Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Offbeat, Product Launches

Captivating Worlds Announces Grand Opening

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Captivating Worlds proudly announces its official Grand Opening on Thursday, July 15 in New Albany / Northeast Columbus. Captivating Worlds offers real life puzzle/escape rooms where friends, families and co-workers work together to solve mysteries, puzzles and games before the time runs out.

Captivating Worlds is located on New Albany Rd W, just off 161 in the Market District plaza between Roosters and Panera Bread.

"We are excited to bring our premier offerings to the Columbus-New Albany area. Our location is convenient for both local residents as well as for the significant number of businesses in the area. We are extremely grateful for the overwhelmingly positive response we've had from residents and businesses during our soft opening period," said David Kazan, Founder and CEO.

Captivating Worlds offers the "next level" in puzzle/escape rooms by incorporating next generation technology and unique special effects to create truly immersive experiences.

"Our 5,600 sq ft facility offers a variety of themed experiences as well as a large conference room. This site is perfect for team building, office outings, and fun gatherings for co-workers, friends and family," continued Kazan, "We are excited to be able to offer our highly rated experiences in the northeast Columbus area and beyond."

Captivating Worlds opened just before the pandemic, and after closing during the lockdown period, continued in a "soft opening" mode. To celebrate their official Grand Opening they will offer tours, raffles and games during their Grand Opening (see https://captivatingworlds.com/grand-opening/ for details).

Two experiences are currently available with two more expected to open this summer. When fully completed, Captivating Worlds will offer 5 or 6 experiences at their facility, and other products they can bring to Corporate and other business groups of 50 or more.

Captivating Worlds is a locally-owned, independent entertainment business which offers unique themes, next generation technology and immersive experiences to groups large and small. Corporate packages are available that can include conference room and team building and team development add-ons.

To learn more or to book, visit https://captivatingworlds.com/.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Captivating Worlds at 614-245-4058 or email booking@captivatingworlds.com.

Related link: https://captivatingworlds.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Insurance

Jencap Announces Acquisition of U.K.-based Lloyd’s Coverholder

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Jencap Group, LLC (Jencap), the wholesale program management and binding authority business of Galway Insurance Holdings LP (Galway), has acquired London-based Worldwide Hole 'N One Ltd. (WHNO).

Through its primary brand, Worldwide Special Risks (WWSR), WHNO has operated as a Lloyd's coverholder underwriting agency for over 25 years. As an established leading provider, Worldwide Special Risks' contingency team service the live events market with a range of covers including cancellation, non-appearance, and event property and liability. Additional lines, to include film and media, prize indemnity and accident and health, are supplied to the UK and international retail and wholesale broker market. With an underwriting office in the Lloyd's building, cover is available to the U.K. and international clients, via exclusive binding authorities, to a number of leading insurers, including the Lloyd's market.

John Jennings, Chief Executive Officer of Jencap commented, "It is important that Jencap has operations in London, a most important marketplace for complex and specialty insurance. I've gotten to know Jon Wilkinson and his business, and can't think of a better platform or business line to start with than event and other specialty contingency products. We're excited with the prospects for underwriting and distribution of more products ahead and the benefit it will provide to our partners and clients."

Jon Wilkinson, WWSR Managing Director, added, "Everyone at Worldwide is excited about the next chapter that the Jencap acquisition delivers. The last year has seen unprecedented and ongoing disruption to the contingency market, and this new partnership will provide great stability and support. It will also enable us to enhance the products and services we offer, and provides a strong platform for additional growth."

Jencap and other Galway businesses currently provide extensive insurance products, broking and risk management services to the entertainment and sport industry. The live event market is particularly important within this niche.

"Now that we are once again able to enjoy live music, sports and other large group gatherings, we're thrilled to be part of enabling those events to take place. With Jon and his team at WWSR joining existing Jencap facilities, we will play a big part in expanding desperately needed capacity for our distribution partners and clients," said Peter Garvey, Vice Chairman of Galway.

About Jencap Group, LLC

Jencap is one of the largest wholesalers in the U.S. with notable industry-leading expertise in wholesale brokerage, binding authority, and program management. Its specialized divisions and affiliate organizations provide niche underwriting prowess, broad market access, and nationwide influence. With headquarters in New York, Jencap leverages its collective power, exceeding the expectations of 15,000+ independent agency partners. Visit https://jencapgroup.com/.

About Galway Holdings LLC

Galway Insurance Holdings, the holding company for EPIC Brokers & Consultants and Jencap Group, is a diversified insurance brokerage distribution platform with retail, wholesale, program administration and managing general agent capabilities. In total, Galway manages over $7 billion of insurance premiums and operates in over 100 offices serving all 50 states.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. For more information on EPIC, visit: https://epicbrokers.com/.

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Related link: https://jencapgroup.com/

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Books and Publishing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

‘Drunk Talk’ Is A True Original That Combines Humor with Shock

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Authors Mike Davis AND TL Banks would like to announce their new book "Drunk Talk" (ISBN: 979-8675709625). "Drunk Talk" is a one-of-a-kind book with something for everyone and will have you laughing hysterically as you are forced to question what you believe to be true.

Included are 48 short discussions about different aspects of life with a twist of humor, your drunken fortune, and unique quotes to keep you focused.

Published by Club Lighthouse Publishing in 2020, "Drunk Talk" is a collaboration project with a variety of diverse topics for anybody to enjoy. Our goal as authors is to offer readers a brand new perspective and insight all the while being entertained.

Written in Las Vegas, Nevada, which helped inspire the title, "Drunk Talk" holds true to its name, as there was no shortage of alcohol consumption during production of the book.

"'Drunk Talk'" was inspired by the love of science, psychology, humor, truth and of course booze," says co-author Mike Davis.

About the Authors:

Mike Davis enjoys writing, playing basketball, and having a cold brew with a good meal. Although Harvard or Stanford was not in the cards, Mike did receive his GED. Mike is a full-time writer who enjoys writing about a variety of different subjects, Mike has done a lot of traveling over the years, his favorite places to visit are Las Vegas, and spending time at the beach.

TL Banks is a poet and author originally from Indianapolis Indiana, lover of words, expressions, and creativity. Mother of one, member of the Ohio poetry association, member of the California writers club, winner of the Barry Wright Scholarship for poetry and consummate Dorothy Parker, Nikki Giovanni, and Whiskey on the rocks fan girl.

Learn more: https://clublighthousepublishing.com/productPage/Details/528

Available on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FP7SR2Z

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Mike Davis
Tgm567@aol.com
(909) 319-2171

MULTIMEDIA:

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Related link: https://clublighthousepublishing.com/productPage/Details/528

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

Music Theater Works Presents Mamma Mia!

SKOKIE, Ill. -- Music Theater Works will present "Mamma Mia!" at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076) from August 19, 2021 through August 29, 2021 being the second production of the 2021 Season.

About The Show

ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make "Mamma Mia!" a guaranteed smash hit. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. A trip down the aisle you'll never forget with MUSIC THEATER WORKS!

PRODUCTION DETAILS

Who:
* Music Theater Works

What:
* Mamma Mia!
* Directed by Justin Brill
* Book by Catherine Johnson
* Choreography by Shanna VanDerwerker
* Music Directed and Conducted by Linda Madonia
* Music and Lyrics by Benny Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus (songs with Stig Anderson)

Cast Members:
* Dan Gold (as Bill Austin)
* Veronica Garza (as Rosie)
* Casiena Raether (as Tanya)
* Heather Banks (as Sophie Sheridan)
* Andrew Fortman (as Sam Carmichael)
* Alexis Armstrong (as Donna Sheridan)
* North Rory Homewood (as Harry Bright)

Creative Team:
* Sound Designer (Aaron Quick)
* Set Designer (Kristen Martino)
* Production Manager (Bob Silton)
* Hair and Make-Up (Alice Salazar)
* Lighting Designer (Andrew Myers)
* Costume Designer (Rueben Echoles)
* Props Designer (Hayley E. Wallenfeldt)
* Producing Artistic Director (Kyle A. Dougan)
* Assistant Director and Choreographer (Emma Parssi)

When:
* Group Performance: Thursday, August 19, 2021 @ 1:00 PM
* Press Performance: Friday, August 20, 2021 @ 8:00 PM
* Saturday, August 21, 2021 @ 8:00 PM
* Sunday, August 22, 2021 @ 2:00 PM
* Wednesday, August 25, 2021 @ 1:00 PM
* Friday, August 27, 2021 @ 8:00 PM
* Saturday, August 28, 2021 @ 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
* Sunday, August 29, 2021 @ 2:00 PM

Where:

North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie
9501 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL 60077

Tickets:

Tickets start at $39 for Standard Seating and tickets start at $48 for Preferred Seating. Tickets for those ages 25 and under are half-price.

Box Office: (847) 673-6300

Website: https://www.musictheaterworks.com/Mamma-Mia/

Health Safety:

Health safety guidelines imposed by the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie have been followed in staging this event. For more information about the measures being taken please visit https://northshorecenter.org/.

Upcoming Shows

The 2021 season will feature RAGTIME (Oct 28th - Nov 7th) and BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL (Dec 23rd - Jan 2, 2022).

The 2021 season has been proudly sponsored by Joyce Saxon.

About Music Theater Works

Music Theater Works is a professional non-profit theater company based in Wilmette, Illinois featuring a colorful repertoire including operetta, the Golden Age of Broadway, the Great American Songbook, and modern classics since 1980.

As of 2021, Music Theater Works has become a resident theater company at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076).

The mission of Music Theater Works is to produce and present musical theater from a variety of world traditions and to engage the local community through educational and outreach programs.

Media Contact
Aaron Ozee
Director of Marketing
Music Theater Works
Phone: (847) 920-5360 ext. 7
Email: aozee@musictheaterworks.org

Related link: https://www.musictheaterworks.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Regional Events

SoulFest Returns to New Hampshire, Celebrating Faith Through Music – New England’s Premier Christian Music Festival, August 5-7, 2021

GILFORD, N.H. -- New Sound Concerts, Inc., a New England based promoter and festival producer, is hosting their 23rd annual Christian music festival, at the Best of NH award-winning Gunstock Mountain Resort. After canceling the 2020 festival due to the pandemic, thousands are ready to gather and celebrate through "Music, Love & Action."

This highly anticipated summer festival gathers over 8,000 attendees and features multiple GRAMMY-award winning Christian artists among the 75 artists and speakers. With four stages of live musical performances and dynamic speaking sessions, Gunstock provides the perfect setting for SoulFest: New England's Premier Christian Music Festival.

SoulFest is proud to feature GRAMMY and Dove-award Winning Christian artists: Casting Crowns, Lecrae, Crowder, Cory Asbury, and Matt Maher. Also confirmed for the 2021 lineup is Andy Mineo, Big Daddy Weave, Social Club Misfits, Unspoken, Blanca, Gawvi, The Young Escape, among others listed at https://www.thesoulfest.com/lineup.

Unique to SoulFest, the Songwriter's Circle will be hosted daily by Christopher Williams at the indoor lodge stage known as Mercy Street and will feature multiple artists of varying genres to perform together in the round, including notable artists Matt Maher, Cory Asbury, Blanca, Stephen Christian of Anberlin, Ben Fuller, Jeff Senour & Justin McRoberts.

In line with New Sound Concerts' dedication to bringing Music, Love & Action to the forefront of SoulFest, it hosts a speaking series, featuring local and international speakers. The "Soul University" series is designed to converse with and engage the SoulFest audience in the arts, modern culture, as well as awareness leading to action in fighting social injustice.

The 2021 program will feature a morning stretch with biblical meditation, practical teaching on prayer and soul care, the annual panel addressing suicide prevention, plus a 3-part series focused on human trafficking: vulnerability, victimization, and victory.

Attendees participate in a variety of activities for all ages, including an open mic, a guided nature-walk, shop faith-oriented and fair-trade vendors and exhibitors, play on inflatables, and outdoor group games like archery tag, cornhole, giant Jenga. Gunstock offers a zipline, mountain coaster, aerial treetop adventures, camping, swimming, and hiking trails. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with the festival's key Ministry Partners: Thrivent Financial, Upward, Gordon College, Make A Change, and Word of Life.

Scenic chair lift rides lead to the Mountain Top stage, an acoustic setup accompanied by a lush, panoramic view of Lake Winnipesaukee. New Sound is honored to once again feature this unique, life-changing event filled with inspirational music from award-winning artists and engaging workshops by world-renowned speakers, New Sound Concerts invites you to experience it all at once with the beautiful backdrop of New Hampshire's Belknap Mountains.

To preview the full artist lineup, event schedule, or to purchase SoulFest tickets and upgrades - visit https://www.thesoulfest.com/.

For press credentials to this event, please contact Gabrielle Elkhouri at media@thesoulfest.com.

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube) https://youtu.be/U5o_mLStiqE

Related link: https://www.thesoulfest.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Environment and Ecology, Free News Articles, Regional Events

JOIN Keynote Speaker and Content Creator GiGi Robinson for #SCALEYOURIMPACT presented by Entertainment for Change and community platform, I Weigh on July 8!

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Entertainment for Change™ (EFC) exists to amplify youth voices and create a new kind of leader that is empowered to make the social and environmental change necessary for a sustainable future. For Americans who came of age during the Great Depression, habits that formed during that period never fully left them, even decades after the economy had recovered and the world had shifted gears. New Deal voters formed one of the most lasting political coalitions in American history, transforming expectations of the role the government could play in people's lives. These enduring impacts were pivotal in shaping a generation and the contours of the nation.

2020 with the coronavirus pandemic, recession, protests, election have impacted Gen Z's habits, values and outlook on the world. GiGi Robinson, a 23 year old creative producer has been devoted to dismantling false body images by teaching Gen Z about social media literacy, and its effects on mental health. She is continuing this work with Entertainment for Change, being the keynote speaker for #SCALEMYIMPACT a, 5-week social activism workshop guided by the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).eek social activism workshop guided by the United Nations 17 SDGs

"I found entertainment for change through a fellow impact artist, Khrystana, who is committed to shifting the narrative around body image and acceptance. As I searched for more organizations that I could partner with to begin to shift how I used my social media, EFC kept coming up. I knew immediately I had to sit down and have a convo with Jade to talk about how we could work together to make an impact. Since, I have been able to attend their workshops but also have assets to reshare that create impact around some of the SDG's that I already created work around including the environment, ending world hunger and gender equality."

Entertainment for Change has teamed up with Jameela Jamil's allyship community platform, I Weigh, to present hands-on workshops for #SCALEMYIMPACT. The workshops will engage high school students from around the world at the intersection of social media activism and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They will focus on the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to showcase the intersectionality of these goals and how important radical inclusivity is.

SDG #3 Good Health and Wellbeing

SDG #5 Gender Equality

SDG #11 Reduced Inequalities

"The power of collaboration is in diversity of thought, and choosing for ourselves what we will use social media to accomplish. This course is meant to teach how to empower yourself by investing in your content. Student's will also learn how to collaborate with others in a healthy, uplifting way. We aim to create a global community of Impact Artists™ that love the skin they're in, and want others to feel the same." says Jenna Lichtman, Brand & Marketing Manager for Entertainment for Change.

GEN Z students will connect to like-minded peers, explore these global goals, learn how to direct their passions and their knowledge of social media for good, and see in REAL time the power of collaboration.

"The way that social media is used today has the potential to change, even more so we have the potential to change the way that we use social media and how we can leverage it to make a difference in the world we live in today."

Registration for classes are $15 at https://www.entertainmentforchange.com/signup

Courses for #SCALEMYIMPACT:

* INTRO CLASS + Keynote from Social Impact creative producer GiGi Robinson
JULY 8 3:30 PM ET

* Good Health and Wellbeing
JULY 13 3:30 PM ET

* Reduced Inequalities
JULY 15 3:30 PM ET

* Gender Equality
JULY 20 3:30 PM ET

* Activation Celebration/Party
JULY 22 3:30 PM ET

About GiGi Robinson

Gigi is a USC Graduate and current Masters student whose passion is creating content with an intention of making a positive impact on as many young people as possible through imagery and videography. Gigi often speaks about the ways that she can expose false imagery in media, posing tips, behind the scenes of image making, philanthropy and advocacy work across her social media platforms (@itsgigirobinson), and in articles such as The Female Lead, Entertainment Weekly, Yahoo! and Viacom. https://www.gigirobinson.com/

About Entertainment for Change

Entertainment for Change is empowering young people to build a more loving and sustainable world through creativity, expression, and artistic activism. Many may feel large-scale global issues are fated - but they don't have to be. If we can use our collective voices & talents for social/environmental change, we can change our culture, which will change our world. https://www.entertainmentforchange.com/

About I Weigh

I Weigh is about radical inclusivity, so that no one feels alone. Our job is to amplify, advocate, and pass the mic. Founder, Jameela Jamil. https://iweighcommunity.com/

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/TYZhfSvKtbc

Related link: https://www.entertainmentforchange.com/

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Advertising and Marketing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Software

FlexClip Online Trailer Maker Is a One-Stop Solution for Captivating Video Trailers

HONG KONG -- PearlMountain, a multimedia software development company, has introduced a powerful trailer maker solution within its FlexClip video creation platform. With just a few clicks, anyone can craft captivating and professional trailers for any need.

"The easy-to-use trailer maker from FlexClip is another way that we're simplifying the video production process," said PearlMountain Founder, Lin Xiao. "Anyone can make a really cool movie trailer or tease a video for upcoming projects in just three steps."

The FlexClip trailer maker contains an extensive library of templates ranging from those for films, TV shows and video games to books, webinars and YouTube. Users can add their own personal touches with over 1 million royalty-free music and high-quality photos and videos. It's easy to include animations, logos, voice overs and export HD videos to social media. Users can also create their projects from scratch if they desire.

The FlexClip trailer maker provides drag-and-drop ease and users are in complete control of the editing process. Anyone has the power to see their unique vision come to life right in their browser. With a single click, users can download their finished videos.

The trailer maker is an important promotional tool for writers, video game publishers, independent filmmakers and music artists that can be used in multiple ways and on a myriad of platforms to reach target markets. It's equally advantageous for social media influencers, webinar producers and business owners that want to monetize their projects, products, events, and expertise.

The FlexClip trailer maker by PearlMountain is revolutionizing the way that individuals promote themselves, their projects and reach others around the world. It is a one-stop resource for creating professional looking trailers with just a few clicks. Users can immediately experience the possibilities for themselves by trying the online trailer maker for free.

About FlexClip

FlexClip, a browser-based video maker platform developed by PearlMountain Limited, provides one-stop video services that help novice users and professionals create video trailers, explainer videos, presentations, tutorials, and social media videos with ease. FlexClip is used and loved by millions of people around the globe. For more information, please visit https://www.flexclip.com/ or connect with FlexClip on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Media Contact
PearlMountain
CEO Lin Xiao
Email: info@flexclip.com

Website: www.flexclip.com

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Related link: https://www.pearlmountainsoft.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

Unified Pro-Am Association Turns Esports Industry on its Head

DAVIE, Fla. -- There's a new kid on the block and it's rocking the Esports industry. Unified Pro-Am Association (UPA) is now the number one premier destination for NBA2k Tournaments hosted by any one of the leagues for serious NBA2k gamers. And for gamers who want to be drafted in the NBA2k League, it's the best opportunity out there.

UPA will hit the ground running during the July 4 weekend. It's hosting the largest tournament in the community's history on July 3 and 4 at the largest Esports arena in the nation - The Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center in Arlington, Texas.

Twenty-four teams (12 teams per console) will have what it takes to win an automatic bid to compete for $30,000 in prizes. The rest of the teams will have to duke it out to make it on the main stage and compete.

"We have the largest arena ready for this live action event for the fans and competing teams to have an experience like never seen before," Dasahev Charlemagne, one of the three UPA founders and owner/CEO of the ABDA, says.

Certified leagues include: @WRproamleague @ADBAPRO and @MPBA2K. These tournaments will be tracked and broken down from Legacy Leader Boards and NBA2k teams will compete for the greatest prize pool outside of the NBA2k League. Gamers from all over the world are coming to compete while others are just coming to watch the excitement build.

The ABDA has had some of the biggest prize pools the NBA2k community has ever seen so to compete in one of these not only brings gamers recognition, but the opportunity to make some good money.

"This @UnifiedProAm championship is only the beginning," Charlemagne says.

He and the other two UPA founders, Evens Mathurin and Graham Borden, are excited about what they can bring to the Esports industry, now and in the future.

For more information about this event: https://twitter.com/UnifiedProAm/status/1404540683298422785?s=20

Purchase tickets here: https://www.unifiedproam.gg/tournaments/product/buy-tickets/

The Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center is located at: 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, Texas. Tickets range from $10 to $100.

About UPA

The UPA was formed by three NBA2k Tournament Leagues: The ADBA, WR Pro-Am and MPBA2K to create one official governing body of NBA2K Pro-Am: One True Pro-Am Champion. It has no current official affiliation with NBA2K.

TWITTER:
https://twitter.com/UnifiedProAm
https://twitter.com/ProAmLeague
https://twitter.com/MPBA2K
https://twitter.com/ADBAPro
https://twitter.com/NBA2K

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tuwana Maureen Dumond
+1-305-794-6146
media@dalabtv.com

MULTIMEDIA:
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[3] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0628s2p-wrproam-logo-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://www.unifiedproam.gg/

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Awards and Honors, Books and Publishing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

Calgary Author Honored in 2021 Indie Book Awards for Memoir about Social Justice and Overcoming Mental Health Struggles

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Sandra LA Boszko is quickly building a name for herself as an author who's edgy and honest. That's why her new book, "Welcome to California: From LA County Jail to #1 in Sales" (ISBN: 978-1525546440) was named one of the best indie books of 2021 by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group. It recounts how her mental illness led to a wrongful and traumatic incarceration in the Los Angeles County jail system.

(Editorial note: Book title has strike-through [line] on the word 'Welcome.')

The book is humorous and heartbreaking all at once. It traces how she traveled from her home in Canada to the hills of Hollywood to pursue a career in acting/stunts and recounts how bipolar disorder repeatedly sent her packing from Los Angeles. After failed attempts to develop this dream, she finds herself in a prison system that ignores protocol for inmates with mental illness.

"The whole experience was horrific," she says. "Writing this book was cathartic and helped with the overwhelming anxiety and PTSD that resulted from this damaging ordeal. I never had that before."

For example, a 5150 is a section of the California Welfare and Institution Code (Thomson Reuters, 2017) that authorizes a mental health practitioner or an officer to involuntarily confine an individual suspected to have a mental disorder who is gravely disabled, a danger to themselves, or a danger to others. The individual can be brought into custody for up to 72 hours for assessment or placed into a treatment facility.

"Unfortunately, I didn't receive a 5150 even though the arresting officer knew I was mentally ill," Boszko explains. "Celebrities such as Amanda Bynes, Britney Spears, Mischa Barton and Kanye West have all received a 5150."

Sandra's incarceration lasted 10 days while her family struggled to locate her and to convince the courts that she was in need of medical care. During that time, she experienced abusive guards, isolation and neglect.

And according to L.A. County Jail stats, she's not alone. The County of Los Angeles reports that 70 percent of the inmate population has a serious medical or mental illness upon initial assessment and at least 30 percent of its inmates have a mental illness.

"This experience left me deeply traumatized and I knew I had to share this story with others. During the writing process, I began to heal," she says. "I want people to understand mental illness from the inside out and to help the stigma go away. I truly hope this memoir helps others to realize that they are not alone in their struggles."

Sandra is an award-winning finalist in two categories - Social Justice and Memoirs (Personal Struggle/Health Issues) in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the world's largest book awards program for independent publishers and self-published authors.

The winners and finalists will be honored on June 25, 2021 in an online event which will stream live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NextGenerationIndieBookAwards at 7 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. PT.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards are judged by leaders of the indie book publishing industry, including many with long careers at major publishing houses.

For more information: https://www.indiebookawards.com/aboutus/

About the Author

Sandra currently works as a full-time Territory Manager for a multinational company. She enjoys facilitating presentations and has been a facilitator for a bipolar group in Calgary. She's active in Toastmasters and has placed first at two of its 2019 competitions. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Manitoba and a black belt in Taekwondo. She lives in Calgary. Alberta. This is her first book.

For more information about the book and the author: https://sandralaboszko.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

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Caption: "Welcome to California: From LA County Jail to #1 in Sales" by Sandra LA Boszko.

(Editorial note: Book title has strike-through [line] on the word 'Welcome.')

Related link: https://sandralaboszko.com/

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Awards and Honors, Business, Education and Schools, Entertainment, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Dream A World Education Founder Bunny Hull to Be Inducted Into Women Songwriters Hall Of Fame

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Bunny Hull, Grammy Award winner and Founder and Executive Director of Dream a World Education, a Los Angeles-based non-profit that delivers virtual and in-classroom arts-based social-emotional learning to young children, will be inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in a ceremony on June 25 at the Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. The award celebrates music's finest songwriters and composers and pays homage to women "whose body of work represents the best of heritage and legacy of modern American music."

"To be mentioned in the same breath with Roberta Flack, Valerie Simpson and Mary Chapin Carpenter and the other honorees is beyond anything I could imagine and I can't think of a better way to pay it forward than to provide children with the kind inspiration that I've been blessed to experience through music and the arts," says Hull.

Hull's music and passion is driven by her dedication to enriching the lives of young children. She has written, performed and produced multi-media products for children that have garnered five Parent's Choice Awards, two National Parenting Publications Awards, a Dr. Toy Award, Children's Web Award, a Parents Guide to Children's Media Award, a commendation from the City of Los Angeles, an Emmy(R) nomination for writing, producing and directing "The Ripple Effect", a documentary about the work of Dream A World Education, and an Academics Choice Award for Secrets of the Heart(tm) TV, a children's educational series.

Hull is currently directing Secrets of the Heart II, Dream A World Education's new sequential learning program for children aged 4-8, designed to bring arts and social emotional learning to children around the world. The new series Series II will highlight Family and Community through a social justice and inclusivity lens by featuring overarching episode themes like Roots, Diversity and Identity.

For the program, Hull brought together a diverse team of Los Angeles artists including acclaimed visual artists Raul Baltazar and Yrneh Gabon, who will teach assemblage art and highlight the work of Betye Saar. She has also brought on folk artist Sunny War and choreographer Kara Mack ("Coming 2 America"), who will teach West African Dance. Episodes of the program will feature the work of artists including Ella Fitzgerald and Mahalia Jackson, and will address determination, trauma and healing through music sung during the Civil Rights era.

Dream a World Education focuses its attention on helping underserved communities, creating engaging programming to support young children and providing an avenue to empower them via self-expression through the arts. Since the pandemic began, Dream a World expanded its virtual classroom programs across the United States, growing from 10 local schools to 40 schools across the country and abroad, reaching as far as South Africa and Hong Kong.

ABOUT BUNNY HULL

Bunny Hull was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hull is a songwriter and singer best known for hit songs like 2008 Dove Award-Winning (Gospel Music Award) song "READY FOR A MIRACLE" and Grammy Award-Winning "NEW ATTITUDE," which catapulted Patti LaBelle to the top of the charts in 1986 for appearing on the "Beverly Hills Cop" Soundtrack. Hull has earned more than 20 gold and platinum albums with songs and/or as a vocalist appearing on albums with Angela Bofill ("Angel of the Night") Michael Jackson ("Thriller") (where she was a PYT), "Let Me Be Your Angel" (Narada Michael Walden/Stacy Lattisaw), Quincy Jones, The Jacksons, B.B. King, Barry White, Celine Dion, James Ingram, Vanessa Williams and on soundtracks and in films such as "EVAN ALMIGHTY," "BRUCE ALMIGHTY," "THE PRINCE OF EGYPT," "LOSING ISAIAH," "A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT" and "LEAP OF FAITH" among others. Her television soundtrack credits include NBC's TODAY SHOW, OPRAH, SESAME STREET, ANY DAY NOW, CHARMED and THE SIMPSONS, to name a few.

In 1999, Hull's best friend, singer Thelma Houston, gave her a book entitled "I Dream A World, Portraits of American Black Women." Around the same time, Hull accepted an invitation to teach music and the arts to young children at an L.A. inner city school. The events that followed led to her founding a nonprofit arts organization, Dream A World Education, where she is now Executive Director. Dream A World delivers arts-based, social-emotional learning with an emphasis on culture and diversity to children aged around the world.

ABOUT DREAM A WORLD EDUCATION, INC.

Since 2008 Dream A World Education, Inc. has delivered arts-based, social-emotional learning to over 40,000 families and children in early elementary grade levels, in underserved public schools across Los Angeles. Dream A World Education makes a meaningful difference in early childhood development through Secrets of the Heart(tm) enrichment programs designed to teach social-emotional learning and cultural diversity with exemplary arts programming. Through Secrets of the Heart(tm) school residencies and web-based Secrets of the Heart(tm) TV, our original and continuing goal is to reach primary school-children everywhere, especially those in underserved schools and in low-income communities. Learn more: https://dreamaworldedu.org/.

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0623s2p-bunny-hull-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Bunny Hull, Grammy Award winner and Founder and Executive Director of Dream a World Education

MEDIA CONTACT:
Megha Nabe
megha@dreamaworldedu.org
‭(516) 978-9968‬‬ ‬‬

Related link: https://dreamaworldedu.org/

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