For Immediate Release: Valley Teens Celebrate Giving Back!

Finishing Strong: The National League of Young Men Mid-Valley Chapter Focused on the Positive Throughout the Pandemic  

 

Strengthening bonds with the community, peers and between mothers and sons, the “NLYM” encourages Leadership, Philanthropy, Culture and Protocol in young men grades 9-12; the organization is wrapping up the 2020-2021 year with two live events, and a new membership drive for young men running through July 15, 2021.  

STUDIO CITY, CA -- The NLYM Mid-Valley Chapter is celebrating a strong finish to this challenging year, having just completed their elections for the coming 2021-2022 year. By getting creative about events and embracing Zoom for their monthly meetings, the organization’s young men continued to organize and contribute to charitable efforts in their immediate communities and beyond.  

This weekend, mothers and sons are reconnecting with fellow NLYM members for the organization's annual all-grade level Compass Brunch, a socially-distanced picnic style affair on Sunday May 16th. The Chapter’s 4th annual Senior Tribute Dinner took place in an outside setting at the Mulholland Tennis Club in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday, April 25, 2021; it was a formal event, where the Mid Valley senior class young men were celebrated with commemorative dedication speeches by their fathers, a childhood pictorial montage slideshow, and each given a Compass embossed carrying case as a gift. In total, the Mid Valley senior classman volunteered more than 400 hours in philanthropic achievements during an unprecedented challenging year.  

 

The mission behind NLYM is to provide a unique program of leadership, service, culture and protocol opportunities, for the young men grades 9-12 in their community, while at same time strengthening the mother-son relationship as they mature into young men. Ventura Blvd Magazine featured the organization two years ago. 

 

Beginning last August, the Mid-Valley Chapter successfully pivoted to holding online Zoom meetings across all grade levels this year, for both the young men and their mothers. The young men’s meetings included guest speakers such as actor Michael Ian Black and retired Fire Captain Fred Lopez;  an online cooking lesson by  Dr. JJ Levenstein; planning sessions for cultural events and philanthropy activities; protocol lessons such as resume writing; the presentation of committee reports, and organizational coaching by volunteer grade level mothers. The member “Mother’s Meetings” included speakers on both fun and helpful topics such as wellness, self-care, and raising teens; in March, author and Certified Holistic Nutritionist Julie Hefner shared healthy insights from her book Nourishing Your Body & Soul for a More Radiant You. 

Volunteerism is a major tentpole of the nationwide organization, and young men at each of the four grade levels were tasked with generating safe and socially-distanced ideas for giving back to communities across the San Fernando Valley and beyond despite the pandemic.  In September 2020, each grade level group decided to embrace Zoom calls for their monthly meetings, and continued organizing charitable efforts in their immediate communities and beyond. Although they felt disconnected at time, and it was sometimes disheartening to find a place to contribute, the young men managed many good deeds and have a lot to celebrate as they wind up this year.

Some of the philanthropic activities successfully completed as an organization and individually include: 

• The Book Truck: NLYM donated 549 brand-new books, the most impactful single book drive any group has put together for The Book Truck, which delivers “Lit Boxes” filled with books and literacy materials to foster care, homeless, and low-income service organizations across LA County.  https://thebooktruck.org/ 
  
• Covenant House: NLYM compiled and donated over 1000 snack packs for teens. https://www.covenanthouse.org/ 
  
• Soles4Souls: NLYM young men gathered 1200 pairs of gently-used athletic shoes for the nonprofit, which keeps the shoes from going to waste and puts them to good use for those in need.  https://soles4souls.org/ 
  
• Tutoring for Speak UP: NLYM young men are contributing tutoring services to  Speak UP, which aids approximately 300 underserved students in LA.   http://speakupparents.org/tracy 
• My Stuff: The NLYM Mid-Valley class of 2022 made fleece blankets for My Stuff Bags Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps children who are removed from dangerous living situations such as households with domestic violence, homelessness, etc.  https://www.mystuffbags.org/ 
  
• North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry - NLYM members purchased, packed and donated 330 Hygiene Kits (approx. 1320 products) to The North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry, a coalition of Jewish and Christian congregations working to address the problem of hunger in the community.  NLYM members also unloaded trucks of canned goods and beverages donated to the pantry. https://nhifp.org/ 

These young men, guided by their mothers, will be acknowledged and celebrated by their community this weekend.  In addition to their philanthropy, the young men shared cultural events, guest speakers, and training in life skills. 

Developing a well-rounded appreciation of cultural activities is another goal for the young men. This year, it was achieved by attending online holiday concerts, virtually touring The Peterson Auto Museum, and watching and discussing films online, including “The Social Dilemma” and the Billie Eilish film “The World’s a Little Blurry.” 

 

The young men learned that leadership is not easy, especially in a pandemic, but the enthusiasm exhibited in last week’s round of elections for the year 2021-22 have shown that things will only get better in the coming year.   

 

The Mid-Valley Chapter is launching a membership drive to invite new young men to apply to the organization through July 15, 2021, welcoming applications from young men who live or go to school in the communities of Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Toluca Lake and Burbank, CA.  There are membership opportunities for young men and mothers in our rising freshmen class (Class of 2025) and rising sophomore class (Class of 2024) and limited space in the Class of 2023. Visit the website to access the membership information form: https://members.nationalleagueofyoungmen.org/?nd=vms_public_form&form_id=7&hierarchy=33  

 

ABOUT NATIONAL LEAGUE OF YOUNG MEN, INC. 

National League of Young Men, Inc. (NLYM), initially named Beach City Service League, was founded in 2007 in Newport Beach, California by Diane Edmonton and Mary Pat Lucas. Their goal was to provide a unique program of leadership, service, culture and protocol opportunities for the young men in their community, while at the same time strengthening the mother-son relationship. Today there are twenty chapters with over 2,000 Mothers, Young Men and Sustainers as members of the National League of Young Men, Inc. NLYM is committed to providing a quality program for young men in grades 9-12 and developing long-term partnerships that will provide benefits to not only the young men but also their surrounding communities. National League of Young Men, Inc. aspires to offer gratifying experiences for their young men and to help them learn that the greatest joy in life truly comes from serving others and discovering the confidence and courage to do so. 

 

For more information:  

NLYM Mid-Valley Chapter https://www.nationalleagueofyoungmen.org/chapter/mid-valley/  

NLYM Mid-Valley President: Stephanie Walter, smwalter(dot)mail(at)gmail(dot)com

NLYM Mid Valley Chapter Media Contact: Shelly Greenfield at shelly(at)reddoorhome(dot)net 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/nationalleagueofyoungmen 

Instagram: @nlyminc 

Twitter: @nlyminc 

National website: www.nationalleagueofyoungmen.org  

National Mailing address: PO Box 3403, Newport Beach, CA  92659-8403 

Copy   |   Append   |   Search

LIVE EVENT: Sleep Concert with Robert Rich

One of the best night's sleep in my entire life was had in a hammock at Burning Man after exploring the Playa all night. I fell into it wrapped in my vegan fur, with a huge dome of twinkle lights overhead and ambient music all around me, and slept like Thumbelina in her peapod.  Ever since then, I've been championing the intensely under-utilized power of music and sound for sleep and restoration.  So, imagine my delight when I read that The Bay Area’s sprawling music and arts festival Noise Pop will feature a "sleep concert."

Amplify reports:  “This year we are very excited about several alternative programming elements,” said Ludwig. “The crown jewel is we’re doing a sleep concert with Robert Rich which is this very strange experience. It starts at midnight and the intention is for people to fall asleep in a room and to have ambient music wash over them for eight hours.”

The overnight gig on Feb. 23 fits about 140 people in the Gray Area theater as the “godfather of sleep concerts” Robert Rich in collaboration with Flow Kana plays ambient music. Attendees are encouraged to bring yoga mats, sleeping bags, and pillows to make themselves comfortable until morning.

“In actuality, it is not a great night sleep,” Ludwig explained. “The idea is to have the music invade people’s peripheral space and that doesn’t necessarily lend itself to great sleeping conditions. But it does create an incredibly unique experience.” Ludwig added, “It’s right on the money in terms of what the Bay Area likes.”

Even though Rich is from the Bay Area, this will be his first sleep concert for local audiences since the 1980s.

Music wash, soundbath, sonic cleansing...call it what you will, I'm just thrilled it is happening for this generation of festival goers.  Read the full story about this hipster sleepover at Amplify.  And get a good night's sleep before you go. 

!! MEDIA ALERT !!

2016 HavServe Gala Celebrates Global Volunteerism Efforts in Haiti, Launches New Solar Tech Initiative

Saturday, January 16, 2016 – Silver Spring, MD - The HavServe Volunteer Service Network (HavServe) will gather once again on January 16, 2016 from 6-11 pm in Silver Spring, MD to introduce innovative new programs while also celebrating their local and multi-national volunteers, donors, supporters and sponsors who make HavServe’s work in the rural villages of Haiti possible throughout the year. The event will be at the Silver Spring Civic Bldg. at Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Approximately 300 attendees are expected for this event -- the 2016 Annual Fundraising and Volunteer Recognition Gala: Unleashing the Spirit of Volunteering in Haiti to Reach One Child at a Time – representing the broad range of individuals supporting HavServe’s pioneering work, from international dignitaries to business leaders, teachers, environmentalists, athletes, musicians and volunteers.  

Highlights of the gala will include the launch of a new solar technology partnership, and the introduction of a new HavServe Board of Directors, including Ambassador Bocchit Edmond, Representative of Haiti to the Organization of American States (OAS), joining HavServe as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.  Attendees will see how the organization’s solar lamp collaboration with Efficienados Solutions, LLC will light up the homes and lives of school children so that they can do homework at night in their rural villages where there is no electricity. 

Gala guests will enjoy fine Haitian food by Chez Yiamme Cuisine, entertainment by renowned Haitian singer/actor/director Jean-Claude Eugene, and a performance by Liliana Robeson and the Etnika Foundation, followed by dancing to Haitian compass music.  Attendees who purchase tickets will have the chance to win 2 free airline tickets to Panama or Columbia, graciously donated by COPA Airlines. (www.copaair.com)

The 100% volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization, HavServe was established in the wake of the despair and displacement left by Haiti’s January 2010 earthquake and works in rural Haiti to restore a sense of hope and possibility in the lives of children and youth by creating conditions that increase their access to a quality primary education.

Tickets for this fun-filled event are now available only at the door. For location details, volunteer information, or to donate to supporting the continuation of HavServe’s work, go to https://havserveannualgala2016.eventbrite.com

Visit www.havserve.org to learn more about particular projects, to donate, or to volunteer. For more information, contact us via  info@havserve.org or HavServe - PO Box 4173, Silver Spring, MD 20914.

Media interested in covering the event may contact Beth Hilton, the B Company, at  bethhilton(at)theBcompany(dot)com. Press release and event images will be made available following the Gala.

# # #

MUSIC and WELLNESS

Mysterium Music's "Love Shack” Brings Healing Music, Breast Cancer Benefit to Wellness Expos Across the U.S.

Music producer and singer Trisha Bowden and her record company are on a nationwide mission to share the power of healing music.  Mysterium Music - a resource for healing, rest and revival – has garnered three Grammy-nominations in as many years.  The creative executive wants you to hear the magic for yourself at her festive “Love Shack” listening booth, coming to a wellness expo near you soon!

     

A blissful smile adorns the face of a young woman relaxing on festive foam pillows, oblivious to the foot traffic in the aisle just feet away thanks to the headphones she wears, a music player resting in her hand.  She is taking a sonic “timeout” in the fun, relaxing “Love Shack” of Mysterium Music, which will be accessible to the public this weekend, October 16 – 18, as part of the New Life Expo in NYC, NY.  

The record label’s founder, Trisha Bowden, says she enjoys when people approach her with specific health challenges, so that she can program the iPod with just the right mix of rejuvenating music and invite them to kick back and relax.  People are surprised, she says, to experience music as something more than entertainment, even though medicine men and women have incorporated music into their treatments for centuries.  For Bowden -- a singer herself -- creating music for healing, rest and revival is a mission that she takes as seriously as her desire to support others on their journeys.

“I live in a little bit of heaven by a lake in Hanover, PA” she explained in a call from last week's Mind Body Wellness Expo in Oaks, PA.  “We built an intimate recording studio, a special place to express and record our music and the music of others, which we share around the world.  They are musical works of art for healing and rejuvenation of mind, body, spirit and soul.”

In the past few years, Mysterium Music has earned three Grammy nominations for its music, embracing 10x-Grammy nominee Peter Kater, and most recently, debuting the critically-acclaimed Agrelia’s Castle album Elders and Ancestors, featuring roots/rock keyboardist Paul Brown (The Waterboys). The latter title is a tribute to all the compassionate mentors that the husband/wife duo met along their own cancer journey; it is poignant, uplifting and hauntingly beautiful music that they suggest be used as a soothing “tool” for any stage of living or dying.

In the booth, the reclining woman’s eyes flutter open, and she looks about at the crowds. “I was absolutely transported,” she says, to Bowden’s delight. “I don’t ever want to leave here,” she exclaims, picking up a copy of one of the label’s best-selling CDs titled Light Body, “But if I have to go, then I’m taking one of these with me!”

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the label will donate $5 of every Elders and Ancestors CD sold during the expos to benefit Breast Cancer patients. 

Bowden enthusiastically welcomes expo goers to stop by for their own customized Sonic Soothing(c) session. This weekend’s The New Life Expo is in New York City's Penn Plaza Pavillion, 401 7th Ave New York, NY, 10001.  Last week, Bowden attended the popular Body Mind Spirit Celebration at Colorado Springs City Auditorium, 221 East Kiowa Street, CO Springs, CO.  She's excited to "pack the Shack" and take her music mission to the Big Apple for. 

Bowden also hopes to meet caregivers, healing centers, and other like-minded entities for collaboration and creative partnerships. To learn more about Mysterium Music, Trisha Bowden or any of the music, visit www.MysteriumMusic.com. 

For media or partnership requests, please contact Beth Ann Hilton, The B Company, 310-560-8390, or bethhilton@theBcompany.com

Connect:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MysteriumMusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mysterium_Music

Video of Peter Kater’s LOVE: https://youtu.be/-Cz8j8dmmNo

LIVE MUSIC

THIRD TIME'S A CHARM

BEING Gets Intimate in Q&A with Aussie Artists Fiona Joy & Trysette 

as their third U.S. tour kicks off in the Southwest.

4 shows THIS WEEK in Albuquerque, Sedona, Tempe and Tucson!

Q:  Hi, gals, it’s great to see you again! So, for those who don’t know your show, is it safe to call it "an evening of contemporary music and storytelling?"  

A.  FIona (laughing): It's been quite a year and there are loads of new stories to tell, so, yes, that description fits nicely.

Q: This is your 3^rd time ‘round the U.S., so can you tell us what new treats you have prepared for this tour?

A.  Fiona: Well, we both have new albums, which is really exciting.  I’m playing tracks from Signature – Solo, which I just recorded in hi-rez digital for my audiophile fans.  It includes “Grace” a version of which just charted on a #1 Billboard Album.  

A:  Trysette: I’ve put together a new solo album of piano and vocals to replace my 4 track EP Neutral Bay Session, which will be available exclusively at the shows.  I’m also adding brand new songs to the show, which I've been recording for my full band album due to be released in March 2015.

Q: Trysette, tell us, how are the two of you getting on these days? We’ve seen your videos, you know, and one might sense a bit of artistic "tension" at times. Any video updates in the pipeline?  

A:  Trysette:  Well, you know, Fiona is back to being “blonde” so it’s very “important” that we capture that (rolls her eyes).  We actually started making a third video on our last tour, so let's see if we can get something out this time around. It’s all on me, as usual.

 

Q. Fiona, are you going to get stuck with all the driving again, or will you make a stand this year? 

A. Fiona: Trysette is actually a really good driver – but I’m happy to drive and let her “help me” be better at it.  She always has the BEST "advice" on the road. (wink wink).

Q. You gals get a lot of credit for boosting the opening acts that you choose in various cities. Who’ve you got for us this year?

A. Fiona: We’ve got TheFinzer/Mahoney Duo in New Mexico and Arizona, and Jeffrey Pine in Colorado.  Both acts are  really terrific, we're excited to share them with our fans.

A.     TRYSETTE - Something we really love to do is invite a bunch of students onto the stage in Grand Junction, CO to sing on one of our songs. These students attend a workshop with us during the day before the show and we teach them the harmonies. It's a thrill for them and their parents. This year, I plan to teach them an indigenous Australian song by the Tiddas. I think they'll enjoy it. We’d love to do this in other cities, too, by the way, if there are any interested music teachers out there.

Q.    What’s next, after the tour ends in December? 

 

A. Fiona:  Quite a lot of globe-trotting, actually. I have an L.A.-area show in early December, then Christmas in Vermont, the Grammy's in February, China in April, presenting at the ZMR Awards in April, and an audiophile show in Munich, Germany to promote my hi-resolution album Signature – Solo.  Then I'll master Signature – Studio with Bob Ludwig in Portland, Maine, and perform at The S.H.O.W in Orange County, followed by a small Aussie tour in September and then Christmas again!

A.  TRYSETTE:  I plan to stay on here in the States to finalize and release my fourth album in March. I’m excited to do some pretty extensive touring to promote it, so maybe I’ll be back soon!

Q.  Sounds good, ladies, have a great trip, we'll see you in December in L.A.!

 www.twograndimyours.com

***

For more info about Fiona Joy & Trysette and local tour dates, visit Songkick. 

Video Links:

Funny TourVideo, Part 1

Grand Junction performance 2013  

Throckmorton, CA performance of Trysette’s “ Silky Fingers” 2013