Imagine living in the perfect home. By that I mean breathing in air that is pure and super healthy for you, having insulation that keeps all critters out, and enjoying the same lovely temperature wherever you go, whether standing by the window or in your cozy bed.

It’s already a reality – a positive trend in the construction and design business. Focusing on the optimal health and longevity of humans, buildings, and planet.

It’s referred to as, “Passive House Standards.” Establishing excellence and efficiency, which then creates limitless opportunities for better living.

For example, during new construction or when retro-fitting an older building, you can have fun testing for “air tightness” and insulation to make sure that air pollution, harsh weather, and creatures of all sizes will not share your home with you. Then you add the “energy recovery ventilation,” which is filtered fresh air, to really get the best level for breathing. Don’t worry, you can still open your high-performance window whenever you want. You’ll be an energy efficient citizen and can brag to your friends about how low your heating and air conditioning bills are.

By doing all these things, your building emits fewer greenhouse gases and you’re saving energy, which in turn produces significantly lower utility bills and a much healthier indoor environment. In addition to improving air quality, it creates a comfortable and consistent temperature inside, and “acoustically superior” conditions (reduced noise from neighbors and street). What’s not to love?

Wait, how much does all this cost upfront? Don’t worry, each building can be carefully assessed for its exact needs and there are ways to get help with financing, discounts, and incentives. Besides, the savings from lower utility bills will quickly make up for it, as will the quality of life for you and the planet.

If you’re an owner, developer, or enthusiastic tenant, it’s not only an excellent idea, but with certain earth-improving laws these days – and more coming – it’s increasingly a part of a building’s requirements. It’s a prudent business decision to get on board now.

The difference between goals and new laws depends on various components such as square footage and the building’s location in the world.

In NYC, buildings are the largest contributor to climate change, so “Local Law 97” sets limits on their gas emissions in order to help reach the goal of a 40 percent reduction of emissions by the year 2030. In a longer range plan, city officials have committed to achieving double that: 80 percent reduction of greenhouse gas by 2050. (Also known as “80 by 50.”)

“It’s a standard of comfort and health just as much as it is for energy,” says Sara Bayer, an Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability at Magnusson Architecture and Planning. With new buildings, she strives to make sustainable, healthy, and uplifting design achievable for all.

“I’m hoping the real estate industries learn how to sell it,” says Sara. “So when someone looks at a new home and asks, ‘Where’s my fresh air coming from?’ the realtor answers, ‘Oh yeah, you’re in a passive house.'”

With new buildings or retro-fitting old ones, certain factors are considered “passive” and can be optimized for greater good, hence the word passive. The methodology and coding originate from Germany’s Passivhaus Institute (PHI). They provide official certification as does Passive House Institute US (PHIUS).

“The tightness of the passive house is where the magic is, the most bang for your buck, basically,” Sara continues. “You test that on site during construction until you prove that you’ve done it. Quality control. To get passive house certified, you have to use the software from that certifying body. There are two of them, international and national. It’s just a way that the physics are calculated.”

Amy Failla is a Certified Passive House Designer and Principal at Ingui Architecture. One of her specialties is retro-fitting older buildings and she sees New York as a leader in the field.

“We say to clients, ‘You’re already doing this amount of work, why not build a better house?’ I think in general it’s intimidating to a lot of people. I’m from the Midwest and it hasn’t really picked up there yet. People automatically think, oh, I can’t afford that. So I think there has to be some precedent set first. There are definitely precedents getting set, especially in New York, where we have so many buildings with multi-families that need attention. NYU is a good example. They’re really taking initiative to improve their buildings.”

Maybe your place is not as big as NYU or you’re not quite as rich yet. Whatever your building size, type, and budget might be, you can reach out to New York Passive House (NYPH) to guide you through the many options. Financial help can be available from places like New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and ConEd. (See also the list at the end of the article.)

Amy Karle is an internationally award-winning ultra-contemporary artist “working at the nexus of where digital, physical and biological systems merge.” Amy was honored as one of BBC’s 100 most inspiring and influential women, and named one of the “Most Influential Women in 3D Printing.” She recently won the “Pioneer in Design” award from IIDA – International Interior Design Association.

“I look at the intelligence of nature,” says Amy. “We have hundreds of years of data, so how can we bring some of it to the interior and architectural design elements to enhance human health and productivity?

“We can use AI if we’re looking across the design of buildings and the actual engineering and construction. Looking at what’s healthy and what’s sustainable, both for the people inside and for the environment. AI can analyze this. It can help us do the calculations so much faster. It really excels at being a super advanced calculator and recognizing patterns. It’s about how we organize and interface with that data.

“From a conceptual and design element, we could recognize patterns in nature that are healthy for us. We can go all through the process of then recognizing how to implement it in a sustainable way that’s healthy for people and the environment – with the statistics. And what are the price points of doing that? Where do we have to make compromises? Where are the different opportunities and the return on investment?

“It can also be used to help us understand how to develop new materials. We can look at how to design materials that respond and react to the environment and people’s needs for health. It can be incorporated in very easy ways, with plant life, water features, and then go to natural materials. Put AI to work. Program a responsive interior system.

“The biggest things that I think are necessary are collaboration and working with other people. Creative and critical thinkers. The more creative and critical you are, the more you can use the tools to help your work shine. You need the right mindset, the right questions, and then with other creative thinkers, to all together keep asking.”

Fellow artist and innovator, Amelia Winger-Bearskin, is the Banks Preeminence Endowed Chair of Artificial Intelligence and the Arts at the University of Florida and the Digital World Institute. She’s also the founder of the University of Florida’s AI Climate Justice Lab, where they simulate just futures using environmental research data in artificial intelligence systems.

Ms. Winger-Bearskin recently patented an algorithm for a home device she invented. It measures air quality, temperature, and other sensory and scientific information. One thing she discovered is that a lot of previous research had been done on tall men.

“They studied only men who are over six feet tall,” says Amelia. “They’re very warm, they’re large, and it’s generally made toward their body type. So I said, ‘Let’s make a new algorithm!’ It’s a bit more diverse and you can even say to it that not everyone here is over six feet tall, we’re actually kind of shorter. It will automatically know that you might need it to be warmer, or you can give it feedback. More customized to you.”

Amelia is Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation of Oklahoma, Deer Clan. She seeks to bring greater accountability to technology.

“I’m beginning to frame this idea of AI and ‘human thriving’ and am having conversations with my university, other researchers, and people who are in startups” she explains. “It’s not just about the singular User Experience (UX), but is this technology having a net gain for human thriving? What do we need? We need safe water, healthy air, and a comfortable, safe living environment. We need education, each other, communities, and to trust our governments. We need to trust our schools and our neighbors. And so all of those things are part of human thriving. And I’m trying to think of AI in that way, how it can contribute. If AI isn’t contributing to human thriving. I don’t think we need it.

“Even though I’m working with really complicated systems and interdisciplinary fields that don’t often speak the same language. I try to speak plainly so that I can include all of my different diverse community members and collaborators to expand the conversation.”

 

Sara Bayer: “It’s a future where health of all life is valued in our capitalistic human designed system – so that making the right decisions for the long term view of health is given its proper value.

“Regenerative architecture makes so much economic sense if you look at the impacts to all of our systems – and not a narrow view of the immediate interest of one. The interests of that one entity will benefit from the thriving of all others. Your investment in the thriving of others comes back to you!”

Amy Failla: “In an ideal future, passive house wouldn’t be really an option anymore. It would just be how we build, a standard. We wouldn’t debate whether it’s better or not, it just is. Also having more products and solutions here in America. A lot of the stuff, we get from Europe. Even windows.”

Thanks to the very smart women and men creatively collaborating in all fields, we can look forward to limitless opportunities for better living.

In the meantime, what is the state of your indoor existence? You can take a deep breath and make it better. Jump on the trend of consumer demand.

# # #

Links and resources:New York Passive House (NYPH): an education and advocacy organization. Can guide you to the right solutions.
Passive House Accelerator: a hub for sharing innovation and thought leadership in design and construction.

Places for financial help, incentives, discounts, loans:
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and Con Edison.

Sara Bayer, Magnusson Architecture and Planning
Amy Failla, Ingui Architecture
Amy Karle, exploring the implications of technology on humanity and co-creating a better future.
Amelia Winger-Bearskin, using new kinds of technology to tell new kinds of stories, especially science storytelling around environmental futures.

Source 2050: high-performance passive house building materials.
Brooklyn Solarworks: affordable solar panels for NYC.

Special thanks to Chris Goodwin, president, Axea Construction Group, and Michael Syracuse, partner, FXCollaborative, who both provided incredible expertise and depth of understanding.

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More Good News: Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual performed a renewal of vows for Molly and John Breen at the Montauk Manor. Reverend Paul is here to serve you:  https://goodnewsplanet.com/reverend-paul-sladkus-is-here-to-serve-you/

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Models include Rita Cosby, Robbie Canner, Diana Sorkin, Isabel Lopez, Lorraine Silvetz, Gigi Nunez, ReBecca Ricks, Alyssa Casa, Sara Johnson Kaplan, Yasmeen Gumbs-Breakenridge, Meenal Manikandan, Donna Sousa, Cherie Corso, Flora Pllumaj, Paulina Apice, Dr. Elisa English, Sonia Texeira Couto, Kayla Kotsch, Paris Zelyakovsky and Cory Orosz Photo Credit: Jeff Smith

Avadora Mimouni Collection was featured at Prestige Models NYFW show 2022. Model and Designer, Avadora Mimouni, is a gem, as is her line of “wearable art” luxury bags adorned with semi-precious stones and upcycled materials. They are becoming increasingly popular among women who want to look and feel like the gems they are. Inspired designer and model, Avadora Mimouni was born in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. Avadora’s creative ways started in her youth. She expressed herself through theater and modeling in fashion boutiques. She moved to Manhattan in 1994. She soon pursued modeling and graced the covers of magazines, walked prestigious runways, and appeared in acting roles. Her latest role is as an inspired designer, helping make the world and its inhabitants more beautiful.

Lorraine Silvetz, Rita Cosby, Rebecca Ricks

Photo Credit: Jeff Smith

Donna Sousa, Yasmeen Gumbs-Breakenridge, Sonia Teixeira Couto
Photo Credit: Jeff Smith

In 2017, Avadora attended an event wearing a one-of-a-kind purse she created and was surprised by the immense adulation. She was immediately inspired to launch her Avadora Mimouni Collection that same year. Her collection received dramatic admiration from women of all ages. Her startling and gorgeous luxury bags are “wearable works of art,” making those who carry them look and feel more beautiful.

Rita Cosby                ReBecca Ricks           Meenal Manikandan
Photo credit: Dez Santana Photo credit: Jeff Smith Photo credit: Dez Santana

Avadora Mimouni Collection inspired many former models from the 90’s, 2000’s to return to the runway, during NY Fashion Week 2019, 2020, and 2022, to strut their stuff for the camera while making a difference in the world. Her luxury “wearable art” bags inspired the models to not only look their best but to promote causes, far and wide, through their inspired “fashion runway advocacy”. Several of the models who appear in Avadora’s NYFW shows became active in philanthropy after their modeling careers.

Sara Johnson Kaplan                  Jennifer Harrison                    Isabel Lopez
Photo credit: Getty Images

Not only do these models know how to talk the talk, but they also walk the walk on the runway: Proof that a woman can “strut her stuff,” make a difference in the world and be fabulous at any age! The world needs a message that celebrates timeless beauty; it is more than skin deep and does not end at age 30!

Lorraine Silvetz            Lorraine Silvetz & Rita Cosby
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

Several of Avadora Mimouni collection’s models are today’s entrepreneurs, TV anchors, therapists, doctors, actresses, executive directors of foundations among other notable accomplishments. One of the star models, is 3 Time Emmy Award Winning Anchor and NY Times Best Selling Author, Rita Cosby. One need only look at her biography to not only see her incomparable list of accomplishments but all her long list of advocacy and support for a multitude of great causes. Rita is spokesperson for another Avadora Mimouni model, Lorraine Silvetz, MSW, foundation,Global Stress Initiative treating veterans, domestic violence and human trafficking survivors with PTSD. Lorraine has served as the face of Avadora Mimouni’s Collection for 2021-2022. All of the mature models (age 35 and up) have either founded, currently support, or lend their personalities to foundations that work to help those in need.

Diana Sorkin    Cory Orosz     Cherie Corso
Photo credits: Getty Images

After close to two years of being unable to attend events due to the pandemic, everyone is ready to get out and be seen supporting good works. And, they’ll want to do it in style! No woman will want to be without their AVADORA MIMOUNI luxury handbag as they enter the world stage yet again. The Imperial Collection will bring the wearer back to the old-world glamour and beauty of classic cinema sirens like Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe, and Ava Gardner.

Robbie Canner             ReBecca Ricks & Avadora Mimouni      Flora Plumaj
Photo credit: Getty Images Photo credit: Jeff Smith Photo Credit: Getty Images

All women agree that you cannot wear an Avadora Mimouni bag without making a statement, being asked where you got it, who designed it since they steal the show wherever you go. They are beyond unique and beautiful, and each one is one of a kind, just like the woman who wears them.

Elisa English and Avadora Mimouni   Flora Pllumaj & Lorraine Silvetz     Cindy Marinangel,                                                                                                                                              Avadora Mimouni,                                                                                                                                             Errol Rappaport
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

The designer and acclaimed model, Avadora Mimouni, illustrates that beauty is timeless, and her gorgeous bags symbolize each woman as a precious gem. Her luxury bags adorned with semi-precious stones remind the wearer of the luxury purse that they genuinely are.  And, let’s face it, the more we feel like precious gems, the more we act that way, and so the world becomes a better and more beautiful place – one gem at a time.

Back row: Elisa English, Isabel Lopez, Flora Pllumaj, Robbie Canner, Jennifer Harrison, Cory Orosz, two guest models, Allysa Casa, Diana Sorkin, Cherie Corso and Paulina Apice
Front row: Gigi Nunez, Lorraine Silvetz, guest model, Rebecca Ricks, Sara Johnson Kaplan, Sonia Teixeira Couto Front: The divine designer, Avadora Mimouni

#avadoramimouni #avadoramimounicollection #ritacosby #rebricks3 #coryorosz #isabeloriginal #jenniferdevin111 #pauliapice2914 #sarieny1 #prestigetopmodelnyc #errolrappaport #gigi_nunez #flogplu #robbiecanner @isabeloriginal @originallivingmagazine #alyssacasa #kayla_kotsch #cheriecorso #mylifeyasmeen #meensmanik #makeoverartistry #reflectionsnyc #soniateixeiracouto #paris.zelyakovsky #dezsantanaphoto

Article written by Lorraine Silvetz, MSW

The post Avadora Mimouni’s Collection: An Unforgettable Gem! appeared first on Good News!.

The models not only know how to strut for the camera but make a difference in the world. Each one of the models either founded, support or, lend their personalities to charity. Not only do these ladies know how “to talk the talk,” they “walk the walk” on the runway: Proof that a woman can “strut her stuff” while looking fabulous at any age! The world needs a message that celebrates timeless beauty since beauty does not end at 30!

Divine Designer and model, Avadora Mimouni was born in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. As a child, Avadora was always creative expressing herself through theater and modeling at fashion boutiques. She moved to Manhattan in 1994. She pursued modeling and graced the covers of magazines, walked prestigious runway and, appeared in acting roles. In 2017, she attended an event wearing a one of a kind purse she created and was surprised by the immense adulation that it received. She was immediately inspired to launch her Avadora Mimouni Collection at the end of 2017.

Partners, Ivonne Camacho and Avadora Mimouni Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Avadora has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Ivonne Camacho, PR Creative Director of @AbsolutModerne. After hosting private events in various locations in New York, Avadora’s line opened with rave reviews at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Avadora credits Ivonne with where Avadora Mimouni Couture Collection is today

Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Best Selling Author, Rita Cosby

At the top of the “Models of Philanthropy” list of ladies was Emmy-Winning TV Host, Radio Star, and Best Selling Author, Rita Cosby who spearheads countless philanthropic efforts for charities…with her main focus on heralding the military and families. She not only was first to step out on the runway with “Models of Philanthropy” but emceed the entire evening.

Rita Cosby

Rita Cosby is one of the most recognized and respected broadcasters in America. She is a renowned Emmy-winning TV host, veteran correspondent and multiple best selling author, who anchored highly rated prime time shows on Fox News Channel and MSNBC. She currently does frequent hosting on HLN/CNN and is a special correspondent for the top-rated CBS syndicated news magazine Inside Edition. Heralded as one of the Most Influential Women in Radio since 2014 by Radio Ink magazine, she was selected as Legend of the Year for 2018, chosen among all women on and off air in the radio industry. Throughout her illustrious media career, Rita has secured some of the biggest interviews, including exclusives with more than twenty world leaders, including six U.S. Presidents.

Mitzi Perdue
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennismadigan

Mitzi Perdue holds a BA with honors from Harvard University and an MPA from the George Washington University. She is a past president of the 35,000-member American Agri-Women. She’s also a former syndicated columnist for Scripps Howard and her column, The Environment and You, and in the 1990s, was the most widely-syndicated environmental column in the country. Her television series, Country Magazine, was syndicated to 76 stations. She’s the founder of CERES Farms, the second-generation family-owned vineyards that sell wine grapes to wineries such as Mondavi, Kendall-Jackson, Bogle, Folie a Deux, and Toasted Head.

Mitzi Perdue and Rita Cosby
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennisimadigan

Mitzi combines the experiences of three long-time family businesses. Her father Ernest Henderson co-founded the Sheraton Hotel Chain and her late husband Frank Perdue was the second generation in the poultry company that today operates in more than 50 countries. She herself founded CERES Farms in 1974. She founded Win this Fight an anti-human trafficking foundation whose primary focus is helping other anti-trafficking organizations with fundraising. With additional funding, the organizations can spend less time fundraising and more time delivering services. Win This Fight exists to help other organizations in their missions to educate, prevent, rescue and rehabilitate. To accomplish these goals, Win This Fight will host a variety of fundraisers, an online auction, as well as a live auction, requesting items in the million-dollar range or higher. For more information go to www.winthisfight.org.

Lorraine Silvetz
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennisimadigan

Lorraine Silvetz received her BFA from N.Y.U. Film School and her Master’s from N.Y.U. School of Social Work in 2005. She is a psychotherapist, active in philanthropy, having founded Global Stress Initiative (GSI) under the International Committee Against Mental Illness (ICAMI), a mental health foundation directed by her Uncle, Robert Cancro, MD in 2010. ICAMI-GSI’s goal is to provide non-invasive treatment for survivors of trauma. GSI utilizes individualized transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTMS) for the treatment of service members, domestic violence and human trafficking survivors impacted by PTSD.

Back row: Ivonne Camacho, Rita Cosby, Lorraine Silvetz and front row, Avadora Mimouni.
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennismadigan

TV Anchor, Rita Cosby serves as spokesperson for GSI’s service members’ and Actress/Supermodel, Kelly LeBrock as spokesperson for GSI’s human trafficking and domestic violence survivors. Lorraine and GSI supporters, Rita Cosby, Mitzi Perdue, and Robert Cancro, MD, received Congressional Awards for the treatment administered to service members and veterans in 2011.

ReBecca Ricks
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennisimadigan

ReBecca Ricks strutted her stuff on the runway with her sister “Models of Philanthropy.” She has worked with service members and their families while Manager for Global Stress Initiative (GSI). Her early career was spent as an accomplished dancer, athlete and coach (15x Boston Marathon Qualifier), MAC makeup artist, and Paul Mitchell hairdresser, and degrees in art and science. She has recently returned to school studying neuroscience, kinesiology, and nutrition with hopes to apply this knowledge to a continued career in mental health.

Melisa Cristaldi
Photo Credit: Noel Valero @noelvphoto

Melisa Cristaldi was born in Argentina, where she studied to become a physical therapist and volunteered for several non-profits raising awareness about health issues in low income communities. Passionate about helping patients through clinical research, she devoted her career to stem cell and autism research. After moving to New York in 2012, she pursued her Masters degree in Clinical Research Administration at George Washington University and currently works in the immuno oncology, stem cell research and treatment field and is a fervent advocate of this cause to improve people’s lives.

Daryl Devlin
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Daryl Devlin has a multifaceted background in business development, sales, and production. Expertise in production includes hiring and managing filmmakers and editors and spearheading the process from concept to post-production. She is a tenacious leader who pursues opportunities and challenges to achieve results, with experience managing multiple offices, overseeing organizations up to 60 in staff and directing sales for a European company.

Prior to founding The Daryl James Company, Daryl worked at Bernstein & Andriulli, when she was recruited to build their film/ motion division, working with premier filmmakers, photographers, animators, CGI artists, and illustrators. She was president at MediaLogic, where she represented talent with key accounts and provided consulting services to corporations to maximize their advertising capabilities. She is an active advocate for human trafficking related foundations including Freedom for All and Win this Fight.

Kathleen Giordano
Photo Credit: Priscilla Periut @escapestudiosinc

Kathleen Giordano is a commercial print model/actress, entrepreneur, writer, men’s hair groomer and a member of SAG/AFTRA. She modeled throughout Europe/NY in magazines, catalogues, TV commercials and the runway. Kathleen takes tap dancing lessons, is an avid gardener and loves to decorate her beach cottage at the Jersey shore.

She has been featured on WE, NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s 20/20, QVC, Sky 1, Access Hollywood, Univision, Good Day NY, Us Weekly, LA Times, British Glamour, NY Post, NY Daily News, GQ, PHilly Mag, etc.
Kathleen supports a number of charities…The Horticultural Society, The Animal Medical Center, Culture for One and Women’s Health Organizations.

Dena McCoy
Photo Credits: Noel valero @noelvphoto

Dena McCoy is the Executive Director at AbsolutModerne, a dynamic branding, social media, PR, and VIP events company based in New York under the direction of CEO/ Creative Director Ivonne Camacho. She is a Director and proud fourth generation Trustee of the Woodard Family Foundation in her home state of Oregon, and is no stranger to the importance of supporting community needs. Dena looks forward to her son and daughter joining in the long tradition of family philanthropy. She is President of Grace Meadow Properties and Grace West Properties, LLC’s her latest ventures which were inspired by a long tradition of family business in Oregon, California and Hawaii. Dena is a SAG/AFTRA actress, model and fitness enthusiast with a discipline in dance and yoga. She believes that the best way to serve and inspire others is to come from a place of inner strength through fostering a healthy mind, body and spirit. With a B.A. in Humanities and minor in German from UC Berkeley, her love of language and faith, has led her to write a powerfully personal memoir, “Greed & Grace,” which will be published later this year.

Pamela Morgan
Photo Credit: Noel Valero @noelvphoto

Pamela Morgan is owner of Flirting with Flavors and a member of Les Dames D’Escoffier, Pamela Morgan has been praised for her work as a caterer, event planner, food personality and cookbook author. She began her career studying with chefs Alain Ducasse and Roger Verge in their highly acclaimed kitchens in the south of France. After returning to the USA, she trained with esteemed Madeleine Kamman, later working behind the counter at the renowned Silver Palate retail and catering store in New York City.

In 1984, she began her own company, Flavors Catering, a New York catering firm specializing in custom-tailored events, from private dinners to full-scale parties for up to 2,000 people, with clients such as Martha Stewart Living, Food Network Television and HBO. In January of 1993, she opened her first retail store, Pamela Morgan’s Flavors, in New York’s Flatiron District, where it became a fixture of the neighborhood and received the highest rating attainable from Zagat’s Marketplace Guide. Her cookbook, Pamela Morgan ‘’s Flavors, written with Michael McLaughlin (Viking) was published in May 1998. In 2000, she sold the retail storefront so that she could spend more time on the many other projects she’d become involved in, while maintaining a more boutique operation of her catering and events firm. She is working on her second cookbook, Love, Well Seasoned.

Carissa Lawson
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Carissa Lawson is the morning news anchor at News 12 New Jersey. She is a New York City native who grew up in Queens. Lawson is a proud graduate of New York University with a degree in broadcast journalism. Lawson has won an Associated Press Award for feature reporting. She co-anchored the newscast at the CBS affiliate in Louisville that received the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for best newscast. She was also part of the CBS affiliate team that received the coveted National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) Service to America Television Award, among the highest public-service honors in broadcasting, that honors exceptional public and community service. Upon graduation from NYU, Lawson earned the James Fenimore Cooper Memorial Prize, which is presented annually to the most outstanding undergraduate student of journalism. She was also inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha National Honor Society in journalism and mass communication.

Janel Tanna
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Janel Tanna is an actress, occasional producer and screenwriter who, just four years into her career, has appeared in more than twenty projects. She has won 16 acting awards at various film festivals, plus two writing awards. She has also received an additional 10 acting nominations. Impressive for someone who almost never went down the path of acting, which she had often daydreamed about, but life seemed to have other plans.

Janel’s most recent awards include the Mary Austin Excellence in acting award, which she received at the prestigious 2019 Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema. The award is based on cumulative acting skills as demonstrated in different roles. Also at Idyllwild in 2019, Janel was honored with the Kristoff St. John award, which is bestowed in memory of the talented and inspiring Kristoff, an actor, to someone who has demonstrated inspiration to their peers. At the New York City International Film Festival, Janel was recognized with an emerging talent award for her performance in Sienna’s Choice – a film that she also produced.

Cassandra Seidenfeld
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Cassandra Seidenfeld is a graduate of Columbia University 2013, a Professional Actor, Humanitarian and an athlete. She is also active philanthropically. Cassandra received the 2016 Women4Empowerment Gold Medal of Honor for her philanthropic work closely associated with empowering women and young girls. She has also been nominated to be on the Advisory Board of LDEO (Lamont – Doherty Observation Earth Conservatory) as a direct affiliation with her interests at Columbia University.

Cassandra has appeared on TV Shows, in Indie Films, Feature Films and on “Person Of Interest”. She secured a role in the Guild Hall’s Labor Day Production in East Hampton, New York where she performed in “The Night of 75 Stars”, alongside Alec Baldwin and Bob Balaban, and she is slated for the Lead role in Kevin Sheaff’s upcoming Indie Feature Film entitled “In The Eyes Of Love & Vengeance” as ‘Apostle Saundra’, Iris Braun in Tyriq Mustaqyuim’s “From Sin To Salvation”, Mary Clarke in Steven Harris Anzelowitz’s “Hope Saves Manhattan”, and Constance in Gregory Brown’s “Eastern Citrus.”

Deborah Galligan
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Deborah Epperson Galligan had a successful bi-coastal career as a model and actress in the late 80’s- 90’s with the prestigious Ford Models Agency. She and her family settled on Manhattan’s Upper West Side before relocating to Oyster Bay Cove on Long Island’s north shore. She raised three sons, all of whom became division one athletes playing baseball and lacrosse at University of Maryland, Georgetown and St. John’s University. While on Long Island, Deborah was active both in and out of her sons schools and the community; she established and led a women’s personal enrichment study group for 12 years. Deborah has made her return to the city as a busy real estate agent with the Lee/Greenfield Team at Douglas Elliman’s Upper Westside office. As well as, being the principle of her new home design company, which specializes in personalized luxury lifestyle design thereby helping clients create their perfect urban home.

Sara Johnson Kaplan
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Sara Johnson Kaplan is an actress, fashion model and producer. Most recently, she appeared as an influencer on Liquid Lunch TV to promote women’s health, fitness and fashion. She has appeared in film and off-Broadway productions, including Vamperifica and Beyond Therapy. Sara is a graduate of the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute of Acting. Sara’s philanthropy work has included being the Benefit Chair for Broadway’s Astaire Awards to raise money to provide movement and dance classes for children with autism.

The gala also featured new up and coming, designer talents, Qaysean Williams and Sarah Minervini:

Manikin – Qaysean
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan
Qaysean Williams is a celebrated fashion designer who created the luxury street wear brand Manikin Mob. His nickname “The one hand sewing man” evolved organically because of his ability to cut and sew gowns, tuxedos and outwear with one hand. He has been seen on VH1’s Basketball Wives/Season 3 Love & Hip Hop. He is sponsored by comedian and actress Sommore of One Thousand Kisses Inc. To learn more go to www.bsbgallery.com/qayseanwilliams

Manikin
Photo Credit: Billy Dee photographer

Manikin
Photo Credit: Noel Valero

Sarah Minervini is an American fashion designer whose line, SIRS, features lingerie designed to spread confidence by making women around the world feel beautiful. Her lingerie line and dresses were stunning and received major response from the audience. To learn more about the collection go to www.sirslingerie.com

Sarah Minervini and Avadora
Photo Credits: David Warren

SIRS
Photo Credits: David Warren @david_warren

SIRS
Photo Credit: David Warren @david_warren

Ivonne Camacho, PR Creative Director, from @absolutmoderne was responsible for making Avadora Mimouni’s show a great success. Her career in merchandising, designing, and sourcing the globe for fashion has been a dream come true. Graduating from Mount Ida College, with a focus on Fashion Illustration, Ivonne pursued her passion in Fashion Design and Merchandising at The Fashion Institute of Technology and Syracuse University. The highlight of her training took place after meeting famous fashion designer, Oleg Cassini who took her under his wing as his mentee. Ever since, Ivonne has had the tools that have enabled her to pave a successful 25 year career, in the fashion business, traveling the globe to over 30 countries as VP of Merchandising and Design.

Ivonne Camacho and NJ Housewives, Dolores Cantania
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan

AbsolutModerne Fab Four: L to R: Lorraine Silvetz, Dena McCoy, Ivonne Camacho, and Avadora Mimouni
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan

Rick Galvin partnered with Ivonne to make this Gala a grand success. Rick founded the Carol Galvin foundation in memory of his mother who he lost to cancer at age 11. Carol’s battle with cancer lasted four years. Because of his youth and the stress of watching a loved one die, Rick was not at his mother’s bedside on the night she passed. The guilt over not being there has haunted him ever since.

Rick Galvin and Rita Cosby
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan

Lorraine Silvetz, Rita Cosby, Daryl Devlin, Adam Sands, Ivonne Camacho and Rick Galvin
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan

“My mother was the type of woman who would put the needs of her family ahead of her own. I wanted to establish a foundation that would keep her memory alive and at the same time help other women like her. I wanted to give women battling cancer a night where they would be treated like a rock star. To walk the red carpet, speak, perform or just attend an event where they could feel the support of, not only their loved ones, but complete strangers as well. I also wanted to be able to provide them with a financial gift to pay their bills or take a trip or whatever they wanted to use it for. That is exactly what the Carol Galvin Foundation New York Fashion Week Gala does.”

Rick Galvin also runs a music entertainment company, CG Talent Management, which has two movies in the works and has worked with past celebrities such as Garrett Clayton/Elias Harger/Meredith O’Connor/Krista Allen/Brian Austin Greene and many more.

Rita Cosby, Sid Rosenberg, Ivonne Camacho, Lorraine Silvetz, ReBecca Ricks, and Dena McCoy
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennismadigan

Sid Rosenberg co-host of The Bernie and Sid in the Morning Show on 77 WABC in New York City hosted the VIP hour and was presented with an award for his unwavering support of The Carol Galvin Foundation.

Musical performances and appearances by:

Aaron Paul and Cognac Wellerlane
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennismadigan

Aaron Paul British Recording Artist and Style Arbiter performed during the VIP hour. Sarina Sono, an accomplished violinist, also performed before the fashion show.

Sarina Suno

Frank A. Haye & Brooklyn International Choir: Performing 2 original songs and two covers one from pop star Meredith O’Connor & the other from the Greatest Showman soundtrack.

Frank A. Haye & Brooklyn International Choir
Photo Credit: Ken Grille

Cindy Grosz, columnist and radio show personality who co-hosts on The Jersey Joe Show was a great addition to the evening.

Rita Cosby and Cindy Grosz
Photo Credit: Ken Grille

Thanks to all who made the Carol Galvin Foundation NYFW Gala a genuine success. Strong kudos goes to Sag Workshop for hair and makeup for all of the models.
#carol #galvin #rita #crosby #sara #pamela #morgan #carissa #lawson #lorraine #silvetz #johnson #kaplan #ivonne #camacho #dolores #cantania #kathleen #giordano #daryl #devlin #dena #mccoy #deborah #galligan #rebecca #ricks #cassandra #seidenfeld #rick #avadora #mimouni #melisa #cristaldi #model #actress #actor #entrepreneur #anchor #philanthropy #new #york #fashion #week #nyfw #show #rumi #manhattan #beauties #luxury #handbags

The post The 7th Annual Carol Galvin Foundation NYFW Gala features “Models of Philanthropy” and Designers Avadora Mimouni, Sara Minervini & Qaysean. appeared first on Good News!.

Produces Come Up and See Me Sometime

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Videos & Podcasts – What a gorgeous location & friendly people! Good News goes to Portopiccolo, Sistiana, Trieste,
Portopiccolo is not only a residential center, it was also conceived as a true marine village, in a fascinating synthesis of architecture combined with cutting edge technology, services and eco-sustainability. In Portopiccolo there is no traffic, pollution or noise, nonetheless you can drive right onto doorstep. http://www.portopiccolosistiana.it/en/_1.htm
info@ppst.it
+39 040 291291
Sales Office
Strada Costiera km 137
Sistiana, Trieste contacts

Discover an unexpected Italian Region – Friuli Venezia Giulia!

Wednsday, June 6th

10.45 am arrival at Venice airport

A driver will be waiting for you at the arrival area.

Transfer to Friulian Dolomites (1h30/2h approximately)

1/1.30 pm Meeting with Tatjana Familio and Linda Marcuzzi from the Tourist Board and lunch @

Hotel Margherita

Via Roma, 7

33080 Cimolais PN

Tel 0427 87060

cellulare 3357024323

A short stroll in the Friulian Dolomites, Unesco World heritage site, to see the extraordinary pinnacle Campanile di Val Montanaia well-known to climbers from all over Europe.

The Friulian Dolomites are the most western mountain area of Friuli Venezia Giulia and include the Valcellina, the Valle del Tagliamento and Val Tramontina valleys. The high degree of wilderness that they still retain means makes them the most untouched area of the entire Dolomites massif.

The Friulan Dolomites are a paradise for hikers and cross-country skiers, fans of nordic walking, climbing and ice climbing. With their skyline that makes you think of a series of churches with their bell towers and the colours of the sunset reflecting on the rock, they are a favourite with photographers. Well-kept paths and trails allow you to cross the eponymous natural park or follow a loop of trails which go from chalet to chalet.

5.30 pm departure and check in @

Villa Verde Hotel&Resort****

Via delle Acacie, 1

33034 Fagagna (UD) – Italy

www.villaverderesort.com

7.30 pm Dinner at the Resort

Thursady, June 7th

9.00 am check out and departure

9.30 am Udine city tour

Udine is a town with squares of Venetian charm and ancient buildings: from Piazza Libertà, defined as “the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland”, to Piazza Matteotti (or Herbal) which, all surrounded by porticos, seems to be an open-air lounge; here you can observe the slideshow of ancient and colourful historical buildings which impart the spirit of Udine.

On the hill of the town rises the castle : from its walls you can see the whole city, the mountains all around it, whereas to the south, less than an hour’s drive away, there is the Adriatic Sea.

In the eighteenth century, Udine was the city of Giambattista Tiepolo who reached his artistic maturity here: today, his masterpieces can be admired in the Gallerie del Tiepolo (in the Patriarchal Palace), in the Duomo (Cathedral), and in the Chiesa della Purità. Today, Udine is a city that is open to innovation while tying its image to authentic taverns where one of the most-loved rituals is celebrated namely, the tasting of a goblet of wine (tajut) all in a very human and cordial atmosphere.

1 – 4 pm Cooking lesson & lunch @

Risotrante La Taverna

Piazza Castello, 2

33010 Colloredo di Monte Albano

Udine

www.ristorantelataverna.it

5.30 pm Check in @

Laguna Palace****

Riva Brioni, 17

34073 Grado (GO)

www.lagunaspa.net

7 pm Stroll in Grado and dinner @

Ristorante Androna

Calle Porta Piccola, 6

Grado GO

Tel: +39 0431 80950

http://www.androna.it/

Grado, the “Golden Island”, stands in a picturesque lagoon amidst a maize of small islands. Joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land, has a graceful Venetian style historic town centre where you can wander through the alleyways and squares flanked by picturesquely cluttered fishermen’s houses: a charming world of its own where time seems to have stopped.

In the wonderful setting of “Campo dei Patriarchi” in the “old city” you can admire the early Christian buildings such as the Basilica dedicated to Santa Eufemia, from which top stands the statue of the Angel San Michele (called “Anzolo” and symbol of the city), the Baptistery and the Lapidarium. Moreover, there, you can visit the Basilica dedicated to Santa Maria delle Grazie, the oldest of Grado.

A very relaxing fine-sanded beach, classed as an environmentally protected “Bandiera Blu” beach for many years now. In Grado you will find good quality service with an emphasis on comfort and safety for children, who can play for hours in the shallow, clean and always calm water.

Up to the beginning of the 19th century, the Hapsburg aristocracy used to come here to bathe and use the excellent seaside thermal springs.

Friday, June 8th

9.30 am Boat tour in the Grado lagoon

The lagoon is a spectacular natural setting in which Grado lies in the Adriatic sea. 
A small fantastic world, immersed in the calm of nature with the intertwining canals and streams, paths of faith of ancient origin as witnessed by the Sanctuary of Mary of the Island of Barbana, one of the most visited in Italy.

An area rich in history in which archaeological finds reveal the ancient Roman road, now completely covered by water, that connected Aquileia to Grado.
And the presence of the casoni, characteristic housing with straw roofs, takes us back to the time they were inhabited by fishermen.

The lagoon is an area fertile in trees, in particular, tamarisk, elm, poplar, junipers and pines, whilst the fauna presents a considerable variety of birds such as gulls, grey herons, wild ducks, sea swallows.

12 am Lunch in the lagoon

5 pm Aquileia guided tour

Aquileia was an important city of the Roman Empire and then the main centre for the diffusion of Christianity in Northern and Eastern Europe. It has been a UNESCO site since 1998 due to the importance of its archaeological area and the beauty of the floor mosaics that it safeguards. Among them, the largest and most well-known attraction is the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the fourth century. However, added to this are other precious mosaic remains from the Roman and early Christian ages, which make Aquileia a kind of capital of the Western Roman mosaic.

6.30 pm transfer to Collio wine area

Dress code: casual / casual chic (i.e. a jacket could be useful because of the dinner in the winery)

All press tours of “BUY Friuli Venezia Giulia” event will joint @

Russiz Superiore winery

Via Russiz, 7 – 34070

CAPRIVA DEL FRIULI (GO)

Tel. +39 0481 80328 / +39 0481 99164

Fax 39 0481 808398

rp@marcofelluga.it

www.marcofelluga.it

A special taste of Wine and Dine route of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the new food&wine regional project launched in 2017.

A unique trail, perfectly connecting the Friuli Venezia Giulia coast with its mountains, travelling through its vineyards and hills, and creating a network of regional food and wine resources together with cultural and environmental ones, in order to build a transversal and integrated product to enhance food and wine tourism and make it more accessible for tourists. This is the ambitious goal of the project which brings an important change to the Italian wine tourism world: Friuli Venezia Giulia is in fact the first region in Italy to regulate (art. 6 of the Regional Law 22/2015) the administration of traditional agro-food production, and speciality and quality non-cooked production along with tastings during wine cellar visits.

Overnight stay in Grado

Saturday, June 9th

8.30 am check out and departure

9.30 -12.30 am Trieste city tour

Trieste is the most international city in the region, suspended between a glorious past and the present cosmopolitan city. From the Audace pier to the old Lanterna, there is a succession of sails, antique shop window displays, shops and beautiful buildings: in the distance, one can glimpse the white profile of Miramare, the romantic castle of Maximilian and Charlotte of Hapsburg. A journey to discover the city’s history, literature and art, from the Roman era to medieval wonders, to the Habsburg splendour. The wealth of architectural styles in the palaces in Trieste is remarkable: Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Eclectic and Baroque, coexisting in a harmonious blend with Roman remains, eighteenth century buildings and Hapsburg style buildings.

Coffee is one of the flagship products of Trieste, city of a mixture of religions: this is evident as soon as you arrive in the city, which, for many centuries, has had (amongst others) a Greek Orthodox Church, a Serbian Orthodox Church, a Synagogue, a Lutheran Evangelical Church and, the oldest of all, a Swiss Evangelical Church.

Trieste means love of the sea too: people here love going to the sea, and the beach resorts – or ‘bagni’, in local slang – are frequented all the year round, for sunbathing, swimming or just strolling.

12.30 pm Lunch @Harry’s

Piazza Unità d’Italia, 2

34121 Trieste

www.duchi.eu/en/harry-s

3 pm A very special Italian style transfer J

4 pm check in @

Hotel Falisia*****L

Strada Costiera km 137

Porto Piccolo

Sistiana TS

Tel +39 040 291291

info@ppst.it

http://www.portopiccolosistiana.it/en/

4 – 5 pm Guided tour @Portopiccolo luxury resort

Free time

7.30 pm Aperitif at Maxi’s Beach Bar in Portopiccolo and special dinner @PortoPiccolo with all the BUY FVG participants (press&tour operators)

Dress code: casual chic

Monday, June 11th

5.30 am (timetable to be confimed) Transfer to Venice Airport

A presto in Friuli Venezia Giulia!

The post DISCOVER AN UNEXPECTED ITALIAN REGION – FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA Videos & Podcasts appeared first on Good News!.

The National Meningitis Association (NMA) is a nonprofit organization founded by parents whose children have died or live with permanent disabilities from meningococcal disease. http://www.nmaus.org/
Our mission is to educate families, medical professionals and others about meningococcal disease and its prevention.

Learn about the two vaccines that can help prevent meningitis…
· The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal vaccination against serogroups A, C, W and Y for all children at 11-12 with a booster at age 16.
· CDC recommends permissive use of meningococcal vaccination against serogroup B at ages 16-23, with a preferred age of 16 to 18 years. Click here for more information.

THE NATIONAL MENINGITIS ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL “GIVE KIDS A SHOT!” GALA CELEBRATION

2017 CO-CHAIRS, LENORE COONEY, SARA HERBERT-GALLOWAY, ERROL RAPPAPORT AND GARY SPRINGER
INVITE YOU TO A
KICK-OFF COCKTAIL PARTY
with special guests Judy and Rod Gilbert

MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2017
5:00pm – 7:00pm
REMARKS 6:00PM

LOVAGE ROOFTOP LOUNGE at MAGNOLIA RESTAURANT
350 WEST 40th Street at Ninth Avenue
NEW YORK CITY

Cocktail Attire

RSVP to Heather Prochorchik at 212.874.5457 or heatherprochorchik@bellevents.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

At the Gala on Monday, May 8, 2017, NMA will honor New York Ranger hockey legend Rod Gilbert with The Nancy Ford Springer Inspiration Award; Dr. Amy Middleman, Professor of Pediatrics at Oklahoma University, will be recognized with the Health Achievement Award; Francesca Testa and Kayla St. Pierre, NMA advocates and meningococcal disease survivors, will be celebrated with T.E.A.M. Outstanding Service Awards; and The Spirit of NMA Award will pay tribute to the McKenzie Meningitis Foundation.

The post The National Meningitis Association (NMA) is a nonprofit organization founded by parents whose children have died or live with permanent disabilities from meningococcal disease. appeared first on Good News!.

Our CEO Clubs Event Schedule:

9:00- 9:25 AM CEOs Arrival (Tea & Coffee) Networking
9:25- 9:30 AM Message from the CEO Clubs President
9:30- 10:20 AM Sara Bush Talk “Unleash Your Creativity”
10:20-10:30 AM Restroom Break
10:30-11:30 AM Savio Chan Talk “ China Super Consumers”
11:30-12:00 AM Networking & CEO Member Introductions
12:00-12:30 PM Cocktails & More Networking
12:30- 2:00 PM Networking Lunch
1:00- 2:15 PM Doug Strouse Talk, “Stronger”
2:15- 2:30 PM Closing Remarks

The post Savio Chang and Sara Bush Share Some Good News appeared first on Good News!.

Hon. Gale A. Brewer
Manhattan Borough President
431 West 125 Street (storefront)
New York, NY 10027
212 531 1609
gbrewer@manhattanbp.nyc.gov

The post Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer appeared first on Good News!.