COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
People Such as You Who Make a Difference in My World
Do you ever have those days when you wonder if your efforts are worth the exerted energy? I feel like that sometimes. But I quickly spring back when I remember it’s not about me. I get to write for some of the coolest people on the planet. I am grateful for that.
My book proposal still isn’t on its way to a publisher, but the concept continues to get better because of this community. I am getting closer to submission. The proposal has been on hold for the past 18 months so I can start building a platform. The book concept is regaining momentum.
My contention is my book concept is getting better because I’m getting better. That is happening because I receive a little help from a lot of my friends and subscribers such as you.
You’re actors and artists. You’re doctors. You’re musicians and writers. You’re tax experts. You’re domestic violence advocates. You’re community influencers. You’re ministers and spiritual life coaches. You’re trailblazers. You’re dreamers. And you believe in truth.
If you are a newsletter subscriber and haven’t been featured in the Community Spotlight, don’t wait for me to contact you. Send me your bio and headshot. I want to share your awesomeness. If you aren’t a subscriber, you can take care of that now. Here’s a link. Meanwhile, enjoy getting to know our community members. They are the change I want to see.
NOTE: The newest entry is posted at the top. All others are in alphabetical order for easy browsing.
Meet Author & Elvis Presley’s First-born Child Deborah Presley Brando
Deborah Presley Brando just celebrated her birthday coming full circle - her way. Sixty-eight years ago, she was welcomed to Earth by a love-filled teen-age mom and a dad who gives a whole new meaning to the buzz label “Starseed”.
She just launched her book Memoirs of a Starseed Child. . .Elvis, Marlon, Christian and Me. But, Deborah is not a first-time author. She also has a children’s book among her author credits. Her latest literary project once again proves she is a natural storyteller as she relives the silenced details of being Elvis Presley’s first-born child. She was born a couple of years after her mom met the King of Rock ‘n Roll at a recording studio in Charlotte, N.C.
Her mom and dad’s romance occurred as Elvis stood on the edge of poverty and on the cusp of of stardom. Deborah’s book describes how she learned of her biological father’s identity. And she has obtained legal documents confirming childhood suspicions.
Deborah’s tale of triumph after tribulation gives courage to truth seekers wanting to expose half-truths that can be stretched into full-fledged lies when others’ greed gets in the way. She also vividly shares what life was like when she married Christian Brando, which made actor Marlon Brando her father-in-law by default.
If you want to hear more about Deborah and her book, you can click here to listen to an interview she did as a podcast guest. Her book can be ordered online through Barnes & Nobel and other traditional venues. If you want an autographed copy, contact her through her website. Click here for more.
Meet Bibliocat & Community Influencer The Agatha Christie
This Agatha Christie has a unique way of helping you solve the mystery of which book you want to read next. You can find her seven days a week, supervising activities at Dave’s Olde Book Shop in Redondo Beach, CA. She’s a colorful creature disguised as a year-old calico cat with a lot of kitten energy.
A staunch believer that life should be fun, Agatha is a serious community influencer who revitalizes opportunity along Highway 91. I am convinced she borrows time from some of her other eight lives because she is good at her job. Her human colleagues contend foot traffic has increased by several percentage points since Agatha began luring in passengers by doing two of the things she does best – sleep in a cat tree by the window and look cute.
I realize a shelf in an independent bookstore is a logical place to discover an Agatha Christie book. But it is a novel concept when our heroine knocks books off the old shelf so they can end up in the right hands – your hands.
With fervor, our furry friend assisted one of her co-workers in launching a line of Agatha merchandise, which includes key chains and bookmarks. And like most influencers, Agatha is active on social media. Follow her on Instagram @TheAgathaChrstie. Also, take some time to go visit her on your way to the beach. If she brings you a ribbon, it means shop on your own time and play with her in that special moment.
Meet Book Publishing & Writing Coach Chad Allen
Chad Allen loved his job as an acquisitions editor for Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. He got to offer talented writers book deals. However, he also had to turn down manuscripts created by other great writers who didn’t yet have a marketing platform in place.
So Chad took his 20 years of publishing experience and his professional passion to help writers get their books into the world. He created BookCamp, an online training ground and community hub for writers.
He takes his writing, speaking, editing and coaching skills an extra mile by calling in his knowledgeable friends and colleagues to share their expertise in webinars and masterclasses. He has worked with such bestselling authors as Michael Hyatt, Caroline Leaf and Phyllis Tickle.
Chad is one of the best around at getting his clients involved in their projects and the writing community. In addition to hosting weekly accountability sessions for BookCamp members, he leads training sessions that help writers at any level.
He shares information about building marketing platforms and lead magnets. If there’s a new hot trend, chances are great he checked it out and shared info with his clients before the rest of the world discovered the trend.What I personally love about being part of the BookCamp community is each month, I get an opportunity to get honest feedback and useful notes from a trustworthy professional. His supportive energy is contagious. He’s helped me connect with people who became more than colleagues. They became friends.
Whether you need help marketing, deciding on a publishing pathway or structuring your manuscript, Chad can lead you in the right direction. He redefines generous in the quality assistance he provides.
Click here to learn more about Chad and what he offers through BookCamp. You can also find a wealth of information in his blogposts at http://www.chadrallen.com
Meet Actress, Inspirational Speaker and Writer Linney Quinn-Allen
Linney is creator of Life in the Linney Lane, an inspirational page on social media where she shares her three essentials for evolvement in life: enthusiasm, excitement and gratitude.
“I created Life in the Linney Lane this year to encourage others to live their best lives,” she said. “I talk about how to be happy. Life is a joy.”
Contending people are her number one priority, Linney;s bragging rights include rearing three daughters and being head cheerleader for five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. “Being of service to others through art and through healing is what I value,” she said.
At the age of 80, Linney keeps getting better through the practice of her beliefs. Click here to discover her secret to youth, which can also keep aging from robbing the best of you. We know this isn’t an act because she didn’t have time to take up acting until she was 62.
Yet, her superb improv skills were honed without her knowing. One of her first jobs was selling Avon. During her first month of ringing doorbells, she won awards for high sales. Her tactics involved creating genuine connections with people by listening, loving and laughing. Before acting, she served as a licensed Christian Science Spiritual Practitioner.
When she isn’t working at her part-time sales job or visiting family, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Rusty, and calling Southern California home. Join her from Life in the Linney Lane on Facebook and Instagram. Also keep checking back here to learn where you can meet her and watch her perform.
Meet Children’s Author Dayna Ault
Dayna Ault’s relationship with children’s literature was inspired while rearing her eight children. With a background in journalism, she has written for newspapers, magazines and church publications. After her first book was published in 2001, she devoted seven years to writing, editing and publishing the Missouri Autism Report Magazine.
The paperback version of her latest book Who Made This Mess? is now available through the monopoly monster. You can find a link on the author’s website below. Dayna contends this picture book for children ages 3-7 was inspired by the messages she managed by her children, her husband, several dogs, a few cats, two hamsters and many frequent visitors. Last year, she also released a non-fiction book, Don’t Call Me Boy; a Black Man’s Quest for Equality book for middle-school readers. It is the story of a former sharecropper turned activist. .
Learn more about Dayna at daynaault.com.
Meet Rapper and Writer Tie Bond
Tie Bond was reared in a talented family in Ontario, Canada. So, he knew when he was 15 years old that he was born to be an entertainer. That’s when he began taking daily first steps to launch his rapping career.
His efforts are now starting to pay off. Less than 10 years later, he’s doing interviews on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards and churning out singles with success.
A few years ago, Tie was quoted in a Canadian newspaper about the rhythmic poetry that just seems to flow from him into songs about his life. While he has huge dreams and major ambitions in the entertainment industry, he also feels called to speak his truth and to inspire others through his art.
“I won’t make sad music,” he said. “I just like to have a positive outlook on life. So, if I’m down, I go make some motivating or fun music, all uplifting stuff.”
I first met Tie in 2018 when he was in Los Angeles shooting his music video “Cruisin’”. This video was directed and edited by another one of my cronies, Chris Cordova.
Tie enjoys spending time in Canada when he isn’t working and hanging his hat in Los Angeles. Follow him and his adventures on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Meet Author, Podcaster, Retired Minister & Professor the Rev. Dr. Bill Coker
This New Orleans native graduated from Tulane University in 1957 and hit the trail as a theologian. He served as a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary and professor and dean at Asbury College. His pastoral journey, which started in Louisiana, led Bill to Kentucky and Mississippi before ending in Indiana at World Gospel Church in Terra Haute, Indiana, where he spoke from the pulpit as senior pastor for 19 years.
On paper, Bill retired in 2008. But he stayed active in pursuing his calling by assisting the senior pastor of the Wesleyan congregation at Free Life Community Church. He continues sharing his expertise on his podcast. Listen to “Words of Endearment with Bill Coker” on Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher or Apple.
Bill also is author of four books, including: Words of Endearment: The Ten Commandments as a Revelation of God’s Love; Prayers for the People: from the Heart of a Pastor; The Scandal of Christmas: Advent Reflections on Four Unlikely Figures; and Let the Church Be the Church: Participate in God’s Miracle.
Bill’s wife, Ann, who also is a writer, assists her husband in his publishing journey. His books can be ordered from her website: www.abcoker.blog When the couple isn’t busy writing and shipping books, they live in Indianapolis where they enjoy hanging with their four adult children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren..
Meet Domestic Violence Expert Karen Connell
When Karen Connell married the man of her dreams, she had no clue her dreams would turn into nightmares and she would become her husband’s human punching bag. The physical and verbal abuse resulted in limited use of her vocal cords, but Connell refused to be silenced. In fact, this hypnotherapist went on to help law enforcement and social agencies develop programs to help people involved in volatile relationships.
Karen invites each of you to join her in observing October as Domestic Violence Month as she continues her work to rid the world of this issue. Check our her just released book, Beyond Surviving…Take Back Your Life Using the Power of Choice.
“I’d love for you to check out my book to see how widespread this crime is. Readers will also get some life saving lessons. I also included some resources that are available for those still struggling and caught up in the daily roller coaster of living around violence. Let’s work together to end domestic violence in our lifetime,” she wrote.
You can learn more about Karen and order her book at kaconnellauthor.com.
Meet Textile and Nature Artist Sumi Foley
Born in Osaka, Japan, Sumi Foley describes the theme of her art as expressing the human relationship with nature. Her career as an artist began about three decades ago when she began using snippets of silk kimonos to create pieces that look like paintings until the viewer gets a closeup view of the silk. Click here to see if you can tell the difference.
This YouTube video captures how Sumi’s rich culture and her love for her grandmother inspired her to express herself and her imagination through art.
Her work has been on exhibit throughout Southern California and Japan. For some of her latest art pieces, Sumi has been co-creating with nature. She uses natural materials she collects from nature to weave such things as large bird’s nests.
“Nature teaches me how to live life: wait, be patient and take action when the time is right, she said. “There is a powerful reverence for nature in Japan. We are part of it. Co-creating with nature is an artistic way to show that we can all be helpers in healing our shared planet. I hope that my art will move people to feel more connected to nature and each other as vital participants and caretakers of the world around us.”
When she isn’t creating art, Sumi enjoys life in Claremont, CA, with her husband, musician John York.
Meet Chiropractic Practitioner Dr. Hana Hadawar
Dr. Hana could be described as pain’s number one enemy. She keeps pain at bay by literally helping people stay in alignment with themselves. This Los Angeles native is passionate about sports, health and wellness. You can usually find her performing what feels like magic at Tannenbaum Chiropractic in Beverly Hills.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, biology and psychology from the University of California Irvine, Dr. Hana earned a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences. She recently added Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner to her list of credentials.
In combined her education, her professional skills and her love for sports when she attended the Superbowl with her colleague, Dr. David Tannenbaum, as part of a wellness team for some of the people involved in the popular event.
For Dr. Hana, that setting was a natural progression as she enjoys living an active lifestyle. She has played competitive volleyball and understands the importance of maintaining a healthy body with preventative medicine. When she isn’t practicing chiropractic medicine, she stays busy hiking or doing Pilates. It’s clear to see she also wants all her clients to be remain active as well.
I refer to adjustments with Dr. Hana as my spa days. She and the clinic staff always give me celebrity treatment – and they will do that for you because that’s just their norm. I go in for physical alignment and I leave with additional health related benefit because Dr. Hana addresses the big picture as well as the pain point.
I do have to warn you though. If you decide to go see her, make sure you take your sense of humor. Dr. Hana and her staff are jovial people. They realize laughter is one of the best forms of medicine available. They just kind of naturally inject it into their jobs. They encourage laughter and will instigate a few chuckles as they pamper you. To learn more about Dr. Hana and the team at Tannenbaum Chiropractic, CLICK HERE.
Meet Ken Herrera – the voice of authority, truth and trust
A lot of people might not recognize Ken Herrera if they pass him on the street. But just let him open his mouth to greet the day, and you will hear a voice that is recognizable to millions as one of the most authoritative and trustworthy voices in America.
Ken spent four decades reporting, writing and delivering the news on some of the most prestigious radio stations in the country – many of which were flagship stations throughout the Midwest and Washington, D.C.
Before retiring in 2018, Ken covered everything from hurricanes and wars to monumental elections and inaugurations. He even covered an occasional housefire and traffic accident. He always did so with integrity and his unique perspective, which made each story personal to his listeners.
I met this award-winning journalist in the late 1970s in San Antonio. I was a reporter for KMOL-TV while Ken was on the news team of our sister station WOAI Radio. I later became a print journalist. Ken went on to anchor the news for such establishments as Associated Press, NBC and UPI radio networks as well as top large market stations.
He retired five years ago as news director of WISN-AM in Milwaukee. That was his home base for 11 years although Ken was responsible for anchoring the morning drive news, planning news content and managing staff who served six radio stations in the Milwaukee area owned by Clear Channel Communications.
While Ken no longer rises before the chickens to help people in Milwaukee drive to work safely and well-informed, he still has one of the most recognizable voices anywhere. He remains active in the Milwaukee area assisting clients such as business owners in creating content that makes people want to listen to their stories.
When he isn’t spending time with family and remaining active in the Milwaukee area, Ken has agreed to write the foreword to my book. I’m really stoked about that. Stay tuned for more. Meanwhile, if your podcast copy can use a consultant, Ken can help. Check out his website.
Meet Christian Writer, Editor and Educator Lisa Ghilardi Hudson
Lisa Ghilardi Hudson has been writing most of her life. But it took a near-death experience for her to get her first book into the world. With almost 20 years of experience as an editor and language arts teacher for adults and children, she wrote and published her first book “Finding Blessings While Fighting Covid-19: Facts, Feelings, and Faith” in 2020.
That project was born when Lisa’s husband, Joel, almost died while lying in a hospital bed while Covid-19 threatened his life while strengthening her faith.
Lisa’s versatile work covers many genres that include fantasy, romance and devotionals. Her publication credits include writing and publishing several inspirational books as well as a poem in an anthology. Lisa contends most of her writing projects are inspired from the Bible.
She is currently working on a novel, “A Blessing for Oriana”, which was inspired by the Book of Ruth.
I had a chance to do a beta read of this fantasy romance. While it’s a genre outside my area of expertise, the opportunity enabled me to expand my reading interests. I look forward to getting to read the finished product. We’ll keep you posted as the publication launch date approaches.
I know by experience that getting a book into the world is no small fete, regardless of the genre. It has been an honor following Lisa’s writing journey since we began consistent communication. Meanwhile, here’s a link to check out Lisa and her work.
Originally from the Pittsburgh area, Lisa currently resides with her husband in Marysville, WA. The couple are parents to three offspring.
Meet a true hero – Chase Hutch
If Chase Hutch was a cat, he’d be in the midst of his fifth life right now, and his role is that of a life-saving hero.
The fur-baby of Community Member Nancy Jo Hutch recently contributed to a life-saving procedure that kept another dog from prematurely crossing the rainbow bridge. The other dog needed surgery. He also needed blood. The vet, who knew a little about Chase’s medical history, called the boxer’s human companion and asked if she would agree to Chase donating blood to save the other patient.
“I was reluctant at first,” Chase’s human said. “He’s been through a lot. I didn’t want to stress him out needlessly.” When she learned Chase’s blood was the other dog’s last hope to remain on Earth, she thought of life without Chase and immediately took her dog to the clinic for a blood draw.
Chase is celebrating his 6th anniversary with Nancy Jo. Six years ago, she adopted him from a rescue center. He still had a lot of pup energy and badly cropped ears. Since I’ve personally known Chase, he almost didn’t make it six years with his human who shares my name.
Once while chasing a truck, he got a tad excited and tackled the truck head on. Another time, when Chase was walking Nancy Jo, a baby rattle snake bit our literal hero in the mouth. But Chase had the spirit to live. When he’s not lounging at his Los Angeles area home, the 60-pound pooch enjoys walking his humans, eating treats and pretending he’s a 5-pound lapdog.
Meet Author, Health & Nutrition Coach and The Rev. Lesia Kohut
his Lesia Kohut, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Advanced Consciousness Studies, just added author to her list of credentials. Her first book, Soul Excavation: An Exploration and Discovery of Self Through Fear, Failure, and Quantum Physics, is now available. Check out her website to discover where you can purchase your copy.
She uses the knowledge shared in her book to help open-minded professionals make better decisions, become more successful and achieve desired goals by discovering the root causes of their problems. Lesia also continues to extend her own expertise in the field of quantum physics. In fact, she is currently in her final year of studies to become a New Thought minister.
Lesia’s book follows her own transformational journey, which took her down a path paved with pain, anger and fear to the destination of an awakened state in which she now chooses to live from love as the core of her being. She now drives her life by standing in her own infinite power, embracing unlimited possibilities and expressing her creativity.
Her message to members of this community is just because life has been showing up in a certain way up until now, it does not mean your life has to continue being that way. The power to direct your destiny resides in your mind and where you place your focus.
Check out her podcast, “Who Do You Think You Are?” on YouTube by clicking here. Her show can also be heard on other major podcast platforms by searching for Lesia Kohut. And you can find her on Facebook and LinkedIn. Just search for her by name.
Lesia currently calls Vancouver Island home. It is where she lives, breathes and plays with her husband, her community and her cat, Mercury.
Meet Spiritual Life Coach Dr. Joselito Laudencia
“You have a purpose in this life, and your purpose is to share your unique gifts and express your joy in the world,” Author and Spiritual Life Coach Dr. Laudencia said.
As the founder and director of Abundant Good Coaching and Training, Dr. Laudencia has devoted more than 15 years working with heart-centered and spiritual-growth minded professionals, leaders and entrepreneurs who want to level up in all areas of their lives. His goal is to assist individuals seeking to inject more meaning, more fun and more joy on their terms.
In addition to leading a series of online workshops and training programs, the Los Angeles-based life coach is the best-selling author of “The Creative Impulse: Answering the Highest Calling of Your Heart.”
Learn more about what he has to offer at Abundantgood.com.
Meet Author, Writer, Comedian & Retired Computer Wizard Tom McHugh
ome people might say Tom McHugh is living a riches to rags success story. He earned a decent living developing and testing software, primarily for scientific application. He said working with nerds and getting paid to pave the way for inevitable AI wars was interesting. Then, he retired and went back to his love for satire and comedy – art forms that often aren’t financially lucrative unless the writer makes it big.
“I always liked satire, so I started experimenting with writing my own back around high school, when I had some opportunities to do that in some of my English classes,” Tom said. “Eventually, I decided to try writing a book that was a satire of something, so I wrote a spoof on flying saucer books, called “Flying Saucers Are Everywhere.” I got it published in the mid-1990s. I don't recall exactly. I tell people I was abducted by aliens so my memory has a lot of gaps.”
Tom continued writing and joined trade groups to meet other writers and comedians. In fact, I met Tom when we joined the Round Table Comedy Writers, a professional group established by Emmy Award winner Gene Perret.
“I figured that once I retired, I would inevitably go senile, so why not have some fun with it? I also knew I wanted to do some more writing. I really wanted to re-create the fun that I got from the Gene Perret Round Table workshops.”
Tom took a standup class in Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank. As his final exam, he performed a 5-minute set just moments before Jay Leno took the mainstage as the headline act.
“I haven't had tomatoes thrown at me yet, so I guess it's working out,” he said. “Anything that keeps you having fun keeps you young, and comedy certainly does that for me. Comedy is a great way to spend time in retirement, but it's also essential throughout your career, no matter what it is. Comedy just helps you through life.”
To read examples of Tom’s work, check out the blog he started to make fun of Donald Trump with a Shakespearean bent: https://www.trumpspeare.com.
Meet Actress, Author and Screenwriter Stacy Newton
Stacy Newton is an actress, author and scriptwriter known for SATIVA (2020), THE INSITUTE (2017), and CRAZY LUCKY (2018). She also has been the story editor on several films.
A few of her published books include ANGELS SURVIVE, CREATURES of THE NIGHT, CALIXIA and her children’s book WHEN YOU BRING A VILLIAN TO TEA.
A Houston native, she studied screenwriting at Studio 4 with David Garrett in Los Angeles. Stacy enjoys spending her time filming in Los Angeles and writing in Dallas.
Her are available online at the monopoly monster, Barnes and Noble and Walmart online.
Check back often and we’ll keep you updated on where you can catch her next film, order her next book and meet her at a book signing near you. Meanwhile, learn more about Stacy on her website: stacyknewton.com
Meet Actor & Soon-to-Be-Entrepreneur Steve Peterson
In addition to being a Los Angeles-based actor, Steve Peterson is in the midst of preparing for the launch his new business, Scathingly Brilliant Creative, an online venue to assist writers, artists and entertainers with obtaining funding for creative projects.
Steve, who often appears in some of your favorite television shows, took a summer hiatus to spend time with family in Utah. While there, he did some personal reflection and decided he may not be living life to his fullest potential.
“What do you do when you’re suddenly older than you ever intended to be?” he pondered. “When your birthday rolls around, and someone tells you congratulations for making it to retirement age. What do you do when you honestly weren’t cognizant of reaching anything but a few conclusions? I decided to start a business.”
As soon as Scathingly Brilliant Creative is launched, we’ll let you know. Steve also does standup comedy on occasion. We’ll post it here when we know where you can meet him and see him perform live.
Tune in next week, meet another community member and find out who we honor for contributing to change one laugh at at time. It could be you!
Meet Fanfiction Author D.T. Powell
T. T. Powell has loved stories since before she can remember, and it was love for one of those many stories that prompted her to start writing. She’s worked in the fanfiction community for ten years and continues to contribute to it regularly. While she pursues traditional publication for her original work in the inspirational market, she spends time reading, playing pickleball and coaching middle school volleyball.
Her current original fiction projects include Children of the Storm www.dtpowellwrites.com/projects2/children-of-the-storm, a music-centric young adult fantasy that discusses facing personal trauma, and Once, I Met a Story www.dtpowellwrites.com/projects2/once-i-met-a-story, a young adult urban fantasy that illustrates the enduring power of sacrificial love. Her fanfiction endeavors are publicly accessible on fanfiction.net and archiveofourown.org under the username dtill359.
Head over to www.dtpowellwrites.com to learn more about D. T. Powell, and discover exclusive content by signing up for her quarterly newsletter. And don’t forget to follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039385217526 and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dtill359/.
Tune in next week, meet another community member and find out who we honor for contributing to change one laugh at at time. It could be you!
Meet Comedian Bob Rufer
Bob Rufer has delighted in making people laugh since he was a kid. And he has always been good at it. He loves bad puns, old jokes and oddball references.
Bob calls his comedic style “old school.” He grew up on Johnny Carson whose monologues were smart, quick witted and full of topical references. Classic joke writing. Confident delivery. Clean material. These are the standards Bob has set for his own act.
His first performance on a comedy stage was at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles in 2008. Now, he’s a veteran of the Hollywood Improv, the Comedy Store, the Ha Ha Café, Flappers Comedy Club and many more.
In addition to performing stand-up, Bob also works as an emcee and show host. His comedy career also includes radio interviews, punching up other comedians’ acts as a coach and joke doctor and starring in a video comedy sketch. Check out that sketch here. You can also release some endorphins by witnessing Bob doing standup at the Holly Improv.
Bob recently retired after working 32 years in the cigar business. While his latest profession involves following in the footsteps of comedy legends such as George Burns, Groucho Marx and Ron White, performing in front of large audiences is nothing new for Bob. As an experienced sales trainer, he has spoken to large groups across the country.
Bob lives in Southern California near Joshua Tree National Park. He contends it is “as close to Heaven as you can get without being dead.”
To keep up with Bob or book him for your next party or corporate event, visit his website.
Meet Actor, Director, Writer, Designer & Children’s Book Illustrator Jeff Vernon
Jeff Vernon is the reason ATARI’s Pac Man video game was so enticing. After graduating from Art Center College of Design, this Los Angeles native spent much of the 1980s and 1990s working for several advertising agencies. You’ve unknowingly seen his work. For example, Jeff designed the packaging for the ATARI Pac Man video game.
Jeff also has illustrated more than 35 children's books. Many are available through what I call the monopoly monster. You can check out his fun work on his website, www.JeffVernon.com. You can also google - Jeff Vernon books - to get to the site I’m no longer mentioning in public.
His father, Glen Vernon, was an actor under contract at RKO Studios in the 1940s. So, Jeff was bitten by the acting bug at an early age. While working as a designer, he studied acting with Stella Adler Studio and with many other independent Hollywood acting coaches. In 2004, Jeff was cast in a lead role in the indie film "Sunday School Pants”. Since then, he has played what he calls “quirky” characters in film, TV and theater. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeff on stage. He’s delightful. (OK, sorry! But I had to brag because this man redefines the words professional and talented.)
His most recent role is that of a father trying to prevent his son from making a fatal mistake. Click here to check out “Minutes”, a short, touching film focusing on the crisis of suicide.
He currently is preparing for a role as a priest in the indie film “The Power of Love” as he awaits the release of “JOLT”, a horror film in post-production. Jeff portrays Dr. Frankenstein. When he isn’t designing, illustrating and making films, Jeff has fun hanging out with his drawing inspiration - a calico cat named Blondie.
Meet Fitness Advocate and Health Enthusiast Karen Wood
aren Wood describes herself as a health and fitness enthusiast with a lust for life. She thrives on being healthy enough to enjoy an active lifestyle that supports her love for traveling, exploring, enjoying art and consuming great food. She also enjoys photography, hiking, attending film festivals and concerts in the park.
But six years ago, engaging in activities that made her feel alive were not always fun.
“I was feeling sluggish,” she said. “I couldn’t keep up on hikes or urban walks.”
That’s when she discovered a fitness program that was called Beachbody at that time. The program is now called BODi. Karen liked the concept that she could workout at home with a variety of workout programs while getting community support and nutritional guidance to keep her motivated.
“I think people drop out (of their exercise routines) because they aren’t getting the results they want. They don’t have support or accountability, which is what BODi partners provide.”
Karen is now one of those BODi partners she depends on to help stay motivated in workouts she can do any time.
Now that spring is upon us, many of you may be getting motivated to begin an exercise program to get ready for summer swimsuit weather. If you would like to learn more about Karen, you can contact her on social media @KarenWood on Facebook or @KarenWoodfitandfab on Instagram.
To learn more about BODi, check out Karen’s website: http://linktr.ee/karenwoodfitandfab. You also can learn more from her blog. http://stairwalkinginla.wordpress.com
Meet Legendary Musician John York
While John York is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned group, the Byrds, a lot of other legendary musical sensations would not have sounded quite the same without him.
If you weren’t around during the 1960s and 1970s, chances are extremely high that your parents’ lives were strongly influenced by this man’s music. Click here for a capsule of just a few of his accomplishments that helped shape the youth culture of the era.
He has worked with such greats as Gene Clark, Nicky Hopkins, Roger McGuinn, Clarence White. He contributed to the sounds of The Band, the Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers and the Sir Douglas Quintet. Before the pandemic, John toured with Barry McGuire, who is famous for his hit song: “Eve of Destruction”.
From firsthand experience, it’s still possible to experience John’s talents in an intimate setting for $20. He often is booked at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, CA. I literally was blown away when my friend invited me to join her there. I can honestly say, John is the best 12-string guitar player I’ve ever heard. To keep informed of John’s gigs, follow him on Facebook.
John also made history as one of the heavyweight musicians who refused to let Covid silence his voice and his love for sharing his work with his fans. He performed several house concerts – directly from his living room – to raise funds for artists locked out of live venues due to the pandemic. Here is one of my favorites. When John isn’t moving the world with his music, he lives in Claremont with his wife, artist Sumi Foley.
Photo appeared in an article in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.