Spring 2017 l People & Pet Issue

VILLE Haley Brookings 8 the 2nd annual

GREAT

2017 COVER MODEL

BOB FERGUSON SHERI SCHULTZ DAVID RHEINS ANDREW WALSH KRISTIN EBELING CHARLENE STRONG PAUL CALDWELL TEN HUNDRED

FEATURING RICO AND ROPER

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARDS FINALISTS

+

ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR ROBYN FRITZ

PEOPLE & PET ISSUE SPRING 2017

INSIDER ACCESS TO CITY LIFESTYLEÂ

VILLEMAGAZINE.COM

4

villemagazine.com

people & pet issue

5

CONTENTS

the features Leaders of the Pack Meet the 2017 Cover Model Search finalists

48 photo l Jessica Drake

6

villemagazine.com

The Great 8 Our 2017 picks of amazing Washingtonians that are creating, inspiring, and influencing change

27 photo l Sheri Schultz with Leo and Finn l Lisi Wolf Photography 48

the standards

12

City Scene: Animal Control Could you and your pet be breaking the law?

14

The Dish: Menus of Merit 2017 James Beard Foundation Awards Finalists

18

Cocktail Culture: Oh My Agave!

The latest trending spirit and where to indulge

21

Be Entertained: Rockin' History Discover Seattle's hidden music treasures Animal Instinct

24

Monumental Mammals Amazing animals throughout history Pet Talk Interview with animal communicator, Robyn Fritz

37

Tech Specs: Mindful Manipulation Enhance your world with the AR products

39

Health Check: Mercury Rising Could your mouth be filled with poison?

40

Get Fit: Training Day Top personal trainers to get you fit

42

The Getaway: Off to the Races Grab your fancy hat and head to races

66

One Last Thing: Top Dogs (and Cats) Meet Ville Magazine's four-legged staff

9

from the publisher

22

people & pet issue

7

publisher

Charity Mainville food and drink editor

Lauren Adam entertainment editor

Casey Martin copy editor

Jen Middleton contributors

Dr. Scott Mindel, Tannya Bernadette, Blake Hamilton, Yasmin Tavakoli, Anna DiBlosi, Daniel Hager contributing photographers

James Cheng, Jessica Drake marketing intern

Anna DiBlosi advertising inquiries

Pet & People Issue spring 2017

2017 ville magazine cover model

Haley Brookings

VILLE Haley Brookings 8 the 2nd annual

GREAT

BOB FERGUSON SHERI SCHULTZ DAVID RHEINS ANDREW WALSH KRISTIN EBELING CHARLENE STRONG PAUL CALDWELL TEN HUNDRED

2017 COVER MODEL FEATURING RICO AND ROPER

advertising@villemagazine.com

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARDS FINALISTS

editorial submissions*

ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR

+

editorial@villemagazine.com

ROBYN FRITZ

*Ville Magazine does not accept fashion photography editorial submissions.

general questions

contact@villemagazine.com www.villemagazine.com

www.facebook.com/villemagazine Twitter: @VilleMagSEA Instagram: @villemagazine Ville Magazine is published by Creating Awesome Media, LLC Ville Magazine and the entire contents of this magazine are copyright 2017. All rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or part without the written permission from the publisher. printed by publication printers

www.publicationprinters.com distributed by tgs media

tgsmedia.com

8

villemagazine.com

PEOPLE & PET ISSUE SPRING 2017

INSIDER ACCESS TO CITY LIFESTYLE

VILLEMAGAZINE.COM

puppies

Rico & Roper l Ginger's Pet Rescue l www.gingerspetrescue.org photographer

Jessica Drake l JLD Imagery l jldimagery.com hair and makeup

Vann.Edge Salon l vannedge.com dress

Lulu's First Comes Love Blush Pink Maxi Dress l ww.lulus.com earrings

Garnet Smokey Jasper Earrings l Se•lyn Boutique l www.facebook.com/selynboutique www.villecovermodel.com

FROM THE PUBLISHER

photo l Jessica Drake - JLD Imagery

I’ve always found people intriguing. While people watching, I would often wonder who each person was. What do they do for a living? Are they happily married? Are they a good person or bad? Throughout high school and my first year of college, it was my career goal to become a criminal or forensic psychologist. I wanted to save good people from bad. I wanted to be able to look at a case and profile who they needed to be looking for. I wanted to understand how one person’s mind could be so different from another. .

I obviously switched my career path, instead of writing up a case reports I am sitting here writing and laying out this magazine issue, filled with pages of good, intriguing people. When on the hunt for this year’s Great 8, I wanted to showcase people that are really making a difference — whether in politics, philanthropy, business or art.

As my team of writers and I sat down to collaborate, it didn’t take long before the list was beyond our expectations. Bob Ferguson, Sheri Schultz, David Rheins, Charlene Strong, Paul Caldwell, Kristin Eberling, Andrew Walsh, and Ten Hundred all have a common denominator – they are great men and women, making a big difference and achieving their dreams in their own, unique, way.

There are also 15 beautiful women spread across this issue’s fashion pages for our annual cover search. I changed the name from Cover Girl to Cover Model simply because these are not girls, they are

women – model women. The word “model” can be misconstrued when first reading it, but one definition of the word is: a person or thing regarded as an excellent example of a specified quality. Each of them are strong, confident, women with their own story to tell.

The beautiful Miss Haley Brookings, a small city girl with big dreams earned this year’s cover. From the moment I met her, she exuded confidence, kindness, and determination. It was evident; I wasn’t the only one that recognized it based on the hundreds of supporters that voted for her.

Changing the name wasn’t the only thing different this year. This year, I incorporated rescue dogs from Ginger’s Pet Rescue (read more about her in our Holiday 2016 issue) to help spread awareness of pets in need and because of the important bond between animals and humans that has been studied for years.

It’s probably evident by now I have a personal love for all animals, especially dogs. My “dogaughter” has changed my life. There isn’t a day that goes by where she doesn’t make me laugh. I am empathetic towards her just as much as she is towards me. She lays by my side when I’m exhausted, gets me up to play when I’m stressed or licks my tears away when I’m sad.

It made sense to change the People Issue to the People & Pet Issue because all animals, dogs, cats, horses, or any other mammal are essential in helping humans. They save lives, assist the mental and physically disabled, and simply lift our spirits, reducing our stress.

Recent surveys and studies show that more and more often pets are recognized as not just four-legged furry friends, but as their own children. They look to us as their pack – as their family — and in return we do the same. There is no doubt the barrier between communication is a hard one, but every person has the intuition to understand and feel what their loved ones are projecting. For those who may not have found it yet, they may seek the help of someone who can. That’s why many go to Robyn Fritz, a Seattle animal communicator amongst other things, claims to be able to assist in connecting with you with your pet by allowing them to speak to you through her. Don’t be too quick to dismiss the idea, there are many who believe it and share just how much she has helped them.

If you have a furbaby, as most Seattleites do, then you most likely can understand my passion for animals and will enjoy this issue just as much as I have putting it together. If you don’t, may these pages inspire you to go out and help save a life. There are countless rescue dogs and cats throughout the city that need a loving home. I hope you take inspiration from the featured people in this issue — follow their lead, make your own change in the world today.

Charity Mainville & Atlas

people & pet issue

9

10

villemagazine.com

people & pet issue

11

CITY SCENE

Animal Control writer l Charity Mainville

photo l Javier Brosch

In Seattle, animals rule the population. Dogs often receive the most attention, but, as of 2012 more Seattleites own cats. In fact, according to recent studies, one out of eight Seattle locals is a cat owner. This equates to 29.5% of the population. Dogs come in second at 25.2% and children take third at only 19.7%. Seattle has also been ranked in multiple reports as one of the most pet friendly cities in the US (No. 2 in 2016 by Zumper). There are responsibilities to owning a pet. The state, county and city have laws in place that must be followed or you could end up with a hefty fine.

The full list is available online at www.seattle.gov but here are a few of the most common broken pet laws.

TAG, YOU'RE IT Seattle Municipal Code Section 9.25.050 states that all cats, dogs, miniature goats and potbellied pigs must be licensed. That doesn’t mean simply microchipping your pet — even though that does help with lost or runaway pets. You must register through the Seattle Animal Shelter website. Once registered, you will receive an identification tag. Keep in mind, if your pet is microchipped they aren’t required to wear the tag. Fees to license your animal range from $24 up to $200 for one to two years depending on the age, type of animal, and whether it’s spayed or neutered. Seems like a better deal than paying a $125 violation fine.

RUNNING FREE It’s well known that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in public areas — except where noted and at off leash dog parks.

Even though the city does have multiple off-leash parks, most aren’t sufficient or big enough to let your canine get a long run in. Unfortunately, many dog owners choose to take the risk at onleash parks. Every time you are caught it results in a higher fine.

Charges start at $50 and go up to $150. Last year, four more offleash parks were proposed by the city, but location, completion date, and size have not been announced yet.

POOPER SCOOPER Pet owners are expected to scoop up their dogs’ (and cats’) poop in any public areas including off-leash areas. It is also common courtesy because no one wants to step in it! These laws and expectations are not limited to just public places. The law also requires you to clean up at your own home at least once every 24 hours. If caught leaving it behind it will cost you $54, leaving it in your yard, $109. Letting the poop pile up is considered unsanitary and you could be charged with animal cruelty and a $1,000 fine.

12

villemagazine.com

CUSTODY BATTLE Breakups and custody battles for children can get messy. What about who gets the pet? Washington state views your pet as personal property so awarding custody for one is the same as deciding who gets the furniture, car, or equipment — meaning most likely visitation rights won’t be included. However, there is demand for a change. Even though Washington isn’t on board yet other states are. This past January, Alaska amended its divorce statutes, becoming the first state in the country to require courts to take “into consideration the well-being of the animal” allowing judges to assign joint custody of pets. It won’t be long until more states follow and hopefully sooner than later in Washington.

CITY SCENE

THERE’S AN ART TO IT.

- Voted “Seattleʼs Best Bloody Mary” by USA Today people & pet issue 13 SOUTH LAKE UNION l CAPITOL HILL l REDMOND l 21+ l SAMSTAVERNSEATTLE.COM

THE DISH

Menus of Merit writer l Lauren Adam

The prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards recognize regional chefs and leaders in food culture including excellence in culinary writing and education. As the Pacific Northwest dining scene continues to grow, there are a handful of chefs raising the bar, and putting Seattle on the map as a foodie destination. Join us in honoring these local chefs as the JBF Awards semi-finalists for Best Chef Pacific Northwest.

photo l DEI Creative

photo l Shannon Renfroe

photo l Il Corvo

ERIC DONNELLY

EDOUARDO JORDAN

MIKE EASTON

Eric Donnelly takes a refreshing approach to sustainable seafo≠od by showcasing a diverse selection of menu items including line-caught Columbia River sturgeon, local Hood Canal oysters, Atlantic monkfish, wild Carolina prawns, and Alaskan octopus.

He puts emphasis on simple, yet powerful flavors that broaden guest’s understanding of everything the bountiful sea has to offer.

Edouardo Jordon made his mark both locally and nationally with Salare. The Ravenna neighborhood restaurant is inspired by Jordon’s roots in the American South, and the primal, ancient cooking traditions from his classic training in French and Italian cuisine. The result is an authenticity people have come to appreciate and expect from Jordan’s food. His highly anticipated new restaurant, JuneBaby, focuses on the cultural complexities of Southern fare.

Mike Easton is Seattle’s Godfather of handmade pasta and there’s a sizable line outside Il Corvo to prove it. Rustic and classically prepared Italian pastas reveal Easton’s careful attention to detail including sourcing local, free range, organic chicken eggs and organic flour. The menu is crafted daily with rotating specials like thick Pappardelle, with hearty Allan Bolognese and regional Italian specialties with a seasonal Northwest twist.

RockCreek

14

villemagazine.com

Salare

Il Corvo (Seattle)

THE DISH

photo l Wataru

photo l Relay Restaurant Group

KOTARO KUMITA

RACHEL YANG AND SEIF CHIRCHI

Wataru

Joule

Kotaro Kumita trained under the legendary sushi chef, Shiro Kashiba before opening Wataru — recently named Seattle’s best sushi.

Kumita’s Edomae-style sushi is the freshest catch from here to Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market with skillful preparation allowing the fish to speak for itself. He’s known for the revival of the 19th century Tokyo preservation technique, zuke, where fresh cuts of lightly seared fish are marinated in original soy, no alcohol sake, kelp, or bonito dashi.

Joule is the first-born of this famed husband-wife culinary duo.

While all their restaurants have become staples of Seattle’s dining landscape, Joule remains a gem that’s not to be missed. The contemporary Korean-fusion steakhouse draws on the couple’s personal heritage and experience with French haute cuisine, utilizing non-traditional cuts of meat paired with fantastic sides meant to be shared.

photo l Altura

photo l Copine (with wife, Jill Kinney)

NATHAN LOCKWOOD

SHAUN MCCRAIN

Michelin chef Nathan Lockwood creates the ultimate meal experience at Altura. With a five to seven course menu that rotates daily, guests are treated to elevated Italian cuisine that starts with small bites — each more exciting than the last. The culinary adventure continues with tempting courses like pheasant tortellini with melted leeks and quail egg yolk, crispy veal breast with wild mushrooms and dry aged duck breast to name a few. Each menu option promises to leave a lasting impression.

Shaun McCrain made a name for himself as the chef at The Book Bindery. This last year he opened Copine with his wife Jill, specializing in American cuisine with a French flair. McCrain uses Northwest ingredients and classic French techniques at Copine, creating the epitome of fine dining. This new Ballard spot is recognized for perfectly executed plates like the Hudson Valley Foie Gras Terrine and Handmade Sweet Onion and Foraged Mushroom Agnolotti. All are a delicate work of art that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

Altura

Copine

people & pet issue

15

206 340 8880

83 Spring Street Seattle, WA 98104

www.nijosushi.com

or f y l i a

sd u ur n i o jo H y app

H

206 441 4348

2904 1st AVE Seattle, WA 98121

www.thaion1.com

P 7 4

en p o t ow a n s n & e fri tch i n K o + t igh Bar n d i m until

COCKTAIL CULTURE

Oh My Agave! writer l Lauren Adam

Agave was considered sacred in ancient Mexico, which is no surprise since the hearts of these cactus-looking plants produce mezcal. According to lore, God struck the agave plant with lightning, revealing its purest liquid, and offered it to man.

If you’ve had tequila, then you’ve already tasted the holy nectar of mezcal, since tequilas are made with blue agave. Currently, around 50 different agave species are used to produce mezcal, each with their own unique taste. These distinctively flavored spirits are quickly gaining popularity and making their way onto menus and bar carts everywhere.

Unlike tequila, mezcal is an artisanal spirit made for sipping — not shooting. The agave hearts (piñas) are slow-roasted in wood-fire, underground pits lined with stone, giving mezcal its signature smoky flavor. If made traditionally, the cooked agave is crushed with a tahona wheel then fermented and distilled in either a clay or copper pot. Most mezcal comes from the Mexican state Oaxaca and production is often a multi-generational, family business.

VARIETAL VARIETY The taste of the mezcal depends on the varietal of agave used. The most common species is Espadin, which has a moderate smoky flavor and tastes similar to tequila.

A rarer agave, like Tepextate, is harvested in the wild and can take up to 30 years to mature. If I’ve piqued your interest, Seattle’s go-to spot to taste a wide variety of mezcal is Mezcaleria Oaxaca. Try the Pierde Almas Tobalá Silvestre for pure agave flavor or get the Pierde Almas flight and try mezcal made from Espadin, Dobadaan, and Tobala agaves. On the east side, get mezcal flights at Milagro — their selection focuses on small-batch, multi-generation producers.

FEELING SALTY The ideal way to drink mezcal is to sip it straight with salt. That said, the smoky, earthy taste makes for an unforgettable cocktail. The flavor works especially well with pineapple, like in El Sirento’s Mezcal Swizzle. Vida mescal and yellow chartreuse, are complimented well by the addition of pineapple and lime. The marriage of these bold, distinctive flavors creates a sweet and spicy tropical, cocktail that’s a perfect introduction to mezcal.

CAPITOL CONNOISSEUR Agave aficionados can spread their wings at The Saint Social Club on Capitol Hill. The Saint boasts tequila salvation—but they also have a variety of mezcal from the delicate Leyenda Oaxaca to the vintage, small-batch, Ilegal Mezcal Añejo. The Saint also offers cocteles like the El Lobo: Peloton de la Muerte mezcal, agave, fresh lemon, cucumber, and cilantro. The freshness of the cucumber and cilantro balances the char of the mezcal for a complex flavor profile.

18

villemagazine.com

photo l El Sirento (Mezcal Swizzle)

COCKTAIL CULTURE

MIXING IT UP Add mezcal to a frothy egg white mixer and watch it shine. The creaminess of the egg white cuts the smokiness of most mezcals leaving a rich yet smooth flavor.

Get this Pisco Sour inspired cocktail at Cantina Lena where the Oaxaca Sour emphasizes the earthy, tropical flavors of Fidencio Clasico. It gets mixed with lime, egg white, and then topped with a malbec float for an elegant cocktail that’s different then your standard.

THE SIDEKICK Not sure if the spicy smolder of mezcal is for you? Head to Pesos Kitchen and Lounge to enjoy their traditional tequila list with a splash of mezcal on the side.

Try tasting a tequila like Chinaco Reposado with its woody and spicy notes, then sample the El Zacatecano Mezcal and see if you can taste similarities. You might just gain a new appreciation for the spiritual powers of agave.

photo l Todd Rotkis, Tom Douglas Restaurants (Oaxaco Sour)

people & pet issue

19

20

villemagazine.com

BE ENTERTAINED

Rockin' History

writer l Casey Martin

photo l Monika Soltysik via Flickr stalkingseattletours.blogspot.com

Seattle is a city well known for its rich musical history. These vast mountain ranges, lush forests and bustling city streets provided an early stage for iconic artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, and Quincy Jones. It’s most commonly thought of as the birth place of grunge, producing bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and more. Locations all over the city hold nostalgic and historic notes that some may not even realize.

In 1995, Seattle native, Charity Drewery began giving tours for local record labels and recording studios. In 2010, when she decided to do tours full-time, Stalking Seattle was born. So much more than a tour guide, Charity captivates her clients with a history lesson of everything Seattle rock ‘n’ roll. The five-star tours are often sold out, but I was lucky to book the last ticket on a sunny, Seattle Saturday. When I met Charity, she reminded me of a hilarious, long-lost aunt whose musical knowledge far surpassed mine. I hopped into her tour van and journeyed into the past. We visited places where some of the world’s greatest musicians left their impressions. After two and half hours the tour ended, but my mind was buzzing with new and surprising information I was eager to share. Unfortunately, there is no way to condense it all into a one-page article so I handpicked my three favorite spots from the tour to share with you.

BLACK DOG FORGE

VIRETTA PARK

THE CENTRAL SALOON

Black Dog Forge is a blacksmith shop whose basement hosted the first practice sessions of Mookie Blaylock, the band that would eventually change their name to Pearl Jam. To this day, the basement is still used as a practice space. It was littered with all the proper rock ‘n’ roll fixings including drum kits, guitars, amps, speakers and a sea of empty beer cans.

The smell of cigarettes, stale beer and sweat lingered in the room. It was a rock lover’s paradise. I was curious how the room’s current décor compared to Pearl Jam’s early days.

Walking around, it was easy to envision them in their original and purest form. Perfecting songs like “Alive” and “Once,” beginning to truly come together, having no clue how big they would be.

Kurt was cremated after he passed but his ashes were never spread which left him without a true memorial. The bench in Viretta Park, resting only a stone’s throw from his home, quickly filled this void for devoted fans. The bench was adorned with candles, flowers and other trinkets from fans in Russia, Sweden, Japan and all over the world.

Almost every inch of the bench is covered in Nirvana lyrics, thank yous and personal messages like “forever in debt to your priceless advice,” and “hope you found your Nirvana.” Through these messages and small offerings, I glimpsed the overwhelming love and appreciation Kurt Cobain still receives and understood, in a small way, the immense impact he made on countless lives. I couldn’t help but etch my own personal thank you into the wood before we said goodbye.

The Central Saloon is not only a place to get a damn good cocktail, it is also where Nirvana played their first show in 1988. They performed “Love Buzz” and “Floyd The Barber,” songs that would be included on their 1989 Bleach album.

Looking at the stage, I imagined Kurt Cobain gripping his guitar and screaming into the microphone. I wondered how the performance was received by the bartenders who were the only people present that night in 1988. Did they ever imagine in just a few years’ time this trio would become one of the greatest bands of all time? If these walls could talk, what would they have said about that first Nirvana gig? Good things I hope.

people & pet issue

21

ANIMAL INSTINCT

Monumental Mammals writer l Charity Mainville

When you think of legends, historical figures, or past icons, who pops into your mind? Most likely a specific person came to mind, but humans aren’t the only mammal that leave a legacy. Throughout the years, many animals have changed history by being the first of its kind, saving lives, or a making a mark in a new movement. Here are just a few that belong in our Animal Hall of Fame.

THE HEROES Balto In 1925, a diphtheria outbreak spread across the town of Nome killing many that lived there including children.

The small town lacked the serum needed to control the outbreak. It was only available right here in Seattle. The serum was rushed to Alaska and delivered to Nenana.

Balto and his musher made the 650-mile journey and helped save the lives of many. The annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is held to commemorate Balto and his run.

There is also a statue of him found in Central Park in NYC.

Cairo On May 2, 2011, Cairo, a K9 Belgian Malinois, accompanied a team of U.S. Navy SEALs on a raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan. After a decade-long, international manhunt Cairo was part of the team that killed al-Qaeda terrorist Osama Bin Laden. Cairo was trained to help patrol the compound and attack any enemy fighters who appeared and he was the first to set foot on the grounds. Cairo is prized by the U.S. military and after his return he was met and congratulated by President Barack Obama. Due to classified information Cairo’s whereabouts have remained a mystery.

Sargent Reckless Named as one of “America’s 100 all-time heroes” by Life Magazine, Reckless was a small mixed breed mare that entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952. She served in the Korean War and was twice promoted to staff sergeant.

It is said she made fifty-one solo trips under enemy fire and was used to evacuate wounded soldiers. She has received many awards for her bravery including a Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Korean Service Medal, a UN Service Medal, A Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and two Purple Hearts.

Chips

During World War II, private citizens were asked to donate their dogs to serve their country. Edward J. Wren donated Chips, a German Shepherd/Collie/Husky mix that would become the most decorated World War II K9. During the invasion of Sicily in 1943, Chips and his handler were trapped on the beach. Chips ran towards and attacked the enemies eventually causing their surrender to American troops. He was given the Silver Star and Purple Heart, but because awards couldn’t be given to animals at the time, they were revoked. He was unofficially given a Theater Ribbon with an Arrowhead and eight battle stars. In 1945, he was discharged from the army and returned to the Wren family, but was later given to his war handler.

22

villemagazine.com

ANIMAL INSTINCT THE REVOLUTIONISTS

Ham the Chimp

Dolly

Ham the chimp was also a space animal that happily survived the trip. Named after the Holloman Aerospace Medical Centre, he launched into space on January 31, 1961. The flight was cut short after 155 miles and 16.5 minutes due to a problem with the oxygen supply. Ham was recovered around three hours later and went to live in Washington DC’s National Zoo. At age 27, Ham passed away and his skeleton is held of the National Museum of Health and Medicine.

Dolly, named after singer Dolly Parton, was the world's first cloned mammal. Born on July 5, 1996 she was created from adult cells at the Roslin Institute of the University of Edinburgh. Dolly paved the way to future animal cloning and advances in stem cell research. She produced six lambs and lived for 7 years after being euthanized due to progressive lung disease in 2003. Four other sheep were cloned from Dolly and as of 2016 they were still alive and healthy.

Peritas

Owney

Laddie Boy

At age 11, Alexander the Great was given a dog he named Peritas after the Macedonian word for January.

Unsure of the breed, many speculate he was a Molossian, Bulldog or Greyhound. He was Alexander the Great’s favorite dog and he ruled his empires with Peritas by his side. According to legend, Peritas defended the king when he was trapped by his enemies and his soldiers couldn’t rescue him. Peritas ran to him and lurched at the enemies who had wounded his master with a javelin. In the fight, Peritas was wounded by a javelin and was said to have died in the great king’s lap. To honor him, Alexander the Great founded Peritas, India. The dog’s tomb and statue still exist at the entrance to the city.

In 1888, Owney was a stray Border Terrier puppy in Albany, New York. One rainy night, he snuck into the a postal office by the back door that was accidently left open . He loved to sleep on the mailbags and continued to hang around the post office. The pup quickly won over the hearts of the postal employees by keeping guard of the postage bags. When the supervisor asked the employees about him, they said it was Owen's dog. Owen was one of the postal workers and he who soon officially adopted the puppy. Even though it was against the post office rules, he was allowed to stay and ended up becoming the unofficial U.S. Postal Service mascot.

In 1987, Owney passed and was put on display at the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C.

Laddie Boy was the first presidential "celebrity" pet.

At seven months old, the airedale terrier was given to President Harding. He was the first "first dog" to be regularly covered in the national press including mock interviews with the dog. He had his own hand carved chair to sit in during cabinet meetings and became a poster dog for animal rights issues. It’s been said that Laddie Boy knew of Harding’s imminent demise and howled constantly the three days prior to the President's death. Newsboys collected 19,134 pennies to honor Harding (he was a former newsboy). These pennies were melted and sculpted into a statue of Laddie Boy that resides in the Smithsonian Institution.

In 1929 when Laddie Boy passed, his death was proclaimed in newspaper headlines across the country.

Laika Saved from the streets in Moscow, Laika was a threeyear-old pup that became the first Soviet space dog and living creature to orbit the Earth in 1957. On November 3rd she boarded Sputnik 2 and headed into outer space. Sadly, she didn’t survive the journey, dying within the first 5 hours due to stress and increased temperature. Her memory, however, lives on. A statue of Laika stands in her honor in Star City, Russia.

THE ICONS

people & pet issue

23

ANIMAL INSTINCT

PET TALK with Robyn Fritz interviewer l Charity Mainville

How often have you found yourself alone in your home having full blown conversations with your pet? What if you could have them respond back, would you take it? If you said yes, Robyn Fritz can grant your request. A local Seattle soul regression hypnotherapist, professional intuitive, and animal communicator, Robyn has helped many, in the area and beyond, communicate with their pets.

You may be skeptical; you may even think she’s crazy — Robin understands, she too once felt that way. However, over 25 years ago, after becoming handicapped and losing everything — her publishing career, financial security, purpose, and self-confidence. She thought about giving up, but instead recommitted herself to creating a life of meaning and purpose. Her first step was buying a dog, and with that, everything changed.

On Feb. 28, 2001a 6.8 earthquake hit Seattle. Robyn’s dog Murphy Brown, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, saved her minutes before it hit. Robyn then realized a lot more is going on in the world than she previously thought. Since then, she has become an award-winning author, publishing two books on the human-animal bond, a teacher leading intuitive teaching sessions and animal communication workshops in Northwest, a speaker and a radio guest.

She’s kind, knowledgeable, and upfront in conversations. She is not afraid to speak the truth on what she sees. She doesn’t guarantee she’ll see something every time. It doesn’t always work because it’s the animal’s choice if they want to talk. Either way, her clients sing her praises saying she’s helped them connect with their four-legged family members. So, if you’re open to the idea of chatting with your pet, Robyn will open the table for discussion.

24

villemagazine.com

ANIMAL INSTINCT

When people come to you to communicate with their pet, what are the topics of conversions you speak to them about?

Some are just wanting fun conversations and some come with health concern issues. When I sit down to look at a health situation I just kind of give an energetic look at the dog's body, because I do energy healing as well. I am very clear with the owner that anything I get on a physical level or a health issue needs to go to a vet. I'm happy to talk to their vet if they like and I’ve actually gone with my clients to the vet to tell them what I'm seeing, especially if it's an emergency.

Then there are clients with dying animals that are in a transition period. They want to know if it is time or how will they know when the time has come. It’s the pre-grieving process; they know they're going to lose their animal and they need to know how to get through it. Those are conversations between the people and the animal about its afterlife and reincarnation. What does the animal want?

What do the people want? What is the situation that we're presented with and how do we move forward? Part of that I call the “happiness talk”. What are the happy memories they had with you? What were the times that made them laugh? Then I have the animals join to share their favorite memories.

For me, it's being the outsider helping to confirm and facilitate the conversation, how their pet is feeling, are they ready or not ready to go. Those are hard conversations but end up being warm, loving sessions because both get the chance to say goodbye. I’ve also worked with clients on finding lost animals. I’m one of the few people in town to do that.

So how do you communicate with them? Do the animals speak to you or send you pictures?

It varies. I teach that intuition is getting feelings, seeing pictures, hearing them talk, or simply just knowing something without any rational reason. I use all four of those main intuitive things. Sometimes there’s also a sense of smell or taste. It also depends on how the animal comes through because some are very quiet.

Some don't want to talk, they’re afraid they’re sharing secrets their people don't want anyone to know or outing themselves. They may be afraid they’re going to be in trouble. Some just aren’t verbal.

I'll see pictures and a lot of times I'll get numbers. I’ll ask what the number means to them. Is it a date? Is it a year? Sometimes animals explain or relate to it. Sometimes something will just come to me and I’ll ask, “What does this mean to you?” They’ll respond back with “Nothing.” Sometimes it isn't anything and sometimes I'll get a call from them four days later realizing what it meant. It’s a give and take. It's digging beneath the surface and peeling back layers. I'm not always right, I don't always get what I need to get, and sometimes I get more; it's just how it works out.

Some way that you should never mistake your pet's demeanor or actions for emotions - it’s just animal nature. What do you say to that?

I think that we need to understand that the first key in creating a healthy relationship with an animal is to understand where it comes from. There is a pack mentality for dogs, and cats have a need to look outside the window and know what’s going on because they aren't running free. So, you do need to know animal behavior.

You treat animals like equal beings. For example, if you treat a rescue animal like it's a rescue and feel sorry for it, it can create an emotional block that keeps them trapped in that case. Whereas, if you just said, “Hey, would you like to be part of the family? Yes or no?” Continuing to keep everyone on the same level helps them trust that you care.

You mentioned reincarnation. Do all animals get reincarnated?

No, it's not like that at all, based on my experience working with the dead. I'm different from other mediums. I wasn't looking to be a medium. I blame it on my Dad. He’s been gone since '94. When I work with the dead I do so with my Dad. What happens in the afterlife is so different from what our religious traditions tell us. The problem is not everyone always gets there but everything has a soul and everything has an afterlife. My eBook that is going to be coming out is Finding Oliver: How and Why Our Animals Reincarnate with Us. We don't always reincarnate. Everything has a soul purpose and that purpose would be a reason why they choose their next experience.

So the answer is give your animals a healthy passing if possible. I mean accidents happen, things happen, but they can tell their animals, “I love you. I'm sorry you're going. I miss you. It's okay to go.” Then they have an easier time moving on to the afterlife. It's their choice, what they do next. When people ask me, “Will my dog or cat come back again?” I tell people, “Give them time to decide. You can check in with them, but never ask them to come back.” In my observations from working with animals that they will do what we ask more often than not.

They want to serve you even if it isn't in their best interest. More and more, I do see animals reincarnating with their people and I think it happens more than we're aware of.

Why don't you need the animal in front of you? Wouldn't it be easier?

Because energy is everywhere. When I do a space clearing, an intuitive consultation, or radio show, I don't need the people to be there either. Telepathy doesn’t need the body to be right there. You just need to have that connection.

I invite people to bring pictures because it makes them feel better if it's the first time they’ve worked with an animal communicator — especially if we're talking about a dying animal. Telepathy goes across boundaries. I don't even really need a picture. I like to know a little bit about the history and every communicator will ask about the breed, the age and the issue that you're looking at. That gives me some information to dig in a little bit deeper and try to get to what's going on.

people & pet issue

25

26

villemagazine.com

8 great The

Exclusive interviews with our 2017 picks of eight great Washingtonians that are creating, inspiring, and influencing change.

the victor

BOB FERGUSON

interviewer l Charity Mainville

Dubbed the modern-day David against Goliath, Washington state’s 18th Attorney General Bob Ferguson has no fear in taking on the newly elected President to defend our constitutional rights. With his recent lawsuit victory against Trump’s first drafted Immigration Ban, and his response to the administration’s threat against recreational cannabis, he has become a national inspiration and media darling. However, this isn’t the first time he’s fought hard for what he stands for including civil and consumer rights, protecting the environment, keeping our community safer and supporting service men, women and their families.

In 2013 Ferguson filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Barronelle Stutzman and her floral shop, Arlene's Flowers, for refusing to sell flowers to Robert Ingersoll’s and his fiancé Curt Freed’ same sex wedding. He repeatedly sued the Obama administration over problems at the Hanford nuclear site, filed a lawsuit against Comcast for deceptive consumer practices, requested a repeal of the death penalty and a ban against assault weapons.

Many have said the fourth-generation Washingtonian’s courage to fight comes from his competitive nature and ability to lead. His first elected position began as student body president while attending the University of Washington. In 2003, he defeated 20-year incumbent Cynthia Sullivan for a seat on the Metropolitan King County Council. In 2012, he was elected Attorney General and was re-elected in 2016, dominating the votes against Joshua B. Trumbull.

photo l Office of State Attorney General Bob Ferguson

28

His fight in defending our state is far from over. As an internationally rated, chess master and two-time Washington State Chess Championship winner, he knows a thing or two about strategy, patience and calling checkmate against his unconstitutional opponents.

The media has slated you as national hero in the resistance against Trump. Do you believe this is a fair representation?

No, although my six siblings seem to enjoy teasing me about it.

The outpouring of support and strong emotions resulting from our successful litigation continues to be quite surprising to me and my legal team. We all feel like we are simply doing our jobs. That said, my legal team is working extremely hard — around the clock at times — and I’m inspired by and proud of their dedication and skill.

You are known to be highly competitive personally and professionally – is there anything that scares you or something you would refuse to take on?

I’ve always been afraid of heights. I started mountain climbing in my twenties to overcome that fear. While I have climbed many of Washington’s highest peaks, my climbing buddies have seen me turn around on at least one occasion when I was unable to set aside that fear. Of course, trying to convince my nineyear-old twins that it really is bedtime is pretty daunting as well.

Where did your strong passion for the Constitution come from? Was there a specific moment or experience that created that passion?

It’s really about the values my parents raised us with. They instilled a strong interest in the role of government and our Constitution.

After my father passed away, I found a note he had jotted to himself after one of our phone calls when I was in law school. Apparently I told him I wanted to do “constitutional litigation” after graduating. I think he would be proud of our work on the travel ban, which, of course, involves core constitutional issues that impact the people of our state in deeply personal ways.

If you had the power to create or revoke one law without having to pass through any other legislation and it couldn’t be overturned, what would it be?

Can we get Russell Wilson a lifetime contract? Or maybe deflating NFL footballs results in a lifetime ban? I’ll have my legal team look into this.

More seriously, it’s tough to pick just one. Every year I propose agency-request legislation, such as banning the sale of assault weapons. But if I had to choose, I would get dark money out of politics by overturning Citizens United.

villemagazine.com

the altruist

SHERI SCHULTZ

interviewer l Charity Mainville

Sheri Shultz was raised in a middle-class, Jewish family in Lima, Ohio. Growing up, she saw her father give back to their community and put kids in Israelthrough college. As she grew older, she followed in her Father’s footsteps and started her own volunteering and philanthropic work. After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Denver, she relocated to New York City and earned a master’s in design from the Parson’s School of Design. On the 4th of July weekend in 1978, she met future Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz whom she later married and together they moved to Seattle. In 1996, Sheri and Howard founded The Schultz Family Foundation where she took the lead helping at-risk youth. In 2012, the foundation began its support of military service members and veterans shortly after previous Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, joined the Starbucks board.

In the past four years, the Foundation has launched innovative national initiatives – Onward Youth helps young people secure and keep their first job with the “100,000 Opportunities Initiative” and Onward Veterans helps post-9/11 veterans as they transition out of the military. As destiny would have it, Sheri is leading these efforts to ensure that at-risk youth and veterans have access to opportunities such as employment and training.

Out of the 100,000 Opportunity Youth you’ve helped, what is one story that impacted you personally ?

At our hiring fair in Los Angeles, I met an unhappy young man who had come to the fair in hopes of getting his first job, but he had never even been in an interview. When we met, I asked him how his day was going. He looked overwhelmed, and told me that he had just met with some interviewers and didn’t get a job. I sat down with him and did a mock interview, which is one of the many services offered at these events, after just 30 minutes of practice answering questions, he felt more prepared. We got him back into the interview queue, and within 20 minutes he had a job offer — with Starbucks! He was beaming with pride and I knew it was just the start for him. A common theme I see with many of the young people I meet is that, in addition to lack of experience, they don’t have a sense of their own strengths and values. Our work helps them to see their own talents and potential.

This past January, the Foundation helped raise money for the “No Child Sleeps Outside” campaign. You stated at the time that the homeless crisis was only a short-term fix and expert recommendations need to be urgently implemented.

What do you think led to the crisis and do you believe the city is doing enough to fix it?

The increase in housing prices and lack of affordable housing over the past few years in Seattle are a root cause of the homelessness crisis facing the city. As the number of homeless people and families has dramatically increased, the system has not been prepared to address the scale of the problem. After Seattle Mayor Ed Murray declared Seattle’s homeless problem a “crisis,” we looked for an immediate opportunity to help, and joined an ongoing annual effort that tries to move homeless families off the streets.

Our participation, along with other organizations who joined us this past season, helped to double the shelter capacity for families and children. Today we continue to push for urgent, long-term action on a variety of recommendations made by experts who have studied the city’s homeless problem, and the mayor and his team have been supportive.

Specifically, we’re advocating for a “shelter-first” approach because we know that having shelter allows people to deal with other issues related to homelessness. We’re also trying to encourage more collaboration among homelessness providers, the city and the county by

photo l Sheri Schultz with Leo and Finn l Lisi Wolf Photography

urging all involved to focus on ways to provide long-term, affordable, and stable housing.

I strongly believe that we cannot stand by and watch as more and more young people and families are sleeping on the streets in our city. As a community, we’re better than that.

The Foundation has increased its support for Warrior Canine Connection and is also working with the American Humane Association to create nationally recognized certification for service dogs. What will that entail?

Howard and I have seen how helpful service dogs can be to veterans with physical disabilities or problems related to post-traumatic stress. There’s a shortage of service dogs in the country so we’re helping Warrior Canine Connection expand their operations.

They’re incredible. They involve 50-60 veterans in the training and care of every dog before it goes to its final owner! Our grant is helping Warrior Canine scale this impactful model.

The work we’re doing with the American Humane Association will hopefully make it so no one with a service dog can be turned away from flights, stores or restaurants. Today, there is no official certification or training standard for service dogs so we’re working with retailers, airlines, vets and trainers across the country to create one. This will ensure a higher level of care for the animals and eliminate any question about whether a person has the right to be accompanied by their service dog.

I understand you and your family have a strong love for dogs and very sorry to hear of your recent loss. As a dog owner and personal experience, is there anything you wish Seattle had more of to accommodate our furry kids?

We love animals and over the years have been lucky to have great dogs as part of our family.

As I’m sure your readers know, it’s incredibly painful to lose a pet, particularly when they leave you too soon. Our Golden Retriever Finn was fiercely loved and will always be remembered.

There are two things I’d like to see in Seattle. First, I’d like to see more homeless shelters accept young people with pets. A lot of at-risk youth would rather sleep outside in the rain and cold than go into a shelter without their dog. The other change I’d like to see is more philanthropic support of animal shelters in the city. We’re proud supporters of Seattle Humane Society and PAWS for example. They do such important work! The animals they care for are also members of our community, and they too, deserve our collective support. people & pet issue

29

the originator

DAVID RHEINS

interviewer l Charity Mainville

Change, one of life’s necessary evils. As a society, most of us resist changes whether it’s a cultural shift, generational variances, marketing trends or passing new laws, many people have a hard time accepting and adapting to change. David Rheins, however, jumps on it before most people even see it coming. With his knowledge, experience, and vision David is a leader in societal education. Not only does he have extensive media and marketing expertise he is a pioneer in American industry.

David started his career at Rolling Stone selling ad space and paying close attention to what worked and what didn’t when change came into play. This experience positioned him to lead the revolution of Generation X marketing during his years as President and Associate Publisher at SPIN magazine. He possessed the skills to recognize digital marketing trends and successfully raised sales for multiple web-based companies including AOL and Time Warner. So when recreational cannabis landed in the marketplace, David saw the huge opportunity and need for news, and business development. He went on to found the Marijuana Business Association (MJBA) in 2013. MJBA has become the leading national, networking and business development organization on legal cannabis. Dedicated to spreading accurate and timely news MJBA has established MJ Headline News on Facebook, MJNewsNetwork.com on the web, and Marijuana Channel One on YouTube. Even though he’s aware the cannabis industry is tough, that’s what continues to drive him. As they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. photo l David Rheins and Luna l Jessica Drake

30

villemagazine.com

The trump administration announced the justice department will be cracking down on states with legal cannabis - how do you feel this will affect the cannabis industry?

During his campaign, he stated it wasn’t going to be a big priority for the Trump administration, that he would leave it to the states. Yet his proclamation now may suggest he wants to split the industry into two piece: medical versus recreational. Medical marijuana holds obvious appeal to big pharma, which sees an expanding marketplace it would like to subsume. The problem with trying to separate medical marijuana from recreational is that what we've seen in legal states is an integration of the two systems. Here in Washington State, we don't have a separate medical marijuana industry.

It will be impossible to allow medical and shut down recreational from a pragmatic standpoint.

It won't work and it’s not going to happen, at least in the short term. This industry is too big.

What holds back the DEA from shutting down a recreational marijuana store?

Well enforcement; lack of resources. In an unregulated medical marijuana industry, the DOJ, oftentimes with the help of local law enforcement, would go in and shut down those places for various reasons. You haven't seen that in recreational. Our attorney general and our governor have said that they will not cooperate with federal intervention in their legal state industry. I hold them to that.

Cannabis related products and stores are popping up everywhere. How do you control over saturation?

It's a highly-regulated marketplace. Competition has made the wholesale and retail price points drop significantly over the last two and a half years that we've been in business, but we are in no way supersaturated. Sales are continuing to go up month after month. New categories like pet meds, edibles, topicals and beauty aids are potentially billion-dollar industries. When we include industrial hemp, which is used to make medicines, food, fuel and fabric, you’ll see we’ve just begun.

A lot of the cannabis stores are fundraising for animal shelters and I've read that one out of two cannabis users have a dog. Why do you think there is an association between the pet industry and the cannabis industry?

The first is lifestyle. We talk about the cannabis lifestyle – a more natural and plant based lifestyle. You are more likely to get outdoors, to have activities, to go walking in the woods — there is a relationship between plants and animals and the planet. Cannabis is a plant entity that co-evolved with humans. We have something called endocannabinoid system - receptors that use cannabinoids [cannabis components] to help regulate our semantic and neuro pathways. Animals have the same thing.

Animals have relationships with plants. All we're really doing is using natural anti-inflammatories on our pets. THC for your dog is not a good idea, but CBD is helpful.

Federal laws also restrict the cannabis industry’s social media use – many Facebook, and Instagram accounts get shut. How does that hinder society in the sense of understanding what cannabis is?

The first thing is that there is no black and white.

One of the challenges of being federally illegal and having a state-by-state regulatory system is being on the forefront of a national industry that is not yet codified with rules and regulations and acceptable practices. The Federal government oversees the FCC. The LCB, (Liquor and Cannabis Board) here in Washington has crafted its own rules about what you can and cannot say when you advertise your product. Depending on what you're selling and how you are executing your ad, you can get away with it. We built our entire business on Facebook publishing and aggregating news about the industry.

Today, we've got 157,000 followers on just the MJHeadline News site, and its never been shut down. For sure, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram will shut you down if you are trying to sell cannabis online. We’re not seeing businesses get shut down for posting pictures of a store opening or those kinds of community things.

the advocate

CHARLENE STRONG

interviewer l Blake Hamilton

Strong is a word that embodies power, potential, growth, and in this case, the ability to hold a community together. It happens to be the last name of a determined woman running for Seattle City Council this year. Charlene Strong’s past is full of advocacy, change, hope, and success. To name a few, she was appointed to the Washington Human Rights Commission where she serves as chair, she is a published writer, an award-winning documentarian, a passionate advocate for the LGBT community, and most importantly a wife and loving mother to two young children.

Charlene’s present is full of ambition and compassion. She truly listens to what the community is voicing, especially those involved in Seattle's current homelessness epidemic. Her ultimate desire is to enforce positive change and encourage everyone to amplify their voices and thoughts to bring light to the issues that affect us all. Her future is bright as she strides to make the emerald city truly sparkle again.

Once appointed to the city council what will you pursue first and foremost?

As a council member it will be imperative to meet with constituents and to be available to all of the communities of this city. I have learned over and over the power of amplifying one’s voice to bring to light issues that affect one’s life.

People called me an activist, which I tend to shy away from, I like the word advocate, which means to “come along with me and let’s work together to resolve issues.”

Historically, who do you emulate most of all? Whether it be a previous council member, activist, president, etc.

I would have to say MLK [Martin Luther King, Jr]. The peaceful persistence and inner strength that he embodied are the most profound attributes that I consider in my work. This admiration and respect has increased over time and it became an awaking in my life when I found myself deeply angry after the death of my late wife. I wanted others to know how painful it was to be denied the common decency of equality when it came to dealing with her death. As I began to educate and speak about inequality and the damage it can have on one’s life I realized these attributes became the most effective in my message and work.

What do you think people misunderstand about you?

Any time anyone is the subject of the press you automatically become

photo l GLADD

misunderstood. I have stopped reading anything written about me because it resembles or speaks very little of who I am. But, since you ask, what they don’t know is I work probably more than I should as a small business owner with my wife, a mom to two young children, and a commissioner of civil rights for this state.

In terms of the homelessness crisis what area do you feel is important to address first? Do you believe mental health plays an important role?

It's pretty hard to ignore the rising heroin issue that is gripping this city; it goes without saying that it is having grave consequences in people’s lives. A recent Seattle Times article called the regional heroin epidemic the major cause of homelessness in King County. So, how do we go about addressing addiction? I grew up with addiction and know first hand what it can do to families and people’s lives and how complicated it can become for families.

I sat down with an addiction specialist who taught for many years at Seattle University about this problem our city faces and there is not an easy or simple solution to addressing addiction. Our city is working very hard and it is proving a challenge. My hope is with addressing homelessness first we can then address addiction.

people & pet issue

31

the mentor

KRISTIN EBELING

interviewer l Yasmin Tavakoli

photo l MAHFIA.TV / Zorah Olivia

Atlanta native, Kristin Ebeling has taken the girl power world by storm. She has become widely known for her participation in the highly buzzed about “SLAG” (Skate Like a Girl). SLAG is an organization that focuses on girls getting actively involved with skateboarding and promotes female empowerment, confidence building, and leadership. Skateboarding from a young age led Kristin to become more involved with the community, and exposed her to “SLAG” where she would end up becoming one of the “top dogs” of the organization. While most of us have routine jobs, every day is different for the chapter director. Whether she is teaching, hosting events, or just catching up on emails this empowering gogetter is a force to be reckoned with.

What are your long-term goals for the SLAG organization?

Organizationally, our mission is to create a more inclusive community, promoting leadership, confidence, and social justice through skateboarding.

This manifests itself in a lot of different ways, including creating accessible enrichment for young people in high needs areas through our school based programs and free summer classes, breaking down gender stereotypes and creating a safer space through our weekly Ladies* Night sessions, and providing teens leadership opportunities and real-life job experience through our Youth Employment Skateboarding program. Locally to Seattle, we'd like to open our own "brick and mortar" space within the next few years, and continuing to grow our capacity to serve more and more people each year while also continuing to be sustainable. There is a tremendous need for a skateboarding programming, as well as equity-based feminist spaces.

What makes skateboarding more influential or unique on social equity versus another man dominated sport like football for girls?

We believe skateboarding is a positive vehicle for change for a variety of reasons.

First off, skateboarding is a non-competitive, individual activity. With this, we are able to welcome all different types of people to participate, all in the same space.

Everyone can truly learn at their own pace and find support from the group, while also not limiting the growth of others. Secondly, it's very difficult and can be scary. Although this sounds awful, it helps build resilience and confidence over time. When people first skate they are usually nervous and are full of selfdoubt. However, our instructors are able to carefully breakdown all the pieces, and build skills at a pace that works with each participant. Their newfound selfefficacy transcends the skateboard and walks with them out into the real world.

32

villemagazine.com

Finally, skate culture has been historically male dominated. Although similar to football in this regard, skateboarding is unique because there's really no reason why all genders couldn't participate amongst each other. Skateboarding is not about brawn or height, and therefore it is ripe for inclusion. The exponential growth of our organization over the last few years is a testament to this as well.

The city denied the proposal for renovating and reforming Magnuson Park’s sprawling Building 2 that SLAG was hoping to be part of. Do you feel the city isn't supportive of the skating community and how does this impact the organization?

It was a bummer that the proposal was not embraced for now, but we don't feel that Seattle is necessarily unsupportive of our organization and/or skateboarding. Seattle is home to over 10 skate parks. We are lucky to have the support of Seattle Parks, the Department of Neighborhoods, and Seattle Center with running many of our programs. In general, Seattle is a great place for skateboarding. As far as impact, the rejection of Magnuson hasn't broken our stride. We are continuing to seek out potential locations to call home.

Do you see skateboarding growing in popularity for women? Or even gaining a following as a workout alternative in the near future?

Yes, definitely. I've had the pleasure of watching girls and women take up more and more space in skateboarding over the last 15 years. At our Monday night Ladies* Night classes, we regularly see 20-30+ folks joining us to skate. It's amazing. I feel like our classes are becoming an alternative to activities like snowboarding, climbing, or yoga. It's a great way to get your blood pumping, a mental exercise of overcoming fears, and also a great way to make new friends.

the master

PAUL CALDWELL

interviewer l Blake Hamilton

photo l Seattle Choruses

In 2016, the board of the Seattle Men’s and Women’s Choruses sought a new artistic director with the flair and expertise to lead. After a short discussion, it was unanimously decided there was only one man for the job and luckily for Seattle, he accepted the position. Not only does Paul Caldwell possess flair, he brings a truly genuine and heartfelt voice from Chicago where he was the conductor of the Youth Coral Center, The Windy City Gay Chorus and The Windy City Treble Quire. Paul is a world-renowned composer and director with a passionate and inspiring voice of activism, especially for the LGBT community. The Seattle Choruses has found their new muse and a compelling one at that.

Paul’s animated and spirited attitude is sure to spread some cheer through Seattle with the beautiful melodies he and his chorus confidants create.

You were chosen by the search team and board of directors for the position which meant relocating from Chicago to Seattle, why did you decide to take the position?

I had lived in Chicago a long time. It was home and it was hard to leave.

But Seattle is one of America’s great cities. The juxtaposition of an urban center against breathtaking natural beauty is almost theatrical. Who wouldn’t want to live here? The Seattle Men’s and Women’s Choruses together form the largest community chorus in the world. They’re legendary. I wanted to be a part of their next chapter.

How does the LGBT community in Seattle differ verses in Chicago?

I’m not sure I’ve been here long enough to answer this question authoritatively. Seattle and Chicago are both progressive cities. They have both been epicenters for the advancement of human rights for the LGBTQ community. But people here are helpful. They’re really nice. My fiancé got Washington plates for his car, but neglected to update the plate number in his parking app. He walked out of QFC and found an officer issuing him a ticket. When he explained, the guy just voided the ticket. That would have never happened in Chicago.

How do you feel Seattle Men's Chorus and Seattle Women's Chorus

impacts and supports the LGBT community in Seattle?

One of my singers recently told me that she joined the chorus because she always wanted to be an activist and didn’t know how to do it. The chorus allows her voice to be part of a bigger, more important song in the world. So there’s that. For our audiences, we sing about things that really matter in the world, things that maybe matter even more than music itself. And we’re fun. We sing and dance. We laugh at ourselves and with each other. Now more than ever, that’s important.

What advice would you to give someone who is struggling about coming out?

Coming out can be tough, at any age. I think the most important thing is to find safe space and support, people who will love you because of who you are, not in spite of who you are. Some kids live in high-hating homes.

Some people live in communities where being out is risky, both physically and emotionally so there isn’t any one piece of advice that fits every situation. There are a lot of organizations dedicated to helping. It Gets Better and the Tyler Clementi Foundation can be invaluable resources.

But the most fundamentally important thing is to find community. And maybe join the Seattle Men’s Chorus or Seattle Women’s Chorus. They have been family to me.

people & pet issue

33

the voice

ANDREW WALSH

interviewer l Daniel Hager

photo l KIRO

I had an enjoyable conversation with Andrew Walsh, a former public radio producer and nighttime Seattle radio show host. He is the copilot to one Luke Burbank on the successful podcast, Too Beautiful To Live. Andrew is often seen scooting about the Seattle suburb of Wallingford and the lush grounds of “No Fun University,” where he is currently the Dean of Students. Andrew takes a cautious but funny view on life as it moves around him. He prefers to be safe indoors away from poor parking jerks and trick or treaters. No man has had so much to say about a hot dog or the varied current political situation of the United States. He may not be kissing babies, but he is certainly petting any puppy within reach. Don’t be surprised if you see this gentleman at one of his favorite dive bars sipping a cold Rainier tall boy, but do feel free to buy him a shot – Jim Beam, neat.

As someone who works in a strictly tech based field, how do you feel about the gentrification of Seattle and the encroachment of the apartment highrises into the suburbs such as Ballard and Magnolia due to the flood of tech based jobs?

Not to be difficult right off the bat, but, I don’t think of my job as being tech-based.

I’m just a radio guy. But since radio is moving more online — I currently work on a daily podcast — I guess the lines are getting blurrier. But I think my reaction to not wanting to be associated with the tech boom says it all. I live in Wallingford, where once-middle-class houses are now selling for millions of dollars. When someone new moves onto the block, the first question is always, “Do they work for Amazon?”

It’s a bit of a stigma.

And as far as the housing situation goes, I think the city must continue to build affordable, high-occupancy housing for those who can’t pay 1.5 million for a threebedroom house in Ballard. The city is growing, there’s no avoiding that. But we must grow intelligently and in a way that doesn’t squeeze people out of their homes and communities. I see a lot of nimby-ism in this city. And I see a lot of homelessness and those are related.

I know you're a bit of a Bukowski fan and enjoy a dive bar, dankness and all.

What exactly is required for it to be considered a good dive bar?

Lighting is huge for me. It can’t be too bright. I need darkness to hide my shame.

Also, as I get older, my list of vices continues to grow, and my latest addiction is pull-tabs. I now look for bars that have plenty of 25-cent pull tabs behind the bar, or better yet, in those old school vending machines. I also like places that have some sort of game you can play if you get tired of talking to the drunk guy next to you who insists you look just like his nephew, Chris, who lives in Denver. Darts? Check. Pool?

Check. Shuffleboard? Now we’re getting somewhere.

34

villemagazine.com

Which classic Seattle dive bar would you recommend?

There are a lot of cool, old bars in this city. I haven’t been around long enough to know which are classic, but I do have to pour one out for The Nitelite. It absolutely broke my heart when it closed. That was a special place. My current go-to is The Crosswalk up in Greenwood. It’s got pulltabs, a TouchTunes jukebox, cheap drinks, and great bartenders.

Having recently moved back to Seattle from LA, what has been the biggest benefit to living in the smaller neighborhood of Wallingford?

Before moving to LA, we lived on Capitol Hill, right at the top of Denny because I’ve always wanted to live in the busiest, most bustling part of the city. Moving back, we wanted to try something new, so we ended up in Wallingford — and MAN! It’s definitely a change of pace, and I love it. I love going on long walks to Greenlake, getting to know our neighbors, petting everyone’s dog, and generally enjoying the feel of a small neighborhood while still having the advantages of living in the city. I guess I’m getting old.

You're known for being progressive about how you get around town, using ride share services, public transit and your scooter. Do you fear the rising traffic congestion in Seattle and what do you think needs to happen to get more people out of their cars?

Yes. The congestion is beyond the pale. Small neighborhood streets are choked with unmoving cars anywhere near an I-5 ramp during rush hour. The city was not built for this. I know it’s unpopular, but the best way to get people out of their cars is to make public transportation a much more appealing option than driving. If parking is expensive and parking spaces are few and far between, then more people will hop on a train or a bus. It worked on me. I have a car, but I rarely drive it outside Wallingford or Fremont. It’s not worth the hassle.

the artiste interviewer l Casey Martin

TEN HUNDRED photo l Daniel Hager

Meet Peter Robinson, better known as Ten Hundred. He began in the Seattle scene with music groups like Mad Rad and Fresh Espresso but for the last five years, visual art has been his world. With each piece, Peter tells a story and stimulates the mysterious, wondrous parts of the human mind. His colorful and vibrant style is intoxicating. You can find his massive murals in neighborhoods like South Lake Union and Capitol Hill. Or you can wear his artwork or hang it on your wall with his collection of clothing, prints, and original works sold at his retail shop — Herban Legends – Art x Music x Apparel, in Belltown.

How does it feel to help shape the image of Seattle with your art by painting murals?

It feels great. I used to do a lot of music. I was in a band called Mad Rad and I was in a band called Fresh Espresso. During those years, I was able to perform shows for like thousands of people and have these magnificent rock star moments. There’s no real equivalent in the art world, but maybe the closest equivalent would be doing a mural out on the streets. There’s a huge amount of people who are interacting with that piece of art on a daily basis and my goal, and what I hope is that, that brings a little wonder and joy to people’s days, you know? It’s pretty rad to make the world around you a more beautiful place.

Seattle has always been known for a strong and vibrant art scene. How are you helping influence the next generation of Seattle artists?

I’m going to be doing a talk in Cornish for the kids who are studying there right now and talking about my journey as an artist. But, I don’t know how I’m influencing the next generation. I hope I am, but all I’m doing is just making art that I love and sharing it and I don’t know who that is reaching and who that is impacting. I get a lot of comments and messages on my social media that are like “Dude, you’re a huge inspiration for me and I love your style.” And I get a lot of questions like “Oh what are you using to achieve this?” I try to answer as many of those as I can and that’s always super meaningful.

You get a lot of love from local Seattle artists. Why do you think it's essential for creative types to support each other?

The sense of community that I get in Seattle is one of the biggest reasons why I’m still here. I moved from Michigan to Florida to LA to Seattle. When I found Seattle, the amount of support and appreciation that I got from my peers and from the community has been amazing. I think it’s because there are so many creative

individuals here and for those who aren’t creative, they still appreciate that talent. People from all over the U.S. hit me up to collaborate, but I’m still working through this amazing Seattle talent base. Anytime that you work with somebody it’s broadening your horizons and it feels good. You work with others to make connections because maybe you’re on top today but tomorrow you may need the help. But you must find a balance too. You need to be by yourself and work on your craft for hours and hours and hours.

You came up in the Seattle scene with the hip hop group, Fresh Espresso.

What do you think the momentum from Fresh Espresso has done for the impact of Ten Hundred in Seattle?

It only helped. I started doing art after I went sober five years ago. Before I was doing a lot of bad shit and using hard drugs every day. It got to the point when I had to call my Dad who lives in Michigan and was like “Dad, I need to come home. I’m a drug addict and I need to get out of this society of losers that I built up around myself and I’m one of them.” I went to Michigan for 9 months and quit doing everything.

I had all this extra time so I started painting again. It was always something I had done since I was a little kid. The thing about painting is, as an addict, it taps into all those things that addicts love. They love secluding themselves away and love engaging in repetitive behavior that’s like almost obsessive compulsive. There’s nothing more repetitive and obsessive than painting, thousands of little decisions that equal this final thing. When I started posting my work I had a group of people that were interested in what I was doing because of my music. Those were some of my first art buyers and supporters. Now it’s to the point where most people don’t know that I do music. They just know me as a visual artist, which is cool because when you have a music fan base you don’t know if they’re buying your stuff because it’s cool art or if it’s because they have a painting of their loved music artist. people & pet issue

35

36

villemagazine.com

TECH SPECS

Mindful Manipulation writer l Daniel Hager

The simple term “back to reality” used to bring to mind the return to daily life after a vacation or extended holiday. Today, however, reality is no longer defined as “the world or the state of things as they actually exist.” Reality in this age includes what you see, perceive and observe whether it truly exists or not. Reality comes in many different forms including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality – a combination of VR and AR. VR gadgets have already taken over the marketplace allowing users to enter a pre-programmed world through electronic devices. AR is now making the transition into our daily lives by manipulating a digital world around us integrated within our “real world.” As unreal as it may seem, it has been said the world of AR is about to explode into a multi-billion dollar industry with these three products potentially leading the way.

HALOLUJAH www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens

Microsoft, one of the industry giants, steps out of its usual desktop platform to lead the way in AR development with the production of HoloLens. HoloLens is predicted to be one of the best digital reality devices to hit the market. Even though it's only available in a development edition, over 15 apps have already been created in partnership with Microsoft to help showcase HoloLens. Skype for HoloLens allows you to collaborate through holographic images.. HoloTour is a virtual travel app that can digitally place you anywhere, in any time frame with your own personal, digital, tour guide. Fragments is a game that turns your surroundings into a high-tech crime scene and you into a digital detective. With the help of these apps and others, users are immersed into a holographic world within their true surroundings. Ready to give it a try? Hopefully you have deep pockets. The current price tag is around $3,000. Perhaps beyond the developer edition we will see the cost drop into a range realistic for the average consumer.

EMACULATE www.emacula.io

If you think virtual reality headsets are cumbersome and awkward you aren’t the only one. Innovega’ has developed one of the most ground breaking technologies in mixed reality.

Introducing eMacula, this one of a kind system utilizes a pair of contact lenses and stylish glasses in place of a large headset.

The use of a contact lens not only gives you the AR experience but it also allows for corner to corner, rich, high-definition digital viewing just half an inch from your eye. Not only will users be able to view the screen without affecting normal vision, the contacts can double as standard prescription lenses to be worn daily. It has yet to be released to the public, but eMacula is one of the highest tech, futuristic AR applications out there.

Interest in this innovative technology is attracting everyone from consumers to top-secret military agencies.

A GOOD PAIR developer.sony.com

If you take the cutting-edge AR software of HoloLens and the ingenious style and innovation of eMacula, mix it with Sony’s technology, you will end up with something similar to Sony’s SmartEyeglass. Designed more for business productivity, these lightweight glasses superimpose text, symbols, and images in your natural field of view. The heads-up display is beneficial while at the office or while you are out around town. By pairing with your smartphone, it can access your GPS and guide you in the right direction.

SmartEyeglass will keep you current with real-time scores for Seahawks, Mariners and Sounders FC games, let you capture special moments with its built-in camera, or display assembly instructions for hands free projects. The developer edition is the only one available right now, but at a ticket price of $899 it’s steal compared to the HoloLens. people & pet issue

37

IMAGINE

As a nonprofit, the primary goal of Ladybug House is to build and operate the first freestanding palliative care home and hospice for children with life-limiting illnesses in Seattle. We will offer a place for respite and renewal to families during the unimaginable outside the hospital setting.

We will celebrate every day, every moment and every life.

38

villemagazine.com

ladybughouse.org

If we cannot add days to the life of a child, we will add life to their days.

HEALTH CHECK

Mercury Rising writer l Dr. Scott Mindel

photo l marcel

As time and technology evolve so does knowledge and information regarding our health. We can decipher what is best for us and what is harmful. More and more studies are finding that our air, water, food and anything we put in or on our body has real effects on our overall health. Once we discover a new harmful source, oftentimes, we can identify it as the root of something that historically was unexplainable. The new harmful substance or practice becomes an official diagnosis.

What is the latest harmful discovery knocking at our door? Mercury.

No, I’m not talking about the smallest planet in the solar system, but an extremely toxic, heavy metal element found in the earth’s crust. It can also be found in the air, water and soil. Mercury can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. It occurs naturally in the environment in many different forms and is found within compounds and inorganic salts.

Elemental mercury – seen as shiny, silver-white, metal that is a liquid at room temperature – qualifies as a fair conductor of electricity and is used in thermometers, barometers, and other scientific instruments. If not properly enclosed, some of the metallic mercury will evaporate and release mercury vapors starting at room temperature and releasing more as the temperatures rise. The vapor is colorless and odorless, but some may end up with metallic taste in their mouths. These vapors are also used in neon lights and fluorescent lamps.

The discovery of mercury’s toxicity dates back centuries and was the inspiration behind the creation of Alice in Wonderland’s character, The Mad Hatter. Haven’t you ever wondered what caused him to go mad? In the 18th and 19th century, mercury-based compounds were used in the manufacture of felt hats. The phrase “mad as a hatter” is a reference to mercury poisoning among hat makers who had prolonged exposure to mercury vapors. The neurotoxic effects included tremors along with pathological shyness and irritability. By the mid-1930s, about 80% of America felt hat makers had mercurial tremors. Unfortunately, these harmful results are not what stopped the use of mercury in felt hat making, but the need for mercury during wartime.

Top Culprits If you are a sushi or seafood lover, you may need to cut back on your consumption.

If you’re pregnant your doctor should have told you that eating either food is strictly prohibited. The reasoning is because seafood forms Methylmercury (elemental mercury) due to bacteria reacting with the mercury in the water it lives in, and plants it may consume. Smaller and short-lived fish like sardines hold less exposure while larger, older fish such as bigeye tuna; yellowfin tuna, swordfish and king mackerel have higher amounts. This doesn’t mean you must give up your love of seafood; eating fish does have health benefits. If you’re eating seafood about once or a month or less, it’s more likely to benefit you than harm you. However, if you are one to consume seafood more than once a week you need to make sure you choose fish with low mercury levels.

Another top mercury source is causing a big debate in the dental world in relation to the mercury used in dental amalgam fillings. Some are concerned that the shiny silver used to fill cavities may be releasing mercury vapor in your mouth. These fillings are used because they are durable, providing strong chewing surfaces, they can be inserted quickly, and are, less expensive, lasting longer than the alternatives. Mercury is still used is the dental industry. The FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above. The amount of risk is directly related to the number and age of the fillings, consuming acidic food and drinks, and grinding the teeth. In addition, if you have a broken or chipped filling that could lead to bacteria seeping in causing the mercury to grow. The highest exposure occurs when the fillings are placed and when they are removed. This doesn’t mean you need to make an emergency run to the dentist, but you should talk with your dentist about removing them safely and replacing them with a safer substance.

Today we continue to consume mercury as pollution in our air, water, food and shockingly enough through our own medical establishments. Now that it’s been discovered that mercury is making us sick, warnings have been widely publicized in the media. Before that, anyone that suggested this would have been considered mad.

REDUCTION OF THE CONDUCTION Lower your exposure to Mercury with these few tips.

Use clean energy sources that do not use coal. Coal contains mercury and emits hazardous air pollutants when it’s burned.

Tuna has the highest levels of mercury and consumption should be limited - cooking the fish will not reduce the mercury levels.

Eat your greens. Increasing your intake of Vitamin C rich foods, green leafy vegetables, and milk thistle, helps the body detoxify heavy metals like mercury.

Safely dispose of all your fluorescent lightbulbs by taking them to places like Home Depot where they offer free recycling.

If the bulb is intact the mercury is safely contained, once it breaks, make sure to air out the room for 15 minutes and follow the EPA cleanup guidelines for safety. people & pet issue

39

GET FIT

Training Day writer l Yasmin Tavakoli

Seattle is recognized as one of the fittest and most active cities in the U.S. ranking within the top 10 of multiple surveys. Living in an active and healthy city requires you to have some physical skill in order to keep up with the best of them. It can be hard to get started on the workout wagon without someone to motivate you and dieting is not always the best option if you don't know what effects your body. Luckily, a fit city equals fit people that will guide you right to get it tight. There is a plentitude of personal trainers here in the Northwest, but we've done some research and asked around and found these three being on top of the fitness game.

PATTI DUNN

Nutrition, Fitness Training and Assessment www.goalgettingfitness.com

photo l Daniel Hager photo l Dražen Grujic

Patti, owner of GoalGetting Fitness, focuses her training on functional fitness so her clients improve their daily or sport specific tasks.

Patti’s goal is to fit fitness into anyone’s lifestyle.

Besides being a top trainer in her field, Patti also specializes in post-pregnancy weight loss.

Writer of Move It Mom! How To Get Your Body Back After Baby (available on Amazon), Patti knows her craft well. She holds a degree in Biology and Psychology as well as numerous industry specific qualifications. She is a certified ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor, certified IART Nutrition Advisor, and certified AFPA Pre/ Post Natal Fitness Specialist.

JOHN MICHAEL

ZOË FEUERSTEIN

John Michael, aka Young Wolverine, has built a motivational brand around his efforts. Having a NFPT master personal trainer certificate, extensive knowledge and background in nutrition and nutritional supplements, John is the whole package. John’s main focus in fitness (besides pretty much looking like a real life wolverine) is for his clientele to have functional health in every aspect of their life. As a trainer, he looks at every part of your well-being; helps you sleep better, raises your energy levels, speeds up your reflexes, improves your mental health and builds strength all while achieving a kick ass bod.

Zoë Feuerstein has made a name for herself. Maybe you follow her on Instagram, watched one of her inspiring workout videos, or maybe you’ve witnessed her competing in one of four National NPC bikini bodybuilding competitions. She is a dedicated personal trainer and model who has dominated the fitness world, making fitness and health her life’s passion. Zoe strives to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle on a plant-based diet, offering a different take on protein consumption. Living off a vegetarian, whole food diet, she believes it is the key to ultimate health. Zoe transforms her own body into pretty much whatever she desires whether it’s bulking up for a competition or leaning out for summer.

Fitness, Nutrition and Lifestyle www.instagram.com/youngwolverine

40

villemagazine.com

photo l Monty Montemayer

Nutrition, Strength and Cardio Circuit Training, and Corrective Flexibility (pain and injury management) www.bodybyzoe.com

Fall in love with your body Lose 3-5 pounds of fat per week, maintain muscle mass and target cellulite for a healthier you.

NO DRUGS. NO SURGERY. NO STARVATION.

CALL NOW TO FIND OUT HOW!

2615 5th Ave, Seattle WA, 98121 belltownweightloss.com

(206) 922-7995

people & pet issue

41

42

villemagazine.com

Offto the

Races writer l Anna Diblosi l photo l Thomaskelley|Dreamstime.com

l website l www.kentuckyderby.com

Since 1875, the Kentucky Derby has put Louisville under the world’s spotlight. Known as the “greatest two minutes in sports,” the Derby is the longest, continually held, sporting event in America — held annually the first weekend in May. Ranked No. 7 in the United States for highest attendance with 164,858 spectators including royalty, Presidents and celebrities.

Located at the famed Churchill Downs, spectators gather in droves to watch 20 horses “run for the roses.” The highly sought after prize is a place in the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle and a $2,000,000 prize.

The Kentucky Derby is truly a once in a lifetime experience, but it’s not all about two short minutes. The celebration kicks off two weeks prior to the Derby and participation in the events and traditions is just as important as watching the race itself. Sipping a Mint Julep, spotting celebrities, and joining the crowd for “My Old Kentucky Home” at the start of the race are time-honored traditions that make the Kentucky Derby a revered and esteemed event.

Although the Derby is the star attraction of Louisville, the rest of the city is not to be missed.

Louisville is a charming city in the heart of the Bluegrass State that offers plenty of bourbon, fried chicken and live music.

people & pet issue

43

THE GETAWAY

top left Thurby (photo credit WLKY) l top right Kentucky Oaks (photo credit USRacing) l bottom The Kentucky Derby

The Races Thurby If you want to experience the Derby local style then get your tickets to Thurby. A smaller version of the Derby at a discounted price, Thurby has a much smaller attendance so there’s no waiting in long lines — exactly why the locals prefer it. Thurby race day is a celebration of the state of Kentucky with tons of Kentucky food, bourbon, and local entertainment. Even though it is a more casual Derby day, attendees will don anything from jeans and t-shirts to big spectacular Derby styles.

Fillies and Lilies Friday is the famed Longines Kentucky Oaks - the most lucrative race for female horses. The fillies run for a garland of lilies and a mere $1,000,000. Like the Derby, it is one of the longest, continually held, sporting events dating back to May 19th, 1875. It has grown into the fourth highest attended horse race in the US, following the races of the Triple Crown with more than 100,000 guests. Fashion is always a staple of the Derby, likewise at the Oaks you will see elaborate dresses and big derby hats all in various shades of pink. In fact, a sea

44

villemagazine.com

of pink is what you will see everywhere, from pink bunting to the pink carpet; funds and awareness are raised for the fight against breast and ovarian cancer.

The Main Event As you can imagine, the Kentucky Derby is the one race you don’t want to miss. Attend it at least once so you can cross it off your bucket list. Be prepared, the ticket prices aren’t cheap — over $100 for general admission and anywhere from $350 to over $2,000 for reserved and box seats (Kentucky Oaks tickets are the same). Be ready for a marathon day of celebrations and drinking. The race doesn’t begin until 6:34 p.m. Kentucky time, but the party kicks off early at 8 a.m. and can go until 6 a.m. the next morning. The Triple Crown begins with the Derby. The first in the 3-race series, the Derby is the first step for famed horses who are attempting to win all three.

Only twelve horses have done it in the 141 years — the last being American Pharoah in 2015. American Pharoah received immense fame for breaking the 37-year drag. He was even placed on the cover of Vogue Magazine.

THE GETAWAY

The Places

TheTradtions Get Fired Up

thunderoverlouisville.org

21c Museum

www.21cmuseumhotels.com

Festivities surrounding officially kick off at the opening ceremony, Thunder Over Louisville. The ceremony happens two weeks prior to Derby day and is the largest fireworks display in North America. Beginning in 1989, the Thunder Over Louisville starts off with an air show in the afternoon and continues with music and food until 9:30 p.m. when the fireworks light up the night sky. It has become so wildly popular that attendance has grown to over 600,000 people. Other noteworthy celebrations include BalloonFest, concerts featuring headliners such as Hunter Hayes and Jimmy Eat World, a Texas Hold’em Tournament, and much more.

The crown jewel of Louisville accommodations, this space is part hotel, part contemporary art museum, born out of a series of old tobacco and bourbon warehouses. The 21c Museum Hotel features a rotating list of art exhibitions along with suites that provide crisp white beds and a soothing contemporary color palette. Some rooms even have original exposed brick walls nodding to the hotels’ heritage.

photo Thunder Over Louisville

High Spirits

The Galt House

Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s bourbon, a beverage as rooted in the city of Louisville as it is in true Americana. Today, Louisville distilleries range from classic to urban as the spirit evolves in unison with the city itself. Visit household brands, Wild Turkey and Jim Beam or stop by one of the more hip, small batch, distilleries.

If you’re a true Kentucky bourbon fan, take part in the “Bourbon Trail” and sample bourbon from a list of the most notable distilleries in the city.

www.galthouse.com

The official hotel of The Kentucky Derby, The Galt Housel is a waterfront property boasting views of the Ohio River and sits only minutes from both Whiskey Row and Museum Row. During your stay, appreciate the cityscape at RIVUE, the hotel’s restaurant that sits 25 stories up. Make sure to go for a dip in the pool that faces an expansive view of the river.

Fancy Fashion

photo The Hat Girls, Kate Walsh and Rachel Bell l Derby 2016

www.vineyardvines.com l www.thehatgirls.com

Aloft Hotel www.aloftlouisvilledowntown.com

The Aloft Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Louisville. The hotel décor is funky and modern giving it a fun, upbeat vibe perfect for young people. On par with modern technology, the Aloft Hotel has an app that can be used to check in and even unlock your room.

Each year Churchill Downs floods with elaborate, extravagant and lavish outfits styled from head to toe. Historically, women would coordinate their dresses, hats, shoes, and parasols for the high-class affair. The official fashion of the Derby is Vineyard Vines with designed dresses specifically for the races. The most important piece are the extravagant Derby hats that have become nothing short of iconic. These hats have very wide brims and are adorned with everything from feathers, to flowers, to bows, to ribbon in all different colors. The Hat Girls are the official hat designers of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The team consists of two ladies crafting unique and glorious, handmade hats for the desired attendees that have been worn by multiple celebrities. people & pet issue

45

46

villemagazine.com

Shopping Made Easy WWW.TANNYAB.COM people & pet issue

47

2017 Ville Magazine Cover Model Search

LEADERS

of the Pack presented by Martini & Rossi, Bacardi and Vann.Edge Salon

This year's Cover Model Search is in support of Ginger's Pet Rescue, a non-profit pet rescue organization that gives homeless animals with no hope the life they deserve through rescue, foster and adoption. All dogs featured in the photos have been either rescued or up for adoption. If you're interested in saving the life a dog in need, please visit Ginger's Pet Rescue's website for a current list of adoptable pets, upcoming adoption events, information on how to foster a pet, or to give a donation. www.gingerspetrescue.org

photographers cover & group photo l Jessica Drake l JLD Imagery l jldimagery.com street photos l James Cheng Photography l www.jameschengphoto.com makeup Crystal Turnquist and Randi Canoy l Vann.Edge Salon l vannedge.com hair Lisa Vann, Christopher Archiopoli, Rose Prado, David BenHamon, Allen Bjornson, Kimberly Davis, Toni Seyer l Vann.Edge Salon l vannedge.com stylists Tannya Bernadette and Charity Mainville stylist assistants Anna Diblosi, Yasmin Tavakoli, Wendy Wei videographers Blake Hamilton and Jobe Layton www.villecovermodel.com

48

villemagazine.com

people & pet issue

49

Crystal Meeks & Chili

dress l Diane Von Furstenberg Fleur dress l orange shoes l Diane Von Furstenberg Lillie pumps l powder/gold sunglasses l Guess Factory Cateye l brown Seattle Premium Outlets l www.premiumoutlets.com

jewelry l Se•lyn Boutique Citrine earrings villemagazine.com 50 crystal

www.facebook.com/selynboutique

Debbie Ann Calipes & Emilee

dress l Lulu's Keepsake Say You Will l navy blue shoes l Lulu's Dani Suede Lace-Up Heels l nude www.lulus.com

people & pet issue

51

Lizzie McMinn & Nellie

dress l Lulu's Any Sway, Shape, or Form Lace Halter Dress l Blush Pink shoes l Lulu's Shyla Rose Suede Pointed Pumps jewelry l Lulu's Theatrics Silver Wrap Necklace villemagazine.com Lulu's52l www.lulus.com

Emily Weiss & Samantha

dress l Calvin Klein Stretch Canvas Sheath Dress l Serene Macy's Bellevue Square l www.macy's.com

shoes l Lulu's Babette Suede Ankle Strap Heels l blush hat l Lulu's My Paradise Floppy Straw Hat l53 blush people & pet issue www.lulus.com

Haley Brookings & Roper and Rico

dress l Maison Jules Pleated Fit & Flare Dress l Lazulite Macy's Bellevue Square l www.macy's.com

shoes l Lulu's Zoey Suede Ankle Strap Heels l black www.lulus.com

54

villemagazine.com

jewelry l Se•lyn Boutique Smokey Quartz Necklace www.instagram.com/selyn_boutique

Jasmine Satele-Davis & Bear

dress l MICHAEL Mesh Fit & Flare Dress l True Red jacket l YYIGAL Printed Black Faux-Leather Moto Jacket Macy's Bellevue Square l www.macy's.com

shoes l Lulu's Ophelia people Suede Lace-up Heels l55 black & pet issue www.lulus.com

Jen Ferrell & Oscar

jacket l Guess Factory Alisana Denim Jacket l dark wash dress l Guess Factory Jamima Shirtdress l Tan Champagne Seattle Premium Outlets l www.premiumoutlets.com

shoes l Lulu's Shyla Rose Suede Pointed Pumps www.lulus.com

jewelry l Se•lyn Boutique Larimar Bib Necklace 56 villemagazine.com

www.facebook.com/selynboutique

Jules & Lucy

dress l Lulu's Jack by BB Dakota Evezen Black Bodycon Fringe Dress shoes l Lulu's Drusilla Lace Ankle Strap Heels l black jewelry l Lulu's Theatrics Silver Wrap Necklace people & petwww.lulus.com issue 57

Miriam Darcy & Roo

top l Lulu's Dreams of Dancing White Off-the-Shoulder Top www.lulus.com

skirt l Guess Factory Jayla Ribbed Pencil Skirt l black shoes l Max Studio Adele Leather High Heel Pumps l black Seattle Premium Outlets l www.premiumoutlets.com

58

villemagazine.com

jewelry l The Finerie Black and floral long chunky necklace www.thefinerie.com

Markie Williams & Titus and Tera

dress l Tommy Hilfiger Sash Belted Fit & Flare Dress l black Macy's Bellevue Square l www.macy's.com

hat l Lulu's Carmen Sun Diego Black Hat www.lulus.com

jewelry l Se•lyn Boutique Prasiolite Drop Earrings www.facebook.com/selynboutique

people & pet issue

59

Patii Roy & Pongo

dress l Tommy Hilfiger Sash Belted Fit & Flare Dress l black Macy's Bellevue Square l www.macy's.com

shoes l Lulu's Dani Suede Lace-Up Heels l black www.lulus.com

sunglasses l Guess Factory Chain-Trim Contour Sunglasses l black 60 villemagazine.com

Seattle Premium Outlets l www.premiumoutlets.com

Rachel Dooley & Anya

jumpsuit l Lulu's Power of Love Strapless Jumpsuit l black sunglasses l Lulu's Perverse Dahlia Black Cat-Eye Sunglasses l black jewelry l Lulu's Time to Dance Gold Choker Necklace www.lulus.com

people & pet issue

61

skirt l Guess Factory Chloe Pleated Skirt l Jet Black jacket l Max Studio Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket l Heather Steel Seattle Premium Outlets l www.premiumoutlets.com

boots l Lulu's Way Wild Black Croc High Heel Ankle Booties l black www.lulus.com

62 Roxanne & Annie villemagazine.com

jewelry l Se•lyn Boutique Moldavite Earrings and Bib Neckalce www.instagram.com/selyn_boutique

Susan Yim & Charlie

dress l Calvin Klein Heathered Sheath Dress l Oatmeal Macy's Bellevue Square l www.macy's.com

jacket l Max Studio Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket l Washed Cognac Seattle Premium Outlets l www.premiumoutlets.com

sunglasses l Lulu's Woodzee Lexi Dark Gold Mirrored Pear Wood Sunglasses jewelry l Lulu's Modern Beginnings Gold and White Choker Necklace people & pet issue 63 www.lulus.com

Victoria Cocieru & Barney

romper l Lulu's Star Spangled Rust Red Backless Lace Romper bracelet l Lulu's A Place In This World Gold Cuff Bracelet www.lulus.com

necklace l The Finerie Green Cascade Necklace villemagazine.com 64Crystal www.thefinerie.com

people & pet issue

65

ONE LAST THING

Top Dogs (and Cats) Meet the four-legged staff of Ville Magazine and honor those who have passed.

Donatello Adam

Atlas Mindel - Mainville

Max Cheng

Head of Security

Chief Barketing Officer

Freelance Photo Production

Tony DiBlosi

Mia, Beans & Harley Tavakoli

Osa & Panda Bernadette

Executive Assistant

Playtime Management

Lead Fashion Critics

Gone, but Not Forgotten

66

Lulu Drake

Fanny Vann

Mulligan Martin

Leila and Cecilia Hager

Thanks for 13 years of love and laughter, we will miss such a big part of our family, Princess Lulu was the best silly pug.

Rescued at 3 months, she was truly one of a kind. Fanny was a diamond in the rough whose light shined brighter each day she was in our lives.

There was never a dull moment with you, Mulligan. You will always be with me. Thanks for everything.

Leila and Cecilia, losing you girls will forever leave a hole in our family.

villemagazine.com

GET $25 OFF YOUR FIRST VISIT WHEN YOU MENTION VILLE MAGAZINE

2030 1ST AVE SEATTLE WA 98121 206.441.5511 VANNEDGE.COM

5th Avenue | Seattle

Three carat radiant cut yellow diamond • Golden South Sea pearls

Tu r g e o n R a i n e . c o m

Four carat round brilliant cut diamond • Diamond bracelets in 18kt rose, yellow and white gold