JUNE Metropolitan Palm Beach 2023

Page 102

JUNE 2023 $20.00 USD Fashion | Luxury | Profiles | Features | Shopping | Travel | Art | Design | Auto | Food | Health LUXURY MAGAZINE PALM BEACH SUMMER MUSIC ISSUE TAYLOR SWIFT

THE ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST EXTENDED: A WORK OF ART FROM THE PRIVATE OFFICE DUBAI

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, NJ 07675-1227 Tel: 1-877-877-3735 www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com © Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.
8 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com The Nature of Jean Schlumberger.
June 2023 9
Photography by luciana pampalone

FASHION SUMMER

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Photographer: Lisa Ramsay | @lisaramsayphotography

FASHION SUMMER

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Photographer: Lisa Ramsay | @lisaramsayphotography Photographer: Lisa Ramsay | @lisaramsayphotography
June 2023 17
Photography by luciana pampalone

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

-Martha & the Vandellas

Summer Parties. Summer Beaches. Summer Beauty, Health and Fashion.

From Manhattan rooftops to Hampton’s bonfires and Palm Beach mansions- summer fun has truly begun.

In Palm Beach, the Palm Beach Advanced Aesthetics MedSpa is all folks are talking about with its cutting edge regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies to heal injuries and turn back the clock.

Excited to provide an inside look at all of the new MedSpa’s top shelf services on our own streaming channel on Kathy Ireland’s new YourHomeTV platform along with other behind-the-scene celebrity and luxury feature stories in Metropolitan Lifestyles with Xen Sams, coming in the Fall to 100M+ households worldwide and available on Roku!

Was F. Scott Fitzgerald correct when he wrote, “Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me.” Wellington Agency CEO and founder April Berube, knows all about the very wealthy first-hand from staffing their palatial estates, yachts and private planes. She lets us in on monkey butlers, cookie butlers and what it really takes to work for most UNWIs.

A quick shout out to our Editor in Chief, Adam Kluger for his stellar work and recent 5 year anniversary with the magazines and our growing platform, and to our talented Art Director Lonee Telemaque for helping to deliver our vision for some of the leading luxury-arts magazines in the world. Grateful to our hard-working team.

Cheers!

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“Summer's here and the time is right for dancing in the street.”
Sales Gallery & Showroom 250 N Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach 561.933.7497 | sales@albapalmbeach.com The Ultimate Luxury is Choice ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. © Scuba Club WPB, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Developed by Artist Conceptual Drawing Only one address in all of West Palm Beach offers direct Intracoastal Waterway frontage, a private owners’ dock with boat slips, and the exclusivity of a property limited to only 55 total residences.

NOTE

EDITOR’S

-The

Summer is here with sunshine-streaked promises of brighter days and music in the air.

The beaches are full of the latest swimsuits and spa fashion including luxury hand bags. The hottest summer read, James Sturz’s magical and beautifully written new novel UnderJungle.

Summer Music Concerts are in full swing from Taylor Swift to Dead & Co. As fans are dancing in the streets. Also featured in this issue, some amazing mothers and daughters, from TV’s Wonder Woman Lynda Carter and her singing daughter Jessica Carter Altman to former model Carolyn Melillo and her singer-songwriting daughter Ellis Melillo who will be performing in the fall as an opener to Zac Brown at the Jones Beach Amphitheater.

Photographer Amy Arbus remembers her legendary mother Diane Arbus. On the art scene, everybody is buzzing about Takuma Tanaka, Japan’s version of Jean Michel Basquiat, and we explore the work of Lori Horowitz, Julia Licht and other rising stars.

Enjoy!

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“Wake now, discover that you are the song that the morning brings But the heart has its seasons, its evenings and songs of its own.”
Grateful Dead

Today, as an emblem of Tiffany & Co. and a figure who changed the world of jewelry, altering the possibilities of what can be designed from nature’s sight and transformed into emblazoning pieces, Schlumberger’s extraordinary wonders have continued.

Antetokounmpo
Giannis
24 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com 25A COVER FASHION 30 BRIGITTE BARDOT FASHION 32 MY ENGLISH ROSES TASTE 38 IL TINELLO EAST 43 CHEF MEZE JET 52 FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO 58 LA SEMANNA, ST. MARTIN 60 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LOS ANGELES 62 THE DREAM HOTEL 66 THE HIVE WILMINGTON CONTENTS JUNE 2023 PAGE 48 PAGE 30
SWIFT
TAYLOR

Where peace of mind lives.

Where your financial well-being is priority one, backed by integrity, ethics and a passion for helping clients for nearly 40 years.

Where sound financial strategies create a solid basis upon which to grow wealth, for today and generations to come.

Where we take a side-by-side approach, building our own assets alongside yours.

Where relationships grow with your assets, because you’re so much more than just your portfolio. First Long Island Investors. Where you belong.

516-935-1200 w fliinvestors.com
26 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com 25A CONTENTS JUNE 2023 PAGE 76 PAGE 58 PROFILE 48 TAYLOR SWIFT 64 ZACHARY & NICOLE TUNICK 68 DEANA LENZ INTERIORS 70 JULIAN SCHLOSSBERG 87 AMY ANDERSSON 90 BRAD FEINSTEIN 92 STEPH MI 94 GARY WIREN 98 TROLLS BAND TOGETHER 100 SPOTLIGHT WITH JULIANNE MICHELLE 102 DWIGHT GOODEN 104 ANNIE WATT ART FORM 72 ARTIST INDIA EVANS 74 THE ACTOR'S STUDIO 75TH ANNIVERSARY 75 ARTIST HANNAH POLSKIN 76 ARTIST LORI HOROWITZ 80 ARTIST HANS NELEMAN 84 ARTIST SYLVAIN LATENDRESSE 88 MVVO ART / AD ART SHOW 2023 SOCIAL 112 WINTER ART SHOW AT PB ADVANCED AESTHETICS 114 IMPROMPTU PORTRAITS - "ONE NIGHT ONLY" 118 TISM "MOVING OUR WORLD" GALA 119 MIKAIL AKAR ART EXHIBIT 120 ANNUAL RESCUE BALL GALA

Publisher Chase Backer

Editor-in-Chief

Adam Kluger

Assistant Publisher

Jaime Backer

Art Director

Lonee Telemaque

Assistant Editor

Willy Nichter

Sales Manager

Jeffrey Strahl

Copy Editors

Sean Buttimer; Whitney Thompson; Maribel Alvarez; Lillian Langtry; Nicole Ashley Schubert, Norah Bradford

Lifestyle Editor

Elizabeth Langevin

Luxury Editor

Stephanie L. Howitt

Editor at Large | Art, Culture, Fashion

Rachel Vancelette; Douglas Evans

Fashion Photographers

Jason Konrad

Profiles Editor

Alexandra Appino-Tabone

Social Editor

Clara Morgan

Food Editor

Andrea Correale; Maribel Alvarez

Digital Media Director

Nancy Molina

Contributors

Rachel Vancelette, D.D. Rice, Paul Prince, Peter Elston, Johnny Angel, Harry White

Contributing Photographers

Thomas Concordia, Jacques Malignon, David Scarola, Tara Quinn, Jason Konrad, Luciana Pampalone, Michael Gaida, Michael Paniccia, Jay Mathews, Filip Shobot, Chris Carroll, Lenny Stucker, Patrick McMullan, MA , Tom Fitzgerald and Pam Deutchman, Sandy Ramirez, Jan Klier, Mitchel Gray, Paul Prince, Kristiina Wilson

For advertisement info: 646-300-1852

Info@metmagny.com | metmagny.com

Facebook.com/metropolitanmagazinepb | Twitter.com/metmagny

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Writers, models, musicians and photographers, please inquire. © Copyright 2021 by Metropolitan Magazine, All rights reserved. Metropolitan is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as such and unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Metropolitan magazine’s right to edit. FEBRUARY 2023 $20.00 USD Fashion | Luxury | Profiles | Features | Shopping | Travel | Art | Design | Auto | Food | Health RETRO-
FASHION ISSUE
LUXURY MAGAZINE PALM BEACH
FUTURISM
BY VISUAL

“Brigitte Bardot” Beauty

Photographer- Lisa Ramsay @lisaramsayphotography

Hair Stylist- Jason Linkow @jasonlinkow @abtp_news

Makeup- Camelia Sealy @cameliasealy

Model- Katherine Carter @katherinecarter @state (State Models NYC)

Eyewear @mercuranyc

Kathryn is such a unique and special person. Her inner light of positivity and professionalism made our photography session a wonderful experience. She has a great sense of playfulness, curiosity about the world around her and reads many different types of literature. Her timeless beauty connects with her peers as genuine and fully her own."

June 2023 31
- Lisa Ramsay, Photographer

My English Roses

Fashion Editorial

Photographer | Lisa Ramsay @lisaramsayphotography

Fashion Stylist | Kate March @katemarch_styling

Hair Stylist | Jason Linkow @jasonlinkow

Makeup | Camelia Sealy @cameliasealy

Models | Agnes Artych - @agnesartych @statemanagement, Taylor Isabelle - @taylorisabelle

Horse | Kensington Stables

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Photographer | Lisa Ramsay @lisaramsayphotography
36 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com 25A
Photographer | Lisa Ramsay @lisaramsayphotography
June 2023 37

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW: IL TINELLO EAST

RENEWS THE CLASSIC DINING EXPERIENCE AT

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD GEM

This season, discover the joy of the traditional “evening-out” meal full of warmth, passion and resounding character at Il Tinello East. This superb new restaurant is welcoming an astonishing number of returning restaurateurs and unique visitors to the City in style at 244 East 46th Street. From United Nations diplomats to tourists to those in the know, this restaurant is serving up delightful meals and exquisite service daily.

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

The city’s ever-changing landscape may evolve on the restaurant scene with trends that come and go, but one thing is certain, a phenomenally traditional meal, such as found at Il Tinello East will never goes out of style.

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

The menu boasts a lunch and dinner service that is notably divine in presentation and taste factors that all together create a magical

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OLD SCHOOL SERVICE MEETS ELEVATED ITALIAN CUISINE
“We passionately care about tradition. We know that people care about food quality as much as they do about ambience and service,”
Owner Benny Bello

experience. The fresh homemade pastas, regional ingredients and diverse wine list are all desirable. Portions are as large as skyscrapers and tastes are as rich as the Wall Street stock markets.

tomato, basil, diced buffalo mozzarella. The Entrees are just as superb with Tagliata with black angus steak, arugola, garlic, rosemary, roasted potato; Scarcapariello with lemon, white wine, garlic; Veal Parmigiano with parmigiano, tomato sauce; and the Campagnola for two with beef, chicken, sausages, peppers, potatoes, white wine, rosemary, and garlic.

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

“Everything you taste here represents the magic of New York City. This is the food of our neighborhood, and we know our customers love and appreciate it as much as we do every single day,” Bello emphasizes.

The selection of freshly made in-house Pastas are woven into dishes such as Tagliolini with sea scallops, shrimp, cultured mussels, little neck clams, garlic, fresh herb; Penne with portobello mushrooms, fresh chopped tomato, garlic, olive oil; and Rigatoni with roasted eggplant, fresh

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

Sophisticated décor in the tony location helps showcase a vibrant place to eat. But the room is never intimidating and always comfortable, as Il Tinello East delivers an experience that is perfect to celebrate your passion for food. All is done with classic white glove tableside servings that create elegance and embrace the passion for a truly wonderful old-fashioned dining experience.

For a truly wonderful classic New York City meal look no further than the exquisite offerings at Il Tinello East.

For more information, please visit www.iltinellony.com/east/

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“Everything you taste here represents the magic of New York City.

This summer Hamptonites will have something new and exciting to boast about with the grand opening of the gourmet catering company Chef Meze. With its official launch set for April, Chef Meze will offer divinely scrumptious menus and white-glove service for all types of parties and affairs throughout the region.

Be it weddings or anniversaries, special birthdays, fundraisers, a casual beach soirée or any other type of celebration imaginable, Chef Meze will work hand in hand with its clients to ensure that each event is uniquely curated to affirm the refined and individual tastes of every client. The primary goal of this prominent catering company is to take each of their clients on unique and delectable culinary journeys and create momentous experiences which last a lifetime.

Chef Meze was birthed from the creative minds of visionary investment partner and developer Cagri Kanver and famed Executive Chef Yılmaz Güney of East Hampton’s popular destination restaurant El Turco. The eagerly anticipated catering company will produce top-notch events showcasing their amazing culinary creations while providing the highest level of service and hospitality throughout the Hamptons. With its talented team and diverse capabilities, Chef Meze is currently taking appointments for client tastings. Executive Chef Yilmaz and the rest of the Chef Meze team are honored to have the privilege to be a part of this exciting new launch into the Hamptons that will provide

FIVE

STAR CHEF MEZE BRINGS

GOURMET CATERING EXPERIENCE

TO THE HAMPTONS SOCIAL SEASON

five-star service and luxurious settings along with cuisine that boasts menus from every corner of the world. From traditional American dishes to distinct Middle Eastern plates, all of the options available from Chef Meze are both delicious and superbly unique.

Menus are curated to ensure seasonal flavors are interwoven with all natural ingredients as these highly skilled chefs create each menu option. The overall effect is a seamlessly executed event that enhances your vision for the perfect party. You can expect true culinary professionals that will work hand in hand with you to produce menu offerings that perfectly align with your personality and elevates your event experience.

“As professionals, we understand that we are often being asked to play a large role in a significant life event such as a wedding or a precious celebration of any sort,” states Chef. Yilmaz. “When entrusted with this responsibility we are thankful, humbled, and instantly become enthusiastic about the opportunity to showcase and tailor our offerings to your specific needs. And remember, in addition to our delicious edibles, we are also highly skilled in pairing the perfect beverages with our curated menus to truly compliment the overall guest experience.”

For more information, please visit https:// www.chefmeze.com/ All images photo credit: Chef Meze

June 2023 43

tán

YOUR NEXT COASTAL MEXICAN ESCAPE

A TASTE OF TULUM ARRIVES IN MANHATTAN.

June 2023 47 ASK FOR BACI AL SOLE WHEREVER THE SUN WARMS THE HEARTS OF ROMANTIC! www.BACIalSOLE.com

TaylorSwift

is the Hottest

Music Act of the Summer

Whether or not you like Taylor Swift, her music is impossible to ignore. Swift has been making waves since her debut album, Taylor Swift, went platinum when she was only 15. She’s tied for winning the most Grammys for Album of the Year, and has had nine songs top the Billboard Hot 100. Most recently, Swift has been touring across the country for her popular Eras Tour, which will continue internationally later in the summer. Her set list promotes her newest album, Midnights, but Swift also performs beloved songs from her previous “eras”, tailoring her show to the city she performs in. Fans of Taylor Swift are

incredibly excited about the Eras Tour, as it is her first tour post-pandemic. According to the New York Times, 3.5 billion people attempted to access the Ticketmaster website to buy tickets on their first day of public sales. Ticketmaster could not handle this insanely high demand and canceled the sale, leading to resale tickets being offered for up to $1400. Despite the difficulties, more than two million tickets were still sold on the opening day of sales, the most any artist has ever sold in one day, according to CNN. However, getting Eras tickets was only half of the struggle — actually commuting to the venue became almost impossible in some cases, as tickets

for the MBTA commuter rail to Swift’s Boston concert sold out in hours. Clearly, seeing Swift perform is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Taylor Swift is undeniably an icon. Just what, exactly, makes her so popular?

THERE ARE THREE KEY ELEMENTS TO HER SUCCESS: HER MUSIC, HER CELEBRITY PERSONA, AND HER RELATABILITY.

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FEARLESS RED SPEAK NOW REPUTATION MIDNIGHTS

Taylor Swift’s music is catchy. We’ve all heard it on the radio for the past two decades, and despite the changes in genre from country

to pop to alternative rock, her voice is clear and recognizable. It is not only the heartwarming guitar strumming from Fearless and the head bopping

beat from 1989 that make her music so beloved, but also her song lyrics. Every Swift song is a story with a resonating message, which ranges from

the sweet Romeo and Juliet style romance of “Love Story” to “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince”, which Swift stated is “about disillusionment with our

crazy world of politics and inequality, set in a metaphorical high school.” You might be skeptical of the effect of lyrics on a song’s popularity, but lyrics are instrumental in allowing the listener to connect with the world a song creates. For example, “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”, is largely verse, with very few background instruments and only Swift’s voice for backing vocals. Despite the relatively simple musical outline, the song received high praise and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the longest song to ever do so, according to the Guiness Book of World Records.

Taylor Swift’s career has lasted for almost twenty years, and yet she has never faded from the public eye. One reason for this success is her consistent production of music, usually one album release every two years. However, each album marks a shift into a new genre, and Swift constantly reinvents her image along with it. In her early

country music albums Taylor Swift and Fearless, Swift sings with a Southern drawl and presents herself as an innocent, sundress-wearing teen, which is reflected in her songs about first love and heartbreak. However, as Swift made the transition into pop and rock with her albums Red and 1989, she dropped her accent and began dressing in flamboyant outfits that echoed the glitter of the ‘80s, channeling the look of a true pop star. Swift’s more recent albums, Folklore and Evermore, explore an indie-folk and alternative rock style, and her muted pastel aesthetic matches the quiet and thoughtful tone of the music. With each reinvention of her artistic style and presentation, Swift’s fanbase grows larger and more dedicated. Swift is able to draw attention to her music by creating new content, but more importantly she is able to keep the attention by making such radical shifts and consistently doing it fabulously.

June 2023 49
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Taylor Swift is not the only artist who can write beautiful lyrics and change up her style – but she is one of the few artists who is incredibly open about her personal life. In her 2020 documentary Miss Americana, Swift shares her difficult journey with body dysmorphia and eating disorders, and the intense pressure that she felt from the media. This vulnerability allows Swift to be seen as herself, rather than as an unreachable star. Swift’s openness allows her fanbase to connect with her more easily, and the millions of women that comprise it can likely relate to her past experience with sexual assault and the struggles of being female in a patriarchal world. However, Swift’s songs can touch anyone’s heart with

their messages of self worth and the excitement of love. Swift is also very public about her romantic history, which can be traced back to her teenage years, and she often writes songs about her past relationships. There is no topic too sensitive, as she sings about her on-again-off-again relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal in “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and the power imbalance of a large age gap in “Dear John”, referencing her relationship with John Mayer. Mayer felt humiliated by the song, saying in an interview with the Rolling Stones that: “I didn’t deserve it. I’m pretty good at taking accountability now, and I never did anything to deserve that. It was a really lousy thing for her to do.”

openness allows her fanbase to connect with her more easily, and the millions of women that comprise it can likely relate to her past experience with sexual assault and the struggles of being female in a patriarchal world."

June 2023 51
"Swift’s

FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO

The magic created by Disney is something we feel in our culture year-round, but especially in this year as during 2023 one of the world’s most iconic brands celebrates 100 years of storytelling and shared memories at the famed amusement parks. For those wanting to enjoy this landmark anniversary in style, the perfect destination is the coveted property at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World.

Surrounded by the amazing theme-parks of Walt Disney – the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom –the Four Seasons offers. a luxurious retreat to regroup after a day’s exploration of the unique excitement created here. The parks cover some 30,000 acres – roughly the size of the City of San Francisco and welcomes some 48 million visitors annually.

A dazzling at the Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World here allows you and your family to experience the ultimate resort getaway. Just as found in the words of the Disney theme song “When You Wish Upon a Star,” the dream holiday becomes a reality here in 26 sprawling acres of paradise.

The AAA Five Diamond Resort located in Lake Buena Vista is a grand property close to all Disney attractions. Visiting the theme park from here is easily accomplished. And rest assured that the offerings of Four Seasons Resort Orlando are so splendid that there is as much a reason to visit the park as there is to stay at the world-class hotel both day and night. From exploring a private five-acre water park with a complimentary Kids Club to unwinding at the adultsonly pool, you'll discover endless ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation without leaving the resort. Adults can tee off at the exclusive Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando or just treat themselves to a soothing, post-park massage at The Spa.

25A
Photo credits: Four Seasons

WALT DISNEY THEME PARKS

Luxurious amenities await you inside your booked room. Discover a variety of deluxe accommodations, crowned by the stunning ninebedroom Royal Suite. One can also enjoy new special suite packages. Make yourself at home with personalized in-room decorations, including play tents for kids, complete with an array of themed toys. And you can even experience magical sights from the comfort of Park View room’s private terrace with nightly views of the Walt Disney World fireworks spectaculars, featuring Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT Forever at EPCOT.

One of the lesser known facts of this superlative hotel is the Walt Disney desk – staffed by expert cast members who can help you plan an itinerary on the fly and give great advice. Couple this with the Hotel’s location inside the Walt Disney Resort means that guests can access the Parks before the general public – which can literally save hours of your day if your ambition is to try one of the more popular themepark rides.

Take in culinary delights throughout your stay here and enjoy memorable meals. Select to be seated in one of six restaurants and bars or opt for a private dining room experience. The Michelinstarred rooftop steakhouse Capa is sensational and showcases a captivating menu for dinner. Then for breakfast meet up at Ravello for the Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals, offered every Thursday and Saturday morning. The

June 2023 53

delicious menu features a fresh bakery basket and breakfast favorites such as omelets and buttermilk pancakes, as well as a decadent breakfast buffet.

The best hospitality is at your fingertips from the moment you enter the property to the days you head out to the nearby amusement parks for thrills. Staying here is such an elevated experience that guests who come for a luxe, fun-filled vacation will head home after knowing their wish for a perfect holiday came true.

The Magic Kingdom is the most iconic of the four theme parks containing the Cinderella Castle and rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion and all new TRON Lightcycle / Run.

This year sees the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The Avatar Flight of Passage is amongst the top rides across Walt Disney World and a mustexperience.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area containing the Rise of the Resistance ride and the Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run - two must experience attractions.

At EPCOT go Around the World in under a day! Visit countries ranging from Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Morocco, Japan, China and even the United States of America.

For more information please visit, www.fourseasons.com/orlando

Photo credits: Four Seasons

La Samanna, St. Martin –

4 hours from New York City Takes you to 5-Star Heaven

New York City may have left you in need to recharge for the Summer but fear not, for the Caribbean is calling you. Discover the magnificent beauty of a tropical island with luxurious style at La Samanna in St. Martin, the French West Indies. Paradise is found here at this exquisite Belmond Hotel property.

Indulge during your visit at the property that is perched beside one of the most spectacular beaches in the French West Indies. Surrounded by crystal clear waters that lap the sand, La Samanna is a dazzling destination for those who seek

romance and tranquility. Blending island glamour with a captivating cosmopolitan scene, this is a resort not to be missed and a long weekend from New York guarantees the opportunity to recharge not just your cell phone battery, but your own as well.

La Samanna is an inviting haven that charms the senses. Unwind and soak up the views as you are greeted by staff who proudly honor the annual title of being a resort that is amongst the region’s top ten hotels. The property is run by one of the brightest shining stars in the hospitality industry, General Manager Eleonore Astier-Petin.

Located Near Marigo and its harbor on one side and near Juliana Airport in Maho on the other side, arrivals and transfers are easily accomplished with no hassle. A 10-minute transfer from the airport has you inside the sanctuary that La Samanna represents. The dream wellness break begins when you step inside the legendary lobby. With an openair design, the Caribbean Sea is framed before your eyes and coupled with the fresh air and ocean smell lays a template for what is set to be a holiday created to make beautiful memories.

Accommodations here focus on relaxation. There are 83 rooms and suites. Elegant and spacious villas, cottages and

58 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com

quarters offer framed-to-floor ceiling windows with French doors that open to breezy balconies. Sink into a chic suite, designed to reflect the hypnotic shapes and colors of sea life. Some rooms even showcase private plunge pools and hot tubs to be enjoyed.

A day at the resort is nothing short of remarkable. Activities for the adventure seeker are aplenty with water sports, tennis courts and swimming pools – all of which a contrast to City life. Gaze into the stunning horizon at the freeform infinity pool that sits adjacent to a beach bar. Tropical gardens with sweetsmelling flowers and verdant plants await you as well.

Head to the spa nearby where you can have an alfresco massage or just relax as you are lulled by the sound of running water from a stream and birds singing. The spa uses all high-end products sourced from Europe including La Sutane de Saba and Pure Altitude – known for their natural ingredients and technologically advanced compounds.

The range of treatments at the spa will help you detox from the pace of City life and help guests to renew for the next season living life in high tempo Manhattan. Start the trip with the Just Arrived body scrub and massage. The sun preparation experience helps your body adjust to enjoy the Carribean sunshine. Just leaving is a unique pre-departure treatment which combines a facial with cranial reflexology to preserve your energy levels for the trip home and to hit the ground running.

Explore the island or take a day cruise around the sights of the shore. Some may even decide just to relax on the stunning stretch of private beach with powder-soft sand where cabanas pour complimentary champagne as you overlook Bay Longue's mile-long white sands. Sip on a tropical cocktail as you admire the turquoise horizon.

When the sun sets, take a shopping break at the on-site store where you can find beachwear to fine jewelry to wear for your thrilling night out.

A sumptuous meal awaits you at the resort where you can find alfresco lunches to sophisticated dining. Eat with delight with

the freshest local catch at breezy L'Oursin Restaurant, or sample rare vintages in the candlelit coziness of La Cave, the Wine Cellar. For a romantic evening out, take a seat at the beachside eatery La Spiaggia, which transforms into a tempting trattoria setting as the moon illuminates over the ocean.

Let the adventure whisk you into island life as you dip your toes into this dream resort that is the sparkling gem of the Caribbean.

For more information, please visit: www.belmond.com

June 2023 59
LA SAMANNA IS A DAZZLING DESTINATION FOR THOSE WHO SEEK ROMANCE AND TRANQUILITY.

WEST COAST DELIGHTS FOUND AT WHIMSICAL

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LOS ANGELES

AT BEVERLY HILLS

The legendary Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is one of the most iconic properties in California.

Located minutes from world-renowned Rodeo Drive and Robertson Boulevard shops, providing the California al fresco lifestyle at its best with views of the Hollywood Hills or Downtown LA from every guest room balcony. The property boasts spacious suites, lush gardens, florals by Jeff Leatham, a floor dedicated to wellness with a Private Fitness suite, WELL office, Spa, and spacious pool deck with the outdoor Cabana restaurant. The property also features meeting rooms ideal for press junkets and a range of other events and celebrations, as well as the Italian Culina Ristorante and The Lounge.

Featuring 185 guest rooms and 100 suites, the 16-story building is a stunning example of luxury hospitality. For decades the landmark property has held the storied halls that have housed royalty to Hollywood celebrities for work stays and vacations.

In 2022, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills was proudly named the number one hotel in Los Angeles by the 2022 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. With an impressive score of 97.76, the property took the honors which elevated their already phenomenal status in the travel community.

“We are honored to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the top-rated hotel in Los Angeles, an accomplishment that would not be possible without the support of our loyal guests and the dedication of our outstanding team members. Los Angeles offers endless options

for discerning travelers, and we are proud to continue our legacy as a leading hotel,” says David Wilkie, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.

The legendary Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills features spacious suites, lush gardens, florals by Jeff Leatham, a floor dedicated to wellness with a Private Fitness suite, WELL office, Spa, and spacious pool deck with the outdoor Cabana restaurant. The property also features meeting rooms ideal for press junkets and a range of other events and celebrations, as well as the Italian Culina Ristorante and The Lounge.

One of the highlights on display is the outdoor pool set on a tropically landscaped terrace on the fourth floor, offering elevated city views; 6 poolside cabanas are available for spa treatments or a sheltered respite, with refreshments offered from the adjoining Cabana Restaurant.

Also, be sure to experience the new GEMCLINICAL facial treatments by KNESKO available at the spa. Addressing visible signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, puffiness, and uneven skin tone with the added benefit of re-balancing chakra energies throughout the body, each session elevates the individual to a level of bliss. Utilizing products charged with healing reiki energy to invite positive intentions and promote self-love, the new treatments create a state of total relaxation and well-being while showcasing a unique, holistic approach to skincare and self-care.

For more information please visit online.

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June 2023 61 Imagine the bliss of stress-free travel. You’ll never again have to worry about your home while you’re off on some idyllic trip. When you hire the ModernButler team to manage your home, you’ll relax knowing we have it covered. And when you return, you’ll experience that Five-Star luxury resort feeling with our exquisite attention to detail. From packing and organizing, staff training and arranging repairs, appointments and reservations, to that last minute cocktail party, we’ll take care of everything, whether you’re at home or away. To make your home your personal heaven, reach us at 561-310-3815 or Info@ModernButlerpb.com elite home management m ary Butler, Founder | m odernButler llC | i nfo@ m odernbutlerpb.com | 561-310-3815 We’ll MA n Age Your ho M e. g o h Ave S o M e F un.

DAYDREAMING THE ORIGINAL STAYCATION: THE DREAM HOTEL L

ooking for your next staycationwe found it at The Dream Hotel Chelsea. From NFT artwork galleries to the perfect Karl Lagerfeld soap and shampoo~ this special staycation escape will be a dream come true! Arriving at the hotel one will find two hundred hand-blown glass globes floating through the space and congregating over The Bodega Negra restaurant filling the space with a magical light cloud effect along with a very chillaxing vibe and DJ spinning your favorite tunes. Each fixture and furnishing has been custom designed and selected for the public spaces and guestrooms in The Dream to complement the exterior design of the hotel which evokes a contemporary limitless feeling of space and light throughout the entire guest experience.

Founded in 2004 by Vikram Chatwai, a prominent New York hotelier, the first dream hotel opened in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood and quickly gain a reputation for its hip and innovative design including the special originally designed portal-shaped windows which lead visitors upon entering each guest room to instantly be captured by incredible cityscape views. The unique skyline views and circular windows bring one right into the action of Manhattan yet seems far enough away to feel the escape from the frenetic energy of the city. Designed by Handel Architects, the 12-story building includes 316 guestrooms, two restaurants, rooftop and VIP lounges, an outdoor pool and pool bar, a gym, event space, and ground-floor retail including

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a hair salon The Benjamin. Guests may feel they are preparing to walk the latest fashion runway to entering the latest hip VIP private nightclub, take a break at their favorite speak-easy lounge to relaxing by the pool - all of this in one place and under the same roof.

The Dream sits on a though-block site, fronting both 16th and 17th Streets, and is adjacent to the Maritime Hotel, which sits adjacent to the west. In 1964, the National Maritime Union of America commissioned New Orleans-based architect Albert Ledner to design a new headquarters for the Union, on Seventh Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets. Two years later, he designed an annex for the headquarters on the site where Dream currently sits. Rumors have swirled for years that the hotel is actually inspired by Andy Warhol’s Factory and upon being upgraded during our visit to a “silver room” it is hard to ignore the amazing shine of the hotel’s complete design of silver inspiration!

From the rooftop lounge to the open-air city skyline

The Dream provides a fresh contemporary twist for the perfect escape for your next staycation. The rooftop bar PHD has gained popularity over the years with the likes of the fashion and art world colliding for events and parties always hitting the pages of all the top magazines. During New York Fashion week both PHD to the

exclusive Electric Room on the ground floor of the hotel welcomed such celebrities as Cameron Diaz, Diddy, Katy Perry to Adam Lambert. From on-site NFT galleries throughout the lobby to the unique artwork throughout the interior, one feels like they are walking a fashion x art runway. The manager welcomed us with fresh chocolate strawberries and our favorites like Fiji water, but the very special moment was seeing the most spectacular views of the Empire State building out the window in spectacular colors- it really took our breath away.

A creative staycation when you need a change of scenery can mean first-class service, a cozy bed, and fabulous amenities for relaxing which The Dream has it all. We decided to use our favorite app Doordash to order from our favorite local NY spots such as hip French restaurant Buvette in the West Village to incredible glutenfree ricotta pancakes from Friedman’s amazing brunch options. The great discovery was the hotel will send your delivery right up to your door plus each room has its own “privacy button” just in case one wants to be left to their own escape. Get your walking shoes on to discover the neighborhood which has everything within a short walking distance- from your favorite spots from Chelsea art galleries to the West Village eateries. Dream the dream at THE DREAM!

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ZACHARY & NICOLE TUNICK DOUGLAS ELLIMAN'S TOP BROKERS TO THE HAMPTONS

ABOUT ZACHARY

For the past thirty-five years Zachary Tunick has honed his skills in the vast arena that encompasses real estate and construction. The son of a Park Avenue attorney and a mother who was part of the great art trend in SoHo he had the unique skill set of being business savvy and extraordinarily creative.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, he began to design and build high end interior renovations, both commercial and residential throughout Manhattan. While building in New York he would escape to the Hampton’s on weekends. He watched the market begin to change out east. In the late 1990's he saw an opportunity to develop real estate out on the eastern end of Long Island. Here, Zachary could take all of the skills he had developed and put them to good use in building luxury homes. He builds and helps design exquisite homes for his customers. In addition to his building companies, he founded and opened Luxury Living International Real Estate and is a full broker currently working with Douglas Elliman. As an avid outdoorsman, falling in love with Long Island was easy. He now splits his time between New York city and East Hampton.

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ABOUT NICOLE

Buying her first home with her husband in Sag Harbor ignited Nicole’s interest in real estate. Over ten years ago she became a licensed real estate agent under her husband’s brokerage company Luxury Living International Real Estate. She honed her skills and became a successful buyer’s agent as well as a real estate developer. Meeting new people and helping clients find the right house to call home is her passion. Her client dedication and love of helping others are what motivate her most. With a design and merchandising background, Nicole has a natural appreciation for interior design and architecture. She often consults and helps her clients stage their homes for sale. Recently she and her husband Zachary joined forces with Douglas Elliman in Bridgehampton. Raised on Long Island, Nicole and her husband reside between New York City and the Hamptons.

"Being a husband and wife team has a lot of advantages both personally and professionally. It allows us to lean on each other's strengths, utilizing each other's skill sets so we can customize our approach for our clients. Because we are together so often, it never really feels like work! "
- ZACHARY & NICOLE TUNICK , DOUGLAS ELLIMAN, TOP BROKERS

THE HIVE WILMINGTON BOUTIQUE STYLE ROOMS

We’re your hive away from home and offer everything you forgot-to-pack and more. Our standard standards are far above standard! Check out all our sweet suite amenities. With only 15 private entrance suites and no front desk, lobby or elevator there are fewer encounters with other guests and staff members and each suite features a full kitchen, spa-like bathroom and separate lounging and sleeping spaces.

BOUTIQUE IS BETTER

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The Safest Stay

We use technology like email and text messaging to communicate check-in instructions and other helpful information. Our keyless locks allow guests 24/7 access to their suite, but we’re also only a chat message away like a virtual concierge.

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Deana Concilio-Lenz

Email: dlenzinteriors@nyc.rr.com

Phone: 917-862-2471

Website: www.deanalenzinteriors.com

Instagram: @DeanaLenzInteriors

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Linens fit for a queen (or king).

Ceilings so high your dreams might get lost in them.

Bewitching cocktails to linger by the fire with.

No, Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore.

themillbrookinn.com

3 Gifford Road | Millbrook, NY

845.605.1120

June 2023 69

JULIAN SCHLOSSBERG

You can’t fathom all the things that come back to you until you start to write a memoir.” Quite possibly megaproducer Julian Schlossberg’s famous last words…before he starts the next memoir, that is. That’s right – there’s literally so much information and memories contained in the now-available Try Not To Hold It Against Me, that he has to write a part 2! But with a monster of a career that Julian Schlossberg has had, it’s actually not unfathomable that he might initially forget some of the many stories that have happened over an almost 60 year career.

Many readers in the tri-state area may remember a radio show named Movie Talk that premiered on WMCA and was later on WOR. Julian was the host for a combined 9 years, and spoke to such industry titans as Bob Hope, Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman, and Warren Beatty.

Movie Talk was one of only three shows in New York City that Bob Hope would even go on – the other two being Johnny Carson and Mike Douglas (both TV).Jack Nicholson once astonishingly admitted on the show that every time he starts a new film, he’s not sure if he still has it as an actor. Robert Duvall would later agree with this sentiment; that the weight of a film resting on your shoulders as the star can be intimidating.

But Movie Talk would turn out to only be a small part in Julian’s career. Over the years, he’s been an assistant account representative at ABC, account executive at the Walter Reade Organization, studio executive at Paramount, the founder of Castle Hill Productions, producer on Broadway, lecturer, and even record producer. That’s just a few things. It’s really a behemoth of a career, all neatly laid out in Try Not To Hold It Against Me (a phrase he would use on the phone when he explained that he was a producer from New York!). What really makes the book great is the jaw-dropping stories and great advice contained within.

When asked what the biggest takeaway for readers should be, Julian said he wants to “entertain, but educate.” And he does just that. Many of the stories are absolutely wild. Like the time he went drinking with George C. Scott, and after exclaiming “this is great…I have to do this more often,” George grabbed him hard by the shoulders and set him straight. “This is not great. Promise me you won’t do this again!” When General Patton himself tells you to do something, you say, “yes, sir” and you do it! Julian never got drunk again.

Or there was the time at Cannes when Harrison Ford was late for a party in his honor and had to hitch a ride with Julian and his then-wife. Julian had to quickly re-familiarize himself with driving a stick shift, in a dark, hilly terrain, with hardly any idea of where he was going. Though Harrison was a good sport, laughing and joking the whole time, we can all imagine Indiana Jones barely holding onto his signature hat as he bounces back and forth in the back of a tiny car, just thankful he doesn’t have to deal with any snakes named Reggie.

What’s even more astonishing than the fun or funny stories that are recounted in the book are the business failures that occurred over the years…and Julian doesn’t hold back. Most people assume that at a certain level of the industry, pieces just magically fall into place and everything works out. But “sure things” routinely fall apart, whether they be a Broadway play with a seemingly-hungry all-star cast or a potential mega-studio with international funding that falls apart due to cultural differences.

But many things obviously did work out. Castle Hill Productions, founded by Julian, was an independent distribution company that was active from 1978 to 2009 (after being sold twice, the holdings are now held by Shout! Factory), and revived and restored over 200 classic movies, including films by Elia Kazan, John Cassavetes, and Orson Welles. Given the name Castle Hill Productions, Julian must be from the Bronx, right? Half-right. While Julian Schlossberg is from the Bronx, that’s not where the name comes from (he actually grew up miles away from Castle Hill Ave). In German, “Schloss” means castle, and “Berg”

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HOLLYWOOD PROFILE

means mountain. Seeing as he was formerly employed at Paramount, Julian decided to drop the “mountain,” and just go with “hill,” instead. But good guess on the whole Bronx bit.

Try Not To Hold It Against Me manages to be incredibly relatable. While very few of us have been studio executives or film distributors, we’ve all had moments where we felt in over our heads, or someone higher up overruled us but we took the blame anyway. The book’s foreword is written by Elaine May…and you’ll exhale with relief when it’s done. No one can write like Elaine, so you’ll need to read it for yourself. Regardless, upon release of Mikey and Nicky (1976), written and directed by Elaine, Julian (Vice President of Production at Paramount at the time) was given specific instructions when marketing a sneak preview of the film in Washington, D.C. Julian was overruled by an executive in charge of…him. The screening was a disaster, and Elaine initially blamed Julian. But Elaine soon forgave him after realizing the situation he had been put in. And since then, Julian and Elaine have not only worked together many times, but remain close friends to this day.

When asked what he looks for in a project when deciding whether to produce or not, Julian simply responded that he needs to “fall in love” with said project. If you are going to spend a year plus working on something, you need to be really into it. He also likes to see strong characterization and big arcs (changes) or redemption. But he also really loves comedy…if it makes you laugh on the page, it’s something he has to try and do.

Given all the areas Julian’s worked in – film, theater, radio, distribution, lecturing, etc. – which of those things does he enjoy/ wish to work in most? In response, Julian mentioned something interesting regarding theater, as opposed to film. In film, when the final edit is complete, (for the most part) the film is completely done. It is what it is. But with theater, there’s more control… you can keep working on it, even after it opens. Performances can be fixed after reviews. He said it’s also nice to be stable in one location like a rehearsal hall, as opposed to doing a company move from location to location.

When asked if he has any advice for anyone looking to follow in his footsteps, Julian explained that one of the problems is that “too many people let go of the ledge too quickly.” You need to eat, sleep, and breathe the industry. You need to be able to sacrifice your personal life. “It’s only work if you don’t want to do it.”

Fellow producer Mike Nichols once proclaimed to Academy Award winning actor F. Murray Abraham in regards to Julian, “there goes the nicest producer in show business.” He may just be right. He’s one of the friendliest Bronx natives you’ll have the pleasure of getting to talk to, if you’re lucky enough.

Try Not To Hold It Against Me by Julian Schlossberg is available through Beaufort Books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, and Bookshop.

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“Into the Inner Worlds,”

ARTIST INDIA EVANS

Italian collage artist and painter India Evans is many things: a tactile innovator, a yogi, a doula, a mother, and a daughter — of late Lower East Side painter John Evans, in fact.

She's been a sitter, too. Alice Neely painted India and her twin sister when they were infants.

VISUAL ARTIST MARK SEIDENFELD

www.markseidenfeld.com

It's been six years since Evans exhibited her mystical multimedia amalgamations in a NYC solo show. We're pleased to invite you to celebrate "Love Is the Secret" at KAPOW.

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2023. Painting and mixed media collage on paper. 15 x 22 inches

LOVE IS THE SECRET

OPENING RECEPTION:

THURSDAY, JUNE 29. 5 - 9 P.M.

June 2023 73

THE ACTOR'S STUDIO CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY

n March 12, 2020, Beau Gravitte was on his way to the Actor’s Studio when he received a call from the actress he was supposed to be meeting with. When asked whether or not they would still be meeting, Beau came to a realization. While he initially wanted to say yes, he ultimately decided that he did not want to endanger the health of this mother-of-a-one-year-old. After hanging up, Beau immediately called actress Ellen Burstyn, and the two of them agreed…it was time to close down the Actor’s Studio. For the moment.

Through the majesty of Zoom, a technology we’ve all become masters of recently, the Actor’s Studio powered through the darkest days of the pandemic. When the coast was relatively clear, in-person sessions slowly recommenced, and now the studio has all but returned to where it was prior to the pandemic’s initial outbreak. And this year, the Actor’s Studio celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Founded in 1947 by Elia Kazan, Cheryl Crawford, and Robert Lewis, the Actor’s Studio (also known as the ‘home of method acting’) is a completely private, non-commercial organization that provides an environment for professional actors to exercise their craft without commercial judgment. Inspired by Russian actor and director Konstantin Stanislavski, members are able to develop privately…to see what works and/ or learn from failures. Beau Gravitte, the current artistic director, illuminates, “on Broadway, you don’t have time to ‘live inside moments’...you have a very limited time to get things right, and then it’s on to performance time.”

Membership in the Actor’s Studio is not only lifelong, but it’s free and bi-coastal. A series of auditions is necessary first, but upon completion, members are invited in and are free to use either the West Hollywood location or the studio’s birthplace…here in New York on W 44th St. The studio is not an acting school, though; members are already well aware of the craft of acting. Currently, the studio is maintained by copresidents Ellen Burstyn, Alec Baldwin, and Al Pacino, with Beau Gravitte as Artistic Director, and co-Artistic Directors Estelle Parsons, Michael Aronov, and Javier Molina. In Los Angeles, Salome Jens handles duties as the Artistic Director and Katherine Cortez as the coArtistic Director. Over the years, membership has seen the likes of Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Sidney Poitier,

Paul Newman, and Bradley Cooper, just to name a few. The list of past and current members is as long as it is impressive.

For Beau, being Artistic Director of the NYC Actor’s Studio has been “the most fulfilling thing he’s done in his life.” He certainly has big shoes to fill…the founding Artistic Director was none other than Lee Strasberg himself! While Beau did not actually become a member of the Actor’s Studio until the year after Strasberg died (1982), Beau’s mentor, current co-president Ellen Burstyn, was similarly mentored by Strasberg. To fully complete the circle, Beau’s first production on Broadway, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, was originally workshopped in the Actor’s Studio! At the time, the Baylor graduate was working a short 3-month stint at the Russian Tea Room, having just arrived from Dallas, and the opportunity allowed for him to receive his Actors’ Equity card. In 2005,

he was approached about joining the studio’s Board of Directors while working The Light In the Piazza at Lincoln Center, and then in 2016 was asked to be Artistic Director. Beau is married to Tony-winning Broadway actress Debbie Shapiro Gravitte, and they have 3 children.

Strasberg’s effect on acting can’t be measured. He has been quoted as saying that Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe, both Actor’s Studio alum, are the two greatest acting talents he worked with. Charles Grodin convinced Gene Wilder to join the Actor’s Studio after telling him about Strasberg’s ‘method acting.’ Years later on the Dick Cavett Show, Wilder would proclaim, “I’m not a good actor, I’m a good reactor!” Likewise, past member Eli Wallach once said, “The big secret in acting is listening to people.”

The 75th anniversary of the Actor’s Studio means a lot to Beau Gravitte. He says, “It’s a way to honor the past, while also paving the way for the future.” Recently, the studio hosted two special events, both free and open to the public. First was The Playwright: Tales From the Color Line, a one-night-only event that celebrated Black membership of the Actor’s Studio and its award-winning contribution to American theater. Second was The Actor’s Studio: In Progress, a two-night event that offered a glimpse behind the doors, showcasing ‘open rehearsals’ of curated scenes from big productions or variations on a scene, etc.

The weekend of April 21-22 will be dedicated to works brought in by and directed by co-Artistic Director Estelle Parsons. More information on the Actor’s Studio and upcoming events can be found at TheActorsStudio. org, and on Facebook and Instagram theofficialactorsstudio. Here’s to another 75 years.

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O

ARTIST HANNAH POLSKIN

In this collection Hannah Polskin has reclaimed found objects from the region, letting the Luberon landscape leave its mark on the work. From turn of the century Pétanque balls, to preindustrial-revolution mallets, old masonry sievs, and ancient doors with original rusted hinges, the result is a primitive aesthetic that pays homage to the ancient limestone cave atelier in which the works were made.

View the collection on hannahpolskin.com

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ARTIST

LORI HOROWITZ

Lori Horowitz is a NY native. In addition to her studio art, Horowitz has worked as an arts educator, scenic designer for theatre and television, and as a curator and gallerist. Each has brought new perspectives and informed the development of her artwork and career while deeply connecting her back to the artworks she makes, and to the viewers who experience them. Through experimentation and knowledge of diverse materials, Lori incorporates painting,

"Grieve"

Aluminum wire, spun copper, woven and sewn copper wire.

28"H x 22"W x 28"D | 2020

sculpture, drawing and photography and pushes inventive methods to reflect her message. Using eclectic techniques and materials, Horowitz explores the overlooked interactions between individuals, exploring their social disconnect as well as common humanity. Her work unveils facades and penetrates issues revealing their underlying truths and addresses topics of belonging and the need to find a place in society.

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"Nature's Altar Installation" Sculpted photograph, gauze, encaustic wax fabric, photos, copper and brass screen, and fiber. 8' H x 10'W x 24"D | 2023

Mixed-media

Since 2016, Lori Horowitz has shown extensively with eleven solo exhibitions. She has participated in over 75 national gallery and museum group shows. In 2016 Horowitz opened a not-for –profit ArtSpace, “Studio 5404”, to encourage the spread of cultural arts, serving the central south shore of Long Island. She showcased artwork of more than 400 artists. As an independent curator, and former curator/director of Studio 5404 Art Space in Massapequa, NY, she curated over 20 shows and continues curating independently. In 2019 and 2020, she participated in two residency programs in Bushwick NY and Havana, Cuba. Currently, she serves on the board of

directors for two not-for-profit arts organizations as Exhibition chair for the NY Society of Women Artists and the Long Island Craft Guild. She has representation internationally by Galerie Ludwig Trossaert and her work has been featured in the NY Times, as well as local and international publications such as 1340 Art International, Azucar and Apero Magazines and many local New York publications. She is recently a featured artist by Zeitt Blatt media group, video and magazine out of Paris in Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris. She is currently the featured Artist in Art-Trends Publication out of Paris and the NY Optimist national news publication.

www.lorihorowitz.com | Lorihorowitzartist@gmail.com

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"Amongst the Lilies"
relief - Copper and brass fiber, encaustic wax, photo, and fiber on gauze 42"H X 54"W x 12"D | 2022
80 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com 25A ARTIST HANS NELEMAN NELEMAN.COM @HANSNELEMAN
INTO TUNNEL GOAT BOY
June 2023 81
OBSCURA (CROSSHAIRS)
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NELEMAN.COM @HANSNELEMAN
ARTIST HANS NELEMAN

HUMAN PERCEPTION

June 2023 83

NATURE, UNSEEN,”

L.A.-BASED PAINTER

SYLVAIN LATENDRESSE

Opens April 21st at Rebecca Molayem Gallery

Latendresse’s brilliantly color-saturated pieces reimagine Central California country landscapes

California Nature, Unseen,” Los Angeles-based painter Sylvain Latendresse’s pop-up exhibition at Rebecca Molayem Gallery, opens with an artist’s reception on Friday, April 21 from 6-9PM. The show will also be on view on Saturday, April 22 from 11AM-6PM. Latendresse is a Quebec native, and the exhibition is co-sponsored by the Quebec Government Office in Los Angeles

Lantendresse has lived in Los Angeles since 2008 where he was instantly mesmerized by its vibrant culture and landscape. He sees Southern California as a “place of constant reinvention and visual stimulus.” Latendresse has painted and been involved with arts and culture throughout his entire professional life – as an artist, a curator, a writer, a critic, and a director of cultural centers and programs. Upon moving to Los Angeles from Canada, his painting practice took a back seat to other pursuits. That changed when the pandemic arrived, giving him the time and space to create new work and bring life force into that cloistered time.

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"Ode of Joy II" 36x48
“CALIFORNIA
AN EXHIBITION BY

Based on places in Central California that the artists knows and loves, the landscapes that emerged are dreamlike, and sometimes surreal. These enchanted vistas are realized with rich and often Fauvist colors – including a masterful use of yellow and purple hues – and scintillating dappled textures. Latendresse paints only with palette knives, and the rich swaths of acrylic paint put forth a tactile quality suggesting you are physically entering into the spaces he has imagined.

Latendresse says, “Some people compare the painting to impressionism, pointillism, or even expressionism. And while I understand the comparison, for me the true inspiration lies elsewhere. It was photography, specifically the reference images I took in the rolling hillsides of the central California coast, that became my springboard into a freshly perceived—and unperceived reality. During the existential crisis of the pandemic, these paintings were my personal exploration into the true nature of reality—the seen and unseen, the multiplicity of meanings which merge and collide, and can only be described as consciousness.”

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"Griffith Park" 30x24

About the artist:

In 2008, I moved to Los Angeles and found myself mesmerized by the vibrant culture and landscape. I am happy to call California home, a place of constant reinvention and visual stimulus. A Quebec native, I have worked in Montreal as a painter, visual artist, independent curator, contemporary art consultant, writer, and critic. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in fine arts at the University of Quebec in Montreal, I focused my studies on painting and went on to complete a master’s degree in Art History. I wrote my master’s thesis on the influential German artist Joseph Beuys. As President of the board council of Action Art Actuel, an artist’s Centre, I spent

seven years curating exhibitions, supporting membership, and launching an international residency exchange with Queretaro, Mexico. As an art critic and consultant, I worked for the most prominent corporate art collection in Canada, Loto-Quebec Art Collection, and wrote for all the major Quebec Art magazines such as Vies des Arts, Esse, Etc Montreal, and Spirale. In parallel with my art career, I have also been actively involved in the Quebec cultural scene for more than 35 years. I served as Assistant Director at the Montreal International Film Market, an event held in conjunction with the Montreal World Film Festival as well as an international liaison for the Rendez-vous du Cinema Quebecois and Quebec Culture Days.

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"Paso Robles Woods II" 20x16

AMY ANDERSSON

Metropolitan was recently introduced to one of the few female premier orchestra conductors in the world today. Given the recent Oscar nominated film on this subject, we thought you would like to read about a true-life, female conductor. We know you will be as inspired as we were.

Amy Andersson is an internationally renowned, award-winning conductor. The Society for Composers and Lyricists recently awarded her for outstanding achievement in visuals and music. In February she accepted this specially created “Jury Award” for Women Warriors: The Voices of Change, a new symphony concert, for which she was creator, writer, producer and conductor!

This compliments her recent Grammy and BMI “Impact Award” for the soundtrack, as well as recent appointment as first female conductor to teach at USC in the screen scoring department.

Fun fact: Passionately devoted to the piano at an early age, at 10 she was composing scores and lyrics. On her 11th birthday, which fell during the winter, she composed a piece entitled “My 11th Winter”.

Reality check: What is your prep to learning an orchestra score and how does it feel to be on the podium?

Prep: Rigorous, detailed study of the ochestration, character, harmony, phrasing, bar structure and how to express that through physical gestures.

Conducting: It takes physical endurance and mental agility to achieve an expressive and organic oneness with the musicians through breath and movement. When it happens it is ECSTASY!!

Word count is 251.

www.amyanderssonconductor.com

www.womenwarriorsthevoicesofchange.com

June 2023 87

MvVO ART/AD ART SHOW 2023

TO SHOWCASE CONTEMPORARY ARTWORKS FROM EMERGING ARTISTS

Call for Artists

Announced with winning artist to receive a Specialty Clio Award and Top 10 artists will show their work on outdoor billboards by OUTFRONT

MvVO ART will bring the AD ART SHOW 2023 to Powerhouse Arts, Brooklyn, New York from October 15-16, 2023. This contemporary art show bridges the Art World and the Advertising industry, by featuring fine art created by artists working in advertising, design, directly for brands, and in related fields, or who began in the industry.

Since it launched in 2018 at Sotheby’s, the MvVO ART/ AD ART SHOW has been introducing art lovers, collectors, curators, gallerists, and critics to the talented fine artists from the advertising industry. Participants in the annual show are approved by a selection committee made up of contemporary art experts and prize winners are determined by a jury of collectors. MvVO ART supports participating artists with an ongoing Artsy gallery page where the Art can be purchased and extensive social media promotion.

MvVO ART/AD ART SHOW 2023 will exhibit paintings, sculptures, drawings, photography, and mixed media works at Powerhouse Arts, a leading contemporary Art Fabrication Facility housed in the spectacular former Brooklyn Rapid Transit power plant. Built in 1904 and once affectionately known as “The Batcave.” Powerhouse Arts was redesigned and reimagined by Herzog & de Meuron, the architects of the Tate Modern. The perfect setting to see contemporary art.

“Our artists are following in the footsteps of Edward Hopper— an Art Director, Rene Magritte—a Graphic Designer, and Andy

Warhol—an illustrator, and many other famous names in Art who began in advertising. The 6th edition of MvVO ART/AD ART SHOW is an extraordinary opportunity for emerging artists to get discovered!” said Maria van Vlodrop, Founder & CEO of MvVO ART, and the creator of AD ART SHOW—The Platform for Artists from Advertising, named a Top Ten Cultural Shaper, Creative 100 Adweek Award

The Clio Awards, a longtime supporter and partner of MvVO ART/AD ART SHOW, will present a specialty Clio Award for work selected by the MvVO ART jury of collectors. OUTFRONT Media will feature the Top Ten winners of MvVO ART/AD ART SHOW 2023 on billboards in their top ten media markets, including Times Square for the three winners.

“The artists featured in the AD ART SHOW are among the most dynamic and creative thinkers in the advertising industry and we’re so glad to be giving them a platform for recognition by both the ad world and the art world. We’re excited to partner with MvVO ART for the 4th year as part of our growing effort to celebrate creativity in its many forms,” said Nicole Purcell, CEO, Clio.

For more information about MvVO ART/AD ART SHOW visit www.mvvoart.com

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HISTORYONHOLDHANSNELEMAN

PAINTINGS COLLAGES ASSEMBLAGES

JULY 19 - SEPTEMBER 12 2023

180 MAIDEN LANE NEW YORK NY 10038 ANDERSON CONTEMPORARY NEW YORK CITY
OPENING RECEPTION WEDNESDAY JULY 19 6-8PM
RSVP@ANDERSONCONTEMPORARY.COM

BRAD FEINSTEIN MOVIE PRODUCER

When a kid from Philly dreamed of going into the movie business, the general consensus was, “you can’t just make movies. People don’t just get to go do that.” Not going into the family business wasn’t so much a big deal, but, “what do you know about making movies?” His response, “I’ll figure it out!” And he did figure it out.

When starting his career as a financial advisor, Brad Feinstein never thought about what was on the other side of a camera. He also never realized just how many jobs exist within the entertainment industry, and that there might be a place for him. “I always thought I was going to be in the furniture business like the last four generations of my family, or maybe a lawyer, longshoreman, a cop, a fireman, or doctor – that’s all the jobs we knew about.”

WHEN LOOKING FOR A FILM TO PRODUCE, “THE CREATIVE HAS TO MAKE SENSE. IT HAS TO BE A GREAT SCRIPT, AND THEN THE FINANCE PLAN HAS TO MAKE SENSE. IF BOTH THINGS MAKE SENSE, THEN YOU YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A MOVIE.”

But Brad found a job that’s slightly more interesting…namely the founder and CEO of Romulus Entertainment. Romulus has been responsible for films like Academy Award-winning Fences (2016), The Banker (2020), Last Looks (2021), etc. As you can imagine, he grew up with a love of film; his parents would take him to the movies routinely when he was a kid. But now that he has been on the other side of the camera, Brad can’t watch a movie without dissecting it. “Would I have used this angle? Would I have been on this lens? You watch The Revenant (2015), and think about all those poor people sitting outside in the snow, freezing between each take!”

Getting into the industry happened somewhat by accident. While working in finance straight out of school at University of Florida, Brad was continually approached by entertainers and actor clients who would ask how they could finance their movies and if he knew of a way to make it happen. Brad took it upon himself to learn more about film finance and started working from that angle, figuring out how it could be done. Later after transitioning to Investment Banking he started financing slates of film. But even then, it still took him a long time to get from a financial seat into a creative seat. “When you come in through that door (the financial side), people view you as a suit…they see you as money.” But now he’s firmly planted in that creative seat as lead producer on everything from Romulus Entertainment.

What exactly goes into being a producer? It’s a simple question that doesn’t always have a simple answer. For Brad, he’s with these movies ‘cradle to grave.’ This entails finding (or developing) the script, hiring the talent (actors, directors, and crew), working with the director once one is on board, influencing the look and feel of the movie, being on set every day during principal photography, editing the film, and handles the distribution deal from the film’s side with the studio . Phew – you can exhale now.

When looking for a film to produce, Brad explains, “the creative has to make sense. It has to be a great script, and then the finance plan has to make sense. If both things make sense, then you you know you have a movie.” Creatively, Romulus makes two kinds of movies. First is prestige, diverse dramas like Fences, The Banker, Beatriz At Dinner (2017), etc. Movies that have a viewpoint or say something, movies that make people think. “I want there to be discussion and a dialogue, I want it to be thought-provoking.”

Second is the ‘bigger’ action-thrillers, that are a little broader, a little more theatrical popcorn movies…but a cerebral version of those movies, not just action for action’s sake. “I want to make movies that are fun and a ride, but are also smart.” A good example of this from the Romulus catalog is the wildly-underrated Last Looks (currently on Hulu). Released during the pandemic, Last Looks was one of a few films that Romulus had to hold on to immediately after completing, due to the uncertainty (putting it mildly) of what theatrical releases and streaming would look like. But it allowed for a rare deal with Paramount, and Brad describes it as, “one of the most enjoyable movie making experiences I’ve had. Everyone got along and had a really good time.” Brad had nothing but great things to say about working with director Tim Kirkby and a stellar cast that included the likes of Charlie Hunnam, the legendary Mel Gibson, Lucy Fry, Clancy Brown, and Paul Ben Victor. Even Brad’s wife, Xen Sams, and youngest daughter Alexa managed to make appearances in the film!

But it’s not always sunshine and rainbows while on a production. There have been ‘days.’ “It’s rough making a movie, but if it were easy, everyone would do it. There are those days when you’re the guy sitting out in the snow making The Revenant. But being a good producer means being a good problem solver. I’ve always been a bit of a fixer.” That ability to problem solve, he says, is what he loves most about the job. “There’s always something that needs to be dealt with on a film set. The people who are most successful at navigating those problems and issues without taking it personally are typically the most successful producers.”

What does he have going on now? Well, he’s in pre production on three separate projects! Brad’s next movie will be shooting in Newark, which will make driving to the set easier on the New Jersey resident. While he can’t divulge too much information currently, he did reveal that his next project is called” Killing Castro” and surrounds Castro’s visit to the US in 1960 for his first UN convention…a visit which famously saw him meet with Malcolm X in Harlem and the government and organized crime colluding to kill him.. The other two projects already have A-list talent attached and are getting close to principal photography. More details to come at a later date. It’s clear that Romulus will keep making unique and compelling content for the independent film market.

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June 2023 91
Millenial Mom, IHeartRadio & TV Host 'A MOMENT OF XEN'
"People need banking, not banks. I love OGPAY for just that."
-Xen Sams

ow did you get into Golf?

STEPH MI H

There were several factors that led me to venture into the world of golf. Firstly, my mother, residing in Korea, has an immense passion for the sport and often expressed her enthusiasm during our conversations. Recognizing that there was a disconnect that stemmed from my lack of interest and knowledge of golf, I was motivated to explore the world of golf. Additionally, I noticed a rising surge of interest in golf within the social media community, particularly with a lack of female representation. I identified an opportunity to fill this void and contribute to the golf social media sphere. I then took my platform to create Golf with Mi. I contacted OFTV and managed to pitch an idea for a show that was about real conversations while golfing. I host, produce and edit my show. I have creative control and it's extremely empowering.

What’s the secret to improving your golf game?

Dedicated practice, consistent recording, professional lessons, and engaging in rounds with other golfers are essential components.

As a model, actress and influencer, how important is your diet & exercise routine?

As a model, actress, and influencer, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine holds immense importance in my life. Prioritizing my overall health and well-being serves as a fundamental pillar, enabling me to navigate the demands of my profession and achieve optimal performance. By prioritizing self-care and focusing on a healthy lifestyle, I

believe in cultivating the strength and resilience necessary to overcome any challenges that may arise.

Any workout tips for women who would like to have an amazing body?

I appreciate the compliment, but I believe that every woman should strive to feel confident in her own body, embracing her unique beauty. In terms of workout tips, I would suggest prioritizing consistency in your exercise routine, finding a supportive workout partner for motivation and accountability, and ultimately integrating fitness into your lifestyle as a long-term commitment to your health and well-being.

What’s the secret to being an effective influencer?

While I believe that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for being an effective influencer, I have found that continuous creativity, meaningful collaborations, and a keen understanding of

audience preferences are crucial elements. By consistently striving to innovate and provide diverse content that resonates with followers, influencers can cultivate engagement, authenticity, and sustained interest among their audience.

Are there any new projects or passions you care to share with our readers?

I am excited to announce that I have been granted the incredible opportunity to open for San Diego Swim Week, which is a project I am truly looking forward to. This upcoming event holds great significance for me, and I am eagerly anticipating the memorable moments that will unfold.

We’ve featured international health influencer Jen Selter on a previous magazine cover - and the interest was off the charts… why do you think Jen has become such a huge star in the fitness industry?

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FITNESS SPOTLIGHT:

Jen Selter has garnered significant acclaim in the fitness industry due to her pioneering approach of sharing her fitness routines and showcasing her physical progress, particularly focusing on her booty. As one of the early adopters of leveraging social media as a freelance creative, she successfully paved the way for the millennial generation, establishing a loyal following. Her authenticity, dedication, and relatability have played a pivotal role in propelling her to become a prominent figure and a source of inspiration for fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

Are any other fun hobbies besides golf and working out?

In my spare time, I indulge in the creative pursuits of cooking and artistic expression (drawing/ painting/interior decorating). These hobbies offer a delightful balance to my golfing and workout routines, enriching my life with diverse forms of enjoyment and personal fulfillment.

Tell us a little more about your acting and modeling career.

My journey in the realms of acting and modeling started at the age of 14 when I signed representation with a traditional modeling agency. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to honing my skills through acting classes and have had the privilege of being featured in various magazines, print campaigns, commercials and movies. Presently, I have attained a significant milestone by creating a role in my own production golf show, allowing me to showcase the fruits of my labor and take charge of my career trajectory.

Our publisher, Chase Backer, just opened a MedSpa in Palm Beach that specializes in regenerative stem-cell therapy for athletic injuries - any thoughts on stem-cell therapy to heal sports injuries?

I hold a strong belief in the potential of stem cell therapy as a means to facilitate the healing process for sports injuries, as well as various other health-related conditions. I have witnessed firsthand the positive experiences of athlete friends who have chosen this natural approach over invasive surgeries, and their testimonials have reinforced my support for this innovative form of medical treatment. The regenerative properties of stem cell therapy offer promising avenues for optimizing recovery and promoting overall wellbeing in athletes and individuals alike.

IG: @stephmi

June 2023 93

LEGENDARY INSTRUCTOR

GARY WIREN

KNOWS HOW TO HELP YOUR GOLF GAME

r. Gary Wiren is a PGA Master Professional who was the Director of Education, Learning, and Research for the PGA of America between 1972 and 1985. During that time he produced the entitled "Laws, Principles, and Preferences" of the golf swing. He is the founder of four golf schools and is now the senior director of instruction for Trump Golf Properties. Wiren is a member of both the PGA Hall of Fame and the World Golf Teachers' Hall of Fame. As an author, he has written fourteen golf books including The PGA Teaching Manual, at 619 pages, which is the most comprehensive text on golf instruction in history. It is estimated that over his career he has taught more than a quarter-million students in 30 countries. As one of the world's leading golf experts, Wiren has written more than 300 articles for magazines and other periodicals. Learning about his teaching and writing skills, he was asked the following questions.

What’s the Biggest Challenge in Teaching Golf?

The biggest challenge is to get a clear understanding as to why the pupil plays or wants to play golf, and then work out a program that will direct them toward success. That will include the amount of time and effort they are willing to contribute toward their goal.

Why do you think so many U.S. Presidents love golf?

First of all, with the presidency being such an extremely stressful job the chance to get out on peaceful lawns to engage in an activity that is not too mentally taxing can be therapeutic. It can help one temporarily forget all the demands that come with the position. And since it is an activity that is easy for the Secret Service to handle, they like it too.

Have you played golf with former President Trump?

Yes, most of it was a few years ago. In my estimation, he is the best golfing president we have ever had. I definitely mean that. He loves to compete and returns scores that would be pleasing to a low single-handicap golfer…such as a two or three-handicapper. At his age, he is still playing quite well while using a rotary swing which produces some long drives. Of course, he has some bad days as we all do but his name is up on several championship plaques that line the hallway at the beautiful but tough Trump International Golf Club. He is a very good putter and loves the game.

Who are some of your favorite professional golfers?

As a golf historian, I could go far back and note some great champion golfers, who were also great people Throughout history they seem to have occurred in groups of three, known as a triumvirate. For example, Vardon, Braid, and Taylor; Jones, Sarazen, and Hagen; Snead, Hogan, and Nelson; and the last with which you are more familiar-- Palmer, Player, and Nicklaus. Thinking about your readers I feel they would like to hear more about champions who are familiar to them. “Arnie” brought life back to the game of golf with not only his game but his manner. He may have signed more golf items than anyone in history and always with clear penmanship, not a scribble, so you were darned sure who signed it. Gary Player gave hope to the smaller golfer by producing “Tour level” length that was a result of his great commitment to daily fitness training. But when you say “Jack” when discussing golf there is only one Jack who won more majors than anyone in history— eighteen--and that of course is Jack Nicklaus. He also had an amazing 19 runner-up finishes in the majors. Just imagine that! In addition to his golf prowess Jack and his wife Barbara may have contributed more to charity fundraising efforts for children in need of hospital care than any athlete in history. These three men have made it a privilege for me to be involved in the game of golf.

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We at Metropolitan Palm Beach Magazine were very honored that Jack and Barbara Nicklaus appeared on a previous cover. When you play golf with a legend do you teach them or do they teach you?

Frankly, I don’t play golf with a lot of legends. Yes, I have played with Arnie, Gary, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, and others that are not part of the “Great Triumvirates,” but the play was always just for each other’s enjoyment. There was an occasion, however, when teeing it up with a PGA Golf Hall of Famer and long drive champion, Melvin “Chick” Harbert, that I was offered some advice. It was a tip for playing in the wind. The two of us were at Jupiter Hills CC in Jupiter, FL, on a very windy day. We had reached the 17th tee where there was a bit of a wait with a foursome ahead of us. “Chick,” said, “Would you like a tip for hitting a drive on a windy day?” I certainly wouldn’t pass up on a tip from a “Hall of Famer” so said, “Yes, of

course.” He took his stance and with his driver aiming in one direction said, “When playing into the wind just get comfortable and try to make your very best swing.” Then he reversed his direction and taking his stance said “Now, when you are playing downwind, just get comfortable and try to make your very best swing.” So you see, you can pick up some really solid fundamentals from great players even without asking.

Are there some key tips you would like to share with our readers that could help improve their game?

A tip I share with my students that helps a lot of them once they understand and employ it is this: “YOUR JOB IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT IS.” You think that as a golfer your job is to hit the ball. That’s not your job! That is the club’s job. Your job is to SWING IT! Let the club hit the ball. I try to teach a “swinging hit” not a

“hitting swing.” I want speed. A “hitting” action tends to produce tension which kills speed and also introduces poor direction. But making a “swinging hit”, with less tension, produces speed that isn’t ruining your direction the way tension does. Practice making a “whoosh,” feeling almost as though you are going to throw the club with the left arm while using rotary speed from the hips to help produce velocity. With the back of the left hand flat the right hand is still slightly cocked and can now be released and rotated without losing speed prior to striking the ball. Think THROUGH THE BALL, NOT TO THE BALL. I speak from experience on this one as at age 47 I won the South Florida Long Drive Championship with a “smash” of 381 yds.1 ft. against a field of 51 other contestants. What added some shock to those who discovered it is that my drive won by 50 yds. over the second place of 330 yds. and I did it with a wooden-headed driver! (That was forty years ago before metal heads appeared.)

Mine was the first shot of the event, so before I swung I said to myself, “Don’t try to hit it too hard. Just make your BEST SWING.”

How important is it to have a good routine?

Speaking of “having a good routine” as just a tip is totally disrespecting its value. A routine is highly important in producing consistency which is one of golf’s great challenges. Developing a pre-shot routine is not a tip--it is a necessity for producing a higher number of good shots. Basically, the routine is composed of what to do and in what order to do it. Here is my pre-shot routine for a full swing. 1. Stand behind the ball to establish the line on which you want the ball to travel to be successful. In my mind, I then visually draw on the ground an easy-to-see orange line from the target to my ball. 2. After that I get into my address position and set my grip for the type of shot I want. 3. Then address the ball to locate the proper distance away, and while doing so I set my shoulders parallel to the line on which I am

going to swing. Next, I cock my wrists until the club is parallel to the ground with the toe of the club pointing up and my left wrist flat so the face is square. That is going to be my clubface position through the whole swing until after contact. I start my weight shift and the rotation of my hips as my arms drop with my right elbow almost touching my right hip (making the swing come from the inside). Finally, I have a visual target about one foot past the ball to help my speed through the ball and avoid releasing too early. You can place a tee or some other marker out there to focus on so that you will consistently hit through the ball, not to the ball.

Any visualization tips?

In one phrase I can summarize this skill: Picture good results. The body doesn’t lie for the brain. Let me give you the greatest example that I can think of. Question: Who has the most holes-in-one in golfing history?

Answer: Texas club professional Mancel Davis has had 51 in his career. WHAT? FIFTY-ONE! How is that possible when no player, major champion or not, is even close? Well, the answer is that Mancel used his own little trick, the only possible explanation for how it was accomplished. Every time he came to a par three hole he pictured the ball going into the cup. That is called positive visualization. But what one should understand is that this tip is useable for more than just holes-in-one. Here is an example of that. I was doing a junior clinic at the Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi several years ago. To finish off the event I was to go along with the head professional and an assistant to give a three-hole demonstration. The second hole of the demo was an attractive 157-yard par three, and I was to hit first. Selecting a #7 iron I described through my microphone what I pictured. “Ladies and Gentlemen and you great juniors here is a good opportunity to picture your shot being successful. Can you feel a little breeze blowing from the right? It tells me I am going to need to start my shot not at the flag but about five yards to the right and let the wind bring it in.” I then aimed where I said, made a confident swing, saw the ball start exactly where I had aimed, and then watched the wind push it toward the flagstick and right into the cup. It was a good way to make one’s point.

What about putting?

There is golf, and then there is putting. Of course that is part of the game but it is so different mechanically from what the game asks us to do when not on the green. How important is it? Well, the first golf pro ever to write a book on golf was Willie Park, Jr., of Scotland. He won THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP twice while his father won it four times. The title of Willie’s book was THE GAME OF GOLF, written in 1897. In that book is Willie’s quote, “The man who can putt is a match for anyone” (Of course that goes for women as well.). There certainly is no “one way to putt.” A player’s grip for example can be one of many very different choices. But the one element that tends to be universal (with few exceptions) is to keep the hands quiet. It is a stroke, not a hit.

We have finished the 18th hole and Gary invites you to his INSTAGRAM to enjoy a trip through history by a visit to his incredible golf collection which has been visited by his hometown Omaha friend Warren Buffett. Having played the game for 77 years Gary wants me to close this piece by having you recognize golf’s greatest gift-- FRIENDSHIP.

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THE NEXT CYBERCRIME ATTACK FROM INCLUDING YOU HNWI IN NEW YORK ARE PRIME TARGETS

PREVENT

If you have ever had a moving violation in Suffolk County, Long Island from 2013 to now, your driver’s license has been stolen by hackers. In some cases, your passport was stolen too. Before that, 10 million car VIN numbers were stolen, nationwide. Think about everything the DMV, car dealerships, and TSA know about you. That’s all in the hands of hackers. Getting a duplicate title to your car, and then selling it to themselves, is just one type of trouble hackers can cause.

HNWI and the people in their lives are the prime targets now. Our online COVID lives sped up vulnerability, access, and hacker sophistication by years. Any household staff, vendors, and kids of HNWI are easy ways in.

Not a week goes by anymore without news of a breach containing your personal identifying data, which is all hackers need to socially engineer their way into your accounts, your home, your car, your identity, and your family. Equifax, TikTok, American Airlines, Zelle, PayPal, Hilton Honors, the IRS—you see the news and it sounds like a blur of bad.

How do you make your personally identifying stolen data useless to hackers, so even when they get it, they can’t steal from you or impersonate you? You neutralize it. Make that data no longer linked to your accounts, your online life. Here’s how to shrink your personal attack surface:

Get a Personal Cybercrime Victim Report (PCVR), which investigates all the breached personal data that is sitting out there on you and instructs you how to neutralize it. If you have had any symptoms—scam texts, phone calls, emails, this is highly advisable. A PCVR is the blood test of cybercrime. You need to know exactly what has been breached in order to comprehensively slam all your doors shut in hackers’ faces.

Do not store your passwords or even usernames for any online accounts online. No keychain, no “remember me” on app accounts, no password protector programs. The only place to store passwords is on paper. Remember address books? Get one.

Change your username and password, not just your password, for all online accounts. Choose something random like greenchair53! as your username, and something equally random as your password. It must be something that cannot be linked to you.

1 2 3 4

Log out when you are not using an app. Don’t stay logged into Facebook permanently. That is literally like leaving your house for the weekend with all the window and doors open, no alarm in place, no cameras.

5

Turn off your Bluetooth and AirDrop when you are not using it.

Use your personal hotspot on your phone when you’re at Starbucks, the airport, hotels, or any public place with public wifi. Do not use wifi that is not password protected. Hackers troll public places and with almost no effort get into your phone and your apps via public wifi. Take the sign off your front lawn that tells hackers which home security system is protecting your house. There is no point in security if you tell hackers which system to hack, the instructions for which are also on sale on the Dark Web.

If you use security cameras, hide them, don’t leave them and the connecting wires in plain view.

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Turn off the geolocation apps— Google Map, Find My Phone etc.--when you’re not using them. Cyber intel is used for personal attacks.

June 2023 97

Trolls Band Together

My name is Reverend Jen and I love Trolls. Not Internet Trolls: the other kind with big hair and smiles that turned the whole world on while it tuned in and dropped out. In 2000, my love for Trolls led me to open “Reverend Jen’s Lower East Side Troll Museum” which was open to the public and situated in my old tenement apartment. The Troll Museum quickly became world famous and was featured on news networks in Japan, Spain, and Brazil, and on the Smithsonian Network’s “Stories from the Vaults” and New York’s Channel 11 Evening News. The Troll Museum operated on the LES until 2016 when it was evicted and became a “Troll Pantry” in Brooklyn. While I look for a permanent museum location, it has become a “traveling Troll Museum” and has been exhibited at Ace Hotel in Manhattan and MF Gallery in Brooklyn. It is important to note that while another Troll Museum located in Ohio called “The Troll Hole” opened in 2014, Reverend Jen’s Lower East Side Troll Museum is the original American Troll Museum.

It’s therefore no surprise that many consider me to be the world’s leading Trollologist and I am often summoned to write opinions on all things Troll like the latest trailer for Trolls Band Together, Dreamworks’ third installment in the Trolls series. So let’s dig right in. For lack of a better word, the trailer is trippy. Like, if you’ve never done LSD, you don’t need to. Just watch this trailer. Actually, watch it a few times because so much happens, it will like totally blow your mind, man.

The trailer begins in the three-dimensional Troll Village with a Troll rolling out a psychedelic carpet for the Royal Wedding between Ogres, Bridget (Zooey Deschanel), and Gristle Junior (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) who we first met in 2016’s “Trolls” when Bridget’s love for Gristle Junior transformed him from a would-be TrollEater into a benevolent ally of Trolls everywhere.

We then see our two protagonists, Branch (Justin Timberlake) and Poppy (Anna Kendrick) who float into the scene on anthropomorphic clouds. After months of flirting, they are now officially a couple (#broppy!) Branch says, “Poppy, We are gonna be late for the Royal Wedding! Let’s go get married!” He then corrects himself, “I mean, let’s go get Bridget and Gristle married.” Though it’s obvious to viewers that Branch and Poppy are soulmates, they are still in that awkward phase. Avoiding further conversation, they float into the sky where they are joined by other Trolls on clouds for a Busby Berkeley-style dance number. Transition to Cloud Guy (Walt Dohrn) who is passed out on a cardboard box, surrounded by half-eaten slices of pizza, recovering from a crazy bachelor party. Wearing nothing but striped tube socks, jelly bracelets, and neon Glow-Stick Raver glasses, he then proceeds to vomit rainbow glitter. Back at the wedding, Tiny Diamond (Kenan Thompson), the smallest and scrappiest Troll is not cool with being dressed as a Flower or being the Flower Boy. He sheds his flower and pronounces himself the “Flower Man.”

And it’s time for the nuptials! The ceremony barely gets underway when it’s interrupted by a blue Troll dressed in a Vegan Sherpa jacket and ski goggles careening into it on a zip-line. This Troll’s name is John Dory (Eric André) and he is one of Branch’s four older brothers. Unbeknownst to Poppy, Branch had a whole life before he met her. He was once part of her favorite boyband phenomenon, BroZone, along with his brothers. BroZone disbanded when Branch was still a baby, as did the family, and Branch hasn’t seen his brothers since. In the Peanut Gallery, Tiny Diamond watches the drama unfold alongside Mr. Dinkles (Kevin Michael Richardson) a worm of few words who looks like he’s permanently stuck in a k-hole. He is dressed for the occasion, wearing an Elizabethan Ruff and a monocle. But, it looks

like Poppy won’t have time to catch any bouquets because this John Dory character has convinced them they must go at once to find the rest of the family and reunite BroZone. (Not revealed in the trailer: Branch’s other bro, Floyd has been kidnapped for his musical talents by a pair of nefarious pop-star villains.) Branch, Poppy, John, and Tiny Diamond then all jump in their touring “Caterbus”, which is, you guessed it…a hybrid caterpillar/bus with a mouth, eyes, and stripes on the sides. When Tiny D hits the “hustle” button on the Caterbus all hell breaks loose. The Caterbus jolts into the air and goes through a kaleidoscopic star-shaped portal whereupon they are transformed into twodimensional characters in a cartoon landscape reminiscent of Peter Max, the Freak Brothers, and R. Crumb. After being psychedelicized, they are dropped back through the portal and returned to three-dimensional life. “Too much hustle is a thing,” Poppy states while all Branch can do is stare at the rainbow-hued visual trails projecting forth from his hand. The doors of perception have been opened for these Trolls and there is no going back. All that in just two minutes and eighteen seconds. I can't believe there's a whole movie that comes after it. The overall groovy tone of the Trolls Band Together trailer is fitting, given the movie is based on The Good Luck Troll, which was invented by Thomas Dam in Denmark. Dam’s Trolls shot to fame in 1960s America where countless companies who knocked off the original design flooded a booming economy with Trolls. Collected by children, they quickly became associated with the counterculture Trolls, with their dilated pupils, outstretched arms, colorful clothes, frequent nudity, and long shaggy hair, looked an awful lot like hippies. But, if I am being totally honest, I will never love Branch and Poppy the way I love my vintage troll dolls with their musty smells and lopsided smiles. Though each Troll is a mass-produced variant of another, no two are alike because each has a human who imparts their own magic onto

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the dime-store talismans. And much like a movie can almost never be as good as the book it’s based on, a movie can never be as good as the toy it’s based on. With a toy, you write the script using only your imagination.

My 1967 Caveman Troll stares out the window onto modern-day Brooklyn. He doesn't know it’s not still the Summer of Love or that the world’s passed him by. He’s still grooving with the eternal now. But, Branch and Poppy are modern Trolls for the Digital Age. They are talkative, neurotic, and cleaned up. Their faces are symmetrical, their hair is combed and their felt outfits are pressed. But, they just aren’t as cute as the original

doll. Almost like Dreamworks tried to “make” them cute and didn’t realize everything cute is also a little ugly. I don’t hate them the way I hated Scrappy Doo who was so at odds with Scooby’s stoner lifestyle. In fact, when I see a little child wearing a Poppy backpack (there are a lot of them) it’s thrilling to realize Trolls have persevered and found new fans. It should also be noted that the Troll movies were produced after Dreamworks made a financial deal with Dam Things in Denmark. Hopefully, it was a large chunk of change to make up for the fact that Dam Things lost millions to imitators before their copyright was restored in 1996. And maybe those kids who dig Branch and Poppy now

will take a look at the colorful history of Trolls. Maybe they’ll even visit the future Troll Museum. Throughout my life, people have asked me why I collect Trolls. Is it good luck? The hair? The big eyes? That’s just a small part of it. Trolls, with their outstretched arms and blissful smiles, symbolize hope. They offer unwavering grooviness in the face of adversity, which is why you see them everywhere. And that is why, for all my issues with these modern trolls being too modern, I’m gonna see this movie.

Reverend Jen is a painter and writer who lives in Brooklyn. Prints of her artwork are available at https://www.etsy.com/ shop/RevWorld

June 2023 99

with Julianne Michelle

MOMMY’S HEART WINTER FÊTE

Private equity CEO Marc Leder of Sun Capital changed the lives of abuse victims, co-hosting a star-studded gala on January 18, 2023 with me and the support of Academy Award winning board member Cuba Gooding, Jr., filmmaker and board member Sean Stone, Nigel James Kneafsey, board member Claudine De Niro, Harley Lippman, Jennifer Bell, and Marc Bell to benefit Mommy’s Heart, Inc., a 501(C) 3 nonprofit organization supporting DV survivors facing retaliation by their abusers.

CEOs Harley Lippman, Jennifer Bell, and Marc Bell were honored with the Mommy’s Heart Philanthropy Award 2023. Harley Lippman, founder of technology firm Genesis10, was ranked in the top 50 CEOs in the country. Appointed by President Biden to the U.S. advisory board aiming to improve IsraeliPalestinian relations, he is the sole financial supporter of an orphanage in Cambodia for 18 years. Harley put 21 children through college.

Marc and Jennifer Bell are serial entrepreneurs whose success spans over 30 years and

five unicorns. Jennifer is the Founder and CEO of Bell Beachwear, a swimwear and resort brand designed for all body types and budgets. Marc is the Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of pioneering aerospace and defense satellite manufacturer Terran Orbital. Marc also produced two Tony Award-winning Broadway shows: Jersey Boys and August, Osage County. In addition, he co-founded mortgage powerhouse Armour Residential REIT. Together, Marc and Jennifer are involved in numerous philanthropic initiatives; Marc is a member of many non-profit boards, including

100 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com 25A SPOTLIGHT
Marc Leder and Julianne Michelle Marc and Jennifer Bell Ivan Wilzig, Kavita Channe, Karyn Turk, Adam Weiss
THE
Photo credit: Annie Watt & Aaron Davidson/ Getty Images

New York University, NYU Langone Health, and SOS Children’s Villages Florida.

Marc Leder hosted approximately 200 guests in his home in Boca Raton, Florida for an evening of live entertainment and a black tie optional seated dinner catered by Chef Angelo followed by drinks, desserts, and dancing with DJ Friendly and performances by fire dancer Carla Lulic and award-winning global concert pianist and Broadway performer, Gaynor van Vuuren ~ the Piano Queen™️ with saxophonist Debbie Pierce. Mike McGann, Legends Radio host, captivated the audience as live auctioneer and the evening’s Emcee. Cuba Gooding, Jr. mobilized the audience to raise even more funds with announcements about his new social media startup leveraging Web3 and blockchain technology, Veuit.

Marc Leder stated, “Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence.” Marc, who is a father of four, spoke eloquently of the negative impact divorce and protracted custody litigation has on the children and how it is often the parent with more money who triumphs in this very expensive process, while the children lose and suffer the most.

A special announcement during the evening shared the exciting news that Will Head, founder of NOOZ, Inc., is donating 25,000 shares of NOOZ to Mommy’s Heart, naming Mommy’s Heart as their exclusive charity of 2023.

Mommy's Heart, Inc. (EIN #87-4833078) provides free legal representation and mental health services to parents and children, who escaped domestic violence but are now facing legal and financial retaliation by their abusers in the family court system. Mommy’s Heart aims to protect and defend the fundamental rights of fit parents to direct the care and custody of their children, so that no parent ever has to fear losing a child for reporting violence.

Thanks to Marc Leder and many generous donors, the Mommy’s Heart team raised significant funds to make the world a brighter place for victims of abuse. Board member Noelle Dunphy said, “Freedom from abuse is a powerful gift.”

Sponsors for the evening included: Candy's Cake Pops, Prezzo, Vesica Vodka, DeLeón Tequila, Sip Channé, Tulipan Bakery, Casa D’Angelo, Gopuff, Total Wine & More, KOPU

Water, Siena Grill, Zero-G, Café L’Europe, The Polo Club at NPC, Dashbar, Luxeblooms, Paul Carroll, Premium Wine & Liquor, Hogan Lovells, Innomatic, Bell Beachwear, Hadleigh’s, Veuit, PS Business Management, LLC, Pure Skin Collagen Boutique, and Donna Sousa Makeup and Hair.

June 2023 101
Noelle Dunphy Chase Backer, Marc Leder, Amy Harwood, Robert Seibel, Kalev Kongro Below: Mike McGann, Judy Gilbert, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Monsignor David Cassato

CATCHING UP WITH NEW YORK METS LEGEND

DWIGHT GOODEN

ou grew up in Tampa, when did you first get interested in baseball?

My dad was a semi-pro coach in baseball so as any kid, I would follow my dad wherever he would go. While watching baseball games on tv with my dad, he would quiz me, "what would you throw here, why would you throw that?," he just knew I was going to be a pitcher and my nephew Gary Sheffield, we were raised in the same house, my sister had him very young. I remember one day him asking me how much I like baseball and I said,"I like it a lot," I was 7-8 years old and every day my dad came home from work, we would go to the park and work on these drills and it wasn't fun because he would take me to the park and you work on all these drills but you do not have

a ball or a glove or bat so it wasn't that much fun I remember telling my mom "Dad's making me go to the park and do all this stuff but we're not throwing a ball we're not hitting a ball and at the time it didn't make sense," but as we got older it started making sense doing the drills we were doing. The one regret I do have was not having a conversation with my dad to find out where he found out his knowledge of baseball because he was well ahead of his time in teaching the game of baseball and when I got older I found out that 35 guys from my little league park all made it to the major leagues. Off my head, you had myself, Gary Sheffield, Carl Everett, Tyrone Griffin, Derek Bell... I got to play in the little league world series in 1975 and I played in the teenage world series in 1979.

You got to the Mets and you are in their minor league system for just 1 year, you flew through the entire system when you were 18.

Yes I think a big part was because of Davey Johnson I was in Kingsport and Davey was a roving instructor with the Mets I remember I was having a bullpen session with Alan Jackson, he was my pitching coach and Davey came over and challenged me, "let's see one down and away, outside to the right-hand hitter," and I'd do that. let me see a curveball I was on that day, and then in '83 he was the triple league manager in Norfolk Virginia, and the tidewater tides and I was at Lynchburg and I was called up by Davey for Triple-A and won two big games for him in the playoffs and the

102 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com 25A

triple-A world series and he said, "wherever I manage next year I'm taking you with me." I'm thinking at that time, I'm only 18, that I would at least be in triple-A...He got the big league job while I was in the instructional league and I said to Davey, "you know what you told me," and Davey said, "oh yeah, you're coming." I got invited to spring training as a non-roster player and the press would tell me that I would be sent down to triple-A and I would run into Davey's office like a little kid and he would tell me, "don't worry you are going to make the team." On the last game of spring training, I was ready to go play the Tigers and he said, "congratulations you made the team." I was excited to share that joy with my father. I'll never forget the look on his face because it was initially his dream that became my dream just one of the greatest moments that I ever had.

Your own son Dylan is a linebacker at Maryland.

Very proud -- he played baseball -I enjoy football, but baseball is my love. Football is his game...very proud of him.

What are your thoughts about the possibility of one day getting voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?

I don't start thinking about it until the votes start coming around. If I look at my numbers I think yeah I deserve to be in there -- if you look at the number of starts I had and quality starts that I had my first five years compared to Koufax's first five years I think I had the numbers there. I do think I belong in there but some people will say "but he had a drug problem and drug addiction." Yes, I did. I cleaned up and at the same time, I don't think I deserve a life sentence for the mistakes I've made in my life. I do think I do belong but I don't have the votes and that's fine I still enjoyed my career because as soon as I made it to the majors I

told my dad I just want to stay a long time and stay healthy I never thought about the awards. I got to win three world series and I got to win just about every award a pitcher can win but to answer the question do I think I belong in the Hall of Fame? Yes, I do believe that. It hasn't happened but maybe one day it will happen. Let's see.

When you were at the top of your game was by far the best - your season in 1985, 244, 1.53 era, over 276 strikeouts, and in one year you had 8 shutouts. Over a 50-game stretch, you won 37 games and had 412 K's and that is considered the greatest 50game stretch in the history of baseball. No pitcher has ever been so dominant

Drugs and alcohol addiction are a disease and I had that. when you mention that 50-game run that I had everything I did after that period was compared to that. I remember having started in 1986 and beating Fernando Valenzuela 3-0 and I only had 4 strikeouts and the first question was, "why did you only have 4 strikeouts?" I just had a complete game shutout against one of the best pitchers in baseball ...but when you have such a career year early on in the start of your career --then anything that followed kind of worked against me as well.

In '86 you were 17-6 in '87 you were 15-7 and then 18-9 and in '89 9-4 in 90, 91 you were 13-7--at your best you were better than anyone else and that might be the strongest case for you--when people saw you pitch they saw an all-time great.

Thank you, I wasn't aware of that. The numbers are there and when you mention that and a lot of fans and players in the Hall of Fame mention that, it is good to hear. I had a problem with drugs and alcohol and I'm not justifying anything. I claim all the mistakes I've made in my life but you know I had a disease.

Thank you ...not saying anything bad about the people who are in but I think I've had a better career than some of the people who are in...the world series rings that I've won... but, unfortunately, the writers have a lot of power and nothing against the writers but they have the pull to decide who goes in and who doesn't, but who knows maybe in the future? These days pitchers only go out and pitch 4 or 5 innings and the way the system is now, a lot of today's pitchers are not going to get 200 wins. So, maybe who knows? Maybe down the road, I'll get the opportunity and hopefully, I'll still be around to see it. today I'm healthy. I feel great and I'm clean and sober and that's the thing I'm most proud of. But when the hall of fame ballots do come around, it is something that crosses my mind and sometimes I think about what could I have done differently and I am able to look back and be proud of the things I did accomplish.

For the complete interview with Dwight Gooden please visit www.iraonsports.com

June 2023 103

anniewatt.com

Through the Lens

Whether it is a magazine cover, a charitable cause, or a special occasion, the photographers with Annie Watt.com make an occasion more memorable. Annie and her associate photographers embody the essence of professionalism, seamlessly moving through any assignment with finesse and an innate ability to capture the moment at its heart. To book a photographer, contact annie@anniewatt.com

CHECK PRESENTATION TO THE PALM BEACH POLICE & FIRE FOUNDATION

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ANNIE WATT
June 2023 105 LAUNCH OF ARTIST CAMILLA WEBSTER’S INAUGURAL COLLECTORS CIRCLE EXPERIENCE

The Worth Avenue Association hosted its Third Annual Kentucky Derby Party on May 6th starting at 3:30 p.m. Festivities included shopping, sipping, nibbling, noshing, hat-wearing and horse-cheering.

After the 3:30 p.m. check-in at The Esplanade, guests were given a "passport" of participating stores along Worth Avenue. The stores provided Southern sips and bites, along with merchandise specials and a signature passport "stamp."

Guests wore their best Derby hats and bonnets to enter the 5:30 p.m. Hat Contest featuring celebrity judges and prizes. A hat-embellishment station was set up to help make those bonnets truly Derby-worthy and prizes were donated by Worth Avenue merchants.

106 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com 25A KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY
June 2023 107
SAINT ANDREW’S SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SALUTE NATIONAL TARTAN DAY Photos by John Sanderson/AnnieWatt.com THE SOCIETY OF THE FRIENDLY SONS OF SAINT PATRICK

THE 7TH ANNUAL SPRING BENEFIT OF SPOONS ACROSS AMERICA

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Photos by Jill Nelson/AnnieWatt.com
June 2023 109 NYSD "THE TULIP PARTY"
110 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com 25A ARTIST CAROL CALICCHIO EXHIBIT AT PARIS CERAMICS

THE FUTURE OF ANTIQUES, LUXURY AND BESPOKE MARKETS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

June 2023 111

WINTER ART SHOW

FEATURING ARTIST RON BURKHARDT at Palm Beach Advanced Aesthetics

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Photos by Christopher Fay | www.christopherfay.com
June 2023 113

ANNIE WATT AGENCY’S THIRD ANNUAL "IMPROMPTU PORTRAITS — ONE NIGHT ONLY"

FUNDRAISING EXHIBITION AT THE COLONY HOTEL, PALM BEACH

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One of the hottest tickets in town, the Annie Watt Agency held their 3rd annual “Impromptu Portraits - One Night Only” Fundraising Exhibition in Palm Beach.

Many were invited on Tuesday, April 18th, and many more wanted to be. Why? To be on the guest list for this private cocktail party in and around The Colony Hotel Solarium signaled the unofficial end of the social season. It also signified that you were photographed by Annie and her team of photographers this season.

On the philanthropic side, Annie was known in Manhattan for her various charity contributions and donations of her time or percentage of the proceeds from print sales. Her “paying it forward” tradition has continued since becoming a full-time Palm Beach resident. Annie holds this annual fundraising bash with support from The Colony owners Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall.

June 2023 115

This year, Honoree Fashion Icon Iris Apfel was in attendance, selecting the Police and Fire Foundation and the Palm Beach Police Department as the recipients of the proceeds from the exhibition’s print sales. In addition to the 200+ guests, Palm Beach Police Chief Nicholas P. Caristo, as well as other members of the police department were in attendance. For it to be such a resounding success, Annie had terrific support from her Event Manager, Alexandra-Dana Gusita, and a fantastic team of society photographers, videographers, social media, and visual creators who were active on-site throughout the whole event.

Located inside the Solarium, over 600 photos were on exhibit, showcasing events and parties, as well as portraits of some wellknown celebrities includingTom Hanks, Tommy Hilfiger, Jane Fonda, Barbara Walters, James Earl Jones, Candice Bergan, Sylvester Stallone,

Michael Douglas, Catherine ZetaJones, to name a few, alongside with, of course, many photos of the honored guest Iris Apfel.

Besides her “megaWatt” smile, what makes Annie so special is that for almost two decades, Annie has been known as the goto social photographer of the Old Guard and those who one day will be. Besides Palm Beach, Annie Watt Agency has photographers in NYC, the Hamptons, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, and London.

The Annie Watt Agency brings impressive talent and provides images for promotion, public relations, marketing, social media content, and personal enjoyment.

All photos are available for purchase both at the event and after the party ends online through Annie’s website, www.AnnieWattAgency.com

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June 2023 117

THE IDEAL SCHOOL OF MANHATTAN’S “MOVING OUR WORLD” GALA RAISED OVER $230,000

The 18th Annual Fundraiser Hosted by Award-Winning Journalist Genevieve Shaw-Brown Honored Social Justice & Disability Leaders Judith Heumann, Heidi Latsky, Charles Imohiosen, Kathryn Russell-Brown & NY Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez

Award-winning journalist and author Genevieve ShawBrown hosted the 18th annual IDEAL School of Manhattan Gala, “Moving Our World,” at Pier 60 in New York City on February 27, 2023. The Gala, which drew over 325 guests, raised more than $230,000 for the city’s first and only independent K-12+ inclusion school.

This year’s event honored the work of disability rights icon Judith Heumann, influential leader in physically integrated dance Heidi Latsky, Charles Imohiosen, President and CEO of The Andrew Goodman Foundation, N.Y. Secretary of State Robert Rodriquez, and Katheryn Russell-Brown, a social scientist, professor of law, and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations at the University of Florida Law School. Each of the honorees shared how they connected with IDEAL students during a visit to the school last year at its first Civil Rights Community Day. Heumann, who was not able to travel, sent a video that was played during the event.

“Inclusion and social justice cannot be practiced only when it is convenient, or it’s easy,” said Shaw-Brown, whose son is a student at IDEAL. “This is because putting it into practice day in and day out isn’t always easy - but it is always right.”

Entertainment was provided by recording artist and disability rights activist Lachi who performed a 15-minute set that included her hit “Dis Education.” While on stage the singer advocated for society to embrace open and frank conversations about disability, along with other aspects of identity and commended IDEAL for its inclusive mission, language, and emphasis on social justice.

IDEAL’s Board president, Jay Eisenhofer, and Head of School, Janet Wolfe, addressed the guests and explained the importance of the Gala and fundraising for independent schools, bridging the gap between tuition and operating costs. Wolfe welcomed Upper School music students to the stage, who brought the crowd to its feet with their rendition of the Amy Winehouse classic, “Valerie.”

. The IDEAL Gala Committee was led by co-chairs Rachel and Rob McQueen, along with Committee members Grace Kaynor, Christine Mickletz, and Tracy Nixon. During the event, Alexander Gorlin and Quncie Williams of Alexander Gorlin Architects presented their vision for The IDEAL School’s new building at 5 Hanover Square and provided guests with a model and renderings of the space. For further information go to www.theidealschool.org

118 Metropolitan Magazine | metmagny.com 25A
IDEAL FOUNDERS AUDRA ZUCKERMAN MITCH RUBIN AND MICHELLE SMITH RYAN BROWN AND HOST GENEVIEVE SHAW BROWN HEAD OF SCHOOL JANET WOLFE AND LACHI HONOREES KATHERYN RUSSELL-BROWN AND HEIDI LATSKY

MIKAIL AKAR BRINGS UNBELIEVABLE ART EXHIBITION TO NEW YORK CITY

YOUNG ARTIST IMPRESSES THE NEW YORK ART SCENE

Wonderkind and art prodigy Mikail Akar is making waves in the art world at the tender age of just 10 years old. The talented creator already is a bona fide painter with works found worldwide and showcasing in numerous exhibitions around the globe. His colorful work appeals to lovers of contemporary art as the prodigy draws his inspiration from famed contemporary artists including Jackson Pollock, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Gerhard Richter.

His second New York exhibition “UNBELIEVABLE” is on public display now at the Modus10 – Rolf Benz Flagship Store in SoHo until May 31st, 2023 and comprises 23 works on canvas and paper of various sizes and in the price range of $8,000 - $16,000.

Mikail’s art was included as part of the ArtExpo New York Fine Art Fair 2023 at Pier 36 and in recent days Mikail held a live painting session held at dawn at the iconic Empire State Building with graffiti artist Luca.

In addition, Mikail currently has an exhibition at the Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg, Germany running until May 2023 and in another project Mikail recently custom painted the hood of a $450,000 Rolls-Royce motorcar.

A reception to celebrate “UNBELIEVABLE” was held at the Modus10 – Rolf Benz Flagship Store in SoHo which attracted luminaries from

the arts and New York social scene. Amongst the notable attendees were; Mikail Akar, Kerem Akar, Elvan Akar, Mina Akar, Francis Tan, Vincent Tam, Carmen D’Alessio, Tina Radziwell, George Wayne, Montgomery Frazier, Minnie Osmena, 0H10 M1KE, Cagri Kanver, Marsin Mogielski, Jose Castelo Branco, Sharif Sinclair, Neil Saltzman, Brigitte Segura, Nadja Sayej, Tijana Ibrahimovic

Born in 2012 in Cologne, his career began by chance. For his fourth birthday his parents gave him a small canvas and finger paints simply because they wanted to give him an alternative gift to usual toys he already had. Mikail began his prolific artistic journey at this exact moment, and to this day he paints at his Studio in Cologne, Germany.

His talents were seen in a first painting and his parents fully encouraged him to continue his work. Watching Online video tutorias together Mikail learned certain painting techniques and soon the little artist began to paint nonstop. His introduction into the art world launched shortly after with adult artists wanting to preview his work more and more.

Mikail has already held several exhibitions in cities across Germany including Cologne, Dusseldorf, Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, where international art collectors soon became aware of the young artist. This led to other shows in Vienna, Zurich, Istanbul, and New York City.

As a visual artist, Mikail does not want to limit himself to canvases. He recently painted a wreckage part of the Airbus 310, which was exhibited in Cologne/Bonn Airport, and will be exhibited at other international airports in the future.

The young artist also has a philanthropic side and has gained notable attention with his work being auctioned for good causes such as the “Art Helps to Give” campaign. One of his most recent collaborations has been with the mineral water brand, Gerolsteiner with the Mikail Akar Artist Edition, where Mikail’s art was printed on more than 17 million water bottles. Additionally, the painter has also launched charity events in Turkey to help local people during the earthquake in 2020 with the Civil Protection authority AFAD. He has also painted numerous times together with German celebrities such as the Höhner, Laith Al-Deen, Manuel Neuer or Peter Maffay and has appeared on German TV show “Klein Gegen Gross” moderated by Kai Pflaume – one of the highest rated entertainment shows in Germany.

Other projects which Mikail is currently working on include painting a series of three classic cars which will be going on a roadshow in the near future. In addition, he is working to create a 165 ft. (50 meter) long canvas painting for a secret project – watch this space for details.

Despite his adventures as a creative artist, Mikail has remained a normal child, going to school in Cologne and is fully supported by his parents and two siblings.

For more information, please visit www.mikailakar.de

June 2023 119

NYC Second Chance Rescue to Host 3rd

ANNUAL RESCUE BALL GALA

Honoring Georgina Bloomberg, Joe Gatto and Dr. Peter Roufail, DVM

NYC Second Chance Rescue will be hosting their 3rd annual Rescue Ball on Thursday April 27th, 2023 at 48 Wall Street in New York City. The charity aims to raise critical funds to help continue their mission of providing second chances to critically ill, injured, and abused dogs and cats.

NYC Second Chance Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2009. With the help of a community of donors and supporters, the Charity has saved over 14,000 lives from an unimaginable fate. NYC Second Chance Rescue concentrates its efforts on large breed dogs and animals in need of critical life-saving care. These two criteria make up most of the euthanasia cases in the United States. Nine out of ten animals that enter NYC Second Chance Rescue were once set to be euthanized at a municipal shelter.

NYC Second Chance Rescue is proud to be honoring Georgina Bloomberg and Joe Gatto, who will be recognized with the “Hero Award” for their dedication to animal welfare, and Dr. Peter Roufail, DVM, for “Veterinarian of the Year.”

The evening will be Hosted by Tony and Grammy AwardNominated Actress and Singer, Orfeh With Special Guests Melissa Gorga and Constantine Maroulis. The evening features a vegan menu, specialty cocktails, live and silent auctions, and entertainment, followed by dancing to music by DJ GEO ROC.

Led by its founders Jennifer Brooks and Lisa Blanco and Vice President Lisa Rose, NYC Second Chance Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2009 specializing in rescuing and rehabilitating discriminated breeds, critically injured, neglected, and abused dogs and cats. This year NYC Second Chance Rescue is celebrating 14 years and saving some 14,000 lives.

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NYC Second Chance Rescue provides all levels of medical care and a healing and safe sanctuary for all pets through our foster care system and our Rescue Center. We do not discriminate on age, size, breed, or medical needs. We have a soft spot for pit-bulls, seniors, and hospice patients. We also love our community and believe that families should not be pulled apart because of financial restraints. The Charity offers free food and critical medical care for families running on hard times. These programs help keep families together and beloved pets out of the shelter system.

With support from the public, NYC Second Chance Rescue can continue to provide critical Second Chances to animals in need. Why do we do what we do? Because they matter.

Members of the Organizing Committee for the event includes; Jared Epstein (Chair), Jessica Peters (Chair), Antonio Fuccio, Avra Hart, Barry Mullineaux, Bessy Gatto, Brandon Colon, Chris Reda, Dylan Lauren, Jenné NewtonHaydon, John DiMatteo, Kingsley Crawford-Smith, Kate McEntee, Marie Moody, Nathania Nisonson, Robert Cadiz Saldarriaga, Richie Romero and Shouka Amirsolimani.

For more details About the Charity and Ticket availability please visit:

www.nycscr.org

June 2023 121

Natural Beauty. Expert Craftsmanship.

VIEW OUR SPECTACULAR COLLECTIONS IN PRINCETON and PALM BEACH

PRINCETON PALM BEACH PALM BEACH GARDENS HAMILTONJEWELERS.COM @HAMILTONJEWELERS

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Articles inside

ANNUAL RESCUE BALL GALA

2min
pages 120-123

MIKAIL AKAR BRINGS UNBELIEVABLE ART EXHIBITION TO NEW YORK CITY

2min
pages 119-120

ANNIE WATT AGENCY’S THIRD ANNUAL "IMPROMPTU PORTRAITS — ONE NIGHT ONLY" FUNDRAISING EXHIBITION AT THE COLONY HOTEL, PALM BEACH

3min
pages 114-118

DWIGHT GOODEN

6min
pages 102-110

with Julianne Michelle MOMMY’S HEART WINTER FÊTE

2min
pages 100-102

Trolls Band Together

5min
pages 98-99

THE NEXT CYBERCRIME ATTACK FROM INCLUDING YOU HNWI IN NEW YORK ARE PRIME TARGETS

2min
page 97

GARY WIREN

8min
pages 94-96

STEPH MI H

3min
pages 92-94

BRAD FEINSTEIN MOVIE PRODUCER

4min
pages 90-92

MvVO ART/AD ART SHOW 2023

1min
page 88

AMY ANDERSSON

1min
page 87

NATURE, UNSEEN,”

2min
pages 84-86

ARTIST LORI HOROWITZ

1min
pages 77-83

THE ACTOR'S STUDIO CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY

3min
pages 74-76

JULIAN SCHLOSSBERG

5min
pages 70-72

THE HIVE WILMINGTON BOUTIQUE STYLE ROOMS

0
pages 66-69

ZACHARY & NICOLE TUNICK DOUGLAS ELLIMAN'S TOP BROKERS TO THE HAMPTONS

1min
pages 64-65

DAYDREAMING THE ORIGINAL STAYCATION: THE DREAM HOTEL L

2min
pages 62-63

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LOS ANGELES

2min
pages 60-62

La Samanna, St. Martin –

3min
pages 58-60

WALT DISNEY THEME PARKS

1min
pages 53-57

FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO

1min
page 52

FEARLESS RED SPEAK NOW REPUTATION MIDNIGHTS

2min
pages 49-51

TaylorSwift

1min
page 48

STAR CHEF MEZE BRINGS

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pages 43-44

RENEWS THE CLASSIC DINING EXPERIENCE AT

3min
pages 40-43

NOTE

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pages 22-24

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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pages 20-21
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