraction of the cost and even less of a negative impact on the oceans. Not just that, but being unmanned means these boats can trek into parts of the ocean that are harder to access with a ship, sailing into the biggest seas and braving the nastiest storms.

Oceans are heavily impacted by climate change, and this manifests through sea level increases, acidification, and changes in temperature and currents, which affects the health of marine species, ecosystems, and our coastal communities. We depend on our oceans for food, transportation, communication, oxygen, so we must do more to protect them, and to do that, autonomous technology is our best bet—but what we can’t see, we can’t change.

“If we don’t understand the impacts we’re making to our oceans, we’ll never change our behavior because we won’t know that we’re making a difference,” Angus shares.

With Open Ocean’s autonomous boats, the changes in our oceans can be measured and researched so that we can better understand how to respond. And the benefits of

mapping the oceans don’t stop there. Over the last 25 years, melting Arctic sea ice has tripled traffic in the northern oceans, but only one percent of the Canadian Arctic is charted to modern standards. With Open Oceans’ USVs, more of the Arctic can be mapped out in a way that is not only safer for crews but faster and more cost-effective overall.

Last year, Open Ocean managed to secure funding that would help them improve the autonomous solar-powered vessel, which works to police illegal fishing in marine protected areas—a problem that costs nearly $23 billion and accounts for 30 percent of fish. On top of that, illegal fishing threatens the food supply for coastal communities and the 2.6 billion people worldwide for whom fish is an essential fixture of their diet. It also jeopardizes the estimated 520

million people whose livelihoods depend on our oceans.

However, because illegal fishing happens in remote parts of the ocean, it’s incredibly hard to police. Tackling the challenge of illegal fishing by having something that can go out and monitor those areas, Open Ocean Robotics is making waves in combatting issues that are putting our oceans at risk and contributing to the empowerment of those who rely on the oceans for food and income. Considering how deeply the oceans impact billions of lives across the globe, the effects of ocean collapse cannot be overstated.

“The number one thing I want people to know about our oceans is that they are vital to our planet’s health and our economy, and if we don’t ensure their sustainability, we will all lose.”

This matters to us all. It’s time we pay attention to our oceans.

California Conservationists and Farmers Unite to Protect Salmon DANIEL TROTTA AND NATHAN FRANDINO

In an experiment a decade in the making, biologists are releasing hatchery salmon onto flooded Northern California rice fields, seeking to replenish endangered fish species while benefiting the farmers’ business model.

While environmentalists are often pitted against agribusiness in California’s water wars, conservation scientists and rice farmers are working together, trying to reclaim the great flood plains of the Sacramento River for salmon habitat.

Their task is daunting.

California’s wetlands have all but disappeared, converted into farms and cities in one of the great engineering feats, or environmental crimes, of the 20th century.

Now, for the cost and inconvenience of flooding their fields, rice farmers are earning goodwill and betting that a healthy salmon population will avoid new regulations to protect wildlife and keep adequate water flowing.

In recent years, biologists discovered that as rice straw decomposes in flooded fields, it creates a broth rich in fish food— they call it “zoop soup.”

“The zooplankton are so big and they’re so juicy, it’s like filet mignon,” said Andrew Rypel, a professor of fish ecology at the University of California Davis and lead investigator on the project.

After fattening up on their

zooplankton, the salmon return to the river, swim downstream and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge on their way to sea, returning years later to spawn the next generation.

The university’s researchers have joined the California Rice Commission, the conservation group California Trout and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the project, seeking to reverse the trend toward dwindling fish

are under cultivation today.

Though the natural state will never be restored, the flood plain can reconnect to the river.

Though the experiment has placed salmon on small parcels before, this winter marks the first time it has been tried on a large scale on a working rice farm.

Conservation scientists hope to replicate the model on more farms in years to come.

The salmon project is using

389 acres on a pair of rice farms at the Sutter Bypass near Robbins, about 30 miles northwest of Sacramento. One farm is intentionally flooded with water and planted with hatchery fish, enabling the biologists to study their progress and tag some with microchips to track their movements.

A second farm is being prepared just in case the Sacramento overflows this year, delivering naturally spawned salmon.

The project was inspired by changes that turned flooded rice farms into habitats for migrating ducks, geese, and other waterfowl within the Pacific Flyway, a north-south corridor linking North and South America.

California rice farmers traditionally burned leftover rice straw after the autumn harvest until a 1991 state law banned the practice, largely in response to human complaints about smoke.

When farmers started using water to break down rice straw, the smoke cleared, and the birds started coming back.

Though no longer pristine wetlands, 90 percent of which have been lost in California, the rice fields enticed enough migratory birds to darken the sky, their honks once again bombinating across the valley.

“We don’t want to just sit silently while extinctions happen,” Rypel said.

JORDAN COLBY, A RESEARCHER WITH UC DAVIS, MEASURES BABY SALMON IN A FLOODED RICE FIELD © REUTERS/NATHAN FRANDINO

—Reuters

populations as a result of human re-engineering of the state’s waterways and, in recent years, extreme drought exacerbated by climate change.

Before industrialization, the northern end of California’s Central Valley was a mileswide flood plain straddling the Sacramento River—a natural feeding ground for fish. That land is ideal for farming rice, and about 500,000 acres

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April • 2022

A ‘TROPICAL’ GETAWAY IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Just over an hour North of Detroit, MI, across the border into Canada, you will find 180 miles of tropical blue coastline, sandy beaches and your new favorite oasis in Sarnia-Lambton, Ontario Canada.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the busy urban lifestyle and relax in comfort and style with familiar modern amenities, experience world-class entertainment and create new memories with friends and family.

Whether you are looking for a quick getaway with the family, or some time to unwind by yourself, A tropical getaway is closer than you think in Sarnia-Lambton.

Plan your Sarnia-Lambton Getaway

ONTBLUECOAST.COM

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Discover a Stokes State of Mind HANGINGROCK.COM

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Choose Your Adventure in Stokes County, North Carolina Nestled amid North Carolina’s scenic mountainous landscapes and beautiful beaches sits Stokes County, in the Piedmont region of the state. Home to the towns of Danbury, Walnut Cove, City of King, and many rural communities where hospitality of a wave or simple hello will make you feel right at home.

One of the top 10 state parks of North Carolina finds its home here: Hanging Rock, named for the rock outcropping projecting out from surrounding rock formations. The Sauratown Mountain range spans the county with vast beauty to explore, starting with the mountains themselves. Explore scenic ridges, knobs, and elevated vantage points, including Moore’s Knob, Moore’s Wall, Cook’s Wall, Wolf Rock, House Rock, Hanging Rock, and even a cave-like formation, known as Tory’s Den. Because of the mountainous landscape, hiking is a fanfavorite activity. More than 20 miles of wooded passageways form a network of trails at Hanging Rock State Park,

including waterfalls, high rock cliffs, beautiful views, and small mountain caves to explore.

Or, for the bravest adventurers, consider rock climbing along Cook’s Wall or Moore’s Wall. The climb takes you to an elevation of over 400 feet.

Visitors can end their day with a picnic along the trails, with 15 grills available and 60 picnic sites to choose from. Then, as the day winds down, settle into your tent or camper as you sit by the

campfire at one of the campsites or rustic cabins. The campground offers a peaceful place to relax with family and friends during the spring and summer.

EXPLORE THE DAN RIVER STATE TRAIL

Experience the mighty Dan River flowing from the northwest in Westfield at Jessup Mill Access, to southeast at Pine Hall Bridge Access. The Dan passes through the Sauratown range, keeping

waters cool and refreshing for kayaking, canoeing, or river tubing.

In the northwestern section, fishermen find pleasure at Jessup Mill or Harts Access. Here, Brown Trout are easily reeled in from their eastern most native habitat.

For 57 miles, it cuts diagonally across Stokes County from the northwest to the southeast, losing about 500 feet in elevation as it goes. The Dan offers great outdoor recreation activities for boating, paddling, tubing, fishing,

and swimming. But it pays to do your research and have a plan.

Especially for transportation to get back to your starting point.

And yes, there are places on the Dan where there are Class I, II, and III rapids.

SPRING, SUMMER, AND FALL

Attend a show, concert, street market, or class at The Arts Place of Stokes in Danbury, a regional Arts Market with unique gifts for all seasons. During Memorial Day weekend, learn a little flat footing and enjoy bluegrass music at Historic Priddy’s General Store. Attend festivals, cruise in events, and performances at Cove Square in Walnut Cove. Take a stroll at Central Park, or meander the shops downtown in the City of King. Stokes County boasts beauty to be discovered in all of its towns, making it difficult to stay in one place! You’ll want to book a multi-day visit at one of the many relaxing cabins, suites, and cozy rentals.

Plan your adventure at hangingrock.com

A Pathway to Representation in Travel and Tourism “Listening leads to progress, and that’s true of everybody,” says Leon Burnette, lifelong Tour Director, civil rights activist, and impassioned mentor, when discussing the critical need for authentic storytelling in travel. In the age of misinformation and disinformation, giving a platform to the custodians of a community and its culture, whose ancestors have lived and breathed its history, is more important than ever.

Travel is widely recognized as one of the most impactful educational privileges available to us, but who tells the stories of a destination matters immensely.

“The best way to teach history is through a tour—but it must be an authentic tour where people can truthfully walk in the footsteps of heroes, victims, and villains,” says Burnette. This simple yet powerful idea is the foundation of Burnette’s brainchild, the Pathways Project.

In the United States, less than eight percent of Tour Guides are Black, and less than two percent are Indigenous (Zippia). To tackle this problem at the root, Tourism Cares, in partnership with the

TreadRight Foundation, The Travel Corporation, TRIP School, and the Media Arts Institute of Alabama, have launched the Pathways Project, which aims to increase the representation of Black, Indigenous, and historically underrepresented individuals in the Group Tourism industry. This subsidized training and recruitment program aims to place individuals from diverse backgrounds in positions as cultural heritage Tour Guides, Tour Directors, interpreters, and storytellers.

The idea of the project was born from a discussion between Leon Burnette and Richard Launder, Director of The Travel Corporation USA, and The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) global brands, including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, and Contiki. Through cultural heritage itineraries such as Trafalgar’s “Journey along the Civil Rights Trail” in the American South, and through MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences featuring Indigenous experience providers in Canada and the U.S., for example, TTC

PATHWAYS PROJECT © MILES RASHAD

brands are harnessing the power of travel to reduce inequalities, while providing guests with transformative and conscious travel experiences. However, Launder recognizes that the need for greater representation among Tour Guides is undeniable.

Tour Guides and Travel Directors are the essential interfaces between the tour operator and the guest. They are providers of real-time lessons in history and empathy, and are critical to ensuring representation is part of a destination’s story. Burnette believes these interactions are transformative. “These stories can address biases and tackle systemic injustices. We can share prejudices, tolerance, empathy, and determination,” Burnette says.

Increasing representation in the guided tour space begins by eliminating the barriers to entry and reducing hiring inequalities.

The Pathways Project will actively recruit communities underrepresented by the industry and provide selected applicants with online learning, active mentorship, and an in-person training boot camp. Upon graduation

from the program, each participant will be poised for success and assisted with employment opportunities. The program is anticipated to go a long way towards greater representation in travel and tourism.

With the program well underway, its early impacts are clear. Najah Roberts, a recent participant in the program, has since been inspired to begin her own tour company titled “The Feel Trips,” which aims to teach economically challenged students financial literacy using the city of Los Angeles as its classroom. “The Feel Trips” also lead empathy and tolerance tours, plus Civil Rights Pilgrimages from the West Coast to the South to help participants understand and reconcile with American history.

The Pathways Project is the beginning of what Burnette hopes will be systemic change. “As our industry changes and those Tour Directors rise through the ranks and start to work higher and higher within travel organizations, it starts leveling out. Equity and inclusion are my hopes for the future,” he concludes.

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There’s a Movement Growing in Virginia’s Vineyards Nothing expresses a “sense of place” like well-made wine, and, in Virginia, one hard-earned vintage after another, winemakers are crafting local wines that do just that.

Virginia Wine has a rich history dating back to the first settlers and even a few founding fathers, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s when the industry began to take root. These pioneers set the tone for those to come—curious, collaborative, and stubborn in the face of setbacks.

Today, a community of farmers is producing wines that embody the grace, grit, and experimental spirit of Virginia. They don’t bend to trends. They listen to their land and draw out the story in every vine and vintage, producing unique wines from over 30 grape varieties.

You can learn a lot about Virginia Wine just by looking at a map.

Sitting halfway between Europe and California, Virginia’s wines embody this unique position in the world. They are lush but structured, aromatic, expressive, and beautifully balanced— blending the subtlety of the Old

World with the boldness of the new. Like perfect French spoken with a slight southern drawl.

With 300+ wineries, ten regions, and eight distinct AVAs spanning the state, there’s

IMAGE COURTESY OF © VIRGINIA WINE MARKETING OFFICE

something for everyone. Whether you’re just passing through or are planning a memorable trip, there are countless ways to help make your adventure through Virginia Wine Country one to remember.

Virginiawine.org helps you personalize your experience, discover new favorites, and search for offerings that match your preferences. When browsing Virginia wineries, you can search

by wine and food offerings, events, overnight stays, pet friendly, child friendly, and more.

Register for an account to create customizable itineraries and track your adventures. For quick and easy access, download the Virginia Wine app to view saved itineraries and find nearby wineries all from your mobile device. Or request a physical copy of the Virginia winery guide—a perfect resource to have in hand for any planned or spontaneous excursion!

With so many options, the Gold Medal Wine Trail helps narrow the scope of your search and connects you with awardwinning wineries. With a free sign-up at taste.virginiawine.org, you receive exclusive access to special discounts and prizes while sampling the best of Virginia.

No matter how you discover or choose to experience #vawine, you’re sure to find something to love.

Learn more and plan your Virginia Wine adventure at virginiawine.org/pages/visit

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PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP

TO ALABAMA’S BEACHES GULFSHORES.COM • ORANGEBEACH.COM

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Find Relaxation, Adventure, and Fun on Alabama’s Beaches Are you longing to dig your toes in the sand and feel the waves wash over your feet? Or maybe you’re looking to get out and experience the natural wonders of the Coast. Perhaps you’re searching for unique experiences and memorable adventures. You’ll f ind all of this and more on the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Our destination is the ideal spot for an extraordinar y beach vacation. Located on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the area boasts over 32 miles of gorgeous sugar-white sand beaches, perfect for playing or relaxing.

You’ll be in beach mode f rom the moment you arrive until your final minutes here.

While the beaches are incredible, they aren’t the only reason to visit our two communities. The area offers plenty to do, see, and eat. You’ll find endless entertainment with exciting attractions and activities that all ages will enjoy. Get wild at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, make a big splash at Waterville

USA, or shop until you drop at The Wharf. The fun doesn’t stop there either—countless watersports are available, including jet-skiing, paddle boarding, fishing, kayaking, and even more water activities like boating, sailing, and cruises.

There are so many ways to reconnect with the natural beauty surrounding you.

The iconic Gulf State Park is the ultimate spot for those wanting to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Inside the park, you’ll find over 28 miles of trails perfect for biking, hiking, and running through nine distinct ecosystems found throughout the park. You might even spot some of the local wildlife.

Guided Segway tours are also available and provide a unique way to explore the park and learn about its environment.

If you’re looking for even more exciting ways to check out the area, embark on a dolphin cruise or go on a charter f ishing excursion for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Our

two communities offer various signature experiences that will allow you to encounter the destination in unique and unforgettable ways.

Be sure to bring your appetite when you visit. While here, you’ll also enjoy the excellent meals, delectable desserts, and novelty drinks that make up the unique taste of the Alabama Gulf Coast at any of the area’s more than 200 restaurants. Fresh Gulf seafood, mouthwatering burgers, and irresistible desserts are just a few of the delicious eats you’ll f ind.

To complement your meal, choose from a variety of drinks, including locally brewed beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and coastal specialties such as the Bushwacker. Not only are the food and beverages incredible, but so is the dining atmosphere. With waterf ront dining, live music, and amazing views of the Gulf, dining out here is unparalleled.

Whether it’s feeling the waves wash over your feet, biting into

a delicious meal as you overlook the water, or riding a bike along the beach, memories are waiting to be made on Alabama’s beaches. Start planning your next trip to Gulf Shores and

Orange Beach and get ready to relax, indulge, and explore our stunning white-sand beaches.

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IMAGES © COURTESY OF GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH TOURISM

Marriott, Airbnb, Others See Global Travel Rebounding in 2022 Marriott and Hilton, two of the biggest U.S. hotel chains, told investors they expect people to resume packing their bags for business and leisure this year at rates not seen since before the pandemic.

Hotel and other travel-related companies delivered rosy outlooks in their quarterly results, citing rising vaccination rates and falling COVID-19 cases in the United States after the winter surge of the Omicron variant.

Countries also lifted travel restrictions, including Canada, which eased entry for fully vaccinated international travelers in February.

Marriott International Inc’s and Airbnb Inc’s latest quarterly results topped Wall Street estimates, while Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc’s revenue nearly doubled.

Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano told investors that group cancellations increased late last year and this year due to Omicron.

Now, cancellations have slowed,

and new group bookings are gaining momentum.

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings said that customers at its Las Vegas resort are “spending again with a vengeance.”

“2021 was the recovery year, and 2022 will push past COVID and become a strong growth year for the sector,” said Jamie Lane, vice president of research at vacation rental research firm AirDNA. In January, AirDNA recorded about 58,000 new short-term rentals in the United States, the most added since the start of the pandemic, and the number is growing daily, Lane said.

AirDNA data also shows a 35 percent increase in short-term rental nights booked in the United States in January 2022 from the same period in 2019, and a 12 percent increase from 2019 globally.

Omicron-related disruptions to Hilton’s business bookings were largely contained to the first quarter of 2022, with most events rescheduled

for later in the year, Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta told investors. The hospitality company expects group business bookings to accelerate through the rest of 2022.

Similarly, online travel agency Expedia Inc. reported that bookings have “strongly rebounded” since the Omicron surge.

LONGER STAYS

With many workers embracing the flexibility that comes with permanent remote work, Airbnb said people have been using its short-term rental site to book longer stays. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky shared that about half of the nights booked in the fourth quarter were for stays of one week or longer.

“People are spreading out to thousands of towns and cities, staying for weeks, months or even entire seasons at a time,” Chesky said. “People are less tethered to an office, so they

PASSENGERS LINE UP AT JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT © REUTERS/DIEU-NALIO CHERY

can now live anywhere.”

Erin Francis-Cummings, CEO of tourism market research firm Destination Analysts, said the rosy outlook for travel is “not a short-term blip,” adding the shift to longer

stays is likely to be sustained.

She cautioned, however, that future COVID variants and surges could dampen the outlook, even if just temporarily.

(Source: Reuters)

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Pick Your Perfect Vacation in Ellijay The snow is melting, the sun is shining, and it’s the perfect time for a spring vacation that indulges all your senses in the beauty of nature.

Ellijay, GA, has the best of both worlds: a charming, small-town way of life and a variety of food and drink choices that rival big cities. Located between Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga, TN, Ellijay is best known as Georgia’s Apple Capital, but this idyllic location has more than apples to share. Live music, car shows, festivals, and antique shops are just a few of the exciting things you can find in Ellijay, and with an exciting array of food, drinks, and outdoor activities, you’ll find something for every kind of adventure.

Start planning your perfect spring getaway with these mustvisit spots in Ellijay.

INDULGE YOUR TASTE BUDS

Eat like a local for every meal!

Best known for their freshpressed juices, Green Goddess Avocado Toast, and Buddha Toast

WINE ALL DAY

ALL PHOTOS © OUTLIVE CREATIVE

topped with almond butter, figs, and strawberries, Zen & Juice is the perfect breakfast spot.

For an afternoon pick-me-up that will impress the toughest of coffee lovers, Ellijay Coffeehouse is the place to be. With their warm staff, craft coffees, and browseworthy book and game shelves, it’s no wonder that this hangout spot is known as a “local living room.”

When dinner rolls around, visit The Roof of Ellijay for modern takes on classic Southern Cuisine.

Perched atop a historic building in Beautiful Downtown Ellijay, The Roof makes expert use of local ingredients in their cooking.

Their Wild Oyster Mushroom Meatloaf features ingredients sourced directly f rom Ellijay Mushrooms, a family-owned sustainable mushroom farm.

If you prefer to cook up farmf resh meals at your vacation home, the Mountain Valley Farm Store is the perfect place to find Georgia-Grown provisions like grass-fed beef, local meats and cheeses, and much more.

AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Gilmer County is known as Georgia’s Mountain Biking Capital and is home to

awesome mountain biking trails like Bear Creek Trail. Find a like-minded community with the top trail recommendations at Cartecay Bike Shop, known for their mountain bike classes, top-of-the-line biking attire, and exciting Saturday Social Rides.

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

Ellijay is a quickly rising wine destination. Since Cartecay Vineyards was founded in 2007, Ellijay has welcomed six vineyards to the area, with over four more area vineyards opening in the years to come.

Looking for a vineyard that lends itself to making picture-perfect memories? Chateau Meichtry’s tasting rooms and rentable villas are reminiscent of the French countryside, while Buckley Vineyard’s sleek tasting room has an ultra-modern feel. Ott Farms and Vineyards features firepits, sloping hills, and wines like “Worth the Wait” that will make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie.

Prefer cider to wine? Reece’s Cider Company, new in 2021, is the first to bring hard apple cider to Georgia’s Apple Capital.

Their flagship creations are reminiscent of sweet, sparkling apple wine with the perfect golden hues. End your night out at Cartecay River Brewing, located right on the riverside, where you can find awesome local music on the regular.

From winery tours to small town adventures, refresh your spirit this spring by vacationing in this Georgia destination that’s as wild or relaxing as you want it to be.

Plan your trip today at gilmerchamber.com

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Sustainable Adventure in the Heart of the World

© PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOTÜRKIYE

ALLIE MURRAY

Whether you’re craving time in nature away from the crowds or seeking immersion in traditional heritage, Türkiye calls to greenminded adventurers from all over the world.

Late last year, Türkiye’s President Tayyip Erdogan changed the country’s internationally recognized name from Turkey to Türkiye, which is the way the country is pronounced in Turkish. Regarding the change, President Erdogan said, “The word Türkiye represents and expresses the culture, civilization, and values of the Turkish nation in the best way.”

Türkiye’s culture and values surrounding tourism focus on sustainability, making the country the ultimate destination for travelers seeking an adventure that is both unforgettable and environmentally conscious. The country is working to ensure the travelers focus on eco-tourism and leave behind nothing but footprints.

Across Türkiye, travelers can explore majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, caves, and national parks. Türkiye is also home to an abundance of UNESCO cultural and natural heritage locations focusing on historical landmarks and sustainable travel. Türkiye has 18 locations recognized by UNESCO,

including the Karain Cave, The Mausoleum of Hecatomnus, Cappadocia, and more.

Türkiye’s Cappadocia is well known for its hot air balloon rides, during which travelers can experience aerial views of its famous and distinctive plateaus, valleys, hills, and volcanic cones.

“As we continue our work to make Türkiye a more sustainable global tourist destination, we are prioritizing the protection of our planet in everything that we do,” their website reads. “We have set ourselves ambitious goals and continue to work diligently and ceaselessly towards achieving them.”

CHOOSE ECO-FRIENDLY TRAVEL FOR A BETTER, HEALTHY WORLD

Get off the main trails and take in the natural beauty of Türkiye while keeping your carbon footprint small. There are so many ways to explore Türkiye using eco-friendly transportation, from scenic bike trails suitable for all skill levels to low-impact train travel with magical views along the way.

Türkiye is driven to make the country a more sustainable global tourist destination by prioritizing the protection of the planet in everything they do. To do so, they have implemented international

environmental conventions and have put a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development goals as the foundation for their tourism strategy.

In the region, discover the beautiful wildlife and natural areas, like Caretta Carettas (Loggerhead sea turtles) hatching on Turkish beaches, which is one of the world’s biggest nesting areas for these turtles. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the floral richness of Türkiye’s vast fields of flowers. The country is home to nearly 12,000 species of plants and over 2,300 species of mushrooms. Even more magical are the many colorful butterflies native to Türkiye, most notably in the provinces of Van, Hakkari, and Artvin.

Feel the full force of Türkiye’s natural charm by packing a tent and embarking on a camping adventure. Spend the day hiking through numerous national parks and mountains and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the waters. The bravest of adventurers will enjoy outdoor adventures like rock climbing, caving, and horseback riding.

SUSTAINABLE EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Every April since 2006, Istanbul has hosted its annual Tulip Festival to celebrate the

beginning of spring. The tulip is a traditional symbol of Türkiye, and fields across the country fill with brilliant colored tulips every spring. The tulips begin to bloom around the end of March and, depending on the weather, can be enjoyed into May. Other flowers, like pansies and bluebottles, are also planted in contrast and add variety to the gorgeous floral fields.

The Sustainable Living Film Festival screens films that contribute to the creation of a new culture of life by inspiring the concept of sustainability around the world. This year’s festival will feature 30 feature films and short documentaries in November. As well, the Bozcaada International Festival of Ecological Documentary features films on the topic of ecology, environmentalism, and sustainability.

Since 2010, İzmir has hosted the Alaçatı Herb Festival during the spring months.

The festival features activities focusing on “Turkaegean” cuisine, known for its elaborate use of diverse local herbs while promoting sustainable farming and tourism. The festival raises public awareness for environmentally friendly consumption with its workshops, panels, events and contributes to the region’s economy.

SUSTAINABLE DELICACIES

Experience Türkiye like the locals do by indulging in gastronomic experiences from local small businesses and artisans. Each region of Türkiye is home to a variety of age-old cuisines, including traditional agriculture and food practices that connect the past, present, and future in each plate. Immerse yourself in centuries of Turkish cuisine, from wild Aegean herbs to unique street foods, world-renowned kebabs, and desserts that will keep you coming back for more.

Through each dish, you’ll be supporting the protection of biodiversity and regional culture, ensuring that generations for years to come will be able to experience the same.

Türkiye is also home to various ecological markets, open and covered, found in every city. At these markets, you can find local delicacies like local cheeses, fresh or dried produce, handcrafted products, and more, all while supporting traditional and local producers and vendors from around the area. These markets are an important facet of the Slow Food movement, which encourages locals and tourists alike to take the time to prepare and eat food entirely from local sources, which in turn, keeps culture and heritage alive.

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Singletrack-Minded in Southeast Ohio The timing of the launch of Southeast Ohio’s highlyanticipated Baileys Trail System could not have been any better.

On May 30, 2020, amid COVID-19 lockdowns, the trail off icially opened to the public—bringing the first 14-miles of a new trail network, optimized for mountain bike (MTB) use, to Wayne National Forest in Southeast Ohio.

At a time when outdoor activity was one of the few things we were “allowed” to do in lockdown, having somewhere new to explore was welcomed by those living nearby.

Interest grew as post-ride reports, videos, and photos were shared on social media, revealing the beauty of the terrain and the quality of the trails at Baileys Trail System. During its first season, as the pandemic dragged on, activity steadily increased, and more trails were built. By the end of the summer in 2020, on any given day, you could spot out-of-state plates on vehicles with bikes hanging off the back. Even West Virginians were leaving their state’s abundance of MTB trails to see what all the buzz was about in Athens County, Ohio.

Today, 31 miles of singletrack

are complete in what will continue to expand into an 88-mile trail system, making it the largest continuous trail network east of the Mississippi River.

The Baileys Trail System’s location has the potential to continuously draw from the over one million mountain bikers living within 250 miles of Chauncey, Ohio, the system’s first trailhead town. Visit Athens County, the tourism bureau representing the home of Baileys Trail System, has capitalized on the development of outdoor recreation assets in the region.

Specifically pertaining to cycling, bikeathensohio.com packages all the bike-related activities and locations for the region into one online location. Athens County does seem to have all the assets lining up: trails, roads, numerous gravel road routes, paved bikeways, and even a self-guided brewery tour along the bikeway.

While so much has been accomplished already, there is still quite a lot of work to be done—57 miles and a lot of funding to find. As some of the industry’s best builders and designers continue to blaze new trails, another organization,

the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA), continues to clear the way ahead, financially.

ORCA manages the development and operations of the Baileys Trail System in partnership with Wayne National Forest and the Athens Bicycle Club. They work to “advance asset-based sustainable economic development by securing public investments that unlock private investments, and activate key assets to deliver holistic community benefits.”

Acknowledging the challenges facing rural communities, their vision strives to enhance opportunities for small communities to grow local wealth in rural Appalachia. With various stakeholders at the table, plans are to increase collaboration across the region and evolve with its priorities. The current priority? To implement a regional strategy that will enhance Southeast Ohio’s outdoor recreation tourism. Baileys Trail System is part of this effort, but it’s just the beginning. Meanwhile, for all those involved—governments, organizations, partners, companies, communities, and volunteers—it is 31 miles down, 57 miles to go.

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April • 2022

ALL IMAGES © COURTESY OF HECKFIELD PLACE

It Begins with The Soil: Traveling and Eating The Plant-Positive Way ALLIE MURRAY

Situated along the beauty of the Hampshire countryside in England, in an elegant Georgian family home, sits Heckfield Place, an organic farm estate and luxury hotel.

Heckfield Place opened its doors four years ago with a simple goal: to reconnect its home and farm to the local community. To do so, they opened to welcome guests to stay in the historic house and introduced a certified biodynamic market garden and organic farm, commonly known as the Home Farm.

“Everything we do relates to nature—from the house itself, which, like so many grand English houses, is positioned to align with the movement of the sun, to our fully certified biodynamic market garden, farm-to-fork offering, and natural skincare line,” General Manager Kevin Brooke explained. “In an increasingly turbulent world, this is a place that feels timely in its pursuit.

A place that stands out of time, seeking to impart wisdom and inspire change.”

The home itself was built in the 1760s and has been lightly restored to breathe new life into the 250-year-old home, being referred to by the owners as a place to redefine the idea of a country hotel.

“As we respect this 250-yearold history, we look forward to a 250 year new plan,” he said. “Heckfield Place is a land sculpted by many hands, minds, and ideas over hundreds of years.

Today we act as custodians of this remarkable estate.”

The home has been restored to include various activities for guests, including a screening room, which is open to both residents and outside visitors. The screening room plays films, live screenings, and film festivities and is available for private events.

The rooms available for booking vary in size and look, including signature rooms, master rooms, chamber rooms, and more. There are six signature rooms, the Long Room, Lake Room, Heath Room, Coppice Room, Ochre Room, and the Church Lodge. Each offers picturesque views of the grounds and different designs for a unique and homey feel.

The Church Lodge is a separate cottage on the grounds, tucked away with its own gardens and surrounding landscapes. The cottage is built with a black and white timbered gatehouse with a gentle palette and details to match the surrounding landscapes.

Heckfield Place operates on 438 acres of land and is working towards a zero carbon footprint.

Spread across the home and the farm, the staff have planted hundreds of trees and cared for cows, pigs, chickens, and an abundance of crops.

With their all-natural skincare line, Heckfield Place opened The Little Bothy Spa, with a focus on offering all-natural treatments and exclusive products from the line, called the Wildsmith Skin range. Similarly, the spa opened spaces for personal training, yoga, and pilates classes.

“In the sanctuary of the spa, the emphasis is on wellness and a deep connection to our natural surroundings, with ingredients drawn from our apothecary garden and juices and infusions made fresh each day,” Brooke explained.

To expand their belief that good stems from the soil, Heckfield Place fosters a positive mindset on our inner soil: the mind and body. In 2022, The Little Bothy Spa is expanding to open Bothy Spa, a space to encourage reconnecting with nature.

Bothy Spa is found on the grounds just off of the walled garden and focuses on the power of healing and movement.

The new-and-improved spa is set to open in 2022, but in the meantime, The Little Bothy Spa

is still welcoming guests in with open arms.

While staying at the house, meals are prepared from the crops grown onsite to foster a healthier lifestyle and reduce food waste, with, of course, a strong focus on the flavor of the food they offer. The essence of the home is to be a place where food, company, and philosophy coexist seamlessly.

The farm is seen as the soul of Heckfield Place—it provides everything for the house, from food to flowers, honey, and so much more.

In 2020, they expanded the farm even further, opening seven new greenhouses to grow a variety of produce, as well as seasonal flowers. The farmers also opened a dairy farm, which is home to 42 cows to create cheese, milk, cream, butter, and yogurts for the house, as well as 59 Suffolk sheep.

“Every ounce of produce that comes from our market garden and home farm is precious,” Brooke said. “And as such, we’ve committed to a zerowaste policy. From preserving gluts into cordials or preserves, to championing unloved and overlooked bits like carrot tops in our Earth menu, our aim is to either consume or reuse as compost for our living soil.”

The Heckfield Place teams

believe that everything begins with good, clean soil. With this mindset, they work towards standing up for our planet and working to be a plant-positive place not only with the work they do but also by giving back to the community.

“The market garden, Home Farm, and no-waste philosophy capture the essence of our approach—starting with good, clean soil, standing for something planet-positive and joyful, and giving back to the community and the planet,” he shared.

On the property, Heckfield Place boasts five eateries: the Marle, Hearth, Glass House, Moon Bar, and The Cellar. Each is unique to its own flavors but remains locally grown.

The Cellar is nestled beneath the house and is home to wines from established and emerging producers. Again noting the power of the soil, the wine available at The Cellar is diverse in region and variety and features a selection of wines that are perfect for everyday enjoyment or even the rarest of blends.

“In a time of unbelievable discoveries and unprecedented modernity, we find ourselves looking to forgotten skills and lost ways of living,” Brooke said.

“Heckfield Place is an antidote to modern living. A way of seeing luxury in a new way.”

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Experience the Best of Maine On your way to or from just about anywhere in New England, Maine’s MidCoast is easy to get to and offers the best of everything in Maine.

Shopping, dining, sightseeing, outdoor recreation…the MidCoast is quite literally in the middle of it all.

IT’S SIMPLY THE MIDDLE OF AMAZING!

A visit to Maine’s MidCoast region is one you will treasure forever. This region is a vibrant and stunningly beautiful natural destination dotted with quaint villages lined with unique shops and worldrenowned restaurants. Experience our world-class museums, enjoy our theaters, stroll our beaches, visit our vineyards, and hike our rocky coast. We help build customized itineraries for families, foodies, adventurers, history buffs, and even relaxation seekers at mainesmidcoast.com.

They say the quickest route between two points is a straight line, but everyone knows that’s not always the best way to reach your destination. The trip from Portland, Maine to Acadia National Park is a little over three hours if you drive straight through on the

highway—but you’d cruise right past some of Maine’s best art, culture, food, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Instead, veer off the beaten path and head right up through Maine’s MidCoast: take U.S. Route 1 between Portland and Bar Harbor.

Adventuresome types won’t want to miss out on walking these beaches, sea kayaking around a New England harbor, or peeping puffins and whales. The route also features plenty of rainy day activities, including the best lobster roll in Maine (but we’ll let you be the judge) and two excellent maritime museums. So next time you’re traveling in Maine, take the scenic route with stops at any (or all) of these MidCoast gems.

And, of course, we have the islands. The islands of Maine’s MidCoast evoke romantic images and light up the imagination in people all over the world.

They have inspired some of our culture's greatest art and literature. Tantalizing glimpses of green spruce and pink granite hover on the horizon as one looks out to sea. Our islands are iconic and mysterious, with

evidence of human history going back thousands of years. Some islands are accessible by bridge, and some must be reached by boat—whether that’s one of the ferries leaving from Rockland or a sea kayak (bring your own, rent, or book a tour with one of our wilderness guides).

Pretty much any time of year, you’ll f ind interesting events going on, large and small. Lobster festivals, music festivals, maple syrup celebrations, parades, and concerts…see our website for the when and where.

With plenty of wide-open spaces, Maine’s MidCoast offers everything that makes our state a great vacation without the crowds you find at more popular destinations.

When the time comes, do yourself and your family a big favor and head straight for Maine’s MidCoast.

Whether you visit Maine to relax or to adventure—or maybe get a little bit of both—Maine’s MidCoast is the place you’ll find what you’re looking for. See life here the way it’s been lived for centuries. Fair warning, you may never want to leave!

Maine’s MidCoast…the middle of amazing!

© MAINE’S MIDCOAST & ISLANDS

The best of Maine is all within reach here in the MidCoast.

MainesMidCoast.com

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Discover your Discover outdoor moments...

April • 2022

ORDER YOUR FREE CAMPING DIRECTORIES

WWW.CAMPNORTHEAST.COM

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER ADVERTORIAL

Discover Your Outdoor Moments Camping is the perfect way to explore new places and immerse yourself in new experiences and adventures. Camping in the Northeast U.S., especially in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, puts you in touch with a kaleidoscope of scenic vistas, miles of woodland trails, freshwater shorelines and saltwater beaches, countless outdoor adventures, and new opportunities to find old-fashioned connections with friends and family.

New Jersey campgrounds present some of the best camping and outdoor lodging experiences on the East Coast. The Shore, Greater Atlantic City, and Southern Shore Regions offer beaches, boardwalks, and amusements, while the Gateway Region provides easy access to New York City. The Skylands Region is an adventure in nature, and the Delaware River Region beckons with Early American historical sites and paddling and fishing explorations of the Pinelands.

Explore the vast number of Jersey Fresh farm stands, wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries scattered throughout New Jersey.

A New York camping adventure is your chance to knock down the walls, spread your arms wide, take a deep breath, and open yourself up to the limitless possibilities of the great outdoors. Explore iconic places like Niagara Falls, the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes, and Long Island. Explore specialty trails

dedicated to culinary experiences like wine, beer, cheese, and even Buffalo’s famous chicken wings.

Or literally hit the trail—the 750mile Empire State Trail, that is—for a healthy biking or hiking excursion. Camp a few nights or set up a seasonal site at hundreds of independently owned campgrounds and RV parks.

Pennsylvania is where much of early American history was made. Stay at RV parks and campgrounds across the state and spend some time in the rural countryside to discover your outdoor moments. Visit our great cities, where culture abounds. Independence Hall, Gettysburg, and the Golden

Triangle in Pittsburgh are just three of countless locations perfect for immersing yourself in history. Visit the beautiful Amish farmlands of Southeast and Southcentral Pennsylvania, the great Pocono vacation area, the breathtaking views in our own Grand Canyon, the beaches on Lake Erie, and the scenic Laurel Highlands area of Southwestern Pennsylvania, with its rushing rivers and magnificent sunsets.

Many of our campgrounds have on-site rental options available, so you can fall asleep and wake up to the soothing sounds of nature.

Visit NJ, NY, or PA and stay at one of hundreds of independently owned and operated campgrounds and RV parks, offering RV sites, tent sites, onsite rentals (like cabins, yurts, and even covered wagons!), and glamping options. We welcome you to learn more at CampNortheast.com.

Request free camping magazines and book your next camping adventure with one of our affiliate parks.

IMAGES COURTESY OF © CAMPGROUND OWNERS OF NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY CAMPGROUND OWNERS & OUTDOOR LODGING ASSOC.

Rainbow Railroad: A Pathway to Freedom and the Newest TreadRight Foundation Partner Sam and Mehraj are in love. They appreciate life, they sing, they play the piano. They have dreams of getting married and starting a family one day. Like most, Sam and Mehraj’s love story assumes that a basic level of freedom is met—the freedom to be you.

Sadly, this type of freedom was unthinkable for Sam and Mehraj until only a few years ago. In approximately 70 countries, LGBTQI+ people face violence and oppression based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is where our story’s hero, Rainbow Railroad, comes in.

Rainbow Railroad is an international not-for-profit organization based in Canada and the United States with a mission to help LGBTQI+ people worldwide find safety. Since 2006, the organization has helped more than 1,500 individuals escape violence and live openly, and has provided livelihood support for thousands more. Rainbow Railroad counts a great number of supporters and recently added

the TreadRight Foundation to that list, a well-recognized and awardwinning foundation tied to the travel industry.

Before Rainbow Railroad got involved, Sam and Mehraj lived in fear in Azerbaijan, a country where same-sex relations are illegal and one which polices sexual identity and orientation.

Those who are oppressed must live in secret because not only is the state itself a threat to their very existence, the society is also empowered to discriminate and hate with impunity on the same basis. Violent attacks, severe beatings, and eviction from their apartment were all punishments they received for their sexuality. Knowing they couldn’t live their lives in constant fear of persecution and violence, the couple tried to escape to a safe country more than once, only to be turned back each time because they could not secure the proper visas. Finally, in 2019, with the help of Rainbow Railroad, the

couple was successfully able to escape to Spain.

Through its core Emergency Travel Support program, Rainbow Railroad provides airfare and support to help LGBTQI+ individuals who are at significant risk find a pathway to safety in a new country where they can live in freedom. In addition, Rainbow Railroad provides short-term support in the form of financial aid, information and resources, and referrals to local support programs to keep individuals safe in their current country while helping them understand their rights as asylum seekers.

TreadRight and Rainbow Railroad have a shared commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a more equitable future for all. As the charitable arm of global travel provider The Travel Corporation (TTC), and brands like Contiki, Insight Vacations, and Trafalgar, TreadRight has supported 60-plus sustainable tourism partners worldwide working to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®, and

SAMI AND MEHRAJ © RAPHAEL CHATELAIN

its support will further Rainbow Railroad’s ability to help an increased number of persecuted LGBTQI+ individuals find safety.

In addition, as part of its five-year sustainability strategy, How We Tread Right, TTC and its family of brands are working to advance diversity, equity and inclusion by driving impact against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that both internal teams as well

as guests are represented equitably from within the LGBTQI+, and BIPOC communities.

The need for the work of Rainbow Railroad continues to grow each year, further intensified by the global refugee crisis.

Sam and Mehraj are just two of thousands of beneficiaries of Rainbow Railroad who have been able to build new lives in a new home, which allows them to live and love freely.

ADVERTORIAL

Inspire Wanderlust in Miami, the Ultimate Beach Vacation With its endless sunshine, sparkling waterways, lush parks, and stunning beaches, Miami is a dream getaway for nature and beach lovers alike. Diverse and exciting, the neighborhoods of Miami offer experiences that you can’t find anywhere else, from South Beach to Coconut Grove and from Little Havana to Little Haiti.

Whether your getaway plans include a family-friendly holiday, a romantic escape, a lively LGBTQ+ excursion, or embarking on a solo tour of the sunny beaches, Miami’s urban energy and glittering cityscape are sure to leave you with that warm post-vacation glow.

EXPERIENCE THE ARTS

Art and culture thrive in Miami.

Between the annual international Art Basel Miami Beach art fair, thrilling performing arts ranging from Broadway to opera, and a dynamic gallery scene displaying stunning architecture and a range of contemporary art, it’s no wonder that Greater Miami has become a world-class destination for art-lovers.

In Downtown Miami, the

Biscayne Bay and its islets, where manatees and dolphins are known to put on a playful show.

HEAD TO THE BEACH

LITTLE HAITI © MAURICIO CANDELA PHOTOGRAPHY

IMAGES © GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

SOUTH MIAMI BEACH LIFEGUARD STAND

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is the spot for live performances, whether your preference veers toward Broadway classics or local companies like the Miami City Ballet, Florida Grand Opera, and the New World Symphony.

Create your own art tour with gallery options across the city, including the Miami Design District, Allapattah, Little Haiti, Downtown Miami, and South Beach. Experience mesmerizing street art in the Wynwood District, where groundbreaking artists share their work throughout the neighborhood and at Wynwood Walls, an outdoor street art museum.

Greater Miami’s science and history museums are a must-see for curious minds of all ages. Visit the planetarium and the 500,000-gallon aquarium at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, or immerse yourself in history at the Freedom Tower, home to the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at Miami Dade College.

wetlands, or slow down the pace with a guided walking tour of one of Miami’s many shaded nature trails.

At Crandon Park on Key Biscayne, experience a diverse natural tour led by the knowledgeable staff at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, a former coconut plantation that is home to dunes, mangrove forest, seagrass beds, and a host of wildlife, including sea turtles and more than 200 species of birds.

Nature exploration doesn’t stop on the land—a snorkeling trip will take you from South Beach out to the Jose Cuervo reef, a shelter for corals, sponges, and fish. Or sail to

A NATURAL ADVENTURE

Take a break from the beaches and experience the quiet side of Miami, where natural attractions abound. Head up to Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach for a peaceful bike ride, hike, or run through verdant mangrove

Of course, no trip to Miami would be complete without a beachside excursion. The beaches span more than 20 miles of Atlantic coastline and rightfully top the to-do list of every traveler that passes through its sands. Whether you prefer a secluded shore to enjoy a beachside read, a lively strip perfect for people-watching, or a popular LGBTQ+ hotspot to craft the perfect tan, every day is a beach day when you’re in Miami. Enjoy warm turquoise waters, soft white sand, and gentle breezes from famous South Beach to the quiet and lowkey North Beach.

A favorite for parents with young children, Matheson Hammock Park Beach in Coral Gables has a man-made atoll pool safe for swimmers of all ages. Pets can join in on the fun, too, with several dog beaches open for your furry friends to enjoy.

Plan your ultimate beach vacation at miamiandbeaches.com.

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April • 2022

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Nature and Adventure Meet in Lewis County A natural expedition rife with heritage and agritourism is waiting for you in Lewis County, the Adirondacks, and Tug Hill Region.

Whether you prefer to explore the outdoors or immerse yourself in history, your trip is sure to be fun-filled and memorable. As you plan out your must-visit spots, here are some sights you won’t want to miss!

techniques and equipment. Another stop should be Constable Hall, located in Constableville, and escape into the 1800s. This mansion is said to be the inspiration for the story “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and contains memories from seven generations of the Constable Family.

FOR THE NATURE LOVERS

FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS Lewis County is home to many Plan a visit to the International Maple Museum Centre in Croghan to experience the history and techniques used to produce maple syrup. The museum has three floors of displays, including a replica sugar house and early syrup-making

beautiful State Forests and Wilderness areas to explore for locals and tourists alike. The hiking trails along the gorge at Whetstone Gulf State Park will provide you with a day filled with adventure. The Otter Creek Horse

Trail System provides 65 miles of trails stretching throughout the Adirondack Park. There are 75 stalls and free camping. Each year events like the Adironduck Race and Riverfest will have you returning again and again.

FOR THE AGRITOURISTS

There are few places as rich in agriculture as Lewis County, from the fresh dairy production to the sweet maple nectar boiled to amber perfection. Agriculture has always been an essential part of Lewis County, and sharing the farming way of life with visitors is a longstanding tradition. Watch cows, horses, or goats graze in the pasture or take a farm tour

and capture some great photos.

Besides our traditional offerings, we can also boast innovative products that everyone will enjoy, like goat’s milk gelato from Hidden Pastures Dairy or artisan butter from Black River Valley Natural.

Visit during Maple Weekend or visit a local Farmer’s Market to meet with some of the people who have helped build Lewis County into the agricultural center that it is today.

FOR THE ADVENTURE SEEKERS

Each year there are five weekends of water releases on the Beaver River to provide stage five white water kayaking. You can visit the Moose River in Lyons Falls for

stage four or five kayaking for the rest of the year. There are also approximately 500 miles of ATV and snowmobile trails waiting to be explored. SNIRT Run and the Flat Rock Watercross are events that are sure to keep you coming back for more.

There are many other events and attractions available throughout the year including the Annual Cream Cheese Festival where you can taste an award-winning cheesecake large enough to feed 10,000 people! For more exciting things to do and see in Lewis County, visit www.adirondackstughill.com or call the local Chamber of Commerce at (315) 376-2213.

© PHOTOS COURTESY LEWIS COUNTY

An Eco Expedition: Four Sustainable Travel Destinations in the U.S. ALLIE MURRAY

The United States has vast beauty to explore, with something new waiting to be discovered in every state.

Sustainable travel is made easy when traveling through the U.S., especially with the abundance of states and cities that are pledging to make the country a greener place.

We’ve rounded up four mustvisit destinations for travelers to explore across the country.

ARCTIC DOG ADVENTURE CO.

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA With ecotourism at the forefront of their tours, Arctic Dog Adventure Co. offers a wide variety of sustainable and luxurious tours in Alaska. Explore the region with a dog sled expedition, women’s retreats, or even an Aurora Borealis overnight viewing trip.

Arctic Dog Adventure Co. strives to offer low-impact access to wilderness across Alaska, connect adventure seekers with

Northern landscapes, and educate the public about sled dogs and mushing while honoring the heritage of the Siberian Husky.

As the first dog sledding company in Alaska to be certified

by Adventure Green Alaska, the team has redefined ecotourism as not only a way to protect our planet, but to offer travelers a responsible and authentic Alaskan experience. They strive to practice economic, environmental, social, and cultural responsibility while offering dog sled tours of the highest quality.

In the summer, enjoy a hike with huskies where you can choose your own hiking buddy and embark on a nature walk through the Alaskan wilderness.

The hikes are available from June 1 to September 30, 2022.

ATLANTIS SUBMARINES

L TO R © PEXELS/ MATH 21393, © TROY SQUILLACI, © PEXELS/GUSTAVO FRING, © PEXELS/JOELLEN MOTHS

WAIKIKI, MAUI, OR KONA Explore the beauty of Hawaii from under the sea with Atlantis Submarines! Showcasing the natural phenomenon of sea life, Atlantis Submarines uses environmentally safe submarines that are battery powered, emit

no pollutants, and quietly move through the water to not disturb the natural environment.

The tours are available in Waikiki, Maui, and Kona—and the team at Atlantis Submarines is working towards benefitting our oceans. At the sites in Waikiki in Maui, they have installed artificial reefs to create self-sustaining habitats for fish and marine life.

Similarly, the dive site in Kona is home to a 25-acre coral reef garden. Atlantis closely observes the reef but leaves it untouched.

On the tours, expect to see green turtles, sharks, stingrays, yellow tangs, eels, and so much more.

COWHORN VINEYARD & GARDEN

JACKSONVILLE, OREGON Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden is nestled along southern Oregon, operating with a nature-focused farming approach, instilling harmony with the ecosystem.

The wine is crafted with a biodynamic winemaking approach, meaning they create wines with the least amount of intervention, chemicals, additives,

or ingredients. The goal is to allow the grapes to develop the purest wine possible.

With a trip to Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, you can enjoy breathing landscapes and wine tastings of the best wines imaginable, all made sustainably and locally.

SCP HOTEL

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO Operating with Soul, Community, and Planet in mind, SCP Holistic Hospitality gets its name from its core beliefs. With hotels across the U.S., SCP Holistic Hospitality is a chain of hotels that encourage guests to travel sustainably.

In Colorado, the hotel is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, and the rooms are thoughtfully designed and environmentally friendly. With every stay at SCP Holistic Hospitality, they aim to give back to the community through kindness and giving back to the planet.

At the Colorado Springs location, visitors can enjoy a gym, a healthy food market, and 174 rooms with sustainably and regionally sourced designs.

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

From leisurely walking paths to more challenging climbs, connect with nature. Walk along The Windham Path in Windham—a 1.5-mile loop offering expansive mountain views—or explore the Four Mile Point Preserve in Coxsackie to find scenic shoreline vistas. For a more challenging hike, try Hunter Mountain Fire Tower in Hunter, eight miles roundtrip with panoramic views of the Hudson Valley region. When hiking, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles and wear the proper gear.

For an exhilarating adventure, go ziplining at New York Zipline Canopy Tours, located at Hunter Mountain. The Mid-Mountain

© COURTESY OF GREAT NORTHERN CATSKILLS OF GREENE COUNTY

Tour is family-f riendly and features zip lines, suspension bridges, and tree platforms, while the Skyrider Tour is an extreme ziplining experience for thrill-seekers. Each tour offers beautiful views of the Catskills.

When you’re not exploring the outdoors, sip the flavors of the region at one of the many breweries. From IPAs and lagers to brown ales and stouts, prepare to sample the latest creations of the Great Northern Catskills. Rip

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

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

After a day of exploration, rest up at one of the Great Northern Catskills’ unique lodging properties. In Greenville, T h e Wo o d h o u s e L o d g e provides a fun, beautifully decorated escape. With f ire

JOURNEY TO GREATER

GREATNORTHERNCATSKILLS.COM

pits, hammocks, and access to nearby hiking, experience the splendor of the Great Northern Catskills. Looking for a glamping experience? Stay at Treetopia Airstream Hotel and RV Campground in Catskill.

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

For a cozy stay, try Albergo Allegria Hotel and Breakfast Restaurant in Windham. The hotel features charming rooms— some even include a f ireplace and whirlpool tub for optimum relaxation. Get a one-of-a-kind breakfast at their restaurant each morning. Their “gardento-table” meal will fuel all of your day’s adventures.

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

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April • 2022

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Spring into Chenango County AUDREY ROBINSON, DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & TOURISM AT COMMERCE CHENANGO

Simon and Garfunkel used springtime to describe the beginning of the life cycle: “Look around / Grass is high / Fields are ripe / It’s the springtime of my life.”

In Chenango County, like the rest of Central New York, we all look forward to the change of each season, and after the long, cold winter, spring is an unparalleled favorite. The flowers popping up, the birds chirping, and the sun shining to bring us longer days.

What makes us different?

The outstanding beauty of our trails, the area lakes and streams, our small-town rural charm, the numerous parks, and most of all, the chance for relaxation.

Let’s not forget the holiday that depicts the very essence of spring—Easter. Daffodils are popping up, and Peter Cottontail is hopping down the bunny trail with colored eggs, Easter baskets, and new Easter clothes. Having new clothes for Easter is deeply rooted in European customs and

led to the same practice here in America. Wearing a brand new outfit for Easter Sunday has become one of the most commonly celebrated traditions for families. In my family, my outfit always included black leather shoes and short white gloves, and boy, did I think I was something!

Chenango County is known for its safe, family-friendly environment. It’s time to have an Easter Egg Hunt or picnic in one of the local parks or throw a fishing rod in one of our 235 miles of trout streams or 115 miles of warm water rivers and many ponds and lakes, perfect for floating down in a canoe or kayak.

What also makes us different is our well-known festival season!

First up is the DEC South Otselic Fishing Heritage Event.

In its 13th year, this special oneday community-wide event is located along the scenic Otselic River. Fish hatchery tours, fishing clinics, demonstrations, antiques, food, and a tour through the iconic Gladding Braided Products that has been around since 1816.

Next is the world’s longest

single-day flat-water marathon canoe race, aptly named the General Clinton Canoe Regatta.

Past entrants for the 70-mile endurance race have included world-class athletes from all over the U.S. and Canada, who compete for over $25,000 in cash and prizes.

Adding to the start of the festival season is the Rolling Antiquers Annual Antique Auto show and the exciting action at the Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of our major outdoor attractions that are open all year round from dawn to dusk— Rogers Environmental Education Center. Along with the many hiking trails, other facilities include a bird cabin, a Visitor Center with interactive exhibits, and a picnic area. There is no charge, but contributions are encouraged.

Whether you are here for a short visit or are considering a relocation to our area, we welcome you warmly. For ‘Everything Chenango,’ go to our website— www.visitchenango.com, or call 607-334-1400 to get your free visitors guide.

Artisans of Accessible Travel Adventures for All At 29 years old, Tarita Davenock was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and urged by her physicians to leave her job as a Social Worker due to stress. Unsure of where to go next, Davenock decided to indulge her love of travel and found joy in a role as a travel advisor, helping people arrange the adventures of their dreams. But as her MS progressed and Davenock began using a wheelchair, she realized how different the world of travel was for people with disabilities.

One in four people has some form of disability—equating to a huge group of people who may experience difficulties traveling or may even avoid it altogether due to stress. A vocal advocate for

accessibility awareness, she built Travel For All around the mantra that “travel should be INCLUSIVE, not exclusive.”

Traveling with a disability can cause a lot of anxiety. Between facing the unknown and being away from our regular support systems, the fear can often outweigh the fun, especially at first.

“Accessible travel is not only for people in wheelchairs,” says Davenock. “Accessible travel includes seniors, young people, and people with other disabilities that some may think will limit their ability to travel.”

Often, seniors and people with disabilities are pushed towards cruises or all-inclusive resorts as a default vacation option because those locales are “easier”—but why should

your travel dreams be limited to only the least challenging destinations? Travel For All is on a mission to make every corner of the globe available to people of any ability, providing clients with peace of mind so that they can travel with confidence.

Making travel plans can be difficult, especially when health restrictions are changing quickly and often. Careful planning gives travelers a sense of confidence and control so that they know precisely what to expect and what to do if things go awry. From pre-planning to post-travel and at every moment in between, Travel for All makes clients feel supported and confident in managing their travel experience.

“Having a physical disability or a child with special needs should not exclude anyone from traveling, but you may need to spend some extra time planning to have the trip of a lifetime,” Davenock continues. “Once a person tells me what their disability is and where they want to go, I can make sure that all the hotels are accessible, the different types of transportation they want to take are accessible, and all the events they plan to attend are accessible. If they need special equipment on their trip, we can make sure it’s available. For instance, on some trips, individuals may need lifts or hoists. When they reach their destinations, I make sure the lift or the hoists are there waiting for them.”

With over 25 years of

experience, Travel For All is able to anticipate hurdles that their clients may experience and plan around them or prevent them entirely. Almost every disabled traveler has at least one story of encountering an accommodation labeled as “accessible” and arriving to find that it is not.

Working with a knowledgeable advisor reduces the likelihood that travelers will face these situations during their trip.

The world is taking notice of people with disabilities and becoming accessible for people who want to travel.

Regardless of age or ability level, everyone deserves to enjoy their lives and experience travel on their terms.

With Travel for All, adventures become barrier-free.

IMAGES COURTESY OF © TRAVEL FOR ALL

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Oswego County: Keeping Holocaust Refugee Stories Alive Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York, provided refuge to nearly 1,000 people fleeing Europe during World War II. The Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter served as the only location in the United States to accept refugees during World War II, at a time when the nation was entangled in now-familiar debates over immigration. The stories of the 982 refugees fleeing the Holocaust, and the reception f rom the Oswego community, continue to resonate today and stand as a courageous example of tolerance and compassion.

Part of Oswego County’s rich and unique history, the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum now sits adjacent to the Fort Ontario State Historic Site and tells the stories of the predominantly Jewish refugees who came to Oswego as guests of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to escape the Holocaust. In June 1944—just days after D-Day— President Roosevelt announced the decision to bring refugees to Fort Ontario. The refugees boarded the U.S.S. Henry Gibbins in Naples, Italy, and arrived on

Aug. 5, 1944, remaining in Oswego for the duration of the war.

Opened in 2002, Safe Haven is dedicated to keeping alive the unique stories of the refugees, who were largely Yugoslavian but came from 18 different countries. The museum offers an in-depth look at one of the most significant events in Oswego—and the nation’s— humanitarian history.

Recent updates to the Safe Haven Museum include firstperson accounts of the refugee shelter and an expansive tracing of the lives of dozens of refugees following their release f rom

IMAGES COURTESY OF © OSWEGO COUNTY

the shelter. Visitors can listen to refugees’ stories of Nazi oppression, escaping Europe, and their time at Fort Ontario in their own words. For more information on Safe Haven, go to safehavenmuseum.com.

From May to October, visitors can also explore Fort Ontario, a star-shaped fortress built in 1839 that was the site of several battles in the French and Indian War and the War of 1812. With underground stone encasements and scenic views of Lake Ontario, the fort has a rich history that includes roles in each U.S. war dating back to the 18th century.

Elsewhere throughout the county, more than a dozen sites highlight the area’s role in the underground railroad, including the Starr Clark Tin Shop and Underground Railroad Museum.

Come for the area’s unique history, but don’t miss out on all the outdoor fun Oswego County has to offer.

Located on the southern shore of Great Lake Ontario, Oswego County offers four seasons of outdoor recreation. Sandy beaches along the eastern coast of Lake

Ontario, spectacular sunsets, and the 110-foot Salmon River Falls are some of the high points of the thousands of acres of public lands that include hiking trails, fishing access, ATV, snowmobile trails, and more.

Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, and the Oswego and Salmon rivers provide year-round, worldclass f ishing opportunities, highlighted by the world-famous Salmon Run each fall. Bass, walleye, northern pike, perch, and bullhead await anglers of all abilities, in addition to worldclass trophy fishing that includes chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon, steelhead, Coho salmon, brown trout, and lake trout.

Anyone can book a charter or hire a river guide, and boaters can launch at dozens of public and private marinas across the county, or travel through the historic Oswego Canal, the easternmost connection between the Erie Canal and Great Lakes.

For more information, go to www.visitoswegocounty.com.

SAFE HAVEN THE SITE OF THE ONLY WORLD WAR II REFUGEE SHELTER IN THE U.S. HISTORY AWAITS AT VISITOSWEGOCOUNTY.COM

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A Peaceful Escape in Lake Placid The mountain town of Lake Placid, the site of not one but two Olympic Winter Games, has long been a destination for active relaxation and refreshing fun, whether it’s an afternoon hike to a scenic overlook or a paddle on a mirror-calm lake.

It’s a place where getting away from it all means finding joy in jaw-dropping natural beauty and sublime comfort. It’s time to invent your perfect, relaxing vacation, nestled in a legendary Adirondack Mountain getaway.

GET OUT

In a small but mighty town like Lake Placid, where people have enjoyed fresh Adirondack fun for over one hundred years, outdoor activities and adventures are never far away, no matter what season.

Oftentimes, they’re right outside your door.

The Adirondack High Peaks beckon and fill the skyline from viewpoints throughout the village, but you don’t have to scale a big mountain to get big views and even bigger outdoor bliss. A variety of trails around the village offer walks through sweet woods, over bountiful fields, and to secret

lakeview spots that will make you want to spend the day doing nothing but playing in the water.

Speaking of water, we have plenty of that, too! The village surrounds sparkling Mirror Lake, which offers opportunities for leisurely paddling with big views and calm waters.

A historic boat tour of Lake Placid lake, home to a ghost and historic homes, lets you relax, soak up the sun, and take in views of Whiteface Mountain while someone else does the driving. The picturesque waterfalls, ponds, and rivers that cover the landscape invite you to fish, hike, swim, or simply marvel at an epic glacial landscape.

LAND AND SKY

When you want to get your legs moving, a stroll around Mirror Lake provides a refreshing exercise and the opportunity to explore many of the village’s unique offerings.

The town’s walkability means that you can take your time and let the day unwind however you like. Whether you browse a one-ofa-kind boutique, take in a vibrant art gallery, or settle in for a lakeview latte, Lake Placid is meant to be enjoyed with no schedule, no rush.

As a matter of fact, the only rush you should get here is when you explore our Olympic sites, created for the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games, and where family-friendly fun and world-class competitions are still the name of the game. Soak in history—and a certain Miracle on Ice—at the Olympic Museum, or soar into the sky in the SkyRide gondola at the Olympic Jumping Complex, where 360-degree views show you the world as ski jumpers see it!

KICK BACK

If your idea of a relaxing vacation includes putting your feet up, indulging in a massage, or refreshing your body and spirit with a sauna, you’ll f ind our luxurious spa experiences to be the perfect escape. Base your whole day around pampering, or pop into a sanctuary for a refreshing treatment during an afternoon of shopping and treating yourself.

At the end of the day (or the beginning, or even the middle… this is vacation, after all), you want to savor comfort, and there is nothing more relaxing than one of our award-winning boutique

hotels. Each hotel in Lake Placid is utterly distinctive; from birch bark-accented suites and balconies overlooking Mirror Lake, to dreamy bedding and romantic fireplaces, you’ll find a place to lay your head, forget the rest of the world, and never want to go home.

SINFULLY DELICIOUS

Vacation is about enjoyment, whether it’s the thrill of a mountain sunrise or the indulgence of a velvety, handcrafted chocolate truffle. Lake Placid’s cafés, restaurants, and gourmet food shops feature flavors that have been inventively created to offer a vibrant dining experience.

Here, flavors from around the world mingle in restaurants that range from chic fine dining to casual, European-inspired breakfast nooks. Every meal is an adventure, every dish a new experience brought to you by exceptional chefs who highlight the best and freshest local ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a fork-tender steak or the brightest veggies with a Parisian twist, your taste buds will love Lake Placid.

However, the amazing flavors

found throughout Lake Placid aren’t limited just to food! Lake Placid is known for its breweries, where award-winning ales, porters, stouts, and IPAs are always cool, always on tap, and always offer a new flavor you won’t want to miss. Good thing you can take a few samples home as a souvenir.

The symphony of tumbling waterfalls amid cool, f resh mountain air. The serene peace of a walk in the woods, with only songbirds for company. Eyewatering mountain views the moment you wake up. A leisurely farm-to-table meal after an afternoon at an award-winning spa. It’s not too good to be true; it’s what awaits when you escape to Lake Placid, where we can help you create your perfect retreat.

The perfect time to unwind is now.

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Soak up the Sunshine in the Sullivan Catskills With the long, cold, and dark days of winter behind us, the winter-weary among us are turning our attention to summertime and sunshine.

Long on fun, the Sullivan Catskills should be on your shortlist. So, if you’re ready to ride the rapids, kick back in luxury accommodations, sip on craft beverages, and indulge in inventive cuisine, start making your plans now.

This legendary vacationland— once home to hundreds of summer resorts is a two-hour drive from Manhattan. Today, contemporary full-service resorts, charming inns, and a multi-milliondollar arts center at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair make the Sullivan Catskills the country escape of choice where city-dwellers unwind with family and friends.

Soak up the summer and rove through the stunning landscape where there is an outdoor adventure at every turn, and you can end each expedition with a good meal.

The food and beverage scene here, dubbed Catskill-icious, is ever-expanding and inventive, thanks to professionally trained chefs and passionate new food entrepreneurs. One of the latest arrivals this month is chef Kristian Unvericht, who brings his special brand of Latin American slow food to The Cabin at Hessinger-Lare, including slowbraised beef tacos, tortas, and traditional flavors from Mexico.

Head out to the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area near Wurtsboro, home to the largest f reshwater wetlands in southeastern New York.

Recreational opportunities abound, including 15 miles of flat hiking trails along the historic D&H Canal towpath.

Along the trail, stop at Bashakill Vineyards, an organic vineyard (part of the Good Taste Beverage Trail), for a taste of their handcrafted, smallbatch wines and a full menu of tapas, charcuterie boards,

THE HERON

KARTRITE RESORT

tacos, craft cheese, and local handmade ice cream. In town, step back in time to Canal Towne Emporium. This family-owned business since 1869 will delight your senses with its collection of f inely crafted gifts, country foods, and home décor.

Head west f rom there and walk the rail trail in Hurleyville.

Known locally as “The Milk Train Trail,” this segment of the O&W features nearly two miles of smooth-surface, ADA-compliant, multi-use trail, extending in each direction from the center of the hamlet for a total of 3.5 miles.

While you’re in Hurleyville, swing by the Pickled Owl for a bite to eat or see a movie at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre.

Beer lovers can head to Livingston Manor, where two craft breweries deserve your attention. Upward Brewing sits at the base of a 120-acre preserve called Beer Mountain. You can work for your brew and take the 1.5-mile hike before you wet your whistle. Don’t miss the refreshing Opiate Sun. Catskill Brewery

uses sustainable practices and organic ingredients to craft Night Shine, Freak Tractor, Devil’s Path, and a handful of other flavorful brews in a gold-certified LEED building. Other not-to-be-missed Good Taste Beverage Trail venues include Roscoe Beer Company, Shrewd Fox Brewery, Callicoon Brewing, Catskill Provisions, Seminary Hill Cidery, Do Good Spirits, Rock Valley Spirits, Russian Mule, Stickett Inn Cider, and Forthright Cyder and Mead.

The Tusten Mountain Trail near the popular river town of Narrowsburg is a moderately challenging 2.9-mile loop trail. Maintained by the National Park Service and owned by the Ten Mile River Boy Scout Camp, the trail features a few rough spots, and there is some elevation gain with a few steeper spots. You’ll appreciate this hike from spring through fall, and your four-legged friends will like it too, but they must be leashed.

Afterward, mosey down to Narrowsburg and bring a hearty appetite. Water sports on the Delaware River are wildly popular. Lander’s

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BASHAKILL© IMAGES COURTESY OF SULLIVAN CATSKILLS

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

One of the area’s most popular attractions comes to life every summer—Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Located at the site of the Woodstock festival, the center features an outdoor music

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pavilion with seating and lawn capacity of 16,000. This season brings The Who, Train, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Jimmy Buffet, One Republic, and more. The Museum at Bethel Woods is dedicated to the ‘60s and the Woodstock festival.

With is so much to explore, it’s worth spending the weekend—or longer. Indulge in a wellness stay at Yo1 Health Resort. Book a room at Resorts World Catskills, where you can play the slots or table games.

There’s also a spa and a host of dining options, including celebrity chef Scott Conant’s Cellaio. Other noteworthy accommodation options include The Eldred Preserve, Callicoon Hills, Kenoza Hall, and Chatwal Lodge (opening this month). Vacation rentals are all the rage and range from glamping tents to domes to country cottages with firepits and fireplaces. If you like to sleep under the stars, there’s a wide selection of campgrounds to choose from, too.

Visit SullivanCatskills.com to book your experience.

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A Trail Challenge for the Family, From the Adirondack Mountains to the St. Lawrence River Imagine a summer getaway with your family where relaxation, easy access, and the opportunity to experience nature await in one of New York’s newest trail challenges. Home to waterfalls, rivers, and nature lookouts, the Great 8 Challenge on New York’s northern border is designed for little legs, limited ability, and low-stress outdoor exploration.

Nestled between the northern foothills of the Adirondacks to the St. Lawrence River Valley, the trails are a great introduction to the great outdoors (#Great8Challenge). The challenge helps little ones or those new to hiking build confidence and grow an appreciation for f resh air and nature’s beauty.

Sneakers, a water bottle, a picnic lunch, and maybe a bathing suit are all you need for a walk in St. Lawrence County. The short excursions are still undiscovered, making trailheads and viewpoints in nature a more serene experience away f rom the crowds.

Whether you prefer to bike, hike, or run, the interactive trails

site (STLCtrails.com) allows you to plan, pull up trailhead directions, and log your trails to earn your Great 8 Challenge Badge. A long weekend is all you need for the Waterfall Crawl, with trails nearby for a multi-day adventure. You can also check out the other two challenges—the Riverside Run, along the County’s five major rivers, and the Nature Nuts Challenge, where interpretive signs and lookouts bring you closer to nature.

For those who prefer a natural retreat without the exercise, St. Lawrence County is the perfect place for anglers. Wherever and whenever you are in St. Lawrence County, great fishing is only minutes away. With hundreds of lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and streams to choose f rom during every season, there’s no better place to enjoy a peaceful f ishing expedition.

Choose your favorite way to get active, relax, unwind, and experience a no-stress vacation.

A home away from home in a cozy hotel, Bed and Breakfast, or

vacation rental adds to relaxation in St. Lawrence County. Switch up your plans with a mixture of museums featuring art, play, and nature. The Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg is the largest collection of Frederic Remington’s work, including famous western sculptures and paintings. The Nicandri Nature Center in Massena and North Country Children’s Museum in Potsdam provide fun opportunities for the whole family, engaging hearts and minds in the wonders of true play. If your appreciation for local art is a feature of visiting a new destination, the TAUNY Center on Canton’s Main Street hosts exhibits, workshops, and a folkstore that embraces the talents and traditions of North Country artisans and musicians.

The Iva Smith Memorial Art Gallery is home to seasonal exhibits and the start of the Hammond Barn Quilt Trail, which ends at Bella Brooke Winery, the perfect place to cool off with a ref reshing drink. Or combine a relaxing walk with a cool

beverage by tasting your way along the St. Lawrence County Wine Trail, an 80-mile trail that extends across the region, allowing visitors to explore not just the area but their wine palates too!

With options homegrown, home-cooked, and homebrewed around every corner, St. Lawrence County has something to satisfy every set of tastebuds. From small-town diners to swanky restaurants serving five-star fare, find delight in meals made from fresh produce and generations of perfected family recipes.

For family fun without the crowd, consider bringing dinner home with a visit to a local farmers market for an authentic taste of the North Country. You’ll find the freshest produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally raised meat and poultry.

Prefer to make dinner an experience for the whole family?

Take a family-friendly cooking class at Maple Rock Bed and Breakfast in Potsdam. Whether your family wants to make

homemade pasta or create and enjoy a gourmet meal together, they have a class that everyone will enjoy (even the pickiest of eaters). After you’re done enjoying your culinary creations, be a guest for the night and relax in one of their comfortable guest rooms that will make you feel at home. The next morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring local ingredients and head outdoors to enjoy their cross-country skiing or hiking trails right in their backyard.

Maple Rock Bed and Breakfast is a family destination of its own.

Traveling to St. Lawrence County is a beautiful road trip, located on the northwestern Adirondack border, two hours north of Syracuse and just over three hours north of Albany. The newto-you destination is perfect for a week-long getaway of making memories with your family.

Request a free visitors guide and plan your trip on New York’s Northern border at www.VisitSTLC.com or by calling toll-free 1-877-228-7810.

Explore Trails On New York’s Northern Border!

Our trails welcome people of all ages and abilities as a great introduction to the outdoors with the ability to explore a variety of landscapes.

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STLCtrails.com

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