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End of Summer FESTIVALS

by Katherine Andrianas

It’s hard to believe the kids are back to school and fall is upon us. As we transition between seasons, there are tons of festivals on Long Island worth attending. Whether you plan on heading east or west, this month’s calendar is packed with events that’ll keep you busy all weekend long.

16th Annual Long Island Garlic Festival – Sept 14th & 15th • 10:00AM-6:00PM
4558 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
Test your taste buds with exotic combinations of all things garlic: ice cream, cookies, jellies, etc. With over forty vendors, a craft marketplace, farm tours and family activities, this is a unique event worth attending. If you have fast hands, a brave mouth and an iron stomach, participate in the festivals garlic eating contest. Find out how many cloves of garlic you can peel and eat in two minutes. Or, watch a panel of kids battle for the title of “Junior Garlic Iron Chef”with 30-minutes to create the ultimate garlic sauce!

The I Love Bacon Beer & Bourbon Festival – Sept 14th & 15th • 10:00AM-6:00PM
160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station
Located right outside the Walt Whitman shops, this festival will feature live music and entertainment, a mechanical bull, ice cream eating contest plus all kinds of food, crafts, and shopping. Ready to find bacon in every way imaginable? From one vendor to the next, they’ll have chocolate covered bacon, bacon burgers, bacon topped funnel cake, maple cupcakes with bacon sprinkles, bacon-wrapped sausage and more! Sound up your alley? Purchase tickets prior to 8PM on September 13th and for just $6-$10 (kids under 3 free), you’ll have access to all the festivals main attractions.

Apple Festival at Harbes – Sept 14th & 15th • 9:00AM-6:00PM
715 Sound Ave, Mattituck
Close out the summer with a fun-filled day of apple activities. They’ll have all sorts of entertainment 
including apple cider donut eating contests, apple rolling competitions, magic shows, pumpkin picking, live music and more. Coming with the kids? There’s nothing they won’t love about going on hayrides and pony rides, hand feeding farm animals or trying to escape from the Robin Hood Corn Maze. So, come explore the 78-acre orchard, sip on award winning wines and pick from approximately 27 different types of apples.

The LI Hop Fest – Sept 21st • 12:30PM-4:00PM
5873 Sound Ave, Riverhead
Are you a fan of hop beer? Then, head out east to the Jamesport Farm Brewery for a sampling of
locally and nationally hop-focused beers (IPA’s, NEIPA’s, Imperial IPA’s, DIPA’s & more). The festival will have a pumpkin slingshot for firing into the field, silent auction, live music by singer, Andy Putman, and tons of backyard games like Jenga and Corn Hole. Delicious food by Christopher Michael Catering will also be available for purchase as well as seasonal favorites: pumpkin, Oktoberfest and other delicious hard ciders.

8th Annual Pour the Core – September 28th
1 Heckscher State Pkway, East Islip
Celebrate the beginning of the fall season at this hard cider festival. They’ll have tons of food trucks serving up everything from burgers and grilled cheeses to brick oven pizzas, empanadas and more. Then, to pair nicely with your food of choice, samples of approximately 75 ciders will be available from local, national and international cider makers. And, while you’re there, don’t forget to participate in the annual donut eating contest for a chance to win tickets to the Great Beer Expo or Spring Craft Beer Festival. 

 

Parenting : Back to School Time for Parents

Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion trends and styles.

    When the school bell rings at the start of a new school year this September, parents will take note of the sudden silence at home. It is a moment to stop, catch your breath and think about the months ahead. Whether you are a working parent or staying home to care for the house and children, it seems we spend weeks preparing our children for the new school year. We talk to them about upcoming adventures, trying new things, and so on.
    As adults, however, we are often so busy that we neglect our own advice. When was the last time you took a class, tried a new activity or experienced a new adventure? It is important for our children to see we have interests, hobbies, experiences and general goings on that haven’t ceased to be simply because we became parents. Parenting is a remarkable experience. Watching a small one grow up and become all they can be is a thrill like no other. That being said, becoming a parent does not mean our interests must be placed on a shelf. Let your children see you experience something new and exhilarating. It will give them great pride to see you shine. Additionally, stepping away and doing something just for you will recharge your mind and your spirit, likely making you more attentive when you return to the fam.
    If you are nodding your head while reading this article, but don’t know where to begin, here are some suggestions. This list is by no means complete. Rather, I hope it sparks ideas of all of the possibilities that exist.
 
    Take a class. Have you ever given thought to taking a class just because the topic is of great interest to you? Well, why not do it? Local colleges offer the opportunity to take non-matriculated classes. Local school districts offer adult education classes in an array of topics each year as well. There are many course offerings, so spread your wings and try something for the pure pleasure of learning.
    Start a new hobby. Whether you’ve wanted to try your hand at a new sport or learn how to paint, the choices are seemingly limitless. Many local centers offer adult classes in the morning and  evening after the kids have wrapped up. Bring a friend or go alone and use the opportunity to meet new people with a common interest. 
    Join a club. Book clubs are by far the most common, but there are clubs for those who want to do an activity together, learn something together or discuss topics of interest. 
    Work out. Why wait until New Years to begin a fitness regimen. With the kids at school, you can work out at home or in a gym. You can start jogging, use weights or get centered and fit with yoga. Look online for an app to track your progress and pat yourself on the back for reaching milestones.
    Life is too short to let opportunities continue to pass us by. Pick something to start and really embrace it. Share your enthusiasm with your family and friends. You may inspire another to try a new ‘something’ as well. So, as the bus leaves with your precious cargo on that first day of school, wipe the tears away (I always cry on the first day of school) and get going with your first day too. Good luck and have fun!
 
 

 

Prestige Adult Center hosts Centennial Celebration

 
    Prestige Adult Center, had the pleasure of honoring Estefana Olivares at her 100th birthday party on August 2 at the center in Huntington Station.
    Estefana Olivares was born on August 3, 1919, in Ica, Peru. She moved to Lima, Peru, where she worked as a hotel housekeeper. She raised two sons, Hugo and Humberto, as a single mother. Her sons immigrated to America in the 1960s and she joined them in 1967, settling in Manhattan, where she worked as a seamstress. She became a U.S. citizen in 2000. Ms. Olivares celebrated this milestone at Prestige Adult Center in Huntington Station with family and friends. She was joined by her son, Hugo, as well as Ambassador Marita Landaveri, Cónsul General of Perú; Jim Gaughran, NY State Senator; Chad Lupinacci, Huntington Town Supervisor and Tom Donnelly, Suffolk County Legislator.
    The goal at Prestige Adult Center is to enrich the lives of our senior citizens. With multiple activities to choose from such as: Arts & Crafts, Memory Training, Music and Dance Therapy, Local Excursions, Computer Classes, Chair  Yoga, Guest Lecturers and more; the Adult Center is designed to help keep the citizens engaged throughout the day.
    Prestige Adult Center provides a warm and inviting environment that enriches people’s golden years. As the place which many people can feel at home, Prestige is more than happy to show you around their premises. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00AM-5:00PM, they offer free tours, free roundtrip transportation and look forward to answering any inquiries. Visit them at 21 Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station or call 631.923.2262 to schedule your free day, including lunch and yoga. 

 

Leading With Heart : Global Women’s Summit Comes to New York

 By Tammy Severino

    Leading With Heart: Global Women’s Summit held its inaugural New York event on Friday, August 2, 2019 at Civic Hall, New York’s nonprofit collaborative community. The all-day conference featured an impressive line-up of speakers including corporate executives, entrepreneurs and leaders in the community, celebrities, best-selling authors, Academy Award and Emmy-winning screenwriters and journalists, professors, TEDx speakers, experts in the field of medicine and wellness as well as executives in the music industry. The purpose of the conference was to inspire, empower and support women of New York and all of the surrounding communities.
    The seating was filled to capacity all day as attendees came to hear speakers. “I am so impressed with each and every speaker I have heard so far,” stated Chris S. She went on to say, “I have learned a lot today. I’ve gotten practical tools, learned how to set goals and been shown new perspectives on so many things I can incorporate into my life personally and professionally”. For those unable to attend, the event was live streamed via Civic Hall’s YouTube channel.
     Sponsors for the event included Microsoft, Google, Craig Newmark Foundation, Luminate and SevBerg Global LLC. Proceeds from the event will benefit Civic Hall, a nonprofit collaborative community center that advances the use of technology for the public good.
     Attendees were treated to talks and conversations with many influential leaders such as: Sarah Hurwitz, Chief Speechwriter for Michelle Obama; Chelsea Parsons, Center for American Progress; Emmy Award-winning screenwriter, Stephanie Liss; Global Ambassador for the Akilah Institute in Rwanda, Nadine Niyitegka, and many more. 
     The Leading With Heart: Global Women’s Summit was produced by SevBerg Global LLC. SevBerg Global is a boutique creative production agency founded by Tammy Severino, a local Long Island resident, and Mimi Bergman. SevBerg Global brings expertise and concierge level service to its roster of clients for their needs in brand management, business development,  public relations, event production, booking, and content/copy. For more information on SevBerg Global, visit www.sevberg.com, contact SevBergInfo@usa.com or call (917) 300-9012. 

 

Summer Cooking

Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident, 
currently working as a Marketing & Social Media Specialist. Joanna can be reached 
by email at LISAVORYEATS@gmail.com. 

    Living in a second-floor apartment, in New York, during the summer, is difficult for an amateur chef like myself. I often feel limited with the cooking vessels I can use, and it’s generally not worth putting the oven on if my air conditioning units are working hard and I’m struggling to stay cool. Luckily, I’ve discovered some new, favorite meals thanks to this inconvenience. Seasonal salads, flatbreads, taco bowls, chilled pasta – the list goes on. 
    During the warmer months, I opt for cooking my meals with the crockpot, convection oven, panini press, and stovetop. I also find myself experimenting with more room temperature and chilled meals. Some of my go-tos include: goat cheese and tomato toast with arugula or chilled pasta salad with pesto, mozzarella and yellow cherry tomatoes. I also generally buy the same ingredients and attempt to repurpose them weekly. Any given week I am guaranteed to purchase arugula (my favorite green!), cheeses (I like to switch it up but I love taleggio, feta, brie and manchego), tomatoes, fresh pasta, avocados, lemons, limes, fresh fish or seafood, and ground meat. While I may use arugula in a summer salad this week, I will try to incorporate it into a flatbread next week. (See what I mean?) Ground meat may be used for tacos this week, but next week could be a protein of choice in a Vietnamese pork bowl.
    Pinterest and food blogger sites such as Half Baked Harvest, often dish up the inspiration I am looking for, and make it easy to avoid turning on the oven. While I wish I had a grill (like most of suburban Long Island), I use what I have in-house to create equally delicious meals for my boyfriend and I. A grill pan does the trick for skewers or shrimp, but I must admit the crock pot is a great way to cook meat in the summer – without overheating the house. (A trick of the trade I learned from my dad.) Think slow cooked pork, chicken or brisket for tacos! Or perhaps a homemade ragu that could quickly be paired with fresh pasta and salad. The ‘pastabilities’ are endless.
­    Determine your favorite ingredients, research recipes, and start cooking! Don’t be hesitant to reinvent staples in the crockpot instead of the oven. Skip the broiler and use your convection oven. Pressed for time? Opt for your panini press or grill pan for sandwiches and wraps. Not in the mood to cook? Throw together a summer salad or dressed up toast. Whatever you decide, you’ll be happy you tried something new.

 

Farm Fresh and Fabulous!

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident, freelance writer and licensed agent at Signature Premier Properties in Northport. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

    I feel blessed to live on Long Island, especially during the summertime, when it flaunts its lush green landscape, and beautiful waterways. Long Island, especially the north and south forks, are home to many family owned farmsteads. This time of year, take full advantage and support our local farms and farmer’s markets. They bring us fresh, local grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, honey, homemade jellies, breads, pies and more. 
    However, it’s those robust and juicy ripened tomatoes that I really can’t wait for. Tomato’s sliced with fresh mozzarella and basil, tomatoes with fresh string beans and potato salad, tomato sauce, tomato sandwiches; this is truly the essence of summer to me. 
    There is something so special about eating and shopping outdoors. The feeling of local camaraderie, exchanging of recipes and the forming of friendships, makes shopping at the farmer’s market a unique and warm experience. My advice is to head out early in the day – while the selection is still at it’s best – since vendors usually bring a limited amount to sell. During your outing, plan your meals around the local varieties in season. (Keep it light and healthy during the summer.) And, do plan on bringing cash, as this is usually the preferred method of payment. 
    For those who enjoy home cooked meals, this is the time to experiment with fresh ingredients and taste all the fresh flavors created in your dishes. Here is a quick and simple recipe that I prepare as a meal (at times). Full of pure, simple flavors: a  delicious Tomato and fresh mozzarella salad with basil– no cooking required. Add a grilled baguette that has been brushed with olive oil for dipping, a glass of wine and of course, eat outside! Yum! Enjoy and see you at the market Saturday morning.

Tomatoes and Fresh
Mozzarella Salad 

(Insalata Caprese)

  • 6 ripened tomatoes
  • ¾ cup fresh basil chopped or whole leaf
  • ½ cup good olive oil 
  • ½ t sea salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 1 t fresh or dried chopped oregano or marjoram
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella

Slice the tomatoes vertically rather than horizontally, as they will stay firmer in your salad. Slice the fresh mozzarella and layer alternating slices of tomato and cheese, adding basil leaves between each layer. Season and drizzle with oil. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out the juices of the tomato and marinate the flavors.

 

Dorm Decor

Rachael Severino is an incoming freshmen at Sarah Lawrence College. 
She is looking to major in both Journalism and Creative Writing. 
A writer, ballerina, and crafter, Rachael is attracted to all things creative.

    Creating a perfectly aesthetic dorm on a budget can be a nightmare for many freshmen. Ensuring your dorm can act as both home base and study area while earning Instagram likes can be a struggle, but it is not impossible. 
    July through August is the time to shop for a college student’s dorm. This means that stores like Dormify, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Ikea are all offering coupons and hosting blow out sales. 
    Most colleges provide a list of things you need to bring. Essentials are essentials; you will need bedding and a laundry basket. However, you can jazz up basics any day. Make sure your bed-in-a-bag is in a color or design you love. To add some warmth, hunt down a super soft rug. Your necessary items need not be bland. Lastly, if your college allows it, buy curtains. Trust me. 
    Amp up your dorm experience exponentially with these essentials that are not actually considered essentials. Dorm mattresses have seen better days. A mattress topper will save your back, protect you from whatever that poor mattress has seen, and provide a better night’s sleep. Believe it or not, you need this: an electric kettle. These babies will save you money and time on coffee or tea (pick your poison!), while also serving you  instant oatmeal for breakfast and ramen for dinner. 
    Most freshmen will be assigned a roommate. You may love yours, but you could just as easily curse the day they were born. Headphones can block out noise and help you focus on work, so do not forget to pack yours. 
    After gathering the essentials, use your extra cash on to die for décor. Splurge on fuzzy throw pillows and a cozy blanket which come in many gorgeous, eye-catching shades. Also, consider a wooden or glass tray to put beauty products in. Go crazy with plug in air-fresheners; there’s nothing wrong with having a space filled with fresh aromas. Have no guilt over an air purifier (no one gets sick like college students!). 
    The little extras you love should make the move with you: a precious plant (or six) should follow. Do not just eye that great piece of wall art. A fun tapestry or print can absolutely liven up your dorm wall. Polaroids or framed pictures of friends and family will provide familiarity and endless comfort. These knickknacks will make the space yours. 
    Dorms are not known for their spacious nature. Try to narrow in on products that will help you feel like you are living in something bigger than a shoebox. Mirrors open up any room; buy a long mirror and befriend it. Light colors create space, whereas dark colors 
–while cozier– will close it. Try to avoid crazy prints; they are a mistake. Also,  keep furniture against the wall to ensure there is an open center space.
    Living without your parents for the first time can easily throw your life out of whack. College can be crazy and overwhelming for everyone, freshmen or seniors. Making your dorm feel glamorous and cozy can provide much-needed grounding. So, get clever and craft your own home away from home. This is where you will be spending a majority or your time for the next few years.

 

Do You Hear That?

Dr. Peter Loring, Au.D., 
Licensed Audiologist

    Your spouse starts to tell you that you’re not listening to them. Family members are telling you to turn the television down. You’re making comments in conversation that are being met with, “I just told you that…”  
    For many people the first signs of hearing loss are noticed by those around them. We hear what we hear, and don’t know what we aren’t hearing. So to us, everything is still fine.  
    One in 3 people above the age of 65 suffer from hearing loss. This normally comes on gradually, and over time. The result is that the person with the issue doesn’t realize it’s been developing over a number of years.  Subtleties in the environment slowly begin to fade out. The world isn’t quite as bright. The birds are much quieter.

Some of the signs of hearing loss most commonly include the fact that:
• You’re able to hear someone is talking to you, but can’t always understand them.
• Crowds are more difficult as the background noise drowns out the conversation.
• Turning up the volume on the television makes things louder, but the clarity (understanding) is still very difficult. The average person with hearing loss typically waits between 5-8 years from the point in time they begin to notice it, until they choose to address it.
    
    Let’s be honest. The fact that hearing aids are the most common, and effective way to help someone with hearing loss, makes many people concerned, frustrated, and even angry.
    So… what should you do next; once you’ve decided “it’s time”?
    Have your hearing tested. Make sure that you find someone licensed. Whether it be an audiologist in private practice, a hearing aid dispenser, or even in an Otolaryngologist (ENT) office. These professionals will be able to test your hearing and explain what the next step should be.­
    The professional should be able to discuss what your needs are based on lifestyle, hearing loss, and of course… your finances. As with everything else in life, you do get what you pay for. Those $199 “hearing aids” in the back of a magazine 
that look too good to be true? They are.
    If you have the ability to try hearing aids before paying for them… DO IT!!! There are professionals who offer you a risk-free trial before having to reach into your wallet. Anything sounds great in the office, but you need to know how they will work in your day to day life.

 

 

The Forks & Beyond : Quick Getaways Within Reach

by Katherine Andrianas

Newport, Rhode Island
Named as the best walking city in the US by Conde Nast Traveler, Newport has become a very popular summer travel spot. Filled with restaurants, fun attractions and places to stay, this “City by the Sea” is known for having a lively downtown scene and bustling harbor. History buffs can appreciate the towns classic colonial architecture and breathtaking New England landscapes which date all the way back to the Guilded Age Era. Between the lavish mansions, 3.5-mile cliff walk, Museum of American Illustration and International Tennis Hall of Fame, there’s an endless number of things to see and do here. 

Block Island, Rhode Island
Thirteen miles off the coast of Rhode Island and only accessible by boat or plane, you’ll find Block Island.  With its Victorian charm, it has so much to offer including unique boutiques, galleries, places to eat and nightlife. You can simply laze on the beach, hike the 150-foot Mohegan Bluffs, go horseback riding or enjoy 360-degree island views from the Southeast Lighthouse. For a good meal out, some popular local restaurants to try are: The Oar, Ballards and Beachead.

Greenport, New York    
You don’t have to go very far to get away. This century old fishing village fills with weekenders who’ve come by car, boat, train and bus. It’s antique carousel, abundance of farm-to-table restaurants, shops, wineries, and roads to stroll along, make it one of the most charming and historic communities on the East End. Craving a good bite? A few remarkable places to dine at are: 1943 Pizza Bar, Lucharitos Mexican Restaurant and Porto Bello. To experience Greenport’s nightlife, the casual yet chic American Beech, and recently renovated, Claudio’s, are popular spots.

Montauk, New York    
When you hit the eastern most part of the South Fork, you’ve reached “The End.” For boaters and non-boaters alike, staying at Gurney’s Resorts is paradise in itself with two pools (indoor & outdoor), private beach access, watersport rentals and mid-century modern dining. For the true Montauk experience, go hiking at  Montauk State Park’s nature preserve, horseback ride along the beautiful coastline, or tour the Montauk Lighthouse. Also, check out Navy Beach, Montauk’s favorite beachfront restaurant, or cross the Montauk Brewing Company off your brewery bucket list.

Cape May, New Jersey
This year-round destination attracts everyone from families and couples to photographers, artists, and nature enthusiasts. If you’re looking to relax on the beach, do some boutique shopping or dine out for a delicious meal, here’s the place. Even on the rainiest of days, Cape May provides just as many indoor activities as they do outdoor. So, whether you want to bike along Beach Avenue, go on a food tour, enjoy tastings at the local brewery or pamper yourself at the day spa- that’s up to you.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod has so much to offer with its beautiful sandy beaches, fresh water kettle ponds, killer seafood, wildlife sanctuaries and fine dining. 
Whether it means getting around by boat, bike or foot, there are hidden gems in every which way. To keep the kids busy, the Woods Hole Science
Aquarium and Skull Island Sports World recreation center are great places to visit. You can also opt to explore the Heritage Museums and gardens or view the lunar landscapes of the dunes on a guided tour. 

Mystic­­, Connecticut
Halfway between New York and Boston is this quaint little seaport village called Mystic. In downtown Mystic, colorful mom and pop shops and eateries line the streets. Between the Mystic Aquarium, Museum of Art and laid back atmosphere, it’s the perfect little getaway. Planning to bring the kids? There’s nothing they won’t love about being able to see, touch and climb aboard tall ships at the Mystic Seaport Museum. And, by the time you leave you’ll have earned your sea legs and tasted some of the best clam chowder!

Ocean City, Maryland
Named Top Ten Beaches in the nation, if you have yet to visit Ocean City, now’s the time. You can walk the 3-mile boardwalk, indulge in culinary bites, rent water toys, shop and get in touch with nature at the Assateague State Park. Overwhelmed by the many options? Check out Ocean City’s free weekly events happening throughout the year (family beach Olympics, sundaes in the park, movies on the beach, etc.). So, whether you have kids or you’re just a kid at heart, between the nightlife, exquisite food, live entertainment and amusement parks, there’s nothing more fun than visiting Ocean City.  

Nurture Your Heart, Nurture Your Spirit

Maria DiGiorgio is a devoted wife and mother, an educator and designer. 
Visit her Etsy shop: LaPetiteFleurbyMaria, for beautiful, one-of-a-kind, hand
embellished floral picture frames.

    With the advent of each day, we must take the opportunity to reflect on what it is our soul longs for.  What do we wish to do, where do we wish to go, and with whom do we wish to spend our time?  What is it that our inner whispers are trying to convey, and are we listening carefully and fully enough to really hear them?  We all have things that, as I like to say, “make our hearts sing” – people, places, activities and reflections that speak to our spirits, and bring us deep fulfillment and personal joy. Often, we forget about the importance of acknowledging these notions, as we become caught up in the demands of our very busy and hectic lives. We struggle to find the time to meet the expectations we place upon ourselves, as well as those placed upon us by our jobs,  families, community, and so on.  It becomes quite easy to lose sight of the aspects that bring us the most satisfaction, especially when carrying out the mundane necessary tasks that can actually bring us the least amount of personal pleasure.
    In setting aside a few precious moments each day, we can take stock of what is happening in our lives and ask ourselves what we can do to inject some fun, excitement and significance into our routines.  How can we incorporate the things we love or enjoy into the structure of our day?  Perhaps, we can only do so at certain times in our day or within our week. It need not be a daily occurrence, but rather, a daily attempt to reconfigure our needs and desires. In bringing awareness to all we take pleasure in, we can seek to engage in these pursuits more often and thereby invite a greater sense of contentment into our lives.
    Checking in with ourselves and asking the all-important questions we need to nurture our hearts, minds and spirits, is a critical component of procuring and maintaining a sense of purpose. Even if it’s chaos we must succumb to, at one time or another, it’s essential that we have the ability to seek refuge in the peace that comes from a well-balanced, well-lived life. Getting to know what that means (as it is singular to each one of us), and respecting the importance of such practices, will serve us well in our personal quest for happiness!

 

Outdoor Portraits – Indoor Decor

Marie Torio is a NY based 
photographer specializing in food, restaurant, interior & editorial.
Her website where she can be reached 
www.photosbymarietorio.com 
and her Instagram photosbymarietorio 

    Hello friends, I hope your summer has been well. School is out and before we know it, it will be time for back-to-school. In the meantime, we have to keep the kids busy. I’ve decided to write this piece to encourage you all to make the best of your summer activities with family and friends, while capturing precious memories with your camera. There are endless locations to capture these beautiful moments. From your own backyard, the beach, or local park to a nature walk and day trip into the city. 
    The photos I included were effortless moments captured with my camera. The silhouette photo of my son jumping off the lifeguard chair was an evening at the beach with the family. The image of my daughter blowing the dandelions was on a walk around the neighborhood, and the last was at a local park after an early dinner.  Look for those moments during the summer. I’m sure there will be plenty. 
    Once portraits are taken, most  people don’t take the time to print and frame them. I struggle with this myself. Making a little home decor project out of it helps me become inspired to execute a fun layout for a wall.  First, I think of a color scheme and the elements I want to incorporate. For the one I’m using as an example, I chose a rustic, light green, neutral color palette. I included our last name initial next to the words ‘family’ and ‘love’. Adding decorative items like flowers, arrows and a mirror balances the photos and words, tying it nicely together. I referred to Pinterest for inspiration and  purchased the items from Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Home Goods. 
    I love that photography allows us capture the moments we love and at the same time, incorporate them into our home decor in a meaningful way. Have fun designing your next project and happy shooting. 

 

Leading With Heart: Global Women’s Summit Comes to New York

By Tammy Severino

    Leading With Heart: Global Women’s Summit held its inaugural New York event on Friday, August 2, 2019 at Civic Hall, New York’s nonprofit collaborative community. The all-day conference featured an impressive line-up of speakers, including corporate executives, entrepreneurs and leaders in the community, along with celebrities, best-selling authors, Academy Award and Emmy-winning screenwriters and journalists, professors, TEDx speakers, experts in the field of medicine and wellness, and executives in the music industry. The purpose of the conference was to inspire, empower, and support women of New York and all of the surrounding communities.
    The seating was filled to capacity all day as attendees came to hear speakers. “I am so impressed with each and every speaker I have hear so far.” stated Chris S. She went on to say, “I have learned a lot today. I’ve gotten practical tools, learned how to set goals and been shown new perspectives on so many things I can incorporate into my life personally and professionally”. For those unable to attend, the event was live streamed via Civic Hall’s YouTube channel.
     Sponsors for the event include Microsoft, Google, Craig Newmark Foundation, Luminate  and SevBerg Global LLC. Proceeds from the event will benefit Civic Hall, a nonprofit collaborative community center that advances the use of technology for the public good.
     Attendees were treated to talks and conversations with Sarah Hurwitz, Chief Speechwriter for Michelle Obama; Chelsea Parsons, Center for American Progress; Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Stephanie Liss; Nadine Niyitegka, Global Ambassador for the Akilah Institute in Rwanda; Christina Fulton, Founder of Stop the Bully and Immortal Beauty, Inc.; Pamela Workman, Man Made Music; Celebrity Civil Rights Attorney Michele Young; International bestselling authors Celine Santini and Maryann Candito; Wellness icons Dr. Stacy Berman and Melissa Botten; Mikah Fashion's Miriam Grunhaus; TEDx Speakers Galit Ventura Rozen, Cornell Thomas, Tina Powell, and Elizabeth Barry; Inc Magazine darling Dr. Hagit Glickman; Entrepreneur Magazine's "Best of the Best" Lisa Mercurio; journalists Judi Zirin-Hyman and Christina Hoag; entertainment industry executives; elected officials; nonprofit and corporate CEOS; medical experts and academics. The Leading With Heart: Global Women’s Summit was produced by SevBerg Global LLC. SevBerg Global is a boutique creative production agency founded by Tammy Severino, a local Long Island resident, and Mimi Bergman. SevBerg Global brings expertise and concierge level service to its roster of clients for their needs in brand management, business development,  public relations, event production, booking, and content/copy. For more information on SevBerg Global visit www.sevberg.com or contact SevBergInfo@usa.com or (917) 300-9012.