All posts by Hannah Sentenac

Features, Highlights

From Shattered to Secure: Scott Mulvaney’s Journey from Homeless to Housed Through the VA

For Marine Corps Veteran Scott Mulvaney, gratefulness is his state of mind.

“If it weren’t for the VA, I’d be dead. I would not be alive.”

With an easy smile and kind eyes, Mulvaney speaks earnestly about his experiences. As a formerly unhoused Veteran, his journey with the VA led him from sleeping in his car to running the Heroes Golf Course, having a home on the West LA VA Campus, and helping countless other Veterans.

His story starts with a stint in the Marine Corps. Years later, undiagnosed PTSD and depression coupled with job loss led to two bouts with homelessness.

“It was like being frozen, I was really broken … in a way you become very fragile because you don’t know who you are at that point,” Mulvaney said. “All the anchors you held onto before, all the things that gave you meaning, and stability are gone.”

Click to read on.

Features, Plant-Based Food & Drink

Plant-Based Meat: The Future of Food?

When Sadrah Schadel and Mike Woliansky rolled up to a farmers market in Asheville, NC, with a cooler full of plant-based meat in 2014, they never imagined how far their wares would take them.

They started with a vision: to make plant-based meats from healthy, whole- food, environmentally friendly ingredients that had the taste and texture to satisfy the average meat eater. Today, their No Evil Foods products are in more than 5,000 retailers nationwide.

Click here to read the rest on Alive.com.

Biographies & Resumes

Executive Biography Example: Shaune, Real Estate Associate

A native Floridian who was born and raised in Sarasota, Associate Director Shaune is an award-winning sales executive and community leader with a lengthy track record of real estate success.

A 15-year resident of Charlotte County, Shaune has an intimate knowledge of the area that informs her ability to perfectly match properties with clients, all while providing the utmost in discretion and confidentiality.

Full of optimism and perseverance, she has a special ability to discern what people want and need – which has given her a unique edge in conducting real estate transactions since receiving her license in 2002.

Shaune is constantly energized by the daily challenges her position provides and loves that every day is different. With a diplomatic edge,she handles difficult situations with grace and ease.

As an avid boater and fishing champion Shaune enjoys spending leisure time on the water. She adores her family, and treasures the company of her husband, son, daughter, step daughter and grandchildren – as well as her beloved dogs.

Uncategorized

We Miss You, Martha LaBorie

Born in Akron, Indiana, (and raised in nearby Zionsville), Martha Clayton LaBorie was born on June 7, 1920, with stars in her eyes and an innate zest for life.

Forever dreaming of glamour and adventure, Martha took a train to New York City in her early 20s and never looked back — although she cried all the way there.

With vibrant chestnut hair, bright blue eyes, and a megawatt smile, she charmed everyone she met with her confidence and charisma. 

She a great sense of style, and she was known for looking smart in anything she wore. Her daughter Susan recalls watching her get dressed for a night out and thinking she had the world’s most beautiful mother. 

Over the years, she and her family lived in cities from east to west, and in many countries overseas. She took joy in every single place she landed, excluding only Carmel, California, where she could never reconcile herself to life in the “precious little village” that others described.

Martha was full of emotion, with a superb sense of humor and a penchant for tears. She was stubborn, quirky, and forever retained her down to earth sensibilities, even when socializing in the most highbrow of circles with her husband, Walter. 

Superstitious to the last, an eclipse or glimpse of the Northern Lights were a sure sign to Martha that the end of the world was nigh. 

Forever generous, she was never petty, and always upbeat — a true Gemini. People most often described her as “marvelous.” They remembered her laugh, her cooking, her famous parties. 

Broadway musicals, her friends, her family, nature, reading, hostessing, and food were her greatest passions. She believed milkshakes were the answer to everything from an upset stomach to utter heartbreak.

Indignant about injustice, in her older years she once whacked the side of the Exxon Valdez with her cane. 

Her family fondly recalls many offbeat moments with Martha, from the time she took off her red shoes and gave them to an admiring Maasai chief in Africa, to roller skating with her stepson Karl on the top of her apartment building in NYC. 

She was fond of Campari, wine, and singing off-key to Frank Sinatra. 

Martha passed away in San Diego, California, on February 25, 1996, survived by her three children — Daniel, Bernard, and Susan; her stepchildren Kathryn, Karl and Karen; and sundry grandchildren.

She was remarkable, and no one who knew her will ever forget the spark and spirit she brought into their lives.

As Billie Holiday once sang: “I’ll be seeing you/In every lovely summer’s day/In everything that’s light and gay/I’ll always think of you that way.” 💖

Animals, Pet Memorials

For the Love of Otter Wiley

Otter Wiley (affectionately known as Ottie) was a lover of laps, a voracious and passionate eater, and quite possibly the most beautiful kitty who ever lived – both inside and out.   

Born in 2003 in Dallas, Texas, Otter found her forever home through an adoption fair at the local mall, of all places. It was a luxury mall – quite fitting given Otter’s glamourous looks and girly nature.

The tiny kitten sat in a window in “Otter pose” (prim and proper with paws crossed) and charmed everyone who passed, including her future mom, Taylor.

When Taylor saw Otter’s jade colored eyes; silky, tricolored floof; and furry feet, it was love at first sight. Otter boasted a rare and striking pattern of black, white, and orange fur. Paired with her gorgeous green eyes, she was the beauty queen of cats.

Otter had many admirers, with multiple families competing to adopt her. But Taylor won the Otter lottery, and she brought the itty-bitty kitty home to her new dad, Chris Wiley.  

From the moment Otter came home, her purpose was palpable: she loved humans, and she loved love.

When her parents spoke her name, she would meow, roll over, make air biscuits with her pretty paws (she had one black foot pad, rumored to be the source of her power) – and beg to be stroked.

She loved belly rubs, kisses, and her own signature move: the head-butt of love.

Even when it came to toys, Otter never tried to tear them apart or “kill” her stuffed companions. Instead, she smothered them with affection.  

Otter was a great traveler, and unlike most members of her species, loved a good ride in the car. Her only travel requirement was to sit in the driver’s lap (with the expectation of plenty of petting along the way).

She adapted well to different apartments and homes over the years. As long as there was a sunny spot, a box or two to smoosh herself in, and a human to love – she was perpetually happy.

Second to her parents, food was Otter’s other great passion. Her tastes were particular – she only wanted kitty kibble. But it was crucial that someone bear witness as she ate. Should the bottom of the bowl peek through, Otter would turn her glowing green eyes on the nearest human and meow for more. And she’d always get it.

As time went on, Ottie aged like a fine wine, exhibiting even more love, affection, and playfulness in her golden years. Her 15 years on planet Earth seemed to make her even more of an angel; she was preparing herself for a prime spot in kitty heaven.

While she was taken abruptly and is dearly missed by her family, she lived her last days being adored, cared for, and given everything she wanted – and giving of her whole heart in return.  

Love was Otter’s mission in life, and she fulfilled it, to the last.

In the words of one anonymous scribe: “What greater gift than the love of a cat?”

Obituaries & Remembrances

In Memory of Miguel Ferrer

To many who knew him, he was Albert Rosenfield, the gruff but tender-hearted FBI analyst who oft visited the fictional town of Twin Peaks.

To others, he was Owen Granger, the gruff, mysterious Assistant Director of NCIS Los Angeles.

Still others remember him as the very reason for Robocop. (In the iconic 1987 flick, it was his cocaine-loving character — Bob Morton — who dreamed up the idea for a robotic police officer.)

And to some, he was George Clooney’s cousin.

But to those who knew him best, he was just Miguel. Miguel Ferrer, a father, a husband. A man of many talents, many voices, and many admirable qualities.

A man who lost his battle to throat cancer at the age of 61.

Miguel worked right up until the last — even reprising his role as Rosenfield in the 2017 reboot of the David Lynch classic.

Born to showbusiness royalty, Miguel’s parents were singer Rosemary Clooney and Academy Award-winning actor José Ferrer. He was the oldest of five; his other siblings being Maria, Monsita, Gabriel and Rafael.

Miguel spent a lifetime getting his audience’s attention as an array of different characters. He was nothing if not a hard-working actor.

Over the course of four decades, he played a waiter in “The Man Who Wasn’t There”; a nefarious biker in “Valentino Returns”; a drug informant in “Traffic”; a kind doctor on “Crossing Jordan” — and appeared in dozens of other shows, movies, and voiceovers; every role was memorable.

Before acting, music was his passion. He even played the drums on Keith Moon’s “Two Sides of the Moon.”

But acting was his gift. Whenever Miguel was on screen, it was unforgettable. He had a particular gift for playing authoritative roles. When he spoke, everyone listened.

To most, he’ll forever be remembered for his “wicked” sense of humor, his demonstrable on-screen talent, and his huge, loving heart.

Those who knew him best also called him “hilarious,” “brilliant,” “a great talent and an even better man.”

He is survived by his wife Lori; his three sons, and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers.

In simple terms: he was deeply loved.

Miguel was laid to rest next to his father, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. May they rest in peace together, always.

Obituaries & Remembrances

Remembering Luke Perry

The ultimate high school heartthrob, Dylan McKay was the troubled, sensitive soul that every girl wanted to save — and every guy wanted to be.

Played by actor Luke Perry, Dylan helped propel “Beverly Hills, 90210” into a 90s-era global phenomenon; millions around the world fell madly in love with Luke’s dazzling smile, undeniable charisma, and perfectly coiffed hair.

When Luke passed away from a massive stroke on March 4, 2019, a generation lost its flame. Luke was only 52.

In his own words, Luke acknowledged that Dylan was his defining role. He once told a reporter: “I’m going to be linked with him until I die, but that’s actually just fine. I created Dylan McKay. He’s mine.”

Born in Mansfield, Ohio, Luke grew into a down-to-earth charm that reflected his Midwestern roots.

According to members of his graduating class, he was known as a daydreamer and a flirt.

Shortly after earning his diploma, Luke headed to Hollywood to pursue acting. Before making it big, he paved asphalt, sold shoes, and worked at a doorknob factory.

After landing small parts on soap operas, he came to fame in the 90s as the forever-foxy Dylan on “90210,” the groundbreaking teen drama that defined a generation.

“90210” co-creator Darren Star once told “Rolling Stone” he saw Luke and instantly knew he was born to play Dylan.

Once named “TV’s hottest heartbreaker” by “People” magazine, massive crowds started following Luke wherever he went; 21 people were once injured when thousands rushed a stage to see him in South Florida.

Consistently compared to 50s “bad boy” James Dean, Luke laughed off the frequent reference, but no one could deny that he possessed a similarly magnetic charm.

Unlike the tension and tragedy that followed Dylan, however, Luke was famously drama free.

Despite the superstardom that came with the success of “90210,” those who knew him said he never let fame go to his head. Luke treated everyone as an equal; he consistently cared more about his fellow man than his superstar status.

After leaving “90210,” he went on to play various memorable roles in TV and film — including a stint on Broadway as Brad (in drag) in the eternally-campy “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

More recently, he played Archie Andrew’s dad, Fred, on the popular CW series “Riverdale.”

Intelligent and sensitive, he stayed away from social media and preferred reading books to posting selfies on Instagram or engaging in Twitter wars. “I don’t think what I have to say is that important,” he once told “AdWeek.”

He loved stargazing, cooking, fishing, and fencing.

He gave his time to many charities, including Fight Colorectal Cancer (after a cancer scare of his own) and Western Wishes, a group which granted wishes to children with terminal illnesses.

He’s remembered for adoring his Boxer pups Casey and Mac; being an incredible dad to his daughter Sophie and son Jack; and having a warm, generous, and grateful nature.

When he passed away, he was surrounded by family and friends, including his current fiance, Wendy, and former wife, Rachel — a tribute to the love and loyalty he engendered in others.

He may be loved by millions of fans as Dylan McKay, but to everyone who knew him personally, he left an even more memorable mark as Luke Perry.

Obituaries & Remembrances

Remembering Marjorie Sentenac

Born to Hungarian immigrants in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Marjorie Sentenac was a saucy gal with a heck of a sense of humor. Five foot two with (sparkling!) eyes of blue, she adored dancing, Clark Gable, and a day at the beach.

Margie, as she was affectionately known, grew up in a coldvwater flat in Brooklyn, the youngest of four sisters. Those were the pre-World War II war days, and parties, dances, dinners, and laughter were the joys of their youth.

Now, the four Goch sisters are reunited in heaven — “having a ball” again, as Marge liked to say.

Cute as a button, Margie was known for pink lipstick, blonde curls and a Brooklyn accent that never lost its edge.

She loved ducks and clowns and shopping. She made a world famous pot roast, knitted the warmest of socks, and was always a good sport.

Click to read on.

Wellness

Best Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin: How to Stay Hydrated and Happy

While winter is generally associated with dry skin issues, a parched outer layer isn’t always a seasonal phenomenon; it can annoy us all year.

Dry, flaky skin is a bummer. And it isn’t always as easy as using the right products – there are lots of other factors that can contribute to dryness, from food choices to shower routines.

You’re made up of 60% water, so keeping that H2O on the inside is crucial for glowing skin and overall health and wellness.

Click to read the rest on FleurandBee.com.

Biographies & Resumes

Biography Example: Lisa, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Lisa Marie McDonald is an unapologetic entrepreneur, philanthropist extraordinaire, and lifelong animal advocate.

Business owner, world traveler, speaker, animal sanctuary founder and thought leader, her trove of accomplishments is as big as her heart.

As a jet-setting corporate consultant, Lisa was at the top of her field, helping some of the world’s biggest companies to boost their bottom line.

A MENSA member, she specialized in enterprise content management for corporate legal departments and law firms throughout the world.

But Lisa wanted more.

She wanted to turn her passion for love, kindness, and compassion into a business venture that would make the world a better place.

So, she and partner Joe Dinan started Sanctuary Brewing Company (SBC) in Hendersonville, NC, a one- of-a-kind, award-winning vegan microbrewery dedicated to good times, good deeds, and amazing beer.

Through SBC, McDonald is showing the world that philanthropy and profit can go hand-in-hand.

Lisa has lived all over the world, from Singapore to Australia to NYC; visited more than 20 national parks; and is an avid hiker, true crime watcher, scuba diver, and Ryan Adams fan.

Lisa’s love for animals, humans, and the planet is palpable.

She created a Kindness Wall at the brewery, where those in need can take seasonal clothing, umbrellas, and essentials bags filled with basic necessities.

She also offers free Sunday meals, and hosts Give Forward community days where people can get free haircuts, job placement assistance, and health checks.

In addition, in the three years since its opening SBC has raised more than $10,000 for environmental, social justice, and animal advocacy charities.

Under the umbrella of her Kindness Empire nonprofit, Sweet Bear Rescue Farm is Lisa’s latest venture, and she serves as caretaker to nearly 20 non-human residents including Charlotte the gregarious chicken, Paul and George the affectionate turkeys, and Ollie the cantankerous pig.

Singlehandedly, she’s helped dozens of individuals transition to a plant-based lifestyle, as well as transformed the entire community of Hendersonville, NC, into a vegan mecca (recently recognized as such by AAA Carolinas and Mountain Xpress) through monthly supper clubs, vegan grocery shopping trips, and documentary screenings.

Her unique story and the incredible change she’s helped to facilitate in her community and nationwide has drawn the attention of major influencers and publications from race car driver Leilani Munter to Paste magazine to actor Ricky Gervais.

Lisa is magnetic, fun-loving, hilarious — and as kind as they come.

Through her Kindness Empire, Lisa is bringing her sense of purpose and philanthropy to the rest of the world.