New York Lifestyles Magazine - September 2023 - ARELIS BONILLA

HER ROAD TO SUCCESS

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

This is happening for a few reasons, the most important being that we wanted to help the rescue and advocacy communities as much as possible, given how crowded shelters and rescues are now. The first issue will still be a Rescue, Advocacy and Adoption issue but will also include a Pawliday Gift Guide. This guide will consist of gifts for your furrever one and the passionate pet parent in your life—or any pet lover! A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these products will go back to our shelter and rescue partners to help them get more animals into loving and responsible homes! After all, isn’t that what the holiday season is supposed to be about?

This new Pet Lifestyles Magazine will be vastly different from its predecessor. On top of our coverage of timely topics, new products, services, professional advice, and features about pets and their lives, we include all aspects of the adoption, advocacy, and rescue communities throughout the magazine in every issue and on our new website (launching soon). Additionally, we are hosting national events and local promotions across the country next year with some of the best brands in the pet space.

We have brought the best and the brightest experts to our pages to help you navigate your furrever relationship. Experts like renowned dog trainer Kate Perry of Kate Perry Dog Training, our Official Dog Training Partner. Kate will dive into the ins and outs of training your furrever friend in her column, Training For Both Ends Of The Leash.

I, personally, cannot wait for you to see what we’ve been up to!

Stay Pawesome!

Sean-Patrick M. Hillman Editor-in-Chief & Co-Publisher Pet Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 9 #8 | September 2023

President / Publisher BILL MASON

Editor-in-Chief

Patricia Canole

Features

Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Health & Wellness

Anne Akers

Chief Photographer Neil J Tandy

Art Director Scott Cuollo

Entertainment Jenny Peters Theater

Bonnie Comley

Special Projects

Norah Bradford

Contributors

Michael Alpiner, Mindie Barnett, Harry Brads, Clint Brownfield, Melanie Carden, AP Connolly, Elizabeth Darwen, Ellen Easton, Jenna Guarneri, Stewart F. Lane, Irvina Lew, Anne Raso, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Sharon Wagner, Annie Watt, Stacey Zable

Executive Vice President of Sales

LYLE SELTZER

Sales

Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Don Fetherman - Director of Travel

Jamie Babbit - Sales Manager

Internet Presence Michael McKenzie Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group

For advertising inquiries, subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call:  (646) 259-2651

newyorklifestylesmagazine.com

Facebook: /NYLifestylesMag Twitter: @NYLifestylesMag

Instagram: @NYLifestylesMag

DR. GERRY CURATOLA

Photography by Neil J

Tandy

Several months ago, we announced that Pet Lifestyles Magazine would return in September. Don’t worry! We are still relaunching, but it will not be until November.

ARELIS BONILLA

Photography by Neil J Tandy NEIL GOLDBERG

Photography by Craig Ambrosio

Privacy Is The New Luxury

we just make it accessible... in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Private Island Cottages

Lovina Luxury Spa

Simply staying at an Alive & Well Resort gives you access to so many amazing amenities. You can also enjoy a variety of add-on benefits to make your stay as rejuvenating as possible.

Refresh your body and mind, and pamper yourself in luxury. With a range of beautifying, detoxifying and wellness treatments, offered in private seclusion, you will emerge renewed.

Oasis Outdoor Swimming

Exquisite Dining at WE Market Cafe and The Chefs Table

Kokomo Botanical Resort offers unparalleled access to natural beauty and luxury amenities. Our private, gated, tranquil botanical gardens provide the perfect setting for your tropical island escape

WE Market Cafe and The Chefs Table creates exquisite dishes, going beyond the ordinary to present you with culinary art that is delectably crafted. Using only the finest ingredients from around the world and the freshest whole foods.

ACCESSABILITY

For a taste of an opulent island lifestyle, while being centrally located for exploring everything this lovely Caribbean locale has to offer, Kokomo truly can take you away from it all.

Accessible Luxury Island Vacation Experiences. Done Well.

Come visit our family-friendly resort offering the highest level of luxury and service. Contact us for information about our group bookings. Luxury Getaway Packages Starting at $400.00* *per night based on single/ double occupaancy.

Like a rite of passage, Autumn in New York reflects the journey from the carefree days of Summer to harvesting the bounties afforded while counting our blessings and joys. With brilliantly-hued leaves all around us, it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful seasons in the Northeast; the fire-glowing foliage is magical, making it the best reason to go out and explore!

This month we get to catch up with three dynamic entrepreneurs. Meet Dr. Gerry Curatola, who contends there is a definite connection between oral health and systemic health. Read this feature to learn more about why a dentist visit will benefit your wellness.

A visit with Arelis Bonilla will be unforgettable—and an inspiration. The young entrepreneur believes persistence, innovation, and strong decision-making are also required to become a success. The owner of Aria Logistics understands the intricate details of what it takes to hustle and make a business great.

Neil Goldberg is an artist with a penchant for whimsy, spectacle, and putting on a show. You’ll enjoy his story—a blueprint of mastery pursued and achieved through dedication, talent, and perseverance.

As New Yorkers are constantly on the hunt for great food, we had the opportunity to meet with Bruno Selimaj of Club A Steakhouse, who has been one of New York’s enduring restaurateurs. There’s a good reason: He’s been in the hospitality business for over four decades.

Of course, there’s nothing like NYC but sometimes we need to escape (if only for a long weekend). So, we present some wonderful places within a short drive: With harvesting just around the corner, why not visit a North Fork winery to see how it’s done? Still game for more vineyards, then travel across the Hudson River to one of New Jersey’s finest, Renault Winery & Resort. For even more adventure do as our Chief Photographer, Neil Tandy, and explore the West. We’re talking about Big Sky, Montana. Find out why he says it’s his favorite part of the U.S. offering unbeatable mountain scenery, tasty food, and plenty of open space.

This issue is chock-full of content to prepare you for the season, and I hope you find our pages informative and inspiring. Don’t forget to check our social media for updates. Enjoy!

See you next issue.

-Bill Mason Publisher

DR. GERRY CURATOLA

A VISIT WITH NEW YORK’S TOP ORAL HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPERT

By Patricia Canole |

Photography by Neil J Tandy Makeup by Amy Haller

The world is rapidly changing, and healthcare is one of the most significant areas of explosive growth and change. Technological advances in medicine and instant access to data make patients more aware of what’s going on with their bodies. There is an overwhelming demand for organic, natural, holistic, and sustainable services. With that, a new holistic approach in dentistry is emerging with the increasing demand for integrative health and wellness services. “Most people see their dentist more regularly than their medical doctor,” says renowned oral health and wellness expert Dr. Gerry Curatola.

There is a connection between oral health and systemic health. Yet, Curatola believes dental visits are a missed opportunity for checking in on people’s health beyond the state of their mouths, and dentists should be on the frontline for screening of significant health problems. “We need to bring dentistry, medicine, and wellness together to treat the whole patient and end the illogical divide that occurred between medicine and dentistry in education over 150 years ago.”

A BIOLOGIC APPROACH

Dr. Curatola, who began his career as a celebrated restorative and cosmetic dentist in 1983 and embraced a biologic approach to dentistry in 1995, expanded the practice of dentistry to incorporate medicine and holistic care, an approach he detailed in his groundbreaking 2017 book, The Mouth-Body Connection

The Curatola Care Program outlined in the book maintains the mouth acts as a mirror and a gateway to what is happening in the rest of your body. Curatola explains how your mouth’s health immensely affects the rest of your body. Chronic, low-grade oral disease is a significant source of inflammation throughout your body, sometimes resulting in serious systemic problems, including cardiovascular disease, Type-2 diabetes, obesity, premature birth, and even cancer. The 28-day Curatola Care Program outlined in his best-selling book fosters a healthy oral microbiome, which he considers a cornerstone for reducing inflammation and disease. It incorporates diet, supplements, exercise, and stress reduction. There are supplement schedules, workouts that only take minutes, relaxation techniques, and even yoga postures to fight inflammation.

Dr. Curatola notes that nearly 90 percent of toxicity and inflammation in the body originates in the mouth and that gum disease is the body’s primary source of chronic low-grade inflammation. “Biologic dentistry and functional medicine need to work together,” he says. Biologic dentistry and functional medicine are based on a holistic philosophy and approach in healthcare that recognizes and respects the “vital force” in every living person to self-regulate and heal when the root causes of toxicity, inflammation, and systemic imbalances are found.

ORAL HEALTH AFFECTS THE BODY

Dr. Curatola is the founder and CEO of Rejuvenation Health, a new multi-disciplinary healthcare system bringing together biologic dentistry, functional medicine, and a broad range of wellness modalities, from acupuncture to sound healing. A dental director, medical director, and wellness director meet regularly to discuss a coordinated diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for each patient.

“Rejuvenation Health brings together dentistry, medicine, and wellness under one roof, leading the way with an integrative approach, not only focused on treating oral issues but healing the entire body.” Dr. Curatola launched his first Rejuvenation Health center in East Hampton, New York. “The Hamptons were a natural community for advanced health and wellness. We considered it a destination for holistic care. People are very attuned to health and fitness surrounded by the natural beauty of organic farms and the ocean.” The beautifully renovated state-of-the-art center opened just prior to the global pandemic with biologic dentistry, functional medicine, IV-vitamin infusions, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, innovative wellness therapies, nutritional counseling, and a well-curated apothecary of wellness-based products and supplements.

ELIMINATING ILLNESS

“After Covid, the health and wellness industry, especially one focused on eliminating root causes of illness, was in high demand,” according to Dr. Curatola. Rejuvenation Health had regulatory hurdles requiring multiple directors in its various departments to work under one roof. Yet, surprisingly for the doctors and staff, the integrative environment was found to be very supportive of the total patient and have a lasting impact on long-term health and longevity.

Now, after two years of planning and construction, Dr. Curatola has opened a new Rejuvenation Health flagship office at 860 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. With a spectacular ground-floor garden entrance and twelve picture windows facing Central Park, Dr. Curatola merges next-level healthcare and eco-friendly design with a personalized experience at his new Fifth Avenue headquarters, which he has dubbed “the healthiest healthcare environment on the planet.” Combining environmentally friendly and ultra-comfortable design, Rejuvenation Health offices cover 3,600 square feet of innovative healing modalities complementing expert medical treatment. Dr. Curatola has strived to transform the dreary healthcare visit into a transcendent wellness experience.

We met with Dr. Curatola at his new Fifth Avenue office, who enlightened us on the importance of oral health.

What is microbiome balance in the mouth?

It’s also called  microbial homeostasis,  when the microbial flora, or the community of bacteria in the mouth called the oral microbiome, is balanced. The lack of education about bacteria in the mouth fuels the misunderstanding that gum disease—a condition that affects upwards of 80 percent of the U.S. population—is caused by harmful bacteria when it’s the result of a microbiome imbalance. So, harmful bacteria in the mouth are resident bacteria in an imbalanced terrain. They flip a switch and become bad bacteria, expressing themselves as pathogens.” Rather than eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth, it’s essential to foster balance to maintain overall health.

What does your daily routine look like when trying to maintain your best health? There are four cornerstones of oral health outlined in my book,  The Mouth-Body Connection that I try to incorporate into a daily routine:

* Meditation: Begin the day with a 20-minute meditation. It reduces stress and promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation.

* Healthy Exercise: There are HIIT exercises that can be done in as little as 12-15 minutes with little equipment, such as resistance bands to keep inflammation down and a healthy microbiome.

* Diet: I try to choose a “Triple A” diet: alkalizing, antioxidant-rich, and antiinflammatory foods. I prefer to avoid foods that promote acidity or inflammation, like gluten or dairy.

* Oral Care Products: I avoid harmful oral care products which disturb, denature, and even dehydrate the oral flora. It’s why I spent 15 years developing the world’s first prebiotic toothpaste, Revitin, which I use every morning and evening.

Tell us more about the groundbreaking science behind the development of Revitin.

The historical philosophy in oral care has been this ‘scorched earth policy’ of killing everything. With origins in the detergent industry, toothpaste was first developed by soap manufacturers, and fifty years ago, we thought it was a good idea to kill all bacteria. While alternative natural toothpastes have since proliferated on the market, they often contain sugar alcohols and essential oils, ingredients that also disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth. My frustration with the prevailing “killing all germs on contact” approach led to a prebiotic approach in toothpaste that nourishes and supports the indigenous microflora with vitamins, minerals, and prebiotic nutrients to help consumers maintain a balanced oral microbiome. We have more than four clinical studies, and our latest study, a randomized, double-blind clinical study, examined the changes in the microbiome when restored to a balanced state with Revitin.

You have sounded the alarm for years in oral care, speaking about the problems with fluoride. Can you elaborate? While once believed to be a good thing, water fluoridation has not only been shown to be ineffective in the reversal of dental decay, but it is also now considered one of the worst public health experiments of the past 75 years. Besides the fact that there are over 64 studies linking fluoride to decreased IQ in children, more than 60 percent of adolescent children have teeth and bones damaged by excessive exposure to fluoride, making teeth and bones more brittle and discolored. Some 97 percent of Western Europe has rejected fluoridation, and in 2001, a union of scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency’s Headquarters Office in Washington D.C. stated that water fluoridation is an unreasonable risk.

Interestingly, teeth have energetic connections to organ systems. Explain this concept you have discovered. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture recognized this concept for thousands of years, which viewed these energetic pathways in the body as meridians. I often call the teeth the energetic “circuit breakers” for the rest of the body. For example, disease or heavy metals kept in a tooth can “trip the breaker” for energy flow to the associated organ on that meridian. It is a fascinating thing by which I am always amazed. Each tooth is related to an acupuncture meridian related to various organs, tissues, and glands in the body on a particular meridian “energy highway.” Often, we can assess your overall health and wellness by reviewing your dental condition. If a person has a weak internal organ, the condition of the associated meridian tooth could make it considerably more problematic.

How important is sleep in maintaining a healthy immune system?

I often say there are three basic needs for human survival: nutrition, air, and sleep. Unfortunately, nearly a billion people on the planet suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and do not get adequate oxygen at night or adequate sleep, which is essential for the body to regenerate. OSA compromises and dysregulates the systemic immune system. Over 85 percent of patients with OSA have upper airways resistance, and the problem is in their mouth, ranging from a tongue-tie keeping a tongue more retruded in the mouth, thus blocking the airway, a high-vaulted palate restricting nasal breathing, or a mouth made too small by extractions during past orthodontic treatment.

The good news is that new advances in treating obstructive sleep apnea include non-invasive removable oral appliances that help expand the airways by generating more airway space in the mouth.

Lastly, what do you recommend patients avoid?

Avoid fads in dentistry like charcoal toothpaste, nanoparticle anything, and online and over-the-counter whitening products that are poorly regulated and have been shown to be harmful to the mouth and body with improper use.

For more information on Dr. Gerry Curatola and his Rejuvenation Dentistry, visit rejuvdentist.com

ARELIS BONILLA

HER ROAD TO SUCCESS

By Patricia Canole | Photography by Neil J Tandy

Today, the rate of women-owned businesses in the transportation sector has rapidly grown throughout the U.S. Women comprise 40 percent of new entrepreneurs. And while today’s women-owned enterprises are typically small- or mid-sized, the female entrepreneurs who founded them can commonly overcome the challenges they face to start their own companies. There are consistently three common traits among successful women who started their businesses: ambition, confidence, and innovation. All of which one entrepreneur we met possesses. Her name is Arelis Bonilla.

The Dominican Republic native and President/CEO of Aria Logistics LLC and start-up My Home Delivery App Inc, Bonilla believes persistence, innovation, and strong decision-making are also required to become a successful entrepreneur. Bonilla understands the intricate details of what it takes to hustle and make a business great. She followed through, and when she bought her first delivery truck in 2013, she decided to simplify the transportation management process for shippers and consumers.

With Aria Logistics, she created a premier service for retailers to get furniture, home appliances, and more from the warehouse to the consumer’s door. What started with one truck is now 250+ trucks and a strong, loyal team. Her new My Home Delivery App will create the convenience of on-demand pick-up and deliveries of heavy & bulky items through IOS and Android delivery applications, offering a great alternative to U-Haul rentals.

New York Lifestyles Magazine sat down with Arelis Bonilla to learn more about this dynamic woman who has revolutionized the trucking industry.

Tell our readers about your journey after you immigrated to the U.S.

My journey in immigrating to the United States started at the age of 7. I remember the first day I walked into my first-grade classroom; they were auditioning for the leading dance role in the Lambada dance, which I knew very well. I got the part instantly for the play. I thought, “Wow, the U.S. is the land of opportunity,” which instilled in me resilience and to strive to succeed. At the age of 20, I took a leap of faith and started to explore self-employment while attending college full-time during the evenings, and in 2009, I received a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Berkeley College. I recognized that entrepreneurship allowed me to shape my destiny and make a difference in the business world.

What inspired you to start your own company?

While growing up, I was inspired by my father, a truck driver; I remember riding with him in his truck, and that experience transformed into a desire to follow in his footsteps and carry forward the principles he instilled in me.

Styling by Jessica Richards | Hair & Makeup by Mable Pang

All jewelry by Anna Zuckerman

Before owning a successful business, I had three prior ones that failed and suffered financial hardship during the 2008 collapse. I forged ahead and began working in business logistics and transportation by importing and distributing to disabled veterans in New York City. The lessons learned from my previous failures and the desire to create something meaningful and have a lasting impact on the industry inspired me to start my own company. I saw the potential for improvement and innovation in the transportation sector, and I enjoy being at the forefront of driving positive change. I wanted to build a business that provided exceptional services, created employment opportunities, and contributed to the community’s growth.

I am incredibly proud to be a minority, women-owned business as I believe women like me play a crucial role in fostering diversity and inclusivity within the entrepreneurial landscape.

Starting a new company often involves a certain amount of trepidation. Was there any hesitation on your part?  Like any entrepreneur, I did experience moments of hesitation when starting my company. The journey of entrepreneurship is inherently challenging and comes with risks. I approached the challenges with a positive mindset, seeking opportunities for learning and development rather than dwelling on potential setbacks.

As a mother, one of the most profound lessons I have learned is the importance of not being afraid of failure. While it may be easy to succumb to the fear of falling short, embracing failure and forging ahead with determination is crucial to show my children the true value of hard work and resilience.

Describe a typical day like for Arelis Bonilla. A typical day for me always starts with a sense of purpose, mapping out the tasks and priorities that lie ahead. Having structure allows me to focus, accomplish my challenges, and enable my decisionmaking, as most of my days are filled with meetings, phone calls, and emails. However, I always take a moment to reflect and feel enormous gratitude for how far I have come and for what lies ahead.

Recently, you introduced the My Home Delivery app. Tell us more about this innovative service.

My Home Delivery app will be a game changer in the industry, and my team and I have been working diligently to introduce the app that is expected to launch on September 1st in the NYC Metro area. In a world where convenience reigns supreme, consumers increasingly seek hassle-free solutions for their shopping and delivery needs. Yet, an untapped opportunity in the marketplace remains: an ondemand pick-up and delivery service explicitly catering to big and bulky items. Imagine a service that takes the weight off a consumer’s shoulders, literally and figuratively, by offering a seamless and efficient way to transport oversized goods from point A to B. For example, a customer can shop for furniture, appliances, floor samples, etc.; they can access the app, get a quote instantly book a pick-up on demand. Customers will also be able to add additional services such as assembly. It’s a great alternative to U-Haul because, with the MHD app, the customer will receive their truck and labor the same day, with delivery carriers that are fully insured, and the app manages COIs (Certificates of Insurance) when needed.

Launching an on-demand pick-up and delivery service is an ambitious undertaking that can profoundly transform how we move and handle oversized goods. By providing a tailored solution to an underserved niche, the MHD app has the potential to become an indispensable part of the modern marketplace, offering unparalleled convenience and peace of mind for customers dealing with heavy or unwieldy purchases.

How does Aria Logistics look different now than when you first started?

I started as a small operation, operating out of a modest office. I had to wear multiple hats, handling everything from sales to marketing and customer service. The road was not without its challenges. However, I persisted, learning from every experience and refusing to be deterred by adversity.

As time passed, the quality of my services garnered customer attention and appreciation. Word of mouth spread, and my business began to attract more clients and opportunities. I seized each chance for growth, expanding my team and streamlining operations, always with an unwavering commitment to excellence.

With the growing success of my business, I explored new markets and diversified our offerings. Strategic partnerships and collaborations became essential ingredients in our recipe for success. I surrounded myself with a team of passionate and talented individuals, each contributing unique skills to propel the company forward. I now proudly have a staff of over 40 exceptional team members.

How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?

We stand out from the rest by providing exceptional customer service that sets a new standard in the industry. I understood that satisfied customers are the lifeblood of any successful business. My mission has always been to create an unforgettable experience for everyone interacting with our services.

We take the time to listen actively to their concerns, questions, and feedback, making them feel valued and heard. This customer-centric focus enables us to tailor solutions and products that resonate with our audience, fostering a deep sense of loyalty and trust. My team is the heartbeat of our exceptional customer service. I handpick individuals who share my passion for excellence and have a natural flair for empathy and problemsolving. They undergo thorough training to ensure they are well-versed in our company’s values and services.

We are proud to partner with and service some of the top companies, such as BestBuy, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Ikea, Regency Furniture Showrooms, Wayfair, and Z-Gallerie, to name a few. We are grateful for these partnerships that validate our expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

What is the most challenging part of being a female entrepreneur in the trucking business?

The most challenging is the pervasive gender bias and stereotypes within the male-dominated sector. Trucking has traditionally been viewed as a male profession, and breaking through the gender barrier can be daunting as some potential clients, partners, or investors may question your knowledge and expertise, assuming that women are less suited for the trucking business. This bias can lead to being underestimated, overlooked, or not taken as seriously as your male counterparts.

Overcoming these challenges often means having to prove yourself repeatedly, consistently demonstrating your expertise and skills to gain the trust and respect of others in the industry. It requires determination and a thick skin to push through stereotypes and biases and to break down barriers that inhibit your progress.

Despite these challenges, it’s essential to remember that being a female entrepreneur in the trucking industry can also present unique opportunities. Diverse perspectives and approaches can bring fresh ideas and innovation to an industry that may have needed to grow in certain areas. By persevering and standing firm in the face of adversity, female entrepreneurs in the trucking industry can pave the way for a more inclusive and progressive future, inspiring other women to pursue their passions and ambitions in this traditionally male-dominated field.

With your success, you’ve also achieved much recognition for your work. Tell us more.

As a testament to my hard work, I was honored to have been inducted into the Prestigious Marquis  Who’s Who Biographical Registry, recognized as a Top Women-Owned Company in Transportation by the Women in Trucking Association in 2019 to 2023, Best in Transit Performance and Best Scan Rate Performance awards from Amazon in 2019. In addition, I remain aware of developments facing my industry and stay active in many organizations, including Women in Trucking Association, Accessories Council, Customized Logistics and Delivery Association, and Express Carriers Association. I also hold a Minority and WomenOwned Business Enterprise Certification.

For 2024, I was asked to be one of the speakers at the prestigious Manifest Conference in Las Vegas. Manifest brings together the most comprehensive ecosystem of those innovating and transforming end-to-end supply chain and logistics.

How have you grown personally from becoming a company owner?

The journey of running a successful business has been an enlightening and transformative experience. One of the most significant lessons was the importance of perseverance in facing challenges. Building a business from the ground up requires determination and resilience to overcome internal and external obstacles.

Additionally, I have honed my ability to adapt and embrace change as the business landscape is ever-evolving. Learning to embrace failure as a steppingstone rather than a setback has fostered a growth mindset. Moreover, leading and managing a diverse team has taught me the significance of effective communication, empathy, and fostering a positive work environment. Overall, it has been a journey of constant learning and self-improvement, empowering me to reach new heights both professionally and personally.

For more information on Arelis Bonilla and Aria Logistics, visit arialogistics.com

NEIL GOLDBERG

BROADWAY DIRECTOR, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR AND PRODUCER OF  POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstanceTM

By Sharon Wagner | Photography by Craig Ambrosio

“All the world’s a stage,” opines Shakespeare, yet, if you’re Neil Goldberg, this is not far from reality. An artist with a penchant for whimsy, spectacle, and putting on a show, Neil Goldberg’s story is inspirational and aspirational, a blueprint of mastery pursued and achieved through dedication, talent, and perseverance.

Growing up on Long Island and working at the family textile business, Mendel Goldberg, established in 1892 and still operating in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, introduced Goldberg to a work ethic that would later transcend into a global entertainment brand.  “As a young child, I was blessed with the gift of imagination,” Goldberg says. “Throughout my career, I’ve used my imagination to convey meaning through imagery, narrative, and drama.”

A PASSION FOR CREATIVITY

After graduating from C.W. Post College, he landed in the center of New York City’s garment district, designing textiles and collaborating with some of the industry’s top fashion designers. “Color, form, and style were key factors in my artistic world,” he shares. “I filled my spare time with theater and stimulating outlets drawing inspiration that nurtured my passion for creativity and the arts.”

Since 1993, Goldberg has founded and launched Variety Arts Management, Dream Studios, and the world-renowned entertainment brand Cirque Dreams, recognized for over 20 different show titles presented across the globe at theaters, casinos, theme parks, hotels, and cruise ships.

Dream Studios in Pompano Beach, Florida, is a premier theatrical, film, and media complex offering show design services, video production across all genres, costume fashioning, creative studios, and workspaces. It also hosts a diverse contemporary art collection encouraging discovery and creativity, which Neil has curated from his extensive travels.

“Dream Studios is my playground of imagination,” says Goldberg, “It’s where I innovate, explore and produce every day with a team of very talented dreamers. Costume design is one of my passions. A costume can tell a fantastical story and establish the imaginary substance of a character.” His distinctive costume creations have been featured in museums and magazines and are now being reproduced into high-end plush collectibles.

In 2008, Goldberg’s first-ever show of its kind to hit Broadway,  Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, propelled to critical acclaim and public popularity and was nominated for an American Theatre Wing Best Costume Design Award.

Neil Goldberg and his new book.

LIFE IS A KALEIDOSCOPE

Neil Goldberg’s original shows and productions have dazzled over 50 million people in over 500 cities across five continents at thousands of venues, including Super Bowls, the Kennedy Center, the Grand Ole Opry House, Alte Oper House, Ziegfield Theatre, and MoMA. He has been recognized for influencing today’s contemporary circus and entertainment landscape, spurring unique theatrical productions, schools, and the careers of thousands of performance artists worldwide.

Intending to retire in 2019 after an illustrious career and selling his cirque companies to Cirque du Soleil ahead of the pandemic, he has further embarked upon a consulting and writing career while launching a new brand & book series,  POMP, SNOW, & CIRQUEumstance™.

“My life has been like a colorful kaleidoscope: changing, unexpected and distinct,” he asserts. The Broadway director, theatre producer, and creative visionary can now add children’s book author to his long list of descriptors.

POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, co-written with Niko Nickolaou and illustrated by John Kelly, is Goldberg’s first book. It shares the holiday adventures of three unique characters as they study and learn special music, magic, and circus skills at a secret university before sharing their gifts with the world and learning valuable lessons in humility and service to others.

Chris Jones, noted Broadway, Theatre and Culture Critic for the Chicago Tribune and New York Daily News pens in the book’s foreword,  “Goldberg’s POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance are vistas of entertainment, endless adventures, and wonderful artistry; you’ve landed inside a world as gorgeous as the entry to a Parisian metro station, as exotic as a Hungarian cafe or as vibrant as an African market.”

POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance cast

Guesting on The Kelly Clarkson Show

A NEW GENERATION

Goldberg’s collective projects have one goal in common: to inspire. “I was drawn to the endless possibilities of painting a picture of a fantasy world with words, combining the realms of reality and illusion to influence a new generation of storytelling for a new generation of kids.”

After Brown Books Kids reviewed the manuscript, they endorsed Neil’s vision, publishing and distributing the book in 2021 to instant appeal and notoriety.

Tom Reale, President & COO at Brown Books Publishing Group, acknowledges, “As an author, Neil’s innate showmanship and creative vision make his books and performance adaptations enchanting. He personifies our culture of fostering storytellers who leave a lasting impact on families.”

In two short years, Goldberg’s creative prowess and tenacity have catapulted the  POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance brand into prominence with nine coveted book awards, seven Telly Awards for a holiday television special inspired by the book, and been featured on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, and media platforms far and wide. The book is now distributed through more than 30,000 retail and online outlets.

Goldberg has generously shared  POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance with schools, libraries, and kid’s programs, including the Department of Defense-sponsored Month of the Military Child, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. The book has been inducted into the USO’s Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program and Libraries. He produced a world book tour and interactive performances with Armed Forces Entertainment for over 100,000 service members and their families at U.S. military bases throughout seven countries.

Hollywood Room at Dream Studios

THERE’S MORE TO COME

The mastermind of Neil Goldberg has newly transformed  POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance into a live-action 360-degree immersive holiday experience of music, magic, and circus for the entire family.

With a career of firsts,  POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance will premiere as the first ever Vegas-style exclusive residency at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach in December 2023. Echoing Goldberg’s passions, Fontainebleau Miami Beach merges striking design, contemporary art, music, fashion, and history into vibrant experiences.

“I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with imaginative partners and visionaries throughout my career. Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Capture Studio Group, and BleauLive have given me a beautiful canvas to premiere this new holiday entertainment reality.”

Goldberg has worked unwaveringly on adapting the book into a highly anticipated stage production. With the talent and support of an unparalleled team of creatives, he has produced an original music score, designed nearly 200 extraordinary costumes, and hand-picked an international cast of 30 remarkable performance artists he will direct in the showstopping  POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance holiday production.

“The spectacle and grandeur of  POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance make this new show a natural fit for Fontainebleau Miami Beach, which continues to be a beacon for iconic entertainers and extraordinary performances,” says Fontainebleau Miami Beach Vice President and Managing Director Patrick Fisher.

It’s evident that Goldberg has achieved great success in life and shows no signs of wavering creativity. With his ingenuity and pioneering spirit, a toy line, television series, national tour, residency shows, and Broadway engagement are all in development.

The enthusiastically expected second book,  Holidays All Year with POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, will be released in 2024. It follows the characters around the world, learning about different holidays, from Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Diwali to Passover, Easter, and St. Pat’s. When their gifts don’t match each day quite right, a new character is introduced whose mother is Nature and father is Time. With her wisdom, knowledge, and powers, she rewinds time so the trio can celebrate each holiday’s traditions with the special care they deserve.

Neil continues innovating new ways to engage readers and theatergoers, consulting on unique projects that cultivate, promote and present distinctive content, such as Koolulam, an extraordinary immersive musical experience coming to the States from Israel.

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, is an official sponsor of the Miami Book Fair, and has established the Neil Goldberg Dream Foundation as a way to give back and enrich the arts—and his path to where he is today all leads back to his childhood.

For show tickets and more information on POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, visit PompSnowAndCirqueumstance.com; FB, IG & Twitter @pompsnowcirque

Great Hall illustration

THROUGH THE LENS

FRENCH HERITAGE

Photography By Annie Watt.com

Kenneth Fishel, Maria Fishel, William Van Ness, Ann Van Ness, Gaetan Bruel, Elizabeth Stribling

Paul Lanni, Nanci Lanni

Gaëtan Bruel · Director of Villa Albertine & Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy in the U.S

Vincent Festa, Andrew Werner

Patricia Arostegui, Puly Rincon

Nancy Stratford, CeCe Black

Alexandra Fishel, Julie Auclair, Bradley Fishel, Sylvia Hemingway, Alexandra Nicklas.

William Morosse, Paula Hunnicut, Bill Hunnicut, Carole Belidora Westfall, Mar Morosse, Lee Fryd, David M. Hayes

Martin Shafiroff, Jean Shafiroff.

Rosanna Gutman

Sharon Bush, Robert Murray

Jennifer Herlein, Jean shafiroff, ceCe Black, Judy McLaren, Marie Fishel, Gaetan Bruel, Ann Van Ness

Chris Arlotta, Andrea Warshaw Wernick, Ruth Miller, Guest, Wendy Federman, Pamala Wright, Lauren Day Roberts, Elizabeth Steimberg, Cheri Kaufman

Geoff Smart, Lauren Smart, Peter Gerry

Hubert Delaney, Maggie Delaney, Melody Clarke, Missy Van Buren-Brown, Nicole Titus, Tom Brown

Stewart F. Lane, Stark Kirby

Sharon Bush, Judy McLaren, Maria Fishel, Nicole Salmasi, Ruth Miller, Ann Van Ness

Rufus Chen, Geoffrey Bradfield William Featherby

Elizabeth Stribling, Guy Robinson

Lee Fryd, Jennifer Herlein

Martha Johnston, Patricia Shiah

Lawrence Johnston, Martha Johnston

Robert Reid, Rosalie Brinton, Kay Van Doren, Dickie McMullan

Pamela Morgan, Jacqueline Murphy, Ramona Singer

Celso Gonzalez Falla, Virginia Loving, Cornelia Sharpe Bregman, Melody Clarke

Elena Ayot, Sophia Bishop

Melissa Bergholz, Katie Korin

Antontella Farro, Viola Chaloupkova, Marianne Gagatta, David Hochberg, Jane Scher, Elena Gibbs

Joel Wenick, Mario Pecoraro

Nancy Stone, Greg D’Elia

Nicole Salmasi, Gaëtan Bruel, Elizbeth Stribling

Bill Hunnicut, Paula Hunnicut

Julie Auclair, Kenneth Fishel, Maria Fishel, Bradley Fishel, Alexandra Fishel

Alexandre Leturgez-Coianiz, Chris Anderson

Antontella Farro, Nina Yacavino

Maria Barba, Maggie Delaney, Djida Oppenheim

Paul Danello

Alexandre Leturgez-Coianiz, Chris Anderson

Amanda Fischman, Ari Fischman

William Featherby, Geoffrey Bradfield, Jane Ferguson

Talia Carner, Ron Carner

Pamala Wright, Paula Smalley, Lauren Day Roberts, Susan Baker

Michael Dorenfeld, Jessica Daubel

Deanna Passarella, Andrea Warshaw Wernick, Ruth Miller, Wendy Federman, Lauren Day Roberts, Pamala Wright, Cheri Kaufman

Kenneth Fishel, Gaetan Bruel, Elizabeth Stribling, Ann Van Ness

Maria Fishel, Ann Van Ness

Atmosphere

AMY GREEN

DEDICATED TO CONSERVATION

By Elizabeth Darwen

Amy Green and her husband, Gary, recently hosted the inaugural Footprint of Life Gala at their residence in Bridgehampton. The family-run Green Vision Foundation curated a night to unite like-minded organizations to support and bring much-needed awareness collectively. The humanitarians produced an incredible jungle-themed “50 Shades of Green” soiree to benefit the charity partners’ work to preserve and protect the natural world, promote community upliftment, and, most notably, support conservation programs across Africa—as well as the New York region and throughout the U.S.

As a humanitarian and philanthropist, Amy is no stranger to helping others in need. The opportunity to elevate a platform for giving with The Green Vision inspired her to establish a movement. Built from a profound love for her family, she became a visionary dedicated to finding means to fund and help organizations across the globe. Amy’s passion has found a meaningful purpose and promotes the important values found in active advocacy today.

SERVING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The philanthropic causes that will benefit include an array of well-recognized global organizations. For over three decades, Tusk has produced innovative conservation action in Africa. Under the Royal Patronage of HRH Prince William, The Prince of Wales, the charity has raised over $130 million for conservation and community livelihoods programs. The African Community & Conservation Foundation provides a gateway platform to connect world citizens with strategic and sustainable community and conservation programs underway in Africa. The latest ACCF expansion projects include Karingani in Mozambique, the Rwanda Project—Volcanoes National Park, and The Malilangwe Trust in Zimbabwe.

“As a mother, I understand the importance of this for the next generation,” reflects Amy Green. “When I look at the climate crisis, worsening statistics, and reports of irreversible damage, I can’t help but think of my daughter and the world I’m leaving behind for her. We cannot continue to ignore the crisis. While others talk about change, the ACCF spearheads conservation, antipoaching projects, and community outreach programs that make a difference in the African and global landscape. Conservation is key to protecting ourselves, our planet, and our future. The ACCF’s values and missions ensure we pay attention to urgent issues, invest in the African ecosystem, and promote practices that will reward us for years to come.”

The charitable night run by The Green Vision Foundation is sponsored by The Zangrillo Family Foundation and Russel James in collaboration with Tusk, UNICEF, Faith Tribe, Nobu, Hamptons Magazine, and the African Community & Conservation Foundation.

The event comes from the couple’s philanthropic efforts last year when they hosted at their home Karibu Africa, which supported Tusk’s and ACCF’s conservation work. They also were involved with the March 2022 Fire and Ice Gala for 100 Billion Meals, Tony Robbins’ organization, to help eliminate the current hunger crisis.

Amy is a former FOX Sports journalist who has recently brought awareness to several other causes as a chair member and ambassador for the African Community & Conservation Foundation, 100 Billion Meals, and The Tusk Trust.

EMBRACING THE MOVEMENT

More than just another party, the first gathering represented a movement that guests could fully embrace during a glamorous night that highlighted captivating moments, cocktails, curated food stations, a live auction, and a special guest performance by Jan Blomqvist.

Education on critical conservation efforts which protect wildlife and enhance livelihoods across the world will be a key focus during the party as well as recognition of the critical need for action to combat the illegal wildlife trade, anti-poaching efforts to protect endangered species, and preserve the planet’s biodiversity and dwindling natural resources.

“Sustainability, conservation, education, and love of animals have always been close to my heart,” states Amy. “I have been promoting these causes throughout my life and am honored to take this further by creating The Footprint of Life Gala. This has been a dream of mine for a long time, and I know together we can spread a word of love, kindness, and commitment to create significant change.”

For more information on Amy Green and the Footprint of Life Gala, visit bit.ly/43JQQvu

LIFE & STYLE

TAKING CUES FROM MOTHER NATURE

By Melanie Carden

Ilove the shoulder season of September, especially in the Northeast, where nature keeps us on our toes with the weather. Will it feel more like summer or autumn today? It’s a beautiful time to let Mother Nature stir and surprise us, so here’s a curated collection of delights—all drawing on nature for inspiration.

BUZZY BABY BLANKET

Recently, on social media, images of bees falling asleep inside flowers have been trending. Ingenious! One up them with images of a baby sleeping in a cozy bee-themed blanket. Kate Marker Home has gorgeous collections of curated home goods and gifts –and more bees too. Info: katemarkerhome.com

OCEANS,

OLIVES, & BUTTERCUPS

The scent experts at LAFCO always seem to capture the essence of Mother Nature, not just the scents but color-scheme as well. These glass diffusers offer muted hues of ocean, olives, and delicate Buttercup flowers. Info: lafco.com

LIME AND MINT MAGIC

Of course, making a mojito from scratch is fabulous and refreshing, but having a bottle or two of this Coppa readyto-drink is just the thing when friends show up unannounced. It’s vibrant and refreshing, with notes of freshness throughout. Info: coppacocktails.com

BIRD WATCHING

Beach House Art is exactly what it sounds like, but the brand’s range of artistic offerings is unmatched. Beyond being a great resource for beach and lake-inspired art, these folks merge the classic themes with a bit of maritime whimsy like these Walking Herons. Info: beachhouseart.co.uk

HANDCRAFTED EARRINGS

These beautiful earrings are made from upcycled buffalo bone—a traditional material in India, where these are handmade. The artisans at Ten Thousand Villages harvest bone from animals who have died naturally, to make the most of its sacred gifts.

Info: tenthousandvillages.com

HONEY IN THE AIR

Experience the soothing scent of honey, lingering in the air. These handpoured, small-batch candles use bodysafe fragrance oils infused with natural essential oils, and each burn for 50 hours. Info: scenteddesigns.co

BIRDS OF NOTE

The bold colors of The Birds of the World Greeting Card Assortment from Galison are rivaled only by its extraordinary detail. These are made from photographs of Colombian artist, Diana Beltran Herrera’s aviary paper sculptures. Info: galison.com

BERRY & FLORAL

The mixed-print inspiration for Juliska’s Berry & Thread Floral Sketch pattern comes from some of nature’s more delicate beauties—jasmine, cherry blossom, camellia, and wisteria flowers. These pieces are seasonless, pairing beautifully with mossy fall tablescapes. Info: juliska.com

NATURE’S GLOW

Manuka honey is a super-star among Mother’s Nature’s beauty contributions. ManukaRx offers a line of brightening products, and this little tub is a time machine, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and create a glow on your skin. Info: manukarx.com

ELEGANT TEA TOWELS

I’ve been a fan of Darzzi tea towels for a few years. I adore all the themes and patterns, which make it easy to match the towel to anyone’s décor. They’re also perfect paired with wine or a candle, as a hostess gift.

Info: drazzi.com

FLY FISHING PATIENCE

KEEP IT SIMPLE

In a chaotic world, sometimes simplicity is best. This Palm Leaf Laundry Basket from Ten Thousand Villages is certainly great for laundry, but it just might be the perfect solution for recycling, or as a mud room catchall. Info: tenthousandvillages.com

One of nature’s lessons is patience, and this is especially true with fly fishing. This Olive & Cocoa gift box comes with a lovely book, The History of Fly Fishing, along with a handsome fish-shaped corkscrew and bottle opener tool.

Info: oliveandcocoa.com

Paradise is calling and awaiting your arrival…

Relax in Luxury

It’s time to discover your own personal paradise. As one of Bermuda’s premier luxury resorts, Newstead Belmont Hills offers top-notch amenities and great value, coupled with unique service that will make you want to come back year after year.

Ownership

At the Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa, we are pleased to offer you a rare real estate ownership opportunity. Learn how you can purchase a piece of paradise with a waterfront home in Bermuda.

ON THE GRAPEVINE

A LONG ISLAND WINE JOURNEY

By Michael Alpiner

As the warm temperatures of summer mature into the mild chill of fall, a wine-tasting excursion to the North Fork of Long Island is quite intoxicating. Long Island offers a multitude of hotels and B&Bs. The North Fork, from Riverhead to Orient Point, is ideal for romantic getaways, family fun weekends, and business leisure trips.

PAUMONOK

This vineyard, founded in 1983, is owned and managed by Ursula and Charles Massoud and their three sons. The 127-acre estate boasts only premium vinifera grapevines consisting of Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The vineyard will celebrate its 40th year at a reservation-only event on Sept 23rd, 2023. In addition, on Saturday and Sunday, October 14th and 15th, 2023, Paumonok Vineyards will hold a Harvest Festival where visitors can enjoy German fare and fermenting wines. Info: paumonok.com

JASON’S VINEYARDS

First planted in 1996, Jason’s vineyard grows clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. They also purchase the grape varietals of Sauvignon Blanc, Seyvel Blanc, Cayuga, and Riesling for some of the wines they produce.

One way to enjoy the wines at Jason’s Vineyards is to attend one or more live afternoon music events. Each month, there are between eight and ten events to set the mood as patrons imbibe music and wine.  Info: jasonsvineyard.com

CLOVIS POINT VINEYARD & WINERY

In 2001, the partners of Clovis Point purchased 10 acres of farmland with a beautiful barn in the heart of the North Fork on the Main Road in Jamesport. This small, top-flight vineyard, winery, and wine room create an ideal spot for lovers of good wine. The 10-acre property features an inviting tasting room, a renovated potato barn, and a vineyard that produces quality wines with character and balance from its selection of Merlot and Cabernet Franc clones. With live music on-site throughout the summer and grounds which can serve as a classic wedding venue, Clovis Point offers more than just an ordinary wine experience. Their unique Wine Club is another excellent touch for wine enthusiasts visiting the North Fork. Info: clovispointwines.com

LENZ WINERY

Peter and Deborah Carroll purchased Lenz Winery in 1988 and, since then, have established it as one of Long Island’s premier sellers. The process of making their varietals is as much physical as it is mental. Patience is the key to their unique selection of reds, whites, and roses. From a 2019 Pinot Gris to a 2016 Estate Selection Gewurztraminer, their white wines, like all North Fork wines, stand out. The winery offers comfortable outdoor and indoor seating by their tasting room, adorned with hanging vines and barrels, since the setting is an element of the wine experience. Info: lenzwine.com

MATTEBELLA VINEYARDS

Mattebella Vineyards is committed to making old world-style wines that pair well with a wide variety of food. Using an environmentally-friendly form of farming and only healthy, traditional vineyard practices and winemaking techniques, they ensure that their wines reflect the exceptional terrain of the North Fork of Long Island.

Mattebella offers Chardonnay, Riesling, and sparkling wine from great growing years (from 2013-2016) in the white variety. The reds are blends, aged in oak and tinged with notes of fruit and berries or coffee and chocolate. The roses all boast refreshing floral and fruity blends. Info: mattebella.com

LIEB CELLARS

Fifty-four acres of grapes from Lieb Cellars are pampered on sandy-loam soil a mile from the Long Island Sound or Peconic Bay. Founder Mark Lieb offers an eclectic selection of wines ranging from Pinot Blanc to Syrah to Gold Muskateller. Their tasting room offers indoor and outdoor seating, live music, and small plate, classic food selections that pair well with the wine.  Info: liebcellars.com

BEDELL CELLARS

In 1980, Kip and Susan Bedell planted their first grapevines on the exquisite property, which hosts various events, such as live music and picnics. Now owned by the Lynne family, Bedell Cellars produces hand-crafted wines using sustainable farming, indigenous fermentation, and artistic blending. Info: bedellcellars.com

Discover the best kept secret in Saint Lucia and immerse yourself in true Caribbean luxury. East Winds is a breath taking tropical garden by the sea, set on a sandy, secluded storybook beach. Our Caribbean hideaway is the island’s original boutique resort, featuring 30 cottage style suites and an ocean front beach house, tucked away amongst

lush plants, trees, and a kaleidoscope of colourful bird life. East Winds is home to what many consider the island’s finest beach shared only by a small number of like-minded travellers. Guests at East Winds can expect personalized care, exclusive adventures, and an all-inclusive service, as well as the most authentic of Caribbean experiences.

THE BIG SKY EXPERIENCE

OPEN SPACES, RIVERS & MOUNTAINS

Article & Photography by Neil J Tandy

When Big Sky is mentioned, invariably, the words conjure up visions of snow, ski slopes, and Winter pastimes. That is what this slice of Montana heaven is primarily known for, but as I found out on a recent visit, Big Sky has so much to offer for vacationers and thrill-seekers outside of its peak season.

Any visit to this part of the world, for me, starts the moment I descend the escalator to the baggage claim at the immensely homely and welcoming Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, replete with its beautiful wooden décor, reminiscent of a log cabin and its charming gift stores.

All car rental desks are within yards of baggage claim and lines are usually short. However, consider that rental costs, especially in July (the peak month for Yellowstone National Park visitors), can be slightly more than expected. I had reserved a car and was pleasantly surprised when the rental company upgraded me from a standard to a full-size car, a Dodge Charger, at no extra cost.

DISCOVER BIG SKY

Out of the parking garage and into the bright Montana sunlight I went, settled in for a very pleasant 46-mile drive on US-191/S Gallatin Road through some incredibly beautiful scenery, slowly rising in elevation through the mountains and forests of pine trees, stretching for miles, the Gallatin River flowing by, to the right.

Turning off the main highway, a few minutes later, I was in the parking lot of the Wilson Hotel, right in the middle of Big Sky town. After checkin, up to a room with a glorious view of the surrounding mountains, including the imposing 11,167-foot Lone Mountain. I couldn’t wait to start exploring.

It doesn’t take long to walk around the Big Sky town center, which offers a pleasant variety of stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and art galleries, all worth a second, third, or even the fourth look. A short distance from the town center is Meadow Village, where more shopping and eateries can be found.

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

Big Sky and its environs are home to many trails that can be hiked. From short and easy to long and difficult, each trail offers something different regarding the hiking experience and views. I tried the moderately difficult 2.2-mile Uplands Trail and took the almost-mile walk to the trailhead to steadily climb 450 feet up the first mile before looping back downhill. The views across the meadow are spectacular, including Lone Mountain, Spanish Peaks, Cedar Mountain, and Beehive Basin. At the top of the trail, the bird’s eye views of Meadow Village and Big Sky are breathtaking.

One thing I quickly learned on the hike was that even though I am relatively fit, altitude is a significant factor and is more challenging than one might think! Big Sky sits at 7,218 feet, so tack on an extra 450 feet, and one is almost one and a half miles above sea level.

Welcome to Big Sky Mountain Village

Explorer Lift

CHANNELING MY INNER COWBOY

Back in the town, I decided that a good cowboy hat was needed for the Lone Mountain Ranch Rodeo that I was going to that evening, so I popped into East Slope Outdoors and purchased the perfect one. Off to the rodeo I went.

Entering Lone Mountain Ranch, I was directed to a parking area and a quick walk back to the entrance road was where I caught a shuttle bus, one of many running non-stop on rodeo nights. The ticket price for the rodeo includes a cookout, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.

The rodeo starts at 6 pm with the national anthem being sung and a lone rider in the arena carrying Old Glory. All cowboy hats of the audience are held across the heart for a stirring rendition, with the Montana Rockies providing a spectacular backdrop.

This rodeo is a throwback to the Old West, with teams of cowboys and cowgirls from different ranches competing for honors, bucking bronco rides, bull riding, frenetic barrel racing and ranch roping being included. My camera was red hot, as I was like a kid in a candy shop, taking photo after photo of the non-stop action!

After the rodeo, it was a quick drive back to The Wilson, known for its summer activities and within an hour’s drive of Yellowstone National Park’s western entrance. The hotel is lovely and an ideal location near miles of hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and world-class fly-fishing streams and whitewater. Dinner was at the hotel’s  Block 3 Kitchen and Bar and where I opted for a bison burger which, along with a very generous portion of fries, made the perfect meal to end my first day in Big Sky.

Carrying Old Glory for the anthem at Lone Mountain Ranch Rodeo

Loan boots for horseback riding

HITTING THE TRAIL

Day two, and it was back up to Lone Mountain Ranch to take in some horseback riding! I am a complete novice, but what an incredible experience—from being loaned the perfect pair of cowboy boots to my wrangler, Hayley, explaining how to mount my horse, Calgary, how to turn him, how to stop him, how to stop him from grinding to a halt to feast on the lush vegetation. I felt comfortable and at ease and enjoyed a 90-minute ride on spectacular trails.

Next was a move to another hotel, Huntley Lodge, located in Big Sky Mountain Village, a few miles further up toward Lone Mountain. I soon learned the historical hotel was named after founder and former NBC-TV anchor Chet Huntley. As I walked around, I noted how this is a ski resort but most definitely catering to the warm weather crowd with various activities, including zip lining, mountain biking, mountain climbing, rock wall climbing, and bungee trampoline. Dinner was enjoyed at  Westward Social, with a great salad and a turkey club, while watching the weather changing in and around Lone Mountain. Thanks to the Huntley Lodge’s luxurious, overstuffed bedding, I slept well that evening.

FISH TALES

So, what to do on day three? Simple: drive down to Gallatin River Guides, get kitted out with waders and boots, and set off with my guide Bob to try my hand at fly fishing on the Gallatin River. This sport is more challenging than it looks in the movies. There was a lot to learn, but I eventually caught on and landed three rainbow trout—I was proud of that. But Bob may have been a bit disappointed—after all, he is a 36-year veteran and has seen better. The river was fast flowing and scrambling across slippery rocks against the current, it certainly gave my legs an unexpected workout, too.

My last evening was spent having great down-home food at Riverhouse BBQ with Visit Big Sky CEO Brad Niva. The popular restaurant is a favorite with locals and visitors for good reason. An endless menu of BBQ specials from pulled pork, baby back ribs, and all the fixings. The perfect end to an all too brief visit, but one that left me wanting to return in the Fall to sample more of what Big Sky has to offer.

Big Sky is the place to go for those wanting to visit Montana and looking for a springboard to Yellowstone!

A BIG SKY GUIDE

Big Sky/visitbigsky.com

Hotels

Wilson Hotel/marriott.com

Huntley Lodge/bigskyresort.com/huntley-lodge

Restaurants

Block 3 Kitchen and Bar/blockbigsky.com

WestwardSocial/bigskyresort.com/resort-dining/westward-social Riverhouse BBQ/riverhousebbq.com

Activities

Lone Mountain Ranch/lonemountainranch.com

Gallatin River Guides/montanaflyfishing.com

Wrangler Hayley, on the trail

Author fly fishing in the Gallatin River, credit Bob Merryman, Gallatin River Guides

Big Sky town

THE RENAULT WINERY & RESORT

CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva

Imagine sitting in a wine and beer garden at a French chateau, sipping a glass of estate-grown Champagne. Oh, you don’t have the time to travel to France. How about a 2-hour drive to Egg Harbor City, NJ? The Renault Winery & Resort, the nation’s second oldest winery, boasts 158 years of continuous production of Champagne and fine wines and is ready to offer guests an exceptional wine, food, and entertainment experience.

The story of Renault begins in 1864, when Louis Renault left his hometown, Mareuilsur-Ay, France, to save his vines from blight. Renault had yet to succeed in California. But the loamy soil of Egg Harbor City, which also has a similar climate as France’s Champagne region, proved to be the answer for Renault. Renault’s dream of producing Champagne and fine wines gained his new hometown the name of “Wine City.” Because his vine stock originated in Mareuil-sur-Ay and his production process complied with traditional methods, Renault was one of the only vintners in the U.S. with the privilege of calling his sparkling wine “Champagne.” This privilege was grandfathered to the winery and is still in effect today.

The D’Agostino family has continued to produce Renault’s famous wine. Renault became the largest distributor of Champagne in America during the 1960s. The Champagne toast at the John F. Kennedy inauguration was Renault’s famed Champagne. The original property evolved under various ownership, including a hotel, restaurant, and golf course.

A NEW BEGINNING

It was in 2018 that Vivamee Hospitality purchased the winery and began a revitalization that resulted in a French-inspired resort with chateau-style accommodations, fine dining options, an 18-hole championship golf course, a wine & beer garden, the largest wine-tasting room on the East Coast, and a calendar of events that enhance the Renault experience.

The newly renovated Château Renault combines modern amenities with classic hospitality. The hotel has 55 spacious, elegant rooms and suites. Two side-by-side outdoor pools offer a perfect relaxing spot during the warmer months. Various seasonal and regularly scheduled packages include the Ultimate Golf Getaway, a Couples Retreat Package, The Historic Tour & Taste Package, a Wine & Dance Package, and the Wine & Vine Tour Package.

Renault’s 18-hole golf course, Vineyard National, provides the unique experience of teeing off among the original vines cultivated to create Renault’s famed American Champagne over 150 years ago.

DINING EXPERIENCES

Dining at Renault is a beautiful experience. Renault’s signature restaurant, Taste 1864, offers classic American favorites in a historical setting. Dine among historic wine barrels; start with Taste 1864’s signature Charcuterie and Bruschetta Board. Then choose from a selection of main entrees or imaginative flatbreads. Don’t overlook the Vintner Select offering, a seasonal tasting menu available from Thursday to Sunday. The menu features gourmet dishes carefully curated by the Executive Chef and paired with the winery’s celebrated wines and Champagnes.

Adjacent to French-inspired gardens, the Renault Wine & Beer Garden offers casual alfresco dining and an exciting schedule of outdoor entertainment. Consider a dining experience centered around one of the many fire pits or cabanas on the patio or near the outdoor stage. Café La Fleur is a Parisian-inspired café with a farmhouse flair. Delicious French pastries and American farmhouse favorites are paired with artisanal coffees and beverages. Enjoy freshly baked croissants, decadent stuffed cookies, the daily quiche selection, stuffed croissants, wine-infused cupcakes, and much more. The cinnamon or raspberry cruffin is to die for.

TASTES & TOURS

Experience Renault more fully with one regularly scheduled tour: the Historic Tour & Taste on Wednesdays, the Wine & Vine Tour on Thursdays, and the Weekend Tours & Taste. A few exciting stops on the history tours include Renault’s Glass Museum—a collection of historic wine & Champagne glasses dating back to the 13th century, and the landmark Speakeasy filled with Prohibition-era lore.

We had a lot of fun on the Wine & Vine Tour as we boarded a tractor-pulled trailer and cruised the vineyard and golf course. Our guide provided a rich history of Louis Renault’s dream of producing fine Champagne and wine and the long history of the winery and resort. He was equally gracious when pouring the wine samples and accompanying hors d’oeuvres we enjoyed on the tour.

A couple of their signature wines that we feel you must try are the Fleur de Blanc, a white wine from Renault’s Noah grapes grown at the resort, and the Blueberry Champagne, a bubbly crisp enough on the palate that the sweet finish is by no means cloying. Want to try even more? Consider one of Renault’s tasting flights. The Louie Special includes four wines of your choice, and the Renault Premier consists of four wines and one sparkling wine.

Enjoy one of the winery’s seasonal events, such as The Classic American or The European Car Show, the Grape Stomp Community Event, the Pick & Press harvest festival, and the Renault Beer Fest and 5K run. Check the website’s monthly calendar of events to plan your trip to Renault.

Extend your trip with a visit to nearby Atlantic City—less than a halfhour’s drive from the winery.

For more on the Renault Winery & Resort, visit renaultwinery.com

OLD & NEW ADVENTURES AWAIT

By Jenny Peters

Egypt has called to me since childhood, when I first learned about the Pharaohs and the Pyramids in elementary school, soon followed by my first viewing of David Lean’s epic Lawrence of Arabia. Soon I was regularly visiting the Egyptian mummies and other ancient artifacts on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s Natural History Museum, where my father was a curator (of reptiles and amphibians, not Egyptology)—all this by the time I was 12.

Later in my life, I took up scuba diving, and no matter where on earth I went, fellow divers always brought up Egypt and the Red Sea, regaling me with the incredible underwater adventures to be had there, adding fuel to my Egyptian desire. Happily, I got there recently and found the country a heady mix of old and new, of teeming masses of people (in Cairo and Giza), a stark juxtaposition against the empty serenity of the vast desert landscapes I found far off the beaten path. Places that lead to some of the Red Sea’s most exciting scuba diving spots.

BEGIN WITH THE NEW

Jumping at the chance to expand my PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification to encompass Advanced Open Water training, I packed up my scuba diving gear and skipped through Cairo to Hurghada. My Egyptian adventure began 300 miles southeast of Cairo amid an endless desert that rolls right up to the edge of those famed Red Sea waters.

I headed further south to Soma Bay, passing Bedouin encampments along the way, makeshift places that looked like something out of a history book—but that were usually spotted near the cellphone towers along the empty desert highway. Ancient and modern culture juxtaposed, for certain, which I soon realized is a thread that runs throughout the Egyptian experience.

Staying at Soma Bay’s luxurious Kempinski Hotel was a bonus, as that large resort has everything, from fine dining to beach volleyball, a nearby golf course, swimming pools, and easy access to leisurely swim in the crystal-blue sea.

Meanwhile, a quick trip around the bay brought me to the Orca Dive Club, a 5-Star PADI center located right on the house reef of the bay. My PADI dive instructor, Mohamed “Afreet” Elsayed (the first of so many Mohameds I met along the way), took me under his wing and showed me the gorgeous house reef, located just a giant stride right off the dock into the warm waters.

It wasn’t long before I saw my first eye-popping neon blue-spotted stingray, as well as moray eels, sea turtles, and countless brightly hued tropical fish, all part of the vibrant and healthy coral reefs that make the Red Sea such a popular adventure destination.

With my PADI Advanced Open Water Dive certification in hand, I ventured even further south to Marsa Shagra, driving 165 more miles into what seemed like a landscape unchanged by time, right down to the tents on the beach at the Red Sea Diving Safari Resort. That incredible PADI 5-star eco-resort is dedicated to working with the local Bedouin tribes to protect the community, its biodiversity, and coral reef while giving visitors a remarkable experience.

Stepping straight into the sea and finding a pristine house reef, with scuba diving open any time you’ve got a buddy to go along with or going further out to dive with lumbering dugongs and sleek sharks and snorkel with wild dolphins—all these intoxicating moments are everyday occurrences at Marsa Shagra. Europeans have known about this magical place for nearly 30 years. Happily Americans are discovering it too, staying in those glamping-style beach tents or more modern sandstone chalets with air conditioning.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ANCIENT

Heading back to Cairo gives one a feeling of being thrown into the maelstrom. Think of cars creating lanes that aren’t there, mothers pushing baby strollers right out into traffic to get the vehicles to allow them to cross, and older adults driving horse-drawn carts piled high with sticks, rolls of carpet, or kids barely hanging on.

Find sanctuary in one of the Old Cairo hotels, like the Grand Nile Tower, with views for miles, or the luxe Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza; or cross the river to the Giza side to make the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence home for a fabulous room with a view of the Great Pyramids. A tour guide is a must, with a driver to navigate the craziness of the streets; my guide Muhammad Zeineddin (aka Zein) of Mosaic Club Egypt, is a wealth of ancient knowledge, answered every one of my questions, and is a boon English-speaking companion.

He showed me most of the things I had been waiting my whole life to see in a few heady days, from the classic Egyptian Museum’s massive collection of antiquities (think King Tut’s artifacts) to the mummies of Ramses II and 21 other ancient rulers in the modern National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations, and on to the Saqqara Djoser pyramid complex that predates the Great Pyramids.

Then it was the city of Memphis with its giant Ramses II statue and, ultimately, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. We found a sea of people clambering up the sides of the enormous structures, jamming the sidewalks and roads, beating horses to draw their carriages loaded with tourists faster. Finally, making it to the Great Pyramids after all those years of longing surprised me by causing me to yearn for the epic desert beauty and the undersea silence of Marsa Shagra.

But Egypt as a whole? I’m desperate to go back, dive in, and see more! And I’m willing to bet you have the same reaction when you finally see the Land of the Pharaohs.

For more information on Egypt, visit egypt.travel

5 EAST 16 TH STREET

By AP Connolly LOFTY

IDEAS

The intersection of Broadway and 14th Street lays the historic area of Union Square. The area has a rich, multi-layered history, with its central park as a gathering place of art, ideas, passion, protest, and personalities. Additionally, the trendy Manhattan neighborhood has a concentration of excellent shopping and dining.

Sprawling some 4,200 square feet, this full-floor condo is the most unique loft on the market! Residence #7 is currently configured as a three-bedroom, it can be converted into four bedrooms. This massive beauty was designed by acclaimed Naiztat + Ham Architects, a boutique downtown architecture firm that is one of the most desired in NYC.

The sense of expansiveness starts at the entry, where a keyed elevator leads into the grandly scaled entertaining spaces. This move-in ready loft offers its residents a chic home for living and entertainment. The layout has stunning proportions and three bedrooms with two full bathrooms and a powder room. A bonus room, currently used as an office/library/guestroom, can be transformed into a fourth bedroom.

THE RESIDENCE

The highlight of this loft is the beautifully blended modern finishes with original industrial details, including barrel-vaulted terra-cotta ceilings reaching 12 feet, exposed brick walls, four steel columns, exposed water pipes, and fourteen oversized windows. The windows drench the interiors with natural light while framing fabulous New York City skyline views. This seventh-floor loft has southern, northern, and eastern exposure and is equipped with electronic solar shades. For maximum privacy, the bonus room features electronic floor-to-ceiling blinds.

The all-white Italian Boffi kitchen flows seamlessly into the open dining area and exhibits a minimalist design with no handles. A floor-to-ceiling wall system with sliding doors conceals a Sub-Zero refrigerator, two separate drawer freezers, and Gaggenau wall ovens. It also provides plenty of shelving and storage space for groceries and small appliances. The island features a six-burner Boffi cooktop stove and storage on both sides. This Italian-made kitchen also offers a wine cooler.

The primary and secondary bedrooms face north with oversized windows facing East 17th Street. The primary bedroom boasts a massive walk-in closet and an ensuite bathroom with double sinks, a deep soaking tub, a stall shower, and a heated towel rack. The secondary bedroom has built-in storage and ample space. The third bedroom faces east and features an ensuite full bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a built-into-the-wall shoe closet.

Additionally, this residence has a laundry room with a folding and ironing area. Other loft features include a three-zone sound system; central air-conditioners; a media system; and an alarm system.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The Photo Arts Building is a beautiful landmark pre-war condominium with a passenger elevator and an attended second elevator suitable for deliveries. There is a full-time super. Located at the nexus between the Flatiron District and Union Square, it is a half-block from Union Square Park and the acclaimed Greenmarket. The Union Square Greenmarket boasts 140 regional farmers in peak seasons with more than 60,000 market shoppers per day. Aside from the market, you’ll also enjoy the trendy restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops surrounding it. Pets are welcome.

Info: Asking $5,500,000. For more information contact Linette Semino at Compass, linette.semino@compass.com

100 BARCLAY

THE EPITOME OF TRIBECA LIVING!

By AP Connolly

One Hundred Barclay was designed by Ralph Walker in 1927 and has since been landmarked with its timeless Art-Deco lobby, evocatively capturing the New York style. The entire building underwent a notable and meticulous restoration in 2014 which maintained his most prized creation—the first Art Deco tower in the world.

THE RESIDENCE

Number 17N is 3-bedroom/3 bath home spanning 1,986 square feet. With gorgeous 7-foot casement windows, 10-foot ceilings, and 4-inch white oak floors, the proportions of the space are abundant with generous light and air.

The deluxe walnut-paneled front doors opened directly into the entertainment areas of the home, including the kitchen, dining, and living room. Perfectly placed, southern exposures allow for amazing light and a view of the Hudson River. Adjacently located, the open kitchen allows for smooth transition, perfect for entertaining. Featuring custom cabinetry and hardware, Calacatta Fold marble countertops and backsplash, and state-ofthe-art appliances, including a Sub-zero refrigerator/freezer and wine refrigerator, a Miele dishwasher and speed oven, and a wolf gas range and oven, which are fully vented by a recessed stainlesssteel hood and feature a Dornracht pot-filler faucet. This is truly a chef’s kitchen with an island that spaciously seats five.

All three bedrooms are located off the living space, providing great privacy, yet maintaining the open-loft ambiance. The primary suite features a luxuriously finished bathroom with radiant floor heating, polished Calacatta Gold marble floor and wall tiles, a custom vanity and fixtures, a deck-mounted bathtub by Waterworks, and a steam shower. Closet space does not come up short with the huge walk-in-closet with shelving and additional two closets.

The remaining two secondary bedrooms similarly offer generous closet space, and gorgeous bathrooms. With highhoned Vanilla Cream marble vanity tops and herringbone floor tiles with crackle-glazed white ceramic wall tile, one bedroom is an en-suite, and the other is just feet away. No detail was overlooked in this apartment featuring a multizoned heating and cooling system, carefully controlling the interior climate throughout, and the convenient laundry closet, including a washer and vented dryer by LG.

THE AMENITIES

One Hundred Barclay offers an extraordinary amenity program. Made up of over 40,000 square feet, each amenity space was conscientiously chosen for resident needs and lifestyle, contributing to one of the best buildings in Tribeca. Services and amenities include: 24-hour doorman and concierge, fitness center designed by The Wright Fit, an 82foot lap pool, children’s pool, and spa and treatment rooms. The program continues at the club level on the 18th floor where a billiards room, a lounge with bar and dining room, four outdoor terraces, children’s playroom, teen lounge, wine tasting room and music practice rooms are all located.

For more information on 100 Barclay, visit Brown Harris Stevens at bhsusa.com

25 CENTRAL PARK WEST

THE SWEEP & SCOPE OF THE PARK

By AP Connolly

This perfect pied-a-terre is located in The Century, the premier prewar Central Park West condominium. The #20R residence is a gut-renovated one-bedroom property which includes a large, planted terrace facing Central Park. From the 20th floor, walk out through one of the two glass-paneled floor-to-ceiling doors that lead to epic, panoramic views!

With an impeccable renovation, the apartment takes full advantage of its prewar detail and high ceilings, while bringing in the best of the brand new. The windowed kitchen has high-end stainless-steel appliances. The stylish bath has a double sink, double vanity, along with a walk-in shower and towel warmer. Features also include central air-conditioning, six-inch wide oak hardwood plank flooring, and ample closet space. Washer/dryers are allowed.

THE ICONIC BUILDING

The Century is a 33-story, 426-unit residential co-op built in 1932. It is one of four twin-towered apartment buildings that are called Central Park West. It was built by Irwin Chanin, who also designed multiple Broadway theaters, including the Majestic. It was initially called the Century Apartments because it was built on the original site of the Century Theatre. It was converted to condominiums in 1989.

Amenities also include a 24-hour door attendant, live-in superintendent, concierge, and handyman. In addition to The Century’s compelling Art Deco architecture, it is distinctive for its prime Central Park location. The shops, restaurants, Whole Foods, and transportation of Columbus Circle are a few blocks away, as is the culture and entertainment found in Lincoln Center and the surrounding area. Local schools, playgrounds and opportunities for family activities and outings are also some of the best in the city. Info: $2,725,000. For more information at 25 Central Park West, visit Brown Harris Stevens at bhsusa.com

THE MOMMY MAKEOVER

REMODELING A LIFE & BODY

By Mindie Barnett

Becoming a mother changed everything. It instantly transforms your priorities and your level of baseline stress. In short, it changes your body! My physical shape never returned to its prenatal figure, even for me, a former size zero pre-babies.

FINDING THE PERFECT FIX

I knew there was no natural fix to piece me back together. Still, I also knew that plastic surgery is an investment, not only in money but the time and patience to dedicate to recover properly. So, I put it off until I couldn’t bear looking at myself in a swimsuit any longer. On the brink of turning fifty, a single mother, an entrepreneur, and public mental health speaker, I needed to look good. But more importantly, I wanted the confidence I felt inside myself to match my spirit when I looked in the mirror. And until seeking the support and expertise of Neinstein Plastic Surgery, I was not on my A-game when it came to my reflection.

I did my due diligence in locating the best when remodeling moms. Dr. Ryan Neinstein and Dr. Chris Funderburk (my surgeon) are experts in mommy metamorphosis. It’s all they do all day, every day, and moms from all over the U.S. and abroad seek them to fix their bellies, their backs, their breasts (which is spearheaded by Dr. Anna Steve), and more. “Our team comprises individuals with unimpeachable character and unwavering commitment to excellence,” explains board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ryan Neinstein. “We put in the hard work to create meaningful relationships amongst team members, allowing purposeful and passionate work to resonate with our patients.”

TIGHTEN UP

So, if I was going to plunge into plastic surgery to fix my pregnancy-plagued physique, I knew I also needed to go to this New York City plastic surgery mecca. The consult revealed what would be needed: a hernia repair coupled with a bellybutton revision, the restructuring of my diastasis, some lipo-sculpting and because I had accumulated unwanted “realestate” on my lower back (thanks to gravity and age) I had lipo to slim down that area too. “To tackle all of these issues, I performed a combination procedure of a tummy tuck, energy-assisted liposuction of the abdomen and waist, and creating an entirely new belly button,” explains board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Funderburk. “The tummy tuck procedure removes excess skin on the lower abdomen, resulting in tighter tummy skin. Because of the prior damage to the belly button, I incorporated a procedure to recreate the belly button in the appropriate location. To shape the waist and sculpt the abdomen, I used the latest skin-tightening technology and liposuction in a procedure called Lipo360 or liposculpture. The result is a slenderer waist and tummy, with tighter abdominal skin, realigned core muscles, and a new belly button.”

Getting marked up prior to operation

On the big day, I was not nervous. I knew I was well cared for, the best hands, and I knew the practice’s philosophy was not only about putting safety first, but the aftercare process was also of utmost importance to them. “Surgery is much more than a technical endeavor to us,” explains Dr. Neinstein. “It’s an opportunity to take something overwhelming and scary and make it comforting and enjoyable. The experience to us is how we weave our culture of caring into the results for our patients.”

LUXURY TLC

Neinstein Plastic Surgery exudes luxury and elegance and everyone from the receptionists to the nurses to the doctors who emit warmth and empathy. Moreover, the practice boasts its own operatives, so all procedures are done safely, in-house, and without the hassle and often the germ-centric hospital.

My procedure was 5-hours, but with the gift of anesthesia, it felt more like five minutes, and soon after, I was wheeled out by their concierge to take me and their aftercare partner, Radiant Recovery & Wellness Registered Nurses, home to rest. Nurse and CEO Deanna Kosmalski immediately set me up in my apartment, snuggled me in bed, and gave me a nutrient and vitamin-infused IV treatment before I drifted back to sleep. She was at my disposal all night and the next day, alongside her colleague Juliana Sicoli, who came armed with her freshly made pressed organic “Juli’s Juices” to fuel me with the post-op power I needed. Ongoing temperature checks and assistance with anything and everything related to functioning that first night and day, including my first (and tricky) shower, sprinkled in with their warmth and compassion (and an incredible lymphatic facial), made my first post-op 24-hours heavenly.

I worked my first day post-op from bed and was walking around New York City (a few blocks at a time) by day two. By the beginning of my first post-op week, I was in full WFH mode, and by week two back in my office, heading to TV shoots and living my mom’s life as usual. There are restrictions; lifting heavy objects and returning to a regular workout regimen are two prime examples, but the overall discomfort and typical fears many have before embarking on such an endeavor were minimal. Every day I am getting stronger and feeling more like myself, but a much better version, a slimmer and healthier version, and one that exceeds how I feel on the inside when I look in the mirror!

For more Neinstein Plastic Surgery, visit neinsteinplasticsurgery.com; for Radiant Recovery and Wellness, visit radiantrecoveryandwellness.com

Dr. Funderburk checking in on his patient

With Caregivers Deanna & Julianna

MINDIE’S MUSINGS

RESPECTING BOUNDARIES

By Mindie Barnett

Wellness coach, author, and speaker Mindie Barnett answers your questions about life, navigating these stressful and uncertain times, and steering you down a more straight forward path. We welcome your questions and invite you to contact Mindie at: mindiesmusings1@gmail.com

Mindie is available for in-person and virtual wellness therapy sessions via her Executive Health by Mindie Barnett wellness coaching practice. Her expertise is in interpersonal relationships, overcoming depression, coping with anxiety and avoiding and overcoming burnout among many other wellness areas. Life coaching and career coaching are also areas she excels in. For more information or to schedule a session visit mbexecutivehealth.com

Dear Mindie,

I just got married and my mother-in-law is driving me crazy. I don’t know how to handle her, and my husband Is not being supportive of my feelings and doing his best to avoid the issue altogether. The main point of conflict is her lack of boundaries. We live in neighboring towns, and she tends to stop over anytime she pleases, often unannounced and is creating a lot of upset for me. I love my husband and we just started our new life together, but I don’t want to resent him because of his mother and eventually dismantle our marriage. Please help!

Sincerely, Angry Bird

Dear Angry Bird, I feel for you! First, you need to have an honest conversation with your husband. Rather than accusing his mother of her disregard of boundaries and/or his lack of supporting you in handling his mother, focus on your feelings. How does his lack of involvement make you feel? How does his mother’s unannounced visits make you feel? Focusing on your feelings and conveying your emotional state to your husband rather than from a place of argumentative criticism (even though it sounds like it may be very warranted!) will be much better received and likely yield a more productive outcome with solutions you can tackle as a team.

The key factor is that you and your husband are and remain a team. Whether dealing with his overbearing mother or another issue, you need to support one another and do your best to see issues from the other’s perspective. Regarding this situation, while I am sure it’s especially frustrating to watch your husband witness your upset and remain a spectator, try and put yourself in his shoes. I would imagine if his mom were this intrusive even though he’s now married, she has likely always behaved this way so it may be difficult for your husband to now confront her, when he may never have had the ability to do so before.

In addition, he may be accustomed to her personality and behavior patterns so her consistent presence and lack of boundaries may not even phase him.

That is something you need to explore either as a couple or in couple’s therapy. (Which is not only for couples in crisis!) Having an ongoing relationship with a therapist, even for just a monthly “check-in,” is a very smart way to maintain a healthy marriage. As mental health wellness coach, I always advocate for couples to seek an outside source to weigh in on even the most mundane of issues. Talking things through in a safe place, in a nonconfrontational way and with a therapist who is neutral and has the integrity of the relationship at heart is one of the surest ways to maintain harmony at home. It’s also a way to stop conflict and potential bombshells in their tracks before little bumps in the road turn into unmovable mountains.

Best of luck and I hope you become a hummingbird in no time!

Love,  Mindie

© Chris Ruetten

IRIS RESTAURANT

IMPECCABLE MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

By Anne Raso

Enter the front dining room of Midtown West’s  Iris, and you will feel like you’re in an elegant art deco dining room with a light and airy storefront feeling—with a front patio perfect for people-watching. Owned by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser (who has had eateries like Narcissa, Dovetail, and The Standard Café under his belt),  Iris has garnered enviable reviews in every major publication, including The New York Times—that means that every table in this spacious newcomer is gone about 6:30 PM each night. Going to Iris is well worth it since the menu is not only one-of-a-kind, but the service is impeccable (you may sense your server is a mindreader who anticipates your subsequent request!).

IMPRESSIVE & REFRESHING

We always order hummus at any Mediterranean eatery. Iris’ hummus has a robust and farm-totable dill presence above and beyond what you are used to—and its creaminess is on a whole other level. It’s impressive and refreshing. You can tell that Fraser is trying to impress guests by doing unusual twists on traditional culinary sensations. The  Short Ribs  are a great example: slow-roasted and sitting on top of a bed of Chickpea Revithada and Chanterelle Parsley-Shallot Crumble.

The Grilled Octopus is considered the best in town, and the kitchen staff often sends it out to VIP guests. It’s cooked with Antep Chili-Tomato Spice and sided with a kumquat sauce called “Spoon Sweet.”

Surprisingly, many guests visit just for cocktails and to share the truly unique Black Truffle Flatbread. It is served steaming straight from the coal oven, just like their famous Sourdough Pita. Still, it is covered with a considerable quantity of finely shaved black truffle and small chunks of charred onion, spinach, and feta. It is arguably pricey but so well worth the splurge.

ADDING TO THE MYSTIQUE

Iris  not only features the most famous “Med” entrees like  Fisherman’s Cut Tuna,  Grilled  Squid,  Swordfish Kebab,  Half Roast Chicken, Dover Sole,  Branzino, and  Moussaka, but selections that can’t be found nowhere else in town. We are speaking of  Quail Kebab that’s pepper-crusted then topped with sage butter and summer leaves, Crab Souvlaki  made with Alaskan king crab, Kaluga caviar, and lemon aioli,  Fried Lamb’s Tongue topped with tender radish, caper berries, and mustard gastrique and for the vegetarians,  Carrot Tartare with spicy red zhug carrot bulgur pea-mint pesto, and sesame lagana. (Vegetarians might want to side with Trahana Tots, large polenta fries with dried porcini spice.)

Of course, seafood is the “main attraction” at any Mediterranean/Aegean restaurant, and guests tell NYL that the “top picks” are Crab Souvlaki and Grilled Octopus. Don’t miss the  Shrimp Saganaki consisting of whole prawns with Pomodoro Greek feta and sesame lagana.

PLENTY OF ATMOSPHERE

The light, neutral colors throughout the dining room create a relaxing atmosphere. Some diners prefer the  Pikilia, a “best of” dip dish including  Domas (with the lovely tinge of Valencia orange) and hot sourdough pita. You can sit and order at the extra-long dark wood bar. You might want to spring for a couple of signature cocktails, including the very pink and fruity  Summer Muse consisting of Botanist and Stray Dog gins, mastika, lychee, blueberry, and tonic water. A unique and refreshing “mocktail” is the  Bianco Spritz, which features rosemary water, Roots Divino Bianco, and Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic. There are also Brooklynbased non-alcoholic beers available. The wine cellar at  Iris is impressive, and the wait staff is very well-trained in wine pairing with your meal.

For more information on Iris Restaurant, visit irisrestaurant.nyc

CLUB A STEAKHOUSE

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES OF FINE FOOD

By Patricia Canole |

Photography by Neil J Tandy

What’s in a name? Well, if you ask Bruno Selimaj, owner of Club A Steakhouse, he might tell you it’s his secret to success. That’s right! The “A” in Club A is for his three sons—Arben, Agron, and Alban—all of whom work at the restaurant and help continue the core values of family hospitality and excellence in food service.

When Selimaj arrived in America in the early 1970s, he convinced a friend to secure a job at a restaurant. It happened, and there was no looking back. The young man knew the business in the next five years and became one of New York’s best-known restaurant captains.

The seed was planted, and with a leap of faith, Selimaj realized his dream of opening Bruno Ristorante. Bruno brought his core family values and warm hospitality into the business, treating all his guests like a family.

After running a thriving Italian restaurant for 30 years, Selimaj decided to do something that would include his entire family. He reimagined his Italian restaurant into Club A Steakhouse offering an unforgettable dining experience.

New York Lifestyles  enjoyed meeting Selimaj and his family, who invited us into their culinary world.

How has your childhood spent in Albania positioned you to become a remarkable success in steakhouses?

My childhood was far from steakhouses and success. We were an extremely poor family of ten who farmed and worked in the fields. The one thing it taught me was the ability to work hard, work together with my siblings/parents, and endure. It also was instilled in us from an early age always to treat our guests who would visit our home with the best care. It’s in our culture. The house of the Albanian belongs to God and the guest. The guest must be honored with bread, salt, and the heart. By nature, we are very hospitable people, which is reflected in our work here at the restaurant.

How did you work your way up in the notoriously tricky restaurant industry?

I started from the bottom without any knowledge or experience in a restaurant setting. I first started washing dishes at the famed Italian restaurant named Nani’s. Shortly after, I became a busboy at La Maganette on the eastside. I gradually rose to became a waiter and then captain. Finally, I went on to Gian Marino to work as captain. After working seven days a week, saving money and borrowing, I gambled and opened Bruno Ristorante in October 1978. It was challenging in the beginning. We had a great run for 30 years. Then we decided to revamp.

Bruno Selimag and sons, Arben, Agron & Albon

What makes owning your restaurant a better experience than simply working in one?

You get to put your passion and vision into it. It’s not work for me. I enjoy meeting different people every day. I get to, along with my sons, impact our diners’ experience the way we believe has an impression. Good food is debatable, but good service/hospitality is not. We think our philosophy has made us stand out from other restaurants.

What differentiates your restaurant from other famed steakhouses?

We are multi-leveled in a former brownstone that is 119 years old. Our four rooms are intimate. Our rooms have a more “homey” feel. I also believe we write our own scripts because we are independently owned and operated. I have nothing against big corporate steakhouses, but I feel they all read from one playbook. Customers come in for food, but they also come in to be treated well. My sons and I have meetings where we encourage our staff to be themselves. We want them to have fun and allow their character to flow while at work. We also have live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays, enhancing our guests’ mood and overall experience.

INSIDE CLUB A

While still embracing traditional steakhouse values,  Club A Steakhouse also adheres to hints of modern concepts that distinguish it from the rest. The show’s star is undeniably the steak. The restaurant offers a wide selection of high-quality cuts, each prepared perfectly by skilled chefs. From mouthwatering ribeye and tender filet mignon to a robust porterhouse are a work of art. There is a steak to satisfy every discerning palate. The menu also features an array of delectable side dishes and sauces, frankly, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

One of the hallmarks of Club A Steakhouse is its unwavering impeccable service. Bruno, his three sons, and staff members are friendly, attentive, and well-versed in the menu. They take pride in ensuring every guest feels welcomed and catered to. From recommending wine pairings to providing personalized recommendations, they go far above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience for their guests.

Of course, there’s also an impressive selection of seafood dishes for those who prefer the ocean’s bounty. The restaurant presents various options, including sea bass, salmon, and Branzino. The seafood is sourced with meticulous attention to quality.  Club A Steakhouse is also an ideal venue for private events and special occasions. The restaurant offers elegant private dining rooms, each with its unique charm. Whether you are hosting an intimate gathering or a more milestone celebration, the staff will ensure that every detail is tailored-made to your needs, making your event truly unforgettable.

Club a Steakhouse goes beyond; it offers a culinary experience worth savoring. From the moment you arrive at 240 East 48th Street, you are transported to a world of refined flavors, impeccable service, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a steak lover, a seafood enthusiast, or simply seeking an exceptional dinner,  Club A Steakhouse  promises to make your dining experience a lasting impression.

Private dining in the wine cellar

Priceless memories from 45 years of hospitality

What customer experience are you striving for?

We want them to remember us and appreciate not only the food we prepared and served them but also how they feel. It’s not something that you can fake. We try to gather as much information about our guests as possible to connect with them. We love it when someone celebrates a special occasion. We go beyond to please which sets us apart from other steakhouses/restaurants to show we do care and thank them for choosing us.

What’s your approach to sourcing beef?

We use another family-owned and operated business for our beef—master purveyors in the Bronx. The founder, Sam Solazs, was our longtime friend and customer. Unfortunately, he passed, but the company is well cared for by his two sons, Mark and Scott. We only buy prime dry-aged beef.

For more information on Club A Steakhouse, visit clubasteakhouse.com

Upstairs at Club A Steakhouse

A private corner in the main dining room

GREAT BITES

SIMPLY FUN RECIPES: ONION RINGS & FRIED CHICKEN

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Recently, I have been craving fried chicken and onion rings. Not sure why or what that’s about. And while I want to enjoy what my stomach is asking for, I don’t want to end up gaining weight or adding to my already high cholesterol numbers. So, I developed an oven baked recipe for the onion rings and an air fryer recipe for the chicken that deliver!

OVEN

BAKED ONION RINGS

Ingredients

• 1 large Vidalia onion

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large egg whites

• 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

• Cooking spray

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

• Slice the onions into 1/2-inch rings then place the rings in a bowl of water.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder. In a second medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites and the mayonnaise. Add the breadcrumbs to a third medium bowl.

• Remove each onion ring from the water, shaking off any excess and then placing it immediately into the flour, tossing until it’s thoroughly coated, then dip the onion ring into the egg white mixture until it’s thoroughly coated and then into the breadcrumbs, pressing them firmly onto all sides of the onion ring. Place the onion ring on the prepared baking sheet and repeat the coating process with the remaining onion rings.

• Thoroughly spray the onion rings with cooking spray (this is optional, but it helps them brown more evenly). Bake the onion rings for 10 minutes then flip them once and bake an additional 5 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN

Ingredients

Marinade:

• 2 lbs. bone-in skin-on chicken pieces (mix of cuts)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ¼ cup hot sauce

• 1 teaspoon each: paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika

Breading:

• 1 cup flour

• ½ cup corn starch or replace with more flour

• 1 teaspoon each: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika

• Oil for spraying chicken (canola, peanut, vegetable, or olive oil)

Preparation

Combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices for the marinade in a large bowl. Add chicken and mix to combine. Cover and marinate up to 24 hours or use right away.

• Pre-heat air-fryer to 375F.

• In a medium shallow bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, and spices for breading. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the buttermilk batter into the flour mixture and mix it through with a fork.

• Working with 1 piece at a time, dredge chicken the flour mixture and press flour on the top chicken to form a thick crust. Transfer chicken to a pre-heated air fryer in a single layer without overlapping. You may need to work in batches if needed.

• Generously spray chicken with oil or brush it down with oil. You will need to apply a generous layer enough to coat all the breading or the flour will not cook and create a crispy crust. If at any point during the cooking you still see raw flour, go ahead and brush it with a little more oil. The more oil applied the crunchier the crust will be.

• Set the air-fryer to 30 minutes and start. After 15 minutes, flip the chicken and lightly spray the other side with oil. Continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the chicken is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°. Repeat with the remaining chicken as needed.

Bon Appetit!

SPOTLIGHT ON STAGE

CHRISTINA SELBY, VICE PRESIDENT AT NEDERLANDER

By Bonnie Comley

Christina Selby is the Vice President of Production and Touring at Nederlander Producing Company of America, one of the oldest theatrical dynasties. Ms. Selby grew up on Long Island, attending many Broadway shows, and although she trained as a dancer, her original career path was to become a doctor.

After graduating from Brown University, she was hired by The Broadway League and worked there for four years before receiving her MFA from Columbia University in Theatre Management and Producing. Ms. Selby has held numerous positions throughout the Broadway industry, including Associate General Manager at Charlotte Wilcox Company, Jujamcyn, Roundabout Theatre Company, and various special events such as The Mayor’s Inner Circle, In The Heights reunion concert, and others.

In 2017, Ms. Selby was hired by Nederlander in their touring operations. She supervises staff in over 35 cities and manages investor relations and development on shows. The Nederlander Organization started in 1912 when David T. Nederlander leased the Detroit Opera House, and his son James M. Nederlaner expanded the business by acquiring theaters in New York City. The privately owned company is now run by James L. Nederlander, who continues the “tradition of producing and presenting the best in theatrical and concert events and innovating new ways to engage future generations of theatergoers.

We recently met with Christina Selby to learn more about her life and theater.

How did you get interested in the management side of theater?

When I decided not to pursue a career in the medical field, I had to take a tough, long look at my interests. I loved the arts and Broadway. Despite attending Broadway shows and being a dancer my entire life, this was the first time I had heard of arts administration or theater management.

How would you describe the Nederlander Organization?  Nederlander is, first and foremost, a family business; every person joining the team becomes a part of that family. In addition to owning nine Broadway theaters in New York and being a prolific producer of Broadway shows, we have a family of brands in a wide range of areas of the industry, including Broadway Direct and Nederlander Concerts, plus our many affiliated markets around the country.

Describe a typical Christina Selby day?

My days are all so varied there is no such thing as typical. Today, I just had two short meetings, so I was able to get caught up on a lot of busy work—I submitted my internal notes on a pre-Broadway production I recently saw, worked on intern scheduling, and vetted new candidates for the Fall cohort, processed two investments in upcoming exhibitions, and communicated with a few investors outstanding questions for closed shows.

What are you presently working on?

Right now, the big project is Once Upon A One More Time, which we finally opened on Broadway.

You also share your decades of experience as a member of The Board of Governors at The Board League. Do you have a favorite committee or mentor story to share?

As I began my career at the Broadway League, I am well versed in all the amazing programming they do for the industry and the community. As a result, I make it a point to serve the League in any way I can. I am on the Board of Governors and sit on the EDI Committee, the Rising Stars Committee, and various Task Forces such as the Spring Road Conference Planning Committee. I am a frequent panelist for the Broadway Speakers Bureau and the High School Shadowing Program. I am also the Internship Advisor for Columbia’s MFA program. I am very committed to professional development and mentorship, so that is where I focus a lot of my time.

I have several mentors that I credit with shaping my career path. Joy Axelrad, my first supervisor at the League, taught me how to work in an office setting and be a good employee. Mary McColl, one of my bosses during my tenure at the League, taught me what qualities make a good supervisor. Charlotte Wilcox, General Manager, who hired me to work with her on On Your Feet, taught me the power of saying no and how to say no without burning bridges. These lessons were crucial leading up to my current position, where my mentor is Nick Scandalios, who has been teaching me what it means to lead. I am so fortunate to have had these individuals in my life to learn from and grow my career with.

BroadwayHD

A MONTH OF COMEDY FAVORITES

By Stewart F. Lane

BroadwayHD is chock-full of comedies that will have you laughing your way through the fall. Visit broadwayhd.com to learn more!

THE GOES WRONG SHOW

In this two-season comedy series generated by Mischief Theatre (creators of The Play That Goes Wrong), an amateur dramatic society performs a series of half-hour plays for television, all of which go terribly, hilariously wrong.

PRESENT LAUGHTER

Noel Coward’s totally-irresistible and semi-autobiographical comedy follows a self-obsessed actor (played by Kevin Kline) in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Freely indulging his considerable appetite for wine, women and sleeping late, the theatre’s favorite leading man suddenly finds himself caught between fawning ingénues, crazed playwrights, secret trysts and unexpected twists.

ELAINE STRITCH AT LIBERTY

Star, legend, force of nature—whatever you call Elaine Stritch, it probably applies, and it’s never more apparent than in her deeply personal one-woman show, At Liberty. With only an oversize shirt, black tights, and a chair, Stritch mesmerizes a full house at London’s Old Vic Theatre with tales of her 50-plus-year career on stage and screen.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

Widely considered one of the funniest plays in English, Oscar Wilde’s much-loved masterpiece throws love, logic and language into the air to make one of theatre’s most dazzling firework displays. Jack, Algy, Gwendolyn and Cecily discover how unsmooth runs the course of true love, while Lady Bracknell keeps a baleful eye on this mayhem of manners.

OLD HATS

Bill Irwin and David Shiner’s funny, heartwarming, comic adventure Old Hats wowed audiences in New York’s Pershing Square Signature Center. Now, after the show has closed in New York, BroadwayHD welcomes back Bill Irwin and David Shiner in their award-winning, critically acclaimed production. Called “one of the funniest shows of the past few years” by the New York Post, this production reunites the clowns with original director Tina Landau and introduces their new songstress and comic foil Shaina Taub, hailed as “a young Judy Garland meets grown-up Lisa Simpson” by the San Francisco Chronicle. Using music, technology, and movement, Irwin and Shiner combine their inimitable magic and slapstick to create an unforgettable outing that’s fun for the whole family.

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

One of Shakespeare’s early comedies, The Comedy of Errors, is a fast-paced farce exploring mistaken identities and relations lost and found. This production was captured by Digital Theatre live at the Clapham Community Project. It was devised specifically for schools and families by the Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with the critically acclaimed theater company, Told by an Idiot. Directed by Paul Hunter, it features a cast made up from the RSC’s ensemble and uses a pared down script, props, live music and physical comedy to convey the story.

ON THE BIG SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

MOVIE PICKS OF THE MONTH

THE CREATOR

PG-13

Does the idea of AI scare you just a little? Then this is the sci-fi flick for you. John David Washington and Gemma Chan star in this futuristic tale of a time when AI forces are at war with humans for control of the planet. Not surprisingly, the AI forces control a weapon that could destroy everything. Will our heroes save the day? We sure hope so.

DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS

R

Ethan Coen goes out on his own (without brother Joel) as director and writer of this crime comedy that intertwines two women’s road trips with a gang of not-so-smart criminals. Not too surprisingly (think of his other films, like  Fargo or  Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?), this one gets wiggy fast, with stars Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Margaret Qualley, and Geraldine Viswanathan having a grand old time bringing Coen’s award-winning (and slightly twisted) sensibilities to the screen.

THE EQUALIZER 3 Not yet rated

In this third installment of the popular crime thriller franchise, Denzel Washington is back as Robert McCall, the man they call  The Equalizer

This time out, he’s retired in Italy, but (surprise!) he’s pulled back into the action when the Mafia starts pushing his new neighbors around. Dakota Fanning joins in the action, along with David Denman and a slew of Italian thespians in this thriller shot along the Amalfi Coast.

A HAUNTING IN VENICE

P-13

Kenneth Branagh has settled into his role as Hercule Poirot, this time adapting the Agatha Christie classic Halowe’en Party to a new location. As the film’s director, too, Branagh filmed in Venice (why wouldn’t you, if you could?) and recruited another all-star cast to come along for the mystery: Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Dornan, Kelly Reilly, Tina Fey, and his young protégé Jude Hill (from  Belfast) all keep the suspense going right until the very end when Poirot once again gets his killer.

THE OUTLAW JOHNNY BLACK

PG-13

Michael Jai White writes, directs, and stars in this comedic Black Western that mixes up a bit of Mel Brooks, a dash of Kung-Fu, and plenty of horseriding, gun-slinging, bar-trashing fun along the way. He’s got a familiar cast in place, from Anika Noni Rose, Tommy Davidson, Jill Scott, and Russell Peters to Barry Bostwick and Chris Browning, all doing their best to keep up with his Wild West antics as the zany plot zings along.

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

LAUGHS GALORE

GEN V Prime Video

Fans of The Boys will want to tune into this series spinoff, as the original superheroes in the saga are trained and learn about the mysterious Compound V. They are Gen V and include actors like Patrick Schwarzenegger (yes, Arnold is his dad) and Sean Patrick Thomas, as well as The Boys veterans Jessie T. Usher, Colby Minifie and P. J. Byrne. This action, comedy, and drama is what made The Boys a repeat Emmy nominee.

KRAPOPOLIS Fox

Dan Harmon, the Emmy winner who created Rick and Morty and Community, is back with this adult animated comedy series about a mythical ancient Greek city ruled by a family that includes humans, gods, and monsters. The best part for us is that it also includes Ted Lasso’s wonder woman Hannah Waddingham as the leading voice and many other talented actors. Anything Hannah likes, we like.

SELF RELIANCE

Hulu

Actor Jake Johnson (The New Girl and Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse) takes a giant leap with this comic tale of a man who gets swept up into a life-or-death reality show. He not only stars in this comedy film, but he also wrote and directed it. So, to say he’s putting himself out there is an understatement. He’s an intelligent guy with talents like Andy Samberg, Wayne Brady, Anna Kendrick, and Christopher Lloyd, along for the ride.

FLIGHTS OF FANTASY

THE CHANGELING Apple TV+

LaKeith Stanfield parlayed his acting Oscar nomination for Judas and the Black Messiah into taking on both a starring and executive producer role in this new fantasy-horror series set in New York City—or is it?

It’s an adaptation of the award-winning novel by Victor LaValle about a man searching for his wife and child after they disappear; when he finds a whole new world, he discovers that nothing he knows is as it seems.

ONE PIECE Netflix

Based on the bestselling Japanese manga series of all time, One Piece is a live-action series that follows a classic quest, as our hero Monkey D. Luffy (Inaki Godoy), heads off to sea in search of a famous lost treasure. He ends up amid pirates and pretty women embroiled in many outrageous adventures before the quest is complete. Also starring Makenyu, whose father was Sonny Chiba, the legendary Japanese martial artist/actor.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD!

A VISIT TO THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG CENTER & HOME

By Clint Brownfield | Photos Courtesy of The Louis Armstrong House, Jack Bradley, Albert Vecerkai/Esto

The legendary Louis Armstrong went by many names—Satchmo, Satch, Pops–and is considered by many to be the founding father of jazz, the most American of all art forms. Among his most remembered classic hits were “Hello, Dolly!” “When You’re Smiling,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and perhaps most noteworthy, “What a Wonderful World.”

When we toured the house and center on opening day, our knowledgeable guide, Moses, explained why Pops thought his world was so wonderful when it wasn’t all that remarkable for many African Americans during his lifetime. The explanation was because of his love for the beautiful home he shared with his beloved wife Lucille in the little jazz enclave in Corona. His friend and fellow superstar, Dizzy Gillespie, lived just around the corner. This was Armstrong’s cherished wonderful world—which may now be visited by devotees from all over the globe.

HIS LOVE OF CORONA

Unbeknownst to her husband, Lucille made a down payment on the house. e in 1943 at 34-56 107th Street, where he would live until he left us in 1971. Shortly after, Lucille gave ownership of it to the City of New York to create a museum focused on her husband.

And now, just across the street stands the newly opened Louis Armstrong Center—the world’s largest institution devoted to any single jazz artist, housing the 60,000-piece archive of Louis and Lucille Armstrong, a 75-seat venue offering performances, lectures, films, and educational experiences, and a gift shop where jazz lovers from all over can purchase a memento to remind them of their visit when they get back home.

Both floors of the red brick home are on view. Visitors only need to stay on vinyl runners to protect the historic rooms, which include: the large dining room, formal living room, primary bedroom, kitchen, and Louis’ den, where he spent time organizing what would become his archives and listening to music via a now vintage state-of-the-art reel-to-reel music system.

Guides point out photos of Armstrong alone and surrounded by friends and family in each room. Buttons are pushed and recorded music and voices transport visitors to the home’s heyday. Armstrong acquired two lots on the south side of the house and still provide a lush urban oasis to be enjoyed by visitors to the house and center. Everyone is awestruck when they first see the amazingly tall trees in this garden. They must be some of the tallest trees in Queens and provide an extraordinary place to sit and reflect on this beautifully preserved Wonderful World created by Louis and Lucille Armstrong.

For more information on The Louis Armstrong House, visit louisarmstronghouse.org

A LOVE OF HUMANITY & MUSIC

The opening exhibit, Here to Stay, is curated by Grammy awardwinning pianist, composer, and Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz, Jason Moran. It looks at Louis Armstrong’s five-decade career as a musician, archivist, collaborator, and community builder. For Moran, the exhibition is “a declaration of Louis Armstrong’s infinite love of music and humanity.”

Across the street, tours of the house museum, limited to 10 people, are offered, led by volunteer guides. When Moses guided us through the house on opening day, we were immediately transported back to the 1960s via the home’s decor: Metallic foil wallpaper with matching wide vertical blinds, plush white carpeting, Danish-style furniture, and wooden kitchen cabinets painted in numerous coats of turquoise lacquer. Although the overall effect is subdued, a riot of mirrors, colors, and textures in the main floor bathroom offers a more vibrant side of many rooms of that era.

PAWS DOWN…TAILS UP

HELPING YOUR RESCUE DOG THRIVE

By Melanie Carden

Rescuing a dog from a shelter is an incredible act of love. My husband and I recently rescued a two-year-old street dog, and in addition to oodles of patience, these are some of the toys and tools that have proved invaluable the past few months. Most experts agree that it takes a rescue dog’s nervous system about three months to acclimate, once the pup has arrived at its furever home. With that in mind, the goal is to understand that a new rescue is navigating a lot of new expectations, experiences, and emotions.

A COZY RESTING SPOT

If you’ve spent some time on social media, you have probably seen videos of new rescue dogs—giddy with joy—snuggling in their first-ever bed. FÜZI has several high-sided beds for extra coziness. Info: fuzipets.com

INVEST IN GPS

Of course, it makes sense that newly adopted dogs are a flight risk, so having a GPS collar set up on day one is a good idea. The Link unit is on the smaller side, plus its functionality is topnotch. Info: linkmypet.com

CALMING = CARING

A new rescue dog is nervous and unsure of the new sights, sounds, and surroundings. It’s incredibly helpful to have calming products on hand—like these Alzoo diffusers and collars—to see what works best for your new buddy. Info: alzoo-vet.com

GOTHAM GOODNESS

NYC-based store Gotham is lovely and eclectic, plus they create highquality CBD products. In addition to their own line of tinctures, they offer these calming Head & Heal bacon treats from Cortland, New York.

Info: gotham.nyc

SAVE YOUR SILLS

Though it’s not guaranteed, there’s certainly a chance your new dog might be curious about what’s on the other side of the windows. Prevent potential windowsill scratches with these ingenious protectors from Sill Shield, which come in standard and custom sizes.

Info: sillshield.com

HARNESS INSURANCE

Walking a new-to-you dog requires patience and vigilance, since they might be skittish. This handy Gentle Creatures gadget simultaneously attaches to the harness and the dog’s regular collar, providing the ultimate protection against any potential harnessHoudini escapes.

Info: gentlecreatures.co

SCENTED TOYS

Sometimes a new buddy needs a little encouragement with toys, so these Project Hive scented dog toys are wonderful. The scents range from Calming Lavender to Tropical Coconut and help kickstart a play session. Info: projecthivepetcompany.com

SAFETY ABOVE ALL ELSE

Your new four-legged bestie loves the satisfaction of a bully stick chew toy, but it’s critical to keep safety top-of-mind. As your dog gets to the end of the stick, that last nub can be a choking hazard. Safety Chew is an effortless way to keep play time safe. Info: safetychew.com

LICK MATS TO THE RESCUE

Regulating emotions—fear, excitement, nervousness—can be a challenge for your new dog, at first. Licking is a naturally soothing activity for dogs, so keep a few Soda Pup lick mats in the freezer. Fill them with peanut butter or yogurt. Info: sodapup.com

DEALING WITH DENTAL

We all know how crucial dental care is for our dogs, but a new rescue might be leery of bristles in its mouth. Use the toothbrush as a toy, at the start. You can rely on dental bones like these from Zesty Paws, in the meantime. Info: zestypaws.com

TREE TUGS

Any new dog—and most dogs, in general—will benefit from interactive toys. This Tree Tugger toy from Jolly Pets is great exercise for your pets and just might give you a little time to rejuvenate. It’s helpful to have a few toys that your new dog can play with independently. Info: jollypets.com

THE BEST OF BALL

Keeping with the theme of finding ways for a new rescue pup to play independently, this PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy is a valuable tool. Not only will it launch standard tennis balls, it also has the added safety feature of a motion detector. Info: Petco.com

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER

DAN OLIVER: A SEASONED PRO

By Jenna Guarneri

In the ever-competitive food and beverage industry, a great product isn’t always enough. To be a successful entrepreneur in this industry, it is critical to understand what makes your brand unique and how to best reach the audience that will resonate with your story. Staying flexible, knowing when to pivot, and creating genuine connections with consumers can be the most valuable traits for an entrepreneur to hold.

Since he was young, Dan Oliver knew he was destined for something big. From dreaming of becoming a famous NFL quarterback to envisioning himself as a professional pool player, Dan’s aspirations were always set high. However, life often has a way of taking unexpected turns, and his path to success would prove to be a unique and inspiring one.

PLANTING A SEED

Dan’s entrepreneurial journey began in the hospitality industry, where he spent five years as a bartender. It was during this time that the seeds of entrepreneurship were planted. Dan tossed around a few business ideas, including a disposable toothbrush business, but those ideas didn’t stick in the long term.

While in college in 2001, Dan was experimenting with spices on chicken thighs and stumbled on the perfect flavor profile for his now Dan-O’s Original Seasoning. The turning point came when Dan decided to share his signature chicken recipe with a regular customer at the bar. The customer’s reaction was nothing short of a revelation. This is the best chicken I’ve ever had. Why aren’t you selling this?” Those words resonated with Dan, and the “Aha!” moment sparked a brilliant idea—selling his unique seasoning blend instead of the chicken itself.

THE PERFECT BLEND

With eight thousand dollars in savings, Dan began creating his seasoning company. He worked to perfect the blend, meticulously selecting his signature blend of rosemary, lemon peel, and orange peel to achieve the perfect flavor. The result was a better-for-you seasoning that stands out from others on the market for its versatility and ability to enhance food’s natural flavors without overpowering them. This makes it a goto condiment for home cooks and professional chefs who value quality ingredients and delicious taste.

In 2015, Dan launched his seasoning brand, Dan-O’s Seasoning. Dan attended fairs, festivals, and flea markets, trying to reach a broader audience. These experiences allowed him to interact directly with potential customers, understand their preferences, and build lasting connections.

However, in early 2020, the pandemic hit the world, halting his business plan of attending fairs, festivals, and flea markets to sell products. Seeing the rise of brands using TikTok, Dan pivoted to social media to continue expanding the brand. Shifting the marketing strategy to social media quickly became the best thing for Dan-O’s Seasoning. Dan started posting regularly on TikTok, showcasing his products, sharing recipes, and engaging with his audience—he saw his page gaining traction in the first week, and his social media presence skyrocketed.

When discussing this time in his career, Dan shared, “Listen to the naysayers as motivation. I had a whole handful of people who were naysayers initially, but you have to use it more as fuel to fire your motivation.”

GIVING BACK

Dan-O’s TikTok page quickly amassed followers, and his videos garnered millions of likes. People were captivated by the delicious dishes he prepared and Dan’s genuine personality and passion for his craft. Dan turned adversity into opportunity through hard work, resilience, and a strong belief in his product. Creating a solid presence on social media also opened doors to many exciting opportunities, including celebrity collaborations and partnerships with prominent food influencers.

Despite the challenges and the success, Dan always retained sight of his core values. Giving back to the community is something he prioritizes, and he made it a priority for Dan-O’s Seasoning. Every year, the company chooses a local charity to support during the holiday season, extending a helping hand to those in need.

Dan shared his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Always be openminded, always be willing to listen to other people, and be resourceful.” He further notes, “You have to have a good product. If it’s not the best product in the world, you must believe it is. You have to believe in your product and have passion for what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Every successful entrepreneur in the world takes risks. It’s okay to take them. Know what you’re risking.”

As for what the future holds for Dan-O’s Seasoning, Dan’s vision remains clear: he aims to keep creating more innovative seasoning products and continuously exploring new flavors and possibilities. Dan-O’s will stay committed to providing outstanding taste and wholesome, quality ingredients that cater to the health-conscious consumer.

For more information on Dan-O’s Seasoning, visit danosseasoning.com

MY NEW YORK STORY

AN AFTERNOON TEA AT TIFFANY’S

By Ellen Easton

Many moons ago, when I was ten, I saved up twenty-five dollars to buy my parents an anniversary gift. With my cash in hand, off I went to Tiffany’s to make my first grownup purchase of a set of four black toile, gold-rimmed espresso cups and saucers with a request that they be sent with a card.

The salesperson called for the manager. The manager, in turn, was so taken that a child was making such a purchase after learning of the address, a house charge account was opened for me right on the spot. Oh yes, this was not legal, and I’m not certain if it was even a real account, but I took it as a welcoming sign to return, and a lifelong customer was created that day. I began collecting tea wares, one piece at a time.

IN THE BEGINNING

My interest in tea is inherited, having a relationship to the world of tea and social history that dates back over two centuries. The family can trace our tea roots to Baron Salomon Benedict de Worms (18011882), the first Baron de Worms of the Austrian Empire  At an early age, Baron de Worms went to Frankfurt, Germany, to join his uncle in business, eventually settling in Ceylon. In 1841, he and his brothers, Maurice and Gabriel, contributed significantly to the development of the Colony by introducing tea plants from Assam, India, and China, thus building one of the island’s most extensive and best-cultivated tea estates. In 1874, Queen Victoria granted Baron de Worms the Royal Right to use his title in England.

Collateral ancestors Sir Benjamin Phillips and his son Sir George Faudel Phillips both served as the Lord Mayor of London during the reign of Queen Victoria, in 1866 and 1898 respectively. Sir George Faudel Phillips presided as the Lord Mayor of London during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Relative, Almina, The 5th Countess of Carnarvon ‘s home Highclere Castle, is now known as the setting for Julian Fellowes’ Downton Abbey

My professional life followed my love of tea, as introduced to me by my mother, the artist Reva Paul As an afternoon tea-etiquette-lifestyle authority—and, in addition, my  Tea Travels™ writings—I am a columnist and guest lecturer. As a consultant to the hospitality, food, retail, and special event industries, specializing in corporate training, afternoon tea menu planning, recipe development, and the design of related products my clients have included The Waldorf -Astoria and Plaza hotels, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

BLUE BOX SURPRISE

To come full circle, I recently savoured Afternoon Tea nestled within the newly renovated Tiffany’s  Blue Box Café™ by New York’s Michelin Star Chef and Restaurateur Daniel Boulud. It is in and of itself a work of art. The Tiffany blue and white décor is a cheerful welcome to a robust atmosphere of activity.

Under the artistic hands of Executive Chef, Raphaelle Bergeon, and the watchful eyes of General Manager, Valentin Bouchet, and his dedicated staff, no detail is too finite to insure all is presented to the Tiffany standard of excellence. Daniel Boulud never disappoints. A visit to the Tiffany & Co. NYC, Blue Box Café is one every afternoon tea lover should be happy to experience.

For more information on Ellen Easton, visit Tea Travels™ at thethreetomatoes.com/category/food-drink-tea-travels.

©Ellen Easton

ANN LIGUORI

A TRUE TRAILBLAZER IN SPORTS MEDIA

By Ann Grenier

Ann Liguori, renowned sports talk show host, journalist, and author, was recently honored with a Gracie Award presented by the Alliance for Women in Media to celebrate programming created for women, by women, and about women.

Talking Golf with Ann Liguori, heard Sunday mornings, 8 to 9 am on WFAN-NY, won in the Talk Show-Sports (Radio/Local) category.

The winning entry from her 2022 season featured Ann talking about the battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Ann’s guest in that show was Christine Brennan of USA Today. Both women shared strong opinions about the controversial topic.

“I’m thrilled to have won a Gracie Award,” says Liguori, “and more importantly, is the fact that there is a category for women in sport’s broadcasting! I applaud the Alliance for Women in Media for creating this category and for recognizing and appreciating women in so many areas of the broadcast industry.”

Ann’s Talking Golf show features Ann talking about the top news and issues in golf, and her in-depth interviews with top names, movers and shakers in the sport.

Ann was the first female to host a call-in sports talk show on WFAN-NY, the first all-sports radio station. Hey Liguori, What’s the Story has aired weekly for 25 years. In addition, Ann was the first woman to host a weekly, prime-time show on the Golf Channel. Conversations with Ann Liguori featured Ann playing golf and walking with A-List celebrities while getting them to share sides of them, seldom heard.

SO MUCH MORE

In addition to her work in sports media, Ann hosts a charity golf tournament every year on the East End of Long Island that raises money for cancer research and care. Her 25th Annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic took place in May at Friar’s Head in Baiting Hollow, New York. St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital is the beneficiary this year. The Foundation also supports the Ann Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholarship, administered by NYWICI (Women in Communications).

“It was special to be at Friar’s Head for our Silver Anniversary,” says Liguori. “My thanks to all who take part in our efforts and support our important mission every year. Our participants, our amazing group of volunteers and committee members, all contributed to the program’s success.”

Sponsors and donors for this year’s charity golf tournament included ABM, Tommy & Shounda Foster, TaylorMade, Casa de Campo, Dooney & Bourke, EyeKing Eyewear, Ibkul Athleisure Apparel, Imperial Hats, Indigo East End, Nailed Golf: Shelley West, North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland, Peakvision, Tifosi Sunglasses, and TourEdge.

Ann is also an author. Her book, A Passion for Golf, Celebrity Musings about the Game is a collection of these interviews. Ann’s second book, Life Lessons in Golf, will be published in the spring of 2024.

Ann was honored with the ‘Winnie Palmer Award,’ at the MET Golf Writers National Award’s Dinner, in June of 2022, previously awarded to Barbara Nicklaus, Nancy Lopez, Tom Watson, Ernie Els and Gary Player, to name a few.

Ann is the Global Ambassador for IBKUL Athleisure line and has collaborated on a jewelry line with Dune Jewelry called the Hamptons Rope Collection.

For more info on the Ann Liguori Foundation, visit annliguori.com/philanthropy; for IBKUL Athleisure, visit ibkul.com

© Neil J Tandy

THE DIABETES RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

RAISING AWARENESS FOR A CURE

By Elizabeth Darwen

The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and Foundation (DRIF) held their third annual Hamptons Garden Gala to raise awareness and funds for finding a biological cure for diabetes. The event was hosted and co-chaired by Patricia and Roger Silverstein and held at their beautiful home in Water Mill, NY. Vice Chairs for the event included Doug Donaldson, Abigail Pollak, Susan Shin, and Lauren Smart.

At the gala, The DRIF’s Scientific Director, Matthias von Herrath, M.D., shared some of the latest developments in the field of diabetes research. Guests were entertained by live music, a luxury silent auction, dancing under the stars, and more. Additionally, they were wowed by acclaimed speed painter Revel, who painted the evening’s first live auction item upside down, keeping guests and bidders guessing until he flipped it around to reveal a beautiful pop rendition of the Venus de Milo.  Tonight Show  comedian Seth Herzog conducted the live auction as auctioneer and emcee.

A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the DRIF has thousands of supporters in the United States and worldwide and, in addition to its headquarters in Florida, operates a regional development office in New York. The DRIF was created for one reason–to cure diabetes–and will continue to be its singular focus until that goal is reached.

THE BEST HOPE FOR A CURE

The DRIF is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate, and committed to curing diabetes. Its mission: to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now–is a testament to the belief that tomorrow is not soon enough to cure those living with diabetes. For the millions of individuals and families affected by diabetes, it is the best hope for a cure.

Catering was provided by Peter Ambrose, wine by Sip Channé, Grapes & Greens and Chandon by Moët Hennessy, and tequila by Flecha Azul Tequila with The Purist.

Notable Attendees included Doug Donaldson, Abigail Pollak, Susan Shin, Lauren Smart, Matthias von Herrath, M.D., Natalie von Herrath, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, Luann de Lesseps, Revel, Seth Herzog, Michael Burton, Jean Shafiroff, Carrie Packin, Brian Packin, Noreen Donovan, Jim Donovan, Kavita Channe, Valerie Greenberg, Maximilian Eicke, Irina Eicke, Viktoria von Siemens, Andrea Greeven Douzet, and Laura Nicklas.

For more information on the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, visit diabetesresearch.org

Patricia Silverstein, Roger Silverstein

TIME OUT WITH…

ROGER SICHEL

By Peter Elston

ARTACOM Southampton is the most exciting showcase of arts, highlighting education, performance, VR new media, and philanthropy. The East End’s premiere fine arts gallery has hosted several special receptions with Roger Sichel and friends, and each night has been a memorable experience.

The founder and curator of the successful exhibit—now extended through October—is using his eclectic background and renowned career to help launch prosperous paths for other artists looking to achieve the same level of recognition.

His prior experience has brought a new light to a show in the Hamptons that is breaking barriers and enlightening audiences in a new way, all while building a healthy platform for artisans to be entrepreneurs in the modern tech world. Sichel’s experience in different fields has expanded over decades.

ART IS IN HIS DNA

Sichel’s photojournalist background had him tell important visual stories during the late 1960s and 1970s by capturing star-studded musical performances. He showcased Woodstock in various Hearst & McGraw Hill Publications,  Variety, and rock magazines. He established a premiere New York film festival with notables Andy Warhol, Gore Vidal, and Milos Forman.

This was done as he produced other concerts with famous musicians such as The Doors, Four Seasons, and Isaac Hayes. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he even began university lecturing and immersing himself in technological innovation to become a profound entrepreneur, not least being part of the team that created the auto-correct function that saves our daily typos.

With incredible experience in several fields, he is shifting the paradigm in 2023 and curating a positive cultural revolution that the Hamptons have never witnessed. Every artist lucky to work with him is now experiencing a new level of awareness in the public eye and gaining the capabilities to promote and sell their work in both traditional formats and the scope of the latest technology available through the exhibit.

The artists include Roger Sichel, Patrick McMullan, Don Hershman, Inson Wood, Ray Gross, John Melillo, Peter Max, Stas Rutkowski, Maxi, Julie O’Brien, Leila Pinto, Cannon Hersey, John Hersey, Howard Kanovitz, Jaxi, Gabe Aiello and DJ Leon.

Works Include highlights from Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alexander Chen, Pino, Felix Mas, Karl Wenig, Marsel Mouly, Patrick Guyton, Peter Max, Andrew Bone, Scott Jacobs, Leblanc Stewart, Anatole Krasnyansy and Edmund Blair Leighton.

ARTACOM is a publicly supported show. The Southampton Cultural Center/ARTACOM is a 501(c)(3) that has the mission of bringing the arts to all. The event takes place at 25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY. For more information on ARTACOM, visit artacom.io

THE FINAL WORD

MASS EXODUS

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Does anyone else feel we are living in one giant Candid Camera episode? When will Allen Funt make his signature appearance to tell us that we have been living through a big joke? I know. It’s wishful thinking. So, let me explain.

Recently, the New York State Comptroller released his year-over-year report on tax revenue for the state. This April saw a 39.9 percent drop in tax revenue compared to this time in 2022. Fathom that, almost 40 percent less in tax revenue. Yet the city and the state have published record-breaking spending budgets for the following year. Can someone please tell me where they are getting the extra money? And, surprise, we are still seeing taxpayers fleeing the most expensive state in the U.S. in droves. During the pandemic, we had already lost over 500,000 residents in the top income bracket. That is why this year’s tax revenues dropped so significantly. Look for next year’s to be even worse, as we are on par to lose another 250,000. But apparently, the Governor and Mayor both know something none of us do.

HERE’S MY QUESTION

How can anyone with any semblance of intelligence, or honesty, continue to push forward a budget-breaking agenda filled with pork projects, graft, and evident neglect for the very voters who fund tax revenues? For example, homeless New Yorkers are being removed from shelters in favor of migrants due to budget issues.

The city cannot afford a slice of 99-cent pizza right now (which is no longer $0.99 thanks to skyrocketing costs—most of which are born out of the very decisions that led to the aforementioned exodus). So how are we paying over $8 million per day for what, quite frankly, is a manufactured “crisis”? The Federal government has barely made a dent in paying back New York. Surprising, I know! All of this is centered around Mayor Adams’ re-election dreams and a City Council hellbent on bankrupting the city for their own agenda and political favors.

Speaking of the Federal mismanagement corporation and adding insult to injury, congestion pricing has allegedly been finalized. Yet, the MTA, Governor, Mayor, and City Council cannot be bothered to push through a commonsense approach to this “urgent program to avoid defaulting and saving the MTA.” Then again, having sense is anything but common. In other words, look to spend over $10 per day just to come into Midtown Manhattan with your vehicle (which could be as high as $25 per day as the final price is yet to be determined), all to help save a public benefit corporation who has mismanaged their funds so badly, they had to be bailed out by Governor Paterson in 2009.

Clearly, things have not changed in 14 years as they continue to spend our money from daily fares recklessly! Oh, and we are still paying for that 2009 bailout on a daily basis. Suppose congestion pricing makes it (the headwinds and lawsuits are already stacking up against it). In that case, you can look for increased costs at restaurants, grocers, and bodegas across the city as they pass on the costs to taxpayers. And those very taxpayers are already looking to the exit, which means congestion pricing will prompt another mass exodus.

My point is simple. New York is broke. Politicians are making matters far worse. We are losing residents in a mass exodus because of a reckless tax and spending mentality that has driven every cost through the roof. This has made New York completely unapproachable for the middle class. The middle class that allowed us to be known as the Melting Pot is also leaving. It’s become more like a Melted Pot, and people are not coming back despite what the Mayor and Governor try to tell us. If you believe them over actual facts, then you are part of the problem. Stop putting your head in the sand, apologizing for their greed and malfeasance.

It is time to hold these people accountable and return to being the Empire State leading the world!

Tropical

Round

Welcome

Round Hill Hotel and Villas

John Pringle Drive, Montego Bay Jamaica

www.roundhill.com

Reservations: 1-800-972-2159

reservations@roundhill.com